Like many New Jersey residents, I moved here from Manhattan years ago but still feel that itch for metropolitan perks, like walkability, diversity of restaurants and shops, and an energetic community hub. The good news is, you can explore great walkable downtowns right here in New Jersey, where you'll find both chain and independent shops, art museums, unique bookstores, delicious cafes serving up local eats, and more. 

If you choose to leave the car at home, most of these downtowns are near New Jersey Transit trains or buses. Whether a day trip destination or a quick stop for lunch and shopping, these great walkable downtowns are worth a visit. 

Be sure to check out our Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey for more easy and fun in-state tourism ideas. 

For many New York City families, bunk beds are a way of life where small-space living means many city kids share a room. So, if you're planning an NYC getaway, why not live like a New Yorker and book one of these NYC hotels with bunk beds?

These local hotels with bunk beds are packed with family-friendly amenities and close to many of our favorite local attractions in tourist-heavy neighborhoods, including Midtown Manhattan.

Find all our top picks for NYC hotels with bunk beds below, or more options for family-friendly hotels in NYC in our NYC Visitors Guide, which has all our top tips for tourists, including a curated three-day itinerary for visiting families crafted by a local mom.

Here's your insider guide on everything you need to know about the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica with kids. 

Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in a beach house, then slipping effortlessly from a sparkling pool to the sandy shore? We're talking Malibu Barbie in real-life energy. Me too. If you're like me and spend your extra cash on baseball gear and ballet lessons, not beach houses, then I have some awesome news for you: There's a free, public beach house in Santa Monica, and it is amazing.

Everyone is welcome to pretend that they're Hollywood's finest while basking in the SoCal sun at this kid-friendly beach destination in Santa Monica. The beach house is perfect for families, with activities that will appeal to your squealing toddlers and your TikTokkin' teens. 

Keep the fun in the sun going in Santa Monica with amusement rides at the Santa Monica Pier or bike The Strand along the ocean. Younger kids will appreciate all there is to do at the Cayton Children's Museum or Heal the Bay Aquarium. Discover more fun things to do in Santa Monica with kids. 

Quebec City is often touted as a European vacation alternative—a picturesque city where you can walk cobblestone streets, sit in bistros, and order in French without a transatlantic plane ticket. And as the only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Canadian city is full of history.

There are also so many things to do in Quebec City with kids, including family-friendly museums, fun outdoor spaces, parks, fun festivals, and more. Read on for our Quebec City Family Travel Guide, which includes the best kid-friendly activities in Quebec City, as well as great family hotels and restaurants.

Planning to visit Quebec City as part of a longer Canada trip? Our Canada Family Travel Guide includes more fun Canadian cities to visit with kids, like Toronto and Vancouver.

With the start of school comes quintessential school shopping, aimed at the toughest of fashion critics: teens and tweens. We've gathered our favorite Atlanta teen clothing stores and shops with products tweens and teens will love, to look and feel their best. My own tween and teen signed off on this list of Atlanta shops (we specifically focused on local and regional retailers), which have enough cool stuff and sizes that everyone can enjoy. Take a look at the top Atlanta stores for teens and tweens now!

If you haven't yet crossed everything off your family's summer bucket list, no sweat—there are still so many things to do in DC with kids before school starts (see the 2025-26 school calendars for DC and other local school districts here). Even better, many of these summer events and activities are free! We're talking free summer concerts, free outdoor movies, and more fun that won't cost a dime.

Read on for your family's ultimate end-of-summer bucket list in DC and its surrounding areas for 2025. Our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide has even more fun things to do. Your kiddos will have so many fun memories to share once school starts back up again!

Find great venues in CT for older kids to celebrate their birthday!

Head to Lake Eola Park, in the heart of downtown Orlando, for a kid-approved day great for all ages. Pack some snacks, grab sunscreen, and get ready for a great day! Lake Eola is a beautiful spot great for families, and it’s easy to see why. With swan boats, playgrounds, and kid-friendly events year-round, Lake Eola is full of memory-making magic in "The City Beautiful."