Summer is finally here, and it's time to start truly enjoying some outdoor fun. Here's something the whole family can get in on: going to one of the beer gardens in the area. Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon. If you're searching for some other family-friendly fare this season, bookmark this list of kid-friendly outdoor dining spots.

It's summertime, and we've got an idea to add to your list of outdoor destinations to visit with your crew: a family-friendly beer garden. Surprised? Don't be! These venues can be a pretty fun place for the whole family to grab a bite (and a sip) and enjoy some quality together time. Bring some small toys or card games, order some pretzels, kick back, and enjoy. Find more family-friendly picks for eating out in our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Come and pick 'em folks! The following is a list of Connecticut farms that grow pick-your-own blueberries. Fresh blueberries are in their prime from mid-July through mid-August. 

When picking, select berries that are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned, and completely blue. The fruit is often covered with a light white coating called "bloom," which helps prevent deterioration. Water on blueberries accelerates rotting, so don't wash them until you are ready to use them. If you store freshly picked berries in the refrigerator, unwashed and covered, they should last up to two weeks. Freezing is always a good option, too. For raspberries and other fresh picked fruit, check out our Pick-Your-Own Farm Guide.

There are so many great places in Los Angeles to get out on the water with your family. From the many harbors and marinas to the vast Pacific Ocean (and even local lakes and reservoirs), the opportunities for boating in Southern California are endless. However, not all boating experiences are family-friendly, so we’ve highlighted the best boating options by vessel type and setting. So whether you want to whale watch, take a trip to a local island, or just swan around a lake, these are the best boat rides in LA for kids of all ages.

Universal Orlando's theme parks offer a ton of kid-focused entertainment, but what about CityWalk?

Self-proclaimed as "The Epicenter of Awesome," CityWalk is Universal’s entertainment district, complete with dining, shopping, live music, and more. It is primarily known for its nightlife, but there are many things at CityWalk families can enjoy as well, from miniature golf and movies to themed dining and donuts. Read on for things to do with kids while visiting Universal's CityWalk.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is iconic for many reasons, including that it is the closest theme park to Houston, with a history that reflects our city's resilience. At Pleasure Pier you can hop on the Texas Star Flyer and get a bird's eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, test your luck at classic carnival games, and enjoy a full day of classic family fun. There are several restaurants and shops as well as beach entry just steps away from the pier, making it a great Houston day trip with the kids.

For more fun things to do at Galveston, check out our top recommendations for families, from great beaches to where you can see a dolphin in Galveston Bay.

Summertime means beach time, and while there are lots of beaches near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus, or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is your chosen beach has no bathroom, or bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of eight easy-to-reach beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within 2 hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation as well, so you can plot a great daycation for your family.

Find more beach fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide, or check out these summer day trip ideas.

The Hudson Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those in the New York City vicinity, especially from Westchester—and it boasts a variety of unique, family-friendly resorts and hotels, from an all-inclusive dude ranch to a lighthouse and even a working farm.

We've rounded up 10 spots for a range of budgets in Hudson Valley towns that are filled with history, charm, and natural beauty, including Hyde Park, New Paltz, Hudson, and Rhinebeck.