Weekend Trips

25 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

Submitted by Li Starr on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 1:35pm

Eager to hit the road and put Los Angeles in your rear view mirror for a while? From glamping getaways to deserts to not-so-far islands, here are some fabulous destinations to remind you of one of the other major benefits of Los Angeles: it's never more than a few hours' drive to find a spot that seems as if it's a world away.

The Best Beaches for Families on Long Island

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 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 staffed from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless noted. Prices listed are for summer 2019.

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.

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

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 12:00pm

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.

30 Things To Do in Long Beach with Kids: Day Trip or Weekend

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 05/17/2019 - 12:53am

Like most Angelenos, I've been to Long Beach—but until recently I had never considered taking a weekend getaway there. Without traffic I can make it to Long Beach in roughly half an hour, meaning that a trip to the aquarium or to see the holiday lights at the Queen Mary is no big deal. So why would I commit to a full weekend there? The folks at the Long Beach Visitors Bureau invited me to find the answer to that rhetorical question, and I am so glad they did. What a wonderful surprise it was to discover that Long Beach is much more than just a busy port wrapped around an aquarium! In fact, this gem, hidden in plain sight, is a delightful beach town full of family activities and indulgent recreation.

Top Kid-Friendly Resorts in and Near New Jersey

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 1:30pm

The very best family vacations are the ones where there's something fun for every family member to do, and kid-friendly resorts offer just that. If you can locate a destination that's within an easy driving distance, even better!

Fortunately, the Garden State and surrounding areas offer plenty of spots where you can rest, recharge, and enjoy a little recreation without the hassle of long-distance travel. Whether you want a beachy getaway down the Shore, or indoor/outdoor adventures in the Hudson Valley or the Poconos (including lots of water park fun), we've rounded up a dozen close-to-home holiday havens that all but guarantee a great time for the whole crew.

Top Things to Do in Galveston With Kids

Submitted by Rachael Cherry on Mon, 05/13/2019 - 12:30pm

Sand, seaweed, and sun may be the first images that pop into your head when you think of spending a day in Galveston, but the little island is jam-packed with a lot of fun for visiting families that extends far beyond visiting the beach. We pinpointed kid-friendly activities throughout the city and compiled a list of 10 things to do the next time you travel off the mainland.

For more ideas on summer activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families.

10 Easy New York State Park Hikes for Families

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 05/10/2019 - 12:00pm

Late spring is the perfect season for hiking, before the sweltering summer heat takes hold. The beautiful Hudson Valley is home to 18 New York State Parks that offer tree-lined trails, stunning panoramic views, and lots of special features like waterfalls, swimming lakes, and sandy beaches. With so many parks and trails to choose from, it's hard to know where to start!

To help, we've picked 10 of of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in the Hudson Valley. In addition to opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife, some of these parks—like Bear Mountain and Franklin D. Roosevelt—boast additional attractions such as a zoo, playgrounds, pedal boats, and even a giant swimming pool. Best of all, these hikes are just a quick day trip away from NYC or southern Westchester.

Awesome Amusement Parks on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 05/10/2019 - 10:30am

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 roundup of children's sports centers and fun zones in Nassau and Suffolk. Our guide to family fun on Long Island is loaded with reviews of local and regional destinations sure to delight your child.