Have you heard about Boat Cinema? It's billed as a sort of floating drive-in, a float-in if you like, and it just might be the coolest way to experience movies this summer. With Boat Cinema, families in LA can watch movies on a big screen while lounging in small, family-sized boats.

Read on for the current lineup of movies! You can also see a movie at one of the local drive-in theaters in Los Angeles, or at an outdoor movie on a blanket in a park.

Ever think you would spot a seal in Manhattan or a giraffe in the Bronx? Did you ever hope you'd be surrounded by sharks at Coney Island? New York City zoos and the New York Aquarium offer families the chance to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. From the Bronx Zoo to the Staten Island Zoo, each borough has its own unique zoo experience. Whether your children are big or small, there is a zoo in NYC suited to their age, interests, and attention span. Best of all, access to these creatures doesn't have to break the bank. Free admission can be as easy as picking the right afternoon to visit. Check out our insider tips for making the most of New York City's zoos and aquarium.

If you grew up in the Garden State, you’re already familiar with the hotly contested "Taylor ham" versus "pork roll" debate, or the “What exit?” joke. Kidding aside, New Jersey has a lot of well-known assets, including its shoreline, farmland, mountains, the Pine Barrens and, of course, its urban hubs.

There are also a number of lesser-known lures that are worth a visit. Here are some off-the-beaten path attractions in Jersey, from the birthplace of its most illusive and infamous resident, the Jersey Devil, to a giant elephant that used to be a hotel. There's even a museum dedicated to weirdness. What's not to love about that?

If you're looking for other diverting day-trip ideas, check out our guide to New Jersey's best zoos and aquariums or our rundown on the best beaches in the state. And be sure to bookmark our Weekend Trips Guide for things to do with the fam all season long. 

There’s just something about Legoland California. It’s such a special place that even though you can drive here from Los Angeles or San Diego for a day, you really want to spend the night to be there the minute it opens, go back the next day to the Water Park, or just stay and explore the very underrated and gorgeous town of Carlsbad. Which is why we’ve rounded up the best Carlsbad hotels near Legoland—some within walking distance, some by the beach—all will ensure that you have a wonderful stay in town.

So come for my favorite of the SoCal theme parks, stay for the Flower Fields, the strawberry picking, the charming beach town, the ocean walks, and so much more. Or use Carlsbad as a non-crowded jumping off point to explore all that San Diego has to offer, from Sesame Place San Diego to the San Diego Zoo and so much more.

There’s so much to see and do in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and a top-rated San Francisco tour can make a trip to the Golden City a whole lot easier–especially with kids in tow.

Whether you’re hoping to hop aboard a San Francisco Bay cruise, looking to customize your itinerary with popular stops like The Exploratorium and San Francisco’s Chinatown, or searching for a big adventure outside of the city, San Francisco city tour options are pretty much endless. Take on San Francisco sightseeing by double-decker bus, helicopter, bicycle, or even tiny car, and you’ll be one step closer to truly seeing it all.

With the help of enthusiastic TripAdvisor travelers, we’ve narrowed down your search to the best family-friendly San Francisco tours with 4- and 5-star ratings and rave reviews. Here's our list of the best tours for exploring San Francisco and the Bay Area with kids, plus some insider tips. Click through for quick and easy booking with TripAdvisor.

The South Street Seaport, one of New York City's oldest and most historic neighborhoods, is the perfect place for a family outing. Completely redeveloped in 2017, Pier 17 is its centerpiece and a massive, high-end retail and dining destination with a stunning rooftop space. Besides Pier 17's dining and shopping, there are plenty of other family-friendly things to do in this popular downtown Manhattan neighborhood.

A pair of exceptional play spots, including the Imagination Playground, an under-the-radar maritime museum, boat tours, landmarked buildings, a public pier with gorgeous views, and a slew of FREE programming makes the South Street Seaport a great place to visit this summer with kids—whether you're a tourist or a local.

So you've seen all of Chicago's top tourist attractions and are ready to look at a different neighborhood? Think Lincoln Park! Whether your family enjoys the outdoors, theater, food, or festivals, Lincoln Park has options to please a variety of kids. It's bound by Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River to the west. While most people agree that the northern border is Diversey Avenue, we can't all agree whether the southern border is North Avenue or closer to 1800 North. We still think of the Chicago History Museum and Second City as Old Town, so look for those in a future round up.

In addition to the Lincoln Park Zoo, a few museums, a conservatory, and a couple of theaters, Lincoln Park has lots of fun and kid-friendly options for dining, from pizza to hot dogs to cupcakes. We recommend going during the summer to be able to visit the beach and Green City Market, and to try out one of the neighborhood festivals, but Lincoln Park is a vibrant community all year round.

Fore more recommendations in Chicago's neighborhoods, check out our Visitors Guide.

There are so many beaches near NYC, and yet there's so little time to visit them each summer. If it's your first summer with little sunbathers in tow, you may be wondering which local beaches are the most toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Each of these 11 beaches, which include some of our favorite beaches in NYC, plus fun Jersey Shore beaches and Long Island beaches, includes little-kid friendly fun beyond the sand and the surf, like playgrounds and aquariums along with great beach eats. Be forewarned, these extra perks might make it hard to lure your toddler away from all the fun in the sun.

So, pack your pails, picnic baskets, and beach babies, then plan a day trip to one of these toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Find more great local beaches and water fun in our Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks near NYC.