26 Great Summer Festivals and Fairs in Westchester in 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Join Peekskill Pride for its annual Family Pride celebration in Pugsley Park. Photo courtesy of the event

Summer fairs and festivals in Westchester offer a ton of ways to party al fresco from June through August. Westchester's staged outdoor entertainment options include picnic-blanket music festivals and cultural-heritage feasts.

Kick off the summer festivities at the Westchester Annual Strawberry Festival in Chappaqua, featuring live music, a petting zoo, and the famous strawberry shortcake. Other stand-out events include the return of the Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival and a 4th of July celebration at Mamaroneck's Fireworks Spectacular and Fireman's Carnival in Harbor Island Park.

Families can also celebrate Pride Month at multiple kid-friendly celebrations, including Hastings-on-Hudson Friday Night Pride, which features a parade, concert, and tons of kids' activities, such as a giant rainbow slide and face painting.

Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in Orlando for Families This Summer

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Enjoy a night at the beach with the Sounds of Summer Concert Series at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. Photo courtesy of the event

Enjoy a free concert and outdoor music this summer in Orlando! We've rounded up outdoor summer concerts happening all around Central Florida, perfect for families. From country to rock n' roll (and everything in between), you are sure to find free concerts this summer for adults and kids. Some Orlando music festivals offer even more entertainment and activities for the kids, as well as food trucks and snacks!

100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Of course, at some point, the kids are going to want to get up and do something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the Shore this summer, this list of 100 family-friendly activities all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included lots of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more. And for even more ideas, see our itinerary for 3 days on the Jersey Shore with Kids.

The Lawrence Hall of Science with Kids: A Parent’s Guide

Submitted by Sandra Lee on

Have a dino-mite time at The Lawrence. Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science is a hands-on science museum where kids can explore everything from engineering challenges to live animal encounters—all with a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay. Set atop the Berkeley Hills, this museum is easily a hidden gem in the East Bay.  

I first checked out The Lawrence on a whim with my kids, and now this museum is one of our go-to spots when we want a mix of learning and play, with a bonus view of the bay. Whether your kid is into dinosaurs, water play, building things, or meeting live animals, there is something to spark their imagination. ​This guide to The Lawrence offers insider tips, must-see exhibits, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your family trip.

For more fun in the East Bay, explore the best things to do in Oakland with kids and celebrate birthday parties at these favorite spots in the East Bay. 

18 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2025 in Los Angeles for Families

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Kick off summer fun with carnival rides. Photo courtesy of the Fountain Valley Summerfest

Fairs and summer festivals in Los Angeles are an essential SoCal tradition. A good festival has something fun for kids of all ages: rides, interesting foods, live music—all this at an event that parents are genuinely excited about. 

Summer and fairs go hand-in-hand, and a take place near Los Angeles. Choose the Orange County Fair or the Ventura County Fair, "a country fair with ocean air." If you've had your fill of fried fair food, grab a slice a sweet slice of summer's favorite fruit at the California Watermelon Festival in Lakeview Terrace. 

For more summer fun, check out our Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids, which includes the best beaches in LA, favorite water parks in SoCal, and everywhere you can jump in a lake in Los Angeles.

Backyard Obstacle Course Ideas for Ninja Warrior Kids

Submitted by N Ferreira on

Help your kids channel their inner Ninja Warrior by building them a fun obstacle course.

Creating a backyard kids' obstacle course can provide infinite hours of fun and fitness for children who love a good challenge and have boundless energy. Whether they’re aspiring Ninja Warriors or simply looking for a creative way to play, a DIY obstacle course is the perfect way to keep kids active and entertained outdoors.

From balance beams and rope swings to portable obstacle course options, here are some fun backyard obstacle course ideas for Ninja Warrior kids. Check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities for Kids for more fresh-air kids' fitness ideas, from classic playground and backyard games to fun scavenger hunt ideas. 

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