If there's one thing that I've come to appreciate as a native Houstonian, it's that there is no shortage of rich and varied cultural experiences waiting around every corner. One solid example of this is the Sam Houston Boat Tour, which takes passengers on a FREE 90-minute guided tour of the Houston Ship Channel. I took this tour several years ago with my husband and parents and was eager to take my transportation-obsessed son when the opportunity arose. 

A water park is hard to beat on a hot summer day. With summer's heat on the horizon, I'm re-living the fun my family had at SplashDown Beach in Fishkill, New York last summer. We hardly noticed the blazing temperatures as we coasted along the lazy river and enjoyed the waterslides and other thrill rides. Dubbed "America's Biggest Little Water Park," this Hudson Valley park, about 90 minutes north of NYC, offers all the fun of its larger counterparts, with a solid family-friendly vibe, attentive staff, and fun rides for all ages. There's a reason we included SplashDown in our roundup of best water parks for toddlers, but really the fun extends to big kids, teens, and parents, too.

Don't forget to check out the Mommy Poppins Theme and Water Park Guide for more amusement park fun—and waterslides.

Easter, Valentine's Day, heck, why not Flag Day? Any holiday, birthday, or random down-in-the-dumps day can provide an excellent excuse for a sugary treat. Orange County offers plenty of places to satisfy a sweet tooth, and we were brave enough to take on the task of sampling and sharing some of our favorites. From unicorn hot chocolate to gourmet cookie shots to zombie-themed donuts, there's always some new and exciting way to indulge in decadent treats. Here are five of OC's hottest—or coolest.

Good things come in small packages. Somerville may be only two square miles, but there's a lot of fun packed into this charming Central Jersey borough. With a vibrant and redeveloped downtown, a minor league baseball team, and some amazing historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Here are 20+ ways for your family to have a blast in and around Somerville.

Curry, dim sum, ramen, tofu, ice cream, bubble tea—sometimes you have to head to a place that satisfies everyone’s appetite. My family and I always vote for a trip to the Queens Crossing Mall–a gem in the center of bustling Flushing that offers a diverse selection of Asian foods and pretty shops.

Questers Way, tucked away in a strip mall in Mansfield in Eastern Connecticut,  will surprise and please you from the moment you walk into the door. Conceived by longtime martial arts teacher Ken Caputo, Questers Way's mission is to encourage kids to pursue a healthy lifestyle with good food choices, exercise, and intellectual pursuits. There are spaces to learn, play, create, get physical, dance, sing, and play board games.

It’s finally spring! Although the weather during the month of April can be really unpredictable, families are finding ways to enjoy the outdoors. Earth Day is April 22, and it’s the perfect time to recognize Mother Nature and show support for environmental protection.