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10 Great Beach Day Trips in Connecticut

Submitted by Sherry Pardy on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 7:00pm

As a lifelong resident of Connecticut, the list of my state's redeeming qualities is lengthy. Among the attributes of living in the Nutmeg State, is our close proximity to water. No matter where in Connecticut you find yourself, you're likely within an hour's drive of a beach! And, in the summer, with anxious, energetic kiddos, the less time spent in the car, the better. So, we've compiled a list of 10 great beach day trips within Connecticut. There's sure to be one close to you! Make sure to check out our list of 8 Affordable Connecticut Beaches too. And for more summer fun check out our CT Summer Fun Guide.

24 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this August

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 5:00pm

If visiting a summertime festival, fair, or carnival is on your summer bucket list and it has yet to be crossed off, look no further. Here is our round-up of Delaware Valley's August fun. These festivals, featuring entertaining live music, delicious foods, rides, and culture, will not disappoint. So take a look and be sure to visit some of these events with your family this month.

Putt Putt Fun: 6 Cool Places To Take Westchester Kids Mini Golfing

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 3:00pm

Between splash pads, swimming pools and amusement parks, there’s so much to see and do in and around Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley this summer. But we'd be remiss if we didn't include one tried-and-true family favorite to the list: mini golf!

Whether you’re looking for a fun, traditional putt-putt course or something a little different—glow in the dark, perhaps?—we’ve got you covered. Below, we rounded up a few of our favorites.

For even more great activities, check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

6 Long Island Boardwalk Gems Kids Will Love

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 1:45pm

The best part of the beach isn't always the sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of them.

Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike.

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore. For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best Long Island beaches for families, and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds.

50+ Ways to Keep NYC Kids Off Screens This Summer

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 1:00pm

"Brain drain." "Summer slide." No matter what you call it, the phenomenon of students losing months of math and reading skills during the eight-week summer vacation scares parents and teachers alike.

As we hit mid-summer, we wanted to put together a list of some off our favorite NYC spots, events, and even at-home challenges that get kids to exercise their brains. More importantly, the activity has to be engaging enough to keep them (and us) off our screens!

So get out there to try these more than 50 ideas for enriching exploration and edu-tainment around NYC . You can find even more ideas in our STEAM Guide, and don't forget to peruse our NYC Schools Guide as September (gasp!) approaches.

Discount Tickets: When and Where To Find Price Breaks at NJ Amusement Parks

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 12:00pm

Amusement parks are a super-fun way to spend a summer day with the kids. But let's face it: between the price of admission, parking, food, and games, the cost really adds up—especially for large families. How can you save big at theme and water parks? Here are our tips for scoring discounted admission at NJ amusement parks.

If you're looking for toddler-friendly options, check out our listing of the best amusement parks for toddlers.

10 Awesome Boston-Area Playgrounds Worthy of Getting in the Car

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 11:28am

Having a playground in your neighborhood is ideal. It’s a nice break from playing in your own yard and a great place to meet up for playdates. But going to the same playground over and over can get tiresome. Luckily there are several really special playgrounds near Boston that are worth packing up the snacks and strollers and driving to. Here are 10 of the best that are ready to host your kids’ summer adventures.

6 Places to Ride a Boat In and Near Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 9:00am

Sure, the waters surrounding Houston may not be the clearest, but there is still something magical about being among the waves. I've always considered myself lucky to live in a city near the sea; as a kid, we would often take boat rides around Galveston, and I wish we knew back then about boating opportunities within Houston's city limits. Boat rides make for great activities for any season, from spring to summer to fall. These six options are all family friendly and include both free and ticketed rides.

Cooking Out: Barbecue Grills and Pits in Parks around Los Angeles

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 8:56am

Nothing says “summer” like barbecue. Many of our local parks are standing by with grills and pits to satisfy that craving for charred food. And the beauty of life in Southern California is that "summer" can be practically any time of year; the 15 parks below have year-round, mostly free barbecue facilities, ready for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, spontaneous picnics, or family dinners al fresco.

iPlay America is New Jersey's Largest Indoor Boardwalk

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 4:30pm

The rollercoaster whizzes down the track, the sweet smell of funnel cake fills the air, and an orchestra of buzzers and whistles plays from a nearby arcade. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were enjoying an evening on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, but this is iPlay America, a nearly four-acre indoor amusement park and fun center in Freehold, New Jersey that's open all year round.