So you didn't really plan a summer vacation this year? While getting out of town for a week (or even a weekend) can sometimes be impossible, just a day away can refresh and recharge. We’ve gathered up 21 summer day trips from Chicago with kids in the car for a couple of hours (or less) and still offer a change of scene and plenty of fun. From beaches to hikes to slides, we've rounded up some fun-filled day trips away from the city for the whole family to enjoy. 

For more local trip ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide or our list of the Best Lakeside Resorts for Families.

Atlantic City isn't the first shore town to come to mind when you think kid-friendly, but beyond the casino lights, this Jersey Shore town packs plenty of family-friendly fun, including an action-packed boardwalk with a legendary amusement park and a sandy shoreline.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Atlantic City with kids, and find lots more entertaining options in our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

Looking for screen-free activities for teens? Read on for our list of 100 fun ideas.

Bored teens usually turn to one thing—screens. But too much time playing video games, texting, watching YouTube, and binge-watching TV isn't healthy for anyone.

So the next time your teen says, "I'm bored," show them this list of 100 things they can do to pass the time. It includes both solo activities for teens and things they can do with siblings or friends, including fun games for teens, crafts for teens, outdoor activities, cooking projects, and more.

Our Teen and Tween Activities Guide offers more guidance on raising your no-longer-little kids, from our Teen and Tween Gift Guide to ideas for college care packages.

One of New York City's original residential neighborhoods, it's no surprise Tribeca overflows with family-friendly things to do. Tribeca was initially settled back in the 1700s, and the area became a hub of industrial and commercial activity in the 1900s, but its heyday didn't last. By post-World War II, it was a ghost town with only a few hundred residents, and block after block of empty warehouses. Thanks to all of that affordable loft space, artists and bohemians flocked to Tribeca in the 1980s and by the 2000s it had been reinvented once again as one of Manhattan's most affluent and amenity-filled areas.

Today, this unique neighborhood is in high demand with families thanks to its great public schools, the beautiful waterfront Hudson River Park, thriving locally owned businesses, kid-friendly restaurants, and a funky downtown vibe. Here's a look at our favorite things to do in Tribeca with kids, including our favorite spots to eat, play, and shop.

Air conditioned arcades in Atlanta offer a needed respite during hot, humid days (and let's be honest, the winters can be harsh as well). These Atlanta arcades provide entertainment during summer and school breaks, after school time, weekends, and even birthdays. The entertainment factor gets even better at some of these arcades, as some feature go-karts, bowling, axe throwing, delicious food, and more. 

Check out our favorite arcades in and around Atlanta, specified by age groups as some arcades are geared toward teens/tweens and some are more appropriate for younger kids. Happy gaming!

The Orlando Science Center (OSC) recently debuted a permanent exhibit, Life, that focuses on nature and conservation. Presented by Dr. Sarah Layton, Life narrates the conservation story through the animals that share our planet. I recently visited, and my kids loved exploring the immersive environments and hands-on exhibits that show how human actions impact all living things, locally and globally.

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

It may not be baseball or softball season year-round, but the variety of batting cages near DC means the hitting doesn't have to stop. From indoor batting cages with fancy pitching machines and video analysis to outdoor, token-operated batting cages, little sluggers of all ages and skill levels can practice their swing all year long.

Here are 14 outdoor and indoor batting cages near DC for young baseball or softball enthusiasts. Find more physical fun for kids in our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More. And if your child can't get enough baseball, try some of these Little League baseball drills you can do at home.