Beaches & Lakes

25 Things to Do With Kids on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Thu, 07/25/2019 - 5:50pm

Summer is the season for road trips with kids, and we’re lucky because New England is full of so many fun spots to visit that are only a few hours away by car. One family favorite is Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. From bustling Meredith, NH on the west side of the lake to quaint Wolfeboro, NH on the eastern edge, there’s plenty of water sports, casual restaurants, and natural beauty that make for a great family vacation. Here are 25 of the best ways to enjoy everything on and surrounding this sparkly blue, 72-acre lake affectionately known as "Lake Winni."

Best Beaches for Families Within an Hour of Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 3:01pm

We’re lucky here in Massachusetts to have so many beautiful beaches to choose from when the temperature soars. With lots of room to dig, play, and swim, a stretch of sand on the edge of the salty surf might be the perfect place to take kids in the summer. But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be tough to know which ones are really right for families. So we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite sandy spots to visit each summer—all within an hour of Boston!

Best Beaches in and Near Westchester: Family Fun at the Shore

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 2:00pm

As you plan your summer to-dos, a few beach days are likely on the list—right up there with visits to swimming pools and splash pads. So where to go? There are a few local spots right in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches close by in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorite beaches in the area, where kids can play in the sand and you can (fingers crossed) make it through at least a few pages of your latest beach read.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our S ummer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

50 Fun Summer Things to Do with Kids and Families in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 11:00am

So much to do, so little time. That’s a popular refrain on Long Island’s East End, where vacationers and residents alike struggle to pack as much adventure as possible into the 80-some days of summer. Which is where we come in, of course. Our Mommy Poppins experts have updated their list of the best fun things to do this summer with great family-friendly events in the Hamptons and North Fork. We’ve researched family beaches, state and county parks, pools, and even indoor options just in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

So if you're visiting the East End, have a look at this kid-friendly list of great summer activities. While you’re at it, check out our guide to this unique region, home to farms, museums, wineries, and even the trendy celebrity or two. Who knows: While you’re here, you might even scratch an item or two off our list of 100 must-do things with LI kids. Hurry, time’s a-wasting.

Great Connecticut Beaches for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Surf, Tide Pools, Bathrooms, Playgrounds, and More

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 4:00pm

Parenthood may have put an end to lazy lounging in the sun, but visiting a great Connecticut beach with a curious, playful toddler or preschooler in tow is a whole new kind of fun. What makes a good beach or lake experience with a little one? These tot- and mom-approved spots have features like bathrooms, concessions, gentle (or no) surf, tide pools, or spraygrounds that allow for more independent exploration with fewer meltdowns. Just pack some toys, sunscreen, and your patience, and your bound for a fun beach day.

Best Beaches Near NYC for a Summer Family Staycation

Submitted by Anna Fader on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 3:35pm

Summertime means beach time, 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 your chosen beach has no bathroom or bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of eight easy-to-reach beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within two hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation as well, so you can plot a great staycation for your family.

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

Fishing Spots and Lakes Where LA Kids Learn To Fish

Submitted by Audrey M on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 3:21am

At some point, just about every boy and girl will want to try fishing. Whether you plan to eat your haul or catch and release, fishing is a time-honored, relaxing way for kids and parents or grandparents to spend quality quiet time together—and it's a classic summer activity. Why not start with a free wharf fishing clinic, to learn fishing basics or ocean fishing, then head out to one of the spots below on your own!

Best Texas Beaches For Family Getaways

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 1:15pm

Heading to the beach is one of the most enjoyable and carefree ways to enjoy a family trip. Here in Houston, we're never too far from the beach down in Galveston, but that's not the only place where you can enjoy awesome beaches and family-friendly activities on a summer getaway. These seaside havens on the Texas coast each offer unique experiences, but all have amazing beaches where kids can run wild and build sandcastles until their heart's content while you relax and soak in the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

Whether you stay at a family-friendly campsite, a beachside hotel, or rent a beach house, you can be sure that your family will enjoy plenty of fun in the sun together when you head to one of these coastal spots.