Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has been one of our family’s favorite spots to visit in Washington, DC since our son was 2, when he decided he wants to be an astronaut. The museum houses one of the world’s premier collections of flight and space-related artifacts and history. It closed down for a period in 2018 as it undergoes a monumental, multiyear renovation, but reopened in late 2022 with eight of the planned 23 exhibits completely redone.

We were excited to go back and bring our newest family member (now 2) to the museum. While we were a bit disappointed that so much of the museum was still closed, our children really enjoyed the redesigned exhibits. And the best part is, like all Smithsonian museums, it's completely FREE!

Read on for a peek into what to expect when visiting Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Then check out our DC Museum Guide for more great museums to visit with kids, including our lists of free museums near DC and the best museums for kids in the DC area.

Exploring Northridge with kids might not be at the top of your Los Angeles bucket list like Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Malibu is. However, this family-friendly suburb in the San Fernando Valley provides an array of activities suitable for kids of all ages. 

CSUN is a big focus in Northridge and acts as the hub of the community. Whether it's outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply spending quality time together, Northridge offers plenty of opportunities for families to have a great time. 

For more family-friendly adventures in the San Fernando Valley, spend the day at Lake Balboa, head to Discovery Cube for science activities, and discover all there is to do in Sherman Oaks with kids. Find more things to do in LA with our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families. 

Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, isn't just a park—it's an experience! An urban oasis along the Buffalo Bayou waterway that perfectly blends natural beauty and recreational activities, it's no surprise that families come here to escape the bustle of the city.

With exciting play areas, one of the biggest skate parks in the country, meandering trails, and family-friendly amenities, it's an ideal setting for a fun-filled day out with kids. So what makes Buffalo Bayou Park so awesome? Read on to discover my insider's guide filled with the best things to do and insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. 

Looking for more family fun in Houston? Buffalo Bayou Park is located near other activities in Downtown Houston and nearby attractions like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

If you haven't spent time at one of the two Chicago zoos recently, get ready for a real treat! With tons of upgraded structures and many new animals at the Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, you might end up as excited as you were on your first visit as a kid. To help make your trip the best it can be, check out the latest updates, news, and events happening in 2024. Don't forget to wear your walking shoes because it's going to be a long—and fun—day. 

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Chicago? Be sure to check out our top indoor playspaces perfect for snowy or rainy days, the best laser tag and paintball spots for kids in Chicago, and, of course, 100 things to do with Chicago kids before they grow up. 

Looking for a way for your active kids to burn off some energy and have some fun? Instead of playing video games at home, get out and get those kids moving with paintball or laser tag! Help them to use up their energy, as well as build strategy and teamwork skills at these laser tag, and paintball locations near Philadelphia. These laser tag zones and paintball arenas are also a great option for birthday parties!

If your kid is more into puzzles than running, exercise their brains with nearby escape rooms. For more great birthday party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide.

Nestled next to the Hudson River, the bustling little city of Poughkeepsie, NY, is packed with family-friendly destinations. This Dutchess County destination is located an hour’s drive from White Plains, around 90 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, and it’s easily accessible via Metro-North.  

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do in Poughkeepsie, with both indoor and outdoor options to suit any type of day trip.

Looking for more family fun? Sign up for our newsletters, check out our Event Calendar, and follow us on Facebook!

As we all know, Long Island is a great place to be a parent and raise kids, with parks galore, plenty of fun things to do all year long, and no shortage of places that cater to children. So here's a handy list showing you how to take advantage of all of that as a new parent or a soon-to-be-parent. 

Don't forget to bookmark our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents for more baby tips and content.

Named for its location at the top of the Watchung Mountains, the town of Summit, NJ, is worth the trip. The six square miles that make up this great town offer the perfect mix of city chic and outdoor fun. Summit boasts an eclectic downtown that's teeming with boutiques and restaurants.

In addition, the town's great parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor attractions make for a fun family trip. Check out some of our favorite Summit destinations and attractions below. 

For even more great North Jersey towns, check out our Guide to Great Small Towns in Northern NJ.