Life is better at the lake, right? A summer getaway to a nearby swimming lake can be as relaxing or thrilling as you make it. Whether you nap on the shaded porch of a lakeside cabin rental or bounce over tranquil waters on jet skis, a lakes vacation is a great way to spend family time while slowing down a few days of summer.

We've put together our top 10 lakes near Northeast destinations, from the Pennsylvania Poconos to tranquil New England. Get ready for some incredible scenery, happy hiking, quaint towns, and plenty of adventure on the water.

Worried about the safety of in-person school? Concerned about the quality of your school's distance learning plan? A well-established online school may be the answer for some parents on the hunt for school alternatives in fall 2020.

Online schools have long existed to serve kids who need them (due to health issues, extended travel, or athletics or performing arts schedules), but are now poised to serve families who want something different than what their local school is planning for 2020. The following online schools have a track record of providing full-time, comprehensive curriculums for students in grades K through 12, and are currently registering kids who'd learn best in the safety and comfort of their own homes in these uncertain times. Certainly, many carry a price tag that make some of these an option for families of some privilege, but we've also included free online school resources and more moderately priced options, too.

As you weigh your options for school in the fall, check out these CDC guidelines for school openings and our picks for great education workbooks and free online learning resources. Find ongoing online learning and virtual activities for kids on Poppins@Home, too.

Transform milk into plastic with this cool science trick! Environmentally conscious kids will be amazed that you don't need to use harsh chemicals to make plastic in this science experiment. Plus, the resulting casein polymer creation can be dressed up with paint and glitter, turning it into a bonus craft project for kids.

One of our 64 Easy Experiments for Kids, this cool experiment can be completed by kids of various ages and makes use of common household items that you might already have in your pantry. (Cheers for skipping that extra trip to the store.) Read on for a great way to engage kids—and sneak in a science lesson at the same time.

With summer in full swing and Boston Harbor within reach, what better way to spend quality family time than with a boat ride on the open seas?

Our city has a deep and exciting nautical history, and kids really enjoy a venture offshore. Boston Harbor has whale watch trips, speedboats, schooners, and even a ship shaped like a duck—enough seafaring options to satisfy every member of the family. 

For more fun on the water this summer, check out these Boston-area beaches and swimming lakes and ponds.

For both exercise and family bonding, a bike ride along a scenic bike path is a great way to spend a lovely day in Westchester. Whether your kids have recently ditched their training wheels or are older and ready for action, we've got a cycling destination for your clan. And, if your four-wheeled rider is ready for the big time, here are some pointers on how to help your child ride without training wheels.

Read on for more details on bike paths and trailways throughout Westchester County. For more outdoor excursions, consider embarking on one of these Hudson Valley hikes, and check out our Summer Activity Guide for more seasonal fun.

Has your kid been begging to tie-dye all summer? I know, I know: It's one of those messy projects on par with homemade slime. But, I've got a secret trick for how to tie-dye shirts, and all sorts of items, in a pretty mess-free way.

It's called ice tie-dye, and I have to say, tie-dye items always seem to bring that cool kid chic (what's old is new again, right?), but ice tie-dye brings cool to a whole new level. As the ice melts with the dye, it creates a unique watercolor effect. Also, the dye melts into a container, containing the mess and making it easy to toss. Read on for a fun new trick on how to tie-dye with the kids and create your own wearable works of art.

Rocky Mountain National Park was my family's summertime playground growing up, and I'm lucky enough to now make the trek to this Colorado natural gem with my kids annually. Spanning 415 miles of Rocky Mountain wilderness, this national park is jam-packed with family-friendly fun. From spectacular wildlife viewing to historical sites to explore, family-friendly hikes, and stunning scenery, there's tons to do and see in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It's also just over an hour away from Denver, so it is possible to day trip there or combine the two into one family vacation. Read on for our favorite ways to explore this national park, including stroller-friendly trails and the best campgrounds. Be sure to check out our other favorite national parks to explore with kids.

Kids don't always need tutors, but when they do... it's usually in math. Of course, there are all sorts of reasons a family might be looking for a tutor, ranging from homework help to test prep to homeschooling support. And this year loads of parents are talking about learning pods (or pandemic pods), looking for tutors or teachers to help out kids who gather in social pods.

Whatever it is that has pushed you to find extra help, it can be hard knowing where to start. We’ve broken down the best ways to find local math tutors, including some ideas to avoid letting the cost grow exponentially.