Today's kids lead busy lives; from school to sports to playdates, practically every moment of the school year is scheduled. So when summer finally rolls around, we can't think of a better way to take advantage of the downtime than to play together as a family—for free! Premium passes to Disneyland may not be in the cards for everyone, but there are still plenty of ways to stave off boredom in Orange County this summer.

From outdoor movies to free bowling to concerts at the park, The OC has plenty of ways to keep kids entertained, all without spending a dime. Here are 20 of our favorites.

The late great James Brown once said “The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.” From tap to jazz; ballet to funk; dance lessons are a wonderful way to express emotion while learning new skills. For those looking a bit outside of the "kids' dance class" box, ballroom dancing is a unique option that teaches children to respect one another and work together as partners. And don't forget to check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for NJ Kids!

Parenting in Philadelphia is pretty awesome. With access to so many free places to take our kids, expose them to new learning activities, or just have a great time, its no wonder we have more than 100 places to check off our parenting bucket list! But sometimes it's fun to spend a little and try something new and amazing. Whether it's a special occasion to celebrate, or a special memory you can't wait to create, there are a number of options in and around Philadelphia that are really worth the cost. Here are our picks of some you might want to add to your "worth it" parenting bucket list!

NYC's FREE summer concert season comes to its annual close in August, but it goes out with a bang. We've rounded up more nearly two dozen no-cost shows for families and kids that are worth the time, energy, and travel.

Since most of these performances take place in parks and playgrounds, you can make a day of it by packing a picnic and soaking up some complimentary culture.

A popular Poconos resort's water park, Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, opened a new toddler and preschooler outdoor attraction this summer, Mummy’s Oasis. It's a fun-themed kids zone for those 48 inches and under and definitely a great place to park your family to cool off. It's one of the reasons we added this Poconos attraction to our list of best water parks near NYC for toddlers.

We visited earlier this summer and have the scoop on the dumping buckets, mini water slides, and more. Check out the NYC Beaches, Pools and Water Parks Guide for more splashing fun or our roundup on 15 Awesome New Jersey Water Parks.

One of the best places to beat the summer heat is on the water and it just happens that Connecticut lakes and rivers also offer some spectacular autumn views. What's a great way to enjoy both seasons? Gather the family, pack a lunch, and go canoeing or kayaking. Below are a few suggestions for destinations to explore throughout the state. For other "aqualicious" activities, check out the Connecticut Beaches and Water Fun Guide. 

There are two things that every child needs to thrive: fresh air and food. Sure, they also need unconditional love, education, support, etc, etc, etc, but lucky for us, fresh air and food are pretty easy to come by in Fairfield County.  

Some of our first family dining experiences were at outdoor restaurants - the atmosphere just seemed a little bit more relaxed than being stuck inside with a screaming infant. Take advantage of the extra hours of light this summer by enjoying these outdoor dining experiences. From the traditional lobster roll, to the not-so-traditional walking nachos, to lakefront, to beachfront, Fairfield County has a little bit of everything.  Make sure you check out the Facebook and Instagram accounts of these restaurants to take advantage of special events and menus. And read our post on fun restaurants across the state where kids can play while you eat and relax.

With all of the beautiful beaches in New England, spending a day on the sand by the ocean is a popular summer activity. But parking can be really difficult to come by—not to mention very expensive. Luckily there’s a better way: Take the T (or the commuter rail) to the beach! It'll add to the adventure and ensure a day of fun in the sun.