Located in the heart of Orange County, Goshen is now well-known as the home of Legoland New York. However, the town of Goshen is a family-friendly destination in its own right. In 2021, Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the 15 best small towns to visit in America. Goshen boasts a vibrant downtown and arts community, and it is surrounded by the natural wonders of the Hudson Valley.

Goshen is also home to the oldest active harness racing track in the world. It is surrounded by picturesque horse farms, and horses are a recurring theme in the town's activities and artwork. Visitors can take a stroll through the quaint downtown, which is festively lit in the evenings, and check out one of the many restaurants and gastropubs. Or take the kids for some thrill rides at the nearby Castle Fun Center or Urban Air Adventure Park. For outdoorsy adventures, get out and explore the local nature on the Heritage Trail or at the Stewart State Preserve. 

Read on for our favorite things to do with kids in this historic Hudson Valley town, conveniently located off Route 17 and just south of I-84. And for more family fun ideas in the Hudson Valley and Westchester, check out our Family Day Trips Guide. 

Fire Island has it all: gorgeous beaches, quaint communities, outdoor dining and waterfront hotels, boating, camping and hiking, and even a historic lighthouse. It’s the perfect vacation destination for families, whether for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay.

About 31 miles long and 1,300 feet across at its widest point, Fire Island is a skinny sandbar between Babylon and Center Moriches. At its western end is Robert Moses State Park; Smith Point County Park is at its easternmost point, and in between lies Fire Island National Seashore. Cars are not allowed on Fire Island—only bicycles and little red wagons—which adds to its laid-back vibe.

With 17 distinct communities, there is always something going on. Here are some of our picks for the top things to do while you're there.

Find more great things to do this summer in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

Put your kids on the swings and your feet in the sand at beachfront playgrounds along the Jersey Shore. The beaches of New Jersey are home to playgrounds that are like giant sandboxes, with colorful play structures and ocean views. Swing by some of these beachy-keen playgrounds on your next day trip or vacation to the Shore—and check out our bonus pick in northern New Jersey.

Please note that some of these playgrounds may require fees for beach entrance during the summer months. Find more great things to do on hot New Jersey days in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Family Activity Calendar.

This once sleepy capital city has been revitalized over the last few years, and there are many family-friendly activities and things to do in Sacramento. If it’s been a while since your last visit, it's definitely time to make another trip! The state capital is often overlooked as the halfway point between the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. While Sacramento is certainly a great midway point for younger travelers to stretch their legs, it has enough attractions and activities to be a final destination all on its own. Whether you seek to taste your way through the epicenter of Farm-to-Fork living at a delicious restaurant, beat the heat in a museum or local swimming hole, or explore the many miles of trails in the foothills, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone in the family.

For more California adventures, check out our California Family Travel Guide. It's packed with family fun from 25 Epic California Family Road Trip Adventures to 100 Things To Do With Kids in California Before They Grow Up—and so much more.

One of the best indulgences as a parent is finding a spot to enjoy a night out that pleases the whole family—and as a bonus, no one has to cook or clean! When the weather is nice, Philly's outdoor restaurants are an ideal way to go. The kids can be as loud as they want (or nearly so), and parents are more likely to enjoy the entire meal without having to explain about inside voices and not running around the table.

If you're in the mood for a beer garden dining experience, we've got a roundup for that, or check out our list of restaurants where kids can play while you dine. Meanwhile, see our Philly Guide to Family Restaurants for a host of other dining options in the city and beyond.

With fresh lobsters, gorgeous landscapes, and lots of family fun, the New England islands sure know how to sparkle. Although similar in geographic region, these islands cover a vast array of terrain and vibes, from quaint coastal villages to the bustling streets of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. Instead of trying to figure out which of the New England islands to visit, why not use this guide to make a plan to visit them all?

Here are 10 New England islands to visit with kids. You don't have to pack them all into the summer—the islands can be great to visit in the off-season when the beaches, restaurants, and shops are less crowded. For more New England family fun, check out our list of 100 things to do in New England with kids before they grow up and our favorite New England hotels for families.

Ice cream shops and kids go together like, well, ice cream and kids. There’s something about the cool, sweet treat, that kids go crazy for, any time of the year. If you’re looking to take your kids on a special ice cream trip, you’ve come to the right place. From the North side to the South side and every neighborhood in between, we’ve rounded up the best ice cream shops in Chicago for kids. 

For more places to eat with kids, try our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide.

When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.

Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar.