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.

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.  

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.

If your kids are crazy for the casts of Toy Story, Coco, or Inside Out, now’s their chance to hit the greens with the well-known characters. Pixar Putt opens Sunday, August 1 at Battery Park City's at Pier A, bringing an 18-hole interactive course and expanding our collection of mini-golf courses in NYC—at least for a time! Take note: The pop-up putt-putt experience is in town for a limited run.

Established in 1870 as Breslau, Lindenhurst was created as a place for people from the city to live and work. Early town planners took advantage of the train and trekked city dwellers out from Manhattan to see what life was like on Long Island’s beautiful South Shore. The town’s location and charm enchanted many visitors, and they quickly made it their home. 

Since then, a lot has changed, including the name, but the beauty and charm remain. Today, with more than 27,000 residents, the Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst is the largest village in Suffolk County and the fourth largest in New York State. It is a vibrant, family-friendly town that’s perfect for families, and we've rounded up 15 of our favorite destinations for kids.

Summer's latest heatwave means it's the perfect time to plan a visit to the Fountain of the Fairs, the mega sprayground at the foot of The Unisphere in the kid-friendly Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Unveiled on a gray October day last fall, the fountain is now fully functional and a dreamy destination on a hot afternoon.

How much do I love my air fryer? Oh, let me count the ways ... Despite its name, an air fryer is not really a fryer at all—it's a countertop convection oven that turns foods crispy and golden almost without any oil. But the air fryer goes way beyond fried foods! This tiny powerhouse can cook just about anything you place in it quickly, efficiently, and healthily. The only tricky thing is finding the best recipes that the entire family will enjoy. (Don't worry, I've got you covered with some amazing air fryer recipes.)

LA is such a vast city with so much to offer, which can be both good and bad. The good is that there are so many cool camps and classes. The bad is that it's hard (impossible?) to commit to driving all the way across town for a daily or weekly camp or class. So when I heard that Meri Cherry (who hosts incredible art camps for kids) was opening a brand new store in Encino where anyone could drop into and make art, I was thrilled. No commitment, no appointment, just walk right in and start creating. I took 5 kids (of varying ages) with me to test it out and every one of them gave it a rave review. It's perfect for those days when you just suddenly need something to do that keeps kids occupied, creative, and air-conditioned.