I spent this weekend at my parents' house in Rockland County, NY. If you haven't been to Rockland, its only a short car or train/ferry ride from Queens, and there's lots to do with kids or someone special. I suggest a visit to Bear Mountain State Park, to fish or hang out around the lake or ride the carousel, or a visit to one of the beaches at Harriman State Park.
The pool at Rockland Lake is super-crowded with both city and Rockland folk and, according to MetroParent, one of the pools is closed due to budget cuts this year. If you like crowded public pools, you might as well go to the pool at nearby Astoria Park instead. That way, if you get too aggravated, you're closer to home!
Save your time in Rockland County for exploring the gorgeous, tree-filled scenery and views of the Hudson River. And don't forget to stop by Hoyers' on Route 9W in West Haverstraw for some of the most delicious soft-serve in the state. This throwback to sweeter, simpler times has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. The place has almost 3,000 fans on Facebook right now, so you can bet its others' favorite too.
I left Rockland a much calmer person after sitting by the pool all day and taking in the view of the Hudson and the mountains beyond. I also left Rockland a much redder person--perhaps my underground commute has made my skin more sensitive to the sun! In any case, sunburn is not known to have a negative effect on a pregnant woman's unborn child, but I've learned my lesson (as I seem to learn at least once every year.) Despite how tan you were when you were a kid on summer break, pregnant and non-pregnant mammas alike, I beg you to wear sunscreen! It is not comfortable and it is not good for YOUR health in the long run.
PSA over.