Dana Point sits on the cliffs about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The convenient location, plus gorgeous beaches, great restaurants, and a huge variety of entertainment and activities, makes it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Book a whale watching cruise, visit the Ocean Institute, or just sit by the beach and enjoy the casual surf-town feel. Tide pools, ocean-front art classes, and fishing lessons will keep the younger ones happy; and there is sailing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding for older kids.

Every beach town has a different feel: Dana Point is relaxed and welcoming. Read on to discover just why it's the perfect day trip (or weekend getaway) for LA families.

Mini golf is a staple in most families' rotation of fun weekend activities, but in Houston, standing in the heat for an hour putting around a small plastic ball isn't always...a ball. Black light mini golf, on the other hand, combines the game with lovely air conditioning indoors and lots of glow-in-the-dark fun. Below are a few fun entertainment spots with glow-in-the-dark, indoor mini golf around Houston.

For more ideas on indoor family activities, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston kids.

Sometimes, parents just need a break. And maybe a beer. But we can't always get a sitter to enjoy a night out. So, we've scoured the city and suburbs for some of the best local breweries and beer gardens in Chicago that welcome kids—many of which have great outdoor seating. We looked for places with quality kids' menus, something for kids to see or do, a lack of raised eyebrows about bringing kids along for the ride, and of course, great brews. Cheers!

If you’ve always dreamed of roaming the open plains in a saddle, then it might be time to cultivate your family’s inner cowboy on a fab dude ranch vacation. Spending your day trekking through the rugged landscape on horseback before indulging in a five-star meal under the stars is just the beginning when you book a dude ranch getaway. These resorts offer a wide range of low-key activities designed for families. From fly fishing to campfire sing-alongs, these dude ranch adventures will have your family moseying their way all around the country.

Find more family adventures in our National Parks Guide or Camping Travel Guide.  

With its many restaurants, tons of shopping, and a bustling downtown, White Plains, situated right in the center of Westchester, is home to about 58,000 people. It boasts a walkable downtown area and easy access to the Metro-North's express trains to NYC. There’s also plenty of green space and outdoor activities, like hiking trails and playgrounds, catering to kids of all ages. Plus, between the White Plains Performing Arts Center, Westchester County Center, and an active Business Improvement District organization, there are various performances and events throughout the year.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites things to do in White Plains, from kid-approved restaurants, toddler-friendly trails, and must-visit pop-ups to recently renovated playgrounds and more.

The light-hearted music of the band organ, the blur of bright colors, and the squeals of delight that surround a merry-go-round are some of the sweetest symbols of summer .Thankfully, there are several adorable (and often historic) carousels near DC where your child can jump on their favorite painted horse and gallop around an endless track.

Below are eight of our favorite DC-area carousels,  from the recently refurbished horses of Glen Echo Park's Dentzel Carousel to the whimsical humingbird seats that twirl at the edge of the Potomac River on the Carousel at National Harbor. 

Vincent Van Gogh is having a New York moment with a pair of "immersive" larger-than-life art exhibits dedicated to the Dutch master. It's hard to walk down the street or hail a cab without being confronted with an ad touting the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit or Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or intrigued by the promise of being shrouded in Sunflowers or The Starry Night, which Van Gogh should you go to, and what's the difference between the dueling displays?

We've done the legwork for you, checking out both exhibits, and, well, it's complicated. Read on for our rundown before you decide where to (Van) Gogh.

Nothing says summer like a camping trip. If your family is ready for a weekend sleeping under the stars, we've got you covered with a selection of nature escapes all within a couple of hours of Chicago. From beautiful forests to the shores of Lake Michigan, these serene retreats are the perfect places for roasting marshmallows and making family memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or this is your first time pitching a tent, we’ve rounded up some of the best campsites near Chicago for families. For more outdoor adventures, check out our picks for the best places to hike with kids and our Midwest Vacation Guide.