Free Things to Do This July in Boston with Kids

Shakespeare on the Common photo by Michael Fein Photography

Boston families are always on the lookout for fun summer activities, and parents are usually keeping an eye out for a bargain. Luckily, the city and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to make memories this July without spending a small fortune. From the city to the seashore, these free things to do this July in Boston with kids are sure to please.

Be sure and check out our Best of July: 22 Top Things To Do with Kids for all our picks for family activities this month. And don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for all our tips for things to do with kids in and around the city. 

Visiting Arlington National Cemetery with Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Place wreaths at the graves of fallen soldiers during the annual Wreaths Across America event. Photo courtesy of the author

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the oldest and most famous cemeteries in the US. Established in 1864, this hallowed ground serves as the final resting place of over 400,000 veterans and their spouses and children. Service members from every major American war are interred there, as well as many famous Americans including Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and astronaut John Glenn.

With its rows and rows of perfectly aligned, identical white headstones, Arlington National Cemetery is a truly breathtaking sight. But while it is indeed a solemn place, it is also a wonderful place to visit with kids and teach them about American history. Arlington National Cemetery's beauty and historical significance have landed it on our lists of 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up and the top tourist attractions in DC.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Arlington National Cemetery with kids.

Bushkill Falls: A Family-Friendly Hike with Incredible Views

Hike the trails at Bushkill Falls  to see the incredible view of Main Falls.

Dubbed "The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls lives up to the name. Bushkill Falls is a must-do for hiking and nature-loving families. Its varying trails with different difficulty levels make it accessible to most families, and every trail has an amazing view of the falls. The fun doesn't end with the hike, either. There are multiple activities and food options that make Bushkill Falls a popular destination for Northeast families. 

Best Cooking Classes in the San Francisco Bay Area for Kids: Calling All Little Foodies

Cooking classes are a fun way to make some foodie memories. Photo courtesy of Cucina Bambini

If you've got a little kitchen helper on your hands, it might be time to find one of the best cooking classes in the San Francisco Bay Area for kids! Cooking not only helps with math and problem-solving skills, but it’s also a great confidence booster and bonding activity. We’ve rounded up our favorite cooking classes for kids in the Bay Area that run the gamut from nut-free kitchens to classes that teach yoga and breathing alongside cooking, for a whole body approach. Most schools offer not only cooking classes for kids, but also camps and birthday parties—so you can get your young chefs in the kitchen for any occasion.

Then bring all that sous chef energy home and get cooking with our 100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids and all our favorite recipes in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Attending an Orlando City SC Game with Kids: Parenting Gooooooals!

Cheer on Orlando City SC during one of their exciting home games.

While baseball may be America’s pastime, make no mistake, Major League Soccer (MLS) is alive and well in Central Florida. With local fans coming from as far north as Daytona Beach and as far south as Melbourne, Orlando City SC fans also come from out of state and even around the world. I am already a fan of Orlando City and Orlando Pride (the National Women's Soccer League team). As a mother of three, I wanted to put the "fun factor" to the test, so I invited my teenage daughter. I figured if she has a good time at an Orlando City game, then anyone can!

Orlando City draws people from everywhere. Lions players proudly represent a number of countries in South America and Europe, in addition to the United States. Orlando City games are an exhibition of sport, camaraderie, and a celebration of our differences.

There is a lot to cover about this soccer experience, so keep reading. If you are looking to get your family off their devices and out of the house, attending an Orlando City soccer game is a great option!

Memphis with Kids: 25 Great Things To Do in Memphis, TN

Take a tour of Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.

Memphis, Tennessee is a city known for its rich musical history, civil rights heritage, and amazing BBQ. This town on the Mississippi River beats with a distinctly American heart. Many people regard it as the birthplace of rock n' roll: Legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, and Elvis Presley all recorded hit songs in Memphis. But you don't have to be a music aficionado or history buff to love the "Bluff City." Like the city of Nashville, there are so many things to do in Memphis, TN with kids, such as great museums, gorgeous parks and gardens, and delicious food. (Did I mention BBQ?)

Here are 25 things to do in Memphis with kids, including Memphis restaurants kids will love and the best family-friendly hotels in Memphis, TN. For more awesome family vacation ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Playland Amusement Park Brings New Rides and Amenities to the Classic Family Destination

Now operating under new ownership, Playland has preserved its rich history and charm while serving up new attractions and amenities.

Playland in Rye, New York has been a go-to amusement park for NYC families since 1928. Now operating under new ownership, the picturesque 280-acre park has preserved its rich early 20th century history and charm while serving up modern-day attractions and amenities. From exhilarating new rides great for teens and tweens to fun kiddie rides and new amenities like fancy family-friendly restrooms, it was time to revisit the renovated and restored Westchester gem.

My family headed out to Playland to see what was new and whether it still held the nostalgic fun I remembered. We arrived to sweet picket fences, brightly blooming flowers, lush lawns, and Art Deco buildings really set the scene, and loads of thrilling rides, carnival games, and concession stands made it a day to remember. Below, I’m breaking down some of our favorite attractions, and sharing tips for visiting the park.

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