While there’s no shortage of fun things to do in NYC with kids, true New Yorkers know the hidden gems, and Governors Island is one of the biggest jewels in our crown. Tucked away in New York Harbor, Governors Island is a car-free, green paradise with more than 172 acres of open space just waiting to be explored. Whether your crew is into playground adventures, interactive art, food trucks, or simply chasing bubbles in the grass, Governors Island has something magical for every member of the family.

Governors Island is open year-round, so you can soak in the fun no matter the season—from sunny summer picnics to cozy fall strolls and snowy sledding! Keep reading for our favorite kid-friendly things to do on Governors Island, plus all the parent-approved tips you’ll need—including ferry info and how to snag FREE biking and kayaking adventures!

Find more fun NYC parks to explore in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

The Greater Palm Springs area is a desert oasis a few short hours from Los Angeles, and it is our family's favorite "local getaway." Warmer weather means no need for jackets and bulky winter wear; simply pack some shorts and swimsuits, hop in the car, and go!

From Palm Springs hotels with kid-friendly pools to those that have kids' clubs to those with family suites, each and every one of these hotels has something that makes it a standout for families. I have personally stayed at every one of these resorts with my 4 kids, so rest assured, these are all tried and true recommendations!

For a roundup of the best kids activities for a Palm Springs family vacation, plus family-friendly dining options in Palm Springs, work your way through our list of the best activities for families in Greater Palm Springs.

Located in the heart of Houston—nestled between the Texas Medical Center and Rice University in the Museum District —Hermann Park is far more than just the home of the Houston Zoo. Spanning over 445 acres, it might seem a little overwhelming to explore with kids, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with the must-see spots for a fun, stress-free outing.

Spoiler alert: Your little ones can ride a train, cruise in pedal boats, splash in fountains, and board a rocket ship —all in one incredible park.

It's not too soon to start thinking about next year! School calendars for the largest school districts in Los Angeles County for the 2025-2026 school year are below, and you'll want to bookmark the page now for reference—especially when planning family vacations and booking summer camps. Follow the links for each district below for details on school holidays and semester breaks and to stay up-to-date on any last-minute changes from your local district.

Editor's note: Fleet Week 2026 will take place from Saturday, July 4-Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States.

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers. 

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our backyard. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks. 

Spring cleaning always has me looking for places to donate clothes, toys, and other goods in NYC. With two adults and three kids in my family's typically small NYC apartment, all the stuff that floods our home stresses me out! That's why this is my favorite time of year to donate my kids' gently (or sometimes never!) used clothes, toys, books, and other items. It allows us to free up some space, support worthy charities, and get the whole family in a giving mindset.

We've gathered details on several organizations where you can donate clothes in NYC. Be sure to contact the charities directly to confirm what they accept and how best to drop off.

Now that you've reclaimed some closet space, take a peek at our guides to the best baby stores in NYC and the coolest vintage and thrift shops for teens to find the next size up, no matter your kids' ages!