No boat, no problem: at Lakeside Watersports, families can hit the water and wakeboard, water tube, and more.

If thrilling fun is your thing, then Lakeside Watersports is your go-to spot in Connecticut for just about any kind of adrenaline-pumping water-based activity. Lakeside Watersports is located in Candlewood Lake’s Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield, just 2 hours from New York. It’s Connecticut’s go-to spot if you want to learn how to wakeboard, tube, waterski, wakesurf, kneeboard, and so much more—all under the experienced eye of the Lakeside staff.

If you want to hit the water without a boat, check out the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids and other ways to get wet and keep cool in our Connecticut Beaches and Water Fun Guide.

Lounging on a rubber inner tube and soaking up the summer sun while dipping your toes into one of the rivers in Texas is basically a rite of passage. There's no time like the present to introduce kiddos to the great adventure that is river floating in Texas. While any river will do, these eight Texas rivers near Houston are our go-to spots. They all have family-friendly runs (i.e. few or gentle rapids), great tube rental services, nearby accommodations, and gorgeous views to top it all off.

Whether you go for the weekend to enjoy the rivers in Texas or carve out a bit more time to soak in all that river tubing in Texas has to offer, these rivers make the perfect family vacation. Stick with our list of kid-approved river trips near Houston and you won't be disappointed, and for more summer trip ideas, check out our favorite family-friendly lakes close(ish) to Houston.

Asbury Park’s current and continuing turnaround amazes anyone who remembers this New Jersey beach town’s disrepair in the late 1980s. A stroll on today’s Asbury Park beach and boardwalk reveal families, attractions, clean beaches, artwork, great food, and a free, city-supported playground, located on the beach halfway between Convention Hall and the old casino to the south. Asbury Park’s shoreline now counts as one of the highlights of Monmouth County, and the Jersey Shore as a whole.

There is plenty to do in Asbury just off the beach too, from a spooky tour of a Paranormal Museum in town to glass blowing at Hot Sand. Read on for our top tips for visiting this Jersey beach with the kids, and if you're looking to rack up warm-weather memories, check out our Jersey Shore Guide for more beach and boardwalk fun.

Trampoline parks and bounce houses aren't just for kids' birthday parties. The entire family can enjoy an afternoon of fun and exercise at one of the many places to jump and bounce around Southeastern PA. You can also find arcade games, laser tag, mini-golf, and other family-friendly fun at lots of these parks and play zones. Most also offer special areas for very young kids and toddlers. Here's a list of some our favorite places to get our jump on! For more indoor ideas for when it's too hot or cold to play outside, check out our guide to indoor play spaces and fun zones near Philly.

The Georgia Aquarium brings the wonder of the seas to children and adults from across the Southern region. This magical Atlanta attraction has aquatic creatures represented from across the globe, including those species that reside in Georgia's nearby waters. With animals that impress every child (and grown-up) who visits, and awesome weekly events that cater to every age group, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see spot!

Orlando schools are back in session and that means the inevitable back-to-school shopping spree! Going beyond standard school supplies like pencils and crayons, many kids want to add to their closets and drawers. Just one growth spurt and your child may require an entirely new collection of pants and shorts! And with all those changing sizes in clothes and shoes, a new wardrobe can get quite pricey. Consignment shops to the rescue! Save money by visiting Orlando thrift and consignment stores for kids. Children can enjoy "new" back-to-school outfits, while parents can enjoy more money in the bank.

There's lots of reasons to shop resale shops! At a time when everything seems to get more expensive by the week, shopping from a thrift or consignment store is a great economic choice. Thrifting supports environmental sustainability, by repurposing clothing that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill. And the profits of some thrift stores go to important causes that help the community, like job-skills training and animal shelters.

Read on and learn about some great consignment stores near Orlando!

Visiting Melville's White Post Farms with kids means an animal-packed outing featuring more than just your usual farm friends. You'll find giraffes, zebras, camels, lorikeets, marmosets, and plenty more, all of which can be fed. Spring and summer are perfect for animal fun, while autumn brings a fall festival. White Post Farms is a must for animal-loving parents and their kids. 

For more fun family outings, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

If you’re looking for the ultimate escape room in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. An escape room is an awesome and interactive experience for the entire family. Your entire group will need to work together to try and find an escape from the room you’re in. The coolest part about doing this challenge together is the different themes each escape room comes with. There is sure to be a room and theme to fit tweens, teens, and even the littlest member of your group. Check out our escape rooms in Chicago round-up below.

Escape rooms are fun all year round! For other indoor activities in Chicago, check out our Guide to Indoor Play.