Water parks near Chicago add to our beat-the-heat arsenal of amazing beaches and splash pads. If a day at a Chicago water park is on your summer bucket list, we’ve got you covered. From great local pools with amazing slides to giant water amusement parks, we’ve rounded up our favorite water parks near Chicago. These water parks are jam-packed with lazy rivers, slides, splash pads, beaches, and diving boards. There’s something for everyone, from thrill-seeking teens (and adults) to the smallest water-loving toddler. It's time to start splashing at the best outdoor water parks near Chicago. 

When a kid goes from being an only child to having a new baby brother or sister, sibling rivalry can kick in. Even kids who are excited to be a big sibling will need some time to adjust. They now have to share their parents' attention and time, their space, and even (someday) their toys. This transition period can lead to aggression, regression, jealousy, and sibling rivalry.

As you prepare for baby, you may be asking yourself: How can I stop sibling rivalry with a newborn? How long does it take for siblings to adjust to a new baby? Now take some deep breaths and remind yourself that every child with a new sibling goes through this. With a little patience and grace, your child and baby will be best buds before you know it.

To help ease this tough transition, we've got 25 tips on how to prepare your child for a new sibling, how to introduce your kiddo to the new baby, and how to prevent and stop sibling rivalry. For even more help preparing for baby, check out our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear, Toys, and Hacks, including our lists of the best diaper subscriptions and great baby sleep aids.

The Strong Museum of Play has good news for summer travelers looking for a fun, new, kid-friendly vacation destination. The Strong National Museum of Play, located in Rochester, New York, is set to debut its $65 million expansion to guests Friday, June 30, 2023.

This new expansion adds more than 90,000 square feet of fun, immersive exhibits for children and adults, seemingly cementing The Strong Museum's place on our list of the 100 things to do in New York state with kids before they grow up.

Exhibits being unveiled bounce between classic and modern including a life-size, board game-inspired park and video games that allow guests' avatars to immerse themselves in electronic gameplay

No matter your age, The Strong National Museum of Play's expansion offers an excuse to pack your car and hit the road to one of our favorite upstate destinations for families.

These easy Spirit Week ideas will see you through the days when your kids forget to tell you the day's theme minutes before you run out the door!

Spirit Weeks are great for building community and keeping kids entertained during the weeks leading up to school vacations. But they can be rough on unsuspecting parents. At some point in your kid's school career, you will be forced to buy all the hair accessories at your favorite 24-hour store the night before Crazy Hair Day. It can’t just be me whose kiddo freaked out that her “Anything But a Backpack” wasn’t original enough, can it?

This list of tried and true tips will help you survive even the most last-minute of spirit days. Once they're out the door, take a minute to laugh over these Funny Parenting Memes That Will Make You Feel Seen. And if you had a teacher cool enough to pick easy themes for Spirit Week, you might want to thank them with one of these Teacher Appreciation Gifts They’ll Love.

The Frost Science Museum, with a whopping six levels, hundreds of hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium, is a must-see Miami attraction. Prepare to spend all day at the 250,000-square-foot Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which explores the human body, the science of flight, and the solar system, among its many STEM-friendly displays. Frost Museum is located at the picturesque waterfront Maurice A. Ferré Park, not far from the Miami Brightline train station. 

Read on to map out your ideal day at the Frost Museum, and for more ideas on planning kid-friendly Florida trips, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.

A haven for retirees and those fleeing Northeast winters, tony Naples, FL on the Gulf Coast is a surprisingly family-friendly destination. Miles of sun-drenched beaches share the city with gardens, a zoo, nature centers, museums, and more, making it a pleasant experience for families looking for a reprieve from the theme parks and pirate festivals of Florida’s north. Naples, FL also offers unrivaled natural scenery and environmental wonders.

Here are 30 of our favorite things to do in Naples with kids, from beaches and baseball to the best kid-friendly hotels and restaurants Naples, FL has to offer. Check out our Florida Family Travel Guide for even more family vacation ideas in the Sunshine State, from Amelia Island to West Palm Beach to the Florida Keys.

There's something about going out to a fun, kid-friendly restaurant for a birthday dinner that just feels ... special! Give your kiddo that on-top-of-the-world feeling when you treat them to a festive meal where they get to experience fun desserts, exciting themes, interactive dining experiences, and more. Whether you're looking to celebrate your best birthday boy or girl with a nice family dinner out or want to throw a birthday bash at their favorite local restaurant, we've rounded up the best Houston hot spots that are sure to be a hit.  

From fabulous fondue dinners to comfort food with a Wild West backdrop to afternoon tea, these 13 family-friendly (and birthday-friendly) Houston establishments will make the birthday kiddo the star of the show or offer bonuses like games and rides for an extra-special meal. For other eateries around town, look at our guide to Houston's kid-friendly restaurants. Or for some party planning ideas, check out these Birthday Venues Near Houston that Won't Break the Bank. 

If you’re looking for a fun and festive restaurant to celebrate your child’s birthday in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. We have restaurants for a fancy, kid-friendly tea, train and animal lovers, and more. From over-the-top desserts to interactive experiences where kids can make their own pizza, these restaurants are great for your family or a small group of friends.

For more birthday party inspiration, check out the best indoor party spots for Chicago kids and our birthday party guides here. More fun-themed restaurants are on this list of interactive dining experiences for kids.