Calling all active kids! A nationwide adventure race created just for children ages 5 and up is swinging through Boston, and it promises some heart-pumping fun for families. The Kids Obstacle Challenge will be held one day only, on May 19 at Kalon Farm in Lancaster (just less than hour west of the city) before it moves on to Washington, D.C. Expect mud pits, rock walls, ball pits, rope challenges, and more mud...basically an outdoor version of the ninja warrior courses that have become so popular. If you have kids who love to have fun, get messy, and challenge themselves, read on for more details about this one-day-only event.

Romping room may not be tops on your list of Midtown West destinations, but most city dwellers know about the not-so-hidden emerald gem Bryant Park, which abounds with enough family- (and budget-) friendly fun for an entire day's worth of entertainment, no matter the season. Twirl on the carousel in warm weather or the city's only FREE ice skating rink come winter.

We've got the lowdown on all the fun this green space has to offer for locals and visitors alike, plus five playgrounds off-the-beaten Midtown path, where kids can climb, swing, and slide to their heart's content.

If it’s been a few months since that bike saw the outside of your garage, why not tune it up and welcome the warm weather with a family bike ride?

Head outside to explore some of the many bike trails Long Island has to offer. If you’re not up for taking on a mountain bike trail, then pack a lunch, bring some water, and head to one of the paved paths or boardwalks that offer easy and enjoyable rides for even the youngest cyclist.

Here are our top picks for the most family-friendly trails on Long Island. Depending on which trail you choose, it might be a good idea to bring along a first aid kit, a tire patch kit or extra tubes, and bug and tick spray. For more outdoor adventures, check out these LI hiking trails and our Spring and Summer Fun Guides. While you're at it, why not look into our 50 FREE things to do with kids on LI this summer or our top 100 things to do with LI kids. A good bike ride just might be on both lists.

Ah. Meandering scenic roads, sprawling farms with classic red barns, and plenty of quiet. Bordering Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Connecticut’s northeastern most point has been dubbed the “Quiet Corner.” But that doesn't mean there’s nothing to do. Check out all of the awesomeness tucked into the Quiet Corner this spring.  And for more fun, check out our Mommy Poppins Spring Guide!

Though there are amazing photo-ops around every intriguing corner of this whimsical, interactive art installation, Dream Machine in Brooklyn actually encourages visitors to let go of this dimension for a while and step into a space that feels...otherworldly.

Deep in the Mojave Desert, not far from Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, and just two hours from LA, tumbleweeds roll down dusty, unpaved streets. A saddle shop, an old bank, a bath house, and a saloon line the appropriately-named Mane Street, where transportation is horses-only. There are occasional cowboy brawls (mostly on Saturday afternoons) and a sense that some old character actor might be haunting the jail. If Pioneertown feels like an old movie, that's no surprise—it should.

On the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, tucked right next to Adventure Aquarium, is a darling outdoor play space and garden center that makes for a perfect afternoon. Whether you live in New Jersey, across the river in Philadelphia, or are just passing through, the Camden Children's Garden is truly a special place, as my 5- and 1-year old children and I discovered on a recent visit. 

Mexico's Caribbean coast is known for its first-class resorts, especially along the Riviera Maya, including towns such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum. So much so that sometimes the sparkling waters, stunning beaches, and swank surroundings of this northern Yucatan peninsula's all-inclusive deals make it hard to want to leave the lovely confines of your hotel.

But there’s so much more to this gorgeous Mexican coastal region just south of Cancun than beachside getaways. To introduce the kids to a taste of authentic culture, including Mayan ruins, natural wonders, and unlimited adventure, you don’t have to go far. Some excursions may take only an hour and others a whole day, but these 23 ideas are surely worthy of drawing the family out of the resort for even just a few hours.