Cape Cod has always been my go-to for a family summer vacation. I grew up spending summers there, and it still gives me that magical “this is what summer feels like” vibe—laid-back, breezy, and full of family-friendly charm. But staying at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, MA truly brought my classic Cape Cod vacation to the next level.

It’s the perfect home away from home, with spacious accommodations and every amenity you could need to make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable. Set right on Cape Cod Bay, Ocean Edge has it all—including beach bonfires, oyster tours, a plethora of pools, biking trails, and endless kid-friendly activities. If you're dreaming of a summer escape that blends nostalgia with a touch of luxury, this New England gem is it.

To plan your Cape Cod getaway, check out our Guide to Visiting Cape Cod with Kids.

Learn how to make a flower crown for kids with only three things and in three easy steps.

Picking flowers at a pick-your-own field or farm is a great way to spend a summer day! I know what to do when I pick too many blueberries (freeze them), pick too many strawberries (jam them), or pick too many apples (sauce them).  But, I was a bit stumped about a project for "what to do with all these flowers!"  

Scrolling through Instagram one day, I was completely inspired by the idea of flower crowns.  There have been so many gorgeous examples floating through my feed, that I just knew I had to learn how to make flower crowns for kids. It turns out they are pretty simple to fumble your way through. Note: this is really fun for kids, but this project definitely requires adult hands, fingers, and patience. 

Read on for step-by-step and picture-by-picture instructions on how to make a flower crown for kids!

To find a flower field near you, check your local Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Berries & Flowers.

Whether it's your 6-month-old, 6-year-old, or 16-year-old, you are looking for the same thing when it comes to getting their ears pierced: A sanitary, well-respected, and experienced place for your child's first ear piercing experience.

Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, but you want to choose somewhere you and your child will feel comfortable. Many of these places also have a wide selection of jewelry, so your child can buy pieces that show off their unique style. 

For more LI personal styling businesses, be sure to check out our Guide to Stores and Services on Long Island, which includes our picks for the Best Hair Salons for Kids Haircuts.

Cool off this summer 2025 at one of Boston's best splash pads and sprinkler parks.

Gone are the days of needing to use a garden hose as a sprinkler: the DC area is brimming with splash pads, spraygrounds, and water play areas to help kids beat the heat on hot summer days. These DC splash parks are full of fun features like fountains, dumping buckets, water cannons, spraying animals, and even mini water slides. And the best part is, most of them are absolutely FREE!

Here are some of the best spraygrounds and splash pads DC has to offer. These Maryland, Northern Virginia, and DC splash parks offer loads of wet and wild fun for kids of all ages.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more ways to cool off this summer, from swimming lakes near DC to free public swimming pools in DC for families. 

Any North Texan parent knows that the summer months are best spent near or in water. If you can't make it to one of the swimming lakes nearby, a great way to cool off is to hit one of the local water playgrounds and splash pads in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the rest of the metroplex. Some are simple with a few buckets and spigots, and others are a whole experience.

That's why we've rounded up the best splash pads in Dallas-Fort Worth so you'll have a list of spots to check out when your kids are clamoring for a little water play. After all, there's nothing like free summer activities to keep the kids busy and happy!

Swimming lakes offers a refreshing and fun way to beat the heat during an Atlanta summer. When it gets too hot for the playground and you want a break from pool chlorine, head to one of these lakes where the family can reconnect with nature. These Atlanta swimming lakes with great beaches make great summer day trips for Atlanta families. We've narrowed it down to our favorites, all about two hours or less from Atlanta. And in case you're wondering, these spots have restrooms and many offer boat rentals!

To stay cool this summer when temperatures soar, check out these Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta, Best Outdoor Water Parks, and Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids. Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to stay informed about more exciting things to do this summer!

Orlando splash pads help kids cool down while burning off some energy. We've listed our favorite splash parks in Orlando, and several are adjacent to some of the best playgrounds in the area. These Orlando splash pads make for a cheap— or even FREE— day of entertainment, especially for little ones. So pack your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen, and get ready for a splash-filled adventure!

For more ways to cool off this summer, consider visiting Orlando Pools with Day Passes and Best Florida Beaches. Many of Orlando's theme parks and other attractions (such as Gatorland and Central Florida Zoo) also feature fun splash pads, so be prepared with a swimsuit for little ones when you visit!