Car-Free Weekend Getaways From NYC

Explore the friendly, coastal New England town of Norwalk, Connecticut, with it's well-known aquarium and kid-friendly eat, no car required. Photo by Ally Noel

One of the best things about living in New York City is that a car-free lifestyle is completely possible. With different modes of transportation at your fingertips, you can get around without ever having to worry about where to park, even if you want to get away from the city for a few days. To that end, we've rounded up one dozen car-free weekend getaways.

You can reach these fun, family-friendly destinations—ranging from beaches to amusement parks and iconic cultural institutions—via subway, train, bus, ferry, or cab. Find more great day trips and getaways in our Family Travel Guide.

A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids

Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum

Whether they're excited about Amelia Earhart, the Wright brothers, or Buzz Lightyear, a visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut is a thrill for most kids with an interest in planes or flying.

Located in Windsor Locks, not far from Hartford and just yards away from the roaring planes that land and take off daily from Bradley International Airport, this aerospace museum is home to more than 100 historic aircraft on display and plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits sure to fuel their love of science and exploration.

The Best Campgrounds in Florida for Family Getaways

Your little princess will delight in a visit to Orlando/Kissimmee KOA. Photo courtesy of KOA Campgrounds

While Florida is known for its family-friendly hotels and resorts, the Sunshine State also has several options for gathering around a campfire and spending a night under the stars. 

We've rounded up a list of some of the best campgrounds from all across Florida. These campgrounds offer amenities for all ages to enjoy, including water slides, playgrounds, hiking trails, archery, horseback riding, and more.

In addition to the list below, many of Central Florida's natural springs offer campsites as well. New to RV camping?  Check out this beginner's guide.

EZ Dis Offers Families Free Disney Vacation Planning Services with No Catch

Founded by Magic Kingdom-loving mom and certified "Disney Master" Sandy Nussbaum-Giercyk, EZ Dis by Instant Impressions Travel Services has game-changed the Disney vacation planning process with their personal concierge-style services. Staffed with specialized consultants who know all the ins and outs of the parks and properties, the Disney authorized agency can help you customize and book your entire vacation at zero cost to you.

Why plan your trip with a Disney travel specialist, you ask? As Sandy says, planning a Disney vacation is like no other—and she would know! Not only has she been frequenting the park since she was a kid, but she now personally visits Walt Disney World® 7 to 10 times a year to keep her team and clients up to speed on the latest and greatest offerings. Known to attend multiple performances of every new show just to see it from all angles and to rotate through hotels on a 3-year cycle to review everything from the sheets to the pool, her one-of-a-kind informational vlogs, weekly podcasts, and hands-on planning services are worth their weight in Treasure Island gold (plus, she's undoubtedly earned that honorary Disney master's degree).

10 Great Things to Do with Kids and Families in Berwyn, Pa.

Pick from more than 40 flavors at Handel's Ice Cream parlor.

Nestled between the more populated towns of Wayne and Malvern, smaller but versatile Berwyn has much to offer residents, families and anyone coming to visit. Indulge your sweet tooth, learn a new skill, or wade in the creek, with many locations within a half-mile of each other in the heart of downtown Berwyn.

A visit to Berwyn, less than 20 miles west of Philadelphia, with your kids is worthwhile any time of year, but it's especially satisfying in the spring. That's why we think it's an ideal addition to our Philly Spring Fun Guide. We're sure you will, too.     

Play-Based Early Childhood Center at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Taking Applications for 2021-22

At the Early Childhood Center at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue on the Upper West Side, creative play-based learning and a commitment to helping kids build a strong Jewish identity are top priority. And with select spots available at the popular Manhattan nursery and pre-K program for kids ages 18 months to 5 years, applications are now open for the 2021-2022 school year.

8 Special Family Campgrounds near Boston with Extras for Kids

Camp in comfort in a yurt at Pinewood Lodge. Photo courtesy of the campground

Camping is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors while spending serious quality time with your family—and you can do it all for much less money than you'd spend at a Boston-area hotel or vacation rental home. While Massachusetts is home to many campgrounds and campsites, we have selected eight that go out of their way to create a kid-friendly experience that combines adventure and creature comforts.

Whether you are camping in a fancy lakeside yurt or a pop-up tent in your backyard, make downtime and evenings fun with these camping games to play with kids.

The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids

See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.

Are your little animals getting too wild inside of your house? Take them out to one of the Chicago area's many zoos or aquariums. These venues offer a chance to learn about wildlife, get outside, and support nonprofits that help animals around the world. Most Chicago families know about the two big zoos: Lincoln Park in the city and Brookfield Zoo. But families with younger kids might prefer some of these smaller zoos that require less walking, for those with shorter attention spans and little legs. Also, with a short drive across the border into Wisconsin or Indiana, kids can see a variety of animals that can't be found at the Chicago zoos!

To meet animals that are a little bit less wild, check out our list of favorite farms near Chicago. Or take a hike to see animals in the actual wild.

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

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