Hikes in Chicago are a fun family outing that's outdoors, close to home, and doesn't break the bank. Hiking with kids in one of Chicago's forest preserves or parks is a great way to get everyone outside, and there are many shady trails where you can beat the heat while getting some exercise.

We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite Chicago-area hiking spots, all within an hour's drive of the city, for a perfect family day trip. While some hiking trails may be better suited to bigger kids who can walk a mile or more on their own, plenty of these paths are stroller friendly—in fact, we’ve hiked a few with two preschoolers in a double stroller.  Who knows, maybe a local hike will inspire your family to take a trip to a national park this year or next.

It's beach weather in Texas, but if you're like us, you don't always feel like dealing with crowds and traffic. You’ve probably made the day trip to visit Galveston's beaches, or maybe even places like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, two popular Texas beach destinations. But with a coastline spanning 367 miles, there are plenty of beaches in Texas that offer sandy shores, amazing wildlife, and beautiful waters with less of a crowd. If you’re looking for a beach trip off the beaten path, consider one of these hidden gem Texas beaches.

There are 14 miles of beautiful beaches in NYC, with sandy shores to explore in four of the city's five boroughs, and many are easily accessible by ferry or train. Soon, there will even be a beach in Manhattan. As much as we enjoy hitting the Jersey Shore, Fire Island, and other Long Island beaches, we're not big fans of renting cars and sitting in traffic.

Luckily it's easy to hit the sand and surf by taking a ferry or subway to these beaches in NYC. From the "Bronx Rivera" to iconic Coney Island and the Rockaways, these urban seasides often offer just about everything suburban ones do—except the out-of-town commute.

Read on for details on our favorite beaches in NYC and find more seasonal fun in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Not only is Cocoa Beach, Florida one of the top surfing cities along the east coast, it's also a prime spot to take a weekend trip for Orlando families. Located about an hour away from Orlando, Cocoa Beach welcomes kids of all ages and has remained an iconic surf destination since the 1950s! Orlando families will have a great time in Cocoa Beach, cooling off from the summer heat and making awesome memories. 

Here are 25 things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida with kids, including tasty Cocoa Beach restaurants and wonderful Cocoa Beach, Florida hotels and resorts. If you'd like more ideas about Florida vacations, take a look at our Florida Family Travel Guide!

While Washington, DC is certainly not a beach town, there are plenty of family-friendly beaches near DC to spend the day or a weekend if you're willing to make the drive. These range from smaller beaches on the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay that are not too far away, all the way to farther locales like the Delaware beaches, Virginia Beach, and even North Carolina's Outer Banks.

So pack the car (and the kids) for a day trip, a weekend, or a longer vacation at one of these 10 family-friendly beaches near DC that are most certainly worth the drive. If you're looking for water fun within the DMV, see our lists of the best swimming lakes, parks with beaches, outdoor water parks, sprinkler parks and splash pads, and free public swimming pools in and near DC. Go on in—the water's fine!

Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta, which opened in Dunwoody earlier this month, is a unique, immersive experience that will have kids belting "Kiss the Girl" the entire ride home. CAMP is a wonderful combination of retail, media, and entertainment, open in many major cities across the country. CAMP's first location in Atlanta collaborated with Disney to celebrate the new Little Mermaid film with aquatic awe.

I recently took my kids to CAMP Atlanta for a morning of magic, merfolk, and merchandise, and it's truly the best. When it comes to Ariel, we always want to be a "Part of [Her] World" and the fantastic experience at CAMP made it happen. Take a look at our guide to Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta for family fun!

Jumping into a cool, fresh swimming hole is one of our favorite ways to cool off on a hot summer day in the Catskills. Lucky for us, the Hudson Valley region is filled with off-the-beaten-path swimming holes that are well worth the time it takes to find them. 

While some of the swimming holes on this list are established local swimming spots, we have included some more remote spots that require a bit of a hike but afford a little more privacy. For some of the spots, it would be helpful to wear water shoes, while others will require hiking boots. As always, be aware of wildlife in the area, and please use eco-friendly sunscreen and bug spray to avoid contaminating the pristine ecosystems. 

For more Catskills fun, check out our picks of things to do in the Catskills with kids as well as family-friendly Catskills resorts. For more ideas on where to go swimming, check out our picks of the best pools and best swimming lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 

Patchogue is a vibrant seaside community offering loads of family-friendly things to do. The village is nestled halfway between Montauk and Manhattan, on the shore of Great South Bay. Patchogue boasts a walkable downtown area, a thriving arts and music scene, and a variety of yummy eats and treats.

Restored and revived areas have breathed new life into this village over the past several years, making it a haven for Long Island families. It's also a gateway to the bucolic barrier beach communities of Fire Island. Read on about sights to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences to be had in Patchogue.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Explore our Visitors Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.