If you’re looking for some free, active, outdoor fun this summer, then Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is the hidden gem you may have been missing! Tucked away in North Stamford, the Arboretum is home to 13 beautiful gardens and miles of easy to follow trails. So whether you’re a nature enthusiast or are just looking for a new outing, lace up your shoes and head out to explore. Read on for our tips on how to visit Bartlett Arboretum like a local.

Looking for more family-friendly activities in Connecticut? See our guide to 100 Things To Do with Kids in Connecticut Before They Grow Up. And be sure to check out all our picks for Free Fun Things To Do for Connecticut Kids.

Atlanta toddlers and preschoolers are curious, energetic, and active; during the summer, that means keeping them cool while letting them explore and play. Our list of summer activities in Atlanta for the younger set (think ages 18months-4 years) involve indoor attractions, easy (albeit sometimes a little messy) crafts, interactive games, and water...lots and lots of water!

For even more summer fun in Atlanta, check out our list of Fun and Free Summer Activities and Events Near Atlanta for Kids and our always popular Summer Fun Guide for Atlanta Kids.

If you’re looking for places to go fishing with the kids, we’ve got you covered. These fishing lakes near Chicago are perfect for a day of family fun, right in the heart of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods. From the Chicago River to lagoons in Humboldt Park and Lincoln Park, there are plenty of cool fishing holes with a wide variety of fish and wildlife. Remember to check local fishing license requirements for adults and to keep life jackets on littles near the water. In Illinois, a fishing license is required for all bodies of water. 

For more great family adventures, check out our 20 favorite day trips guide from Chicago.

You don't need fancy art supplies to make some fun crafts with kids. A simple household item like duct tape is an amazingly affordable and easy-to-use crafting material, and it comes in a variety of fun colors and designs. A duct tape wallet is the perfect starter project to learn how to use duct tape for designing and crafting. It's so easy, in fact, that it made it onto our ultimate summer bucket list! Once you get the hang of creating “duct tape fabric,” the possibilities are endless.

Read on to learn how to make a duct tape wallet with children. For more fun art projects for kids—some of which use duct tape as well—check out our lists of 21 rainbow crafts for kids and 100 awesome art projects for creative at-home fun.

We thought we’d take advantage of some free time this summer and make our own ice cream. After all, how tough could it be? But by the time we had Googled a recipe (found plenty that did not require a machine) and made a list of ingredients we needed, the enthusiasm had waned, and we decided it would probably be best if we left the ice cream making to our favorite ice cream shop and enjoy the fruits of their labor!

From good quality ice cream chains founded right here in New England to one-of-a-kind specialty shops, there are plenty of places for Boston families to satisfy that need for something cold and sweet to beat the heat. Read on to find some of our favorite ice cream spots in Boston and the nearby suburbs.

Hitting the water during an NYC boat ride with kids lets you see the city from a whole new perspective. Whether you're sailing down one of the rivers, taking a FREE kayak out for a spin, or cruising on the ocean looking for whales, it's relaxing, refreshing, and a great way to stay cool on a summer day with the kids.

While there are all kinds of NYC boat rides, from the Circle Line to the citywide NYC Ferry service, the question for parents is, which NYC boat rides are truly family-friendly? After all, once you're on the water, you're committed to finishing your NYC boat ride with kids regardless of tantrums, seasickness, or boredom.

To help you figure out which boat rides work best for your family, we've highlighted some personal favorites and broken down the best options by type, including the best NYC boat ride for wildlife watching, best for would-be pirates, best for your budget, and more great options for an NYC boat ride with kids. Discover even more family-friendly things to do this summer in our Guide to Summer Fun in NYC.