Summer is the season for kids' birthday parties at Connecticut's best parks and playgrounds. If your child has a summer birthday, we have good news for you. You can avoid expensive entertainment centers, cleaning your house, and then cleaning up again after the party. These fun parks and playgrounds right here in Connecticut offer great picnic areas, shade, playgrounds, and more for a memorable birthday. 

Still need more help planning your party? We have a list of Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Birthday Parties for you to browse through and get some great ideas. And our Connecticut Kids' Birthday Party Guide is packed with our top picks for celebrating in style!

River rafting is one of America's most adventurous pastimes and a great way to stay cool in the summer months. Whether you're looking for lazy-river vibes with your littlest adventurers or high-speed rapids for the thrill seekers in your life, there's a river rafting trip for you.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a rafting trip for your family—the length of the trip, the intensity of the rapids, and the participants' paddling abilities. Only you know your family and how your kids will respond to the water, so keep those things in mind when you choose your river adventure.

Here are 12 of the best river rafting trips in the US for families, from California and Colorado river rafting out west to the popular Ocoee River Rafting in Tennessee. Find even more outdoorsy vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide, including gorgeous United States National Parks and the best places to go camping in the US.

Boston has so many entertaining activities for kids, but finding things to do with teenagers can feel challenging. Have no fear: From fun centers and old-school arcades to visiting Fenway Park, we've compiled a list of teen-approved activities that are whatever they're calling the opposite of lame. And these things to do with teenagers may even lead to a genuine smile and bonding moment between you and your big kid.

If you're searching for more ideas about what to do with teens around Boston, remember amusement parks and great restaurant experiences are hits for all ages. Once you've scored some cool points with your teens, treat the younger kids in your life to age-appropriate fun at these indoor play spaces or awesome playgrounds. 

Birthday party rentals make backyard birthday parties extra fun, and water slide rentals mean you can still do outdoor birthday parties in Houston! While we know that kids love indoor party venues or swimming pool parties, a private party can be a little quieter and less expensive. Among the most popular birthday party rental choices are bounce houses, water slides, and other interactive inflatables. Most rental companies offer all these options and have rentals suitable for toddlers and older kids, depending on your needs. For some of the coolest birthday party rental options in Houston, expect to pay from $150 – 500 depending on what you choose to rent. Get ready to create an unforgettable experience for your child's special day!

Our birthdays guide provides more great kid’s birthday celebration ideas.

It can be challenging to find family activities that will entertain your teens and tweens—they're generally too old for playgrounds and a bit too young to wander around DC alone. Plus, that teenage attitude and desire for independence can put a damper on fun family activities.

However, the DC area is brimming with fun activities, and these 21 things to do with teens and tweens near DC can get even the most jaded teenagers off the couch and away from their screens. You never know—they may be having so much fun, they won't even worry about being seen in public with Mom or Dad.

For more fun things to do in DC with the whole family, check out our guide to the best museums in DC for kids, a roundup of thrilling water parks, and a list of our favorite mini golf courses.

Make your child's birthday extra special by treating him or her to a special birthday meal at fun Orlando restaurants! With unique experiences such as creative themes, live entertainment, amazing desserts, and games galore, these 20 Orlando restaurants for birthdays provide memorable celebrations.

Atlanta bowling is a great way to spend time together as a family. No matter if the weather is hot, rainy, windy, or icy, Atlanta bowling alleys are always ready to host a day of friendly competition and indoor fun for kids. And you don't even need any specialized equipment — simply show up at the bowling alley wearing socks!

With helpful bowling bumpers and ball ramps, kids as young as age 3, older grandparents, and everyone in between can enjoy the sport together! And many of these Atlanta bowling alleys participate in the Kids Bowl Free during the summer. Get ready for fun as we’ve rounded up the best places for bowling in Atlanta.

Malibu with kids is as breezy as the ocean air sweeping over the picturesque shores and breathtaking cliffs. From movie-famous beaches to wildlife encounters and museums to fantastic playgrounds, Malibu has loads of things to do for kids of all ages. Hit the beach, go surfing, visit the Getty Villa, eat at the end of the pier, go hiking—Malibu’s not just for movie stars, it's easy to enjoy Malibu with kids. Though, if you want to see movie stars, there are plenty of them around!

Here are the coolest places to visit in Malibu with kids for a day (or weekend). Once you’re in the neighborhood, check out our local mom’s guide to Santa Monica, and tips for visiting the Santa Monica Pier with kids, as they’re right down the PCH.