Though summer in the DC area can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat—including a plethora of delicious ice cream shops near DC that are sure so satisfy any sweet tooth. And while we've got plenty of love for the nationwide ice cream chains, sometimes you just want to go somewhere more local and special.

Read on for our list of 21 great ice cream shops near DC, many of which are near other attractions like parks and playgrounds. Some of them stick with what they do best (ice cream), while others offer extra goodies such as cookies and cakes.

For more great ways to keep cool this summer—including our lists of outdoor water parks and free public swimming pools near DC—check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Who wants ice cream? Everybody, especially in the summer! Fortunately, we have no shortage of ice cream near Atlanta. We've got all the big ice cream chains, but we especially love local ice cream spots—these ice cream parlors are the ones that really hit the sweet spot. It was a tough job, researching and tasting various flavors and styles of ice cream near Atlanta, but somebody had to do it! Read on for the "scoop" on the yummiest ice cream spots near Atlanta, including local mobile ice cream and popsicle stands. 

Hudson Valley families have their standbys. Whether it's their favorite park, river town, or farmers market, there's always a fallback and fun activity to do.

When we say trendy, we mean shake it off and try something new. From alpacas to onigiri, there is so much in our area to explore that is new, unique, and off the beaten path. Check out our list of fun new options below. 

Our Guide to News and Openings in the region will help you keep your finger on the pulse of noteworthy new activities, and be sure to look at our constantly updated Activity Calendar for great things to do every day. 

Long Island is full of trendy experiences kids will love. From neon-themed nights at the water park to interactive dinosaur exhibits at the museum to new roller coaster action, there's something fun for every age to experience. 

These unique things to do with kids on Long Island this summer will create Instagram-worthy, memorable moments for the whole family. Read ahead for all the details, and for even more things to do on LI this summer, check out our Long Island Kids Summer Guide and our 2025 Epic Bucket List of Things To Do on Long Island with Kids. 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month?! In honor of this, we've put together a list of the best ice cream in Orlando for kids. Whether you want traditional ice cream, soft serve, gelato, or unique options like rolled ice cream or bubble waffles, we've got you covered. Even if you are reading this outside summer months, there's always time to enjoy ice cream year-round, especially in Florida!

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water ice,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve, as well. Plus, check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!

For more ways to stay cool this summer, check out our Summer Activity Guide.

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is set to blast off from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges nearby in 2025. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on Friday, July 4, 2025, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode in the 49th edition of this incredible Independence Day celebration. 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 along the waterfront in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. New this year: a city-sponsored lottery doles out FREE tickets to public viewing areas. 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.

New York is the ultimate city for foodies, including for kids with adventurous palates. While there are restaurants on just about every corner with nearly every possible cuisine to sample, there are also lots of unique and fun food experiences for NYC kids to discover. Think interactive cooking, edible adventures, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. If you've got a budding foodie in your house, we've rounded up eight culinary adventures sure to create some tasty memories.

For more tips on dining out in NYC with kids, check out our comprehensive NYC Kids' Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants. We've got neighborhood-specific information about the best places to eat and the best insider tips.