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.

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!

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 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.