Looking for the best spots on Long Island for your baby or toddler's first haircut? Read on for terrific options in Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

You've probably conquered many of the firsts already: the first birthday and a visit to a spot or two on our baby bucket list. Now it's time for the first haircut, and choosing the right salon is important.

Hair stylists and barbers need to have patience and experience dealing with babies and toddlers. Our list below includes both salons that specialize in haircuts for kids as well as family salons. 

Don't forget to check out our Long Island Baby Guide for more stories like this. 

When it comes to playgrounds and play spaces, Philadelphia families are pretty lucky— with more than 10,000 acres of park and playground space in the city, getting to a playground from most urban locations isn't too much of a challenge. From carousels to playhouses and mini golf to fantasy castles, these playgrounds in the Philadelphia area are so spectacular, you can easily play at any one of them for the whole day.

Looking for more playground fun? Check out our guide to Philly Playgrounds and Parks, where we've got everything from the Top Philly Area Playgrounds for Toddlers to the Best Splash Pads in Philadelphia where kids can keep cool.

If your kids love the adventure of amusement parks but are looking for a way to cool off this summer, outdoor water parks are the way to go! There are so many family-friendly outdoor water parks in the US with relaxing pools and lazy rivers to please the grown-ups, splash pads and climbing structures to delight kids, and thrilling water slides and rides to give teens an adrenaline rush. In other words, the whole family will be happy, have fun, and stay cool.

Here are our favorite outdoor water parks in the US, from Orlando to New England and all the way to California. And if you have your heart set on a water-park vacation but don't want to risk the weather, check out our list of the best indoor water parks for kids in the US.

Heading to a water park near Houston can help us survive an entire day of the Texas summer heat. There are several water parks near Houston that will make for an easy day trip, and even more that are just a few hours away. If you are looking for something closer and quicker to help cool down, then check out our list of the many great splash pads at local parks. There are also many free pools in Houston where kids and parents can keep cool.

For more ideas on kid-friendly activities this summer, like fun summer day trips or parks with the most shade, visit our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families.

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are about to open and welcome kids to seek relief from sweltering summer temperatures. Southern summers can be brutal and spending the day at one of these awesome Atlanta water parks will bring a smile to any family member. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone!

Before heading out to these outdoor water parks in Atlanta, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)

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.