Home to one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark habitat, and 100+ engaging aquatic exhibits, the Long Island Aquarium is also overflowing with opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals!

From selfies with penguins to the chance to wade through a critter-filled salt marsh, animal encounters are easily one of the most fun and memorable parts of visiting the Long Island Aquarium. To make sure you don’t miss a thing on your next trip, take a look at some of our favorite interactive experiences, broken down by those that are free with the cost of admission and those that require an additional free–plus, oftentimes, a reservation.

There are so many teen skincare lines out there, it can be hard to know which work, which are just marketing grabs for money, and which commit the worst sin of all—being uncool. To get the scoop on the best teen skincare lines and pimple patches, we decided to go to the source: a teen. Luckily, our own Ally Noel's daughter is a teen skincare expert, and she was happy to tell us what's what.

Read on for Charley's teen skincare picks, which include an old favorite, a celeb-created line, and a line that parents will happily pilfer from their kids. Plus, find out which pimple patches actually work—and which look the cutest.

We've got more teen insight, too, including 70 Life Skills Your Kid Needs Before College and great Pre-College Summer Programs for High School Students. Because no matter how much we dread it, our little ones grow up!

Winter is in the rear-view mirror in Boston, and we’re ready to get outside to see some cherry blossoms and spring flowers. There are tons of places to check out nature’s colorful, phenomenal beauty in and around Boston. Wildflowers, roses, and of course, cherry blossoms, are both local and popular tourist attractions for all to see. Our friends to the south, in NYC, have cherry blossom locations all over the city. Even further down the coast, there’s the National Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation’s capital.  

In Boston proper, you can even sign up for garden tours, like the South End Garden Tour and the Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill tour for informed visits. And, to create a hands-on experience for the whole family, head over to a local farm to handpick wildflowers and other species. Take them home, put them in a vase, and enjoy the natural fragrance for days to come.

Who doesn't love a spa day, especially a kid spa party?! Treat your little one, tween, or teen with a day at one of these Orlando kid-friendly spas. From Mommy & Me pedicures to royal makeovers, these special spa days are sure to create lasting memories for you and your child. We've also rounded up local services offering mobile kid spa parties—these companies bring the spa experience to you and make children feel pampered.

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC! That means it's time to put away the coats and hats and head outdoors to start checking activities off your spring fun list. There are so many things to do in DC to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the extra daylight. The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring festivals are in full swing, mini golf courses are opening back up, and the parks and playgrounds are beckoning. And on those rainy spring days, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and family-friendly shows.

Read on for our list of 25 things to do in DC and its surrounding areas this spring. The list includes spring activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. Get on out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season!

Just in time for the Phillies home opener, we've rounded up everything you need to know about taking your kids to the ballgame, from kids clubs to park attractions. Loving baseball has been a long-standing tradition in Philly, and the Philadelphia Phillies have always been a team like no other. Last year, the Phils played exceptionally well, enjoying a long playoff run that ended in a trip to the World Series. The excitement for the team was at an all-time high last fall, and Philly kids caught the Phillies phever!

The ball park offers many options for families, so read on to get geared up for the season and to find out how to get the most out of taking the kids to Citizens Bank Park. For more of ideas to engage your littlest sports lovers, visit our Sports Guide, and find more warm-weather outings for Philly families in our Spring Activities Guide.

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

For a great family trip close to home, head to one of these state parks near Houston. Whether you are planning a day trip or want to enjoy a weekend getaway in a tent, RV, shelter, or cabin, we have some awesome recommendations for state parks within a 2-hour drive of Houston. Houston-area state parks give kids the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, alligator spotting, and hitting the beach. State parks are free for kids 12 and under, and even the fees for adults range from free to only $7 a day, with the funds being used to maintain the parks for future generations. Our guide will tell you how long your journey is from downtown Houston, opening hours, costs, availability of camping, and top activities for you and your family to enjoy. So, why not fill up your cooler, pack your picnic and s’mores, and hit the road?

For more camping, hiking, and outdoor play ideas, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids.