When it comes to summer weekend getaways near NYC, there's nothing more inviting than jumping into the refreshing waters of one of the state’s beautiful swimming lakes. If you want to escape the stifling heat for a weekend getaway from NYC, these lake resorts in New York give families the chance to cool off and enjoy both swimming and a whole host of water-based activities.

From the Hudson Valley to Lake George, Lake Placid, and the Catskills, read on for 11 family-friendly lakefront resorts and find more overnight destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Near NYC.

Juneteenth, the holiday that observes and commemorated the end of slavery in America, was designated a federal holiday in 2021, and celebrations are becoming more widespread as people come to understand the historical significance and importance of this day for all Americans. Juneteenth has long been marked by large family and community gatherings in the south, particularly in Texas. Now that it’s receiving more of the recognition it deserves, we’ve gathered a few ways for families to have discussions about the holiday and celebrate Juneteenth 2025 together.

For more ways to celebrate Black culture, browse our favorite 30+ Children’s Books to Celebrate Black History Month, and read on to discover and support a Black-owned business near you.

Looking for some fun and easy rainbow crafts for kids? I am always on the lookout! As a child of the 80s, rainbows have been part of my psyche since my very first Rainbow Brite episode. Long before the Home Edit was a thing, I arranged all my stuff in rainbow-colored order. Even my bridesmaids wore different-colored dresses and lined up in ROY-G-BIV order. So when it comes to crafts for kids, you guessed it—I'm all about the rainbows.

Whether you're exploring color theory with your littles, looking for a vibrant STEM experiment, celebrating Pride, or just like all things rainbow, here are 21 rainbow crafts for kids and rainbow activities for toddlers to help you add a little color to your world.

A day trip to Van Saun Park in Bergen County will give you and your family an outdoor play adventure beyond the local playground. My own family makes this hour-away journey a few times a year, and it never disappoints. With its massive playground, splash pad, carousel, and train rides–plus a zoo–a trip to Van Saun Park almost feels like a free theme park. The playground and zoo are open year-round, while some of the activities, such as the rides, are open seasonally from April through October. A little tip–there’s plenty of parking, but weekends get pretty crowded– you may want to arrive early. Please note that admission to Van Saun Park is free, including the playground and splash pad, but some features do require an additional fee, as noted. Here are 12 awesome things to do on your next Van Saun Park adventure.

If you're looking for other rec areas worth visiting, read out our rundown of the best NJ playgrounds worth driving to or our look at Garden State playgrounds that big kids will enjoy. For even more on parks and playgrounds, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey. 

Sandwiched between two freeways, adjacent to a hub for rental cars, and below wires buzzing from the electricity pulsing through them, you’ll find a special sort of secret garden. Giant sunflowers and rows of zinnias & snapdragons make you forget that you're actually still very much in an urban jungle. Hana Field, which is the name of this secret garden, is part of the better-known Tanaka Farms in Irvine, about ten minutes away. Tanaka has long been a staple for hayrides, pumpkin patches, veggie-picking, and their awesome produce stand, but this flower field (where you can wander, take Instagram-worthy pics, and even pick your own flowers) is well worth a visit all its own this summer.

For more flower adventures in the summer in Los Angeles, when the spring wildflower blooms have finished for the year, visit the lavender fields at 123 Farm.

The Colorado Rocky Mountains are an ideal destination for a family vacation in any season with tons of breathtaking hiking trails, awesome skiing slopes, abundant wildlife, and more. And at the heart of it all is Boulder, which offers great museums, delicious restaurants, and many family-friendly hotels.

Traveling to Colorado has been a treasured adventure for my family for years. With so many things to do in Boulder and the Rocky Mountains, it can be hard to narrow down the best choices. Here are 30 great things to do (many of them free) in Boulder and the Rocky Mountains with kids, including kid-friendly Boulder restaurants and great Boulder hotels.

For more tips on visiting Colorado with kids, check out our Denver Family Travel Guide which includes 40 Things To Do in Denver with Kids and so much more.

There's never a bad time to enjoy a creamy serving of ice cream and there are tons of ice cream parlors in Long Island where local families can enjoy a scoop—or two—of the sweet stuff.

We’ve rounded up some the best ice cream parlors in Long Island for a family-friendly treat. These destinations create yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that makes the experience extra special.

If ice cream is not your thing, check out our roundup of other decadent desserts on Long Island, and bookmark our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants on Long Island for more dining inspiration.

Families now have another great place in Brooklyn to go bouldering with kids: The Cliffs at Gowanus is open, offering tons of action-packed, family-friendly fun, including rope climbing, yoga classes, a gym, and more.

My 11 year old and I recently went on a tour of The Cliffs Gowanus and tried rope climbing. Read on for all the details of this new gym, where you can go bouldering with kids, and what you need to know about NYC's newest and largest kid-friendly rock climbing gym.