A baby's first year is full of memorable firsts and, on Long Island, there's always something new to experience and explore with your little one. From a baby's first dip of their tiny toes into the ocean to their first play cafe fun to a first barnyard adventure, we have you covered.

The photo-worthy moments we've listed below will be plentiful. so be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some great pictures. 

For more new parenting tips, check out our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents. 

These fun indoor activities in NYC don't let rain ruin the day. This list of rainy-day activities for kids brightens up even the dreariest day. We've included picks for NYC's most kid-friendly museums, fun stores where kids can play, and plenty more parent-tested picks.

Of course, if you'd rather stay cozy at home, we’ve got you covered there, too, with creative indoor activities in our Guide to Boredom Busters for Kids.

Peekskill, New York, is most diverse city in Westchester and sits at its northeast corner, firmly grounded by the Hudson River. There are plenty of fun things to do in Peekskill. The friendly town is a magnet for artists, gourmands, and families all over the area.

Read on to learn why this unofficial gateway between to the Hudson Valley—with its river views and delicious restaurants—is sure to delight the whole family. Then, add a visit to Peekskill, New York, to your weekend trip bucket list, and find more local places to explore in our Day Trips Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Chicago is home to world-class museums like The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. But did you know that dozens of small museums in Chicago have quirky and cool attractions for locals and visitors alike? We hit the pavement to find the most unique small museums in Chicago because if there's one thing kids love, it's weird and out-of-the-ordinary things. And who knows? Your kids might even develop a new hobby after visiting one of the off-the-beaten-path museums on our list.

Is your favorite missing from the list? Let us know, and we'll make sure to get there soon! 

I’ve been working in local museums for many years planning family programs, early childhood classes, and school field trips. As both a parent and a museum professional whose focus is on creating kid-friendly museum experiences, I can share some of my favorite museums for kids in the Washington, DC area.

Here's a list of some of the best off-the-beaten-path museums for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. For even more museums to explore, check out our Washington, DC Museum Guide, which includes our lists of free museums near DC to visit with kids and the best museums for kids in the DC area.