What’s better than a cool swimming pool on a hot day? Luckily, the Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families. From water slides and lazy rivers to retractable roofs, extra-large inflatables, and even a water obstacle course, these public pools in San Francisco around the Bay Area (From North Beach to Mill Valley to Berkeley and beyond) are awesome for kids of all ages. 

We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly beaches in the Bay Area and the best splash pads in all of San Francisco for when you want different ways to cool off! Find all this and more in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Scuba diving or snorkeling in Florida is one of the best things to do during a family vacation to the Sunshine State. There is so much to explore under Florida's warm, clear waters, including spectacular coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater museums and memorials.

Here's everything you need to know about scuba diving and snorkeling in Florida with kids, from age requirements to the best places to dive and snorkel in and around the Florida Keys, Miami, and Destin. Our Florida Family Travel Guide will tell you even more great places to visit and fun things to do with kids in the Sunshine State.

Known as the birthplace of American pizza, the city of New Haven is a foodie destination fit for kids. Home to Yale University (and its amazing natural science museum), it's also a coastal city rich with history, architecture, arts, and culture that kids can appreciate. Best of all for families, it's wonderfully walkable. Take the kids for a day trip or a weekend getaway and experience New Haven for yourselves, with this list as your guide.

Be sure to check out our Connecticut Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide for more great spots to visit in Connecticut.

Door County, Wisconsin has five state parks, 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 19 county parks, and 14 charming towns and villages. If that's not enough reason to plan a summer getaway here, how about dozens of festivals, a thriving arts scene, countless restaurants, and so many outdoor activities you'll have to decide what to do first? 

The idyllic peninsula is a five-hour drive from Chicago—and worth every mile. This guide has everything from what to do, what to see, and where to eat to help you make the most of your family trip to Door County, Wisconsin.

Looking for other vacation spots near Chicago? Check out this guide to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these fantastic weekend getaways, and this Midwest travel guide for more ideas. 

When you're up for a road trip, New York's Catskills offer a slew of great things to do for families. Whether you have young kids or tweens and teens—or all of the above!—you can enjoy hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

Let’s start with the basics: Where are the Catskills? Covering 600,000 acres and encompassing most of Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Schoharie counties, the Catskills are rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You'll find family-friendly skiing and picturesque resorts—including the sprawling Kartrite Resort—as well as charming small towns, like Saugerties, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Tannersville, and Delhi.

Most destinations are about a 2- to 3-hour drive from the New York metro area. Here’s a look at the 40 best things to do in the Catskills with the kids, no matter your family’s interests.

Looking for even more places to visit in your area and beyond? Check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Find kid-friendly outdoor adventure and more in Newburyport and Plum Island!

Is there anything more iconic than the Pacific Pier, rising over the ocean with its sparkling Ferris wheel? Santa Monica is, in many ways, the most "LA" part of LA, and is number one on the list for most tourists, which is why locals tend to avoid the packed streets. 

For years I was partial to beaches north of Los Angeles, but a friend recently invited me for a beach day, and I discovered that the coastline further down the PCH is less crowded, incredibly spacious, and perfect for my little crew. After a blissful day splashing in the Pacific, I was sold on Santa Monica's shoreline and the rest of the city as well. 

Whether you are a local mom looking for adventure or an out-of-towner planning your day, here are 40 fantastic, tried-and-true recommendations for enjoying Santa Monica with kids. When you know where to look (and where to park), Santa Monica can be the perfect day out for everyone. 

Looking for more city guides? We can help you navigate around Pacific Palisades, Ventura, San Diego, Marina del Rey, and more seaside spots. Head to our day trips and weekend getaways guide for an extensive list of adventures in and around LA.