From the Wendy's fast-food empire to legendary gymnast Simone Biles, Columbus, OH has a long history of nurturing creativity and innovation. This bustling hub is the second-largest city in the Midwest, lovingly nicknamed “the biggest small town”. Whether you’re looking for awesome metro parks, thrilling water slides, hands-on science museums, or nationally recognized animal conservation, Columbus, OH has something for everyone in the family.

As a lifelong Columbus local, I am proud to share the top 33 things to do in Columbus, OH with kids, including some great family-friendly Columbus hotels and restaurants. Check out our Midwest Family Vacation Guide for more midwestern cities to visit, from Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND.

Autocamp Zion is a brand-new glamping resort next to Utah's Virgin River that just opened for the 2023 season, and is an attractive option for a place to stay when visiting Zion National Park. My husband and I recently took our one-year-old son to Zion, and we had the pleasure of staying at Autocamp Zion and seeing all that it has to offer. 

This resourceful glamping site has all the luxuries you never thought you needed while still being in the thick of a serene outdoor landscape. Keep reading below to find out more about our experience. 

For more glamping options, check out the best glamping near Los Angeles, including AutoCamp Joshua Tree, and plan your next national park adventure with our U.S. National Parks Family Travel Guide.

From the beachfront to the lakefront, mountain views, to ocean views, here are the top New England camping spots. These campgrounds provide families with vacation memories to last a lifetime. Are you looking for camping with resort-like amenities? Or maybe a more rustic experience to get away from the hustle and bustle? Our list of New England Campgrounds has something for every member of your family.

Check out all our vacationing expertise in our Family Travel Guide. And see our Ultimate Boston Kids Summer Vacation Guide and Ultimate Connecticut Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more summer fun!

It feels like we're all searching for new ways to keep cool in Houston right now, and it's still only June. Staying cool during a heat wave with the kids is top priority these days, and while Houston has plenty of splash pads and pools, sometimes it's nice to beat the heat while enjoying someone else's air conditioning. Even though we love them, we know it can get expensive at indoor playgrounds and gyms, so we've included an entire section of free indoor fun ideas to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank. And if you don't mind dishing out some dollars for fun indoor experiences, the second half of this list includes our favorite paid entry Houston-area venues where you can escape the heat this summer. 

Find yourself in need of even more ideas? Be sure to check out our guide to free summer fun and full guide of things to do with Houston kids in the summer.

Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-see for kids. There's so much to do there, from the carnival rides and games to the indoor attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum. Best of all, Navy Pier itself is free to walk around (admission is required for museum and rides). With sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier offers some of the city’s best vantage points.

One of the best parts about Navy Pier is its location. You’re within a couple of miles of several Chicago museums, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, and more. Before or after you’re Navy Pier visit, check out our guides to the ultimate Chicago weekend with kids and 100 things to do in Chicago with kids before they grow up.

Going camping near NYC may seem challenging for city dwellers because it often requires plenty of equipment, including a car. But, your next camping adventure might be easier than you think. There are plenty of family-friendly campgrounds nearby that offer amenities to make camping near NYC fun and easier for kids and families.

If you don't have camping gear, there are even campgrounds that provide nearly everything you need to have an amazing camping experience. We've rounded up a handful of great family-friendly campgrounds near NYC, all with availability for booking this summer. If you're looking for something even more full-service, consider booking a night at Collective Governors Island or one of these other local glamping destinations.

We've got tons more picks for exploring the great outdoors with kids in our Outdoor Adventures Guide, plus all our picks to have the best summer ever in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

With summer officially here, camping season is in full swing for Philadelphia families. Regardless of experience level -- first-timers or veterans, bare-bones campers, or real-deal glampers -- the suggestions below have you covered. 

Almost all of these campgrounds are 2.5 hours or less from Center City, with a range of amenities from "just the basics" to luxury campsites with pools, playgrounds, and WiFi. Everything from KOA campgrounds to RV campgrounds to campgrounds with cabins makes this list. Check out our Guide to Philly Family Day Trips Weekend Getaways for more quick vacay ideas, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletters.

July 4th in Washington, DC is always a huge spectacle, and it starts with the famous National Independence Day Parade. DC's 4th of July parade is a fun and festive experience jam-packed with colorful floats and balloons, lively marching bands, and notable people waving to the crowd. Kids love to be in on all the patriotic fun, but it's good to plan ahead to ensure the experience is as memorable and stress-free as possible.

Read on for our tips and tricks on visiting the National Independence Day Parade with kids. Then continue your 4th of July festivities with our lists of the best spots to watch the DC fireworks on the National Mall and the best 4th of July crafts, recipes, and other activities for kids. Don't forget to wear your red, white, and blue!