While there are no full-fledged outdoor water parks in NYC, you don't have to go too far to find awesome water parks for kids. Below, we've rounded up 17 of our favorite water parks near NYC for families.

These tri-state area water parks include water parks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, plus in-state picks like the spectacular Splish Splash water park on Long Island.

No two are alike: Each one of these water parks for kids near NYC has different experiences and thrills, and all are within a two-hour drive of Midtown Manhattan.

Find more summer thrills in our Theme and Water Parks Guide, including indoor water parks for kids near NYC to explore on those rainy or cold days.

The idyllic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the lower Shenandoah Valley has a lot to offer with its unparalleled history and breathtaking beauty. Located along the Appalachian Trail, there are miles of hikes to explore with kids. And for history buffs, there is so much to learn, as Harpers Ferry, WV was a crucial spot for Civil War clashes, abolitionist raids, and civil rights struggles.

Take a family day trip or weekend trip from DC to Harpers Ferry to enjoy natural beauty, get some exercise, and learn about American history. Here are the best things to do in Harpers Ferry with kids, plus tips on visiting.

Find more great places to visit in our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids, which includes our list of 40 fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley with kids.

No matter the weather outside, an Orlando arcade is always prime summer entertainment. Arcades offer a fun respite from summer's brutal heat and neverending showers. More than just video games, many of these arcades offer additional attractions like bowling, go-karts, and more. Kids and teens (and many parents) will love playing at these arcades, so take a look at our top finds!

New and old collide in the pretty Bucks County, Pennsylvania, countryside, where young families can play the day away at Sesame Place and older kids can enjoy Revolutionary War history at Washington Crossing Historic Park. From real castles to playground castles, ice cream shops to kayaking, Bucks County is a sweet spot for a family weekend getaway. Just an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours from NYC, Bucks County is the perfect place to visit with kids. 

Ready to plan a trip? Read on for our list of 30 kid-friendly places in Bucks County to play, learn, eat, and stay. We've divided it into four family-friendly mini itineraries. Choose one or get some ideas to mix and match an adventure of your own. 

Kids can make a splash at these great public pools in the Miami and South Florida areas. 

The Water Main water park at Diggerland USA is officially open for the summer season. Both the construction-themed aquatic park and theme park, with 40 rides and attractions, are open 7 days a week from now through early September.

Since first opening in 2021, the Water Main aquatic park has made Diggerland USA a particularly epic warm-weather destination. Included with the cost of regular theme park admission, the expansive water park features a massive wave pool, awesome water slides, multiple splash pads, a lazy river, and more–talk about two for the price of one! Plus, it’s the perfect place to cool down after hours of operating tractors and diggers. Before you head over to Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey, read on for our review of the Water Main, plus a rundown of the park’s newest rides, and activities for the littlest visitors.

Locals say that Panama City Beach has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and after days spent walking them, you won’t get an argument from my family. Whether you call it the Florida Pan Handle, the Emerald Coast (for its sparkling, emerald-green water), or the Sugar Coast (for its fine white sandy beaches), the northern Gulf Coast of Florida is a gem of a family vacation spot.

No need to choose between walks on white sand beaches and action-packed days at family-friendly attractions, Panama City Beach has it all. Plus, my daughter’s personal favorite: loads of animal interactions (Peanut, the cuddly baby capybara, we miss you!). All that, plus incredible seafood, welcoming locals, and totally reasonable rates. What are you waiting for?

For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

When the weather warms up in the DC area, families go on the hunt for restaurants with outdoor seating. That's because not only is dining al fresco a great way to enjoy the pleasant temps, it's also so much less stressful with younger kids, who have more room to stretch their little legs.

Here are 15 great restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with outdoor patios, gardens, or rooftops where kids can soak up the fresh air and even (at some of them) run around. A few of these restaurants with outdoor seating also offer extras like lawn games, fire pits, and dog menus.

For more yummy DC-area restaurants for kids and families, including restaurants where kids can play and great breakfast restaurants for kids and families, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.