17 Best Family-Friendly Hotels and Camping near Florida's Natural Springs

Swim and paddle with adorable manatees during your stay at the aptly-named Manatee Cove Apartment. Photo courtesy of VRBO

Take your time to explore Florida's natural springs by staying at nearby hotels or campgrounds. From Rock Springs at Kelly Park to Weeki Wachee Springs, these crystal-clear swimming holes and natural springs provide a refreshing escape. Whether you like hotels, camping, or vacation rentals, this visitor's guide to natural springs in Florida will help you find the perfect accommodation for a memorable getaway to enjoy Central Florida's swimming springs.

25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball

Good news, parents! With tons of kid-friendly restaurants in Houston, relaxing on the patio with quality food and drinks doesn't have to be just a fond memory. That's right, you don't have to spend evenings at Chick-fil-A when you've got our list of 25 awesome kid-friendly Houston restaurants with play spaces for kids.

It's like these restaurants knew parents needed a space to unwind a bit with the kids in tow, and they deliver with patios that open up to enclosed playgrounds, sand pits (ok, this one is a catch-22 because, well, sand), and toys. For more ideas on where to eat around the city, visit our Houston Restaurant Guide for families.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants and More Places to Eat Near the National Mall in Washington, DC

There are several great places to eat with kids near the National Mall. Photo courtesy of Carmine's

When people think of Washington, DC, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are typically the first place that comes to mind. Home to over 100 monuments and memorials, it tops our list of the best tourist attractions in DC. But finding good, kid-friendly food near the National Mall can be a real challenge—one you really don't need when you and your kids are hungry and tired from a long day of walking.

To help you fill your families' tummies fast, here are our favorite kid-friendly restaurants and other places to eat near the National Mall. From sit-down eateries to food trucks to museum cafes, all of these spots are within walking distance of the Mall.

For even more great places to eat with kids in our nation's capital, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

Visiting the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye: New and Ongoing Exhibits

Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum

The Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye is a go-to spot for area families looking for a fun day out with the kids. And now there’s even more to love: The STEAM-centric museum recently introduced 14 new exhibits to its 20,000-square-foot space—so there’s plenty to keep everyone from toddlers to elementary-schoolers busy and happy.

We took a tour of the updated space to get the scoop on what’s still in play, what’s been added, and what’s on tap.

For even more great kid-friendly activities, check out our guide to area museums and galleries, or sign up for our newsletters.

Visiting the Jones Beach Nature Center with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

The  Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, public programs, and educational resources.

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and hands-on animal experiences right on Jones Beach's coastline. Unlike other Jones Beach attractions, the nature center is indoors, so it's perfect for any season. Plus, admission to the center is free. 

My animal-loving kids love that the center lets them touch awesome sea creatures and play with different materials. 

Can't get enough of nature? Check out our guide to Long Island Nature Centers.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Book Now for an Upstate New York Getaway in the Path of Totality

Get your solar glasses and book your reservations now to see April's total solar eclipse in Upstate New York. Photo by Ally Noeltal eclipse

As the celestial spectacle of total solar eclipse 2024 approaches, families are anticipating the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event together. During the solar eclipse 2024 on Monday, April 8, the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow upon the Earth resulting in moments of complete darkness in the middle of the day for those in the path of totality.

While the solar eclipse 2024 cuts across a great swath of the United States, the path of totality—where complete darkness exists—crosses over eastern and northern New York state, giving local families the chance to take a day trip or long weekend to witness the excitement. But, take note: The solar eclipse 2024 is expected to draw huge crowds, so if you want to travel to the path of totality, book now.

We've got the scoop on all the best events and destinations to witness the solar eclipse 2024 in New York state, plus family-friendly hotels to stay in, and more fun to round out your trip. Find more family-travel destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Guide To the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Palm Springs Tramway observation deck photo by author Jackie Jones

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages. Ascending the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, the tramway provides breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and beyond. 

At the Mountain Station, located at an elevation of 8,516 feet, families can explore hiking trails, enjoy dining with scenic vistas, revel in winter activities, and experience the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains. With cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, the tramway offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat and unforgettable memories for families seeking outdoor recreation and exploration at new heights. 

Explore more to do in Palm Springs with kids, plan road trips from Los Angeles for a family getaway, and find adventures in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families

Family Camps with Cabin Camping

Family camps offer lots of outdoor adventures like canoeing, kayaking, and more. Photo courtesy of Camp Seymour on Puget Sound

For decades, American kids have made lasting summer memories at sleepaway camps from New England to the West Coast. But, what about the adults? Enter: Family Camps with cabin camping. Many popular sleepaway camps open their bunkhouses to families for weekend or week-long family camps each spring, summer, and/or fall.

Family camps offer families an entire summer camp experience with a slew of activities including sports, hiking, boating, arts and crafts, and more. Nearly all of them serve up three meals a day, and some offer extra perks like evening happy hours and movies under the stars.

Here are 20 family camps with cabin camping in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West Coast. Get even more fun family vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide. And if your kids are ready to attend an overnight camp on their own, find the perfect one in our US Sleepaway Camp Guide.

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