Who doesn't love a lazy summer day? When temperatures soar, families inevitably start to look for ways to stay cool within the tri-state area. Look no further than the lazy river: the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for kids and parents. Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend escape, these lazy rivers near NYC offer a fun, refreshing break from hustle and bustle.

These lazy rivers near NYC allow you to float through a jungle with waterfalls or wade alongside your toddler. We've found lazy rivers at local hotels and resorts, outdoor destinations along the Jersey Shore, and other summer hot spots, plus lazy rivers at indoor water parks. No matter which lazy river you choose, you're sure to make tons of fun summer memories with your family.

Bookmark our Local Kids' Guide to Family Amusement Parks and Water Parks for even more ideas to get wet and beat the heat this summer!

If you're looking for free public swimming pools, DC has plenty of family-friendly options. While the Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs are teeming with pricey community pools, there are over 35 indoor and outdoor pools in Washington, DC that are completely free for DC residents (and super cheap for non-residents). All you need to do is show proof of residency for some wet-and-wild fun that's free of charge.

We've rounded up our favorite DC family pools with fun amenities for kids such as splash pads and water slides. Trust us—these are the best free pools DC kids can find. We've also included DC public pool hours and DC pool parking info.

Our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide has more fun places to cool off this summer, from DC splash pads and sprinkler parks to fun outdoor water parks near DC. After all, there's no better way to beat the heat than by having some fun in the water.

Florida, known for its amazing theme parks, welcomed another one when Great Wolf Lodge in Naples recently opened. With a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park and 500 guest rooms, this Naples, Florida hotel and attraction is one of the largest in the Great Wolf Lodge family...and the only one in Florida. (Great Wolf Lodge has 23 indoor water parks across the nation, including its most recently opened spot in Connecticut.)  The Naples destination is a total blast for families—aside from water rides, the resort offers plenty to do, from a thrilling ropes course to a bowling alley and arcade! 

So what sets Great Wolf Lodge Naples apart from its other locations? Our family took the plunge (literally!) and stayed at the water park for a fun-filled weekend. Read on for details from our adventure! 

We've all been there. You bravely take the kids out on the town for a fun family date night, hoping the novelty of it all will be enough to enjoy some semblance of a grown-up outing. But it's not long before the troops get restless and you're desperately searching for the check. Luckily, Philly has loads of kid-friendly food options where children can stay occupied so that parents can eat and talk at a slightly less frenzied pace. From game cafes to bona fide indoor playgrounds (!!!), here are our favorite family-friendly restaurants in Philly where kids can play.

For more of the best places to eat in Philly with kids, check out our Philadelphia Restaurant Guide for Families.

The only Urban Air inside the loop is the area's largest.

Charming Cape May is one of the Jersey Shore's top family destinations for good reason. With its wide beaches, quaint boardwalk, mini-golf courses, parks, and ice cream shops, Cape May can entertain kids of all ages. The shopping and family-friendly restaurants can't be beaten. Head down to Exit Zero, on the southern tip of the Jersey Shore, and enjoy all this town has to offer, from its fabulous beaches and amazing FREE zoo to the historic lighthouse and blazing sunsets.

Read on for our list of 34 can't-miss things to do during your visit to Cape May, New Jersey. And find more seasonal activities and day-trip ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

July is the heart of summer, and while it kicks off with our biggest national holiday and all the parades and fireworks that the Fourth of July brings, the rest of the month seems like it's a holiday desert. Not so! July has Shark Week and Joke Day, Gummy Worm Day, and Pflasterspektakel Linz! You'll have to keep reading to find out what that is, and how to celebrate it with kids...

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day of July, whether it's a reason to have a disco dance party or the perfect excuse to watch an Indiana Jones movie. Be sure to check our local summer guides for more ideas to keep you busy in July and all summer long.

After four years of construction, one of New York City’s most beloved waterfront parks has finally fully reopened—and it's worth the wait. Just in time for summer, East River Park’s southern section welcomes families back with all-new recreational features, re-imagined green spaces, and an incredible hidden layer of protection underneath it all.

Whether you're looking for a sunny place to picnic, shoot some hoops, or just run around and explore, this upgraded park is a must-visit. For more newly renovated parks, check out our list of jaw-dropping new playgrounds in NYC, and for even more fun, bookmark this list of NYC’s best playgrounds worthy of a subway ride.