Visiting the Central Park Zoo is one of the best ways to spend a day in Central Park with kids. From carriage rides to carousels, Central Park is full of possibilities for children of all ages, but you can't miss taking a walk around the Central Park Zoo, where children under 3 are always FREE.

Nestled on the east side of the park near 64th Street and 5th Avenue, the Central Park Zoo feels like a natural extension of the tranquil green space. Limestone carvings of animals adorn the brick buildings and are reminders of the history of this iconic spot. Here are our kid-tested (and parent-approved) highlights for visiting the Central Park Zoo, including where to see sea lions and how to find bathrooms.

For more things to do in the city with kids, check out our guide on the best things to see and do with kids in NYC and our list of the best zoos and aquariums in NYC, too.

Miami beaches are vacation destinations for tourists all year long—perfect spots for relaxing beach days with kids; staying active with fun outdoor games and sports; and enjoying nightly concerts nearby. We have compiled a list of some of the best Miami beaches and South Florida beaches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties for families of all shapes and sizes.

Need more ideas to do this summer? Check out our Summer Activities Guide for South Florida Kids to stay busy, as well as features about Frost Science Museum, Free Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in Miami, and a Visitor's Guide to Naples, Florida.

Hikes in San Francisco are plentiful, with an assortment of stunning and iconic landscapes. With Redwood forests and coastal trails to deep valleys, big mountains, small creeks, and colorful wildflowers—family-friendly hikes in San Francisco and the Bay Area are as beautiful as they are enjoyable. And they’re not just for grown-ups! With tots in tow, lace up those sneakers, pack lots of snacks, and explore the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in San Francisco to help families enjoy weekend urban adventures. From hiking in Golden Gate Park with little ones to scaling rocks in Glen Canyon, strolling along the bay at Crissy Field, or walking to the beach in Tennessee Valley—exploring the great outdoors with loved ones is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

For more excursions in San Francisco, check out free museum days in the Bay Area, the best day trips from San Francisco with loads more hiking options, plus explore our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide. 

Dollywood, the Dolly Parton-inspired theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN, has become one of the top amusement parks in the US for families. Set in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, the park has over 50 rides, daily musical shows, and an iconic coal-fired steam train that runs along its periphery.

Located next door is Dollywood Splash Country, a 35-acre water park. And with a new Dollywood resort set to open in fall 2023 (HeartSong, which joins Dollywood's DreamMore Resort), families can plan a full vacation at Dollywood.

My family recently visited Dollywood, and wow—what a trip! Read on for details from our adventure and answers to your biggest questions, like: What are the best rides at Dollywood? What ages is Dollywood for? Is Dollywood little-kid-friendly? And if you're looking for even more family-friendly theme parks, check out our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

LAUSD just released school calendars for the 2023-2024 school year, and already there's a change! A parent could get whiplash following along with when school will start, stop, and take breaks for the holidays. After a huge change that would shorten the winter vacation to two weeks, the three-week winter break will return for the next two school years. Changes in other school districts include Hermosa Beach moving its start date from a September 6 to August 24, and Norwalk opting to start August 17, a week later than in previous years.

Whew. Stay tuned, as we will update this if (when?) further changes occur!

School calendars for the largest school districts in Los Angeles County for the 2023-2024 school year are below, and you'll want to bookmark the page now for reference—especially when planning family vacations and booking summer camps. Follow the links for each district below for details on school holidays and semester breaks, and to stay up-to-date on any last-minute changes from your local district.

Texas swimming lakes and summertime go together like toddlers and trucks — it's a sure-bet combo. While we love a day out at a fun water park, there is just something special about relaxing on the banks of your favorite man-made lakes - if you aren't a native Texan, don't judge us for this; we live in a mostly flat state - or riding the waves on a jet ski or tube. As a native Houstonian, I've spent at least one summer at these spots around the Lone Star State because they are beautiful and full of things for kids and adults to do.

For more water fun with extra sand, check out our Best Beaches in Texas.

Families who pine for old neighborhood joints take note: NYC is still home to a collection of old-fashioned soda fountains, where hopping on a barstool is akin to climbing aboard a time travel machine. These classic New York City soda fountains serve up plenty of fun alongside soda fountain treats like towering ice cream sundaes, creamy milkshakes and malts, and even a classic egg cream.

The next time you want to give your kids a sweet treat with a side of nostalgia, consider visiting one of these soda fountains in NYC, which range from Carroll Gardens' Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain to the Lexington Candy Shop on the Upper East Side. No matter where you are from Brooklyn to Queens, Manhattan to Brooklyn, and even on Staten Island, we've found a soda fountain in NYC near you.

Find more kid-friendly eats and treats in our NYC Restaurant Guide for Families.

NOTE: Axe & Smash has closed. The Mattituck Cinemas are open.

To catch a movie, toss an axe, have an immersive art experience, and see a live wrestling match, you'd usually have to visit separate venues on different days. However, at Axe & Smash in Mattituck–a new smash painting and axe-throwing attraction nestled within Mattituck Cinemas building complex–you could conceivably do all those things during one visit. 

Whether it's a family outing, a birthday gathering, or a date night, Axe & Smash caters to all.

Find more fun places for the family to play together, including the best bowling alleys on Long Island, in our Guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones for LI Families.