Sacramento with Kids: 50 Surprising and Fun Things To Do in Sacramento, California

Enjoy pretend play, art, science, and so much more at the Sacramento Children's Museum. Photo by Gina Ragland

This once sleepy capital city has been revitalized over the last few years, and there are many family-friendly activities and things to do in Sacramento. If it’s been a while since your last visit, it's definitely time to make another trip! The state capital is often overlooked as the halfway point between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. While Sacramento is certainly a great midway point for younger travelers to stretch their legs, it has enough attractions and activities to be a final destination all on its own. Whether you seek to taste your way through the epicenter of Farm-to-Fork living at a delicious restaurant, beat the heat in a museum or local swimming hole, or explore the many miles of trails in the foothills, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone in the family.

For more California adventures, check out our California Family Travel Guide. It's packed with family fun from 25 Epic California Family Road Trip Adventures to 100 Things To Do With Kids in California Before They Grow Up—and so much more.

20 Great Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Philly

Grab a bite at SquareBurger between rounds of mini golf or spins on the carousel in Franklin Square.

One of the best indulgences as a parent is finding a spot to enjoy a night out that pleases the whole family—and as a bonus, no one has to cook or clean! When the weather is nice, Philly's outdoor restaurants are an ideal way to go. The kids can be as loud as they want (or nearly so), and parents are more likely to enjoy the entire meal without having to explain about inside voices and not running around the table.

If you're in the mood for a beer garden dining experience, we've got a roundup for that, or check out our list of restaurants where kids can play while you dine. Meanwhile, see our Philly Guide to Family Restaurants for a host of other dining options in the city and beyond.

Gorgeous New England Islands for Family Getaways

Frolic in the surf on the islands of New England. Photo by Ally Noel

With fresh lobsters, gorgeous landscapes, and lots of family fun, the New England islands sure know how to sparkle. Although similar in geographic region, these islands cover a vast array of terrain and vibes, from quaint coastal villages to the bustling streets of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. Instead of trying to figure out which of the New England islands to visit, why not use this guide to make a plan to visit them all?

Here are 10 New England islands to visit with kids. You don't have to pack them all into the summer—the islands can be great to visit in the off-season when the beaches, restaurants, and shops are less crowded. For more New England family fun, check out our list of 100 things to do in New England with kids before they grow up and our favorite New England hotels for families.

Best Ice Cream Near Chicago: 12 Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore

The Original Rainbow Cone is unlike any other ice cream out there. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Cone

Ice cream shops and kids go together like, well, ice cream and kids. There’s something about the cool, sweet treat, that kids go crazy for, any time of the year. If you’re looking to take your kids on a special ice cream trip, you’ve come to the right place. From the North side to the South side and every neighborhood in between, we’ve rounded up the best ice cream shops in Chicago for kids. 

For more places to eat with kids, try our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide.

Free Swimming Pools in Boston for Families

Dive into summer fun at free Boston swimming pools. Mirabella Pool photo courtesy of Boston Centers for Youth & Families

When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.

Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar

Beach and Swim Clubs for Kids in Connecticut

Make some magical memories at the best beach and swim clubs in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Owenego Beach Club

Connecticut shores face Long Island Sound, so of course many of our kids have beach swimming as one of their essential summertime memories. But there are delightful places to swim all over our little state including pools, lakes, and swim clubs. Club membership brings with it access to many features such as outdoor pools, indoor pools, and lake swimming and boating, so why not give it a try? Read on for our guide to beach and swim clubs for kids in Connecticut!

If you're still looking for that perfect beach experience, see Mommy Poppins Summer Beach List. If you're up for some swimming but want to skip the sand, check out the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut. And check out our Summer Fun Guide for lots of great activities around Connecticut. 

NYC Hotels with Rooftop Pools for Your Next Family Staycation

The Margaritaville Hotel boasts a tropical feel at its rooftop pool right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Imagine a swim in a rooftop pool with a side of skyline views—there's arguably no more scenic spot for a rooftop pool than NYC. Whether you're a New Yorker looking to book a staycation or a visitor on the hunt for a family-friendly hotel in New York City, consider booking one of these hotels with rooftop pools—some of these cool hotel pools even offer day passes.

We've found eight family-friendly hotels with rooftop pools, plus one beachfront haunt, just waiting to welcome you for a cooling dip. If your travels take you further afield, consider a stay at one of these resorts with cool hotel pools in New York state.

Find the Perfect Catskills or Hudson Valley Brewery to Visit with Kids

The Peekskill Brewery offers brews for the adults, with kid-friendly fare like hand-cut fries and wood-fired pizzas.

With the dog days of summer upon us, parents may be dreaming of a cold brew—but where can you indulge alongside your kids? A family-friendly Hudson Valley brewery might be the answer. At these local taprooms and brewhouses, parents can enjoy locally brewed beers alongside kid-friendly perks like food truck fare, lawn games, and even enjoy some facetime with furry friends.

We've found 12 local breweries to visit in the Hudson Valley or nearby Catskills regions. If that's too far to travel today, consider supporting one of these local beer gardens or switch gears and visit a family-friendly vineyard or cider house nearby. Wherever your day takes you, cheers to a day of family fun.

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