For moms and dads, the start of the school year means a return to frantic lunch packing, endless carpool planning, and way too many opportunities to drop the ball. But what if you could solve a slew of parenting problems with something as simple as, say, a cupcake?

With the back-to-school season right around the corner, we put our heads together with the baked goods-loving pros over at Tastykake® to brainstorm how their kid-approved treats can solve some of our snack-related back to school woes. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that when a little something sweet is the answer (and sometimes it is), Tastykake has parents covered.

Whether you live in California and are in town for a weekend getaway or coming from far away for a sunny vacation, we know the perfect things to do in San Diego. San Diego is honestly overflowing with family fun. Some of the destinations are obvious: billboards all over the city remind you that the Safari Park, Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, Sesame Place, and SeaWorld are just a few miles away. However, there are also so many incredible "off the beaten path" places to take your family that before you get halfway through this list it'll be time to go home, and you'll have to plan a return visit.

Looking for a place to stay while exploring San Diego? Here is our list of the best hotels in San Diego for families and favorite places to stay in Carlsbad.

Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough is the perfect destination for my family. When they were smaller, my boys loved indoor play spaces, Now I need a spot where they can get their energy out in cold or wet weather–or in the middle of a heat wave. Indoor obstacle courses, bowling alleys, go-karts, and laser tag definitely fit the bill, but recently, Apex Entertainment Center combines these activities and more under one (ginormous) roof, with some 100,000 square feet of sporty and techie fun. Here's what you need to know before you visit Apex Entertainment Marlborough, New England's biggest indoor family entertainment center.

Visiting Urban Air Adventure Park in Connecticut is a must-do if you have active kids. You’ve probably been to an indoor playground or play space, like a trampoline park. These indoor adventure parks have been popping up all over New Connecticut in the past decade. The super-fun facilities are recognized by their wall-to-wall, quilt-like patchwork of trampolines. But then, there’s Urban Air Adventure Park. Marketed as "the Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park,” Urban Air's 84,200 square feet of indoor space also includes go-karts, a zip line, laser tag, a "Ninja Warrior"-inspired play area, a colossal climbing playground, and more. After a day with my kids, I can tell you visiting Urban Air trampoline park is worth the trip. Keep reading to discover what not to miss when you go.

The Children’s Museum Houston has been a staple as one of Houston's best kid-friendly attractions since 1980 and boasts a wide array of activities to foster learning in a fun, innovative way. There are more than 20 different exhibits to visit with lots of things to do inside (and outside) the museum, and there is something for any child from toddlers up to 12-year-olds. It's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as you will most likely be chasing your kid all over the place!

Looking for a discount on tickets to Children's Museum Houston? Check out our article on Free Museums and Free Admission Times for the Children's Museum and other things to do in Houston. Save money on many of Houston's best attractions with a CityPASS.

Central Park was created as a respite for the teeming masses of Manhattan. The 843-acre jewel is home to woodlands, meadows, lakes, wildlife, and more than a little history. Years after its creation, Central Park still offers a reprieve to all New Yorkers. Today, more than 40 million people annually visit the lush expanses of one of the country's earliest public parks. Central Park's 21 playgrounds make it a destination for families from all over the city and the world.

Central Park isn’t a place to tire of easily. My family's daily commute to school takes us back and forth across the park—for that, I thank my lucky stars. But it's easy to lose perspective and forget how much this massive green space has to offer locals and visitors alike. With that in mind, we've rounded up 33 fun sights, scenes, and things to do in New York City's big backyard, from the obvious destination-worthy Central Park playgrounds and sledding hills to more obscure destinations.

Find more green spaces to explore in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in NYC for Families.

When your kids are bouncing off the walls, there's no better place to bring them than a trampoline park. A trampoline park is a great place to burn off energy, have fun, and get those sillies out without breaking any lamps in your family room. But trampoline parks are so much more than just trampolines. They also offer loads of other fun activities like ninja warrior courses, foam pits, climbing walls, and more.

Here are eight fun trampoline parks near DC, where kids from toddlers to teens can bounce, jump, and play the day away. These trampoline parks have a combined total of over 20 locations in Northern Virginia and Maryland.

For more fun ways to blow off steam indoors, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC, which includes everything from the best indoor rock climbing gyms to fun bowling alleys for families.

One question commonly asked by families visiting Florida is, "Where can we go to see alligators?" Look no further than Gatorland Orlando, known as the Alligator Capital of the World. Even as a Florida native, I am still fascinated by our amazing state reptile and love spotting them every chance I get. Gatorland has been a staple in the Central Florida community since 1949. It is one of my family’s favorite places to visit since it includes activities for all ages, from my picky preteen to my curious preschooler! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Gatorland with kids.

To see more native and exotic wildlife, check out our roundup of the Top Orlando Zoos and More Places to See Animals. Planning an Orlando vacation? Use our Orlando Visitor’s Guide to help plan your trip!