Some days call for adventure beyond the same old stomping grounds—like maybe taking a closer look at that intriguing giant balloon just off the 5 Freeway in Orange County. If your crew is primed for an outing beyond the local playground, head for Irvine to explore Orange County Great Park, home to so much more than a playground. Your day's adventure can include a carousel, exhibits, workshops, outdoor entertainment, and, of course, a ride up in the air on a giant, bucket-list-worthy, orange balloon.

When you think about island getaways, the Connecticut coast of the Long Island Sound may not be the first location that comes to mind, but as it turns out, there are hundreds of islands in the Sound--from small, rocky outcroppings only visible at low tide to 50-acre stretches that are home to lighthouses, camping facilities, and pirate adventures. Here are some of our our favorite family-friendly island escapes.

Take a break from the beach and cool down at Coney Waffle, home to the best milkshakes in New Jersey. This Shore staple has locations in Asbury Park and Belmar, and it recently opened a third shop, at Pier Village in Long Branch, just in time for the summer season. Your kids will go crazy for the jaw-dropping super shakes towering with whipped cream, baked goods, candy, and other sweet toppings. With homemade waffles, fudge, and ice cream also on the menu, there's something for every sweet tooth at this beach-side spot. 

Looking for more ways to get outside with kids this summer? Whether you’re sporting two wheels or four, riding a bike is efficient, economical, healthy, environmentally friendly, and fun—and just about anyone can do it. One great thing about our area is just how bike-friendly it is, from city to suburbs. 

As part of a plan to turn Boston into a world-class bicycling city, The Boston Bikes program is working to expand safe biking options for all riders. Boston Bikes helps to design streets for cycling (including bike lanes), provides free bikes to low-income residents, and offers a city bikeshare program. Don’t forget that you can access many of these trails on the T, which allows bikes—or if you don’t have your own bikes, you can use Boston’s Hubway rental program. Beyond city limits, there are plenty of beautiful—and safe!—places where riders of various ages and abilities can bike together, ranging from flower-filled arboretums to waterfront pathways. Here are our picks for family-friendly bike trails around our town.

If you're drawn to classic children's literature, it's time to don your fanciest frock and head over to the New-York Historical Society where a rawther special guest has taken up residence.

Eloise, the brain child of cabaret singer-turned author Kay Thompson and illustrator Hilary Knight has taken over the museum's second floor, bringing her precocious spirit and side kicks Weenie and Skipperdee along to the gallery, which was previously home to other beloved NYC characters like Mo Willems' Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant and Piggie.

Feel like you've seen and done it all in Fairfield County?  How about the outdoor museums?  Outdoor what? I  know. I hadn't really heard of such a thing either, but they're here. They're also a great way to pass the day without having to go the full-on Day Trip route. On top of that, many won't cost you like a regular museum. So here you go, several spots to learn a little something while enjoying the great outdoors with your kids.

Note that due to construction at Mother's Beach, Kayaks for Kids will not be offering its usual classes in the 2018 summer season.

They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but what about a free kayak lesson? I've wondered for years about that free kayaking class for kids in the Marina, which we shout out on our list of 50 Free Things for Kids To Do in LA this Summer. It seems so unlikely—like there must be some catch. Does someone actually offer kids a chance to spend a couple of hours kayaking the Marina for free on alternate Sundays all summer long? Has this program really existed for 15 years, teaching hundreds of kids to kayak, without most Angelenos even noticing it's there?

For kids interested in science, nature, art, trains, or lighthouses, there is a family-friendly museum for everyone to discover in the Hamptons and North Fork.

With its rich history from the earliest days of colonial America and its important natural wildlife habitats, there's so much to learn about on the East End of Long Island. Ducking into a museum or art workshop is also a great activity for rainy vacation days, or just ducking out of the sun. Read on for our top picks of art museums, children's museums, and even nature centers for kids and families visiting or living in the area.