The season for peach picking near NYC is upon us, and nabbing these sweet stone fruits is the perfect excuse for local families to plan a summertime day trip. Starting in July or early to mid-August—depending on the farm and the weather—the peaches begin to ripen, and peach-picking season typically runs into September.

Peach picking near NYC follows berry picking season. It is often a less commercial and more straightforward outing than some of the more popular fruit seasons like apple picking, meaning you're not going to run into as many hayrides, face painters, or crowds. Still, you will get a more authentic farm experience.

We've rounded up 12 orchards offering peach picking near NYC, all less than two hours by car from Midtown Manhattan. Several are even accessible by mass transit. You can find more farm fun in our Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Fun for Families.

From ballgames to escape rooms, amusement parks, and virtual-reality experiences, here are some of our favorite teen birthday party ideas in the San Francisco Bay area.

Explore the top indoor trampoline parks around Boston for fun in any weather!

Whether you want to introduce the kids to an iconic activity or relive the glory days of your youth, a roller skating rink in Chicago or the suburbs is quite possibly one of the best ways to do it. These classic spots are also great for large birthday parties, scout field trips, and team outings. Good for an afternoon or weekend adventure, the Chicago area boasts an array of fantastic roller skating rinks.

Here’s a rundown of the best roller skating rinks near Chicago and the suburbs for kids, and don't forget your '80s outfit!

Organizing an Orlando birthday party becomes more manageable and stress-free when choosing a fun, full-service venue. Opting for these Orlando birthday party spots eliminates the planning hassle, allowing parents to relax and actually enjoy their child's special day. Discover some of the top places to host Orlando birthday parties!

As summer heats up, these cool things to do in Los Angeles will help provide respite from those lasting sun rays. It can be hard to soak up that sun for more than a few minutes when temperatures climb to triple digits. When it's too toasty to play at the park, ride bikes outside, or go for a walk, we've got answers and lots of ideas for cool things to do in Los Angeles. 

From pools and splash pads to bowling alleys and cool museums, we've gathered the best indoor and outdoor activities to beat those summer—or even rare fall or winter—heat waves, as well as those unfortunate smoky haze days. Plus, you can always head to the beach! There are even more cool things to do in Los Angeles this summer in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

There's one basic fact about an Atlanta summer: It’s HOT! When a heat wave hits, get ready to cool things down in Atlanta. Our list of places to have fun during an Atlanta heat wave will keep sweat, and boredom, away. And better yet, some of these places offer summer specials that make it easier on your wallet!

Bowling is one of my family's favorite ways to hang out and have some friendly competition, especially on those days where the weather keeps us inside. And with loads of family-friendly bowling alleys throughout the DC area, you're sure to find one near you.

These bowling alleys in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia feature kid-friendly amenities like bowling bumpers and ball ramps, making it the perfect activity for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Some of them even offer a Kids Bowl Free deal during the summer, through which children get two free games every day of the summer.

For more indoor activities with kids, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces, which includes our lists of everything from laser tag arenas to trampoline parks.