When you're planning for a summer road trip adventure, the preparation is just a part of the fun. To beat the summer heat, you may be dreaming of an oceanside retreat or perhaps a mountain getaway not too far from home. Tri-state area families are lucky to have several great road trip destinations within easy driving distance of Midtown Manhattan.

To help you plan the perfect summer road trip from NYC, be sure to bookmark our ultimate road trip planning guide for essential tips and read on for 12 summer road trip destinations near NYC.

If you're venturing further, we've got an entire Family Road Trip Guide to fill your travel needs and fuel your sense of adventure from coast to coast.

Ready to hit the water? Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Some may even want to venture further west for an old-fashioned river boat ride on the Fox River in St. Charles or a kid-powered paddle boat ride along the Naperville Riverwalk. A wide variety of boat rides are available for enjoying the water throughout the city and suburbs.

Check out some of our favorite boat rides near downtown Chicago and beyond. Families who are interested in relaxing dinner cruises, adventurous sailing, or architecture are sure to find something here that floats their boat.

Reef-safe sunscreen. What does that even mean, and what do you need to know about it? We all know it's crucial to keep kids' delicate skin protected. It can be hard finding a sunscreen that kids will tolerate having applied and reapplied—over and over and over. It can't burn their eyes or take too long to rub in. Also, it needs to be as good for the planet as it is for your kids. Hence, reef-safe.

Reef-safe basically means no chemicals that can damage coral reefs and marine life when they come off in the water. Because frankly, if it's not safe for the fish, it's probably not great for little humans. We researched, tested, and asked the experts, and these are hands down the best reef-safe and kid-friendly sunscreens.

After you're all sunscreen-ed up, check out our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for some fun in the sun! And if you're looking for more eco-friendly tips, check out our Earth Kids Guide.

Known for its pristine beaches, legendary seafood, charming main streets, and a seemingly endless supply of kids' activities, Cape Cod makes for an ideal family vacation destination. While some Cape Cod attractions and activities are open only in the summer months, fall, spring, and even winter can be a beautiful, less hectic, and less expensive time to visit the Cape with kids. I've spent just about every summer of my life on Cape Cod, forming some of my most enduring childhood memories. It's a tradition I am thrilled to carry on with my family and to share with Mommy Poppins readers.

Here are 60 fun things to do on Cape Cod with kids, including family-friendly Cape Cod hotels and Cape Cod restaurants kids love. The list includes plenty of indoor activities for rainy and off-season days. For even more tips on visiting Cape Cod, check out our Guide to Cape Cod and the New England Islands with Kids.

Brookhollow’s Barnyard, a petting zoo and farm in Boonton, is the perfect destination if your child loves animals. This sweet spot may just be Morris County's best-kept secret. The family-run farm will not only entertain your own baby animal, but older kids will also love this serene, yet interactive, spot. 

Check out our Guide to NJ Farms for even more family-friendly fun, from pick-your-own fruit to top "agritainment" centers.

New York City's Central Park is one of the most beautiful and functional parks in the country. When it was built, Central Park was actually excavated down so visitors don't see the city when they're inside.

This “escape” feature makes Central Park the perfect place to picnic with the kiddos, and the following Central Park destinations are just five of my family's favorite spots. Some are city staples, but a few are secret landing spots hidden in plain sight.

Travel with the family to the African grasslands without leaving Long Island with a visit to the all-new giraffe encounter experience at White Post Farms in Melville. Pose for selfies, pet the giraffes, and maybe even get a kiss from a long-necked cutie. Read on for details about how to get to know one of the tallest animals in the world. 

For more fun with animals, check out our Guide to Long Island Zoos and Gardens, which includes our list of Long Island's best petting zoos.

Bowling is a classic game that the whole family can enjoy. In Houston, Texas, you'll find a variety of bowling alleys that cater to families, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. Ramps and lane-side bumpers help younger bowlers who struggle with lifting heavy bowls or keeping their bowls on track. Many of the bowling spots also have arcades or other entertainment. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, these family-friendly bowling alleys in Houston are sure to provide a fantastic experience for everyone. Just don't forget socks!