We know it's hot in Houston, but that just means you can indulge in ice cream year-round. Whether it's an after-school treat, weekend break, or an after-dinner outing while savoring those last rays of sunlight, these spots have the best ice cream and frozen desserts in Houston.

Need more ways to cool off? Try one of Houston's splash pads or free swimming pools when you're done with your sweet treat.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Did you know that July is the official National Ice Cream Month in the United States? In honor of this, we’ve put together a list of the top ice cream shops in Central Florida. Whether you want traditional ice cream, soft serve, gelato, or unique options like rolled ice cream, we've got you covered.

Even if you are reading this outside of the summer months, in Florida you can can enjoy ice cream year-round. So plan a special outing to indulge in a cool treat. And if ice cream is not your thing, we’ve also included places to find other sweet treats, from pies, to donuts, to flavored marshmallows.

Forget grocery store bouquets—by mid-summer, Connecticut fields are bursting with sunflowers and other brightly colored flowers, and many farms allow families to cut their own bouquets to bring home. Kids can enjoy selecting the most beautiful blooms to carefully arrange in vases, press into books, or weave into hair crowns. Bonus fun: One of these sunflower farms has a flower maze, too! 

For more PYO fun, see our list of Connecticut farms where kids can pick berries, summer fruit, and veggies.

The Florida Keys and Key West region of Florida is the perfect family vacation spot to get that tropical island setting without leaving the US. The islands of the Florida Keys are known for a relaxed vibe, watercolor sunsets, and endless family-friendly water activities. The local Florida Keys resorts and hotels don't skimp on all that island charm either.

Read on to discover the top resorts and hotels in the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys/Key West. 

Houston has a long list of major attractions to visit with kids, but spending all that cash on admission tickets can add up fast. Luckily, many of the best places to visit offer FREE admission for kids under a certain age. This comes in super handy for families with kids of multiple ages. Whether you want to see animals up close at the zoo, head to a museum, or see a Houston-area landmark like the San Jacinto Monument or Space Center Houston, you can save some money by taking your kids to one of these amazing places.

And even if your kids are past the age when their admission is free, there are plenty of times when local museums offer FREE admission on select days.

With ample room to roam around, these flower farms near Boston are a great place to bring kids on a nice spring, summer, or early fall afternoon. The pretty sunflower fields, lavender farms, and rows of tulips ready for picking are also a nice backdrop for a family day trip out of the city.

Check out these top 10 flower farms near Boston for your next excursion, and don't forget to pack your own scissors! You can also likely do some strawberry picking, blueberry picking, or apple picking to add to that custom bouquet. 

Ropes courses, adventure parks and zip lines abound for big kids near Long Island, but did you know there's a tot-sized destination perfect for preschool thrill-seekers? Located on the grounds of The Adventure Park at Long Island, you'll find The Adventure Playground, a miniature version of the action-packed attraction where kids ages 3-6 can scale ropes, traverse log bridges, and even zip line.

This destination is a step up from your typical toddler playground, and its location, nestled in the woods, lends it some cool cred, while allowing tiny climbers to safely explore. Read on for details on our visit and find more outdoor destinations in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island.

Situated on the Long Island Sound, the town of Mamaroneck offers waterfront recreation and a hearty downtown, all of it walkable and destination-worthy. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, this desirable suburban community, encompassing the villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont, packs plenty of family-friendly things to do.

The primary artery of Mamaroneck's business district is L-shaped: Mamaroneck Avenue, or the Avenue to locals, runs east to west and is loaded with shops and multicultural eateries. It intersects with Boston Post Road, which runs north to south along the Long Island Sound. While new businesses frequently arrive, a fair number have been entrenched for 50 to 100 years. The Mamaroneck Recreation Department offers inventive family programming year-round, and its harborfront park provides tons of summertime fun.

Read on for our favorite things to do in this charming waterfront town and find highlights of other local spots in our Guide to the Best Places to Live in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.