Beaches & Lakes

25 Fun Things to Do in Miami with Kids (Beyond the Beach)

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 12/08/2018 - 2:05pm

When you travel with kids, it's hard to think about vacationing in Florida beyond the mega theme parks in Orlando. Yet, the Sunshine State delivers numerous family-friendly destinations, from Tallahassee to the Keys, as well as one of our favorite cities: Miami.

Miami offers beach-ready weather for most of the year and moderate temps for the rest of it, so it welcomes visitors fleeing northern climes year-round. But there's more than the beach to entertain kids in this South Florida hot spot. You'll find outdoor activities galore, from boating and pools to fun splash pads and parks for strolling. Top-notch museums, animal encounters, and even top sports teams offer families endless options, and don't forget about Miami's proximity to the Everglades.

Read on for our favorite things to do with kids in and around Miami, Florida.

Caumsett State Park: A Jewel for Kids on Suffolk's North Shore

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Tue, 10/09/2018 - 1:30pm

Parents with spirited kids know the value of time spent in nature.

Besides just being an awesome experience, nature and the outdoors are known to build immunity, lower stress, and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve near Huntington is a spacious waterfront parkland where tots can enjoy year-round fishing, hiking, picnicking, and more on Long Island Sound.

For more great things in and around Long Island's North Shore, check out our guides to Centerport with kids and family fun in Northport. For more outdoor fun, check out our guide to LI parks and playgrounds, including 15 state parks that are absolutely worth a visit.

New Adventure Park Planned for Jones Beach

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 1:00pm

An adventure course at J ones Beach State Park is scheduled to open at the beachfront attraction in 2019. WildPlay Element Parks will install the gravity-defying East Mall Adventure Course, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

There are plenty more thrill-seeking destinations on Long Island. Check out these spots for little (and big) adrenaline junkies in your house. Or visit another state park on Long Island and embark on an adventure of your own.

Lake Balboa: A Family Day out in this Awesome San Fernando Valley Park

Submitted by Li Starr on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 1:40am

What if there were a lake in Los Angeles County big enough to accommodate swan pedal boats, fishing, and kayaks? What if it were home to dozens of ducks and geese, and there were playgrounds and a 1.3 mile jogging path? What if there were cherry blossom trees and even a Japanese tea garden? Sounds nice, right?

10 Swimming Lakes You Should Know Near Los Angeles

Submitted by Brian Steele on Fri, 08/17/2018 - 6:37pm

With our new normal somewhere between hot and hotter, SoCal families are eagerly looking for ways to cool off. Did you know that there are some wonderful lakes within spitting distance of sizzling Los Angeles? And if you're willing to drive a little farther, lake options get even more plentiful. Whether you want to take a dip in a secluded swim hole, or join the masses at a lavish lake resort, here are some of the best spots to take a swim before the entire family melts.

6 Natural Tide Pools Where Kids Can Explore Crabs, Sea Stars, and Marine Life Around Boston

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 8:00pm

Chances are, you've hit one of our glorious local beaches this summer to jump the waves and build sandcastles. But have you gone tide pooling yet? Kids love exploring these tiny ecosystems, usually created by outgoing tides, where they can discover crabs, sea stars, and more marine life. Bring a bucket and your curiosity, and consider a stop at a North Shore seafood shack on the way home. (Your shellfish discoveries might lead to some interesting discussions about the menu.)

Visiting Sunken Meadow State Park: Picnics, Playgrounds, Beaches

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 12:00pm

A trip to Sunken Meadow State Park on the rocky, picturesque North Shore of Long Island can be whatever you want it to be.

There's a different feel to this beach than those on the South Shore. It's quieter, more relaxed, and less trafficked than Jones Beach or Robert Moses state parks. The Long Island Sound waters are calm and clear. Families with children of all ages line the shore with beach chairs and umbrellas.

Kids can enjoy watching the water rush over them as their feet dig into the sand. If excitement is what you're after, you'll find it at Sunken Meadow State Park, which boasts a little something for everyone.

Finders Keepers: Hunting for Seaglass along the Connecticut Shoreline

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 7:47am

If you're lucky, you might find Coke-bottle aqua or Milk-of-Magnesia Blue. Maybe once in a lifetime you'll unearth rare ruby red. Most often you'll find beer-bottle-brown and wine-bottle-green. But if you ask my kids--it's all treasure no matter what color or size. My very favorite memories of summer were made walking the beach with my kids gathering up every glittering shard of beach glass we could find like a magical treasure hunt. Ground smooth by the ocean and transformed from transparent to translucent by the sand, these tiny bits of sea glass are found scattered (scarcely) on the beaches throughout the state. Here's our roundup of the best beaches to hunt for these precious pieces of treasure washed ashore.