Editor's note: Fleet Week 2026 will take place from Saturday, July 4-Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers. 

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our backyard. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks. 

Spring cleaning always has me looking for places to donate clothes, toys, and other goods in NYC. With two adults and three kids in my family's typically small NYC apartment, all the stuff that floods our home stresses me out! That's why this is my favorite time of year to donate my kids' gently (or sometimes never!) used clothes, toys, books, and other items. It allows us to free up some space, support worthy charities, and get the whole family in a giving mindset.

We've gathered details on several organizations where you can donate clothes in NYC. Be sure to contact the charities directly to confirm what they accept and how best to drop off.

Now that you've reclaimed some closet space, take a peek at our guides to the best baby stores in NYC and the coolest vintage and thrift shops for teens to find the next size up, no matter your kids' ages!

Looking for something to do with kids in the Hamptons? The Children's Museum of the East End, or CMEE, is one of Long Island's top museums for children and should be on every parent's bucket list.

This interactive museum packs a lot into its square footage, with children's activities around every corner. On a recent visit, my two kids had a blast with the interactive exhibits, running around the play areas, and putting on a show with the puppet theater. Check out our guide below for all the information you'll need for your upcoming visit. 

Before you plan your next outing, take a look at our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids, which includes our story on Long Island's top museums for kids.

Find CT's top indoor and outdoor adventure parks for family fun!

Take the kids on a walking tour of a new neighborhood with this handy itinerary guide.

Tucked into the scenic Texas Hill Country and nestled along the crystal-clear Frio River, Garner State Park in Concan is a classic choice for a weekend getaway with kids. With more than 1,700 acres of trails, swimming holes, and family traditions like nightly jukebox dances, it’s easy to see why generations of Texans return to Garner year after year. If you're looking to trade city noise for cypress trees and starry skies—this is the spot.

Whether you’re tubing the river, roasting s’mores, or bunking in a riverside cabin, Garner offers something for every kind of family adventurer. Read our tips for things to do in Garner State Park and our cabin and camping recommendations. And while you're in the area, check out our Texas Hill Country with Kids article and our picks for Best Hill Country Swimming Holes. 

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are a must-do to escape the brutal summer heat. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone. Atlanta has big water parks as well as county and city-run aquatic centers so we've included them all. 

Before heading out to these Atlanta outdoor water parks, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)