Now that the layered-clothes stage of winter is over, heading outside for short bursts of activity with your little ones feels much more manageable (and enjoyable). While you can spend time at one of the many toddler-friendly playgrounds in the area, going outside for a family-friendly hike is another great idea.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local Westchester hikes to take with toddlers and preschoolers—some take you through wooded areas, others by the beach, and others that may be a bit of a drive but are worth it for the much-needed change of scenery. Plus, all of the hikes are a manageable 1-1 1/2 miles, and many are stroller, bike, or scooter friendly.

Looking for more outdoor fun this spring? Check out our Spring Fun Guide.

At first glance, navigating the street vendors, traffic, and crowds of Canal Street can seem intimidating for families. But with a little planning, Chinatown opens up into a world of wonders. Explore parks, temples, turn-of-the-century architecture, annual festivals and celebrations, and, of course, amazing food in one of NYC's most well-known neighborhoods.

Chinatown is unlike other hot spots in Manhattan. It is a living, breathing neighborhood with a real community and real residents. Although dependent on tourists, Chinatown is unapologetically authentic. Be fearless, kind—particularly now—and patient as you step into this city within a city. Growing up in NYC, I've seen Chinatown evolve yet never change, holding steadfast to traditions while still exploring and innovating. As an adult, I plan to make Chinatown a part of my children's lives for years to come.

Get the insider's scoop on more of NYC's popular neighborhoods, such as Koreatown, with our Neighborhood Guides.

Have you ever wanted to join your kids at sleepaway camp? Well, at these family camps throughout the great state of Texas, you can do just that! Stay in real bunks or cabins, eat in camp dining halls, swing on rope swings, play a game of dodgeball, and live just like a kid at summer camp with the entire family.

For more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive Houston Summer Camp Guide or full directory of camp listings to search by age, interest, or area.

Summer camp is great prep for school. These well-established programs in Fairfield County know how to cater to preschoolers with fun water play, nature activities, sports, shorter sessions, hands-on summer learning, and, yes, plenty of hand holding.

Live in Central Connecticut? We've rounded up our favorite preschooler camps in the Hartford area, too. See our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide for more ideas, or search by age, interest, and town in our Connecticut camp directory.

Long Island’s Ocean Parkway is no longer just a gateway to sandy, family-friendly beaches. In March, New York State completed construction on the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway's final section, bringing even more family-friendly activities to the South Shore. This 14-mile paved path connects Captree State Park to the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway and runs along the Great South Bay.

Read on to find out why a stroll along the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway makes an excellent outing for families with kids of all ages, and find more fun seasonal things to do in our Spring Fun Guide.

When the city's subway system was deemed only for essential trips during the pandemic, many New Yorkers turned to their two-wheeled companions and hit the bicycle paths in record numbers. Whether your family is one of them, or you're itching to enjoy the sunny spring and summer days ahead in a new way, New York City is home to miles of bike paths, and more are added seemingly every day as NYC becomes a more cycling-friendly city.

Knowing you might not want to set the kids loose on city streets, we've rounded up the best bike paths for New York City families to explore on two wheels—or with scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades, too. Many of these bike paths come with a little bonus fun, from nearby playgrounds to kid-friendly eats and even a sprinkler to romp through.

Find more fun city adventures in our Guide to Outdoor Fun.

There is no shortage of well-curated nature centers in Connecticut, but the Stamford Museum & Nature Center ranks among our favorites.

Celebrating its 85th year, this magical 118-acre campus is built on the four tenets of agriculture, environmental education, astronomy, and art. It houses a diverse array of exhibition and educational spaces indoors and out to fulfill its mission of inspiring creativity, discovery, and environmental stewardship.

Read on for our favorite things to do at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and find more family-friendly outings in our Weekend Trips Guide.