Who says you need an ocean to go to the beach? Chicago families can get their swimming fix by taking advantage of the “Midwest Coast” of Lake Michigan, or the many smaller lakes (and even repurposed former quarries) dotted throughout the suburbs. The best Chicago beaches for families include easy parking, bathrooms with changing facilities, concession stands for little snackers, and maybe a playground for when kids get tired of the water. Pack up your favorite beach gear and hit one of the best family-friendly beaches in Chicago and the suburbs.

When my wife and I started to build up our daughter’s library, we felt it was important for her to see our reality reflected in books. We looked for LGBTQ children’s books with fun, positive messages about diversity. We wanted to show her that all families are unique, while at the same time they share common values and traditions. The 25 books listed here are some of our family’s very favorites.

Check out our other great book recommendations for Black History Month and 21 books to teach your kids about racism.

If your tween or teen has the energy to burn, we have found the place for them: Area 53 NYC is home to a ton of action-packed adventures spread over three locations in two boroughs. Area 53 NYC offers laser tag, paintball, water sports, and even an indoor adventure park with a dozen games and activities. Read on for our review of these thrilling new attractions—with two locations in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx—as well as our parent-tested, know before you go intel, pulled together after visiting with three kids ages 4-13.

Whether it’s the smell of the air, the crashing of the waves, or the chilly nights and warm days, beach camping on the West Coast has a definite allure. Kids love the novelty of camping by the beach, and many of the best locations are kid friendly. From the California/Mexico border to the Olympia Peninsula in Washington, the West Coast has a plethora of seaside campgrounds where families love to pitch a tent or park an RV. Here are some of the best beach campsites California, Oregon, and Washington have to offer.

When you—and your kids—are tired of the local playground, it's time to branch out and try something new. We've found 10 destination playgrounds in South Jersey with fun features like a refreshing sprayground, all-inclusive equipment, trains, challenging climbing structures, and even a dragon maze. Read on for all the details and find more places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

If you and your kiddos haven't had a chance to get to know Greg Heffley—the imaginative and quick-witted middle-schooler of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series—you've got some reading to do! The latest addition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, BIG SHOT, is about to drop this fall and, whether you're a newbie or a superfan, it's time to get caught up on the well-loved collection from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney.

As the days get longer, sunnier and warmer, you’ll probably long to take some of your meals outside. Picnicking is a classic summer activity that’s perfect for the whole family. Instead of just heading to your neighborhood park, pack your basket and bring it to one of Boston’s best picnic areas. Some have deep roots in Boston’s history or water views, and all are beautiful and provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city.

Los Angeles does many things better than any other city—beaches, theme parks, and even bagels. Now we can add fried chicken to the list! That's because of the amazing variety of fried birds available, like Nashville hot fried chicken, Korean fried chicken, those crazy popular fried chicken sandwiches, and even vegan options. If you've had enough pizza this year and are looking for a new family-friendly meal, check out these spots that serve everything from toddler-tempting tenders to a super-spicy version for those who like it hot.