You'll hear them before you see them: the tell-tale squawks of the monk parakeets that make their home in NYC. These exotic birds are every bit the New Yorker, making their homes in the trees in local neighborhoods around Brooklyn and chattering energetically among themselves. Parrot-watching is a delightful hidden gem activity in Brooklyn, and one that many families might not realize they can do. Keeping an eye (and an ear) out for these silly birds in the quiet Brooklyn neighborhood of Bensonhurst is a great, kid-friendly activity on a sunny day!

We created free, downloadable, printable summer bingo cards for kids as a summer boredom buster!

Summer can stretch out like an endless abyss. Sure, you can think of things to do with your kids for those first few days. Then it gets tough: there are weeks and weeks to fill with summer activities for kids. And you need to do it without spending a fortune. We have hundreds (thousands, really!) of ideas for free and cheap summer fun in our Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 100 Free Indoor and Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids and local Summer Guides.

But sometimes you need help with a place to start, something that gives you a goal, and even puts your kids in charge of picking the activities in a fun and interactive way. Enter…these free printable bingo cards. Summer boredom busted! We have both a pre-filled and a DIY summer bingo card for you to use to give kids the reins to design a summer full of fun.

During the warmer months, outdoor restaurants in New Jersey beckon, offering a chance to relax and linger over a summer meal with your kids. Restless kids are free to stretch their legs, explore, and watch the world go by.

The outdoor restaurants in New Jersey listed below have options ranging from waterfront decks and sandy patios to tree-shaded courtyards and grassy gardens.

Read on for our top picks for kid-friendly outdoor dining, and don't miss our round-up of NJ-themed restaurants with interactive dining or our rundown of places where kids eat free. You can find tons of other great things to do in the Garden State this season in our Summer Fun Guide.

Looking for a day in New York City that your kids will actually remember and talk about for weeks? The city is a giant playground for families. Whether you’ve got an art lover, a future scientist, a little foodie or just a kid who needs to burn off some energy, these themed itineraries take the guesswork out of planning and turn an ordinary day into something unforgettable.

If you're looking for more curated itineraries for families—whether you're a local or a visitor—be sure to bookmark our ultimate 3-day itinerary for visiting NYC and this list of preschooler itineraries for fun days with little ones.

There's a lot to pack when hitting one of Long Island's family-friendly beaches, from sunscreen to toys, and sometimes you don't want to have to worry about bringing snacks and lunch. Luckily for us all, Long Island has no shortage of beach eats, and many options are right on the beach or boardwalk itself.

Our list below showcases the best beach food Long Island has to offer, including ice cream options, burgers, tacos, and more. 

For more kid-friendly food, check out our Restaurant Guide, and take a look at our Guide to Summer Fun on Long Island for more seasonal tips. 

Find the top FREE activities for Summer 2025 in CT!

Find the top FREE Summer activities in Boston for 2025!