Summer is winding down and the back-to-school season brings all kinds of educational news, including the release of the standardized test scores and questions from the spring, plus updated info on new hours for about 450 public schools! Plus, we've got the scoop on upcoming auditions for the TADA! Youth Theatre Resident Ensemble and the Young People's Chorus, how to register for the NYC Parks Department's FREE after-school program, and news about a few sad NYC closures. Since time is short these last days of break, we're keeping this one brief!

Even if your kids haven’t seen Night at the Museum or read The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the appeal of staying overnight in a museum or zoo seems to be universal. These favorite destinations, within an hour’s drive from Boston, make the fantasy a reality. For a night your child will be talking about for a long time, read on and start planning your family or group slumber party among science exhibits, with nocturnal animals, on a battleship, or in a baseball stadium. 

The U.S. Open is just days away.  School is about to start.  Tennis, anyone?  As affluent as Fairfield County is, It's no shock there are several tennis centers here.  Whether you have a youngster who wants to start, or are a parent who'd like to pick up the game again, there are lessons, leagues and tournaments available.  For parents of young children, there seasonal leagues operating during the school year -- some even offer free child care for preschoolers, and waive membership fees.  Court fees are split among dozens, so it can break down to $150 or so a month to have consistent play -- a far cry from the thousands it can cost for a club membership.  Point being, shop around to make sure you're getting precisely what you want.

We all need to take a moment now and again for a deep stretch and some relaxed breathing--and kids are no different. Yoga is a great activity for children and teens because they can get in better touch with their bodies through breathing, balance and destressing. Yoga also teaches them about being healthy and taking care of themselves (a lesson we all can benefit from, right?)

Here are 5 studios that offer yoga classes for children. And for more kid-friendly activities on the East End, check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide.

Dining out should be a enjoyable, bonding experience for the family. However, kids and restaurants don’t always mix. Waiting for food or sitting still at the table can be a challenge for little ones. When crayons just don’t cut it, bring the gang to one of these family-friendly favorites on their scheduled “kid’s night”. From magicians to characters to balloon animals, the following restaurants offer fun entertainment and events for kids during the week. Also, check out restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free specials.

Summer is winding down, but there is still time to play and still plenty to do. This week, enjoy crafts, concerts, and cinema for all ages. Native Angelenos may not realize it, but we are living in a brand new city. Los Angeles now has public transportation! A train trip with the little ones is always fun, but it’s also great to send teenagers on a grand rail adventure of their own. Better yet, park at one of the stations Friday night, and the whole family can head Downtown, where there are many cool things to do this week.