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.

Family fun night doesn't have to revolve around ordering pizza cueing up a family-friendly movie. Whether your family is ultra-competitive and ready for a board game battle or wants to curl up and camp out under the living room lights, we've got 10 fresh family fun night theme ideas. All it takes is a little preparation—and inspiration—to build a memorable night at home. This list gets the kids to surrender their screens and join in on the action. 

For more family fun inspiration, be sure to check out our Stay-at-Home Guide, which is packed with hundreds of boredom busters.

The upcoming school year is just around the corner, and many parents might be seeking ways to prep kids for the new year or for tools to enhance school curriculum, especially if they are facing virtual learning. Educational workbooks and children's activity books can often help to fill that gap, especially in elementary-age kids.

Workbooks for kids come in many formats and offer a host of different types of skills practice. There are preschool workbooks, kindergarten workbooks, and those that delve into more advanced subjects. But with so many options out there, choosing the right workbook for your child can be a bit overwhelming.

With that in mind, we've singled out our 13 top picks for ages ranging from preschool to 5th grade. Find more homeschooling resources in our Remote Learning & Homeschool Guide for parents.

Dine-in service at indoor restaurants may have been re-shuttered, but Mayor Garcetti is encouraging restaurants to open up outdoor seating in parking lots, sidewalks, and closed streets—helping communities to dine and local businesses to stay afloat. After months of cooking at home or eating take-out, it will be really nice to go out for a bona-fide, fully serviced meal in a restaurant at one of LA's newly created outdoor dining experiences. Families worldwide have not had a normal summer (though we hope we’ve been able to help with some outings and activities), so we’ve scouted out the best, most creative outdoor dining around LA this season.