Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds on Long Island

Cantiague Park's splash pad offers water play for all ages.

Hitting up a sprinkler park or splash pad on Long Island takes a lot less preparation than a trip to the beach: Just add sunscreen and let the adventures begin. They hit the spot, too, since there's nothing like jumping through a sprinkler to cool off. 

For other seasonal, kid-friendly activities, check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our recommendations for the best beach playgrounds on Long Island.

The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids

Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

If you're wondering, "Are there zoos near me in New Jersey?" then look no further: We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind.

At these day trip-worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friends, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!). 

Looking for more animal encounters? Find the best zoo in all 50 states to inspire more exploration.

The Best Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Can Play

Little boy trying for a strike! Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

Good restaurants are one thing, but for parents, kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago are something else altogether. A place where someone else cooks and cleans up while the little ones are entertained for long enough that a conversation between partners (and enjoying your dinner) is possible? Yes, these places exist! 

We found the best restaurants in Chicago and the nearby suburbs where kids can play or have something extra special to keep them busy while you dine. From playgrounds to bowling and even planes landing and taking off, whether you have a tot, a tween, or a teen, there’s something for everyone.

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Philly

There are a host of spraygrounds and splashpads in the Center City area, like the Fountain at Dilworth Park.  Photo courtesy of Center City District

Making a quick trip to the nearest sprinkler or splash pad around Philly is a great way to cool kids off on a hot day! The water playgrounds and splash pads listed below are some of our favorite local splash parks to enjoy free water play and make the most of summer.

Headed to the shore this summer for some ocean play? Check out these 70 Things To Do With Kids at the Jersey Shore, and don't forget to visit our Summer Activity Guide for more summer fun!

5 Summer Safety Issues Experts Want Parents to Know

We’ve partnered with Connecticut Children’s to share guidance from their free 2024 Summer Safety Toolkit.

When it comes to kids, summer safety goes hand-in-hand with summer fun–from keeping the ticks away to avoiding dangerous dehydration when temperatures climb. To ensure that families are on top of common warm weather woes, we’ve partnered with Connecticut Children’s to share guidance from their free 2024 Summer Safety Toolkit. As always, the comprehensive kit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate advice from leading pediatric experts 100% dedicated to kids.

Here are five summer safety tips you may not have considered, plus guidance from the pros:

10 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas for Families

Explore Fort Williams Park in Portland, Maine. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

When school lets out for summer, families love to hit the road (or the skies) and travel to new places. But while summer journeys can be glorious, they also come with the downsides of peak travel season—higher prices, heavy traffic, larger crowds, and longer lines.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of places across the US that offer many of the things families look for in a summer vacation—beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, engaging museums, and more—but aren't as well-known. That means families can make amazing summer memories with far less hassle.

Here are 10 underrated summer travel ideas for families across the US. Our Family Travel Guide includes even more great summer vacation ideas, including our massive list of the 100 best family vacation destinations.

Legoland Florida: Everything to Know for a Great Visit with Kids

Legoland Florida is filled with rides, fun characters, and even a water park. Photos courtesy of Legoland Florida Resort

Orlando holds its own magic, and one of our family's favorite destinations is Legoland Florida Resort. Specifically designed for children age 2 to 12, Legoland Florida offers rides perfectly suited for my little ones and ensures a seamless experience for a full day of theme park fun with toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids alike.

We love the building and outdoor play opportunities at Legoland Florida, so kids can take a break from ride hopping and flex their creativity. Read on for the top things to do at Legoland Florida, including our favorite rides, places to eat, hours, tickets, and even top Legoland hotel options!

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