Exciting news for NYC families: Lincoln Center is about to get a major upgrade—especially for neighbors and kids on the west side of the complex! A bold redesign is in the works for the Amsterdam Avenue side of its campus, and it’s all about making the arts and outdoor space more accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone. If you’re looking for more places to play, relax, and catch incredible performances with your kids, this is a project to watch!

A complete reimagining of Damrosch Park is set to bring a huge lawn perfect for picnics, a playful water feature with mist and jets, shaded groves with seating, and a brand-new outdoor performance venue for music, dance, and theater. Read on for all the details, which were designed with lots of input from the community. While the new project is set for a 2028 debut, there are still plenty of things to do at Lincoln Center in the meantime, including an action-packed Summer for the City calendar.

Summer is here, and whether you are joining a pool, going on vacation, heading to the Shore, or sending your kids off to camp, chances are that swimming is part of your plans. While your kids are still young, mommy-and-me swimming (or daddy-and-me) classes for infants and toddlers are a great way to carve out some special time for you and your child to bond while teaching water safety to babies.

These swimming lessons usually run for children 6-36 months—although some start even younger—and involve a parent in the water along with the child. Singing, toys, and water play are often incorporated into these swimming lessons to help children feel comfortable in the water and have fun while learning valuable water safety skills. 

If you are interested in signing your infant or toddler up, read on for a description of swim clubs that offer these mommy-and-me classes throughout New Jersey. 

For more mommy-and-me activities, see our review of the Best Mommy and Me Classes in NJ. Interested in classes for slightly older children? See our review of the best swimming lessons in NJ. 

The huge number of free summer sports and outdoor programs in NYC means children can enjoy a summer filled with sports and fresh air while living in the concrete jungle. New York City offers many free summer sports opportunities for kids to learn team sports and try swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Of course, registering for these free summer sports programs takes a little legwork and (since many are first come, first served) punctuality. We've got the scoop on free summer sports in NYC and how your kids can vie for spots. You can find more no-cost activities in our Free in NYC Guide, or check out these free and inexpensive summer camp options around NYC.

Cape Cod has always been my go-to for a family summer vacation. I grew up spending summers there, and it still gives me that magical “this is what summer feels like” vibe—laid-back, breezy, and full of family-friendly charm. But staying at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, MA truly brought my classic Cape Cod vacation to the next level.

It’s the perfect home away from home, with spacious accommodations and every amenity you could need to make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable. Set right on Cape Cod Bay, Ocean Edge has it all—including beach bonfires, oyster tours, a plethora of pools, biking trails, and endless kid-friendly activities. If you're dreaming of a summer escape that blends nostalgia with a touch of luxury, this New England gem is it.

To plan your Cape Cod getaway, check out our Guide to Visiting Cape Cod with Kids.

Learn how to make a flower crown for kids with only three things and in three easy steps.

Picking flowers at a pick-your-own field or farm is a great way to spend a summer day! I know what to do when I pick too many blueberries (freeze them), pick too many strawberries (jam them), or pick too many apples (sauce them).  But, I was a bit stumped about a project for "what to do with all these flowers!"  

Scrolling through Instagram one day, I was completely inspired by the idea of flower crowns.  There have been so many gorgeous examples floating through my feed, that I just knew I had to learn how to make flower crowns for kids. It turns out they are pretty simple to fumble your way through. Note: this is really fun for kids, but this project definitely requires adult hands, fingers, and patience. 

Read on for step-by-step and picture-by-picture instructions on how to make a flower crown for kids!

To find a flower field near you, check your local Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Berries & Flowers.

Whether it's your 6-month-old, 6-year-old, or 16-year-old, you are looking for the same thing when it comes to getting their ears pierced: A sanitary, well-respected, and experienced place for your child's first ear piercing experience.

Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, but you want to choose somewhere you and your child will feel comfortable. Many of these places also have a wide selection of jewelry, so your child can buy pieces that show off their unique style. 

For more LI personal styling businesses, be sure to check out our Guide to Stores and Services on Long Island, which includes our picks for the Best Hair Salons for Kids Haircuts.

Cool off this summer 2025 at one of Boston's best splash pads and sprinkler parks.

Gone are the days of needing to use a garden hose as a sprinkler: the DC area is brimming with splash pads, spraygrounds, and water play areas to help kids beat the heat on hot summer days. These DC splash parks are full of fun features like fountains, dumping buckets, water cannons, spraying animals, and even mini water slides. And the best part is, most of them are absolutely FREE!

Here are some of the best spraygrounds and splash pads DC has to offer. These Maryland, Northern Virginia, and DC splash parks offer loads of wet and wild fun for kids of all ages.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more ways to cool off this summer, from swimming lakes near DC to free public swimming pools in DC for families.