New York City's Central Park is one of the most beautiful and functional parks in the country. When it was built, Central Park was actually excavated down so visitors don't see the city when they're inside.

This “escape” feature makes Central Park the perfect place to picnic with the kiddos, and the following Central Park destinations are just five of my family's favorite spots. Some are city staples, but a few are secret landing spots hidden in plain sight.

Travel with the family to the African grasslands without leaving Long Island with a visit to the all-new giraffe encounter experience at White Post Farms in Melville. Pose for selfies, pet the giraffes, and maybe even get a kiss from a long-necked cutie. Read on for details about how to get to know one of the tallest animals in the world. 

For more fun with animals, check out our Guide to Long Island Zoos and Gardens, which includes our list of Long Island's best petting zoos.

Bowling is a classic game that the whole family can enjoy. In Houston, Texas, you'll find a variety of bowling alleys that cater to families, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages. Ramps and lane-side bumpers help younger bowlers who struggle with lifting heavy bowls or keeping their bowls on track. Many of the bowling spots also have arcades or other entertainment. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, these family-friendly bowling alleys in Houston are sure to provide a fantastic experience for everyone. Just don't forget socks!

Santa Barbara offers a lovely coastal getaway with the promises of balmy breezes and swaying palm trees. An easy day trip from Los Angeles at a hundred or so miles away, this picturesque seaside community offers equally glorious ocean and mountain views in every direction. 

While Santa Barbara provides endless serenity, it's also a marvelous place to take the kids. Home to one of America's best small zoos, a plethora of enticing museums, and playgrounds with ocean views and castles to climb through, it's a perfect family destination. Keep reading below for the not-to-miss kid-friendly local attractions in Santa Barbara. 

Combine your Santa Barbara excursion with things to do in Ventura with kids or an adventure to the Channel Islands, and check out other nearby destinations to pack the car for in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families. 

Orlando, known for theme parks and attractions, also offers a unique and invigorating indoor experience for kids: indoor rock climbing! Orlando indoor rock climbing facilities provide a safe and controlled environment for children to scale vertical walls (insert Spidey senses!) and conquer challenging routes. With a range of climbing options catering to different age groups and skill levels, indoor rock climbing gyms in Central Florida offer an excellent opportunity for kids to develop physical strength, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.

Planning a creative birthday party for children, year after year, can leave you running out of ideas. And with Miami's unpredictable weather, coming up with a fail-safe indoor birthday party location can be even more challenging. We have compiled great options for the best indoor birthday party in Miami and South Florida that any child would love!

When the temperature soars, Westchester and Hudson Valley families have to come up with strategies to beat the heat. We've got 25 ideas for how to keep cool—whether you love the outdoors or prefer to stay in the air conditioning.

Our list includes outdoor spots like parks with splash pads and awesome pools where you can take a dip, as well as indoor havens such as kid-friendly museums. We have even included exceptional frozen-treat spots so you can indulge in ice cream and other goodies.

For even more summer fun, be sure to bookmark our Event Calendar, and check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

Looking for ways to beat the heat on Long Island? Here are 26 awesome things to do during a heat wave.

Deep summer usually brings high temps and plenty of humidity, leaving Long Island families scrambling to find ways to cool off. Whether you want to bask in the sunshine or chill in central AC, there are plenty of options in both Nassau and Suffolk counties to help you beat the heat—and all are guaranteed fun for every age. After all, you want to enjoy every bit of summer before school begins. 

Find more great outdoorsy things to do in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.