Summer Activities

Water Feature: 16 Water Playgrounds and Parks with Splash Pads in LA

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 11:16pm

Remember those great summer afternoons running through a sprinkler with the neighborhood kids? Over in New England and Nebraska that’s probably still happening, but here in SoCal turning on the hose for entertainment is frowned upon these days. Instead, packs of puddle-loving Angeleno kids splash through hot days at parks with free and fabulous water features, like the ones below—many of which are open year-round. So if a pool or a water park sounds like too much work today, cool those kids down at a splash pad!

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.

Top Things to Do in The Woodlands With Kids

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Tue, 04/16/2019 - 5:49pm

Visiting The Woodlands can feel like traveling to another world - there are so many trees! (Depending on where you live in Houston, this may be a huge change of scenery.) About 45 minutes north of Houston, The Woodlands is full of fun for the whole family. It's close enough that you can spend the day here without much of a drive time but offers enough to do that you could stretch it into a weekend getaway. Read on for of our favorite things to do in The Woodlands with our kids.

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.

New Summer Camp Opportunities in the Philly Area

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Mon, 04/15/2019 - 10:00am

Every Philly parent wants their kids have a fantastic summer. One way to make sure that kids' minds are stimulated (and they are not BORED) is by registering them at summer camps that provide opportunities for learning and growth. There are many local camps with new offerings for 2019. Some programs have expanded their schedule to include younger or older kids while others have incorporated new themes to keep campers engaged. Several even provide early bird discounts to save some extra money too! Keep reading to discover the new camp fun that awaits Philly kids this summer.

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!

Millions in Upgrades Planned for LI State Parks in 2019

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 12:30pm

If you have especially adventurous or nature-loving kiddos, it's time to grab your sunscreen and sturdy shoes because state parks on Long Island will be millions of dollars more exciting beginning this Memorial Day.

Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, and Wildwood state parks are welcoming upgrades this season that include cottages, marina access, an outdoor adventure area, and more sure to leave your family eager for outdoor excitement.

25 Outdoor Adventures in the City for NYC Kids

Submitted by Mariko Zapf on Mon, 04/08/2019 - 1:39pm

One of the main reasons we're willing to deal with the challenges of raising kids in NYC (the crazy rents, the stressful school searches, the closets for apartments) is our easy access to enriching cultural activities like theater and museums. When it's time for some good old-fashioned outdoor fun, New York can be equally enriching. The city offers a range of bucolic parks and more destinations where kids can get busy playing outside, without leaving the five boroughs.

From camping under the stars to fishing to zip-lining, here are 25 fresh ways to enjoy a spring staycation with the whole family. Some are FREE, most are accessible by public transportation, and we guarantee that they are all tons of fun.