A visit to the City of Lights has long been on my bucket list, and I was thrilled—and shocked—when my husband surprised me with an epic family vacation to celebrate a milestone birthday. We found plenty of things to do in Paris to fill our days and nights with outings and explorations that weren't always kid-centric but delivered a sophisticated, satisfying trip for our family of five, ranging in age from 8 to 40-something. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how kind, helpful, and stereotype-defying we found the French people.

From trekking through the Louvre Museum to climbing the Eiffel Tower and wandering the winding, cobblestoned alleys, here are our favorite things to do in Paris with kids. Find more international destinations nearby in our European Travel Guide for Families.

Zoos are a popular destination for families with kids of all ages—who doesn’t love to gawk at giraffes and roar like a lion? While Franklin Park Zoo is a popular (and wonderful) option, there are six others within a 90-minute drive of Boston that each offer something unique for animal aficionados. Whether it’s Franklin Park’s sister zoo in Stoneham or York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine, there is an option for you within day-trip distance, offering entrance to another world of miraculous and mysterious creatures not normally seen around Boston.

Spending a family vacation at a local Houston-area hotel or resort means that you get to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer without traveling too far from home. A stay-cation at a family-friendly resort in Houston means that you can spend vacation time lounging poolside or eating delicious food instead of traveling.

The accommodations at these Houston-area resorts and hotels are perfect for Houston families of all sizes looking for a vacation experience close to home. Or, if you're visiting Houston from out of town, you can stay at one of these family-friendly hotels and resorts in Houston while you tour local museums, visit the zoo, or relax on the beach in Galveston. No matter where you're traveling from, staying at a family-friendly hotel is a must for parents, and at these Houston-area hotels and resorts, you're sure to find just what you're looking for. 

Getting face to face, or rather touch to touch, with baby animals is among the top childhood experiences for young kids. There’s something special about being up and close and personal at a petting zoo with the creatures that they see in books and movies. Thankfully, the Philadelphia area is home to so many exciting tactile experiences for families. From farm animals to insects—preschoolers, toddlers, and school-age kids are sure to enjoy these animal farms and petting zoos near Philly.  

The spring season is a great time of year to explore Philly farms and petting zoos, whether part of a quick day trip or an effort to scratch something off your spring bucket list. For more great ideas, don't miss our Guide to Philly Zoos and Farms.

Got a little animal lover in the family? The Smithsonian National Zoo probably springs to mind as the first place to visit in DC, and for good reason—it's famous, it's free, and it's home to more than 2,500 animals. But there are many animal farms and petting zoos near DC where kids can get up close and hands-on with all kinds of animals, from barnyard friends like goats and sheep to bison and zebras. Families can even feed the animals at many of these petting zoos and farms, and really—who wouldn't want to bottle feed a baby cow?

Here are 10 great animal farms and petting zoos in Northern Virginia and Maryland where kids can have memorable animal encounters. For more zoo and farm fun, check out our Guide to Farms in Washington, DC and our list of the best zoo in every state.

Atlanta gardens offer the chance to observe and appreciate the wonder that is Mother Nature. Whether bursting with vibrant spring blooms, subdued fall colors, or bright summer florals, each Atlanta garden reminds visitors of the power of plants. The grass is (literally) greener at these Atlanta gardens, where adults and children can enjoy a short visit or spend an entire afternoon.

Before you head out to the Atlanta Botanical Garden or any of the other Atlanta gardens included in our list, make sure to plan ahead. When perusing colorful flowers and stunning Atlanta gardens, wear a comfortable pair of sneakers or outdoorsy shoes. Also, bring sunscreen, insect repellant, hats, water, and snacks (if the kids get fussy). In addition, make the most of your viewing pleasure by packing a pair of binoculars and/or magnifying glass—kids will love examining any surrounding wildlife and foliage.

One sure-fire way to ensure your kids don't tire too early while enjoying a full day out and about in the city is to fill them full of pasta, pizza, and gelato. There is no better place to do this and see a small slice of old Manhattan than in Little Italy. While Mulberry Street teems with old-school Italian spots, we've done our best to round up the best restaurants in Little Italy, NYC serving kid-friendly fare. And if you can't decide on just one, the good news is they're all close by, lying between Hester and Broome Streets, so you can make a multi-course meal out of your visit to this classic NYC enclave.

Find more family-friendly places to eat in our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.

We’re always on the hunt for a family-friendly restaurant or café that doesn’t mind a bit of mess on the floor after the meal is finished. Not only are the family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops below delicious and welcoming to kids, they’re all located in Westchester's beautiful Rivertowns. From Tarrytown restaurants to restaurants in Peekskill, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, and beyond, here are our top picks for a family-friendly meal out.

Several of these picks have kids' menus, and a few even offer waterfront views. Find more family-friendly restaurants in Westchester on this list of kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor dining areas and bookmark our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for all our top local picks.