Around 20 miles northwest of DC, Gaithersburg is a diverse and vibrant Maryland suburb with a rich history, thriving community, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Once an agricultural community known as Log Town, the city grew after the arrival of the B&O Railroad in the 1870s, which spurred business expansion and drove summer tourism by DC residents escaping the city’s heat.

Whether you’re looking for parks and playgrounds, museums and arts centers, local fairs and festivals, or kid-friendly restaurants, there’s so much for kids of all ages to explore and enjoy in Gaithersburg.

Read on for 25 fun things to do with kids in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids includes even more fun suburbs to visit, like Fairfax, Virginia and Kensington, Maryland.

Legoland New York delivers Orlando-sized theme park fun right outside of New York City—and its on-site Legoland Hotel makes it easy to extend your visit into a multi-day Hudson Valley vacation.

From its supersized (and aptly named) BIG Shop to its wet-and-wild Lego City Water Playground, and its only-in-New York Lego Factory Adventure Ride, here are all the things to do and see during a visit to Legoland New York. Find more thrilling theme park adventures in the tri-state area in our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks for Families.

Everyone loves a Jersey Shore beach, but Jersey Shore boardwalks are where the real memories are made.

From frozen custard and funnel cakes to rides and mini golf — and a few that feature water parks and toddler amusements — Jersey Shore boardwalks are regional treasures. Read on for our top picks for Jersey Shore boardwalk fun below, and bookmark our Guide to the Jersey Shore for more help planning your best visit yet.

A new dinosaur museum is coming to New Jersey that's perfect for dino lovers of all ages. The Edelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University, in Mantua Township, N.J., is slated to open in summer 2024, and early signs point to it being a blast from the prehistoric past. 

Read on for all the details about this dinosaur museum, which will include life-size recreations and virtual reality experiences. And, check out our Guide to Museums and Art for New Jersey Kids for more on museums throughout the state. 

A trip to the mall food court brings with it a bit of nostalgia, but these family-friendly restaurants at American Dream Mall are sure to cure your cravings for throwback snacks.

Like its over-the-top attractions, American Dream Mall's top family-friendly restaurants go far beyond the basic. Read on for our top picks for eating out while you're exploring all the top family-friendly attractions at American Dream Mall.

Looking for first birthday party themes and ideas for your baby's first birthday? We rounded up 20 of our favorites!

First birthday parties are a time to really celebrate the successes of a full year of life. Parents, you did it! Since a baby's first birthday is as much for the adults as for the baby, parents want to throw a memorable celebration that the birthday child can enjoy while marking the occasion with friends and family.

But how can you find the perfect first birthday party theme? What should you serve for a treat that will please both babies, older siblings, and adults? We've got you covered with first birthday party ideas that include themes, decorations, and sweet dessert ideas.

Find tons of other birthday bash ideas, including 100 Top Birthday Party Themes, awesome goody bag ideas, and gift guides for all ages, in our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties and Birthday Party Ideas.

Animal-loving kids go wild for an outing to the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville. A visit to the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island is a day packed with fun and excitement. There are cuddles with furry barnyard animals and introductions to exotic species. My animal-obsessed little ones had a blast meeting, learning about, and even feeding some of their beloved new friends.

Read on for all the details of animal encounters and exotic wildlife wonders the whole family can enjoy during a visit to the Long Island Game Farm, which lands at No. 50 on our list of 100 things to do with your kids on Long Island before they grow up.

If you're looking for a totally new experience in NYC, look no further than Mercer Labs in Manhattan’s Financial District. Mercer Labs is a wholly immersive digital experience that is going to leave you and your family breathless and amazed. As you wander from room to room, expect your senses to be engaged, activating a sense of wonder.

See what makes this new immersive museum in NYC a must-visit, and find more local cultural outings in our NYC Kids' Guide to Museums and Galleries.