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. 

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.

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.

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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!

Cool off with slides, wave pools, and more at these New England water parks.

The 4th of July is almost here, and fireworks will be lighting up the night sky all over the Hudson Valley. We have rounded up the top spots to watch these holiday sparklers throughout the region on July 4th proper and the surrounding dates. Our picks for festivities include the ultra kid-friendly Red, White, and Boom at Legoland New York, and a trio of Hudson Valley Renegades' games that culminate in a fireworks grand finale.

Looking for other great things to do with your kids this season? Check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

When it comes to things to do in NYC, we're officially summer dreaming, and you're the beneficiary. We're sharing our summer bucket list of the top 50 things to do this summer in NYC with kids. Our picks are a mix of annual favorites and can't-miss, one-time-only events that prove the best vacation may just be a staycation.

Be sure to bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our list of 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer for even more seasonal fun.