Each spring, travelers from around the world descend on the small town of Holland, MI to take part in the annual Holland tulip festival. There, they get to see millions of colorful tulips in full bloom. It's an amazing spectacle, complete with carnival rides, parades, and performances.

But while the festival lasts just a few weeks in May, this town on the shores of Lake Michigan is also a great destination for a summer vacation, as my family and I discovered. About 2.5 hours from Chicago, Holland, MI is beachy and affordable, and many unique attractions and restaurants highlight its Dutch influence. (Ebelskiver anyone? For those who don't know, it's a delicious Danish dessert!)

Read on for more about the Tulip Time festival and other top attractions in Holland, MI, including great hotels in Holland, MI. And check out our Midwest Travel Guide for other vacation ideas.

Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at these cozy CT spots!

Bookmark this for the academic calendars and school dates of every district around Houston.

Take the family for a food factory tour (and a treat!)

Traveling with toddlers can be tricky, and visiting Orlando theme parks with toddlers is no exception. Between the heat, ride wait times, and crowds, little guests can burn out fast. On the other hand, toddlers are only little for so long, and we understand the importance of soaking up this time with them and making lasting memories! Thankfully, many Orlando theme parks cater to little ones with kid-friendly waiting lines, indoor play zones, and more. We’ve rounded up the best Orlando theme parks (and water parks!) to visit with toddlers.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is a magical realm that comes to life each summer. Step through the gates and be transported to the year 1574 where the streets are bustling with villagers, nobles, and performers in elaborate costumes.

You'll find different play spaces, interactive kid's areas, playgrounds, shows, interactive performances, food options, rides, games, shops, and a benevolent queen who rules over her kingdom. If you're planning a visit to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with kids, these insider tips will make the most of this enchanting adventure. 

If you're looking for other exciting family adventures in Wisconsin, opt for a weekend in Lake Geneva or Madison. Want to try something else? These family day trips and weekend getaways are the perfect fit for more family adventures.

These swimming lakes near New York City add to the bounty of options local families have for taking a plunge on a scorching day. While New Yorkers are lucky to be surrounded by water, including family-friendly beaches right here in NYC, plus those on Long Island or at the Jersey Shore, for families with little kids, the ocean can be intimidating, with its choppy waves and miles of hot sand without an inch of shade. If you're itching to get the kids out of the city to enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, what better place than one of the area's beautiful, tranquil, freshwater swimming lakes?

We've rounded up 11 swimming lakes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut ripe for summertime visits. Some are even close to our favorite family-friendly campgrounds, making them perfect for a weekend away. Speaking of getting out of town, our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways has more picks for all seasons family travel.

When the summer heat descends on the DC area, there are plenty of nearby swimming lakes and watering holes where families can make a splash and cool off. These swimming lakes (all within a two-hour drive) are a fun, natural alternative to the area's swimming pools and water parks. Many of them are within state parks and national forests, which offer a variety of other fun activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Here are our favorite swimming lakes and watering holes near DC where families can beat the heat and reconnect with nature. Many of these awesome swimming spots even offer a Tom Sawyer-like adventure that will have the kids swinging, diving, and absolutely grinning.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for even more fun ways to cool off this summer.