25 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Orlando and Central Florida

Challenge yourself on the walking beams at Hidden Waters Preserve.

Explore the outdoors with your family on one of the many amazing hiking trails around Orlando. Family hikes are a great way to unplug together, boost mental and physical health, and enjoy beautiful Florida scenery.

We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly hiking spots around Orlando and beyond. Many of these trails are stroller-friendly, easy enough for little legs, and even feature extras like playgrounds and picnic areas to make a full day of it. Don’t forget your outdoor essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, water, and a few snacks to keep everyone fueled for the adventure.

Hiking is also an option at many of Central Florida’s natural springs. Add to the outdoor fun with a geocaching scavenger hunt or by hiding painted rocks for others to find.

13 Creepy & Cool Teen-Approved Halloween Experiences and Events in NJ

Teens can flee the axman this Halloween at Wall Township's Conover Killings. Photo courtesy of the event

As the leaves change color and a chill fills the air, parents of teens face a spooky challenge: finding Halloween plans that are more "gore" and less "bore." We've compiled a list of 13 teen-worthy Halloween events that, dare we say, are fire.

Find more Halloween events for kids of every age in our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids

A Guide to Newnan With Kids: 22 Things to Do in Newnan, GA

Newnan's own Georgia Chocolate Factory welcomes hungry visitors with all things sugary! Photo by author

Find big fun in a small-town setting 30 minutes south of Atlanta in beautiful Newnan, GA! Complete with a charming downtown court square and a growing collection of family-friendly attractions, Newnan make for the perfect day trip. Outdoor destinations, indoor fun, and truly unique dining options promise to make this Georgia city a family fun spot you’ll want to visit again and again. Keep reading to learn more about Newnan and why this quaint city will be the best day trip for families!

3 Days in Luray, VA with Kids: The Perfect Fall Weekend Itinerary

Check out Luray Caverns, the largest cavern in the eastern US! Photo by the author

Luray, Virginia is only about a one-to two-hour drive southwest of DC proper, but it feels like a world away. Home to caverns to explore, kid-friendly wineries and breweries, and fun campgrounds, Luray truly comes alive in autumn, when Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding areas burst into an array of vibrant fall colors. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Luray in the fall.

Read ahead for the perfect fall-weekend itinerary that combines classic fall fun with attractions unique to Luray, Virginia. Then check out our DC Fall Day Trips Guide for more autumn family fun, including the best fall hikes to see fall foliage.

33 Things To Do in Lake Placid with Kids

You don't have to be a skier to take in the views from the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Little Whiteface Mountain. Photo by author

Lake Placid, New York is the perfect destination for winter adventurers. Ski at Whiteface Mountain; ice skate at the Olympic rink; snowshoe, bobsled, or even lead a pack of dogs on a sledding adventure. It’s all there for families in this Adirondacks community five hours or so by car from New York City.

More than four decades after the infamous Miracle on Ice took place in this Olympic sports town, Lake Placid is as endearing as ever, offering its gorgeous backdrop to vacationers. Whether you're looking to live out your Olympic fantasy, hit the slopes, or enjoy a less action-packed getaway, our list of the best things to do on a winter vacation to Lake Placid has picks for all ages and interests. Find more nearby getaways on our Guide to Family Fun in the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC

Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.

If your family is searching for Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities in New York City, look no further. Finding ways to volunteer with kids isn't always as easy as you'd think. Many charitable organizations have age minimums for their projects, and family-friendly volunteering opportunities often book up weeks in advance. (Which, of course, is a good sign—better to have too many people interested in volunteering than not enough.)

With Thanksgiving approaching, we wanted to make your search for volunteering with kids a bit easier, so we are highlighting where to give back on Thanksgiving in NYC. We're including opportunities for children of all ages, so everyone can participate. While kids might not be able to work in a soup kitchen, they can help the homeless, hungry, and elderly in other meaningful ways.

Read on for a list of family-friendly ways to put the "giving" in your Thanksgiving and beyond. Bookmark our NYC Kids Guide to Thanksgiving for more ways to celebrate.

21 Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories and Spooky Stories for Kids

Are you brave enough for some of these spooky ghost stories?

If you're planning a camping trip with the kids—whether it's in the forest or backyard camping—picture this scene: Everyone is gathered around the roaring campfire. The marshmallows have been roasted, the campfire songs have been sung, and the crickets are chirping. What better time to whip out the flashlight and share some ghost stories?

Here are 21 not-so-scary ghost stories and spooky stories for kids of all ages. For more family fun while camping, check out our list of 17 camping games to play with kids.

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