30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer

Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

Orlando toddlers and preschoolers are little balls of energy, especially during the warmer months. These kids love the summer, from splashy water activities to fun playgrounds. Orlando summers allow for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-5) to get loose with lots of great seasonal fun and events. In fact, many of these summer activities are FREE, which is an even bigger reason to explore Orlando with your toddler.

A Philly Guide to Citizens Bank Park with Kids

Phillies baseball is a beloved activity, so cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park!

The Phillies are on fire this year, and nothing screams summer fun more than heading to the ballpark to watch your favorite team win. We've got tons of tips and tricks for navigating and enjoying Citizens Bank Park with little ones. So grab the sunscreen, throw on some Phillies gear, and let's head out to the ballgame!

Looking for more summer fun in Philly? Check out our Summer Acitivty Guide or our Guide to Area Beaches, Pools, and Lakes.

Chicago's Best Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Free summer concerts in Chicago mean families can enjoy being outside and listening to everything from local children's musicians to cover bands and other acts. The Chicago Park District hosts free summer concerts almost daily in different parks throughout the city, or families can hear music at Navy Pier, Harper Court, or Gallagher Way. Suburban families don't have to hit the city limits to get in on the action—many suburban park districts host free weekly outdoor concerts and shows near Chicago for kids of all ages.

The shows on this list are family-friendly, but check the artists in advance to ensure your child(ren) will be interested enough in the music to sit through a whole set. Consider sitting farther back or bringing earplugs for sound-sensitive kids.

Here are some great free concerts in Chicago this summer, and don't forget to check out our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more fun things to do.

 

Best Places for Boating in DC: Paddleboarding, Electric Boats, Kayaking, and More

Rent an easy-to-drive electric boat for a scenic and cool family outing. Photo courtesy of SeaDC at dceboats.com

Boating is a fun way for families to get out on the water and beat the heat during a DC summer. Whether it's kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, electric boats, or other types of vessels, there are various companies in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland from which families can rent boats.

We've compiled a list of 12 great places to go canoeing, paddleboarding, electric boating, or kayaking near DC, whether for an hour or a whole day. Most places offer personal flotation devices (PFDs), so all you have to do is bring a sense of adventure and fun.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more ways to stay cool this summer, from sprinkler parks and splash pads to free public swimming pools.

Los Angeles's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Saturdays Off the 405 at the Getty Center. Photo by Cassia Davis. © 2022 J. Paul Getty Trust

Free concerts throughout Los Angeles in the summertime, where parents can pack up both a picnic and restless tots and spend an evening under the stars, is beautiful music to our ears. 

They say music soothes the savage beast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Lucky for us, free outdoor concert series fill Los Angeles and OC parks and open spaces all summer long. So the odds are you won't have to travel far to find an open-air event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies. 

Looking for more entertainment in the great outdoors? Our roundup of the best free outdoor movies in Los Angeles this summer will help you find your favorite films, and there's plenty more summer fun in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Free Outdoor Summer Movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Summer for Kids

Catch summer flicks at Movies Under the Walkway in Poughkeepsie. Photo courtesy of the event

Summer offers up looser schedules and later bedtimes, and FREE outdoor movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a great way to take advantage of those seasonal perks. 

We’ve rounded up an assortment of outdoor flicks for your family’s enjoyment—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, often with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from live bands to magic shows and more), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun! 

For another way of enjoying outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide or Family Activity Calendar.

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