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.

Despite its location so close to Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country. Accessible only by boat, the Channel Islands’ isolation makes them something of a well-kept Southern California secret, where visitors can enjoy a uniquely SoCal ecosystem on an unpopulated island. Make the trip at the right time of year, and you could even spot some whales along the way.

The islands are welcoming visitors again this spring, and boats are making trips to the islands several times a day. For intrepid campers, the campgrounds are also open. Read on to find out why a trip to the Channel Islands should be on every family's travel bucket list.

Sleepaway camp really hearkens back to a simpler time, doesn't it? Besides being a place where kids go screen free for weeks at a time in favor of splashing in lakes and singing around campfires, there's a real community feeling at overnight camp that allow kids to forge bonds that often last a lifetime. Luckily, you don't have to drive far to get your kiddo settled at a fantastic sleepaway camp. Read on for some of our favorite sleepaway camps that are located right here in Connecticut. 

Looking for more summer camp options? Check out these New England sleepaway camps with short sessions for younger kids as well as our complete Connecticut Summer Camp Guide.

While we love a good winter hike, there's nothing better than getting outside on a fresh spring day. After being cooped up all winter, we're excited for all of the open-air adventures to be had nearby, and the newly completed, 750-mile-long Empire State Trail has us feeling especially inspired to get out and explore.

Read on for more details about the trail and our favorite local sections with family-friendly pit stops nearby, whether you pick it up in Lower Manhattan or the Lower Hudson Valley. 

Boston has changed a lot in the last few decades, but one area of the city remains largely the same: the North End. Often called Boston’s Little Italy, its narrow streets are brimming with old world charm, historic sites, and delicious food. Whether you live in Boston or are just visiting, the neighborhood is a must-visit stop with kids.

New York City doesn't lack outdoor spaces for families to enjoy in all five boroughs, but there's always room for more. As Manhattan's far west side springs to life with new developments, we're excited to see brand new parks like Waterline Square Park opening, too.

At 2.6 acres, the green space, situated between 59th Street and 61st Street along 12th Avenue is a bright, artsy addition to the neighborhood, and its boldly designed children's playground does not disappoint.

Read on for our review of Manhattan's newest public park and find more great outdoor destinations in our Guide to NYC Parks and Playgrounds.