The blazing sun of summer can sometimes be too much for Long Island families to handle. Kids want to run and climb, but some days the heat gets in the way. Shady playgrounds, some even with water features, help families stay cool while burning off energy. 

Check out our list of shady playgrounds below, and for more outdoor fun see  our guide to LI parks and playgrounds. 

Boston families have lots of kids’ classes and programs for kids to choose from, but if you think you need to wait until your babe is older to start enrolling—think again! From art classes to music classes to movement classes and more, many places offer versions of their big kid classes just for toddlers and babies in Mommy & Me (and Daddy & Me) formats. Stretch together in yoga classes, kick it at soccer classes, or even try out circus school together—not only are these baby classes in Boston a great way to bond with your mini-me, but they also provide stimulation and help babies and toddlers reach developmental milestones.

For more ideas on classes as your kids grow, check out our full guide to the Best Kids' Classes and Activities in the Boston Area. 

Los Angeles is a sports-centric city (hello, recent slew of championships!) which is probably why we have so many world-class kids' sports classes. And since the weather is so mild, many sports classes can be enjoyed year-round. From summer sports that are iconically associated with LA like surfing and volleyball to traditional team sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball, there are sports activities for every kid! Whether your child is a toddler or teen, and thrives on the comradery of team sports or is more drawn to activities like karate or gymnastics, you can find great sports classes in Los Angeles to fit everyone's passion. 

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs.

Houston is a city of many different languages, so why not give your kid a chance to learn the language of computers by taking a coding class? We’ve rounded up 11 places offering in-person coding classes for kids in the Houston area. Many of these coding schools also offer virtual classes.

Learning how to code is a STEM skill that Houston kids can build upon as they grow up in a world run by technology. Coding skills are important for creating computer software, websites, apps, video games, and more. But it's not just a skill for future jobs: learning how to code helps kids exercise their logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills—traits that will be useful no matter what.

For more information on other types of enrichment classes, check out our local Class Listings or our list of other STEM classes in Houston. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

From competition-level ballet to bitty baby movement classes, we’ve rounded up the best dance classes for kids in Chicago. The children's dance classes below range from baby and toddler classes all the way to pre-professional level dance courses. Dance is a great physical and creative activity for toddlers and kids. From ballet to break dancing, there’s no shortage of ways for your child to express themselves through movement. 

One perk of raising children in the DC area is the volume of high-quality classes for kids. If you have a budding ballerina or Baryshnikov—or a kid who wants to learn some smooth K-pop moves at an area dance class—have no fear. We have all the info on dance classes for kids and toddlers near DC.

Dance studios and classes come in a variety of styles for all ages. Some focus on fun and fitness while others trend toward competition and professional training. Many offer classes starting with Mommy & Me for the youngest dancers, and expand their variety as children get older and more skilled. Whether the aspiring dancer is into ballet, jazz, tap, modern, or hip hop, this list has something for everyone from Center City to the 'burbs.

With museums, parks, sports teams, racing, great restaurants, and shopping, there's tons of fun things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina, with kids. Whether you are a native Charlottean, one of the thousands of transplants, or just visiting, we hope you will love exploring the history, diversity, culture, and beauty of the Queen City. It's one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the southeast, so there are often exciting new openings and pop-up experiences, too. 

If you somehow get bored in Charlotte, you can always head to nearby Asheville, North Carolina, or see all our city guides for more family adventures.