Toddler-friendly hiking trails and nature walks are ideal after your baby officially graduates from a stroller and starts to assert independence, and Long Island is home to many amazing parks and preserves. 

Read on for our roundup of 15 trails across Long Island that aren't too taxing for little legs. All are sure to exercise your little one's muscles and stimulate their brain.  

For other outdoorsy-activity ideas, be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks on Long Island. 

Looking for the best places to enjoy refreshing shaved ice or Italian ice in New Jersey? Read on for a rundown of some of the top spots in the state to get your fix of these summery treats. 

When it's hot and steamy, cravings for frosty treats are bound to kick in. And if you're looking for something a little different than your go-to ice cream shop, try indulging in shaved ice. That is, if you can pick from all the fun flavors and styles! Some shops specialize in snowy, melt-in-your-mouth Hawaiian or New Orleans shaved ice, while others feature international styles. And, of course, who doesn't love shaved ice's creamy cousin, Italian ice? Here are a bunch of places around NJ where you can score one of these frosty treats.

Looking for great things to do in NJ before summer is over? Check out Mommy Poppins' New Jersey Kids Summertime Activity Guide and make the most of the dog days. 

If looking for a daycare or preschool in the Chicago area is feeling like a black hole of Google searches and Excel spreadsheets, we’ve got you (quite frankly, because we’ve been there…).

To help put an end to the all-too-familiar chaos of the childcare hunt, we connected with the experts at Bright Horizons–who operate more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe–to compile a list of the most important things to consider when evaluating a Chicago daycare or preschool. So, before you book that preschool tour or drop a deposit, find out what factors should be top of mind in your preschool search.

Can’t make it to Paris? No worries! Montreal, Canada offers tons of European flair much closer to home. With the perfect mix of old-town charm and plenty of modern attractions, Montreal has something for everyone—museums, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and so much more. Plus, thanks to Montreal’s deep ties to France, it’s a great place to eat French favorites such as crepes for breakfast and fondue for dinner.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Montreal, Canada with kids, including top attractions, must-try foods and restaurants, and family-friendly Montreal hotels. For more Canada family-vacation ideas, check out our Canada Family Travel Guide.

Don't put away those beach towels because there are still plenty of things to do in Connecticut before school starts. Soon enough those long summer nights will be replaced with weeknight curfews, but for now, there's still plenty of time to embrace late-summer things to do with kids. So read on for our end of summer bucket list and start checking things off your own!

Families can close out the summer vacation season before school starts with these must-do activities. For even more ideas on making the most of what's left of summer, see our 50 Free Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer with Kids, best August activities, and daily events calendar.

With the start of school just around the corner, we have everything you need to check off a few more items from your summer bucket list. From outdoor movies to summer day trip ideas, there’s still plenty of time to have a little summer fun and make some lifelong memories. Check out this list for all your end-of-summer bucket list ideas and more.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Chicago before school starts. For more things to do in Chicago this summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids.

Looking to canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or go river tubing in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are some tours, lessons, and equipment rental spots to add to your list.

With back-to-school looming just around the bend, many families want to soak up the late-summer sun with some aquatic activities. And while Westchester County and the Hudson Valley boast plenty of family-friendly pools and spray parks to keep kids and adults splashing, those seeking a more active outdoor adventure can canoe, kayak, or paddle down one of the scenic local waterways.

Read on for nearby spots where you can rent your preferred watercraft, receive lessons, take guided tours, and enjoy other family-friendly outdoor activities. For even more water fun, check out our list of the best lakes and rivers for swimming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've also included a section on the many places to go river tubing in the area.