Locals say that Panama City Beach has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and after days spent walking them, you won’t get an argument from my family. Whether you call it the Florida Pan Handle, the Emerald Coast (for its sparkling, emerald-green water), or the Sugar Coast (for its fine white sandy beaches), the northern Gulf Coast of Florida is a gem of a family vacation spot.

No need to choose between walks on white sand beaches and action-packed days at family-friendly attractions, Panama City Beach has it all. Plus, my daughter’s personal favorite: loads of animal interactions (Peanut, the cuddly baby capybara, we miss you!). All that, plus incredible seafood, welcoming locals, and totally reasonable rates. What are you waiting for?

For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

When the weather warms up in the DC area, families go on the hunt for restaurants with outdoor seating. That's because not only is dining al fresco a great way to enjoy the pleasant temps, it's also so much less stressful with younger kids, who have more room to stretch their little legs.

Here are 15 great restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with outdoor patios, gardens, or rooftops where kids can soak up the fresh air and even (at some of them) run around. A few of these restaurants with outdoor seating also offer extras like lawn games, fire pits, and dog menus.

For more yummy DC-area restaurants for kids and families, including restaurants where kids can play and great breakfast restaurants for kids and families, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

Summer road trip season is on the horizon, and it's time to start planning one of these summer day trips from NYC. We're itching to get out and explore, from beaches and water parks to cool nature spots and pick-your-own fruit farms, we’ve rounded up three dozen of our favorite summer day trips from NYC. All of these summer day trip destinations are less than two hours away because, well, who wants to drive longer than that with kids in the backseat?

Find more ideas in our full Day Trips and Getaways Guide, or try checking something off our list of 100 things to do with kids in New York State.

The Atlanta pickleball craze offers families an awesome and healthy way to interact. Often compared to a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, this relatively new sport is easy to learn and only requires a paddle and ball. Plus, it's great for kids! Pickleball develops hand-eye coordination; uses math and memory for scoring; encourages sportsmanship; and facilitates social interaction. The equipment is inexpensive (often provided at facilities) and there’s not a huge time commitment as games run 15-30 minutes.

Atlanta families can play pickleball at indoor and outdoor courts. We’ve rounded up the best places to play, from public parks with nearby playgrounds and pools to pickleball clubs with indoor courts, shuffleboard, and restaurants.

Our fabulous weather means you can go camping near Los Angeles any time of year! These campgrounds offer something extra, making it even more enticing to head into nature with your amusement-addicted kids.

Camping near Los Angeles is a smorgasbord of sights and sounds and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Hiking, biking, singing campfire songs at night, and unplugging from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives is good for the soul; but let’s face it, even with the whole of Mother Nature at their fingertips, kids sometimes get bored.

It’s time to up the ante on family camping. Southern California is home to family campgrounds that offer kids exciting activities and entertainment when they tire of forest tag. Zip lining, anyone? Fishing? Rock climbing? Water parks? Movies? Even ghost tours? All these and more are offered at these campgrounds near Los Angeles. We dare your kids to get bored.

Outdoor water parks abound in New Jersey, and several of them are right on the beach! From big-name parks like Six Flags to boardwalk attractions, we've rounded up the top ones open for splashing this summer.

If you're looking for ways to cool off that are slightly cheaper, check out our roundup of water playgrounds and splash pads, most of which are FREE. For more summer fun, bookmark our Summer Guide for New Jersey Families.

Orlando themed restaurants and dinner shows offer a memorable dining experience, especially when kids can let loose! Enjoy a meal and entertainment at these family-friendly Orlando themed restaurants and dinner shows. From jousting knights to magic tricks, there are a variety of restaurants offering dinner and a show in Orlando that will keep kids (and adults) smiling throughout the meal.

For more fun restaurants to try out with your kiddos, check out our Orlando Restaurant Guide for resources on local restaurants with play spaces, ice cream shops, character meals, and more.

Splash pads in Chicago ensure that there's always something fun to do no matter how hot the weather. Smart Chicago parents make sure that every summer they've got a sprinkler "go bag" packed and ready in the trunk, stroller, or tote: towel, sunscreen, water shoes, swim diaper (if you've got a really little mermaid), and spare clothes. Because with so many awesome splash pads in Chicago, it pays to be prepared.

We've rounded up our favorite spots with interactive sprinklers, sprayers, cannons, and gushers so everybody can get good and soaked. If you need more places to get wet in Chicago, be sure to check out our list of the very best beaches for families and our favorite indoor pools, too. You'll find all this and much more summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.