Best Of Lists

Best Spots to Cool Off with Frozen Desserts in Houston

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 3:09pm

One of the few bonuses to Houston's almost nonstop hot weather is that you can pretty much indulge in frozen sweets year-round. Whether it's an after-school treat or an after-dinner outing while savoring those last rays of sunlight, these 15 spots have the best ice cream and frozen desserts in Houston.

23 Things To Do with Your Los Angeles Baby in Summer

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 11:10pm

Baby's first summer is a collection of memories waiting to happen—for Mom and Dad, anyway. Of course, Los Angeles summer runs the gamut from chilly June gloom to days so scorching hot you could make grilled cheese on the sidewalk, so entertaining baby means being ready for anything. Here are some fun ways to beat the heat and introduce your little Angeleno to the joys of SoCal summer.

21 Things to Do With Preschoolers in Houston Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 4:55pm

A child's first few years before kindergarten are some of the most precious. They are rapidly growing and developing in front of our eyes, and while the days may be long, that means there is lots of time to visit Houston's many amazing kid-friendly attractions. There is so much to do with your preschooler before they turn 5 and heads to school, but here are some of our favorites.

For more family-friendly fun, check out our list of 100 Things to Do With Houston Kids Before They Grow Up.

45 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Long Island City, Queens

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 2:27pm

About 15 years ago, a friend told me Long Island City and Hunter’s Point were the up and coming places to be. At the time, the area seemed too industrial to be the next hot spot, but the subsequent years have proved my friend right. Who would have thought former warehouses would be renovated to become restaurants and boutiques and LIC would be full of young families, eager to enjoy the amazing waterfront parks and amenities? Apparently, not me.

The change is evident. Glass-enclosed condos have remade the shoreline skyline and new amenities seemingly pop up daily. There's so much to see and do in this family-friendly neighborhood. Here's our list of 45 fun things to do in Long Island City with kids. Now, go forth and explore!

100 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 10:00am

Now that my oldest child is a 'tween, I understand that phrase I heard often during those difficult baby/toddler times: "The days are long, but the years are short." Thankfully, filling those short years with quality bonding time is even easier with our top 100 not-to-be-missed family activities right here in New Jersey.

From indoor play to awesome zoos, and from lush gardens to thrill-filled boardwalks and amusement parks, New Jersey offers tons of incredible sights and activities for families and kids. We have beautiful forests for hiking, Jersey Shore beaches for lounging, and cool playgrounds and parks—all of which make for great day trips with Jersey kids.

NEW: We have a free printable version with the best anytime NJ activities from this list. Print it out and stick it on your fridge to inspire you anytime you need an activity idea.

Read on for our 100 best things to do in NJ.

25 Things to Do on the Boston Seaport and Fort Point with Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:00am

Boston's neighboring Seaport District and Fort Point neighborhoods are bursting with cool new spots to play, learn, and eat, and families are flocking to live here. So it's no surprise that this waterfront district just across the channel from Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail is becoming a day-trip hot spot with young kids. Between awesome playgrounds, kid-friendly art installations, world-class museums, and drool-worthy restaurants, these 25 ideas for enjoying the Seaport and Fort Point area with kids will keep your family plenty busy when exploring the area. Warning: If you don't already live here, you may find yourself thinking about a move after reading this list!

12 Kid-friendly Beaches for Families in Los Angeles & Orange County

Submitted by Martha Hall on Thu, 07/04/2019 - 2:58pm

Beach is what SoCal is all about, but with so much sea and sand around it can actually be hard to choose which is the best spot to stake the family beach umbrella. In the years when sand-filled diapers and tired little legs feel challenging, you want to be sure you've chosen a beach that will pay off with those great summer memories. You could head for a beach with a playground (we know some good ones), but for just enjoying the wonderful Pacific Ocean with easy parking, bathrooms, snacks, or other amenities, we love to return to the dozen beaches below. Gather the shovels, sandwiches, and sunscreen, and go west, young families!

36 Best Things to Do With Kids in the West Village and Greenwich Village

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 8:40am

One of Manhattan's most picturesque communities, the West Village is filled with historic houses on quaint and crooked tree-lined streets. This former countercultural epicenter is now home to many of New York's priciest restaurants, retail stores, and real estate. But there are still plenty of affordable and even FREE attractions for families to discover as you stroll through the labyrinth of this area and its sister neighborhood Greenwich Village.

Beautifully renovated playgrounds pepper the area, including two in iconic Washington Square Park. Treat spots like cupcakeries and candy shops abound. Stretching from 14th to Houston Streets between Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River, this area may be cozy, but it's also packed with so many things to do and places to see, families can spend many days exploring the neighborhoods.