Sure, biking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures are abundant in Southern California. But sometimes what parents of cooped up kids really need is an actual activity. One where you don't have to do a lot of organizing or planning, so you can sit back, relax, and keep the kids entertained. Preferably, this magical outing doesn't require a long drive and isn't wildly expensive. Echo Park Lake’s Swan Pedal Boats offer exactly that—a new and unique activity for the entire family to enjoy together where everyone can turn brains off, decompress, and just have a blast.

If this outing makes your family long for more wet and wild fun, check out all the spots in the city where kids can pedal and paddle on the water—from kayaks to water bikes to SUP boards and more.

Summer thrill-seekers take note: Six Flags Great Adventure is adding an epic new ride to its collection for the 2021 season. The record-breaking Jersey Devil Coaster has topped off at the Jackson, New Jersey, park and should be ready for riders during the 2021 season.

The roller coaster is the tallest, longest, and fastest single-rail coaster in the world.

Spanning nearly 150 acres of wooded hills and grassy fields, the Ansonia Nature Center was once home to a small family-owned dairy farm tucked in New Haven County. Today, the hidden treasure off Milan Road in Ansonia is laced with two and a half miles of nature trails zig-zagging through streams, meadowlands, and a two acre pond serving as a haven for turtles, water fowl, and fish.

Fans of the polka-dotted art of the legendary Yayoi Kusama take note: The pandemic postponed landmark exhibition of the artist's work at the New York Botanical Garden opens on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The exhibition, Kusama: Cosmic Nature, takes over the 250-acre grounds through Halloween.

And yes, the show features a pair of Kusama’s trademark, immersive infinity rooms.

Read on for the details of Kusama: Cosmic Nature, including info on how to score one of the limited-capacity, timed-entry tickets required to see this massive installation.

Have a fun winter adventure near Boston on a pair of snowshoes!

You might feel like you've been living in a bubble during the pandemic, but now you can actually dine in one. New Jersey restaurant owners have been thinking outside the box to keep businesses afloat during the winter months, which have been especially hard on outdoor dining.

Creative outdoor dining structures—from igloos to tents, greenhouses, and fire pits—are popping up at eateries throughout the state, providing customers with warm, safe alfresco dining opportunities. These outdoor seating options are heated, private, or socially distanced and disinfected between parties. Some ultra-cool spots even feature Bluetooth speakers and outdoor TVs, so you can enjoy your favorite restaurants and plenty of creature comforts, no matter the weather, all while supporting local New Jersey restaurant.

We've found more great ways to get outside this season and plenty of seasonal, family-approved fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

Last year, parents were able to get away with a Zoom party and promise of “next year.” Well, next year is here, and a birthday party at a favorite indoor space still isn't in the cards. However, there are some amazing places to celebrate birthdays in LA right now—it just takes a little ingenuity. Have a birthday party with immediate family or your safe little pod at one of these spots that are outside, maintain social distance, and/or only allow one small group (or party, if you will) at a time.

Most aren’t traditional birthday parties, but all will make a birthday boy or girl feel special and celebrated. From animal encounters to balloon rides to seeing their names in lights, all that’s missing from these parties is the cake. And don’t forget to plan a virtual celebration that all their friends, family, and classmates can take part in.

In what might be described as the inside of Dr. Seuss' imagination fused with Tron, with some added Bladerunner for a kick, Seismique is Houston's newest interactive museum, with enough LED lights to give Clark Griswald envy. Located in a massive former Bed Bath and Beyond space in West Houston, Seismique houses 40 state-of-the-art gallery exhibits and experiences designed by local and international artists. Even among Houston's many wonderful museums, this new addition stands out as a welcome distraction and escape from reality.