Please note that Buccaneer Cove in Orange County has permanently closed. Buccaneer Cove now resides at Castle Park in Riverside—check it out, along with other great water parks in Los Angeles. 

Aarrgghh! Beating the heat is no easy feat when SoCal temperatures can rise well into the hundreds. Luckily, little pirates can stay cool all summer long at Buccaneer Cove. This Orange County pirate-themed water park, located just off the 405 freeway in Irvine, is the perfect spot to introduce mini swashbuckling adrenaline junkies to the rush of riding water slides. It's great for younger children, is easy to navigate, and doesn't plunder as much treasure as other water parks–so parents won't feel like walking the plank after paying the entrance fee.

There's something about the way the air feels as summer fades to autumn that is uniquely New England. It's that time of year when we begin to break out hats and scarves and crave warm drinks on nippy days. One of our favorite fall activities is apple picking and the New Haven area surely doesn't disappoint when it comes to Pick Your Own orchards. In fact, the whole state is spilling over with fresh fruit just waiting to be harvested. Find an orchard near you in our CT Apple Picking Guide.  And not to worry if your apple harvesters go a little overboard, we have some awesome recipes to help you turn your autumn bounty into a fruit-filled feast.

Lehigh Valley, comprised of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, is chock-full of entertainment for the kids. From crayons and caverns to music, science, and more, the Lehigh Valley has something to offer everyone in the family year-round.

With so much to do, and its proximity to Philadelphia and NYC, this pretty Pennsylvania region makes for the perfect place for a long weekend getaway with the family, or even a day trip. 

Summer is all about exploring the wonders of the outdoor world, and we have plenty of ideas for filling your days with meaningful family activities to fill your photo albums and memories. However, some of the most brilliant spectacles of summer are visible after the sun goes down. Along with the big show—the Perseid Meteor Shower, lighting up the night sky on August 12th and 13th—there are stars, planets, and moons to behold, if you're in the right place on a clear night. Consider bringing the family to one of these observatories or "star parties" one late-summer or early-fall evening; and if daytime activities are more your family's speed, stay tuned for our upcoming article about watching the partial solar eclipse with kids on August 21st.

Note that most events involving telescopes or other equipment—not to mention late-night hours—are best for kids around age 5 and up. Also, most of the following happenings are canceled or postponed if it's cloudy or foggy, so be sure to call the organization or check its website or social media pages on the day of the event to make sure it's on. Happy viewing!

The nights are beginning to have a cool crisp breeze in the air, the leaves will soon be changing their colors, and the days are getting shorter….all signs of the start of my favorite season here in Hartford County. Fall marks the end of summer and with it comes many great things like fairs, breathtaking foliage, cozy sweaters, and especially apples! What better way to mark the start of fall harvest than to go apple picking with the kids. Many farms in the central Connecticut area offer pick-your-own fruit. While you’re there don’t forget to try a warm apple cider donut! For even more areas to go apple picking check out our CT Apple Picking Guide.

There are few sights more satisfying than a quietly coloring, fully focused child. Entering the four-story Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania, does not exactly replicate that peaceful scenario (it's busy with excited families!), but there’s no doubt that it’s a kid doodler’s paradise.

Part creators’ studio, part indoor playground, this 65,000-square-foot kid entertainment center is bedecked in bold primary colors with smiling crayons beaming at you from every corner. It offers more than two dozen art-making stations using the full spectrum of Crayola materials—paints, clay, markers and yes, crayons—as well as more active entertainment like a multilevel play, bounce and climbing structure, toddler section, a water table with boats, and a “Cool Moves” dance-like crayon-themed game.

It debuts a brand-new attraction, Adventure Lab, with an immersive and interactive quest-style game. Read on for the full Mommy Poppins review, and find more day trips and hot kid destinations in our U.S. Travel Guide for Families.

Swimming in pools is nice, but there is something quintessentially New England about digging your toes in the sand and wading through a refreshing lake or pond. Luckily, several swimming holes are located in the Hartford area, some of which are free during the week. Whether you're looking to swim, hike, fish, or enjoy a peaceful bicycle ride, Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury makes a beautiful backdrop for all such activities.