For all the joys of parenting, there are those moments when a mom or dad just needs some adult time—and perhaps even an adult beverage. Many wineries near DC offer parents both of those, with the added bonus of kid-friendliness. So if you’re just killing for a Cabernet or pining for a Pinot this summer or fall, pack up the kids and head out to one of these family-friendly wineries near DC, where you’re guaranteed a vintage good time.

New England generally conjures up the tastes of cranberries and maple syrup, but local vineyards prove we can produce some tasty grapes, too, and those make for some fine wineries. Stretching from Connecticut’s "wine trail" all the way up to New Hampshire's White Mountains, many New England vineyards aren't just great places to sip wine with other adults, but also to hang out with kids. Like Boston-area beer gardens and Connecticut craft breweries, these wineries welcome families with beautiful, spacious grounds, and in some cases apple picking, live music, wagon rides, and other fun activities.

Here are our favorite family-friendly vineyards and wineries in New England—from coast to mountaintop. See our posts about outdoor restaurants in Boston and outdoor restaurants in Connecticut for more ideas for dining, or sipping al fresco, with kids.

Jersey City is one of New Jersey’s most exciting restaurant scenes, with many Jersey City restaurants serving delicious eats for all diners (Read: There's more than just mac and cheese and chicken fingers.) These restaurants are stepping up their family-friendly dining game by offering delicious kids’ menus that feature creative takes on the classics as well as approachable, palate-expanding options.

From the best place to score a burger to can't-miss brunch spots, we've rounded up the 15 best family-friendly Jersey City restaurants. The diversity of the local JC community is also reflected in our list. Cuban, Caribbean, Japanese, you name it, you can find it in Jersey City. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! We’ve even included the best Jersey City ice cream shops to swing by for a sweet treat after your meal. Find more family-friendly eats in our New Jersey Restaurant Guide.

Houston has no shortage of sprawling suburbs to explore. Located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Houston via Highway 288, the city of Pearland is home to some of the area's best family-friendly playgrounds and parks, indoor activities, and stellar shopping. Take a look at our list of the top spots to play and explore with kids in this quaint community. 

For more fun things to do in towns around Texas, check out our Weekend Getaway Guide.

We get it: We're parents, too. No matter how much we WANT to entertain our kids, sometimes the bank account doesn't allow for a big-ticket afternoon. That's when we have to search a bit harder for budget-friendly or free entertainment options. 

Before we get into the big list, here are three of our favorite savvy tips for saving money in Atlanta: 

1. Atlanta CityPASS: If you know your family likes to visit Atlanta's big attractions a couple times each year—like Zoo Atlanta, The Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola—then this pass is for you.

2. Library Passes: Many local libraries, like ones in Fulton County, offer passes that families can use for destinations like Zoo Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Chattahoochee Nature Center. 

3. Georgia Aquarium FREE Birthday ticket: Visit the world's largest aquarium on your birthday (and bring your ID or birth certificate) to see the whales, sharks, and dolphins for FREE. 

Read on for even more ways to save with free admission to cool museums, sports centers, outdoor areas, nature centers, and more that will delight your kids without denting your wallet.

Remember to visit our Atlanta events calendar for the most up-to-date options for family fun.

Governors Island is one of my family’s favorite New York destinations. Located a mere 800 yards from Manhattan in New York Harbor, you feel like you’re in a different world devoid of cars and traffic. It’s one of New York’s most unique green spaces with a variety of activities, entertainment, food, and art exhibits, and now, it's not just a daytime destination, thanks to Collective Governors Island, a full-service glamping resort with stunning views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor.

Forget make-shift tents, sleeping bags, and canned food synonymous with old-school camping. At Collective Governors Island, you're welcomed with upscale accommodations, plush beds, spa-like amenities, and artisanal meals and snacks. I recently “glamped” with my family, and we had an amazing time at this urban escape—despite hurricane-like weather.

Read on for more details and what you need to know about glamping on Governors Island.

When the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven! These 12 easy recipes will delight your family’s sweet tooth while keeping the kitchen as cool as a popsicle. Once your child knows how to use a stand mixer and a measuring cup, most of these no-bake dessert recipes can be done independently (or with just a little supervision). While a few of these no-bake desserts require the help of a microwave for melting, nothing will turn up the heat in your kitchen. Stay cool while watching your child whip up something delicious. 

New Jersey offers several scenic spots where you can enjoy river tubing and rafting. Whether you opt to head west to go tubing on the Delaware River or hitch a ride around one of New Jersey's swimming lakes, there are plenty of options, including gentle tubing and paddling adventures suitable for children age 4+, so the whole family can enjoy this classic summer thrill.

Find more wet-and-wild fun at these local inflatable water parks and in our Summer Fun Guide.