Free Boat Rides in NYC from Kayaks to Sailboats and More

Kids can join parents for kayaking in NYC at Hudson River Park. Photo courtesy the Manhattan Community Boathouse

With all the water surrounding New York City, it's no wonder there are so many sightseeing cruises and fun ferry rides to great kid destinations. If you want to be your own captain, NYC offers many seasonal opportunities for families to get out on the water by themselves with FREE sailing, canoeing, rowing, and kayaking in NYC.

We've rounded up 11 great New York City organizations offering boating sessions on the local waterways. Find more fun ways to get wet in our Guide to Beaches and Lakes Near NYC.

100 Best Dad Jokes for Kids That Are Bad, Corny, and Funny!

Laugh—or cringe—together with these dad jokes!

The best dad jokes for kids are sometimes the silliest or most cliché jokes around. The cringier the better, right?

But we’re showing up for you, Dad. We've rounded up 100 of our favorite one-liners, puns, corny dad jokes, and even bad dad jokes that are sure to make someone in the family chuckle this Father's Day and all year long. Maybe.

Read on for 100 of the best dad jokes for kids, from animal and food jokes to sports and pop culture gags. Find even more laughs—including our list of 75 jokes for kids that will keep the whole family in giggles—in our Boredom Busters for Kids guide.

6 Innovative, Must-Have Baby Products That Make Mom Life Easier

Momcozy creates cutting-edge products for new and expecting mothers, designed to deliver choice and comfort.

From a mobile hands-free breast pump to portable video baby monitors and more, Momcozy creates innovative, essential baby products that work with your life.

Technology moves so quickly these days—and yet the women behind Momcozy noticed that innovation in the motherhood space was frustratingly slow. So, in 2017, they set out to create essential baby gear that was actually optimized for moms’ everyday lives. Making sure to involve mothers in the research and design process, they started by creating a breast pump bra that would provide a more comfortable and hands-free pumping experience. Of course, it was an instant success.

Since then, Momcozy has continued to create cutting-edge products for new and expecting mothers, designed to deliver more choice and comfort. Read on for a few of our favorite must-have items–from a cordless portable pump that tucks conveniently into your bra to a rechargeable bottle warmer designed to heat milk and formula on-the-go–and exclusive discount codes.

Best Parks to Throw an Outdoor Birthday Party in New Jersey

Celebrate a birthday at Thompson Park under the picnic shelter. Photo courtesy of the park

Looking for outdoor birthday party ideas for New Jersey kiddos born in spring, summer, or early fall? Don't worry–we've got lots of outdoor birthday party ideas that take advantage of all the great natural beauty NJ has to offer. An added bonus is that outdoor parties are often more budget-friendly than indoor party palaces. 

Read on for New Jersey parks, playgrounds, and nature centers where kids can have some old-fashioned birthday party fun. And be sure to check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NJ for more party planning inspo. 

Discover the Beauty of Bugs at Imaginari a Brand-New Insect-Inspired Exhibit

Imaginari illuminates the beauty of bugs with artistic installations. Photo courtesy of Imaginari Co.

You might not think much of bugs, but the newly opened Imaginari exhibit aims to change that. Located on the northern tip of the family-friendly Tribeca neighborhood, Imaginari has collaborated with artists of different mediums to bring you a little closer to the world of insects, inviting you to take a look at the hidden beauty behind these ubiquitous critters. The exhibit is fun for all ages, bringing kids (and adults!) eye-to-eye with some of the smaller inhabitants of our planet. Here's what to expect from this buggy new exhibit.

Best Surf Schools for Surfing Lessons on Long Island

Learn to ride the waves with Skudin Surf in Long Beach. Photo by Jay Belsky

Surfing lessons are about embracing what summer on Long Island is all about–sun, sand, and catching waves at the beach. Surf schools from Nassau County to the East End offer epic experiences that ocean-loving kids will love. Aspiring young surfers can conquer the waves with surf lessons and learn invaluable water safety skills. So get ready for your little ones to hang ten like the pros. 

We rounded up a list of the best surf schools and surf camps Long Island has to offer for kids. For other kid-friendly, seasonal fun check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered directly to your inbox.

4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall: Best Spots to Watch the DC Fireworks

4th of July fireworks look stunning against the Washington Monument. Photo by Anthony Quintano via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Nothing says Independence Day like watching the 4th of July fireworks light up the night sky above the iconic memorials and monuments of Washington, DC. It's a sight many families are excited to check off their summer fun list, and that means viewing spots tend to get pretty crowded. Luckily, we have some ideas to help you navigate safely and get great views of the DC fireworks this year.

While it might pay to grab tickets to a family-friendly river cruise for the evening, you don't need to spend a dime to see the DC 4th of July fireworks in person. You just need to know where—and when—to go and what you might want to bring to make the most out of the evening.

Don't forget to check out our event calendar for a whole host of Independence Day celebrations throughout DC, Northern Virginia, and MD during the first week of July. Happy 4th of July!

Pages