Indoor rock climbing gyms are popular among many athletic adults, but that doesn't mean kids can't get in on the fun, too. Indoor rock climbing is a great way for children and teens to burn some energy, build strength and agility, learn problem-solving skills, and have fun all year long.

Here are several indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer classes, camps, teams, and more for kids and teens of all ages and abilities. Some of them are located within rec centers or complexes that also offer other activities such as batting cages, sports, and arcades.

Check out our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for more indoor fun, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and lots more.

Mini-golf in Los Angeles is all fun and games on a cool summer morning before the height of the heat or on a weekend afternoon during any time of the year. This favorite activity is pure enjoyment for kids and parents alike, and even brings out that friendly family competitiveness. Mini-golf in Los Angeles can be a real crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages.

Like the big version of the sport, the miniature version can be a pleasant way to pass the time, and there's little chance of getting bored with all the other entertainment these places pack in. From putting purists to adrenaline junkies, mini-golf in Los Angeles will keep the whole family amused. 

For more outdoor activities in Los Angeles beyond the beaches or parks, try these trampoline parks in Los Angeles, keep ascending at LA rock climbing gyms, and find even more amusement in our Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for LA and OC Kids Guide. 

Charming Cape May is one of the Jersey Shore's top family destinations for good reason. With its wide beaches, quaint boardwalk, mini golf courses, parks, and ice cream shops, Cape May can entertain kids of all ages. The shopping and family-friendly restaurants can't be beaten. Head down to Exit Zero, on the southern tip of the Jersey Shore, and enjoy all this town has to offer, from its fabulous beaches and amazing free zoo to the historic lighthouse and blazing sunsets.

Read on for our list of 30-plus can't-miss things to do during your visit to Cape May. And find more seasonal activities and day-trip ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Holidays. After school. That rare date night. Finding trusted childcare can truly feel like a part-time job for parents–and one we definitely don’t have time for.

As a team of moms and dads, we get it. So, in hopes of lightening your load, we've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory. Now, when you search our new Childcare section, you can find background-checked caregivers right alongside daycares, schools, preschools, camps, and more.

Use our directory filters to select your location, and choose the “Babysitters & Nannies” category to narrow your search. Each listing includes the caregiver’s hourly rate, location, experience, and other helpful details. If you see someone you’re interested in working with, you can click through to Care.com to read reviews and reach out to the sitter or nanny directly about your childcare needs.

If your child's hair needs a touch of pizzazz, hair chalk is the easiest way to dazzle it up. Whether your kiddo feels like being a mermaid, a witch, or just wants to add a little oomph to their everyday look, hair chalk for kids can open the door to endless creative possibilities.

Best of all: Hair chalk is not only relatively inexpensive, it's also temporary. Depending on the kit and the application, most hair chalk washes out between one and three days, making changing your kiddo's hair color as easy as changing their clothes.

Read on for some of our favorite hair chalk kits and designs for kids, then learn how to make DIY hair chalk. And if your kiddo wants to channel their creativity beyond their hair, our Boredom Busters Guide for Kids will help. There you'll find our lists of 100 awesome art projects, 50 genius things to do with cardboard boxes, and so much more.

When you're planning for a summer road trip adventure, the preparation is just a part of the fun. To beat the summer heat, you may be dreaming of an oceanside retreat or perhaps a mountain getaway not too far from home. Tri-state area families are lucky to have several great road trip destinations within easy driving distance of Midtown Manhattan.

To help you plan the perfect summer road trip from NYC, be sure to bookmark our ultimate road trip planning guide for essential tips and read on for 12 summer road trip destinations near NYC.

If you're venturing further, we've got an entire Family Road Trip Guide to fill your travel needs and fuel your sense of adventure from coast to coast.

Ready to hit the water? Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Some may even want to venture further west for an old-fashioned river boat ride on the Fox River in St. Charles or a kid-powered paddle boat ride along the Naperville Riverwalk. A wide variety of boat rides are available for enjoying the water throughout the city and suburbs.

Check out some of our favorite boat rides near downtown Chicago and beyond. Families who are interested in relaxing dinner cruises, adventurous sailing, or architecture are sure to find something here that floats their boat.

Reef-safe sunscreen. What does that even mean, and what do you need to know about it? We all know it's crucial to keep kids' delicate skin protected. It can be hard finding a sunscreen that kids will tolerate having applied and reapplied—over and over and over. It can't burn their eyes or take too long to rub in. Also, it needs to be as good for the planet as it is for your kids. Hence, reef-safe.

Reef-safe basically means no chemicals that can damage coral reefs and marine life when they come off in the water. Because frankly, if it's not safe for the fish, it's probably not great for little humans. We researched, tested, and asked the experts, and these are hands down the best reef-safe and kid-friendly sunscreens.

After you're all sunscreen-ed up, check out our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for some fun in the sun! And if you're looking for more eco-friendly tips, check out our Earth Kids Guide.