There’s nothing better than a kids’ play space that keeps the kiddos entertained while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly crafted latte. Actually, one that's indoors and opened just in time for the summer heat might be a little better! My Little Paris Cafe and Play in San Gabriel is just that place, with a French-themed menu and a huge play area filled with cool toys. This European experience requires no plane ticket, just hop on the freeway to enjoy a spectacularly entertaining (for kids) and relaxing (for parents) outing.

The Village of Scarsdale is located in lower Westchester County, surrounded by Eastchester, Hartsdale, and Mamaroneck. Easily accessible via the Bronx and Hutchinson River Parkways, as well as a Metro-North Harlem Line, it's known for its affluence and excellent public school system, making it a highly desirable neighborhood for families.

Its amenities don't disappoint. From sweet shops to family-friendly outdoor eats, and great parks and playgrounds to explore, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite haunts in this Westchester enclave.

School is out for summer, so one thing is on everyone's mind: when do we go back to school?

This year, perhaps more than ever, parents and kids alike are eagerly anticipating the return to a normal school year—with kids in school and at their desks. Below are the current school calendar plans for most of the major districts in the LA area. But be sure to check in with your school before the start of the year as dates may be subject to change. Also, each school district may have different rules for mask wearing, testing requirements, and online learning options.

The linked calendars also give you dates for winter and spring breaks, in case you're ready to start planning some family vacations. And if you're wondering about what other school options are available to you, our school guide can help.

Dana Point sits on the cliffs about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. The convenient location, plus gorgeous beaches, great restaurants, and a huge variety of entertainment and activities, makes it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Book a whale watching cruise, visit the Ocean Institute, or just sit by the beach and enjoy the casual surf-town feel. Tide pools, ocean-front art classes, and fishing lessons will keep the younger ones happy; and there is sailing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding for older kids.

Every beach town has a different feel: Dana Point is relaxed and welcoming. Read on to discover just why it's the perfect day trip (or weekend getaway) for LA families.

Mini golf is a staple in most families' rotation of fun weekend activities, but in Houston, standing in the heat for an hour putting around a small plastic ball isn't always...a ball. Black light mini golf, on the other hand, combines the game with lovely air conditioning indoors and lots of glow-in-the-dark fun. Below are a few fun entertainment spots with glow-in-the-dark, indoor mini golf around Houston.

For more ideas on indoor family activities, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston kids.

If you’ve always dreamed of roaming the open plains in a saddle, then it might be time to cultivate your family’s inner cowboy on a fab dude ranch vacation. Spending your day trekking through the rugged landscape on horseback before indulging in a five-star meal under the stars is just the beginning when you book a dude ranch getaway. These resorts offer a wide range of low-key activities designed for families. From fly fishing to campfire sing-alongs, these dude ranch adventures will have your family moseying their way all around the country.

Find more family adventures in our National Parks Guide or Camping Travel Guide.  

With its many restaurants, tons of shopping, and a bustling downtown, White Plains, situated right in the center of Westchester, is home to about 58,000 people. It boasts a walkable downtown area and easy access to the Metro-North's express trains to NYC. There’s also plenty of green space and outdoor activities, like hiking trails and playgrounds, catering to kids of all ages. Plus, between the White Plains Performing Arts Center, Westchester County Center, and an active Business Improvement District organization, there are various performances and events throughout the year.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites things to do in White Plains, from kid-approved restaurants, toddler-friendly trails, and must-visit pop-ups to recently renovated playgrounds and more.

The light-hearted music of the band organ, the blur of bright colors, and the squeals of delight that surround a merry-go-round are some of the sweetest symbols of summer .Thankfully, there are several adorable (and often historic) carousels near DC where your child can jump on their favorite painted horse and gallop around an endless track.

Below are eight of our favorite DC-area carousels,  from the recently refurbished horses of Glen Echo Park's Dentzel Carousel to the whimsical humingbird seats that twirl at the edge of the Potomac River on the Carousel at National Harbor.