One of my favorite things to do with the kids over the summer is to take some day trips to the East End to enjoy everything it has to offer for families. From pick your own farms to frolicking on the area’s beautiful beaches, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied while school is out of session.

A few weeks ago, we got the chance to explore one of the North Fork’s gems: The Little Red Barn in Jamesport. Ten years ago, Kate Nickles and her husband bought 40 acres of land, including the barn that was the original home to the carousel that is now in Greenport. In addition to building their dream home on the property, Kate, a native to the area and a lifelong horse rider, decided to open The Little Red Barn to pass down her knowledge and love for horses and other farm animals to local and visiting children.

If you've ever considered visiting Manhattan's highest point, you've probably contemplated a trip to One World Observatory, but if you want to keep your feet on the ground and still find a spectacular view, your best bet is to head to the southern edge of Washington Heights where you'll find Manhattan's oldest house, Morris-Jumel Mansion, perched atop Sugar Hill.

Built in 1765 as a summer villa for his family by British Colonel Roger Morris and his wife, Mary Philipse, the mansion stands today as a museum and member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. A visit brings sweeping views of the city, a glimpse into New York City's rich history, and puts you just a wee-bit closer to the Hamilton phenomenon.

Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County has just about everything required for a successful summer day trip with kids. Clean water and attentive lifeguards? Check. Picnicking area? Check. Decent playground? Double check.

My family has visited this park as day-trippers and overnight campers many times over the last decade and we always enjoy ourselves, whether we're staying for the day or an entire weekend. To help make the most of your trip, we have what you need to know about visiting this Lower Hudson Valley summer destination.

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Summer Activity Guide and sign up for our newsletters.  

You have been rocking it as a parent lately. Checking off all the top things to do with your little ones since they started summer break, hitting up the best spray grounds and splash pads, seeing the latest movies, and taking day trips to the beach. You've even managed to make fun nights out a little more adult friendly. But now it's time for a little break and a good old-fashioned date night. Fortunately, even in the summer, there are plenty of options for a parent's night out that won't break the bank! This roundup will give you a Friday night to enjoy with your sweetie while your kids have a great time and make new friends. 

My daughter was just 18-months old when she saw her first circus show (Big Apple Circus, of course). We've gone back every year and by the time she was in preschool, she was begging me to show her how to hula hoop, juggle and clown around. Except for the acting like a clown part, I am seriously circus-skill challenged. But there are lots of cool circus programs in NYC that are happy to teach aspiring acrobats and budding Bozos the tricks of the trade.

While we already have a post on trapeze classes for kids, the programs spotlighted here train children in a wide variety of circus skills, not just the aerial arts. Similar to theater courses, circus arts classes can help kids build their confidence, spark their creativity and get a great physical workout. Not sure how your kid would take to a circus class? A lot of these programs offer drop-in sessions so you don't have to make a long-term commitment. On the acrobatic flip side, if your kid is obsessed with circus, many of them offer semester-long courses and awesome summer camps, too. Here are 11 circus classes for kids in New York City.

You can find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

I love board games, so imagine my excitement when I spied a new venue in Hoboken: a cafe devoted entirely to sitting around and playing Scrabble. And Pictionary. And Clue. And... well, you name it, and the Aether Game Cafe has it. Read on for my review of this delightful spot for gathering, eating snacks, and playing Monopoly. And Dominion. And Dungeons and Dragons. And... well, you get the idea.

Some kids are content to sit and watch others fly gracefully above their heads. And then there are the ones who crave the adrenaline rush and, let's face it, the coolness of being able to say nonchalantly, "Yeah, I've totally been on a trapeze before."

If you've got one of those young thrill-seekers at home, it may be time to consider aerial arts classes. Flying trapeze isn't the only way to swoosh through the air. At these five circus spots, kids can learn how to defy gravity on silks, ropes, the lyra (aka aerial hoop) and more, all on safe equipment under the watchful eye of experienced instructors.

Letchworth State Park in western New York is called the "Grand Canyon of the East" thanks to the 600-foot deep-river gorge that runs the length of the park, which is dotted with some of the state's most magnificent waterfalls.

An hour outside of Buffalo, a trip to Letchworth is a commitment but well worth the effort. The 17-mile-long park runs along the Genesee River gorge, offering spectacular sights at every bend and turn. Letchworth is a New York state park but has the feel of a national park with amenities that include lodging, fine and casual dining, ranger-led programs, a slate of seasonal outdoor activities, a new, state-of the-art nature center and a major WOW factor. With so much to see and do, it's a fantastic outdoor destination with something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how passive or rugged you like to spend your downtime.  

This popular park was on my family's camping bucket list for many years. We're already fans of local camping and familiar with Hudson Valley hikes a bit closer to home. After it was voted the best state park in the country by USA Today in 2015, we decided to make the six-hour drive from our home in New York City to see what the hype was about. 

Peruse our Family Weekend and Getaway Guide for more travel ideas.