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.

Lake Arrowhead is a favorite destination for skiers and sledders, but it’s pretty fantastic in the summer, too. Oh, and it's gorgeous when the leaves start to turn in the fall. Basically, Lake Arrowhead is a fantastic (easy) mountain getaway year-round. Just a few hours from LA (depending on traffic, but that's true of everywhere!), this mountain town is a perfect escape from city life. Ski or swim, shop or hike, explore, see animals, and play all day—read on to discover why you should bring the family to Lake Arrowhead this weekend. And come back next season, too.

Orlando residents might not have to travel so far to enjoy the beach one day soon. A new company is planning to open beach-like tropical lagoons around Central Florida's inland counties in the next couple of years.

Crystal Lagoons, a Miami-based company, has signed an agreement with hospitality asset manager Adëlon Capital to develop at least five Caribbean-like lagoons near Orlando. 

Whether you need a beachside vacation or a cultural getaway in a (different) city, you don’t have to travel too far from Chicago to find it! All of the weekend getaways below are places you can drive to from Chicago— yet they feel like a world away. The trips include a hike under a waterfall, a boat ride through a city, an aquarium in a train station, and the water park capital of the world. From zoos to children’s museums to great nature escapes, we’ve highlighted several must-see attractions that make each getaway fun for the whole family. 

Now, get the road trip snacks ready and enjoy the adventure. For more getaway ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide and 20 Day Trips Near Chicago. 

It is officially summer in the city, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than by having a barbecue. While most New Yorkers don’t have the outdoor space (or grill, for that matter) to host a cookout at home, there are plenty of parks that offer beautiful picnic areas and public grills to gather around with family and friends. And thankfully for those traveling with little ones, many of these parks are near our favorite playgrounds.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite locations in the five boroughs where you can plan a cookout. If a day of sun and fun hasn't tuckered everyone out, stick around after dark to check out these FREE outdoor movies in NYC.

There’s nothing better than a kids’ play space that keeps the kiddos entertained while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly crafted latte. Actually, one that's indoors and opened just in time for the summer heat might be a little better! My Little Paris Cafe and Play in San Gabriel is just that place, with a French-themed menu and a huge play area filled with cool toys. This European experience requires no plane ticket, just hop on the freeway to enjoy a spectacularly entertaining (for kids) and relaxing (for parents) outing.

The Village of Scarsdale is located in lower Westchester County, surrounded by Eastchester, Hartsdale, and Mamaroneck. Easily accessible via the Bronx and Hutchinson River Parkways, as well as a Metro-North Harlem Line, it's known for its affluence and excellent public school system, making it a highly desirable neighborhood for families.

Its amenities don't disappoint. From sweet shops to family-friendly outdoor eats, and great parks and playgrounds to explore, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite haunts in this Westchester enclave.