Stretching along the North and South Shores of Long Island are dazzling beaches known for family-friendly vibes and natural beauty, and we don't just mean the Hamptons. Whether you are looking for tranquil waters suited to younger kids or a spot where older kids can body surf, there is a Long Island beach for you.

At these family-friendly Long Island beaches, you'll find picnic areas, swimming pools, playgrounds, and bathroom complexes, along with food trucks and umbrella rentals. Before you slather on the sunscreen and head out the door, use our guide to choose the best beach for your family's needs.

Looking for other outdoor activities? Check out our guide for the best places to go camping on Long Island, or read up on awesome LI amusement parks geared towards families.

Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.

Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long, which includes our story on the Shore's best boardwalks.

This summer, head out and up to one of NYC's family-friendly rooftop restaurants for a night out above the town, literally. If you have a hankering for some outdoor dining, there are great options that deliver delicious food and entertainment alongside a great view. You can dine alfresco with the kids in tow from high above the crowded, hot NYC streets at one of these kid-friendly eateries hidden away on rooftops around the city.

Find more family-friendly dining destinations in our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants.

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools, which include more than 60 pools around Philadelphia, offer a combination of open swim, family swim, lessons, and activities. There’s bound to be a wet and wild adventure not too far from home. So pack the towels and sunscreen in a bag, and head out for a dip.

Looking for more water fun this summer? We've got plenty! Check out some of the Best Water Parks Near Philly, or splash around at one of the areas Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds. If you'd like a more relaxing day on the water, you'll love these Swimming Lakes Near Philly.

Kids in Los Angeles who love animal encounters can take their fun to the next level with a wild animal sleepover experience at these Southern California sleepover animal encounters. 

Kids love a good slumber party—and who doesn’t love s’mores! Throw in a lion or capybara encounter or two, and you’ve got a recipe for an overnight adventure you and your family will talk about for years. From no-frills bring-your-own-tent options to luxury accommodations in a safari tent imported from Botswana, here are some sleepovers at zoos, wild animal parks, and animal sanctuaries near Los Angeles—plus a few that are a little farther away. 

For more animal encounters, discover insider tips to the LA Zoo, ride camels at the Oasis Camel Dairy, and go wild with more animal experiences in our guide to Zoos and Gardens for Los Angeles Kids.  

When people think of visiting Steamboat Springs, Colorado, it's often for one thing—skiing. And there's no doubt that the skiing in this western mountain town is top-notch. But it turns out Steamboat Springs is not just a winter destination. There are plenty of things to do in Steamboat Springs throughout the year, from hiking to hot springs to, yes, winter activities like snowmobiling and even dogsledding.

Here are 23 top things to do with kids in Steamboat Springs, CO besides skiing, including family-friendly Steamboat Springs restaurants and hotels. Visit our Western US Family Travel Guide for even more adventures out west, from gorgeous national parks like the Grand Canyon to fun cities such as Colorado Springs.

The 4th of July is almost here, and fireworks will be lighting up the night sky all over the Hudson Valley. We have rounded up the top spots to watch these holiday sparklers throughout the region on July 4th proper and on the surrounding dates.

Our picks for festivities include the ultra kid-friendly Mamaroneck Fireworks Spectacular and Fireman's Carnival at Harbor Island Park, and Red, White, and Boom at Legoland New York, which features all-day entertainment and a unique fireworks extravaganza in which the fireworks transform into Lego bricks. 

Looking for other great things to do with your kids this season? Check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

Summertime means beach season, and while there are lots of beaches near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus, or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is that your chosen beach has no bathroom, or bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of eight easy-to-reach beaches near NYC for families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within 2 hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation, so you can plot a great daycation for your family.

Find more beach fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide, or check out these summer day trip ideas.