Just weeks left in the summer, but still plenty of fun things to do.

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Celebration, Florida, is more than just a charming small town; it's a community originally developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s to be the ideal American town. With its storybook architecture, welcoming streets, and strong sense of community, Celebration feels like stepping into a live-action version of Main Street, U.S.A.

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or planning a weekend getaway, families will find plenty to love, from a splash pad and scenic trails to seasonal events and sweet treats, all just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.

Meeting the authors of their favorite books is a great way to get your child excited about reading and writing! Whether it’s a storytime hosted by the writer themselves, or a Q&A about their latest book, these interactive events allow children to learn about the people who write books and the process of how books are created. Meeting the person behind a beloved book has lots of benefits for kids, including inspiring their creativity, cultivating their sense of community, and empowering them to follow their dreams. Even if they aren’t familiar with the book yet, meeting a book’s author can still be a transformative experience for your child, creating a lasting connection to that book and a deeper appreciation for the power of the written word.

Looking for more great children's book? Check out our guide to the best reads for your little one!

Check out these iconic things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that everyone growing up in the area really must experience!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a slew of family-friendly activities that add to their allure as a great place to raise kids or a day trip destination for nearby families. While some of these are well-known, iconic events, like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, or seasonal staples, like Rye Playland, the region also boasts many lesser-known attractions. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or have been living here for years, we’ve got a long list of the best things to do in the region with kids.

This list of 100 things to do in Westchester and Hudson Valley with kids before they grow up includes annual festivals, opulent mansion tours, holiday extravaganzas, essential delicacies, seasonal destinations, and more. We’ve done our homework, so you don’t have to! Some are seasonal, some are year-round, and all are worth trying!

Once you've checked these off, expand your horizons with our list of 100 Things To Do in New York State.

A visit to Long Island's North Fork is always a treat, and a stop at one of the local flower farms is a perfect summer adventure for the whole family. Horton's Flower Farm in Mattituck is a cute, interactive spot for nature-loving kids who appreciate flowers. My kids had a blast at their first experience hand-picking flowers on the farm, and they can't wait to pick more beautiful bouquets soon! 

Read ahead for all the details to plan your visit to Horton's Flower Farm this summer. For more summer adventures, check out our Long Island Kids Summer Guide and our 2025 Epic Bucket List of Things To Do on Long Island with Kids.