We know. We know. Sometimes, taking the kids to the beach requires military precision. Between the packing and prepping, the sandy feet on blanket dilemma or stepping on slimy things in the water—there’s a lot to consider when you’ve got littles in tow. That carefree bikini and tanning oil approach to the beach may be a thing of the past, but we’ve got you covered for some easy peasy beach fun, with the kiddos.

For a day filled with saltwater swimming, sand castle sculpting, and treasure hunting, head to Silver Sands State Park in Milford for some low key (and hopefully stress-free) family fun. And for more of our favorite beaches, check out our picks for 5 Beach Trips Near Fairfield County or our top 10 Fun Beach Day Trips to enjoy in CT this summer.

Soak, slide, repeat. When the heat is on in the summer, you want refreshing water blasting from all sides in a variety of ways. With new slides and a major renovation, Knott’s Soak City is now open for the 2017 season, and as longtime season pass holders we were excited to check out all of the changes—including seven brand new water slides.

One of the best things about living in an urban area is the access to culture. It's everywhere! From concerts and museums to festivals and parks, there's something to learn and appreciate every time you turn around, especially this summer.

Public art is an excellent (and FREE!) way to introduce your kids to (mostly) hands-on art, without opening your wallet. As the weather heats up, head outdoors to enjoy some of the coolest installations around town, from a giant whirlpool to murals and even some kooky goats.

If you like FREE events (there's only one answer to that question), check out our FREE guide, full of museums, sports program, movies, and more.

New Jersey families, you have spoken! We asked you to weigh in on New Jersey's Besties—the best family businesses and resources in categories that range from best restaurants, parties, activities, and more. With all the great family fun experiences and resources in New Jersey, it was hard to choose just 24, but you were up to the task! Each winner was selected from a competitive crop of 10 nominees in each category.

A special thank you to the Bestie Sponsors, and congratulations to the four lucky voters who were picked at random to enjoy some amazing prizes!

We've grouped the winners into three winning categories: Parenting Resources, Enrichment Programs, and Family Fun. 

Without further ado, here is your guide to the best of family-friendly New Jersey, the 2017 New Jersey Besties!

Best Family Fun Winners | Best Enrichment Programs Winners 

Something happens when you bring a child into a fine art museum. Their talking hushes and their eyes sparkle as they take in the colors and creations of the things all around them. Right here in the Hartford area, we have a terrific museum of American art that offers a variety of things for kids. Familiar names like Alexander Calder, Andrew Wyeth, and Ansel Adams grace the walls of this urban museum.

The school year is winding down and kids all over Westchester are rejoicing. As for their parents? Not so much. Sure, there's the silver lining coming of not having to drive to school or argue about homework during the lazy summer months, but blissful loses its luster pretty quickly in the face of "What are we going to do today?"—particularly if you already know that what YOU have to do doesn't involve sprinklers or beaches.

We know we should have squared away summer camp for the kids by now. We have the flyers, we've read about the fantastic programs going on—programs that are probably already filled up with kids whose parents got on this weeks ago. But there's no need to panic! We've compiled a list of Westchester summer camps that still have space available as of this publish date.

What better way to foster a child's natural love of the outdoors than with a hike in one of New Jersey's beautiful parks?

As a mom of two young boys (ages 3 and 6) and a non-walking baby, any trail my crew is going to explore must be fairly short, clearly delineated, not travel by any crazy drop-offs, not be too steep, have bathrooms somewhat nearby, and meander past interesting scenery. Cheesequake State Park in Matawan perfectly meets these criteria and is a great spot for introducing your kids to hiking—and even lake swimming.

Despite some chains’ efforts to spruce up their movie theaters, there is still nothing quite like a drive-in movie experience—a summer tradition for our family. Perhaps it’s nostalgia—or the fact that my 4-year-old can chatter throughout the movie without bothering anyone (except his older brother). Before the show, kids play Frisbee and tag in front of the monstrous theater screen, and since the movies start on the later side (it must be dark, after all), half of them are clad in pajamas.

The Lower Hudson Valley is home to several drive-in theaters—a real treat, as these theaters are rapidly diminishing across the U.S. We've got details on theaters in our area, as well as useful tips for enjoying the drive-in with kids.

Looking for more ways to spend your summer? Take a look at our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!