Tucked into the scenic Texas Hill Country and nestled along the crystal-clear Frio River, Garner State Park in Concan is a classic choice for a weekend getaway with kids. With more than 1,700 acres of trails, swimming holes, and family traditions like nightly jukebox dances, it’s easy to see why generations of Texans return to Garner year after year. If you're looking to trade city noise for cypress trees and starry skies—this is the spot.

Whether you’re tubing the river, roasting s’mores, or bunking in a riverside cabin, Garner offers something for every kind of family adventurer. Read our tips for things to do in Garner State Park and our cabin and camping recommendations. And while you're in the area, check out our Texas Hill Country with Kids article and our picks for Best Hill Country Swimming Holes. 

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are a must-do to escape the brutal summer heat. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone. Atlanta has big water parks as well as county and city-run aquatic centers so we've included them all. 

Before heading out to these Atlanta outdoor water parks, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)

If you ask my six-year-old his favorite memory of the past year, he will immediately tell you that it was our stay at the Legoland Hotel. I'm not always one to spring for an on-site property at a theme park. Usually, an off-site Homewood Suites will do just fine for our large family, but when we were given the opportunity to check out the Legoland Hotel earlier this year, we jumped for it.

Staying at Legoland elevated our theme park experience tenfold. There are two wonderful, engaging, and bricktastic hotels on the property at Legoland: the Legoland Castle Hotel and Legoland California Resort. Walking to the theme park in the morning is an obvious perk, but staying on-site provided so much more than just convenient access. From LEGO "pools" in the lobby to a nightly dance party to the elevator disco, a Legoland stay is unique in every way. 

Want to hear more about all the fun in the parks? Check out our article on the ultimate Legoland visit with your family. Also, check out our review on Legoland's newest area, Dino Valley, or read more about fun things to do with your family in San Diego.  

The start of strawberry picking season in the Philadelphia area is a sure sign that summer fun is right around the corner. Strawberry picking is a great way to connect with nature and get outside for some healthy treats. Some of the sweetest summer memories are made nibbling on fresh, vitamin-C-rich berries out in the fields. It's the perfect outdoor activity for a day of family fun!

We've compiled a list of great local farms to go strawberry picking near Philadelphia where families can fill a basket and enjoy plenty of other activities too. For more fun on the farm, check out our Farms & U-Pick Guide. Looking for more outdoor summer activities? Check out our roundup of the Best Water Parks near Philly.

Swimming lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are ideal destinations for cooling off in the great outdoors. While you'll only find a few local swimming lakes and rivers in Westchester County, the greater Hudson Valley region offers plenty of places for freshwater swimming. 

Here, we've rounded up several lakes and rivers perfect for swimming with kids this summer.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which includes our story on the best beaches in the region. 

New Jersey has some of the best swimming lakes in the Northeast, so make a plan to dive into one this summer. From Cheesequake to High Point, most of these lakes are on the grounds of majestic state parks that offer other recreation opportunities, like hiking trails. Some, like Sunrise Lake, are even outfitted with incredible inflatable water parks.

If you're looking for other ways to cool off on hot summer days, check out our rundown of the best NJ pools that offer day passes or our look at the Garden State's top water parks. 

These swimming lakes near New York City add to the bounty of options local families have for taking a plunge on a scorching day. While New Yorkers are lucky to be surrounded by water, including family-friendly beaches right here in NYC, plus those on Long Island or at the Jersey Shore, for families with little kids, the ocean can be intimidating, with its choppy waves and miles of hot sand without an inch of shade. If you're itching to get the kids out of the city to enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, what better place than one of the area's beautiful, tranquil, freshwater swimming lakes?

We've rounded up 11 swimming lakes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut ripe for summertime visits. Some are even close to our favorite family-friendly campgrounds, making them perfect for a weekend away. Speaking of getting out of town, our NYC Kids' Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways has more picks for all seasons family travel.