Tropical Lagoons Coming Soon to Central Florida

The man-made lagoons are surrounded by a beach-like setting.

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. 

12 Family-Friendly Summer Weekend Getaways near Chicago

See spectacular animals in a historic setting at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.

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

Where to Barbecue in NYC Parks: 13 Family-Friendly Spots

Enjoy the cool breeze coming off New York Harbor while barbecuing in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Etienne Frossard

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.

My Little Paris Indoor Play Space: C'est Magnifique, Say Our Kid Testers

Checkout time at the Fresh Mart at My Little Paris.

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.

Scarsdale With Kids: 20 Family-Friendly Things To Do

Explore gardens, trails, a pond, and more at the Greenburgh Nature Center.

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.

School Calendars 2021-2022: Start & End Dates for Los Angeles County Schools

Check out the academic calendars for the Los Angeles 2021-22 school year.

School is out for summer, so one thing is on everyone's mind: when do we go back to school?

This year, perhaps more than ever, parents and kids alike are eagerly anticipating the return to a normal school year—with kids in school and at their desks. Below are the current school calendar plans for most of the major districts in the LA area. But be sure to check in with your school before the start of the year as dates may be subject to change. Also, each school district may have different rules for mask wearing, testing requirements, and online learning options.

The linked calendars also give you dates for winter and spring breaks, in case you're ready to start planning some family vacations. And if you're wondering about what other school options are available to you, our school guide can help.

25 Things To Do with Kids in Dana Point

Surf’s up in Dana Point. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Dana Point sits on the cliffs about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The convenient location, plus gorgeous beaches, great restaurants, and a huge variety of entertainment and activities, makes it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Book a whale watching cruise, visit the Ocean Institute, or just sit by the beach and enjoy the casual surf-town feel. Tide pools, ocean-front art classes, and fishing lessons will keep the younger ones happy; and there is sailing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding for older kids.

Every beach town has a different feel: Dana Point is relaxed and welcoming. Read on to discover just why it's the perfect day trip (or weekend getaway) for LA families.

Top Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf Near Houston

Play mini golf by black light! Photo courtesy of Main Event

Mini golf is a staple in most families' rotation of fun weekend activities, but in Houston, standing in the heat for an hour putting around a small plastic ball isn't always...a ball. Black light mini golf, on the other hand, combines the game with lovely air conditioning indoors and lots of glow-in-the-dark fun. Below are a few fun entertainment spots with glow-in-the-dark, indoor mini golf around Houston.

For more ideas on indoor family activities, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston kids.

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