Chicago families are lucky to have a world-class parks system with hundreds of great playgrounds. Thanks to a city initiative, over 300 playgrounds in Chicago have been refurbished or newly built since 2013, with the goal of ensuring that every Chicago kid has a place to play within a ten-minute walk of home.

But even in a city packed with great parks, some Chicago playgrounds are a cut above the rest. The spots on our best-of list have plenty of space to climb, slide, swing, and play, while also offering something special or unique that makes them worth the trip. Check out our Chicago playground hall of fame, and get out to play at a new-to-you park this weekend.

For more playgrounds in Chicago fun, we’ve also included some incredible destination playgrounds in the Chicago suburbs.

We all work so hard to teach our children to be kind and inclusive to one other, so why not play somewhere that celebrates many different kinds of ability? A growing number of playgrounds are working to create play structures and activities that are accessible to all kids of all physical capabilities, including Boston's newest playground Martin's Park set to open this June. From ramps to swings to sensory play areas, these 11 playgrounds are designed to make sure all kids have a blast playing outside. And if you're looking for even more outdoor fun, consider a day trip to these brain-boosting playgrounds or hop in the car for a new adventure and visit one of these drive-worthy spots. 

The exhibit to see in the Philadelphia-area this year is the new Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Franklin Institute. A vast, immersive experience featuring more than 300 original artifacts—including costumes and movie props--the exhibit takes you on a journey that feels more like an experience than a trip to the museum. While the big budget movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are a prime feature, you don’t have to be Team Captain America to enjoy this exhibit. I was delighted to get the opportunity to explore this 15,000 square-foot exhibit with my superhero-loving five-year-old and I can’t stress enough that this is an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Read on for the full review.

Reading to kids and making sure they have access to plenty of good books is one of the best gifts you can give. Luckily, PJ Library helps parents deliver by providing free high-quality literature celebrating Jewish culture, values, and heritage to children ages 6 months to 11 years old.

Free books? So, what's the catch? There isn't one! Made possible through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations, PJ Library mails more than 600,000 professionally curated books to families around the world every single month. No matter your family's level of Jewish observance or knowledge, PJ Library has a diverse selection of books that will enrich your home with wonderful stories and more quality reading time.

Some of the books introduce Jewish holidays like Passover, the Hebrew alphabet, and Bible stories, while others focus on traditional folk tales and themes like immigration and environmentalism. You'll find picture books like I Dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, and chapter books like Zlateh the Goat, a collection of tales by Isaac Bashevis Singer and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. The selection even includes Caldecott-honored books such as Joseph Had a Little Overcoat and It Could Always Be Worse. Family favorites!

Deep in the heart of Texas runs the Paluxy River, a small tributary of the Brazos River. And on in its shallow bends and shores lie one of Texas' best kept secrets - dinosaur tracks! Dinosaur Valley State Park - located in Glen Rose, Texas - remains one of my personal favorite state parks for family camping trips because of the fossilized treasures its holds and its natural beauty. You don't even have to be a dinosaur fanatic to appreciate all this park has to offer. Add it to your family's travel bucket list, and plan to visit again and again.

Everywhere you look, there's an Easter egg hunt to be found. Under that tree: an egg hunt. Behind the bushes, there’s one more. In fact, I see dozens of them, and you can find them in our Easter egg hunt round-up! Grab your basket and collect them all (but make sure you leave enough for the other mommies).

See, here’s the deal: There is literally an egg hunt on every block, every corner, every square inch of Los Angeles this weekend. And every egg that you find? You open it up and—surprise!—it tells you about another egg hunt. Some egg hunts are in gardens; some are in malls; some are on the farm; some come with breakfast. (Eggs and breakfast? Weird.)  

Actually, the trick this weekend is going to be not finding an egg hunt. There are a few other things out there: you might luck onto bubbles and Bolero, pachyderms and penguins, Earth Day and natural wonders, ice tales and dog tails and fish laying eggs...

......

...did someone say ... eggs?

Eggs. Eggy egg eggs. Lots and lots of eggs. 

Hop on over to our most egg-citing picks for this weekend…

Visiting The Woodlands can feel like traveling to another world - there are so many trees! (Depending on where you live in Houston, this may be a huge change of scenery.) About 45 minutes north of Houston, The Woodlands is full of fun for the whole family. It's close enough that you can spend the day here without much of a drive time but offers enough to do that you could stretch it into a weekend getaway. Read on for of our favorite things to do in The Woodlands with our kids. 

While NYC families have full access to the best museums and shows that the world has to offer, life in the city can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from nature. We’re always seeking ways to let our little ones get their hands dirty, so it’s no surprise that the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is a family favorite.

Spanning 47 acres, the Queens County Farm Museum dates back to the 17th century and features old-fashioned farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, planting fields, an orchard, an herb garden and a vineyard, all within city limits. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel miles away from the city.

Here are the reasons we are forever loving New York City's only historic working farm and why it's a fantastic destination for NYC kids. While you’re there, make a day of it with our Queens Family Neighborhood Guide.