Find family fun with the top things to do in Niantic, CT!

A guide to weekend fun on the cheap.

Need some joy and inspiration this summer? Tickets are now on sale for Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience, set to open at Washington, DC's Rhode Island Center on June 26, 2025. In this multisensory experience, guests of all ages can travel through fantastical, interactive landscapes and explore imaginary metaverses filled with optical illusions and fun photo ops.

Get all the details on Bubble Planet below and find out why we added it to our epic DC summer bucket list. Then visit our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more things to do to make summer 2025 the best one yet!

Los Angeles kids grow up swimming at some of the country's most iconic beaches, not to mention an array of flat-out awesome public swimming pools. But wait—there's more! Did you know that there are some wonderful swimming lakes near Los Angeles? And if you're willing to drive a little farther, lake options get even more plentiful. Whether you want to take a dip in a secluded swimming hole or join the masses at a lavish lake resort, here are some of the best spots to take a swim out in nature.

For more places to go swimming in Los Angeles, check out our Guide To Pools and Splash Pads in Los Angeles. Or keep it natural at one of these Surf-Free Beaches Where Toddlers Can Swim!

Consider a summer day trip from Atlanta to keep the kids entertained, busy, and cool beyond the city's brutal summer heat. These Atlanta summer day trips are budget-friendly options, saving on the cost of overnight accommodations, yet allow families to explore the surrounding areas. Luckily, Atlanta is centrally located between lots of fun, easy-to-visit destinations all within a two-hour drive or less from downtown!

We've rounded up the best FREE summer activities in Orlando to help take the stress—and expense—out of keeping the kids entertained while school’s out. From splash pads and playgrounds to free shows and attractions, there's something for every family to enjoy. See how many of these no-cost adventures you can check off your summer bucket list!

Looking for a big-on-fun, easy-on-the-wallet Philly weekend itinerary for families? We've got you covered.

Whether you're in it for the sports and snacks, or the history and art, there's something for everyone in your crew to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love while maximizing funds.

While you're at it, check out our budget weekend getaway ideas for outside the city. We've also got a whole guide full of free fun for kids in Philadelphia.