New Paltz is a laid-back college town in the shadow of the Shawangunk Mountains that offers plenty of things to do—including indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages, especially in the warmer months. Families can swim in a mountain lake, enjoy a hike, pick produce at local farms, and explore a historic 17th-century community—plus, New Paltz restaurants are top-notch and many are kid-friendly.

While the town is just 90 minutes from NYC, and even closer to Westchester, the scenery suggests a faraway land. And with some great New Paltz hotels—catering to a variety of budgets—you won’t need much convincing to stay for more than a day.

Read on for our top picks for things to do in New Paltz with kids and find more family-friendly destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Grandparent names can be as unique and special as the bond they share with their grandkids! What grandparent names does your family use?

Grandparents can have a special bond with their grandkids—and that unique relationship calls for an extra special name. Many grandparent names have cultural or family significance while others are made up by the first grandchild...possibly whatever they can pronounce at that age! From grandpa to pawpaw, and all the adorable names in between, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of grandparent names, including both traditional and unique options.

For more fun with grandparents, check out this list of 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids. To get to know grandparents better as people, we've rounded up 101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives.

Miami babies have access to some amazing activities and fun spots in South Florida, all geared for that specific age group. Parents may wonder what to do with their babies in Miami and South Florida, but don't worry! Our guide of things to do with babies in Miami and South Florida before they turn one has it all! We've rounded up great Miami museums, zoos, playgrounds, and other attractions for babies to explore and learn.

Check out these great places to visit in South Florida and Miami before your baby turns one!

San Francisco babies grow up amid culture, world-class cuisine, and some of the most iconic sights in the country. That first year for San Francisco babies is full of exciting discoveries, lots of photo ops, and new emotions as they immerse themselves in the world around them. 

It can be tough to figure out what to do with San Francisco babies who are still learning how to walk, but before you know it, restaurant outings, family hikes in San Francisco, and day trips from the Bay Area with a little one in tow will be a no-brainer. Keep reading below for the best things for San Francisco babies to do before they turn one. 

They might be babies now, but they do grow up so fast, so take it all in at a pace, and enjoy these 100 things to do in San Francisco with kids before they grow up and find more resources in our San Francisco Baby Guide for Parents. 

Jackson, MS is a great city to visit in the southern US. This "City with Soul" serves as the capital of Mississippi and offers families a chance to explore the central region of the state, discovering the history and fun of the area. And what kid wouldn't want to visit a state with such an awesomely spelled name?

Every summer I drive my kids from Atlanta to central Mississippi for sleepaway camp, and sometimes we get to nearby Jackson a day early to do some fun sightseeing. (Note: The humidity of a southern summer can be jarring for out-of-towners, so tourists may want to visit Jackson in the cooler months.)

Regardless of when you visit, take a look at our favorite things to do in Jackson with kids, including some great museums, restaurants, and hotels in Jackson, MS. Our Southern States Vacation Guide covers more fun places to visit in the South, including fun cities like New Orleans and Charleston, SC.

Kid-friendly fall activities in Chicago bring the family fun for pumpkin-spice pushers and apple aficionados alike. This year is no exception. We've put together a list of 37 fun things to do in Chicago this fall with your family, from pumpkin patches to great hiking trails. And don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide for Chicago Kids for even more seasonal things to do in Chicago.

Orlando bowling is a great way to escape boredom and Florida's excessive heat. Kids can comfortably gather in air conditioning and get off electronic devices during an afternoon of bowling—an activity guaranteed to be a great time for kids and adults alike. Read on for the best bowling in Orlando!

Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, North America's 20th Great Wolf Lodge resort, opened its doors in late June 2023 in Perryville, MD (under an hour's drive from Baltimore). With 700 family-friendly suites, a 126,000-square-foot water park with 22 water slides, and loads of indoor attractions (plus an outdoor pool), the resort is the largest Great Wolf Lodge location to date.

Great Wolf Lodge Maryland hosted my family for a weekend in late August, and we partook in almost all of the resort's activities. My 12-year-old twin boys and 8-year-old daughter all had a fantastic time.

Read on for my honest review of Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, including tips and tricks on making the most of your family's stay. Then check out Mommy Poppins' reviews of Great Wolf Lodge Poconos and SoCal. You'll find even more great places to stay on your next family vacation in our Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels Guide.