Peekskill, New York, is most diverse city in Westchester and sits at its northeast corner, firmly grounded by the Hudson River. There are plenty of fun things to do in Peekskill. The friendly town is a magnet for artists, gourmands, and families all over the area.

Read on to learn why this unofficial gateway between to the Hudson Valley—with its river views and delicious restaurants—is sure to delight the whole family. Then, add a visit to Peekskill, New York, to your weekend trip bucket list, and find more local places to explore in our Day Trips Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Chicago is home to world-class museums like The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. But did you know that dozens of small museums in Chicago have quirky and cool attractions for locals and visitors alike? We hit the pavement to find the most unique small museums in Chicago because if there's one thing kids love, it's weird and out-of-the-ordinary things. And who knows? Your kids might even develop a new hobby after visiting one of the off-the-beaten-path museums on our list.

Is your favorite missing from the list? Let us know, and we'll make sure to get there soon! 

I’ve been working in local museums for many years planning family programs, early childhood classes, and school field trips. As both a parent and a museum professional whose focus is on creating kid-friendly museum experiences, I can share some of my favorite museums for kids in the Washington, DC area.

Here's a list of some of the best off-the-beaten-path museums for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For even more museums to explore, check out our Washington, DC Museum Guide, which includes our lists of free museums near DC to visit with kids and the best museums for kids in the DC area.

All aboard for trains for kids in Los Angeles! There's something about the clickety-clack of the railroad tracks, the comforting bounce of the train cars, and that booming whistle that gives kids all the giggles and glee. If your kids love trains as much as mine, you are probably looking for the best places to take kids who love trains in Los Angeles. The good news is, that LA is packed with train-themed fun. 

I've pulled together a list of all the places my train-loving littles enjoy to share with you all. If you're looking for ideas on trains for kids in Los Angeles, check out this Instagram Reel featuring five great trains in the LA area. Chugga chugga choo choo, here we go! 

Looking for more family fun? Browse our list of the best playgrounds in Los Angeles, discover the best botanical gardens for LA kids, and find more fun in our Parks and Playgrounds of Los Angeles & Orange County Guide. 

Fans of the hit Netflix show Squid Game can now play experience the thrills and excitement of the games in real life. At the new, immersive pop-up Squid Game: The Experience, players compete in five different games inspired by the show—but only one will win.

Unlike the actual show, this new experience is totally safe and family-friendly. I recently went to experience the games with my 8-year-old son, and we had a fantastic time. Read on for everything you need to know about Squid Game: The Experience

Find all of our recommendations or the best new things to do in NYC with kids in our Guide to New Openings for Kids in NYC.

Sometimes all you need are a few really great bedtime stories for kids...

The homework is finished, the baths are complete, the children are snuggled in their beds... and they're still awake! A truly tantalizing tale is the final piece of the bedtime puzzle. Whether you read these books to your kids, read them together as a family, or play the audio versions, these beloved bedtime stories for kids will help them drift off to dreamland in no time. There are even some free bedtime stories you can easily access online, for those nights when you need something new.

Dim the lights, get cozy, and crack open one of these 30 great bedtime stories for kids. For even more great books, check out our list of 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up, plus more beloved book recommendations in our Guide to the Best Kids' Books.

When it comes to celebrating the power of play, there’s no place more dedicated to the childhood pastime than The Strong National Museum of Play. Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, New York, The Strong National Museum of Play might be one of the best children’s museums in the United States, but it’s far more than a kids-only space.

Fresh off a 90,000-square-foot expansion that debuted in 2023, The Strong Museum is home to plenty of hands-on exhibits guaranteed to entertain kids for a day or more—and it’s also the largest collections-based museum in the world. This combination makes it a great all-ages destination as adults are guaranteed to find plenty of nostalgia in its galleries, which include the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Read on to learn why The Strong National Museum of Play is a must-visit Upstate New York attraction and why it makes a perfect jumping-off point to explore the region from the Flower City to the Finger Lakes, and nearby Buffalo and Niagara Falls beyond.