Top Midwest Overnight Summer Camps for Kids and Teens

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Camp Walden is a popular overnight summer camp in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Camp Walden in Michigan

Overnight or sleep away summer camp is one of those iconic childhood rights of passage. These magical places are where kids make new friends, unplug from screens, and get out of their comfort zone. With activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, ceramics, and archery, it's no wonder some summer camps offer stays ranging from mini-week camps up to entire season stays. From Illinois to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, we've rounded up some of the top overnight summer camps in the Midwest. 

For more great camp listings, check out our ultimate summer camp guide as well as our summer camp directory for more day camps, summer camps, and overnight camps. You can sort summer camp listings by age, interest, and more. Happy camping!

19 Best Dance Summer Camps Near Houston

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Students at Summer Dance Camp, West University Dance Centre/Houston Academy of Dance

Houston boasts top-notch dance summer camps to get kids up and moving. Whether you’re looking for a princess dance summer camp for your preschooler or a hip-hop day camp for teens, we have it all. Themed weeks and half-day options all offer a whole lot of fun along with quality instruction that will have your kiddos improving their dance skills.

For more summer dance camps near Houston, from options in the Loop to areas like The Woodlands and Katy, be sure to bookmark our Comprehensive Camp Guide and Directory where you can search for summer dance camps for kids by type, age, and town.

Amusement Parks Opening Days in New Jersey in 2022

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The Six Flags 2021 season opens Saturday, March 27, with its world-class coasters, tasty treats, and more. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

With warmer days ahead, amusement park season is just around the corner. There's no better feeling than zipping through the air on a speedy roller coaster, chilling on a carousel, or watching the little ones enjoy low-key kiddie rides. But, just when do amusement parks open for the season? We've got the scoop, whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Jenkinson's and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure.

We've rounded up the opening days for the most popular amusement parks in New Jersey and nearby. Be sure to click through to each park's website for the latest information, ticket deals, and season passes. 

40 Top Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation

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Young kids will love the Sesame Street-themed area at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

If you're looking for thrills and adventure for your next family vacation, consider a trip to one of the best amusement parks in the US. There are so many theme parks across the country to plan a vacation around. Some theme parks are located near gorgeous beaches or fun cities to explore. Others are destinations in and of themselves: With so many rides and attractions, you can spend a weekend or more in the parks and not run out of things to do.

We've scoured the country to find the best amusement parks in the US to visit on your next family vacation. Whether you're a thrill-seeking family eager to check out the highest roller coasters or you're just there for the funnel cake (that's me), we have just the amusement park for you. Our list includes popular theme parks in California, fun Orlando theme parks, and plenty in between.

Ready to book your next family vacation? Check out our handy Family Travel Guide and our guide to Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels to help you plan your journey.

Top Attractions in Boston: Best Things To See and Do with Kids

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Big league fun awaits at Boston's top attractions for kids. Photo courtesy of Fenway Park

Whether you consider it the "Hub of the Universe" or just good old Beantown, Boston has some of the best things to see and do with kids in New England. Boston's attractions run the gamut from world-class museums with hands-on activities for kids to magnificent outdoor spaces that showcase nature right in the heart of the city. America's Cradle of Liberty offers families a unique combination of history and walkability, and Boston's attractions provide kids with both education and fun.

We’ve compiled a list of 30 things to see and do with kids in Boston. These family attractions make for an afternoon adventure, a full-day's worth of exploration, or even a staycation packed with warm memories. For some excursion ideas outside of Boston, check out or guides to 12 Family-Friendly Hikes in New England and the Best Indoor Waterparks in New England for Easy Family Getaways. And explore our guide to 10+ Boston Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free for dining destination ideas.

The Best Escape Rooms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

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Unlock the key and escape The Puzzle Parlour.

Families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley who enjoy a little suspense mixed in with their fun might try escaping to an escape room. 

Within the past decade, these cleverly designed rooms have grown exponentially in popularity, even withstanding a pandemic. Nowadays, escape rooms can even be found at the local mall. 

Originally targeted to adults, many Westchester escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, or even birthday parties. The sites usually contain multiple themed rooms, so you can choose an adventure that suits your or your family’s tastes. 

12 Cool NYC Escape Rooms for Kids to Conquer

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Kids embark on a quest at Ripley's Relic in Times Square. Photo by Stuart Ramson/AP Images

For parents, living in a tiny New York City apartment can feel like a constant escape game. The clutter is closing in on you and you've got to locate two toddler shoes, a missing must-have accessory for your tween, and your own MIA cell phone before you can unlock the door to take on the mean city streets. If your clever kids don't see the game in that routine, they might be up for a different kind of challenge. Consider splurging on an afternoon in one of these kid-friendly escape rooms, where their puzzle skills (and yours!) will be put to the test.

These escape rooms are all great for birthday parties or even just "I'm bored" days. For more outings that are perfect for birthdays or family fun days, check out our Guide to the Best Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones in NYC.

The Best Escape Rooms on Long Island

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Treat your kids to an afternoon at Can You Escape? LI. Photo courtesy of Can You Escape?

If you’re looking to keep your kids entertained for an hour or two in a way that doesn’t involve electronics, we have two words for you: Escape rooms.

Despite the pandemic, escape rooms remain among the hottest crazes to hit Long Island in recent years, popping up throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Originally targeted to adults, many LI escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, whether it’s for a birthday party, a school or camp field trip, Saturday afternoon play date, or a family night out.

We’ve put together a list of some of Long Island's most popular escape room venues for kids. Check individual websites for details since prices vary, as do the number of rooms available, how many people each holds, difficulty levels, and age restrictions. Themes occasionally change also. Try one or more. Each offers a unique way for kids to use their imaginations, develop team-building and problem-solving skills, and most of all, have a blast.

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