Free Outdoor Concerts for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on

This summer, there are lots of things Philly families can do that are heavy on fun but lean on the budget, especially when it comes to the many summer concert series happening from the city to the suburbs. Our comprehensive list of the outdoor concerts includes plenty of options throughout the Delaware Valley. Venues hosting some of the more popular bands can get packed, so be sure to arrive on the early side.

Read through the post to discover a favorite venue, band, or genre of music. Text some friends, gather up the kids, pack some chairs, a blanket, a picnic basket, and the bug spray. Find the perfect spot for your family and friends, sit back, and relax to the sweet sounds of summer at these free local concerts.

Nickelodeon Punta Cana: All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort with a Side of Slime

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

If your dream vacation is one where the kids are out of their minds with fun, while you sip piña coladas by your private plunge pool, have I got a place for you. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, gives little ones all the fun of a theme park visit while providing adults with a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation that doesn’t leave you needing another getaway when you get back.

From the best rooms, pools, experiences, and eats, read on for our review of everything you need to know to enjoy your Caribbean family vacation at Nick Resort Punta Cana.

Summer Outdoor Movie Series: Free (or Cheap) Family Nights Out

Submitted by Toby B on

And... action! As summer kicks off, a familiar annual scene is playing out at locations throughout the Southland: the season of free, nearly free, and gloriously cheap outdoor summer movie series has started rolling. At museums, parks, beaches, and malls, indoors and outdoors, in the early morning and by the light of the moon, families can catch both recent blockbusters and timeless classics for free or close to it. (While free is awesome, we think a dollar is still pretty good!)

Below you can find our comprehensive guide to free (and darn close to it) summer movie screenings and festivals. Click on the event names for more details, including movie titles. And keep checking back, because we'll continue to post more listings as they are announced, throughout the 2018 summer movie season.

Best (Free) Splash Pads and Spray Grounds Around Houston

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on

There's no denying that when the first heat wave of summer hits Houston, it hits hard. And as every Houstonian knows, once it comes it's here for the long haul - sometimes well into "fall." This means it becomes crucial to find fun ways to keep the kids cool without locking them indoors. Luckily, there is no shortage of splash pads here.

These are our favorites, and they are all FREE. Most are open year round, but if you're visiting outside of summer months be sure to check the park website before heading out. And if you're looking for something on a larger scale, check out the amazing water parks you can visit around Houston.

9 Super Fun Water Parks, Slides, and Pools on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on

Slip-slidin’ away!  There are few better ways to stay cool on Long Island this summer than by heading down a slippery water slide, splashing around in a refreshing swimming pool, or getting drenched at a water park. That's why we invite you to check out our list of the hottest spots on Long Island where kids and adults can stay cool, even on the most sweltering days. Check websites for rates and hours. Town pools are usually open to nonresidents, but they might have to pay a higher entry fee.

Find more fun in our guide to Long Island theme parks and our guide to the best parks and playgrounds for Long Island families.

Best Water Theme Parks Near NYC for Families

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

While there are no full-fledged outdoor water theme parks in NYC (yet), you don't have to go too far to find some awesome ones. We've rounded up 13 of our favorites for families in the tristate area, mostly in New Jersey, including beachside spots, and Pennsylvania, and all are less than a two-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan. There's also a great pick in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. No two are alike: Each one offers different experiences and thrills.

Find more rides in our Theme and Water Parks Guide, including indoor water parks for those rainy or cold days.

Splash Parks, Sprinklers, and Water Playgrounds in Orange County Parks

Submitted by Phylicia Q on

When summer finally hits, Southland families are looking for water, water everywhere. There's hanging at the beach or playing in a pool, but fun places with splash pads and water features rank pretty high on a summer bucket list. Little kids, bigger kids, and even the occasional parent (yes, you!) can cool off on a hot day without tons of planning or tons of waste. Let's face it: playing in the water is just plain fun—and if you keep an extra towel in the car, you're always ready.

Check out some of these free water play parks and sprinklers around Orange County. Most are open Memorial Day to Labor Day, though we recommend calling to confirm before heading out, as water conservation efforts may sometimes be in effect.

Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads in New Jersey

Submitted by Kristen Haas on

Who doesn't love running through a sprinkler on a hot and steamy summer day? Bring it to the next level at one of New Jersey's splash pads and sprinkler parks, many of which are located in local parks and playgrounds.

We've rounded up some of our favorite water playgrounds around the state, some of which are newly renovated or even brand new for the 2018 season (like one park opening soon in Toms River). Remember, these are not water parks, so you won't find a ton of bells and whistles—though some do offer interactive features like dumping buckets or whimsical designs like water spouts in the shape of cattails (Van Saun Park); animal fixtures (Bridgeton); or basketball sprayers (Manalapan). But the best part? Most of these splash zones are completely FREE.

Visit our Best NJ Water Parks article to go all in for theme park fun. Or strap on those water shoes, pack the towels, and read on for some of New Jersey's best water playgrounds and spray parks in your neighborhood. 

Free Water Fun for Boston Kids: Spray Parks, Fountains and Wading Pools

Elyse Andrews's picture Submitted by Elyse Andrews on

You know it's summertime in Boston when kids are running through fountains and splashing in shallow pools of water on the Greenway and Boston Common. There's plenty of water fun to be had in neighborhoods all around the city, and we've rounded up some of our favorite spots. Most locations are open on weekends after Memorial Day, and then daily from the end of June through Labor Day. Bonus: they're all free!

Summer Ice Skating Rink Opening on Governors Island

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on

Adding to the long list of summer family fun to be had on Governors Island, visitors will now be able to ice skate with a view of the Statue of Liberty. Opening Saturday, May 26, Mel’s Rink Governors Island, gives New Yorkers the chance to ice skate during the summer months thanks to a synthetic material specifically designed for metal ice skates, offering an “ice-like” feel.

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