Summer Activities

11 Outdoor Water Parks in New England

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 8:05pm

In two hours or less by car, you can get to any of the following outdoor water parks to cool off and have a blast this summer with your kids. Although there's no shortage of thrill rides and slides at these places, you don't have to be a daredevil (or of a certain height) to enjoy them. There are play areas for young children, wave pools, family raft rides, and lazy rivers for those of us who don't need to plummet a down a very tall slide to have fun. Some of the parks are dedicated to water attractions and others are part of a larger theme park, but they all offer plenty of chances to get completely soaked.

Ice Cream Shops Near Great Playgrounds in Brooklyn and Manhattan

Submitted by Lia on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 10:00am

We're well into playground season now, and New York City parents are steeling themselves to endure hearing the Mister Softee theme playing on a loop until September. While there's nothing wrong with grabbing a cone from your friendly neighborhood ice cream truck, I admit that I prefer play spots that have really fantastic ice cream vendors nearby. Cold and sweet, a few scoops of mint chocolate chip or strawberry (my flavors of choice) make sticking out the sticky New York City weather that much more manageable. And my kids don't mind eating it either.

Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a scoop, plus fun places to play before or after.

35 Ways To Keep Summer Going after School Begins

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 2:11pm

Whether you're relieved by the quiet or disturbed by the abrupt ending, most LA families are using those three little words (back to school) a whole lot earlier these days. Of course, dropping our kids off at school doesn't change the weather; there might be no child left behind at the beach, but it's still summer until close to Halloween. So if your family is not yet ready for summer to end, pick a few items off our Endless Summer List and go have some fun while the sun still shines!

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.

Summer Bucket List: 30 Things to Do with Boston Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 8:00pm

There are certain must-do activities for Boston families during these magically long days and warm summer nights. Somehow it all seems to come to a halt once Labor Day arrives and school starts: Bedtimes are once again enforced, the swimsuits are packed away in the closet, and every day is scheduled down to the minute.

It’s time to seize these summer days before they start slipping away! Here are 25 Boston summertime experiences to have with your kids before it turns colder, because that's where it ends. (Are you hearing "Summer Nights" from Grease? You’re welcome.)

Final Summer Fun: 25 Things to Do on Long Island Before School Starts

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 2:11pm

Why whine about summer winding down when you can embrace it, filling these last few weeks with engaging and entertaining family fun?

We've rounded up 25 of the best end-of-summer fun activities to do with kids on Long Island before they head back to their books —from water playgrounds and outdoor pools to FREE music and movies.

Check out our August GoList for the best family events throughout the month, and peruse our Summer Fun Guide or guide to beaches, pools, and water fun for your last sticky summertime hurrah. Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

25+ Things To Do with Kids Before School Starts Again in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 10:00am

The start of August sets me in a panic every year: Have I made summer fun enough? How will we squeeze in all the great outings I had hoped to take my kids on? Below are some pointers for maximizing fun through Labor Day, with an emphasis on activities that sing summer. Then, when it’s time for “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” the responses will make any parent proud!

Be sure to check out our Summer Activity Guide for more ideas, along with our August GoList for our top picks for the month. As always, our Event Calendar is full of many more ideas, and you can sign up for our newsletters to keep on top of our top picks and new finds.

End-of-Summer Bucket List: 30 Things To Do With Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 10:00am

August is here and Target is fully stocked with school supplies... which only means one thing: Summer is almost over! If you haven’t been to the been to the beach, picked your own fruit, or ridden a roller coaster yet, there's still time to squeeze in more fun before saying so long to summer. Read on for 30 awesome adventures to have with your kids before school starts, and get ready to go out with a bang!

Find even more bucket list–worthy ideas in our Summer Fun Guide, August Go List, and Events Calendar.