The National Mall and Memorial Parks are one of the top-visited tourist attractions in the US, and hands-down the most famous place in Washington, DC. Plus, it's totally FREE to visit. That's why it should be at the top of any DC vacation itinerary. But with hundreds of acres of space and over 100 monuments and memorials to explore, visiting the National Mall with kids can be quite overwhelming.

Trust me, I know—I've visited the National Mall in the heat of summer with my infant twins in a double stroller, with three little ones after my daughter was born, and now with big kids who still love to climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and run around on the Washington Monument's vast lawn.

With all of that Mall madness under my belt, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on visiting DC's National Mall with kids, from must-see monuments to National Mall parking to the best kid-friendly restaurants near the National Mall. For more must-visit spots for families in our nation's capital, check out our list of the top attractions in DC.

Come spring, our family is itching to get active again. After spending three months cooped up inside, we are ready to be out in the sunshine and stretch our legs. Whether nature hikes near Danbury, boat rides in Mystic, or hopping on bikes in Hartford, we're excited! There are tons of fun to have in late March, April, May, and early June. Everything from playgrounds to fishing to ice cream—it all awaits us when the snow melts and your winter clothes finally get put away.

For more ideas to make the most of the season, check out our Spring Fun Guide. For the best of spring in CT delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

Stroller-friendly hiking trails in Atlanta allow families with young children to easily explore the outdoors. And because Atlanta has so many lush, outdoor spots to explore, kids will never be bored during time well spent on the hiking trail. We've chosen picturesque Atlanta trails that don't require special all-terrain strollers (though you may want to use something with a bit more power than an umbrella stroller on some of these). 

Maneuvering Atlanta trails with a stroller also makes it easier to schlep water, sunscreen, diapers, and an extra pair of clothes (in case of accidents and/or messy stops along the way). Introduce young children to the wonders and natural beauty of Atlanta by walking these awesome stroller-friendly trails.

There's so much to do with kids in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood!

If you are raising kids in Philly, or the nearby suburbs, don’t sleep on the Fishtown area for family fun. The resurgence of Fishtown as a Philly destination has been obvious for years now, with a fabulous restaurant scene, a vibrant night life, and construction projects popping up all over. But Fishtown offers more than just adult fun, as there's a growing number of families choosing to live here that prove it--including my own! Here's a list of our family's favorite Fishtown spots, from parks and playgrounds, to indoor play spaces and kid-friendly restaurants, all written by a mom raising kids right here in the neighborhood.

Browse our other itineraries to some of Philly's best neighborhoods, from our Guide to Northeast Philly with Kids to our favorite spots in Old City and Historic Philadelphia. Whether you're visiting from out of town or playing tourist in your own city, we've got you covered with our 3 Day Itinerary by a Philly Mom and our list of Top Attractions in Philly.

The adjacent Flatiron District and Union Square neighborhoods are two of Manhattan's most unlikely kid-friendly areas. Even though both are filled with office buildings and chain stores, there are lots of amenities for families if you know where to look. Both Union Square and the Flatiron District boast beautiful parks with destination playgrounds, a great selection of family-friendly restaurants, and one-of-a-kind attractions like the interactive Museum of Mathematics, the foodie wonderland that is the Union Square Greenmarket, kid-lit haven Books of Wonder, the sculpture-filled Lego Store, and a very magical Harry Potter New York.

Because the neighborhoods encompass less than a mile together, families can easily explore both Union Square and the Flatiron District in one day, even with a short-attention-span toddler in tow. Of course with so many things to do, see, and experience in this 15-block stretch from 11th to 26th Streets between Fifth and Park Avenues, you'll probably need more than just a day to hit all the recommended stops in this guide to Union Square and the Flatiron District.

Find more local enclaves to explore in our Family-Friendly NYC Neighborhood Guide.

A crying baby can send even the most seasoned parent into a small panic—especially if you can't figure out just what is wrong. Is your baby hungry? Tired? Colicky? Hot? Cold? Trust me—we've all been there.

The truth is, there are a variety of reasons a baby may be upset. Figuring out which of those reasons is causing the fuss—and learning just what to do to fix the problem—is key to knowing how to soothe a crying baby.

The below tips will help you figure out why you have a crying baby, what to do when babies cry, and how to soothe colic in a fussy baby. If your infant is having trouble sleeping, you can also try one of our favorite baby sleep aids to (hopefully) help your baby sleep through the night. And if you still can't figure out how to calm your crying baby or you think something may be wrong, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician. After all, when it comes to your child, you could never be too careful. You've got this!

Everyone's all a-flutter at the Natural History Museum because the butterflies are back in town! The Natural History Museum is opening the Butterfly Pavilion on the museum’s South Lawn, offering delightful flutterby time on the same site where the creepier Spider Pavilion usually sets up in autumn. From chrysalis to butterfly, the Butterfly Pavilion is full of magical moments, which is why it rates as one of our 100 things to do with LA kids before they grow up.

Tickets are available beginning on March 5, and these lovely Painted Ladies and delicate Lacewings will be on display all summer long, so everyone will have a chance to see them!

If you’re looking for a free outing in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is likely already high on your list. The new Houston Family Play Tree House has recently opened in the zoo, making it an even more fun place to explore with kids. Plus, the tree house is located indoors, making it a great stop even if the weather isn’t optimal for walking around the zoo.

This accessible play space is replacing the former Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and has play features that appeal to children up to about the age of 10. For more fun with kids in Lincoln Park, be sure to check out our Lincoln Park neighborhood guide for some great places to check out with kids before or after your zoo trip.