Summer in the Chicago area is all about Lake Michigan. The Third Coast has lots of great beaches, but sometimes, it's fun to get out of the city and take your family somewhere more relaxing. We decide to try out St. Joseph, Michigan, and we loved it so much we ended up going back the next summer, too. The town has a beachy feel with a few less crowds than Lake Geneva. And it's less than two hours away, even from the western suburbs. Stay two nights for a quick getaway, or move up to three nights if you feel like a couple of relaxing beach days.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in St. Joseph and the surrounding areas! For beaches even closer to Chicago, try our Best Beaches in Chicago for Families article, and don't forget to plan a few more Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways this summer as well.

Daytona Beach is an exciting Florida vacation destination where kids will have a blast! Daytona Beach, Florida is a vibrant, coastal city with a ton of kid-friendly activities. From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, Daytona Beach is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities.

Whether your little ones are beach enthusiasts, animal lovers, or aspiring race car drivers, this Florida beach near Orlando has something to spark their imaginations and create unforgettable memories. And as a Florida native myself, I have great memories of Daytona Beach summer vacations with my family!

In addition to warmth, sunshine, and gorgeous beaches, the best family beach vacations offer extra activities to make summer travel truly magical. After all, is it even a real beach vacation without a round of themed mini golf, a scenic cruise or bike ride, or endless visits to local ice cream shops? 

We've rounded up 21 of the best family beach vacations for summer travel in the US, starting from Florida and the South, up to the Northeast and New England, and all the way across the country to California. For each one, we've highlighted some of the best aquariums, zoos, museums, and other fun things to do with kids.

Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more summer travel ideas, including epic road trips, exciting all-inclusive resorts, and the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path.

Though summer in the DC area can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat—including a plethora of delicious ice cream shops near DC that are sure so satisfy any sweet tooth. And while we've got plenty of love for the nationwide ice cream chains, sometimes you just want to go somewhere more local and special.

Read on for our list of 15 great ice cream shops near DC, many of which are near other attractions like parks and playgrounds. Some of them stick with what they do best (ice cream), while others offer extra goodies such as cookies and cakes.

For more great ways to keep cool this summer—including our lists of outdoor water parks and free public swimming pools near DC—check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids. 

So much to do, so little time: That’s an often-heard summer refrain on Long Island’s East End, where vacationers and residents alike struggle to pack as many things to do as possible into the 80-odd days between school years. We're here to help with our list of the best family beaches, state and county parks, pools, mini-golf courses, and even indoor options to explore in the Hamptons and North Fork this summer.

So, whether you're visiting the East End for the first time or are part of a well-established local family, have a look at this kid-friendly list of great summer activities. While you’re at it, check out our Famly Guide to the Hamptons and North Fork, and find more seasonal must-dos in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

There is no one way to be a great dad. However, there is a ton of advice out there on how to be a good dad. These positive parenting tips come directly from Mommy Poppins readers, writers, and editors—plus some dads and spouses—and offer a little guidance down the road of Fatherhood.

While some of these are funny, you might want to have tissues handy, as the dads—and a few moms who couldn't resist chiming in—had some pretty heartfelt advice! If you're looking to roar with laughter at some dad humor, might we suggest these 50 funny dad jokes, from sports and Star Wars jokes to parenthood jokes and gags

One thing sure stood out, and pretty much every single dad mentioned it. Can you guess what it is?

Are you ready for the best summer ever? Aye, Aye, Captain! Mommy Poppins is bringing you the #UltimateSummer with the best activities all summer long, cool deals, and we're teaming up with Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts for a huge, all-included giveaway to Nick Resort Punta Cana.

Our Ultimate Summer Vacation Guides are here to help you with the best things to do in your area or wherever you're traveling—all summer long. We redesigned our guides with a fresh new look and made it easier to find all the best pools, beaches, day trips, festivals, and our top event and activity picks.   

We're bringing the action to social, too. We'll be sharing our picks, posting deals, and Reels, and doing weekly giveaways announced on social each Tuesday.

Read on for more details, links to our guides, and be sure to bookmark your local Ultimate Summer Guide, your go-to resource for summer fun!

To see, or not to see Shakespeare in the Park with kids? That is the perpetual question when it comes to Shakespeare and other classics. While FREE outdoor mountings of the Bard's iconic plays abound in NYC every summer, some are more family-friendly than others. The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park productions get all the press and feature big stars, but also involve hard-to-get tickets, long run times, and prickly patrons who may give you the stink eye if your child gets fidgety. Happily, lots of other local troupes put on quality, no-cost Shakespeare shows in various NYC parks. These revivals don't require tickets or reservations, are engaging and accessible, and often clock in at less than two hours, so your kids have a better chance of making it all the way through (and if they don't, just leave quickly and quietly—no money wasted!).

I started taking my daughter to outdoor Shakespeare when she was 7 and now, as a teen, she's totally hooked. Here are nine FREE classic shows to enjoy with your kids this summer, plus tips on how to make the most of the experience, and the lowdown on how to get tickets to Shakespeare in the Park if that's atop your list. Find all our picks for kid-friendly theater no matter the season in our Guide to Children's Theater in New York City.