Water games are an easy way to keep the kids entertained and cool this summer—even in the middle of a heat wave! From a simple water balloon toss to fancier DIY fun like sprinkler Twister, these water games for kids are sure to please all ages. Read on for our favorites—and you can also download this free printable with all 25 top water games for kids.

Need more free and cheap activities for the kids this summer vacation? Our family started a Boredom Busters jar: a painted Mason jar full of ideas to keep them busy (and tired out). Anyone complaining of boredom can open it and pick out an activity. For inspirational ideas for your own jar, check out our ultimate summer bucket list ideas with 100 (mostly) free games and activities for kids or our list of 100 things to do when kids are bored.

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show makes a triumphant return to the skies over the Hudson River for the first time since 2013. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode all along Manhattan's West Side for the first time in more than a decade. More than 60,000 shells are set to light up the night sky.

Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods in Midtown Manhattan, plus riverside communities in New Jersey. If you're hoping to watch Macy's 4th of July fireworks live, it's never too early to start planning your viewing strategy. Looking for more FREE summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.

A picnic in Central Park makes for a lovely alfresco meal, but if you don't have time to plan, there are a handful of Central Park restaurants ready to serve you a sit-down or to-go meal, plus plenty of snack food staples at the ubiquitous hot dog carts peppering the paths that criss-cross the park.

Next time you find yourself exploring the secrets of Central Park and hunger strikes, here are our top picks for kid-friendly Central Park restaurants, plus some family-friendly restaurants just outside its gates.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities. 

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides. 

Get a taste of all the family-friendly spots in Mystic, CT for dining with kids!

Constellation Field has playgrounds, ice cream, a splash pad...oh, and baseball.

Find the top things to do with preschoolers and toddlers in and around Boston!

High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids. 

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas. 

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!