The best places near Chicago for kids to cuddle animals. 

Got an animal lover in the family? The Smithsonian National Zoo probably springs to mind as the first place to visit in DC. But there are many animal farms and petting zoos near DC where kids can get up close and hands-on with all kinds of animals, from barnyard friends like goats and sheep to bison and zebras. Families can even feed the animals at many of these petting zoos and farms, and really—who wouldn't want to bottle feed a baby cow?

Here are 12 great animal farms and petting zoos in Northern Virginia and Maryland where kids can have memorable animal encounters. For more zoo and farm fun, check out our Guide to Farms in DC, which includes our list of the best farms with family entertainment near DC.

Check out the sweetest CT strawberry picking farms and strawberry festivals.

Water parks are a great way to beat the heat in the summer, and the Philadelphia area has so many awesome places to make a splash. From water slides to lazy rivers to tubing thrill rides and surf simulators to toddler splash areas and even swim-up bars for the adults—we've got you covered with all the best water park attractions near Philadelphia. So grab your swimsuit, towels, and sunscreen, and get ready to keep cool and carry on.

For more ways to water-play with less of a plunge and more of a spritz, check out our favorite local splash pads and spraygrounds, or browse our roundup of free swimming pools in Philly, both of which you'll find in our Philadelphia Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks.

Strawberry picking season on Long Island is a treat the whole family can enjoy. We've handpicked some of our favorite strawberry farms on LI where families can spend a memorable day. 

Harvesting your fruit is not only fun, but it also connects you with your food and supports local Long Island farmers. Long Island strawberries tend to be sweeter and more delicate than most grocery store varieties, and they also have a shorter shelf life. 

Many of these strawberry-picking experiences depend on fruit availability and the weather, so call before your visit. Once the berries are ripe, they'll only last a few weeks. So read ahead to start planning your sweet adventure with the kids. Check out our Guide to Long Island Farms for more places to pick delicious fruits and vegetables while enjoying farm life! 

Strawberry picking in New Jersey is one of the sweetest times of year in the Garden State. 

Whether this is your child’s first time strawberry picking or you’re looking to fill pies, jam jars, smoothies, and shortcakes for months to come, you'll want to check out our long list of farms for strawberry picking in New Jersey where your kiddos can get their hands on bushels of juicy red berries.

Be sure to check out our rundown on the best places to go peach picking in New Jersey and other farm-fresh ideas in our Guide to Pick Your Own Farms in New Jersey.

There's no shortage of hotels in NYC, and as a born and bred New Yorker raising children here myself, I often find myself handing out recommendations for family-friendly hotels in NYC to friends and family who are planning their own NYC vacations. New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And, while it's nice to have options, there are so many that it can feel overwhelming.

That's why we've compiled this list of 22 hotels in NYC for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends, and great reputations. These NYC hotels offer kid-friendly amenities, including pools, kid-friendly welcome treats, and even bunk beds. A number of our choices are located right next to top kid attractions; some are budget-friendly, and others are a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan either. We've included places to stay with kids in Lower Manhattan, on the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and even hotels in Brooklyn.

Once you've nailed down your hotel choice, check out our parent- and kid-tested recommendations for top attractions in NYC, our favorite children's museums in NYC, and much more in our NYC Visitors Guide for Families.