Few places offer as many things to do as Long Island. In what other region of the country, for example, can you treat your kids to a morning museum visit in Nassau County, then whisk them off later to one of the most talked-about beaches in the Hamptons?

For the record, yours truly is a Long Island native with roots on the East End. I’ve lived in all three sections of Long Island before settling in central Suffolk, where I am raising my kids. Much as I struggle with the winter snowstorms, summer humidity, Long Island Rail Road delays, and seemingly endless parkway traffic, I’d never live anywhere else. 

No, you won’t suffer from a shortage of things to do here, and I've put together a 3-day itinerary showcasing some of the area's riches, which include pro sports, state parks, seasonal celebrations, amusement parks, farm fun, and plenty more. And if you like sand on your toes, Long Island has some of the finest and most kid-friendly beaches in the Northeast. So the plan here is to introduce you to a number of must-do things when visiting Long Island.

Nestled in Essex County, Montclair, New Jersey is located just 12 miles outside of Manhattan. With two busy downtown districts, this walkable suburb is home to Montclair State University, the Presby Iris Gardens, and the Montclair Art Museum, as well as several parks and playgrounds. From the Upper Montclair shopping area to the Church Street storefronts in Montclair Center, the town's eclectic restaurants and kid-friendly activities make it a fun day trip for families in Northern New Jersey.

Read on for the top places to visit and things to do during your visit.

Looking for things to do when visiting Chicago with kids? We've got you covered with this three day itinerary packed with kid-friendly activities in Chicago.

Chicago is a great city to explore with kids. From the food to the museums and parks, there is something for everyone to do, see, and eat. To help you plan the ultimate 3-day trip with your family, we’ve rounded up our favorite kid-friendly activities you can pack into a long weekend.

When visiting Chicago, it’s always wise to have a few alternate and indoor options mapped out as well. In one weekend, you could see a little of all four seasons. Check out our Free Things To Do in Chicago On Cold and Rainy Days for bad weather alternatives that won't cost you extra cash. And while we list many food options below, you can also peruse our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide. Lastly, you'll probably want to check out our Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago.

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

Disney is turning 100 in 2023! That Mickey Mouse looks pretty great for his age. (For the record, Mickey Mouse isn't 100 yet, as he was first seen in 1928.) To celebrate 100 years of childhood smiles, the Walt Disney Corporation is throwing a party at theme parks across the globe. This year we get new nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland in Anaheim (and hopefully at Walt Disney World in Orlando as well), traveling museum exhibits across the country, a new animated feature film dedicated to the legacy of the animation studio, and more.

The worldwide anniversary bash begins January 27, 2023 at Disneyland, and the party continues all year, with more dates to be announced at other Disney parks. We've rounded up the biggest and best new rides, shows, movies, and celebrations, so you can plan your Disney-themed vacation this year. If your Disney trip takes you to Disney World, be sure to check out all our Orlando theme park coverage, and if your family is more partial to the west coast, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to know when visiting Disneyland with kids.

Types of parenting styles these days actually outnumber books on parenting! From tiger moms to gentle parenting, which style is best for you? Finding your parenting style is a bit like finding your tribe. With so many categories (and sub-categories), it can be a challenge to find the right fit. Are you a Koala parent like Kim Kardashian or a permissive mom like Jada Pinkett Smith?

The good news is you don't have to settle on one single style. The better news is we've brought together some of the top types of parenting styles here, so you can see what everyone is talking about, and figure out which style(s) intuitively make the most sense to you. Plus, you'll be able to distinguish the helicopter parents from the bulldozers at the next school function!

Hopefully, these types of parenting styles will make you feel seen, as you recognize like-minded parenting schools of thought. Kind of like these funny parenting memes, that give you a chuckle and let you know you're not alone.

The NYC Department of Education's popular free STEM Matters program is back in 2023 and offers FREE week-long camps during New York City's spring break, with programming running from Monday, April 10-Friday, April 14, 2023. The deadline to apply for these hands-on programs, serving kids in kindergarten through 8th grade, is fast approaching.

Seventeen different sites are offering programs across the five boroughs, and many are hosted by New York City’s top cultural institutions, including kid hot spots like the Bronx Zoo and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The subjects are diverse but focus on the sciences.

Looking for more camp coverage for spring break or beyond? Be sure to bookmark our New York City Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for camps by type, age, and neighborhood.

It's easy to find a swimming pool in NYC during the summer months, when there are plenty of FREE swimming pools to visit, but if you're looking for year-round options or less-crowded waters, the possibilities are more limited. We've rounded up the best indoor swimming pools in NYC offering day passes, from private pools to off-the-beaten-path community spots. All are kid-friendly and welcome families for swimming and other water fun.

Read on for our top picks for indoor swimming pools in NYC and find more options for family fun in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

Long Island's many awesome indoor ice skating rinks are a great place to take spirited toddlers, school kids, and teens during winter. This roundup of the best indoor rinks features information on open-skate times, group and private lessons, birthday parties, and sports leagues. 

Most of these rinks offer skate rentals, and some are run by local municipalities that offer discounted fees for residents. Fees and times are accurate as of January 2023.

Of course, if your family prefers to do its skating outdoors, be sure to check out our guide to Long Island’s best outdoor rinks. For more seasonal fun, check out our mega winter fun list, which has dozens of ideas for cold-weather activities, and tons of other helpful posts in our Winter Activities Guide for Long Island Families.