Boston families will find plenty of fun and free things to do in and around town this weekend. Take advantage of the great outdoors and head to the Sand and Sea Festival in Salisbury, the New England Pirate Faire in Salem and the Frog Pond Spray Pool opening in Boston. Other events include a family matinee and toy theater workshop at Puppet Showplace Theatre, the Boston JerkFest, and Birds of Prey at Gore Place.

Independence Day is just around the corner, and we’ve pulled together a list of our favorite Boston Harborfest events, including "America's Biggest July 4th Celebration" on the Esplanade. There are also plenty of smaller-scale alternatives around Boston, just right for families. You can even plan to watch fireworks almost every night for the next week!

With summer in full swing, Tara is on a mission to find ways to have fun indoors as the days heat up. She and her family checked out the two 5 Wits shows at Patriot Place in Foxboro and discovered that they are enormously fun for parents and kids alike. Likewise, Einstein's Workshop, Boston's newest makerspace in Burlington, is a mecca for kids and parents who love STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). And if you've thought how nice it might be to skip cooking dinner sometimes this summer, Rachel has the perfect plan (and a couple of recipes).

Read on for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.

First, let me reassure you that there is plenty going on this weekend. Bug Fair at Kidspace (creepy crawlies!) Dora and friends taking on the Pirate Piggies (no swiping, Swiper!) Superman's 75th birthday, (he's still every inch the man of steel!). We close the lid on the season of Sanitation Open Houses, and say good morrow! to free Shakespeare in Griffith Park. This weekend you can shake your hips with Elvis*, the Beatles** and Weird Al***, and take in free movies galore.

But that having been said, this is one of those neither/nor weekends. It doesn't quite stand on its own, as it marks the beginning of what is for many a vacation week, but it's too far removed from the actual event to truly merit the "holiday" moniker. (Unless you're in Santa Monica, where June 29 is the new July 4th). No one's going to ask you "what are you doing this weekend?" The question is "what are you doing for the 4th?"

So we're here to help. We've compiled a crackling list of the hottest fireworks displays to keep you in the red, white and boom spirit.  (You know what's better than watching fireworks? Watching fireworks on a boat.)

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks for the weekend ....

Welcome warm weather and the start of summer vacation! There's lots of indoor and outdoor fun to be had on Long Island this weekend. In the mood for a magic show or two? Then head on over to The Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington to see Magic With Evan: Teen Magician. The Do Magic: David Oliver Benefit Show at the Bellmore Movie Theatre in Bellmore is not only a magic show, but a fundraiser to help a fellow magician. Got two hours of time to help remove trash from the beach? Then head on over to the Target Rock Beach Clean Up in Huntington. Family Adventures: Butterfly Safari at the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown is the perfect place to get up close and personal with these beautiful winged creatures. Also on tap: Kids & Family Program: Crayon Tour at Old Westbury Gardens in Old Westbury, and When Is A Crab Not A Crab at the Sands Point Preserve in Port Washington. As always, check our events calendar every day for fun activities for the family.

The Fourth of July is on Thursday this year, which for many people means a long weekend of fun, hopefully in the sun! It also means there are celebrations starting Tuesday and continuing throughout the weekend. Of course, a spectacular fireworks display is always impressive and definitely makes the day feel special. However, these extravagant displays often start too late or are too scary for young children, so a parade or a carnival is also an exciting way to celebrate the holiday. For even more fireworks fun in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, check out 4th of July Fireworks on Long Island.

Its been a pretty sweltering week (lots of ice cream has been consumed) and there may be rain this weekend but don't let that stop you from getting out and having fun. School is finished for the summer and there are lots of ways to celebrate this weekend. 

On Friday, Legoland Discovery Center in Ridge Hill is unveiling their newest model--a 12 foot replica of One WTC. The model is being added to Miniland, Legoland's  re-creation of landmark locations and buildings throughout New York City and Westchester County. Saturday,  the New Rochelle Downtown BID is hosting two events, Open Artist Studios and Grand Market. In Katonah you can check out the American Roots Music Festival. Katonah Museum of Art has 2 new exhibits opening on Sunday and Greenburgh Nature Center has an interesting twist on story time.

So whether you enjoy the weekend indoors or out, read on to see what's happening this weekend in Westchester. We've also got lots more in our event calendar. 

My son just got out of school this week, so it feels like our summer weekends are numbered! I want to cram everything in, but often get overwhelmed on how to narrow down the fun activities available in our state.

Mommy Poppins CT is here to simplify your summer plans. Our Connecticut Beaches and Water Fun Guide and Water Fun guide in Hartford County will keep you cool on hot days. We've also researched Carnivals, Fairs and Festivals in Litchfield County, Fairfield County and Eastern CT.  You may find some fresh ideas, especially in the beautiful and less-traveled quiet corners. Independence Day is next week and the 4th of July fireworks start this weekend. Check out our list of Fourth of July Fireworks Celebrations in Connecticut.

School's out for the summer and there's plenty of fun to be found in NYC all season long. Our Summer Fun Guide is packed with cool anytime activities including where to cool off like our favorite public pools, which open for the season this Thursday; fun staycations like Governors Island, Randall's Island and Coney Island; and free things to do every day through the end of August. And if it ever rains, our Indoor Guide has you covered with inside fun.

This weekend, there are a bunch of cool ways to kick off a fun-filled season like the ride-filled Astoria Park Carnival, top-notch family entertainment at SummerStage Bronx Family Day, and a pair of Fishing Festivals at West Harlem Piers and the Harlem Meer. Or take a retro ride to Coney Island on a Nostalgia Train.

Here at Mommy Poppins we're looking forward to our Clipper City Tall Ship cruise on Saturday. Thanks to all of our readers who bought tickets! It's now sold out but don't worry, we'll plan more fun events later this season.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.