Weekend Trips

Take the Subway to NYC Beaches: Coney, Rockaway, Orchard Beach

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 2:10pm

Fourteen miles of sparkling sand and crashing waves can be found in four of the five boroughs (sorry river-locked Manhattan), which is good news for NYC families. Because as much as we enjoy hitting the Jersey Shore, Fire Island, and other Long Island beaches, we're not big fans of renting cars and sitting in traffic.

New York City's beaches are just a subway, bus, or ferry ride away. From the "Bronx Rivera" to iconic Coney Island and the Rockaways, these urban seasides often offer just about everything suburban beaches do except the out-of-town commute.

The Best Beaches for Families on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 1:15pm

Stretching along the north and south shores of Long Island are dazzling beaches known for their family-friendly vibes and natural beauty, and we don't mean just the Hamptons. Whether you have younger kids looking for tranquil shores or older kids looking to body surf, there is a Long Island beach for you. It's time to get ready for cool sea breezes and the feeling of sand between your toes.

At these Long Island's family beaches, you'll find picnic areas, swimming pools, and bathroom complexes along with food trucks and umbrella rentals. Use our guide to choose the best beach for your family's needs. These beaches are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless noted. Prices listed are for summer 2018.

If you're in the mood to travel, check out our list of the best family beaches near New York City or our guide to the Jersey Shore area. For more family fun, see our guide to Long Island amusement and water parks.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 11:00am

If apple picking is the perfect fall activity, then strawberry picking is surely the early-summer equivalent. Not only are you able to stock up on the sweet stuff, but you’re able to visit and support local farms and, of course, spend time as a family.

Best of all, there are plenty of places throughout the Hudson Valley where kids of all ages can try their hand at picking their own strawberries. The season usually starts around the beginning of June, but be sure to call ahead first. Not into picking them yourself? Westchester and the Hudson Valley have a few strawberry festivals you can check out, instead.

Share your picking photos with us on Facebook!

5 Patriotic Day Trips to Historical Sites Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 05/19/2018 - 10:30am

No doubt, Philadelphia is chock full of history. From the Liberty Bell to the Franklin Mint, spooky old cemeteries and an abandoned penitentiary to battlegrounds and museums, much of America’s earliest history has roots right in the heart of the Delaware Valley.

But for families looking for places they might not have already explored or some fun, interesting, and mentally inspiring summertime excursions, we’ve rounded up five history-inspired day trips within a few hours’ drive of Philly. Consider this your historical day trip bucket list. No matter where you pick first, we wish you safe (time) travels!

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 10:00am

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go "down the shore." New Jersey boasts 130 miles of shoreline and some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. Whether your family is looking for a busy boardwalk with children's rides, a beachside water park or sprinkler playground, towering lighthouses, toddler attractions, or something a bit quieter, the Jersey Shore has it.

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Jersey beaches, from a national park on the northern shore down to the busier southern beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City. So pack the car (and the kids) for a beach day trip or a long weekend—the summer possibilities are endless. And for more beach fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide, including a roundup of our favorite boardwalks.

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Westchester Families

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 3:29pm

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25 Fun Things To Do with Kids in Morristown, New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Mon, 05/14/2018 - 1:00pm

Just 25 miles west of NYC, Morristown is rich in history and culture—and it offers lots of fun for families. In this day trip–worthy town, you can walk alongside a seeing eye dog in training, sample treats from one of the best chocolate shops in the region, catch a kid-friendly theater performance, and visit a few places where George Washington actually slept! Morristown also boasts beautiful gardens, several fun museums, and one of NJ's best swimming lakes.

Read on for our top 25 fun things to do in this great suburban town.

Awesome Amusement Parks on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 05/11/2018 - 1:30pm

Feeling the need for speed and splash? Long Island amusement parks are ready for you and your thrill-seeking family. If your kids are eager to check out the latest rides and attractions, or you can’t wait to make new memories with your family at parks you enjoyed as a child, now is the perfect time to explore these local amusement centers.

For more entertainment inspiration, see our guide to Long island amusement and water parks or our guide to family fun on Long Island. Both are loaded with reviews of local and regional destinations sure to delight your child.