Where should we go on vacation this summer? Whether you’re beach lovers, theme park goers, or outdoor adventurers, we’ve got the hottest summer spots for a family vacation, plus the best places to stay for an array of budgets—family-friendly hotels and resorts packed with on-site water parks, kids camps, oceanfront rooms, and more top-notch amenities.

We’ve partnered with Marriott Bonvoy, the free loyalty program that helps you earn rewards and get the best rates and benefits when you stay at any of their hotels, resorts, and villas across the globe. Choose from 10,000 properties from more than 30 hotel brands, designed to fit every traveler’s budget. Become a Marriott Bonvoy Member for free.

Wondering how to make the best paper airplane? Read on!

Paper airplanes combine lots of kids' favorite things: crafting, vehicles, science experiments, and throwing things. You also don't have to buy endless supplies or clean up paint, glue, or glitter to make them.

If your kiddo is new to making paper airplanes, it's best to start with a simple version. Then, they can experiment with more complicated paper airplane designs to see which flies the farthest or fastest or which can do the best tricks.

Read on for paper airplane instructions for everyone from beginners to advanced plane-makers. Your kids will be on their way to making the best paper airplane in no time! Once they've tackled that, visit our Crafts and Games Guide, which includes our list of 100 awesome art projects.

When it comes to summer fireworks shows in NYC, there's no denying Macy's 4th of July fireworks are the main event in New York City. But that's certainly not the only bang-up display in town this season. While some of the summer fireworks shows in NYC honor our nation's birthday, others just celebrate summer in the city and take place everywhere from ballparks to city parks.

Read on for all the free summer fireworks shows in New York City this season and find more fun things to do in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

A Long Island Ducks baseball game is a home run experience for the whole family. The minor league Long Island Ducks play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, where my kids were thrilled to attend their first-ever baseball game. 

The Ducks game delivers a memorable day or night of baseball magic and interactive activities for the little ones. Parents love the family time and stadium pricing that won't break the bank. 

Read on for all the family-friendly Long Island Ducks game details to plan an outing, which earns a spot on our list of Long Island’s top attractions to visit with kids.

Swimming pools in NJ with day passes for families and kids can be found at clubs throughout the state. These facilities allow guests to spend the day swimming without membership or residency.

Many pool clubs also feature splash pads, kiddie pools, water slides, and playgrounds, making a day at the pool one of our favorite summer activities for kids.

Read on for the top NJ swimming pools that offer day passes. You can find plenty more ideas for seasonal fun in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Nashville, Tennessee, otherwise known as Music City, is the home of country music and Taylor Swift. It is also full of kid-friendly activities like interesting museums, outdoor adventures, great shopping and dining, and—of course—plenty of live music.

Read on for our list of the best Nashville hotels and resorts for families. Whether you are looking for a hotel with a water park, free breakfast, spacious suites, or a location in the heart of the action, we’ve got you covered with these great Nashville hotels.

Be sure to also check out our list of the 60 best things to do in Nashville, TN with kids. And, our Southern States Vacation Guide includes even more fun cities to visit in the South.

The huge number of free summer sports and outdoor programs in NYC means children can enjoy a summer filled with sports and fresh air while living in the concrete jungle. New York City offers many free summer sports opportunities for kids to learn team sports and try swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Of course, registering for these free summer sports programs takes a little legwork and (since many are first come, first served) punctuality. We've got the scoop on free summer sports in NYC and how your kids can vie for spots. You can find more no-cost activities in our Free in NYC Guide, or check out these free and inexpensive summer camp options around NYC.

Good news for Brooklyn families: The Prospect Park Zoo is open for the first time in eight months, and it’s hard to tell who’s more excited—the visitors or the animals.

From the baboon habitat to the emu enclosure, furry and feathered faces spent Memorial Day weekend peeking out at guests for the first time since September 29, 2023, when severe flooding left the beloved zoo—one of our favorite zoos in NYC—underwater, wiping out its electrical systems. No animals were harmed, but the zoo was closed to visitors while repairs were made.

My daughter and I joined the caravan of strollers rolling toward the entrance upon its reopening last weekend. Here's what you can expect during your next visit to the Prospect Park Zoo.