While most non-residents don't equate New Jersey with beautiful green spaces worthy of a day trip, there are a whopping 36 state parks and 13 state forests to explore in New Jersey.

We've picked nine destinations that are perfect for a fun-filled day trip, where hiking, biking, and swimming are just some of the fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Add acres of gorgeous scenery and some wildlife-spotting, and NJ state parks and forests make for an ideal day of family fun in the fresh air.

For more great ideas about the great outdoors in New Jersey, like where to find the best nature centers, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in NJ.

Farm stays are an increasingly popular vacation option for families who want to enjoy the countryside and a back-to-nature experience. For New York City-area families, it only takes a few hours to arrive in the bucolic countryside, where the landscape seems thousands of miles away from the crowded subways and packed playgrounds.

For children who’ve never been around livestock, this form of agritourism provides a firsthand way to learn about the animal world in a casual fashion. It also often comes with a few more amenities than, say, a camping trip.

Though you're not required to work during your farm stay, many visitors find farm chores so different from their regular routines that they are eager to participate. Curious kids should relish the opportunity to gather eggs, watch cows being milked, and pick fresh produce.

If this sort of low-key, change-of-pace weekend sounds appealing to you, consider these eight farm stays near NYC. Our picks include properties in New York's Hudson Valley and Catskills, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Find more family-friendly destinations in our Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide for Families.

We found the best things to do in Wilmington, Delaware with kids, from museums to zoos to train rides and more.

Yo, Philly! When was the last time you went to Wilmington? Wilmington, Delaware is the largest city in the First State, which is probably why it's so packed with fun things to do with kids. Here you'll find enchanted woods, railroads and river walks, children's museums, nature museums, art, a zoo, and so much more.

Downtown Wilmington is just 30 minutes from Philadelphia and about an hour from Baltimore, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway with kids. Read on for our favorite things to do in Wilmington, Delaware— complete with tips and insider secrets from a local mom who has seen it all, done it all, and found the nearest and cleanest potty.

For more local getaways, browse our roundup of 20 Beautiful Day Trips from Philadelphia, featured in our Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide.

Throwing a kids' birthday party can be surprisingly stressful for parents. You need to choose a theme, narrow down the guest list, figure out food, etc. And if you have the party at home, you also need to provide entertainment for all of those kids... not to mention the setup and cleanup. That's why you should consider one of the many great children's birthday party venues near DC. By taking the birthday party outside the home, you can just show up and have fun with your kid and their friends while someone else does the work!

Here are 25 awesome kids' birthday party venues in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From sports centers, indoor playgrounds, and bowling alleys to escape rooms, zoos, and art studios, you're sure to find a great fit on this list for toddlers, kids, and teens of any interest.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, including our lists of great party venues for preschoolers and for teens.

While most people flock to Orlando for its theme parks and attractions, there are many hidden gems and secret spots in Orlando that most vacationers (and even some locals) do not know about. If you want to get off the beaten path and explore some secret Orlando spots, this guide is for you! Many of these secret spots offer visitors a glimpse of real Florida, while others are fun, quirky attractions without huge crowds. Read on for our list of 25 secret Orlando spots around Central Florida that your kids are sure to enjoy!

Camping season is upon us. And thankfully, if you want to go camping near Los Angeles, you don't need to go far to enjoy a night or two under the stars. A weekend without electronics, breathing fresh air, and enjoying meals over the campfire: all this can be yours without driving more than an hour or two—in some cases even less! Read on to find a fabulous local campground for you and your happy campers.

If you're looking for a spot with a little extra entertainment for the kids, we know just where to go. And if the campground you had your eye on is full this weekend, check out these last-minute campgrounds. To get all our recommendations for great campgrounds, glamping spots, and hiking trails in Los Angeles, visit our Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families.

When my Army-officer husband got stationed in Colorado Springs, I wasn't sure how to feel about it at first. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and Colorado Springs seemed painfully small and slow-paced to this New York City girl. But I quickly fell in love with the city's majestic mountains, gorgeous hiking trails, historic western neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe.

When our twin boys were born, we discovered that there are also a ton of things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, including amazing parks and playgrounds, a Christmas-themed amusement park, and one of the best zoos in the US. Now that the boys are older and we also have a daughter, we can't wait to go back and experience Colorado Springs again with them.

Here are the 35 best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, from outdoor adventures and must-visit museums to kid-friendly Colorado Springs hotels and restaurants. For more Colorado family vacation ideas, check out our list of things to do in Denver with kids (other than hiking) and our visitors' guide to Boulder and the Rocky Mountains.

Budget weekend getaways from Chicago mean that your family vacations aren't limited to longer school breaks. Chicago is home to some world-class tourist destinations, but it’s also within a short drive to even more sights, museums, sports teams, and nature adventures. If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly weekend getaway near Chicago, this round-up is for you. We have staycation and road trip ideas in nearby areas that don’t require thousands of dollars worth of plane tickets or passports.

For more budget-friendly travel ideas for Chicago families, check out our guide to tent camping near Chicago and our Midwest Travel Guide.