11 Queens Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on

Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t want to live by the schedule of open swim hours at your local NYC pool. Sometimes you just want to tire your kids out so they sleep until 6 (or even 7) in the morning. And sometimes you just want to relax outdoors with iced coffee and a book, but your children aren’t as into that idea as you are. This is why water playgrounds were invented...we're pretty sure, anyway.

While we already have profiled some of the top water playgrounds in other parts of the city as well as some of the top fountains for splashing, we realized we had neglected our Queens families. So in the interest of parenting solidarity we’ve put together a list of eleven spraygrounds or water playgrounds in Queens. They’re all FREE, and as an added bonus most usually have an ice cream truck in the area—for the children, of course, totally for the children. 

Check out our NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks Guide for more summer splashing, or our Summer Fun Guide for more seasonal activities for the kids.

25 Fun (and Educational) Things to Do for Free with Kids this Summer

Submitted by Ally Noel on

Summer is all about going to the beach, eating ice cream, exploring the outdoors, and having family-friendly fun—no "reading, writing, and arithmetic" allowed...Right? Well, it turns out that there's a whole world of educational fun to be had while your family enjoys summer, from exploring marine habitats at the beach to learning about science while making your own ice cream.

Whether your summer vacation takes you to the forests of Yosemite or the beaches of Mexico, here's a list of 25 ways to keep kids learning—while having fun—all through their school vacation.

Unlock Your Child's Love of Nature at Lavender by the Bay

Submitted by James Smith on

“Live life in full bloom.”

That’s the motto at Lavender by the Bay, a 17-acre oasis of flowering plants that turns the normally green North Fork of Long Island into a most regal purple for three weeks in the early summer.

Situated on the Main Road in the Victorian-strewn community of East Marion, near Greenport, the farm draws visitors from as far away as New York City, who come by car or railroad; and from New England, who shuttle across on the nearby Orient Point ferry. Young and old, they are drawn by the aroma of fresh lavender and the opportunity to distance themselves from the essentials of modern living.

The blooming season ended Sunday, July 15 and will resume in late June 2019. You can visit the gift shop daily through the end of September and on Thurdays through Mondays through the end of October. In the meantime. feel free to glimpse our guide to gardens and petting zoos across Long Island.   

Beat the Heat: 30 Ways to Stay Cool with Philly Kids this Summer

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

With heat and humidity hitting us this summer, this weather is enough to turn even the sweetest kids into total grumps. And while staying in and enjoying your A/C has its perks, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Fortunately, no matter the weather, there are amazing places to go romp and play in the city and the suburbs that can help you beat the heat.

Check out our events calendar, and our list of family-friendly museums in the Philadelphia area for even more fun indoors and out!

Arthur’s World: Have a “Wonderful Kind of Day” at the New Liberty Science Center Exhibit

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on

It had probably been more than 20 years since I’d visited Liberty Science Center (oof, Mommy’s getting old...), but when I found out that my favorite former field trip destination was getting a visit from some of my most fondly-remembered PBS pals this summer, I knew I had to bring my baby boy over. I packed up my husband — an LSC-lover in his own right — and our one-year-old, and we journeyed to Jersey City to check out the new Arthur’s™ World exhibit at Liberty Science Center. We had a beyond “wonderful kind of day.”

15 Parent and Me Swim Classes To Keep LA & OC Babies and Toddlers Afloat

Submitted by Martha Hall on

Kids dig water, and the younger we start them in it, the earlier they build the skills needed to swim confidently and safely. Mommy and Me – or Daddy and Me – classes are a fun and bonding introduction to a lifelong love of swimming. And lucky for us and our tots, there are classes galore all around the Southland. We know some Great Private Swim Classes for LA Kids, but the classes below are all about taking the plunge alongside your wee one. Dive into our extensive list of area Mommy or Daddy and Me classes.

7 Mind-Blowing Ice Cream Treats to Try with Kids in Boston: Fluff Cones, Snowdaes, and More

Kelley Heyworth's picture Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on

Sometimes you go to an ice cream parlor because it's the neighborhood fave; or maybe you heard it's one of the best in Boston. But on an empty summer's day, it's extra special to go to an ice cream store simply because it has one fantabulous, unique treat that will knock everyone's Crocs off. These are the seven treats we're drooling over this summer. 

Highway to Fun! Our Trip to RPM Speedway

Submitted by Ally Noel on

It’s been a little while since a new family entertainment venue opened in lower Fairfield County. So, when I heard that RPM Raceway was opening their sixth location in Stamford, I knew we had to check it out! Located on West Avenue, Connecticut’s first location of RPM Raceway is filled with so much more than go-karts. It has a bowling alley, arcade, a full service restaurant, virtual reality simulators, and more.  

Best Children's Museums for Families to Visit in New York City

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

New York City doesn't lack for world-class museums and cultural institutions. While I've been to The Met more times than I can count (and still haven't seen it all) and can while away an afternoon at The Whitney no problem, sometimes my kids need something with a little more action.

That's where New York City's many family-friendly children's museums come in. We've rounded up a dozen of our favorites, ranging from totally interactive playspaces to spots for making art, studying history, and much more. All of NYC's kid museums provide plenty of fun things to do, and are great indoor activities whether you're beating the summer heat or escaping winter's chill.

The Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Philly and the 'Burbs

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

The heat and humidity of the Delaware Valley can sometimes be unbearable. What better way to beat the heat than cooling off with some delicious frozen treats! We have rounded up some sweet spots to visit throughout the summer months- just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 15. A few places even have special events for the occasion so read on to discover some of our favorite places to get ice cream. The bigger question is-- which flavor will you chose?

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