There are so many great places in Los Angeles to get out on the water with your family. From the many harbors and marinas to the vast Pacific Ocean (and even local lakes and reservoirs), the opportunities for boating in Southern California are endless. However, not all boating experiences are family-friendly, so we’ve highlighted the best boating options by vessel type and setting. So whether you want to whale watch, take a trip to a local island, or just swan around a lake, these are the best boat rides in LA for kids of all ages.

Universal Orlando's theme parks offer a ton of kid-focused entertainment, but what about CityWalk?

Self-proclaimed as "The Epicenter of Awesome," CityWalk is Universal’s entertainment district, complete with dining, shopping, live music, and more. It is primarily known for its nightlife, but there are many things at CityWalk families can enjoy as well, from miniature golf and movies to themed dining and donuts. Read on for things to do with kids while visiting Universal's CityWalk.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is iconic for many reasons, including that it is the closest theme park to Houston, with a history that reflects our city's resilience. At Pleasure Pier you can hop on the Texas Star Flyer and get a bird's eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, test your luck at classic carnival games, and enjoy a full day of classic family fun. There are several restaurants and shops as well as beach entry just steps away from the pier, making it a great Houston day trip with the kids.

For more fun things to do at Galveston, check out our top recommendations for families, from great beaches to where you can see a dolphin in Galveston Bay.

Summertime means beach time, and while there are lots of beaches near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus, or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is your chosen beach has no bathroom, or bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of eight easy-to-reach beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms, and hidden costs. Most are within 2 hours of Manhattan by car and are easily accessible via public transportation as well, so you can plot a great daycation for your family.

Find more beach fun in our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide, or check out these summer day trip ideas.

The Hudson Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those in the New York City vicinity, especially from Westchester—and it boasts a variety of unique, family-friendly resorts and hotels, from an all-inclusive dude ranch to a lighthouse and even a working farm.

We've rounded up 10 spots for a range of budgets in Hudson Valley towns that are filled with history, charm, and natural beauty, including Hyde Park, New Paltz, Hudson, and Rhinebeck.

Lake Arrowhead is a favorite destination for skiers and sledders, but it’s pretty fantastic in the summer, too. Oh, and it's gorgeous when the leaves start to turn in the fall. Basically, Lake Arrowhead is a fantastic (easy) mountain getaway year-round. Just a few hours from LA (depending on traffic, but that's true of everywhere!), this mountain town is a perfect escape from city life. Ski or swim, shop or hike, explore, see animals, and play all day—read on to discover why you should bring the family to Lake Arrowhead this weekend. And come back next season, too.

Orlando residents might not have to travel so far to enjoy the beach one day soon. A new company is planning to open beach-like tropical lagoons around Central Florida's inland counties in the next couple of years.

Crystal Lagoons, a Miami-based company, has signed an agreement with hospitality asset manager Adëlon Capital to develop at least five Caribbean-like lagoons near Orlando. 

Whether you need a beachside vacation or a cultural getaway in a (different) city, you don’t have to travel too far from Chicago to find it! All of the weekend getaways below are places you can drive to from Chicago— yet they feel like a world away. The trips include a hike under a waterfall, a boat ride through a city, an aquarium in a train station, and the water park capital of the world. From zoos to children’s museums to great nature escapes, we’ve highlighted several must-see attractions that make each getaway fun for the whole family. 

Now, get the road trip snacks ready and enjoy the adventure. For more getaway ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide and 20 Day Trips Near Chicago.