Where to go Hiking on Long Island: 11 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails to Explore

The Mashomack Preserve preserve has 11 miles of coastline and acres of creeks, woodlands, and fields. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Whether you're a family of expert outdoorsmen or are just looking for a relaxing nature walk with your little ones, Long Island is home to an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails. Not only do the local Long Island hiking trails offer a chance for exercise and quality time with your kids, but they also provide an opportunity to learn about Long Island's diverse natural landscape. From toddlers to teens, these hiking adventures offer all-ages fun for your family.

Find even more outdoor destinations to explore on Long Island in this list of 15 state parks worth visiting and bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more fun.

Brooklyn Magic Shop Delivers Magic Tricks, Classes, and More in Cobble Hill

At Brooklyn Magic Shop, kids can see—and participate in—a magic show or take classes and learn how to perform magic tricks on their own.

Kids (and adults!) love magic—whether it's attending magic shows, trying their hand at tricks, or learning the secrets behind the illusions, and New Yorkers have a new magic shop on the scene willing to teach them a few tricks. Located in the family-friendly enclave of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Magic Shop is dedicated to all things to magic.

Read on for our full review and learn why you need to take your budding magician to this cool new shop.

25 Things To Do in the Merrimack Valley with Kids

Step into family fun in the Merrimack Valley. Photo courtesy of the Salisbury Beach Partnership.

From the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Atlantic Coast in Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley offers families a range of fun activities. The region affords year-round and seasonal attractions, with a vibrant mix of natural splendor amid plenty of modern amusements. Everything from hands-on history to thrill rides comes with a visit to the Merrimack Valley. These things to do in the Merrimack Valley with kids can be found within a 90-minute drive from Boston. Many of these communities even have stops along the MBTA’s commuter rail.

Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families

Photo courtesy of  Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook

My family is a camping family. We also are a family that loves to book our weekends full of things to do, whether that's taking advantage of activities around Houston or traveling elsewhere. As our family has grown, we've gone from tent camping in Houston to trailer camping to RVs and tried out everything else possible in between. Camping in Texas is great fun, and we love finding new campgrounds to explore, especially campgrounds near Houston that we can easily get to after work on a Friday. Families can enjoy Texas State Park camping, Texas National Forest camping, and visiting private campgrounds.

Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do

Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.

If you're looking for a nearby escape in the Nutmeg State, look no further. Colonial vibes and New England charm ooze out of the town of Essex, which is nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. This quaint Connecticut town is home to one of the oldest continuously running inns in the country, a packed calendar of annual events, and tons of lovely shops and restaurants.

Time and time again, Essex has earned a spot as one of the Best Small Towns in America. Whether you grab a burger at The Gris, a cone of Essex Mud, or spend the day coasting down a historic railroad, this small New England town is anything but sleepy. Read on for the top 10 things to do in Essex, Connecticut with kids. For more cute towns and the best kid-friendly Connecticut activities, don't miss the Top Attractions in Connecticut for Families.

Atlanta Camping and Campgrounds To Take the Whole Family

KOA campgrounds are great places for family camping, like KOA Blue Ridge Riverside Cabins (pictured here). Photo by Ali Kieffer

If you’re looking to spend quality, electronic-free time with your family without breaking the bank, consider an Atlanta camping trip. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, Atlanta camping and tent camping provides an escape to the great outdoors. And better yet, you don’t have to travel far since campgrounds near Atlanta, GA are plentiful.

Whether you’re looking for tent camping or RV and yurt camping, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly campgrounds near Atlanta (within two hours....depending on traffic). Although not a hard and fast rule, private campgrounds tend to cost more but offer a host of amenities and special events. On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. government campgrounds near Atlanta provide an affordable, no-frills experience. And as a happy medium of Atlanta camping, lies the Georgia State Parks campsites that showcase some of the most scenic spots in Georgia.

Refer to our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids if you’re looking for more outdoor inspiration. And be sure to sign up for the Mommy Poppins newsletter, so you never miss out on upcoming events and helpful reviews.

Fun Spring Day Trips from DC for Families

The B&O Railroad Museum is just one of many kid-friendly locations in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of the museum

With so many museums, playgrounds, indoor play spaces, and other kid-friendly attractions in and near DC, it’s easy to spend entire weekends in town without getting bored. But there is so much history, natural beauty, and fun to be found within a few hours' drive of the city. If your family needs a change of scenery, take one of these 10 day trips from DC this spring before the sweltering humidity of summer kicks in.

These spring day trips from DC include a variety of locations, from charming towns and historic sites to gorgeous gardens and family-friendly farms. For even more ideas for weekend getaways or day trips from DC, check out our family travel guide. Once you've picked your destination, all you'll need are some fun car games, plenty of snacks, and some road trip essentials to keep the car ride Are we there yet?-free.

Top 10 Skate Parks Near Chicago for Kids

There are lots of options for indoor and outdoor skate parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Schaumburg Park District

As skateboarding becomes popular again, there is more access to beautiful new skate parks near Chicago. Often, these skate parks are free year-round. From the city to the suburbs, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best skate parks near Chicago. Check out our favorite Chicago skate parks to try with your aspiring skaters.

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