County Fairs and State Fairs for SoCal Kids in 2021

Feeding time! Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Fair

Is there anything better than a county fair? Ferris wheels, hot dogs, funnel cake, live music, cars, and cows are all waiting for our city kids. Luckily for Angelenos, Southern California has several great fairs to choose from—and a couple of them have big news this year. The Orange County Fair is the first of the fairs to return, the Los Angeles County Fair is moving to a new time of year, and there's a brand new fair coming to LA. Read on for the scoop on the returning fairs and all about the new kid on the block...

Looking for more summer fun? We've got FREE things kids can do in LA this summer and 100 bucket list things to do with LA kids before they grow up.

Best Indoor Play Spaces for Babies & Toddlers Around Houston

Main Street is a mini "town" built inside First Methodist Houston Downtown. Photo courtesy of the  FMHD

My toddler runs circles around the house all day long. For this reason, we have a list of favorite outdoor parks, playgrounds, and splash pads to head to when his energy levels are at an all-time high and we need a change of scenery. But during the long Houston summer, on rainy days, or when we just feel like playing somewhere new, Houston's many great indoor play spaces serve the same purpose. As an added bonus, many of these places also have areas for babies and toddlers to play and learn, which is the perfect combination for any parent with children who fall into multiple age ranges.

Best Water Parks for Toddlers Near NYC

Camelbeach is a perfect place to keep cool with a toddler on a hot sunny day.

When temperatures soar, there are always New York's FREE neighborhood pools or sprinklers for a quick cool down with the kids, but on sweltering summer days, nothing beats the heat like a trip to a water park near NYC.

Families with toddlers in tow aren't looking for big slides or big waves, though, so we've rounded up our top water parks for the preschool set. Prepare to find toddler-sized attractions, along with perks such as nursing stations and FREE mini life jackets—and don't worry, there's plenty of big-kid fun to go around, too. So read on for details on 14 parks within two hours of New York City catering to the littlest water explorers.

Check out our NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Fun Guide for more family-friendly ideas on how to cool down in the city and beyond.

7 Hidden Gem Beaches for Families near Boston

Half Moon Beach's size and shape make it easy to keep track of kids. Photo courtesy of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

With the Cape, North Shore, and South Shore a drive away, a day trip to a great Boston-area beach is a snap. The only drawback to the most popular beaches is, of course, crowds—which can make parking, swimming, and watching little kids somewhat stressful. If a quieter space to stretch out on the sand is what you're after—and many families are—check out these less-crowded beaches, which can all be reached in about an hour or less from the city. 

For more warm-weather fun, check out our full Summer Guide and keep tabs on our events calendar—we're adding activities daily!

Jurassic Quest Drive-thru Returns This Summer

Meet animatronic dinosaurs on a drive-thru Jurassic Quest!

Parents of pint-sized paleontologists take note: The Jurassic Quest Drive-thru is roaring into town once again, and if you live with a dino-loving kid, this outdoor exhibit is worth the price of admission.

With more than 70 life-like dinosaurs, some animatronic and others statuesque, Jurassic Quest is one-part museum exhibit and one-part theme park ride—with you as the driver. Read on for all the details on this prehistoric tour visiting the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (starting July 23) and Rentschler's Field in East Hartford, Conn. (starting July 30). Catch these guys for their return appearance before they go extinct (again).

Virginia Beach with Kids: 25+Things To Do on a Family Vacation

Go fishing at the the Virginia Beach Pier.

Virginia Beach is a perennial favorite getaway for East Coast families and travelers, beloved for its sandy oceanfront and 3-mile-long boardwalk. The beach and Atlantic surf have kept kids entertained for ages.

The length of the beach translates into always being able to find a spot for your towel and beach umbrella, even at the height of summer, and the decidedly G-rated atmosphere in Virginia's largest city means there's plenty of family-friendly activities and spirit. With hotels that accommodate a range of budgets, no-frills eateries, and free entertainment, Virginia Beach is a top pick for families craving a beach vacation. Colonial Williamsburg is nearby, or you can add on a visit to Washington, DC.

Here’s what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Virginia Beach.

The Illuminarium: A Journey Through Africa Without Leaving Atlanta

Imagine stepping into the thick of the African plains, bearing witness to a lion pride seeking shelter during a thunderstorm, or looking deep into the eyes of a water buffalo taking a dip in a Saharan waterbed.  These are some of the experiences you can expect at WILD: A Safari Experience at Illuminarium, a new entertainment concept making its Atlanta debut.  

Visiting Rockefeller State Park Preserve With Kids

Rockefeller State Park Preserve encompasses the former estates of John D. and William Rockefeller

Between the Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park, the waterfall at Croton Gorge Park, and a whole slew of trails, my family and I have recently spent some great days outdoors exploring parks in Westchester and beyond. Next up? The massive Rockefeller State Park Preserve.

Once the estate of John D. Rockefeller and his brother, William, the 1,700+ acre preserve has been run by New York State since the early '80s. These days, families can do everything from walking and horseback riding (with your own horse and a permit!) to hiking, sledding, and trying to spot diverse animals and wildlife, like butterflies and birds.

Read on for a closer look at our recent visit. For even more day trip ideas, check out our Guide to Weekend Trips.

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