High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids. 

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas. 

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!

Planning an Orlando birthday party for kids can be challenging, and finding the perfect birthday cake is often at the top of the to-do list. Orlando bakeries offer numerous options to satisfy young tastes and make birthday celebrations extra special. Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Orlando to order traditional and non-traditional birthday cakes for kids.

If you and your family love to get out on the water in the summertime, there are some great options for family boating in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for a fun way to explore on a warm day, this is it. While you're at it, you can check out some of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey or the best places to go swimming in a lake near Philadelphia to cool off when you're done!

For more summer fun, don't forget to check out our Ultimate Philly Summer Guide, full of activities and fun for the season.

Peach picking in Atlanta just makes sense — after all, Georgia is the Peach State! It seems every street has "Peachtree" in the name; heck, the fuzzy fruit appears on our license plates. Peach picking near Atlanta occurs from mid-May to early August, though timing can be affected by issues regarding weather, crop health, etc. We're lucky to have access to great u-pick peach farms near Atlanta. Beyond peach picking, many Atlanta farms also offer entertaining, family-friendly.

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

TeenTix LA is the best arts access program you’ve never heard of. Tickets to plays, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, museums, and more… all for only five dollars a ticket for kids ages 13 to 19.

No longer will your teens lounge around the house playing Xbox; instead, they’ll be laughing their pants off in the front row of a theater or feeling connected to a deeply personal show. If you relish watching shows with your kids, you’ll be thrilled to know that every TeenTix LA arts partner has to designate one day a week that is a 2-for-$10 deal, so you can go, too. Because nothing says “I’m a cool teen” like a night out on the town with your mom!

For more stuff for your teens in LA, from our list of the 20 Coolest Things To Do in Los Angeles for Teens to a roundup of the Best Teen Birthday Party Ideas in LA, check out our Los Angeles Guide for Teens & Tweens.

Beer gardens may not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

If you're searching for some other family-friendly fare this season, bookmark this list of kid-friendly outdoor dining spots.