Summer unofficially starts at the Jersey Shore over Memorial Day weekend. That’s when the traffic and beach fees start, not to mention the parking headaches. If you're hoping to avoid that, take note: Springtime at the Jersey Shore is a real treat. Visitors are spared those hassles. So, whether you're searching for something to do on spring break or just a lovely spring weekend, take a ride down the Garden State Parkway or along Route 34 to check out one or more of these Jersey Shore treasures that are ripe for a spring day trip.

Be sure to bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for all-season fun down on the Shore.

New York City has opened applications for its Summer STEM Matters NYC program, which includes FREE STEAM summer camps for elementary school students and hands-on internships and classes for high schoolers. Don't delay: Applications for all programs are due Tuesday, April 19, 2022. The popular annual summer day camps are available to NYC kids entering kindergarten through ninth grade in September. Students entering grades 10-12 can apply for STEM courses and internships.

The programs occur at more than a dozen popular NYC institutions known for STEAM programming, including popular family-friendly spots like the Bronx Zoo, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, the Queens Botanical Garden, and more museums, gardens, zoos, and maker spaces. Public, charter, and home school students in NYC may all apply.

Read on for all the details on the STEM Matters NYC program. Find more summer camps in New York City, including our picks for free and affordable summer camps, in our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and neighborhood.

Whether you're a family of expert outdoorsmen or are just looking for a relaxing nature walk with your little ones, Long Island is home to an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails. Not only do the local Long Island hiking trails offer a chance for exercise and quality time with your kids, but they also provide an opportunity to learn about Long Island's diverse natural landscape. From toddlers to teens, these hiking adventures offer all-ages fun for your family.

Find even more outdoor destinations to explore on Long Island in this list of 15 state parks worth visiting and bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more fun.

Kids (and adults!) love magic—whether it's attending magic shows, trying their hand at tricks, or learning the secrets behind the illusions, and New Yorkers have a new magic shop on the scene willing to teach them a few tricks. Located in the family-friendly enclave of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Magic Shop is dedicated to all things to magic.

Read on for our full review and learn why you need to take your budding magician to this cool new shop.

From the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Atlantic Coast in Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley offers families a range of fun activities. The region affords year-round and seasonal attractions, with a vibrant mix of natural splendor amid plenty of modern amusements. Everything from hands-on history to thrill rides comes with a visit to the Merrimack Valley. These things to do in the Merrimack Valley with kids can be found within a 90-minute drive from Boston. Many of these communities even have stops along the MBTA’s commuter rail.

My family is a camping family. We also are a family that loves to book our weekends full of things to do, whether that's taking advantage of activities around Houston or traveling elsewhere. As our family has grown, we've gone from tent camping in Houston to trailer camping to RVs and tried out everything else possible in between. Camping in Texas is great fun, and we love finding new campgrounds to explore, especially campgrounds near Houston that we can easily get to after work on a Friday. Families can enjoy Texas State Park camping, Texas National Forest camping, and visiting private campgrounds.

If you're looking for a nearby escape in the Nutmeg State, look no further. Colonial vibes and New England charm ooze out of the town of Essex, which is nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. This quaint Connecticut town is home to one of the oldest continuously running inns in the country, a packed calendar of annual events, and tons of lovely shops and restaurants.

Time and time again, Essex has earned a spot as one of the Best Small Towns in America. Whether you grab a burger at The Gris, a cone of Essex Mud, or spend the day coasting down a historic railroad, this small New England town is anything but sleepy. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Essex, Connecticut with kids. For more cute towns and the best kid-friendly Connecticut activities, don't miss the Top Attractions in Connecticut for Families.

If you’re looking to spend quality, electronic-free time with your family without breaking the bank, consider an Atlanta camping trip. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, Atlanta camping and tent camping provides an escape to the great outdoors. And better yet, you don’t have to travel far since campgrounds near Atlanta, GA are plentiful.

Whether you’re looking for tent camping or RV and yurt camping, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly campgrounds near Atlanta (within two hours....depending on traffic). Although not a hard and fast rule, private campgrounds tend to cost more but offer a host of amenities and special events. On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. government campgrounds near Atlanta provide an affordable, no-frills experience. And as a happy medium of Atlanta camping, lies the Georgia State Parks campsites that showcase some of the most scenic spots in Georgia.

Refer to our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids if you’re looking for more outdoor inspiration. And be sure to sign up for the Mommy Poppins newsletter, so you never miss out on upcoming events and helpful reviews.