There's something so cool about seeing how things are made. Whether it's going behind the scenes at Crayola, watching yummy chocolate being poured into molds, or seeing coins minted, it's really intriguing to see everyday items take shape. There are plenty of great places in the area where you can do just that. Read on to see our favorite factory tours and find out how things are made!

If you've got an 8-12 year-old interested in STEM or movie-making, hurry up and run to the nearest computer; Apple just opened registration for its FREE summer mini camps in coding and more STEM subjects.

The mini sessions, which run over three consequetive days, are offered at a dozen Apple store locations throughout New Jersey and are 100% free, so slots are going fast.

For more summer camp ideas, check out our New Jersey Summer Camp Guide and Directory.

If you've got an 8-12-year-old interested in STEM or movie-making, hurry up and run to the nearest computer; Apple has just opened registration for its free three-day camps. Located at different Apple store locations in the Houston area, these camps won't last long and are 100 percent free, so we wanted you to be the first to know!

For more camp information and ideas, check out our Camp Guide and Directory.

If you've got an 8-12 year-old interested in STEM or movie-making, hurry up and run to the nearest computer; Apple has just opened registration for its free three-day camps. Located at different Apple store locations in the Delaware Valley, these camps won't last long and are 100% free, so we wanted you to be the first to know!

For more camp information and ideas, check out our Camp Guide and Directory.

Kids love boat rides! And what better than a free ride (plus day trip) across Long Island Sound to the adorable village of Port Jefferson? Here’s what you need to know when taking the 17 nautical mile hop to Port Jefferson for a day trip, via the ferry.

Once you’ve gotten your feet wet with a trip on the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry, maybe you can try out other day trips across the Sound to Long Island with the kids!

It’s time to celebrate America! While you might think no 4th of July is complete without a celebration of fireworks, we have found 29 events around the region that are firework-free but full of American pride and good old fashioned family fun! From readings of the Declaration of Independence to music and movies, the region is full of ways to celebrate our Independence that don’t keep us up late at night or include any of the rockets red glare or bombs bursting in air.

Summer may be the best time to have a preschooler in New York City. Yes, the days are longer, but there is so much to do! From free concerts and festivals to swimming, sand-sculpting, and star-gazing, not a week goes by without outings and activities that will truly make lasting summer memories.

With this list of our best picks for summer events with your preschooler, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay in town to take advantage of it all. Best of all? It's almost all FREE.

Check out our Summer Fun Guide for NYC Kids for more to do for every age in every borough.

If you like watching movies under the stars—for free!—as much as we do, you're in luck: New Jersey will be showing hundreds of free films in parks and on beaches throughout the state this summer. Pack your chairs and blankets, put the kids in their PJs, and get there early to snag a good spot. Depending on the venue, you can either pack your own snacks or buy them onsite. And some events include pre-show activities such as dance parties, games, and meet-and-greets with movie characters. Don't forget the bug spray!

Scroll to the bottom of the list to find a few free (and practically free) indoor flicks—many of them shown in the morning—for those days when you just want to cool off in a nice, dark theater.

For more summer awesomeness, check out our Summer Fun Guide.