Battery Park City with Kids: 25 Fun Things To Do with Kids

Take a spin on the SeaGlass Carousel. Photo by Diana Kim

Battery Park overflows with so many family-friendly things to do, it's hard to imagine Battery Park City didn’t exist 50 years ago. Built on a landfill, this planned community of high-rise apartment buildings features beautiful parks and a show-stopping riverside esplanade along the southwestern tip of Manhattan. It offers an almost suburban existence, complete with excellent schools, ample shopping, and plenty of parks.

Residents have to cross West Street (aka the West Side Highway) to get to the subway, Whole Foods, and all of Tribeca, but it’s not a bad tradeoff for those who dream of a giant communal backyard with river views. And oh, the playgrounds!

There's little mystery why Battery Park City pops up in our picks for day trip itineraries for preschoolers, our list of the best NYC play fountains, and our favorite destination-worthy playgrounds. Read for the best things to do in Battery Park City with kids.

Long Island Water Parks, Slides, and Pools to Cool Off in this Summer

Splish Splash is New York’s largest water park, spanning 96 acres.

Looking for the best Long Island water parks, slides, and pools? We've got you covered.

There are few better ways to stay cool on Long Island this summer than by heading down a slippery water slide, splashing around in a refreshing swimming pool, or getting drenched at a water park. That's why we invite you to check out our list of the coolest spots for Long Island families to spend the hottest summer days.

Find more seasonal fun in our Guide Long Island Theme Parks and our Guide to Summer Fun.

Exploring the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center with Kids

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center opens your eyes with curious perspectives.  Photo by Jennifer Coe

Nestled in the woods of Southeastern Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center explores the histories of Native Americans in the region. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, the museum wows visitors of all ages with traditional arts and crafts, videos, permanent and temporary exhibits, and amazing archaeological finds. The displays bring the rich history of Indigenous Peoples to life while openning windows into what Connecticut looked like thousands of years ago.

Do your kids love history? There are lots of ways to learn about Connecticut's history in New Haven, Fairfield and Hartford too! For more great educational activities, check out A Visti to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids and the Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do.

25 Things to Do in Narragansett, RI with Kids

Narragansett is the gateway to Rhode Island's tourist treasures, like Newport and Block Island. Photo by John Riviello (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Occasionally referred to as Newport’s little cousin, Narragansett offers families a four-seasons getaway minus the touristy hustle and bustle of Rhode Island’s more celebrated destination a few miles to the east. And we've got you covered with tips on the best things to do in Narragansett with kids once you get there.

Narragansett is more intimate than Newport, whose trendy shops and stately mansions attract visitors from New England to the New York metropolitan area and beyond. But if you’re eager for some fun with the kids at less than Newport prices, pay a visit to Narrangansett, accessible in less than 90 minutes from Boston and less than an hour from the New London ferries that connect to Long Island

Visiting the Orlando Science Center with Kids: The Fun of Exploration

The Orlando Science Center offers engaging exhibits that both entertain and educate kids of all ages. Photo by author

For over 65 years, the Orlando Science Center has been a key family attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The Orlando Science Center (OSC) offers four levels of hands-on exhibits, theaters, workshops, and experiences designed to make learning fun. OSC is one of my children's favorite things to do in Orlando (we're long-time passholders). Read on for our breakdown of all the fun exhibits, activities, and top tips for visiting this award-winning Orlando attraction.

Bermuda with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Beach has plenty of shallow areas for kids. Photo courtesy of Sara Marantette

With its famous pink-sand beaches, unrivaled natural beauty, and unhurried atmosphere, the island of Bermuda is perfect for family getaways. But even with its slower pace, there are still so many things to do in Bermuda, including sailing and boating, exploring the beaches and nature reserves, visiting cultural sites, shopping, and more. Plus, Bermuda is small and easy to navigate, and its pink buses and gorgeous ferry rides make getting around lots of fun.

Here are 25 things to do in Bermuda with kids, including top attractions, family-friendly Bermuda hotels, and Bermuda restaurants children will love. For more topical family vacation ideas, check out our Caribbean and Mexico family travel guides.

Best Summer Day Trips from Boston: Fun for Kids and Families

The Boston Harbor Islands always make a great day trip! Photo by Tom Kates, courtesy of the Boston Harbor Alliance

For families looking for a nice getaway, there are so many fantastic day trips near Boston. A visit to a cool locale in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Maine can often be the perfect diversion to break up a long week, with minimal time (and financial) commitment. Here are 25 of the best summer day trips from Boston; families can get away in under two hours from city limits—and return home in the evening to their own beds. 

Need more ideas for fun in the sun? Check out 50 Free Things to Do with Kids in Boston this Summer. And we've got you covered with the Best Beaches Near Boston that are Great for Family Day Trips. And don't forget to look through our Boston Summer Fun Guide for all kinds of family-friendly activities.

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