Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a reputation as a haven for the hipster set, but families are just as at home in this buzzy, culture-rich neighborhood. Sprinkled in among all the nightlife and trendy boutiques are lots of family-friendly restaurants, shopping, and activities. And the neighborhood is home to some of NYC's most action-packed parks: McCarren Park, a 35-acre green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and a pool; Marsha P. Johnson East River State Park, home to Smorgasburg and skyline views; and Domino Park, the exciting waterfront play space inspired by the former Domino Sugar refinery, a neighborhood landmark, that's getting a new lease on life.

Williamsburg is easily accessible by subway from the G, J, M, Z, and L lines, so even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, you can experience all of the culture and color of this unique Brooklyn neighborhood. Here are our picks for the best things to do with kids in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Find more new-to-you neighborhoods to explore in our Guide to NYC Neighborhoods.

The party is planned, the presents are wrapped, and there's only one thing left to figure out: What are the best restaurants for a birthday dinner on Long Island? 

We've got you covered: Whether it's super milkshakes, a cool theme, or a live band, the restaurants below will make kids feel extra special on their bday.

Find great birthday cake ideas for a kids' birthday party and much more in our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids. 

My recent stay at Finest Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic—the newest resort from The Excellence Collection brand—changed every assumption I had about all-inclusive resorts. In my experience, staying at an all-inclusive has typically required some level of sacrifice. Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts often involve large crowds, loud restaurants, and unwanted splashes at the pool. Adults-only all-inclusives solve those problems, but you can't bring the kids. And the more affordable all-inclusive resorts often have lower-quality food, poorer service, and fewer amenities.

But Finest Punta Cana sacrifices nothing. Open since October 2021, this stunning and luxurious resort welcomes families, but also has an adults-only section. Every meal I ate was memorable and delicious. Every staff member was friendly and attentive. The kids' club was the biggest and best I've seen. At nearly 80% capacity, the resort still did not feel crowded. And the best part? Finest Punta Cana offers better prices than many luxury resorts, not to mention the fact that food, drinks, and most activities are included in the cost of your stay.

Read on for my full review of Finest Punta Cana, my new favorite resort.  For even more family vacation ideas in the Caribbean, check out our Caribbean Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.

You won’t be scaling any great heights on these stroller-friendly hikes, but you will be soaking up nature and getting some exercise too. There are so many amazing places in the Boston area to walk with kids, whether they’re trekking alongside you, riding in a carrier, or even being pushed in a stroller. With so many beautiful landscapes to take in—from salt marshes and woodlands to wetlands and farms—you’re sure to find a hike perfect for your family.

Once your kids are walking, check out these short hikes for preschoolers and great family hikes around Boston. For a real adventure, see our review of mountains to climb with kids across the U.S.

Belmont Park makes for a charming destination for an old-fashioned family-friendly day trip. Located in Elmont, New York, this thoroughbred horse racing track is centrally located for families traveling from New York City and Long Island, and yet a day at the races is far from an ordinary outing.

My mom grew up as a certified country girl, riding horses and watching the rodeo circuit, and though she—and I—have raised a family of city kids, I try to keep my kids connected to our country roots. Spending a day admiring the horses at Belmont Park is one of our favorite you're-not-in-NYC-anymore outings.

Belmont Park receives tons of attention on the second Saturday in June when the Belmont Stakes—the final leg of racing's Triple Crown—brings the top racehorses to its starting gates, but its racing season debuts in early May and runs through mid-July each year. From food trucks to fillies, here are all the fun things to do during a family-friendly day trip to Belmont Park. Our Guide to Local Farms and Pick-Your-Own Produce offers even more agritainment for families.

If you haven’t been to an alpaca ranch, you’re missing out on one of the most unique experiences around. Luckily, we've got loads of choices for Alpaca farms to visit in the Philly area.

These furry and friendly camel cousins can be fed, petted, and walked at alpaca farms throughout Philadelphia’s surrounding counties, often free of charge. These soft, furry sweethearts are shorn in the spring, and their fleece is used to make everything from clothing to stuffed animals to dryer balls, and the products are for sale at most of the alpaca farms in the Philadelphia area listed below.

Check out some of our favorite places to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. There are plenty more great animal farms in the Philly area, all of which you can find in our Guide to Philly Zoos and Farms.

Orlando zoos and aquariums create the best childhood memories, especially gazing at wild animals that kids wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see. Central Florida is home to many zoos, aquariums, and attractions that offer opportunities to get up close and personal with native and exotic animals, reptiles, and more. Here are the top places to see animals in Central Florida, beyond the theme parks.

Want to enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your own car? Check out these exciting Orlando wildlife drives!