Kids can make a splash at these great public pools in the Miami and South Florida areas. 

The Water Main water park at Diggerland USA is officially open for the summer season. Both the construction-themed aquatic park and theme park, with 40 rides and attractions, are open 7 days a week from now through early September.

Since first opening in 2021, the Water Main aquatic park has made Diggerland USA a particularly epic warm-weather destination. Included with the cost of regular theme park admission, the expansive water park features a massive wave pool, awesome water slides, multiple splash pads, a lazy river, and more–talk about two for the price of one! Plus, it’s the perfect place to cool down after hours of operating tractors and diggers. Before you head over to Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey, read on for our review of the Water Main, plus a rundown of the park’s newest rides, and activities for the littlest visitors.

Locals say that Panama City Beach has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and after days spent walking them, you won’t get an argument from my family. Whether you call it the Florida Pan Handle, the Emerald Coast (for its sparkling, emerald-green water), or the Sugar Coast (for its fine white sandy beaches), the northern Gulf Coast of Florida is a gem of a family vacation spot.

No need to choose between walks on white sand beaches and action-packed days at family-friendly attractions, Panama City Beach has it all. Plus, my daughter’s personal favorite: loads of animal interactions (Peanut, the cuddly baby capybara, we miss you!). All that, plus incredible seafood, welcoming locals, and totally reasonable rates. What are you waiting for?

For more places to visit along the Gulf Coast, check out our guide to the best things to do in Destin; Orange Beach, Alabama; and more fabulous Florida family vacations.

When the weather warms up in the DC area, families go on the hunt for restaurants with outdoor seating. That's because not only is dining al fresco a great way to enjoy the pleasant temps, it's also so much less stressful with younger kids, who have more room to stretch their little legs.

Here are 15 great restaurants in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with outdoor patios, gardens, or rooftops where kids can soak up the fresh air and even (at some of them) run around. A few of these restaurants with outdoor seating also offer extras like lawn games, fire pits, and dog menus.

For more yummy DC-area restaurants for kids and families, including restaurants where kids can play and great breakfast restaurants for kids and families, check out our Kid-Friendly DC Restaurants Guide.

Summer road trip season is on the horizon, and it's time to start planning one of these summer day trips from NYC. We're itching to get out and explore, from beaches and water parks to cool nature spots and pick-your-own fruit farms, we’ve rounded up three dozen of our favorite summer day trips from NYC. All of these summer day trip destinations are less than two hours away because, well, who wants to drive longer than that with kids in the backseat?

Find more ideas in our full Day Trips and Getaways Guide, or try checking something off our list of 100 things to do with kids in New York State.

The Atlanta pickleball craze offers families an awesome and healthy way to interact. Often compared to a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, this relatively new sport is easy to learn and only requires a paddle and ball. Plus, it's great for kids! Pickleball develops hand-eye coordination; uses math and memory for scoring; encourages sportsmanship; and facilitates social interaction. The equipment is inexpensive (often provided at facilities) and there’s not a huge time commitment as games run 15-30 minutes.

Atlanta families can play pickleball at indoor and outdoor courts. We’ve rounded up the best places to play, from public parks with nearby playgrounds and pools to pickleball clubs with indoor courts, shuffleboard, and restaurants.