Beaches & Lakes

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.

Island Living at Sherwood Island State Park

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 08/03/2018 - 9:19am

Your Connecticut license plate gets you more than the privilege to drive on our roads - it is also your FREE ticket to Connecticut’s State Parks as part of the “Passport to Parks” program. Located in Westport, Sherwood Island is Fairfield County’s only coastal state operated facility. With over 238 acres of shoreline to explore, swim, fish, hike, or relax in, it is no wonder that Sherwood Island is a gem of Fairfield County.

Jones Beach: A Family Staycation at LI's Kid-Friendly State Park

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 07/31/2018 - 1:33pm

The jewel of Long Island state parks, Jones Beach is a popular beach day destination. And with a whopping 6 million visitors each year, it’s the second most-visited state park in New York state (after Niagara Falls).

Many Long Islanders have fond memories of spending time at Jones Beach with family and friends, walking the boardwalk, taking in a concert, or enjoying the surf and sand. A visit to this beach feels like being on vacation without ever leaving the Island. It’s so much more than a beach, and we’ve got the rundown on what to do, see, play, and even eat at Jones Beach to get the most out of your visit.

Fire Island with Kids: Top Things to Do for Families

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:32am

Fire Island seems to have it all: gorgeous beaches, quaint communities, outdoor dining and waterfront hotels, boating, camping and hiking, even an historic lighthouse. It’s the perfect vacation destination for families, whether it’s for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay.