Visiting the Harvard Museums with Kids: Mummies, Glass Flowers & Totem Poles

Our list of 25 things to do in Harvard Square with kids includes two stops at Harvard University's museums, and with good reason: They encompass loads of fascinating collections! So many in fact, it might be hard to choose which one to hit first. When planning a visit, it's important to keep in mind that the options for exploring these museums are almost endless. If you've only got an hour to burn on a weekday, you can stop by one of the smaller museums, or plan a full weekend day that includes one of the larger museums and a lunch break at a nearby restaurant. You can even make your own museum week by visiting a different one each day.

Fireworks! 46 Different 4th of July Displays in Los Angeles & Orange County

Watch a baseball game and the fireworks at Dodger Stadium. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Who's ready for some rockets' red glare? LA and Orange County's many communities compete for sky space on July 4th, launching fireworks willy-nilly at the stroke of 9pm. From the mountains, to the valleys, to the ocean, Angelenos have plenty of directions to look on Independence Day. Whether your plan is to book a fireworks cruise, to lay a blanket in a park, or to close all the windows and try not to wake the baby, it helps to know where those firecrackers are being aimed. Below is a list of locations lighting up the night sky on the 4th of July (plus one or two on June 30). We'll keep adding more right up to the day!

100+ Free Things To Do with Kids This Summer in New Jersey

Oceanfest in Long Branch features tons of children's entertainment, including balloon artists, a magic show, and costumed characters. Photo courtesy of the festival

Summer is the season for no-cost fun all across New Jersey. From fireworks and festivals to free outdoor movies, we’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy all summer long that won’t break the bank.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and Event Calendar. Have a fabulous (and free) summer, New Jersey!

Top Camping Spots for Connecticut Families

When done right, camping is a blast. It brings to reality idyllic stories of roasting marshmallows over a fire and telling imaginative stories while gazing at a night sky. Once the initial equipment is purchased, camping can be a frugal way to vacation – averaging about only $30 a night. Opportunities to camp around the country are endless, but if you’re new to camping or have young children, “experts” recommend beginning the adventure close to home. It just happens that Connecticut offers some fantastic campgrounds. We have five recommendations  for tent camping that your family can try out.  If you don't feel quite ready to pop up a tent, we mention a few locations that provide cabins for rent, while still keeping things basic. In addition, we offer some camping tips that will help make the experience that much more enjoyable.

For more ideas on how to have a great summer, browse our Summer Fun Guide.

Boxing, Fencing, Sailing, Squash, and More Sports Classes Outside the Box in Fairfield County, CT

At a recent lacrosse camp, one pigtailed and freckled little 7 year old informed me that she would be playing in Baltimore next week to “focus on my attack dodges.” This made me start thinking about the sports my kids are pursuing. Maybe it's time to go off the beaten path a little, and try a sport where a kid stands a better chance of standing out.

I've listed below some not-so-run-of-the-mill sport options that I've found for kids. For more options, check out our Classes and Enrichment Guide for Kids in Connecticut, or have fun digging into our Fairfield County Guide.

Revamped Saxon Woods Park Playground in White Plains Is Worth a Visit

The newly renovated playground in Saxon Woods Park has tons of cool new features.

Westchester and the Hudson Valley have no shortage of great playgrounds—whether you’re looking to entertain your toddler, host a party, or even make an entire day trip out of your visit. And now there’s one more to add to the list: the playground at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains, which was recently renovated.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our summer guide for ideas!

Island Beach State Park: A Haven for Nature-Loving Beachgoers

This gorgeous, quiet beach will be your family's new favorite spot. Photo courtesy of NJ Dept. of Parks and Forests

There's more to the Jersey Shore than rides, salt water taffy, and (let's face it) crowds. Island Beach State Park (IBSP) may well be one of NJ most beautiful and unique beaches, drawing thousands of nature enthusiasts every year.

Though you'd get to Island Beach from the same Garden State Parkway exit as Seaside Heights, the two beaches are worlds apart. Ten-mile long Island Beach is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay and is one of the last few undeveloped barrier beaches on the North Atlantic Coast. From hiking to bike riding, and, of course, swimming, here are some things outdoorsy families will love about Island Beach.

New Mini Golf Course Set to Debut on Governors Island This Weekend

A new 18-hole mini golf course opens June 23 on Governors Island.

Putt-putt lovers take note: A brand new, 18-hole mini golf course on Governors Island is set to debut Saturday, June 23, just in time for the Figment Art Festival this weekend.

Brought to life by the folks behind Adventures at Governors Island (which also introduced a zip line and climbing wall to Governors), the new miniature golf course is located on the island's western shore, with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor beyond.

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