Long Island boasts more than a dozen New York State parks that are exciting places to explore no matter the season.

Whether you and your family are looking for hiking trails to hit in the fall, snowshoeing spots in the winter, bird-watching destinations in the spring, or campgrounds where you can pitch a tent in the summer, these gorgeous state parks have something special to offer Long Island families year-round.

An Empire Pass gives you access to any New York State park for the year, but be sure to look at each park’s website for additional vehicle or entry fees and restrictions. 

For more family-friendly fun, explore our lists of the best Suffolk and Nassau county parks, or check out our Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide.

You know the slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The first things that probably come to mind are paper, plastic, and cans. Or maybe your kids recently had a cool Earth Day-themed school project that involved recycled crafts like bubble wrap printing. Either way, you're no doubt doing something at home to help the environment and teach the youngest family members about recycling. You can also show them how to help their local community with clothing donations near Boston.

But what about clothes? Shoes? Even toys? Do you have stacks of well-loved books or some that are propping up the corner table because you ran out of room on your bookshelves? Ok… maybe you’re not Marie Kondo, yet. Never fear–Massachusetts has you covered! Did you know there are hundreds of roadside donation bins that offer 24/7 drop-off access? Get ready to explore all the different ways you can donate your unwanted items and help the community and environment at the same time.

Check out our Earth Kids Guide for more ways to live sustainably.

San Antonio has top attractions and activities to suit visitors of all ages and interests. History, culture, and five theme parks only minutes from town are just some of its glories. Despite being the second-largest city in the state, the center seems manageable and compact, making it perfect for a weekend trip in Texas with smaller kids. The jewel in San Antonio's crown is the River Walk, a world of its own below street level that connects many sites and attractions. And, of course, a visit to the Alamo allows you to see the location of the infamous 1836 battle that became a symbol of heroic resistance on the route to Texas independence. Modern indoor attractions, such as the Legoland Discovery Center and the DoSeum, mean there are many options for every family.

Read on for the best things to do in San Antonio with kids, plus kid-friendly restaurants and hotels. For more summer vacation fun, check out our Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways guide.

Not all family activities need to lean into the "active" part. Sometimes, just taking the squad for a leisurely stroll to get some fresh air, browse a few shops, and grab a bite to eat can make the perfect weekend outing. One great way to enjoy the warmer temperatures outdoors is to find a walkable neighborhood with a cute downtown district or Main Street lined with family-friendly stores and restaurants to pass the time. We found 9 great walkable Philly neighborhoods to do just that on lazy Sundays, Saturdays, or any day.

For more kid-friendly places to take the crew a little farther out, browse our Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide. For more family activity inspiration, sign up for our newsletters.

Since many of the best amusement parks in the US are located in places where it's warm year-round, like Orlando and Southern California, many DC-area families plan vacations to visit them in fall, winter, and early spring. But come late spring and summer, amusement parks near DC are open and ready to welcome families.

Whether you have toddlers or preschoolers looking for low-octane fun or older kids and teens chasing the thrill of roller coasters, there is a theme park within a three-hour drive from DC that's perfect for a day trip or weekend trip with your family. Many of these family-friendly amusement parks near DC also have on-site water parks included in their ticket prices, so don't forget your bathing suits!

Here are nine great amusement parks near DC to visit with your family. Most of them are open only on weekends in the spring and then every day by June, so be sure to call or check the websites for operating hours before you go.

Water sports near Orlando beckon to those looking for adventure, excitement, and time on the water. These water activities near Orlando are great ways to spend a day on the lake, for appropriate ages, which include wakeboarding, paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more. Because Central Florida has such an extensive volume of lakes and waterways, it makes sense that these water sports near Orlando are huge draws to outdoor enthusiasts. 

If the only summer water activity near Orlando you seek is swimming, make sure to take a dip in one of the picturesque Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando. Swimmers should stick to these natural springs and swimming holes near Orlando because they are safer than large Orlando lakes better suited for water sports. Avoid wildlife and dangerous bacteria and ameobas (which flourish in hotter temperatures), by enjoying daytime water activities near Orlando in boats, on floating appratuses, or at the dock. Check water conditions and learn more about environmental hazards online, with the Florida Department of Health and/or Protecting Florida Together Water Quality websites.

If you're looking for a vacation that will provide thrills and fun for everyone in the family, an amusement park is a great bet. Most of the 40 top amusement parks in the US for a family vacation offer rides, attractions, shows, and other activities for everyone from toddlers to teens and their grown-ups. My family recently visited one of these theme parks, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, and had an absolute blast.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park that's been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park by the National Amusement Park Historical Association for over 30 years. The massive park is broken into nine villages that center around six countries—Germany, France, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Italy. Many of the rides, attractions, performances, and foods are themed around those countries. There are also animal habitats to visit. While there's enough to do at Busch Gardens Williamsburg to make it your sole destination, its proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and other historical sites can also make it one part of a larger family vacation.

Here's what to know about visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA with kids.

There is no shortage of warm-weather family activities in Brooklyn, but I find myself continuously making the trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park throughout the spring and summer months. Spanning 1.3 miles along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront green space promising recreation, sustainability, and environmental exploration. Where else can you fish, roller skate, kayak, barbecue, hit some spectacular playgrounds, catch the ferry to Governors Island, see FREE outdoor movies, explore a sensory labyrinth, or visit an environmental education center? Plus, the Lower Manhattan skyline views never fail to impress.

We've rounded up our favorite things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park with kids. Looking for more green spaces to explore? Bookmark our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in NYC.