Children have been severely burned by the black mats in New York City playgrounds, which can reach temperatures of up to 166 degrees! Read more at a A Child Grow in Brooklyn.

Horribly, a 10 year old girl drowned at Coney Island after being pulled under by a riptide. This year's tides have been very strong due to all the storms. Please be careful. [via Gowanus Lounge]

The NY Times reports David Rockwell's Imagination Playground concept is being tested out at the Brownsville Recreation Center. Kids create their own fun using big foam blocks of different shapes and sizes.

A new report shows that the popular idea that women have been opting out of the workforce in favor of staying home is a bunch of hooey. In fact, economic factors have been keeping women from working. Thanks for revisiting 10th grade social studies, folks.

Are your children suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder? Over at Parent Hacks they have been collecting family camping tips. Lots of great tips for how to ease into camping with your family and other smart ideas like how to choose the best campsite. Check it out or send in your own Hacks.

Another reason to turn off the TV. Even if your kids aren't watching it, it could be bad for them. NY Times reports background noise harms childhood development.

Babylicious, the Tribeca toy store, is hosting a massive toy drive for the Room to Grow Foundation. Drop off your gently used toys, clothes and books for children aged 0-5 between now and July 31 and you'll also get a 10% discount at the store.

Our Exit Cuckoo giveaway winner is Kiasa! She's getting 2 tickets to see this great play. Now the rest of you should run out and snatch yours up.