When you're looking to go a little wild with the kids the Franklin Park Zoo is just the place! From live animals to hands-on exhibits, there are activities for all of your little monkeys—no matter how old they are. And the best part? You can visit these exotic animals without even leaving the city. With play structures and playgrounds sprinkled throughout the entire zoo, you have a fun-filled day on your hands and guaranteed tired kiddos when you're ready to head home.

Want to keep exploring with your little zoologists? Hop in the car to check out these local zoos within driving distance to Boston. And as always, check our events calendar for any upcoming fun events, animal-related, or otherwise! 

Since its founding in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has provided a welcome respite to concrete-weary city dwellers. It was a dismal day when the garden closed its doors for a few months in 2020, but like many local institutions, it's happily reopened and is gearing up for its most vibrant season of the year.

Though Prospect Park is affectionately known as "Brooklyn's backyard," my family and I have also spent many hours—in all seasons—at the BBG, exploring the winding paths, whiling away an afternoon underneath the dreamy cherry trees, and watching the turtles sunning themselves in the Japanese Pond.

Read on to learn about our favorite things to do in this beautiful urban garden, which is truly one of our favorite places in NYC.

Let’s be honest: Parents are not the only ones who have been watching more TV during the past year. (Hello, Bridgerton binge!) And while we may have come to terms with switching on a screen to occupy kids when we have to take a work call (*raises hand*), we still want to make sure our toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in early elementary school are getting a mix of entertaining and educational content—a sweet spot PBS Kids has always done super well.

PBS Kids has made a lot of shows, and while they're all great, it can be hard to know where to start! We’ve rounded up our all-time favorite PBS Kids shows—from forever favorites like Sesame Street to newcomers like Molly of Denali—for you to turn to the next time the kids (or you) are begging for a TV break.

There's light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and that means walk-thru is the new drive-thru. Sugar Rush is a new immersive saccharine-sweet walking experience that’s a great activity for every age, from grown-ups to toddlers. My family had a chance to preview the experience last weekend, and since I knew my kids wouldn't get enough candy at Easter (ha!), we decided to check it out. Our verdict: this a fun, unique experience that gives little kids the chance to get out and run around in a whimsical, silly, and safe setting—but also has enough appeal for older kids who love taking cool selfies.

Read on to discover what larger-than-life sweets you'll encounter, how much actual candy is included, and why this is a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Now that the layered-clothes stage of winter is over, heading outside for short bursts of activity with your little ones feels much more manageable (and enjoyable). While you can spend time at one of the many toddler-friendly playgrounds in the area, going outside for a family-friendly hike is another great idea.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local Westchester hikes to take with toddlers and preschoolers—some take you through wooded areas, others by the beach, and others that may be a bit of a drive but are worth it for the much-needed change of scenery. Plus, all of the hikes are a manageable 1-1 1/2 miles, and many are stroller, bike, or scooter friendly.

Looking for more outdoor fun this spring? Check out our Spring Fun Guide.

At first glance, navigating the street vendors, traffic, and crowds of Canal Street can seem intimidating for families. But with a little planning, Chinatown opens up into a world of wonders. Explore parks, temples, turn-of-the-century architecture, annual festivals and celebrations, and, of course, amazing food in one of NYC's most well-known neighborhoods.

Chinatown is unlike other hot spots in Manhattan. It is a living, breathing neighborhood with a real community and real residents. Although dependent on tourists, Chinatown is unapologetically authentic. Be fearless, kind—particularly now—and patient as you step into this city within a city. Growing up in NYC, I've seen Chinatown evolve yet never change, holding steadfast to traditions while still exploring and innovating. As an adult, I plan to make Chinatown a part of my children's lives for years to come.

Get the insider's scoop on more of NYC's popular neighborhoods, such as Koreatown, with our Neighborhood Guides.

Have you ever wanted to join your kids at sleepaway camp? Well, at these family camps throughout the great state of Texas, you can do just that! Stay in real bunks or cabins, eat in camp dining halls, swing on rope swings, play a game of dodgeball, and live just like a kid at summer camp with the entire family.

For more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive Houston Summer Camp Guide or full directory of camp listings to search by age, interest, or area.

Summer camp is great prep for school. These well-established programs in Fairfield County know how to cater to preschoolers with fun water play, nature activities, sports, shorter sessions, hands-on summer learning, and, yes, plenty of hand holding.

Live in Central Connecticut? We've rounded up our favorite preschooler camps in the Hartford area, too. See our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide for more ideas, or search by age, interest, and town in our Connecticut camp directory.