Best Swimming Pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families in Summer 2025

The zero-depth entry at Willson's Waves makes it a perfect pool for tots. Photo courtesy of Willson's Waves

Looking for the best swimming pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are our picks to add to your list.

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini golf, and other activities worthy of a summer day trip. We've rounded up 16 favorite family-friendly pools in the region. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before heading out.

For more summer fun, be sure to check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Trendy New Jersey Experiences Your Kids Will Absolutely Love

Puffy Cotton Candy in Freehold crafts mesmerizing, edible art sculptures. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

New Jersey has tons of fun places to visit with kids, and new attractions open all the time. But if you're stuck in a rut with your typical go-to places, we've got some new, trendy places to try that NJ kids are sure to love. 

From a Japanese clawcade to the newest and hottest dinosaur attraction in New Jersey, read on to learn about some new and unique activities for NJ kids.

For more fun ideas, check out our Guide to Indoor Play for New Jersey Kids, which includes our story on NJ's top indoor play spaces

A Family Adventure Above NYC: Tips for Visiting Top of the Rock with Kids

The Beam offers an unobstructed look at the panorama of the city below.

Visiting the Top of the Rock observation deck is on many tourists' must-do lists, but even locals should put it on their bucket lists. Even if you feel like you've already been there, seen that view, now is a good time to revisit this classic NYC attraction, which has added a pair of thrilling attractions in the past couple of years.

While city views are plentiful at NYC's five observation decks, each presents its own unique experience and perspective, including Top of the Rock. Here's what you can expect to see and do during your visit to the Top of the Rock observation deck, plus more things to do in the action-packed Rockefeller Center campus it calls home, whether you visit during the twinkling holiday season or at another time of year.

Best Glamping Adventures for Philadelphia Families

Collective Governors Island elevates the camping experience with sturdy tents, luxurious bedding, and indoor plumbing. Photo courtesy Collective Governors Island

If the idea of camping with kids sounds fun, but the thought of sleeping on the cold ground in a tent doesn’t, glamping might be your perfect middle ground.

Glamping gives families the best of both worlds: the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors, paired with the comforts of home. We're talking cozy beds, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and even electricity—all tucked inside stylish tents, yurts, cabins, or treehouses. It’s camping, upgraded.

Ready to plan your next nature escape? Below, you'll find 7 amazing glamping spots within easy reach of Philadelphia, each packed with charm, adventure, and kid-approved fun.

Looking to travel a little farther? Check out our roundup of Best Glamping Spots in the US. And don't miss our Camping Travel Guide for the best campgrounds across the country plus camping tips, activities, and gear.

Best Dude Ranch Vacations for Families

Take a family horseback ride through the beauty of C Lazy U Ranch.

Family dude ranch vacations are perfect for those with budding cowboys and cowgirls who dream of roaming the open plains in a saddle. When you visit a dude ranch with kids, you can spend your days horseback riding through the rugged landscape, enjoying outdoor adventures like fly fishing and campfire sing-alongs, eating delicious food, and soaking up the ambiance of the Old West.

Here are 11 of the best dude ranch vacations for families in the US. Find even more family adventures in our National Parks Family Travel Guide and our Camping Travel Guide.

Restaurants Near DC Where Kids Can Play

Mealtime is extra fun at these DC spots!

When parents need a night out but don't want to book a babysitter, we've got just the solution—bring the kids along! These 7 restaurants near Washington, DC where kids can play are the answer for a fun-filled afternoon or evening for the entire family. We have also included a few places that offer brunch, to start weekend days off right.

Whether your family is into board games, arcade games, bowling, ping pong, or bumper pool, these restaurants where kids can play make the outing fun for everyone, giving kids a way to get the wiggles out while parents sit, relax, and eat actually great food.

Check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurant Guide for more great restaurants for kids, from Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries to Restaurants for the Whole Family Near the National Mall and Capitol Hill.

Free Parents’ Guide Offers Help for Rising Mental Health Issues in Kids

The SPTS online guide details what to do, ask, and expect if you’re worried about your child’s mental health.

From social media to academic pressure to the stress of growing up in today’s world, it’s no wonder so many teens are struggling with their mental health. But, here's the good news for parents: You don’t have to navigate this struggle all on your own.

With mental health concerns on the rise, The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) has launched a free, easy-to-use Parent/Caregiver Behavioral Health Toolkit that offers real help for families facing these all too common challenges. The online guide thoughtfully details what to do, what to ask, and what to expect if you’re worried about your child’s mental well-being.

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