Sunflower picking season is almost upon us! There's something magical about frolicking in a sea of sunflowers on a summer day that delights children of all ages and adults. From August and into September, there are countless sunflower farms and sunflower field activities in the Philadelphia area to choose from, including picking your own flowers, taking professional photos, or making your way through a sunflower maze. Read on to learn about the best sunflower farms near Philly for the whole family to enjoy. 

If you're looking for more pick-your-own activities, check out our Guide to Farm and U-Pick Fun. For more summer fun, don't miss our Summer Activity Guide.

There are so many things to do in Boston with kids. Steeped in history, compact, and easy to navigate (on foot, at least), Boston is the best city to raise kids. And Boston offers a wealth of opportunities for family fun that are hard to pass up. With our list of top family activities, Mommy Poppins can help to make sure you don’t miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in Boston. We’ve included well-known favorites from the Freedom Trail to our glorious shoreline, as well as some of our more hidden local gems on this 100 not-to-be-missed, kid-friendly list of Boston activities.

If you want the exotic feel of a foreign country without leaving the US, consider visiting St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for your next warm and sunny family vacation. Many visit St. Thomas as a cruise-stop destination, but there's so much more to explore beyond the ports. The US territory has its own unique charm with breathtaking beaches, crystal-blue water, friendly locals, and gorgeous red roofs climbing the hills outside its capital city, Charlotte Amalie. And the best part? No passports are needed to enter!

Here are 25 of the best things to do in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with kids, including some great St. Thomas resorts, hotels, and restaurants. You'll see why St. Thomas, Virgin Islands is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean, which you can read more about it in our Caribbean Family Travel Guide.

A birthday party in a Chicago park is a great way to host a kid's birthday party without spending thousands of dollars. We’ve compiled a list of some great parks in Chicago that have field houses and party rooms to rent, or just great grassy and picnic areas available for a free kid’s birthday party. Many of these spaces also allow you to bring in outside food and entertainment. Chicago parks are great for a small birthday party where you want to decorate a few picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the playground. 

While almost all parks and playgrounds in Chicago allow small gatherings for free, the City of Chicago does require a permit for gatherings of 50 people or more or those serving adult drinks. If you’re unsure, call the local field house manager of the park you’re considering. We’ve also noted below which park has a free public pool available for those summer birthday kids.

For more great free parks in Chicago, visit this guide for the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds as well as our round-up of the Best Playgrounds in Chicago. And don't forget to check our Kids' Birthday Party Places in Chicago Guide, too.

It's high season for visiting some of the best mini golf courses in Connecticut! Along with ice cream visits, fruit picking, and beach days, miniature golf is an essential family outing during the summer months. Mini golf is great for all ages. And a round of 18 holes is easy on the family budget. Many miniature golf courses offer all day or weekly pricing deals. Some even offer a chance at a free round with a hole in one. These Connecticut courses have entertaining obstacles and challenging terrains at every hole. Many places offer ice cream, food options, and additional recreational attractions to turn miniature golf into an all day adventure for the entire family. 

Read on to find a mini golf course near you. You can make a mini golf outing part of an awesome summer day trip in Connecticut. And always check our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for the latest from our summer fun experts!

Indoor mini-golf lets your family enjoy all the fun of putting and playing without having to brave the weather. When it’s hot (or wet, or cold) the best indoor mini-golf courses near Boston fit the bill. Some of these spots are large fun centers, with arcades, go karts, and other attractions. And many of the best indoor mini golf courses offer fun treats like ice cream! There's an indoor mini golf course near you, from Saugus and Peabody on the North Shore, to Marlborough, Norwood, and North Attleboro. And we've rounded up some of the best indoor mini-golf courses from New Hampshire, Connecticut, and around New England.

For more family fun on the little links, check out 10 Fun Mini Golf Courses Near Boston. And explore our guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Boston Kids, where you can find our expert tips for indoor fun.

Rock climbing in Houston gives kids an indoor activity that provides plenty of exercise during the dog days of summer and the four days of Houston's winter. Plus, grownups can participate in most rock climbing gyms, too. Rock climbing is a great way for the whole family to gain strength and flexibility, to learn new skills and build confidence, and to practice teamwork.

Here are some great rock climbing gyms in Houston where families can learn how to climb together! And for more activities that take place in the air conditioning, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids.

Rock Climbing Gyms are a great way to get kids moving all year round, and the best part is, you can join in on the fun, too! Whether you're a beginner climber, or it's your new favorite hobby, there are gyms all over the area to provide a uniquely fun day for you and the kids alike.

Looking for more indoor fun? Check out our Indoor Activities Guide or Museum Guide, especially if the weather's got you down!