5 Fun Themed Itineraries NYC Kids Go Crazy For

Submitted by Jack Shaw on

The Science Playground at the New York Hall of Science makes for a fun-filled and educational trip in NYC. Photo by Diana Kim

Looking for a day in New York City that your kids will actually remember and talk about for weeks? The city is a giant playground for families. Whether you’ve got an art lover, a future scientist, a little foodie or just a kid who needs to burn off some energy, these themed itineraries take the guesswork out of planning and turn an ordinary day into something unforgettable.

If you're looking for more curated itineraries for families—whether you're a local or a visitor—be sure to bookmark our ultimate 3-day itinerary for visiting NYC and this list of preschooler itineraries for fun days with little ones.

Best Beach Eats on Long Island from Food Trucks to Frozen Treats

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Navy Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly waterfront restaurant in Montauk. Photo courtesy of Navy Beach

There's a lot to pack when hitting one of Long Island's family-friendly beaches, from sunscreen to toys, and sometimes you don't want to have to worry about bringing snacks and lunch. Luckily for us all, Long Island has no shortage of beach eats, and many options are right on the beach or boardwalk itself.

Our list below showcases the best beach food Long Island has to offer, including ice cream options, burgers, tacos, and more. 

For more kid-friendly food, check out our Restaurant Guide, and take a look at our Guide to Summer Fun on Long Island for more seasonal tips. 

Los Angeles's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families Summer 2025

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Saturdays Off the 405 at the Getty Center. Photo by Cassia Davis. © 2022 J. Paul Getty Trust

Free concerts throughout Los Angeles in the summertime, where parents can pack up both a picnic and restless tots and spend an evening under the stars, is beautiful music to our ears. 

They say music soothes the savage beast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Lucky for us, free outdoor concert series fill Los Angeles and OC parks and open spaces all summer long. So the odds are you won't have to travel far to find an open-air event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies. 

Looking for more entertainment in the great outdoors? Our roundup of the best free outdoor movies in Los Angeles this summer will help you find your favorite films, and there's plenty more summer fun in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

60 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free summer activities in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 60 free kids' activities in DC to make summer 2025 the best one yet. How many of them can your family fit in before school starts again?

Our Washington, DC Kids Summer Guide and our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids are full of more ideas for summer fun. And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more summer activities!

20 Best Swimming Pools in Atlanta: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Dive into cooling relief at Roswell Area Park pool. Photo by the author

Atlanta has great public swimming pools, in addition to Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta, fun for families and perfect for summer temps. Many of these local swimming pools feature diving boards, water slides, and splash pads for little ones, making them more engaging than typical swim/tennis neighborhood pools. And did you know certain Atlanta hotel pools offer swimtime without requiring an overnight stay?! Several Atlanta hotels offer day passes to enjoy the posh amenities. 

Many of the public swimming pools near Atlanta listed here have set times for open swim sessions, so be sure to check the schedule and pool rules. For more ways to cool off this summer, check our awesome Atlanta Kids Summer Guide!  

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