When I was a kid, going out for a day of fishing with mom or dad (or one of my grandparents) was such a treat! It usually meant some quality alone time where I could ask all of life's questions, get honest answers, and possibly end the day with an ice cream treat. With a huge variety of fish and well-stocked waters in the region’s lakes, rivers, and streams, there are plenty of great spots to check out for a fun day of bonding over the age old pastime of fishing. Even if you don't get a bite, chances are you will walk away with memories that make it all worthwhile.

Looking for more ways to get outdoors with your little ones? How about a hiking trip, a picnic, an adventure out on the water, or even a little cave exploration?

Hyde Park in Dutchess County—not to be confused with New Hyde Park on Long Island—may be best known as the former home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but it boasts many other attractions that make it a fun family day-trip spot.

In addition to FDR, the Vanderbilts also planted roots and left behind a magnificent estate for public viewing. The Culinary Institute of America has a campus in Hyde Park, offering not only instruction but several student-run restaurants. And with its proximity to the Hudson River and other neighboring towns like Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie, there’s a ton to do.

Read on for our top picks and cost-saving tips for visiting Hyde Park with families, based on first-hand experience! Looking for more family fun? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

This is the season for packing up a cooler and heading outdoors for a meal. From relaxing in nature to grabbing a picnic table next to a bustling playground, there are lots of great picnic spots in the Philly area and beyond. We've rounded up all the best places to eat amongst the flowers when the weather is warm. So grab a basket and a blanket, pack your food (or pick it up on the way), and check out one of these great places to picnic in the area.

OMG Date night. That nocturnal necessity designed to keep parents as sane as possible. I don't know about you, but for me, a successful date night involves getting out the door before bedtime. Sure, it's mostly because that way I'm home before my bedtime, but also because once in a while it's really OK to let somebody else read just one more book...a dozen times. Once you've made your escape...now what? It's easy to forget how to fill leisure time when you're a parent. That's why I've rounded up some date night ideas that are more than just dinner and drinks in Fairfield County. This is precious time, use it to step a little outside your comfort zone for some adventure (and then when you're done maybe dinner and drinks...)! So bring on the babysitter, lace up your big kid shoes, and get out there for some well-deserved you time!

As a soon-to-be new mom, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is finding a group of other new moms to bond with. Finding others in a similar stage of parenthood can be a great way to gather support and share advice, especially during those tiring newborn days. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from in Boston, no matter what type of group you’re looking for or what neighborhood you live in. And best of all? Most of them are free!

Camping seems like such a nice idea. You connect with nature—just you and your family or friends in the woods. But the reality isn’t always as splendid. Gathering all the gear needed and packing everything and everyone into the car, or arriving at a trampled campground that's often just a few feet of dirt and some brush separating you from a band of beer-drinking bros, and you lose some of the romance. That's why we were excited to stumble upon a new way to reconnect with nature, especially for NYC or city families who don’t have room to store lots of equipment between trips.

A new website, Tentrr, connects private camp sites and campers, like an Airbnb for the Great Outdoors. While your host may leave you cookies or something extra to make you feel welcome, the best part of our stay was the total seclusion. The sites are on private land, so it really will be just you, the trees, and some woodland creatures.

Deal Alert! Mommy Poppins readers can save 20% off Tentrr. Visit our deals page to see all current offers for Mommy Poppins readers. 

One of the many great things about living in the greater Houston area is that we are surrounded by small towns and communities full of history, attractions, and fun things to do. Tomball is northwest of Houston and can be accessed from Highway 249, and is the perfect spot for a morning or day out with the kids. If you're looking for more north Houston fun, check out our list of things to do in The Woodlands with kids.

Baby-and-me classes are a great way to get out of the apartment, meet other parents and bond with your new infant. We've been sampling classes all around Manhattan for the last year, and have six offbeat choices from Mandarin and sign language to mom-and-baby exercise classes and more.

However, if the thought of a class is still overwhelming your new-parent lifestyle, consider a one-off adventure to these surprisingly fun (for parent and baby!) places to hang.

Looking for cool baby classes in Brooklyn? We've also rounded up some of the best options in the borough. Check out our NYC Baby Guide or Classes Guide for more ideas.