The Best Free Swimming Pools in Philly for Families

Enjoy all eight lanes of Kelly Pool. Photo courtesy of Mica Root for phillypublicpools.com

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools, which include more than 60 pools around Philadelphia, offer a combination of open swim, family swim, lessons, and activities. There’s bound to be a wet and wild adventure not too far from home. So pack the towels and sunscreen in a bag, and head out for a dip.

Looking for more water fun this summer? We've got plenty! Check out some of the Best Water Parks Near Philly, or splash around at one of the areas Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds. If you'd like a more relaxing day on the water, you'll love these Swimming Lakes Near Philly.

Best Swimming Pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families

Make a splash at Saxon Woods Pool, which is Westchester 's biggest pool. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Parks

Looking for the best swimming pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are our picks to add to your list.

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini golf, and other activities worthy of a summer day trip. We've rounded up a baker's dozen of our favorite family-friendly pools in the region. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before heading out.

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

Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Los Angeles Kid

A pool party is the best summer birthday party. Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl Aquatic Center

A pool party is the epitome of a summer birthday party for a kid in Los Angeles. 

The sun is out, summer is here, and it's time for (pool) party! If you don't have a pool at home, an HOA pool, or (let's be honest) friends and family with pools, then check out these cool pool party spots all around the city that welcome you, your kids, and your kids' friends to take the birthday party plunge. 

For more birthday ideas, here are the perfect spots for a baby's first birthday in Los Angeles, the best places for a teen birthday in Los Angeles, and even more in our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Los Angeles Kids

Columbus with Kids: 33 Things to Do in Columbus, OH

The Franklin Park Conservatory features 30 larger-than-life animal topiaries on display during Garden Safari.  Photo courtesy of the garden

From the Wendy's fast-food empire to legendary gymnast Simone Biles, Columbus, OH has a long history of nurturing creativity and innovation. This bustling hub is the second-largest city in the Midwest, lovingly nicknamed “the biggest small town”. Whether you’re looking for awesome metro parks, thrilling water slides, hands-on science museums, or nationally recognized animal conservation, Columbus, OH has something for everyone in the family.

As a lifelong Columbus local, I am proud to share the top 33 things to do in Columbus, OH with kids, including some great family-friendly Columbus hotels and restaurants. Check out our Midwest Family Vacation Guide for more midwestern cities to visit, from Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND.

NEW AutoCamp Zion is Glamping Glory in Canyon Country

AutoCamp Zion is a family-friendly glamping experience in the Utah desert. Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland

Autocamp Zion is a brand-new glamping resort next to Utah's Virgin River that just opened for the 2023 season, and is an attractive option for a place to stay when visiting Zion National Park. My husband and I recently took our one-year-old son to Zion, and we had the pleasure of staying at Autocamp Zion and seeing all that it has to offer. 

This resourceful glamping site has all the luxuries you never thought you needed while still being in the thick of a serene outdoor landscape. Keep reading below to find out more about our experience. 

For more glamping options, check out the best glamping near Los Angeles, including AutoCamp Joshua Tree, and plan your next national park adventure with our U.S. National Parks Family Travel Guide.

Top New England Camping Spots: Campgrounds for Families

Families can enjoy outdoor fun and connect with nature at these top New England camping spots! Photo courtesy of the Pine Acres Family Resort in Oakham, Massachusetts

From the beachfront to the lakefront, mountain views, to ocean views, here are the top New England camping spots. These campgrounds provide families with vacation memories to last a lifetime. Are you looking for camping with resort-like amenities? Or maybe a more rustic experience to get away from the hustle and bustle? Our list of New England Campgrounds has something for every member of your family.

Check out all our vacationing expertise in our Family Travel Guide. And see our Ultimate Boston Kids Summer Vacation Guide and Ultimate Connecticut Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more summer fun!

Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots

See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

It feels like we're all searching for new ways to keep cool in Houston right now, and it's still only June. Staying cool during a heat wave with the kids is top priority these days, and while Houston has plenty of splash pads and pools, sometimes it's nice to beat the heat while enjoying someone else's air conditioning. Even though we love them, we know it can get expensive at indoor playgrounds and gyms, so we've included an entire section of free indoor fun ideas to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank. And if you don't mind dishing out some dollars for fun indoor experiences, the second half of this list includes our favorite paid entry Houston-area venues where you can escape the heat this summer. 

Find yourself in need of even more ideas? Be sure to check out our guide to free summer fun and full guide of things to do with Houston kids in the summer.

Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago

Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-see for kids. There's so much to do there, from the carnival rides and games to the indoor attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum. Best of all, Navy Pier itself is free to walk around (admission is required for museum and rides). With sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier offers some of the city’s best vantage points.

One of the best parts about Navy Pier is its location. You’re within a couple of miles of several Chicago museums, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, and more. Before or after you’re Navy Pier visit, check out our guides to the ultimate Chicago weekend with kids and 100 things to do in Chicago with kids before they grow up.

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