Finding the perfect beach read is something of an annual hunt for book nerds and casual readers alike. And passing that literary tradition down to your kids can be a great way to stave off those endless "I'm bored" moments, not to mention keep their brain cells firing over summer vacation.

Luckily, the New York Public Library recently issued its annual Summer Reading Challenge and Contest, urging kids to read at least 20 minutes a day. Along with that came a trove of book recommendations for kids, from baby board books to early readers to teen thrillers and everything in between. There’s even a book list for grown-ups, because, hey, kids learn by watching too, right?

So whether your kids need a little prodding to pick up a book this summer, or if they’re complaining they don’t have anything new to read, check out this sampling of great book suggestions from the one of the country's largest library systems. 

There are endless opportunities for summer fun in Westchester this summer, but that doesn’t mean you have set your wallet on fire in the process. We’ve rounded up 25 different events, activities and ideas for July and August, all of which are kid-friendly and all of which are FREE. 

These ideas are happening seven days a week and you can get even more inspiration from our Event Calendar, which is continuously updated with all of the latest and greatest Westchester and Hudson Valley happenings. Make it even easier on yourself by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook. 

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is getting ready to boldly go where no American has gone before! Imported from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and opening Saturday, July 9, Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience is a 12,000-square-foot, interactive installation where fans of all ages can immerse themselves in the sci-fi franchise's universe by "training" for various on-ship jobs. By completing fun tasks and taking brief quizzes at themed stations, find out whether you're best suited for a career in Communications, Medical, Science, Engineering, Navigation, Tactical, or Command, all while tracking your progress on a high-tech wristband that sends your results to your email.

For Trekkies, missing this exhibit would be "illogical" as Spock loves to say. But will casual viewers and little kids think it's out of this world, too? Find out whether your little space cadets are ready to join up, and tips for making the most of your voyage!

And don't forget to check out the NYC Museum Guide for all the latest kid-friendly exhibits.

Whether you’re looking to give your child a head start on local history studies, or refresh lessons already learned, a visit to the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford is an informative and enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours immersed in our state's legacy. Because the museum is located only 1 mile from the gorgeous Elizabeth Park (where you can dine at Pond House Cafe), and less than 4 miles from Westmoor Park, an outing to CHS can easily turn into a great day spent in the West Hartford area. 

Pop culture fans in New York City should have a great summer thanks to two interactive exhibits debuting this month: Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and the Ghostbusters Experience at Madame Tussauds. We're excited about these, too and highlighted both in our July GoList.   

My 11-year-old son and I went ghost-busting on opening weekend at Madame Tussauds, already big fans of the classic 1984 sci-fi comedy. We're looking forward to the film's reboot with an all-women crew that will hit theaters July 15, and this immersive, movie-themed experience was a great prequel. Walking into the museum's lobby you just know you are in for something fun, with the classic Ghostbusters theme song blaring and staff dressed in replica uniforms. The thrill factor is enhanced as you strap on a proton pack to get ready to blast at ghosts in the Ghostbusters: Dimension hyper-reality, multisensory adventure.

It’s full-fledged summer and we know you’re looking for ways to cool off. We’ve already directed our Westchester-residing residents to the swimming options at the county parks, but what about the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley? Fear not because we’ve got those areas covered as well. 

We’ve gathered up a list of great swimming pools and splash pads in Rockland, Orange and Dutchess counties. While some town pools are open to residents only, the ones on this list offer daily passes (at a minimum) to everyone—so pack a lunch and take a day trip somewhere new! 

School is out and, for some, summer boredom may have already set in. Volunteering and giving back to the local community is a rewarding and enriching way to keep teens busy and fulfilled all summer. Community service keeps kids active, and it's always free. It also looks great on a college application. Summer is a perfect time for kids to log some great community service hours instead of lounging around on the couch. And, of course, volunteering isn't limited to summertime; many of these opportunities are available during the school year on weekends and evenings as well. We've compiled a list of a few great opportunities in the area.

On the East End of Long Island, few summer traditions are as time-honored (and tasty) as the community barbecue. From the Fourth of July through Labor Day, villages on the North and South Forks gather for evenings of chicken, corn and low-cost, family-friendly bonding. The cooking begins early in the morning, but planning for these fundraisers begins months in advance. Tickets, often $25 or less, are prized commodities for families looking for an authentic East End night out. Community-minded residents love these neighborhood tailgate parties, and for kids, what’s better than a night of fried chicken and ice cream?

We've rounded up our favorite East End community barbecues; be sure to call for ticket information. And for more activities in the area this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.