Who knew there was an ultra-easy overnight camping option for Houston families inside the loop? The Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire has launched Campfire Nights—a way to experience the great outdoors without leaving the city. Gather a group of no more than 10 people for an evening of staff-led outdoor activities that include night hiking, animal encounters, and plenty of s'mores. Stay for the overnight package, and you can cozy up in sleeping bags and tents right on the lawn, waking up to donuts and coffee waiting in the morning. 

Ever wonder what it would be like to dig with an excavator, drive a real dump truck, or find out for yourself just how high a telehandler really goes?

With spring in the air and Easter quickly approaching, it’s an exciting time of seasonal change and holiday celebrations. We’ve rounded up fun Easter dessert recipes to make with (or for) kids, some charming Easter brunch ideas, and Easter recipes that will make your family's celebration special this year. Whether you’re breaking lent and observing traditions, or simply having a joyful spring celebration, there’s a winning Easter recipe here for everyone. 

For more ideas on planning a memorable holiday for the family check out our easy Easter crafts for kids, creative ways to dye Easter eggs, and tons of Easter egg hunts you can have at home.

New York City's Outdoor spaces and playgrounds have been lifesavers for so many families in the past year, and when you had your fill of the local park, consider a visit to one of these 10 newly opened and refurbished playgrounds throughout the five boroughs. With funding from the Community Parks Initiative and local community groups, the NYC Parks Department worked through the pandemic to bring these new projects to completion.

Here's our list of 10 new and updated playgrounds worth visiting now. Of course, you can find plenty more destination-worthy jungle gyms in our Guide to Parks and Playground for NYC Kids.

With the weather turning warmer and the flowers blooming, Long Island's beautiful botanical gardens are ready to welcome you on your next outdoor excursion. These gorgeous spots are perfect venues to enjoy a picnic, admire the landscape, and learn a thing or two about the flora around us. The best part is that, unless noted, admission to most of these sites is FREE.

For more warm-weather fun, check out our Spring Fun Guide and Event Calendar.

Los Angeles is a busy, bustling, metropolis filled with museums, cultural events, and fabulous restaurants. But even as all these favorite spots reopen, and the pace of life picks up again, sometimes families need to get in touch with nature, whether it’s playing at the park, taking a family hike, or a toddler or stroller-friendly walk in the forest. Whatever age or stage the kids are at, getting out there and connecting with nature is so rejuvenating. 

Thankfully, Los Angeles is full of places to get a dose of nature therapy, take a break from the screens, and slow down our rhythms to observe some wildlife. The following places are all amazing for birdwatching (one of the easiest ways for kids to get into wildlife in Los Angeles) as well as spotting other furry and scaly critters.

We suspect everyone could use a little dose of Vitamin Sea right about now, so we've rounded up some gorgeous, kid-friendly beach house rentals on Airbnb. It's hard to resist a charming beach cottage and all the vacation can offer to a busy family: fresh salt air, lazy days, gorgeous views, ice cream after every meal, board games on rainy days, and long walks with the family along the shore.

These lovely beach cottages along the East Coast come stocked with tons of family-friendly amenities like pools, easy beach access, sports and beach equipment, and more. From the charming New England coastline of Maine down to the sunny shores of Florida, these beach house rentals offer plenty of room to stretch out those sandy toes and sip a glass of sunshine on the porch.

Find more inspiration in our Family Travel Guide.

Following a year of shutdowns and closures, summer is firmly on the horizon, and we're all anticipating the return of cherished summer rituals, like visiting our favorite amusement parks and water parks. Following shortened season or limited runs in 2020, many amusement parks in the tristate area are set to reopen with a bang this summer. After an offseason of busy behind-the-scenes building, thrilling new rides and attractions await at amusement parks in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

From the debut world's fastest single-rail roller coaster at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure to the new Legoland Resort opening in upstate New York, we've got a sneak peek at what's in store when it comes to summer thrills.