Westchester and the Hudson Valley are filled with petting zoos where animal-loving kids can see furry friends up close and personal. Many of these spots also offer kid-friendly activities and fun things to do in addition to the chance to see, touch, and feed horses, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, alpacas, and more.

Read on for our top picks for local petting zoos, and find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Spring Activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

New Jersey's many excellent splash pads and spray parks are surefire crowd-pleasers on hot and steamy summer days– after all, who doesn't love running through a sprinkler when the mercury rises?

The splash pads we profile below are not water parks, so you won't find a ton of bells and whistles—though some do offer interactive features like dumping buckets or whimsical designs like water spouts in the shape of flowers (Dorbrook); a pirate ship (Veterans Memorial Park); or basketball sprayers (Manalapan). But the best part? Most of these splash parks are completely FREE and located in local parks and playgrounds.

Find more ways to cool off in the Garden State in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our favorite water parks, beaches, and more.

Long Island may not be as pedestrian-friendly as NYC, but it still boasts plenty of cute towns with walkable main streets that are great for parade-watching, farmers market shopping, or perusing a pop-up craft fair.

We've found 13 cute towns where the main drags feature plenty of family-friendly fun, from local museums to historic sites and beachfront parks, family-friendly restaurants, irresistible ice cream parlors, and more.

Find more great Long Island towns in our Guide to the Best Towns on Long Island.

Late spring/early summer is strawberry picking season in the DC area, and our taste buds are more than ready. From pick-your-own berry farms to full-on strawberry festivals, there are so many opportunities to pick and celebrate this delicious fruit.

Here are 12 strawberry festivals and places to go strawberry picking in Northern Virginia and Maryland, not too far from DC. While kids will love strawberry picking alone, several of the farms on this list also offer other fun activities like petting zoos, slides, playgrounds, and more.

For more fun on the farm, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC, which includes our roundup of even more places to go berry picking near DC.

Marrakesh, Morocco is a treat for the senses. The city is a riot of color, filled with the scent of Moroccan spices and the sounds of motorcycles and busy marketplaces.

Years ago I visited Tangiers in northern Morocco and instantly fell in love with Moroccan culture and mint tea. I had always wanted to return to explore more of the country and excitedly booked a family trip with Intrepid Travel. My children and I stayed in Marrakesh for several days at the beginning and end of the tour and had an amazing time.

Here are the best things to do in Marrakesh, Morocco with kids. Our International Travel Guide features more great cities to visit throughout the world, including London, Seoul, and so many more.

Check out these theme parks for your tiniest thrill seekers.

As summer arrives and family schedules slow down a bit, nothing can burn up extra energy like an amusement park. Rides, adventure, entertainment, and tasty treats will help make the most of a lazy summer day. Check out these great amusement parks in Pennsylvania, plus a few in nearby New Jersey and Maryland.

Looking for the best local water parks? We've got you covered with a round up of all the Best Water Parks Near Philly. For more amusement park fun, check out our Theme & Water Park Guide. 

Outdoor water parks in Orlando boast towering water slides, safe play areas, and plenty of ways to beat the scorching Florida sun. Orlando water parks pack full-size fun, often at a fraction of the price of the major theme parks. In addition to slides and swings, many Orlando water parks offer extraordinary experiences, such as dolphin encounters and enchanting mermaid shows!