Sunburst Railbikes in Ventura: Riding the Rails Makes for a Fabulous Family Day Trip from LA

Teens will think railbikes are all the rage!

Sunburst Railbikes in Ventura is a totally unique and exciting outdoor activity for the whole family. And I do mean the entire family—my teens were shocked by how much fun they had, and the electric nature of the bikes means even little ones can feel like they're in charge. Nestled in the picturesque coastal city of Ventura, just a short day trip from Los Angeles, Sunburst Railbikes offers a thrilling and memorable experience.

Read on for details on the only railbikes in SoCal, including practical tips and recommendations for an unforgettable family adventure.

I mentioned that my teens were, and I quote, "surprised by how exciting it was." Which, for teens, is like a rave. For more things to do in Los Angeles that teens will enjoy, check out our Guide to Teen Activities in LA. And when you've finished railbiking, get fish tacos, savor ice cream, and check out more things to do in Ventura in our guide by a local mom.

Best Inflatable Water Parks to Visit in New England

Bounce, splash, and make the most of summer at the best inflatable water parks in New England. Photo courtesy of Brownstone Adventure Sports Park

The best inflatable water parks are some cool spots to beat the heat. Summer in New England is a truly special time. We've crawled out from our winter hibernations and are fully ready to embrace the sun, fun, and season of... water parks! Water parks come in all shapes and sizes. Some parks are an integral part of one of America's top amusement parks for families. Others stand alone and are great for family day trips. If you're looking for a new adventure, check out New England's inflatable water parks. We've also included an inflatable adventure park in Massachusetts that is coupled with a separate water park.

What's an inflatable water park? Inflatable water parks are just that: inflatable, blow-up play structures meet water park features. If you visited one of New England's indoor water parks during the winter months, now's the time to enjoy some fresh air and splash around in the great outdoors. And if you're looking for a completely dry theme park experience, check out the best amusement parks near New England for families

Best Beaches Near Philly Besides the Jersey Shore

Rehoboth Beach. Photo courtesy of Rehoboth Beach
A family beach trip is on everybody's summer bucket list! It's time to for sunshine, water ice, swimsuits, and beaches. Philadelphia may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean it’s not easy to find plenty of places to soak up the sun, catch the waves, or walk the boardwalk. And you don’t even have to head to the Jersey Shore! This summer, try something new and check out some of the other beaches our area has to offer.
 
If you do want to head down the shore, don't miss our round-up of the Best Beaches in New Jersey for Families. For more summer fun, be sure to head over to our Summer Activity Guide.
 

Best Beaches in San Francisco for Kids and Families

Play in the sand and wade in the surf at Stinson Beach. Photo by Stefan Klocek, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The best beaches in San Francisco are sure to be a popular summertime tradition for families in the Bay Area and visitors alike to play in the sand and splash in the surf. 

From sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean to calm bay waters, lagoons, and lakes, the best shorelines near San Francisco are all within a one-hour drive from the city, and many are accessible via public transportation. Don't forget the snacks for scenic sand-lined picnics on the coast, beach towels, sunscreen, and a few extra clothing layers for that chilly Bay Area breeze. Jump in to discover the best beaches in San Francisco to build magical summer memories. 

There are so many fun and free things to do during a San Francisco summer, from urban hikes in San Francisco, and free outdoor movies in the Bay Area. Find more seasonal splendor in our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Kids Summer Vacation Guide.  

LA's Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

Scoop into LA's best ice cream and frozen treats. Photo by Kylie Williams

Treat yourself (and your kids) to LA's best ice cream. There are tons of places to choose a scoop! Like Hollywood stars, some ice cream shops are more famous than others, and Angelenos have strong opinions on which boulevards and freeways to cross for that perfect ice cream cone.  

Connoisseurs of the creamery have been slinging LA's best ice cream and frozen treats all over the county (and into Orange County, too), from classic scoops to creative flavors to the swirliest, smoothest soft serve and refreshing paletas. With a world-class restaurant scene, and beautiful weather year-round, you don't have to save ice cream for those special occasions like birthdays, road trips, after sports games, or even summer, for that matter. But what's a better ending to a summer evening than an ice cream cone? 

If sweet treats are on the mind, don't miss out on the most insane, over-the-top LA desserts, the coolest spots for fro-yo, and even more for sweet tooth cravings in our Restaurants Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County Families

25 Summer Day Trips from Orlando for Families

It's fun in the sun all year at Clearwater Beach! Photo courtesy of Visit Clearwater

Orlando is located in the central part of Florida, allowing residents and tourists to experience summer day trips throughout many parts of the state, all within a few hours' drive. We've rounded up our favorite summer day trips from Orlando, all within a drive of three hours or less. From theme parks and zoos to state parks and beaches, these Orlando day trips are all just a hop, skip, and jump away. Bonus: Check out these cool car games to occupy the kids during the car ride, and these road trip essentials to stay organized and comfortable!

State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids

State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

State parks near Chicago offer the perfect family summer road trip. These state parks in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are all under a 3-hour drive from downtown. There are campsites available for both tents and RVs. There are multiple trail options for hiking, beaches for swimming, and fun places for kids to fish, picnic, and kayak. The Illinois State Parks all offer free admission. 

Summer is a great time to make a weekend out of hiking and swimming and everything else that state parks near Chicago have to offer. For more summer fun check out our picks for the Best Stroller Hikes, Hikes for Kids, and the 10 Campgrounds for Tent Camping near Chicago with Kids.

Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas

Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

Freeport, Texas is located only an hour south of downtown Houston, making it the perfect day or weekend trip for Houston families. With nearly 30 miles of coastline, Freeport is most famous for its nearby beaches, including Surfside Beach, Bryan Beach, and Quintana Beach County Park. On a smaller scale than Houston's closest beach city, Galveston, the over-100-year-old Freeport has a range of cute family-friendly attractions in the city or close at hand. If your family enjoys hiking and spotting wildlife, they can experience natural beauty at the vast Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, east of Freeport.

Freeport is on the banks of the Brazos River, and the city and surrounding area are home to several affordable hotels and restaurants. So, if you want a fun trip to the coast, check out our recommendations for what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Freeport!

For more ideas on summer activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families and our Beaches and Lakes Guide.

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