So you didn't really plan a summer vacation this year? While getting out of town for a week (or even a weekend) can sometimes be impossible, just a day away can refresh and recharge. We’ve gathered up 21 summer day trips from Chicago with kids in the car for a couple of hours (or less) and still offer a change of scene and plenty of fun. From beaches to hikes to slides, we've rounded up some fun-filled day trips away from the city for the whole family to enjoy. 

For more local trip ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide or our list of the Best Lakeside Resorts for Families.

Atlantic City isn't the first shore town to come to mind when you think kid-friendly, but beyond the casino lights, this Jersey Shore town packs plenty of family-friendly fun, including an action-packed boardwalk with a legendary amusement park and a sandy shoreline.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Atlantic City with kids, and find lots more entertaining options in our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

Looking for screen-free activities for teens? Read on for our list of 100 fun ideas.

Bored teens usually turn to one thing—screens. But too much time playing video games, texting, watching YouTube, and binge-watching TV isn't healthy for anyone.

So the next time your teen says, "I'm bored," show them this list of 100 things they can do to pass the time. It includes both solo activities for teens and things they can do with siblings or friends, including fun games for teens, crafts for teens, outdoor activities, cooking projects, and more.

Our Teen and Tween Activities Guide offers more guidance on raising your no-longer-little kids, from our Teen and Tween Gift Guide to ideas for college care packages.

Amazon Prime Day 2024 is July 16 & 17, and in hopes of helping you find the very best discounts on things that parents and kids adore, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite deals on everything from toys and baby gear to electronics, and more.

The Amazon Prime Day Sale offers some of the best deals of the year, and honestly, I’m stoked to find savings on all the things I would add to my cart anyway. It can be overwhelming to decide what to purchase in those 48 hours, so we did some legwork and found absolute must-have bargains available starting now.

There’s no way to tell everything that’ll be on sale for Amazon Prime Day, so check back when the big day arrives for updates on all the savings headed your way.

Be sure to check out our other recommendations like the best lightweight car seats and strollers for travel, the best baby beach gear, and ride-on toys for kids.

One of New York City's original residential neighborhoods, it's no surprise Tribeca overflows with family-friendly things to do. Tribeca was initially settled back in the 1700s, and the area became a hub of industrial and commercial activity in the 1900s, but its heyday didn't last. By post-World War II, it was a ghost town with only a few hundred residents, and block after block of empty warehouses. Thanks to all of that affordable loft space, artists and bohemians flocked to Tribeca in the 1980s and by the 2000s it had been reinvented once again as one of Manhattan's most affluent and amenity-filled areas.

Today, this unique neighborhood is in high demand with families thanks to its great public schools, the beautiful waterfront Hudson River Park, thriving locally owned businesses, kid-friendly restaurants, and a funky downtown vibe. Here's a look at our favorite things to do in Tribeca with kids, including our favorite spots to eat, play, and shop.

Summer isn't the same without a dip in a local swimming pool in Connecticut. Many towns offer full afternoons of public swim for all ages (just make sure to read their rules). We've rounded up our best outdoor pools where the family can take a refreshing dip and play during the summer months. So, get your suit, some sunblock and get splashing!

Find the right swimming pool for your family, whether that's one with an adjacent playground or an inexpensive day pass. A number of these spots offer kiddie pools and splash pads, but you can also check out our full list of awesome splash pads, too. If a natural setting is more your style, we have also put together a guide to the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids.

Air conditioned arcades in Atlanta offer a needed respite during hot, humid days (and let's be honest, the winters can be harsh as well). These Atlanta arcades provide entertainment during summer and school breaks, after school time, weekends, and even birthdays. The entertainment factor gets even better at some of these arcades, as some feature go-karts, bowling, axe throwing, delicious food, and more. 

Check out our favorite arcades in and around Atlanta, specified by age groups as some arcades are geared toward teens/tweens and some are more appropriate for younger kids. Happy gaming!

The Orlando Science Center (OSC) recently debuted a permanent exhibit, Life, that focuses on nature and conservation. Presented by Dr. Sarah Layton, Life narrates the conservation story through the animals that share our planet. I recently visited, and my kids loved exploring the immersive environments and hands-on exhibits that show how human actions impact all living things, locally and globally.