Swimming lakes are a great option for families to beat the heat in the Atlanta summer. Sure, pools are fun but sometimes kids and parents need a change of scenery from diving boards and chlorine. Luckily, there are lots of swimming lakes near Atlanta with great beaches that make an easy summer day trip for Atlanta families. You don't need a boat or a personal watercraft for these beaches; you can actually just go jump in the lake. We've narrowed it down to our favorites, all within 90 minutes or less of Atlanta. Remember, we're moms too so obviously we only included places that offer restrooms.

Need more ideas about how to cool off as the temperatures rise? Check out our Summer Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids, which includes great ideas like the Best Outdoor Water Parks in Atlanta for Family Fun. 

Canobie Lake Park is a family-run amusement and water park in Salem, New Hampshire, less than an hour from Boston. The amusement park is jam packed with fun for everyone in your family. We've gathered our best insider tips and must-do activities for the perfect day out with kids at Canobie Lake Park and the Castaway Island Water Park. So read on for all our tips- from getting your Canobie Lake Park tickets to finding the best Canobie Lake Park rides!

We're thrill ride—and kiddie ride—fans here at Mommy Poppins! For more fun-filled theme parks, check out our Boston Theme and Waterparks Guide.

Lake Compounce is America's First Amusement Park. For 175 years, visitors have come to this New England destination to enjoy a day by the lake and take a ride on the carousel. Today, the amusement park features more than 45 rides and attractions, including Crocodile Cove, seasonal Halloween and Christmas Time special events, and has become a staple of Connecticut summer fun. Read on for all the info you need, from getting Lake Compounce tickets to bringing food to the park and enjoying Lake Compounce Campground!

We love hitting the rides in warm weather. For more water and amusement park tips, check out our Mommy Poppins Theme and Water Park Guide for even more park fun.

Roller skating rinks are a great place to have fun and there are so many great options in the Philadelphia area. So lace up your skates, Philly! It’s time to hit the rink for some retro fun. Roller skating is the perfect way to sneak in some exercise for both kids and adults. There are indoor and outdoor rinks throughout the Philadelphia area so you can practice your skating skills while making memories with you kids no matter the weather!

If you need more ways to get the energy out, check out our list of Trampoline Parks and Bounce House Play Areas or our guide to the Best Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones. If you're looking to get outside, we've rounded up all the Best Playgrounds in the Philadelphia Region.

With so many great amusement parks near Chicago, you can skip the trip to Orlando or Los Angeles this summer and save it for when you need to beat the cold. There are plenty of places to get a day of rides, games, and greasy foods right near Chicago. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers looking for big roller coaster drops or beginners just learning about going on rides, the Chicago area has the perfect amusement park for everyone in the family.

If your family is looking for more thrills and rides in the great outdoors, try zipping through the trees at one of Chicago's aerial adventure parks or riding down the Chicago River on a power or paddle boat. And be sure to keep an eye on our event calendar, which is rapidly filling up with more events every day.

After taking care of everyone else, a mom's night out is in order for Long Island moms who deserve some time to themselves.

Whether you're artsy, craving a delicious meal, or just want to relax, our list of top spots for mom's night out will help you and your friends have a much-deserved night without the kids in tow. 

Check out Mommy Poppins' other coverage of all things mom, including a post on 15 amazing mom hacks that make everything easier and our rundown of the best things to do on Long Island on Mother's Day. 

We began taking our son TJ, who is on the autism spectrum, to theme parks when he was just 3 years old. Along the way we've discovered that some amusement parks go out of their way to accommodate special needs kids more than others do. With autism-friendly rides (not too fast, loud, flashy, etc.), attractions that follow ADA rules and accommodate wheelchairs, and other features, these theme parks make the experience so much more enjoyable for children with special needs.

Here are the 10 best theme parks for special needs kids and their families. They were chosen because of both their sensitivity to children with special needs and the appropriateness of their rides and attractions for these kids. Find even more fun theme parks and water parks in our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

Houston restaurants with patios are great places for families to enjoy a meal together while experiencing the benefits of being outside. Restaurants with outdoor seating provide space for children to move around, often making for a more relaxed dining experience. Houston offers excellent outdoor dining options, especially for families. Some of them also have great views, and they all provide delicious dining! Keep reading to explore the top ten family-friendly restaurants for outdoor dining in Houston. And don't forget to check our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.