If you've got a little one at home, we've found the best things to do with preschoolers in NYC. Read on for our top picks for little-kid fun.

New York City doesn't lack awesome family events and institutions, but as a mom of two children under the age of 5, I'm always on the hunt for new ideas. These early years are fleeting, and I want to create lasting memories—within budgetary reason—manageable enough for little kids who sometimes still need a nap and a sippy cup.

So, inspired by our roundup of 100 things to do with kids in NYC before they grow up, we came up with this list of 26 things to do with preschoolers in NYC before they turn 5 and head to kindergarten. A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific under-the-radar attractions perfect for preschoolers, while others are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing with our own preschoolers or aspire to try soon! Find more ideas in our Guide to NYC for Preschoolers.

There are so many free things to do in San Francisco this summer that the season might not be long enough to do them all! 

The kids are out of school, the weather is warming up, and the Bay Area is sprawling with things to do every day of the week. Free outdoor movie nights and free museum days are a great way to spend an afternoon that won't cost you a penny (if you steer clear of the gift shop). Summer is also the best excuse to take a day off from work and go on a day trip to one of the many beautiful places just a short drive away. 

Whether you've got a summer filled with summer camps and travel or prefer to enjoy the days as they come, we've got 51 free things to do in San Francisco with those kiddos this summer.

Have the best summer ever in San Francisco at summer festivals and fairs, and find more summer fun in Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.  

With 12 miles of gorgeous beaches, great restaurants (especially for seafood lovers), and a relaxed southern vibe, Hilton Head Island, SC is the perfect destination for a family retreat. Located 45 minutes outside Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head boasts white sand, salty sea air, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions should you tire of the ocean.

My family recently spent a week in Hilton Head and came home refreshed and recharged, with some wonderful memories. If you are looking to relax while connecting with your kids, I highly recommend this low-country resort town.

Here are 20 of our favorite things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina with kids, including the best Hilton Head hotels and restaurants for families. For more family vacation ideas in the sunny South, visit our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Hikes in Chicago are a fun family outing that's outdoors, close to home, and doesn't break the bank. Hiking with kids in one of Chicago's forest preserves or parks is a great way to get everyone outside, and there are many shady trails where you can beat the heat while getting some exercise.

We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite Chicago-area hiking spots, all within an hour's drive of the city, for a perfect family day trip. While some hiking trails may be better suited to bigger kids who can walk a mile or more on their own, plenty of these paths are stroller friendly—in fact, we’ve hiked a few with two preschoolers in a double stroller.  Who knows, maybe a local hike will inspire your family to take a trip to a national park this year or next.

It's beach weather in Texas, but if you're like us, you don't always feel like dealing with crowds and traffic. You’ve probably made the day trip to visit Galveston's beaches, or maybe even places like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, two popular Texas beach destinations. But with a coastline spanning 367 miles, there are plenty of beaches in Texas that offer sandy shores, amazing wildlife, and beautiful waters with less of a crowd. If you’re looking for a beach trip off the beaten path, consider one of these hidden gem Texas beaches.

There are 14 miles of beautiful beaches in NYC, with sandy shores to explore in four of the city's five boroughs, and many are easily accessible by ferry or train. Soon, there will even be a beach in Manhattan. As much as we enjoy hitting the Jersey Shore, Fire Island, and other Long Island beaches, we're not big fans of renting cars and sitting in traffic.

Luckily it's easy to hit the sand and surf by taking a ferry or subway to these beaches in NYC. From the "Bronx Rivera" to iconic Coney Island and the Rockaways, these urban seasides often offer just about everything suburban ones do—except the out-of-town commute.

Read on for details on our favorite beaches in NYC and find more seasonal fun in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Not only is Cocoa Beach, Florida one of the top surfing cities along the east coast, it's also a prime spot to take a weekend trip for Orlando families. Located about an hour away from Orlando, Cocoa Beach welcomes kids of all ages and has remained an iconic surf destination since the 1950s! Orlando families will have a great time in Cocoa Beach, cooling off from the summer heat and making awesome memories. 

Here are 25 things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida with kids, including tasty Cocoa Beach restaurants and wonderful Cocoa Beach, Florida hotels and resorts. If you'd like more ideas about Florida vacations, take a look at our Florida Family Travel Guide!

While Washington, DC is certainly not a beach town, there are plenty of family-friendly beaches near DC to spend the day or a weekend if you're willing to make the drive. These range from smaller beaches on the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay that are not too far away, all the way to farther locales like the Delaware beaches, Virginia Beach, and even North Carolina's Outer Banks.

So pack the car (and the kids) for a day trip, a weekend, or a longer vacation at one of these 10 family-friendly beaches near DC that are most certainly worth the drive. If you're looking for water fun within the DMV, see our lists of the best swimming lakes, parks with beaches, outdoor water parks, sprinkler parks and splash pads, and free public swimming pools in and near DC. Go on in—the water's fine!