There are few national landmarks as iconic as Mount Rushmore, the massive granite sculpture in Keystone, South Dakota depicting four of the country's most beloved presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) surrounded by the majestic Black Hills and a forest of Ponderosa pine trees. The carvings may even be one of the first images that come to mind when you think of the American landscape.

Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors a year. This year, that included my family. While the landmark is the big draw for a vacation in this part of the country, it's also just one of the many activities offered in the area. (Watch out, Branson, Missouri: South Dakota is becoming a genuine family fun center!)

Here's your guide to visiting Mount Rushmore with kids, plus things to do nearby in Keystone and Rapid City, SD. Also check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide for more vacation ideas.

Find hayrides near Boston, from family friendly to super spooky!

Take a day trip to a nearby farm, or head to a pumpkin patch inside the loop.

Fall in the Northeast is a lovely time of year to enjoy one of these weekend getaways near NYC. The crisp air, fall colors, and outdoor activities are hard to resist for most kids (and grown-ups). While you can surely experience some seasonal magic close to home, there's nothing like a weekend away to recharge fully. If you skipped the summer travel season, these fall weekend getaways near NYC are the perfect antidote to the back-to-school blues. So, go ahead and get planning. Before long, you'll immerse your family in seasonal fun.

We've rounded up 22 fall weekend getaways near NYC, whether you're looking for a quick car-free getaway or you've got a long weekend and want to travel a bit further. If you've only got a day to escape, consider one of these 30 fall day trips from NYC, and find more ideas for fall travel in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Corn mazes are a popular fall activity for many families. Navigating twisty paths cut through giant stalks of corn—often while solving clues and finding hidden surprises—is a great way to bond while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The best corn mazes near DC have fun themes, multiple challenge levels, or even flashlight nights, when visitors can tackle the mazes in the dark with only flashlights to guide them.

Here are 16 of the most ah-maize-ing (sorry, couldn't resist) corn mazes near DC for kids and families, including three haunted corn maze options for only the bravest teens. Many of these corn mazes in Maryland and Northern Virginia are part of larger harvest and pumpkin festivals that offer fun activities like hayrides, giant slides, petting zoos, and more.

Looking for even more fun things to do with kids this fall? Be sure to visit our Fall Fun Guide for DC Families and our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids in DC.

Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Chicago? Read on for our top picks. 

Illinois is the number one pumpkin-growing state in the country, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of great pumpkin patches near Chicago for jack-o'-lantern enthusiasts and pie bakers alike. Even better, many pumpkin patches also offer an array of autumn-themed activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and after-dark experiences for older kids. Here are more than 20 of our favorite pumpkin patches near Chicago, all within a two-hour drive of the Loop!

For more seasonal fun, don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide. And if you're zeroing in on Halloween activities, check out our rundown on the best Chicago neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and other Halloween ideas in our Halloween Events & Activities Guide for Chicago Kids. 

Hop aboard Connecticut hayrides for some autumn fun!

There are more than 700 natural springs in Florida, including several swim-worthy freshwater springs just a short distance from Orlando. Florida natural springs make the perfect place to unwind during humid summers and mild winters.

These spring-fed swimming holes are crystal clear and remain 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making them extremely popular for both residents and tourists alike. Many natural springs are surrounded by park land, offering hiking, fishing, and more pre-swim family activities. Others include water slides and mini water parks.

Check out our 10 favorite natural springs in Florida, centrally located near Orlando, great for kids and families. Find more fun places to visit in Florida with our Family Travel Guide, including the Best Beaches near Orlando and Paddleboard and Kayak Tours.