Fall Activities

Camp Rockaway Brings Family-Friendly Glamping to Riis Beach

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Thu, 07/18/2019 - 4:00pm

If you love family camping, but don't love the thought of hauling all that gear (or even if you're not a huge fan of camping, but you sure do love the beach) good news: Camp Rockaway has returned for a third season of family-friendly glamping with a side of urban beach. Located in a sandy courtyard behind the historic Jacob Riis Bathhouse, Camp Rockaway offers families a chance to sleep over at at the beach, with comfy tents, queen-sized beds, and hot showers, all just steps from the waves. Read on for a peek inside the tent flaps.

10 Underrated NYC Parks You (Probably) Haven't Visited Yet

Submitted by Raven Snook on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 4:00pm

Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park—even if you only just arrived in NYC, we probably don't need to tell you that these are all must-see green spaces. But did you know that according to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, 14 percent of the city is parkland? That's more than 30,000 acres!

So if you're looking for a new-to-you outdoor destination to explore, we've got 10 off-the-beaten-path parks worth putting on your NYC family bucket list. Some are massive and boast a wide array of attractions for all seasons; others are small but picturesque and host popular annual events for families. With months of outdoor play weather ahead of us, check out this list and visit some of the city's best hidden gems.

8 Special Family Campgrounds near Boston with Extras for Kids

Submitted by Fiona Haley on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 11:37am

For many families, camping is an annual ritual. For others, it’s an interesting (but maybe daunting) possibility. Truth is, camping is a wonderful way to explore the outdoors while spending serious quality time with your family—and you can do it all for much less money than you'd spend at a hotel or rental home. While Massachusetts is home to many campgrounds, these go out of their way to create a kid-friendly experience that combines adventure and creature comforts—with a little something extra for tiny campers! For an even more rustic experience, check out our picks for tent camping spots.

The Best Animal Farms and Petting Zoos on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 7:11pm

Whether you are looking for a low-key petting zoo or an exotic experience with wild animals, there's no shortage of places on Long Island where children can interact with nature's noble creatures. If they want to, Long Island kids can do everything from feed a giraffe to visit with an alpaca, and even ride a safari train.

Be sure to check our directory of zoos and gardens on Long Island, and peruse our pick-your-own guide for more local farm fun. And, for more seasonal fun, be sure to check our event calendar

Dinosaur Tracks in Texas: Family Fun at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Thu, 04/18/2019 - 9:00am

Deep in the heart of Texas runs the Paluxy River, a small tributary of the Brazos River. And on in its shallow bends and shores lie one of Texas' best kept secrets - dinosaur tracks! Dinosaur Valley State Park - located in Glen Rose, Texas - remains one of my personal favorite state parks for family camping trips because of the fossilized treasures its holds and its natural beauty. You don't even have to be a dinosaur fanatic to appreciate all this park has to offer. Add it to your family's travel bucket list, and plan to visit again and again.

7 Things to Love About the Queens County Farm Museum

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Tue, 04/16/2019 - 3:00pm

While NYC families have full access to the best museums and shows that the world has to offer, life in the city can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from nature. We’re always seeking ways to let our little ones get their hands dirty, so it’s no surprise that the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is a family favorite.

Spanning 47 acres, the Queens County Farm Museum dates back to the 17th century and features old-fashioned farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, planting fields, an orchard, an herb garden and a vineyard, all within city limits. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel miles away from the city.

Here are the reasons we are forever loving New York City's only historic working farm and why it's a fantastic destination for NYC kids. While you’re there, make a day of it with our Queens Family Neighborhood Guide.

45 Unmissable Things to do with Kids in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Tania Pesce on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 8:38pm

Smack in the middle of the state, Hartford County is a place you'll probably have lots of occasions to pass through even if you don't live nearby. Luckily, this county, the second most populous in Connecticut, is packed with museums, parks, and other attractions that are worth a stop for a morning or afternoon. While there are many more things to do with kids than this 50-item list shares, we have collected some unmissable places and events Connecticut has to share. Whether you and the brood are in the mood to learn, soak up nature, or get some exercise, this list has a family fun idea for you.

12 Great Family Camping Spots Near NYC

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Thu, 04/11/2019 - 12:34pm

Camping trips are great for kids, especially NYC kids. They get to spend time outside in green spaces that may seem, to city kids, to go on forever. Plus they can learn esteem-building skills, including how to canoe, fish, chop wood, cook over a fire, pitch a tent, and more. Although there are a number of campgrounds offering fancy perks these days, from wi-fi to heated swimming pools, many camping trips are low-tech, so they allow families time to unplug and reconnect with one another. Plus, pitching a tent is generally an affordable alternative to a hotel.

Read on for more top campgrounds within a few hours of the city that are packed with things to keep kids busy, and two of which are within city limits. A number of these prime destinations are accessible via mass transit, and one campground even provides nearly everything you need. Remember, some of these favorites book up early!