Summer birthday parties in Houston are tough — until you add water. These pools, water parks, and aquatic centers in Houston will ensure your guests have a great time and stay cool. All of these birthday party options have fees associated with them, but we also have recommendations for some of the city's best FREE swimming pools where you can call the city of Houston for reservation details. There are also some great pools around Houston for indoor pool parties. And for more ideas on where and how to throw the best birthday party in and around Houston, check out our Houston party guide.

A swimming party is the ultimate perk of being a summer birthday kid. For the parents, these outdoor pool and water park birthday party rentals means there’s no mess or chaos at your home and no need to hire additional entertainment. The kids get 2 hours of private pool play with their closest friends and family.

In addition to the pools on this list, many of the splash pads featured in this guide also offer private rentals for the younger kiddos.

For more summer fun, check out our guides for the Best Outdoor Water Parks near Chicago and the Best Outdoor Pools in Chicago. And don't forget to check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places in Chicago Guide for more ideas.

Atlanta summers demand cooling swimming pools and lots of water fun! Free swimming pools offer great ways for children to get exercise, play, and stay off the devices...and who doesn't want to save a few dollars this summer?! Take a look at the best, free swimming pools in Atlanta. Pack the sunscreen, goggles, and snacks and get ready to dive into the list!

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.