Summer Activities

Meet the Animals: 6 Great Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philly

Submitted by Becki Melchione on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 8:18am

S pring, summer, or fall, when the weather is nice, there's so much to do to get outside: festivals, parks, spray grounds, amusement parks, and more. But your little animal lover might be craving some one-on-one time with some cute and cuddlies, and there's no better time to visit the local petting zoo or animal farm than during the warmer months. Luckily, there's a handful of great places in the area for just that.

Mattituck with Kids: Fun Things to Do in this North Fork Town

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 09/10/2019 - 6:04am

From local museums and gorgeous beaches to kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, Mattituck has much to offer Long Island families.

Spanning the Long Island Sound to the Peconic Bay, this North Fork hamlet is perfect for a day trip or a week’s vacation with plenty of fresh-from-the-vine wine and produce, farms and local food, hiking, fishing and beaching to do! We’ve put together a list of things to do and see while you’re there.

Need more suggestions for things to do this fall? Check out our Fall Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar. For more out-east fun, take a look at our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork.

40 Festivals, Fairs, and Carnivals for Philly Families this September

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 08/25/2019 - 9:30am

Summer 2019 comes barreling to a halt this month, which can leave Philly families conflicted. How has summer flown by so quickly? We weren't finished with our Summer Bucket Lists! But, despite the fact school and fall activities may be upon us, Philly parents and kids alike can try to keep summer fun alive in the first half of September (technically it's summer until September 21), while welcoming fall towards the end of the month with some amazing festivals, fairs, and carnivals. After all, who doesn't love pumpkin-flavored everything?

There are festivals to surely satisfy your appetite and make your mouth water. There are festivals that celebrate the culture and traditions, whisking you to Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Poland all while staying in the Delaware Valley. Other events feature classic carnival amusements and still others prepare for the change in season with scarecrows, pumpkins, and fall fun.

Keep reading for family-friendly events that will help your crew celebrate September.

Go Fish: Where to Go Fishing with NYC Kids for Free (Even If You Don't Have Gear)

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Mon, 08/19/2019 - 12:00pm

Fishing is a classic family activity, but it can only be done outside of NYC, right? Wrong. My husband and I have been fishing with our 9-year-old son in the five boroughs since he was a preschooler. It's relaxing and a great way to bond, plus it teaches patience (you definitely need it for this sport).

Not only does NYC offer different kinds of fishing experiences (freshwater, salt water, catch-and-release), there are organizations that even supply the rod, reel, tackle and bait so all you need to bring is a good attitude. Our rivers, lakes, ponds and beaches are truly teeming with fish, and we've got the scoop on where you and your kids can catch them.

Orange County's Best Kept Secret Is a Water Park Right on the Beach

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 08/19/2019 - 4:44am

Apologies, but I am about to blow a well kept secret wide open: Newport Beach has a cove hidden in plain sight that may be the best family beach day in the Southland. Of course the definition of "best family beach day" may not be the same for everyone; only continue reading if your ideal beach day would include kayaks, SUP boards, paddle boats, and an inflatable water park in a warm surf-free lagoon surrounded by clean sand, fire rings for s'mores, easy parking, and clean bathrooms. Only head to Newport Dunes if you're prepared for that level of nirvana.

Family Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in New England that Welcome Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 6:00pm

When thinking of New England, most people conjure up the tastes of apples, cranberries, and maple syrup, but local vineyards prove we can produce some tasty grapes, too. Stretching from Connecticut’s "wine trail" all the way up to New Hampshire's White Mountains, many of these vineyards aren't just great places to sip wine with your grown-up friends, but also to hang out with kids (yes, you heard that right!). Much like the local beer gardens that keep popping up in Boston and Connecticut, these wineries welcome families with beautiful, spacious grounds, and in some cases, apple picking, live music, wagon rides, and other activities.

Here are our favorite family-friendly vineyards and wineries in New England—from coast to mountaintop!

Where to Enjoy Kayaks, Rowboats, Pedal Boats, and More With Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 12:30pm

Row, row, row your boat—all across Long Island. Our ponds, preserves, and bays are prime spots for water sports. So get set to make a splash with your kids as you row, pedal, paddle, and more at these sporty Long Island locations.

Looking for more wet and wild fun? If you're on the East End, check out our guide to kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals in the Hamptons and North Fork. Or enjoy a spritz at a sprinkler park on Long Island. Use our outdoors guide to explore parks, playgrounds, and other fun destinations on the Island.

You Sip, They Play: 4 Delaware Valley Wineries that Are Family-Friendly

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 10:29am

Usually, the only time parents seem to get a chance to enjoy a glass of wine is after the kids are tucked into bed. But the rolling hills of Delaware Valley are teeming with vineyards, and some of the onsite wineries are even, dare we say, kid-friendly. This is especially true during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is nice enough for families to take advantage of the wineries’ outdoor spaces.

Some wineries are more geared towards families than others so we’ve compiled a list of four Delaware Valley wineries that you can add to your warm weather list of places to go.