Best Parks and Playgrounds in the Hudson Valley

Balance on the wobbly bridge at Freedom Park in Lagrangeville.

Known for its picturesque scenery and spacious natural areas, the Hudson Valley offers some amazing parks and playgrounds where kids can enjoy nature, cool off on hot days, and even meet new animal friends. Out of the dozens of parks spread out over the Hudson Valley, we have picked out the best options with the most activities for kids of all ages, plus some fun attractions for the adults too, so you can make a day of it with the whole family. 

For more ideas on where to play, check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 

Sedona with Kids: Best Things To Do in Sedona, Arizona

Take a short but challenging hike to Cathedral Rock for gorgeous views.

With its magical, red-rock landscape and plethora of outdoor activities, Sedona, AZ is a great destination for your next family vacation. Whether you want to explore the art and history of this rich cultural area, catch thrills in a backcountry Jeep or ATV tour, or get up-close and personal with nature on one of the many hiking trails, there is something for everyone in Sedona.

Sedona is often called the gateway to northern Arizona because of its central location among some of the most iconic attractions in the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon. We were able to visit Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Petrified Forest in one overnight trip from Sedona, but these are also doable as day trips.

Here are 32 things to do in Sedona with kids, including family-friendly Sedona hotels and restaurants. Check out our Western US Family Travel Guide for more adventures out west, including our visitors' guides to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Colorado Springs.

Visiting the New Harry Potter Exhibition in Midtown: Tips for a Magical Trip with Kids

Choose your house and strike a pose at the brand new Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which is now open in Midtown Manhattan.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is popping up in Herald Square and promises to be one of the it tickets of the summer in New York City. Wizard-loving muggles who are fans of the franchise would be wise to snap up tickets now because this touring exhibition is only in NYC through mid-October.

Grab your wand and your house robes and read on for a first look at this new-to-NYC exhibition, which invites visitors on an interactive journey throughout the Wizarding World with cool immersive experiences and top-notch technology that leaves you feeling like you're smack dab in the middle of Hogwarts Castle. Want more Harry Potter fun? Don't forget to check out our take on the magical Harry Potter New York just a few blocks south.

Universal Orlando with Kids: Everything You Need to Know for a 2-Day Visit

Dr. Seuss and all the characters from his beloved stories welcome families of all ages at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo by author

Universal Orlando Resort is an amazing destination for kids of all ages! Universal Orlando has two theme parks: Universal Studios, the original park, and Islands of Adventure, which opened in 1999 (as well as Volcano Bay water park). In fact a third theme park, Epic Universe, is under construction, and scheduled to open in 2025. With all this square footage of fun, we had to share our two-day itinerary of visiting Universal Orlando!

75 Things To Do with Orange County Kids Before They Grow Up

Photo courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

Orange County is a paradise for kids. It wasn't hard to construct a bucket list of 75 things to do with your children in Orange County before they grow up. The OC is home to iconic spots like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, but that isn't the end of the fun. Whether you are looking for play places, museums, theme parks and water parks, or something unique, LA's next-door neighbor is full of incredible spots to make timeless family memories. If your kids are growing up the OC way, here are some awesome things to do with kids in Orange County. 

There are so many reasons why Orange County is the best place to raise kids, and several of those reasons are in our Around the OC Guide

Best Trampoline Parks in New Jersey

Climb, bounce, and jump at Urban Air, which has multiple NJ locations.

New Jersey's indoor trampoline parks and bounce houses offer a fun way to keep energetic kids busy. Whether you're planning a birthday party, looking for a rainy day activity, or just burning off energy, springy trampolines and inflatable bouncers are sure winners. 

Find more active fun in our Guide to NJ Kids' Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones, which includes a rundown of the best indoor rock-climbing gyms in New Jersey.

Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening

Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery

Alright moms, we see you. You give your all to your family every day, and we know it’s rewarding but can also be, oh, so exhausting. Don’t shove your own needs in the corner – make sure you’re taking time to set it all aside and practice self-care with much-needed you time. After a fun mom's night out in Houston, either solo or with the ladies, you’ll return refreshed, with your cup filled and ready to keep on pouring into your family.

We’ve put together these five itineraries featuring top spots in Greater Houston, so you can enjoy a mom's night out without having to do the legwork that comes with planning one. Find your neighborhood's hottest spots for moms to hang in each part of town, from cocktail bars and excellent eateries to exciting events, spas, and more. If you’re looking for fun things to do with the family after you’ve taken a well-deserved night off, check out our roundup of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Houston. You can also browse all the fun things to do in your neck of the woods with our handy Houston Neighborhood Guide.  

Rockaways with Kids: 25 Things To Do at Rockaway Beach and Beyond

The sandy shores at Rockaway Beach span more than 5 1/2 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

Rockaway Beach is home to soft sand and formidable Atlantic Ocean waves—it's the only shore in NYC where you're allowed to surf. Although this area was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy, the boardwalk and Rockaway Park have been renovated with amazing playgrounds and water play areas. It's a perfect spot for a beachy daycation and much closer to home for locals than The Hamptons.

Read on for all you need to know about spending a day at Rockaway Beach with kids. Beyond the basics—sand! surf!—we've outlined need-to-know info like how to get to Rockaway Beach and the best things to do when you arrive at this NYC summer favorite. Find more local beaches to explore in our Guide to NYC Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks.

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