We're just three short weeks shy of Memorial Day weekend, and that means the unofficial start of summer is on the horizon, bringing with it the start of beach season 2021. After a pandemic-shortened season last year, New York City's 14 miles of beaches are set to reopen to the public for a full season of sun and surf beginning Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Read on for details on what beach season looks like in the five boroughs, and beyond from the Jersey Shore, to our favorite Long Island seaside haunts, and beaches in Westchester and Connecticut, too. Stay up-to-date all season long with our Summer Fun and Beaches and Lakes Guides.

Memorial Day weekend is around the corner, and summer is almost upon us, and that means soon Long Island beaches soon open for the season. As more and more places start opening and restrictions are cautiously lifted, we're feeling optimistic about summer in the sun, but what can you expect for beach access in 2021?

It’s no secret Long Island has some of the best beaches for families, and the good news is, while beach visits may not be totally back to normal, restrictions are lighter than last season. Here’s what families can expect come Saturday, May 29, when lifeguards take to their stands marking the unofficial start of the summer season.

If you want to explore other local shores, we've got all the details you need to plan a visit to the Jersey Shore or beaches in New York City. 

Tucked inside Queens’ largest park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is the lovely 18-acre Queens Zoo. Unlike other city zoos (Read: sometimes crowded and overwhelming), families can tour the entire grounds in just a few hours. Take a leisurely loop around the whole complex, and you’ll find eagles, puma, bears, sea lions, coyotes, an aviary filled with exotic birds, and more.

While the Queens Zoo is smaller than its sister zoo in the Bronx, it is definitely worth the trip. Unlike the Bronx Zoo, which can be taxing on little legs, the Queens Zoo is a perfect size. The main zoo runs in a loop, making it easy to see everything without backtracking. Lush greenery and landscaping surround the trail, and there is less travel time between exhibits.

If zoos are high on your to-do list, check out our other borough favorites at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Staten Island Zoo.

Archery classes sound like something for Robin Hood, but a fair number of kids who see Brave or The Hunger Games end up curious about archery. Which means a fair number of their parents end up scratching their heads and saying, "Where do we do that??" Gymnastics classes, swimming classes—those are easy. But where to bring a would-be archer to string a bow and shoot some arrows? Less obvious, perhaps, but not as hard as you might think. And the even better news? These archery classes are usually free! (Or very low cost.)

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs for kids of all ages, including the best Parent and Me classes for babies and toddlers.

Families in the Washington, DC area are fortunate to have an abundant selection of neighborhood playgrounds and parks for kids to play, explore, and work out their energy. The playgrounds on this list take it a step further with unique themed play equipment, splash pads, mini golf, trains and carousels to amp up the fun.

When you’re looking to spend the whole day at the park, these 15 playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Virginia are worth the drive.

Summer fun in Houston is not complete without a visit to an amusement park or water park. Between the epic roller coasters and high-flying swings at amusement parks, and the slippery slides and raft rides at water parks, Houston area theme parks have enough thrills and spills to keep kids cool all summer long.

If you'd rather stay indoors at the peak of our hot summer months, you could check out Guide to Indoor Fun for Houston Kids. Or maybe you'd prefer to splurge on a local resort with a great pool. But for good old-fashioned summer thrills, there is nothing like the Texas amusement parks below.

Southern California is world-famous for family-friendly theme parks like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, but the swoops and thrills of many of the rides can be too much for younger kids. That doesn't mean you have to wait until kids grow up to visit your favorite amusement park—you just need to know the secrets to finding the rides, play spaces, and dedicated spaces that are best for preschoolers. Also, the LA area has several amusement parks with gentle rides and tame attractions that provide just the right amount of thrills for toddlers and preschoolers.

Skip the uncertainty of wondering if an amusement park is age-appropriate for your preschooler with this handy guide, filled with insider tips and secrets to getting the most out of these theme parks with even the youngest members of the family.

The long-anticipated opening of Manhattan's Riverside Park South has arrived at last. Officially opened in October 2020, the new section of the park spans from West 65th Street to 68th Street is a perfect green space to visit this spring. This Upper West Side park is one of the top destinations for neighborhood families, offering expansive outdoor spaces for NYC families to enjoy. The new section offers playgrounds and more family-friendly amenities to explore.

Read on for details on the project, plus what renovations are still in store. Find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for New York City families.