Looking for a great summer outing that’ll float the family’s boat? A ride in a paddleboat (sometimes called a pedal boat), kayak, canoe, or rowboat offers panoramic views of New Jersey's scenic parks and lakes, plus an opportunity for family time that may actually be peaceful.

Paddleboat and kayak rentals are available throughout the state. Check the specific paddling locations for any age or weight restrictions, then sit back and enjoy the ride. (And don't forget the sunscreen!)

Feeling more adventurous? Find the best places for tubing and rafting in and around NJ.

It’s well documented that kids love water—whether that’s of the pool, beach, or splash pad variety. And if you’ve ever seen your child’s eyes light up at the sight of a waterfall, you know they don’t even need to be in the water for it to be worthwhile. Westchester and the Hudson Valley are home to some stunning waterfalls. Some of them can be seen by simply visiting the park, while a few others require a walk or a waterfall hike to see them. Almost all of these destinations offer other activities to do during youe visit, from playgrounds to spots to stop for a sweet treat.

Looking for even more water fun? Check out our guide to Westchester summer activities, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.

The long-awaited indoor family-fun spot opened its doors this summer to cheers and applause! Palace Social sits on the site of a former bowling hangout in Bellaire, TX, not too far from Houston’s medical center. After the classic bowling alley was torn down, rumors that a new development would take its place swept the neighborhood. Bowling fans have been looking forward to the grand opening for years, and it was worth the wait.

The recently unveiled venue not only brings bowling back to the area, but adds a ton of fun new attractions like a video game arcade, virtual technology experiences, sports simulators, restaurant, two bars, a dessert bar, and more. It's also a great inside activity for when your kids outgrow Houston's indoor play spaces.

Summer on Long Island is the best time for splashing, surfing the waves, and laying by the pool. But sometimes the extreme heat can make it hard to do anything outside with kids. Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting things to do indoors. Here then are our top choices for Long Island indoor play spaces where families can beat the heat with kids of any age.

For all things summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Orlando has no shortage of water activities to keep your family cool this summer, including natural springs, public pools, boat trips, nearby beaches, and more. For those families looking for an active adventure on the water, paddleboard or kayak in Orlando for a tour that can’t be beat. There are plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddleboards in Orlando and explore the beautiful natural waterways the area has to offer.

Candytopia, an immersive, candy-themed pop-up experience is back to give the whole family a sugar rush of fun. Returning to Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Houston this summer, Candytopia has been a reliable source of indoor fun and a chance to momentarily live like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The experiential art exhibit is part Instagram-fodder, part sugary/rainbow explosion, with more than a dozen rooms featuring interactive displays, games, and candy to sample. Candytopia has toured the country previously—stopping in major cities and amassing selfie-snapping fans as it goes—and now it's time to close out summer once again with this tasty experience!

Small and not-so-small jazz hands across Long Island, rejoice: Long Island has an abundance of dance classes with specialties in many areas, including fan favorites such as hip hop, ballet, and Broadway. Some dance classes even offer virtual instruction.

Check out our list below of dance classes across Long island that offer instruction in different genres, age ranges, and abilities. And for more inspiration, check out our guide to classes across Long Island for kids.   

Where can you snap a selfie with the world’s fastest military jets? Stand beneath a world-renowned space shuttle? Or climb aboard the only guided missile submarine that’s open to the public? Since reopening its doors in March 2021, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum has been welcoming families back to its home at Pier 86 with new safety guidelines, as well as new and restored exhibits alongside its tried and true attractions.

Wondering what to expect at the Intrepid Museum these days? Read on for answers to some of the most asked questions about visiting the historic complex since it reopened.