There are lots of great parks and playgrounds in Westchester, no matter which city or town you live in. But finding a playground that’s suitable for the under-5 set can sometimes be a challenge—you want them to be safe; they want to try that giant, twisty slide with a group of wild 7-year-olds on it. Happily, there are several toddler playgrounds near Westchester. These tot lots have plenty of safe options for keeping little ones occupied while having fun. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Read on for 13 toddler playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

A visit to the City of Lights has long been on my bucket list, and I was thrilled—and shocked—when my husband surprised me with an epic family vacation to celebrate a milestone birthday. We found plenty of things to do in Paris to fill our days and nights with outings and explorations that weren't always kid-centric but delivered a sophisticated, satisfying trip for our family of five, ranging in age from 8 to 40-something. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how kind, helpful, and stereotype-defying we found the French people.

From trekking through the Louvre Museum to climbing the Eiffel Tower and wandering the winding, cobblestoned alleys, here are our favorite things to do in Paris with kids. Find more international destinations nearby in our European Travel Guide for Families.

Zoos are a popular destination for families with kids of all ages—who doesn’t love to gawk at giraffes and roar like a lion? While Franklin Park Zoo is a popular (and wonderful) option, there are six others within a 90-minute drive of Boston that each offer something unique for animal aficionados. Whether it’s Franklin Park’s sister zoo in Stoneham or York’s Wild Kingdom in Maine, there is an option for you within day-trip distance, offering entrance to another world of miraculous and mysterious creatures not normally seen around Boston.

Spending a family vacation at a local Houston-area hotel or resort means that you get to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer without traveling too far from home. A stay-cation at a family-friendly resort in Houston means that you can spend vacation time lounging poolside or eating delicious food instead of traveling.

The accommodations at these Houston-area resorts and hotels are perfect for Houston families of all sizes looking for a vacation experience close to home. Or, if you're visiting Houston from out of town, you can stay at one of these family-friendly hotels and resorts in Houston while you tour local museums, visit the zoo, or relax on the beach in Galveston. No matter where you're traveling from, staying at a family-friendly hotel is a must for parents, and at these Houston-area hotels and resorts, you're sure to find just what you're looking for. 

Atlanta gardens offer the chance to observe and appreciate the wonder that is Mother Nature. Whether bursting with vibrant spring blooms, subdued fall colors, or bright summer florals, each Atlanta garden reminds visitors of the power of plants. The grass is (literally) greener at these Atlanta gardens, where adults and children can enjoy a short visit or spend an entire afternoon.

Before you head out to the Atlanta Botanical Garden or any of the other Atlanta gardens included in our list, make sure to plan ahead. When perusing colorful flowers and stunning Atlanta gardens, wear a comfortable pair of sneakers or outdoorsy shoes. Also, bring sunscreen, insect repellant, hats, water, and snacks (if the kids get fussy). In addition, make the most of your viewing pleasure by packing a pair of binoculars and/or magnifying glass—kids will love examining any surrounding wildlife and foliage.

One sure-fire way to ensure your kids don't tire too early while enjoying a full day out and about in the city is to fill them full of pasta, pizza, and gelato. There is no better place to do this and see a small slice of old Manhattan than in Little Italy. While Mulberry Street teems with old-school Italian spots, we've done our best to round up the best restaurants in Little Italy, NYC serving kid-friendly fare. And if you can't decide on just one, the good news is they're all close by, lying between Hester and Broome Streets, so you can make a multi-course meal out of your visit to this classic NYC enclave.

Find more family-friendly places to eat in our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.

We’re always on the hunt for a family-friendly restaurant or café that doesn’t mind a bit of mess on the floor after the meal is finished. Not only are the family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops below delicious and welcoming to kids, they’re all located in Westchester's beautiful Rivertowns. From Tarrytown restaurants to restaurants in Peekskill, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, and beyond, here are our top picks for a family-friendly meal out.

Several of these picks have kids' menus, and a few even offer waterfront views. Find more family-friendly restaurants in Westchester on this list of kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor dining areas and bookmark our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for all our top local picks.

Whether you are looking for a low-key petting zoo near you or a more exotic experience with wild animals, there's no shortage of places on Long Island where children can interact with nature's noble creatures. If they want to, Long Island kids can do everything from feed a giraffe to visit an alpaca and even ride a safari train.

Be sure to check our directory of zoos and gardens on Long Island, and peruse our Pick-Your-Own Guide for more local farm fun. Many outdoor petting zoos operate on a seasonal schedule, opening in spring or summer, and closing in fall before the snow arrives.