Best Los Angeles Area Campgrounds With Extra Entertainment for Kids

The rock climbing tower at Ventura Ranch is just one of the activities at KOA Ventura Ranch. Photo courtesy of the campground

Our fabulous weather means you can go camping near Los Angeles any time of year! These campgrounds offer something extra, making it even more enticing to head into nature with your amusement-addicted kids.

Camping near Los Angeles is a smorgasbord of sights and sounds and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Hiking, biking, singing campfire songs at night, and unplugging from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives is good for the soul; but let’s face it, even with the whole of Mother Nature at their fingertips, kids sometimes get bored.

It’s time to up the ante on family camping. Southern California is home to family campgrounds that offer kids exciting activities and entertainment when they tire of forest tag. Zip lining, anyone? Fishing? Rock climbing? Water parks? Movies? Even ghost tours? All these and more are offered at these campgrounds near Los Angeles. We dare your kids to get bored.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun

Ocean Oasis in Wildwood is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.

Outdoor water parks abound in New Jersey, and several of them are right on the beach! From big-name parks like Six Flags to boardwalk attractions, we've rounded up the top ones open for splashing this summer.

If you're looking for ways to cool off that are slightly cheaper, check out our roundup of water playgrounds and splash pads, most of which are FREE. For more summer fun, bookmark our Summer Guide for New Jersey Families.

Deliciously Fun Themed Restaurants & Dinner Shows in Orlando for Kids

Cheer for your knight during the jousting matches at Medieval Times. Photo courtesy of Medieval Times

Orlando themed restaurants and dinner shows offer a memorable dining experience, especially when kids can let loose! Enjoy a meal and entertainment at these family-friendly Orlando themed restaurants and dinner shows. From jousting knights to magic tricks, there are a variety of restaurants offering dinner and a show in Orlando that will keep kids (and adults) smiling throughout the meal.

For more fun restaurants to try out with your kiddos, check out our Orlando Restaurant Guide for resources on local restaurants with play spaces, ice cream shops, character meals, and more.

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Chicago

Water comin' at you from all sides! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Splash pads in Chicago ensure that there's always something fun to do no matter how hot the weather. Smart Chicago parents make sure that every summer they've got a sprinkler "go bag" packed and ready in the trunk, stroller, or tote: towel, sunscreen, water shoes, swim diaper (if you've got a really little mermaid), and spare clothes. Because with so many awesome splash pads in Chicago, it pays to be prepared.

We've rounded up our favorite spots with interactive sprinklers, sprayers, cannons, and gushers so everybody can get good and soaked. If you need more places to get wet in Chicago, be sure to check out our list of the very best beaches for families and our favorite indoor pools, too. You'll find all this and much more summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Water Parks Near Philly for Kids

Enjoy water slides and water rides galore at the biggest outdoor waterpark in PA. Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain Resort

Water parks are a great way to beat the heat in the summer, and the Philadelphia area has so many awesome places to make a splash. From water slides to lazy rivers to tubing thrill rides and surf simulators to toddler splash areas and even swim-up bars for the adults—we've got you covered with all the best water park attractions near Philadelphia. So grab your swimsuit, towels, and sunscreen, and get ready to keep cool and carry on.

For more ways to water-play with less of a plunge and more of a spritz, check out our favorite local splash pads and spraygrounds, or browse our roundup of free swimming pools in Philly, both of which you'll find in our Philadelphia Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks.

Best Sleepaway Summer Camps in the Northeast

Sleep in the open-air Hive Camp. Photo courtesy of the Aloha Foundation

Enrolling in a sleepaway summer camp is an exciting prospect for kids and parents alike: Besides offering time spent communing with nature, overnight summer camps provide peer socialization, time away from home, and hours away from a screen.

We've scoured the region to round up the very best sleepaway summer camps throughout the Northeast. These summer camps offer everything from classic summer camp fun to specialty programs, including performing arts, circus arts, and even a spy program. Summer may seem a long way off, but now is the time to start planning your child's next sleepaway summer camp adventure. 

Looking for more summer camp options? Be sure to bookmark our Summer Camp Guide and peruse our full Camp Directory for more programs to fit any budget and interest.

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