Exploring the Children's Museum of the East End with Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on

Reel in a big one at the Children's Museum of the East End's fishing spot.

Looking for something to do with kids in the Hamptons? The Children's Museum of the East End, or CMEE, is one of Long Island's top museums for children and should be on every parent's bucket list.

This interactive museum packs a lot into its square footage, with children's activities around every corner. On a recent visit, my two kids had a blast with the interactive exhibits, running around the play areas, and putting on a show with the puppet theater. Check out our guide below for all the information you'll need for your upcoming visit. 

Before you plan your next outing, take a look at our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids, which includes our story on Long Island's top museums for kids.

Things To Do in Garner State Park with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on

Explore 16 miles of trails, some leading to bird's-eye views. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife

Tucked into the scenic Texas Hill Country and nestled along the crystal-clear Frio River, Garner State Park in Concan is a classic choice for a weekend getaway with kids. With more than 1,700 acres of trails, swimming holes, and family traditions like nightly jukebox dances, it’s easy to see why generations of Texans return to Garner year after year. If you're looking to trade city noise for cypress trees and starry skies—this is the spot.

Whether you’re tubing the river, roasting s’mores, or bunking in a riverside cabin, Garner offers something for every kind of family adventurer. Read our tips for things to do in Garner State Park and our cabin and camping recommendations. And while you're in the area, check out our Texas Hill Country with Kids article and our picks for Best Hill Country Swimming Holes. 

Free Outdoor Movies in DC in Summer 2025 for Kids

Submitted by Stephanie Shipman on

Sunset Cinema at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the event.

It doesn't get much better than enjoying free outdoor movies on a warm summer evening. This summer, the DC area is brimming with outdoor movies for families in parks, plazas, wineries, and even a cemetery. 

Here are 20 family-friendly outdoor movie series DC has to offer. Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and find out why outdoor movies are some of the best free summer activities DC has. 

Our Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids has even more ideas for fresh-air fun, like free concerts and outdoor music festivals. And, be sure to keep checking our DC events calendar as more outdoor movies are announced.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Atlanta for Family Fun

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Conquer the slides at Six Flags White Water. Photo courtesy of Six Flags White Water

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are a must-do to escape the brutal summer heat. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone. Atlanta has big water parks as well as county and city-run aquatic centers so we've included them all. 

Before heading out to these Atlanta outdoor water parks, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)

Why You Should Stay on Property at One of the Legoland Hotels

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Staying at the Legoland hotels are fitting for young princes and princesses who want to immerse themselves into LEGO bricks. Photo by Kylie Williams for Mommy Poppins

If you ask my six-year-old his favorite memory of the past year, he will immediately tell you that it was our stay at the Legoland Hotel. I'm not always one to spring for an on-site property at a theme park. Usually, an off-site Homewood Suites will do just fine for our large family, but when we were given the opportunity to check out the Legoland Hotel earlier this year, we jumped for it.

Staying at Legoland elevated our theme park experience tenfold. There are two wonderful, engaging, and bricktastic hotels on the property at Legoland: the Legoland Castle Hotel and Legoland California Resort. Walking to the theme park in the morning is an obvious perk, but staying on-site provided so much more than just convenient access. From LEGO "pools" in the lobby to a nightly dance party to the elevator disco, a Legoland stay is unique in every way. 

Want to hear more about all the fun in the parks? Check out our article on the ultimate Legoland visit with your family. Also, check out our review on Legoland's newest area, Dino Valley, or read more about fun things to do with your family in San Diego.  

Best Strawberry Picking in Philadelphia and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Submitted by Hillary Moses M... on

At Johnson's Corner Farm, it's all about the berries.

The start of strawberry picking season in the Philadelphia area is a sure sign that summer fun is right around the corner. Strawberry picking is a great way to connect with nature and get outside for some healthy treats. Some of the sweetest summer memories are made nibbling on fresh, vitamin-C-rich berries out in the fields. It's the perfect outdoor activity for a day of family fun!

We've compiled a list of great local farms to go strawberry picking near Philadelphia where families can fill a basket and enjoy plenty of other activities too. For more fun on the farm, check out our Farms & U-Pick Guide. Looking for more outdoor summer activities? Check out our roundup of the Best Water Parks near Philly.

Cheap and Free Outdoor Movies in Orlando this Summer with Kids: Free Indoor Movies, Too!

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Enjoy outdoor movies in a gorgeous setting. Photo courtesy of Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Florida heat may put a pause on some outdoor movies around Orlando, but we've rounded up places that are still offering outdoor movie nights, including dive-in movies. And to top it off, some of these are FREE outdoor movie nights! We've also included indoor free movies this summer around Orlando, as well as theaters offering low-cost kids movies weekly throughout the summer! Read on for 20+ free and cheap movie events happening in Orlando this summer.

Best Swimming Lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families in 2025

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

Get to Lake Tiorati early to beat the crowds. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks

Swimming lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are ideal destinations for cooling off in the great outdoors. While you'll only find a few local swimming lakes and rivers in Westchester County, the greater Hudson Valley region offers plenty of places for freshwater swimming. 

Here, we've rounded up several lakes and rivers perfect for swimming with kids this summer.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which includes our story on the best beaches in the region.