Kids

CT Summer Camps That Still Have Openings - Even Now!

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 2:00pm

How stressful is the end of the school year? Let me count the ways. Oh sure, there's the silver lining coming of not having to drive to school or argue about homework for 10 blissful weeks; but blissful loses its luster pretty quickly in the face of, "What are we going to do today?"—particularly if you already know that what YOU need to do doesn't involve playgrounds or beaches. We know we should have figured out summer camp by now, really we do. We have a stack of flyers for neat-o programs that are probably filled up already with kids whose parents got on this weeks ago.

Summer vacation may be staring you in the face, but there's no need to panic; all of the camps listed below still have availability as of this publish date. Some of the programs even allow families to book by the day, for ultimate spontaneity.

Adventures at Governors Island: Zip, Climb, and Get Lost (for Fun!)

Submitted by Raven Snook on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 11:29am

Every summer, the activity-packed Governors Island seems to become even more of a family fun zone. Its latest kid-centric destination is Adventures at Governors Island, a trio of thrilling outdoor attractions that debuted over the Memorial Day holiday. My tween and her friends were so excited to check out the 300-foot zip line, the 25-foot climbing tower, and the 3,600-square-foot maze that we decided to brave opening weekend. Overall we had an awesome experience (yes, even the parents), but we have some important tips to help your family get the most out of your Adventures.

Raring to ready, set...summer? Make the most of these sunny, warm days with our Summer Fun Guide and Parks & Playgrounds Guide!

Houston's Summer Festivals Not to Miss

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 10:15am

There is just something about summertime that feels different, even when you're all grown up. Maybe it's because school is out and kids are running around everywhere enjoying their newfound freedom, or maybe it's because the days are longer, which means there are more hours to fill with activities. On those days not spent at pool parties, water parks, and camp, Houston's many festivals will help you plan even more exciting family adventures! Choose from festivals celebrating Houston's diversity to music and food.

16 Houston Parks With Lots of Shade

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Fri, 06/02/2017 - 12:18am

Being outside pretty much tops our to-do list every day, and we're constantly going from one activity to the next, be it to a neighborhood splashpad, a nearby playground or a park with plenty of trails for biking. Basically, staying inside all day isn't an option; we would all go stir crazy! With summer upon us, I'm not willing to sacrifice that time outside as the temperatures start steadily climbing, but I am more aware of which places offer some shade so we can beat the heat... even if only for a few minutes. Here are some great parks in Houston that offer at least a moderate respite from the brutal summer temps.

Free Concerts for NYC Kids This June: Tim Kubart, Suzi Shelton

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 4:30pm

Free outdoor music is one of the hallmarks of a great NYC summer...in our opinion anyway. Pack a picnic, stake out a spot, lay down a blanket, and soak up some no-cost culture in the form of New York City's top kindie bands as they play FREE concerts at some of the city's most beloved parks and playgrounds.

Of course there are so many performances that it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth the time, energy, and schlep. That's why we've done the work for you. Read on for a dozen-plus cool concerts happening this June for NYC kids, and look out for our recommendations for the rest of the summer, coming soon!

A Wand Goes Out in LA: Whimsic Alley To Close Soon

Submitted by Roberta B on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 3:04pm

We're sorry to hear that Whimsic Alley, the we're-not-supposed-to-say-Harry-Potter style fan store and party space on the Miracle Mile, is closing later this month. That means no more birthday parties, costume balls, and High Teas set in the faux Hogwarts Great Hall, no more SciFi fan weekends, and no more summers spent at "The Camp that Lived." After several years of having this underground Potter fix at our fingertips, Los Angeles is to become a one-Hogwarts town, with Universal's Wizarding World as the only quidditch game in town.

There is, at least, one silver lining.

5 Things to do on Cape Cod on a Rainy Day

Submitted by Elizabeth Fisher on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 10:45am

When you booked your family’s summer vacation to Cape Cod, you were presumably envisioning sand castles, leisurely strolls for ice cream, and endless afternoons splashing in the waves. But sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Without a rainy day back up plan, boredom can set in quickly, patience can run short, and your wannabe beach bums will be begging to head back over the bridge. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep everyone entertained on the Cape until the sun returns.

A Free Shopkins Macaron Café Pop-up Is Coming to NYC

Submitted by Maureen Dempsey on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 10:00am

If your child is a serious Shopkins aficionado, the lines have probably blurred for you one one season to the next. (Which one are we on now?) But good news: The manufacturer of all things miniature is opening an adorable pop-up experience in New York City to launch season 8—and get your kids worked up for all the tiny new additions to their current collections.

The French-themed Macaron Café is landing in Tribeca June 17-19, but those serious about getting a spot should reserve their FREE tickets now.

Free Summer Movie Series in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 8:00am

Summer is busy: driving to camps, hauling beach equipment, cleaning up after backyard barbecues; once in a while it's nice to just sit back and relax as a family. And what's better than a movie the entire family can enjoy? A free family-friendly movie. There are some terrific, free (or nearly free) summer movie series running throughout Connecticut this summer - both indoors and outdoors - so grab a chair or a blanket, and catch up on the latest releases, or listen to the kids giggle once more over familiar characters.

Splash Pads, Water Parks, and Public Pools in New Haven County

Submitted by Yazmin on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 5:49am

It feels like we went from the cold winter weather straight into hot and hazy summer days. I love my central air, but I don’t want to spend my summer indoors. Splashing around in water is one of my favorite ways to stay cool, but that could be a little tricky when you don’t have a pool in your backyard. Thankfully, we don’t have to venture outside of New Haven County for water fun. There are plenty of splash pads, water parks, and pools to help keep us cool this summer. And if we're feeling like checking out Hartford County there is plenty of splash pad, pool and water park fun there too! Also check out the Mommy Poppins Theme and Water Park Guide.