The second I told my kids we were renting an RV to spend a weekend in the woods, they raced for their unicorn suitcases and started packing! Ok, so it took a little creativity to explain what an RV was to my two-and-half and five-and-a-half-year-old daughters who, like me and my husband, are born and raised New Yorkers. But "a 36 foot long house on wheels with bunk beds" was enough to get them counting down the days to our big camping getaway.

We booked our camper through RVshare—the first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental website. It's like Airbnb for RVs and campers, offering families a totally memorable travel experience while also helping RV owners make money renting their motorhomes when they aren't using them. From affordable travel trailers to decked out "glampers," the site features more than 100,000 options to fit every families' needs and budget. And, to make borrowing a motorhome even easier, many vehicles can actually be delivered right to your door or—even better, if you ask me—directly to your campsite.

Now that playground season has arrived, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, hats, and bottled water and head to the park. If you’re looking for some new options to captivate your kids, both young and old, choose an outdoor play space with a cool theme to keep them entertained. From a supersized sailing ship to an entire wooden village for tots, these unique playgrounds go beyond the usual swings and slides.

For more ideas, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

The Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood of Dumbo is a draw for both visiting tourists and locals eager to enjoy the water and city views, family-friendly restaurants, shops, and plenty of outdoor activities. Located between the famous Manhattan Bridge (which lends its moniker: Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and Brooklyn Bridge, this neighborhood offers stunning views of lower Manhattan, cobblestone streets, and experiences varied enough to keep the whole family entertained.

The neighborhood's crown jewel is Brooklyn Bridge Park—a stunning waterfront park that boasts lovely walking paths, playgrounds, roller skating, kayaking, and impressive sports facilities—but this eclectic area also offers an abundance of delicious eats, scores of beautiful shops, indoor play spaces for kids, and so much more. Read on for 50 things to see, do, and explore with kids in Dumbo.

Need to fill a week or two of summer camp this summer? Or, not ready to send the kids back to a full-time day camp? Good news: There are a number of FREE online summer camps from top-notch organizations and nonprofits that still have open weeks!

These virtual camps from the likes of 4-H Club and UNICEF are open to kids all over the US, from Boston to Los Angeles, so kids in cities thousands of miles apart have a chance to meet and connect with kids they might otherwise never have known. We love that most won't cost you a cent and might just help fill a few hours of your kid's day with some really fun summer activities. Find more virtual summer programs in our Camp Directory, or check out our local Summer Camp Guides for in-person options.

Keeping up with ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines has been hard for parents and, with the world starting to reopen, we're all trying to figure out once again where our kids fit into the picture. Now that summer's here, parents of young children just want to know what activities they can safely do and what they still need to sit out while the under 12 crowd remains unvaccinated.

At Connecticut Children's—the only health system in the state that's 100% dedicated to children—pediatric experts have been monitoring the COVID situation very closely since the start of the pandemic. Read on for helpful guidance from some of Connecticut Children's top specialists, as we all try to navigate this "next normal" with our families.

Yes, Long Island Children's Museum is open—inviting families to explore 13 interactive exhibits, weekly early childhood classes, and even a newly reopened seasonal garden!

Located on Nassau County's well-loved Museum Row, this popular destination makes the perfect day trip for families across Long Island and New York City. Enhanced safety measures—like timed entry and continued mask wearing—make the Museum a safe option where kids of all ages can explore, play, and learn. Plus, a thoughtfully designed sensory room, monthly "Friendly Hours" with altered lighting and sound, and extensive resources for visitors with disabilities mean everyone is able to enjoy the Museum.

*Updated December 2022: This play space is now closed.*

Whether your kid loves to build, climb, or create, there is plenty for them to explore at The Kiddie Clubhouse in Syosset. The roughly six-month-old play space lets little Long Islanders chalk a masterpiece, scale the rock wall, toss a bean bag into a cityscape, and so much more. Parents are always close by, whether they're watching from the comfortable lounge area or getting in on the fun in the play space.

Read on for more details on this new addition to the toddler play space scene, and check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island for more fun places to play.

Grab your socks and take your summer to new heights. The Big Bounce America, officially the world’s largest bounce house, is bigger and bouncier than ever and landing back at Brooklyn's Aviator Sports complex during late summer 2021. Read on for the details on this can't miss summer activity because timed-entry sessions are selling quickly.