I loved visiting Chincoteague, VA as a child—the land of wild ponies running free. None of my children share my love of horses, but I still felt amiss that we hadn’t taken a trip to Chincoteague as a family. So we finally headed down for a long weekend, and despite the miserable weather, we had a great time!

If your family loves nature, birds, ponies, rocket ships (you read that right), and/or beaches, it's time to start planning a Chincoteague family vacation. Read on for tips on visiting Chincoteague, VA with kids, from fun Chincoteague activities to Chincoteague kid-friendly restaurants. And since it is about three hours south of DC, we also share some great Chincoteague hotels for families.

Our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids has even more fun travel ideas, including our list of the best family road trips from DC.

Chicago's free swimming pools typically open in the middle of June and close at the end of August. So on sunny days, you can find Chicagoans swimming, floating, and soaking up the sun at one of Chicago’s fifty (!) free outdoor swimming pools. Many free Chicago public pools have separate splash pads, or kiddie pools with zero entry for the littlest swimmers—and a few even have water slides! 

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor pools in Chicago for no-cost summer fun with kids. Looking for more ways to play in Chicago with kids this summer without breaking the bank? Check out our list of Free and Affordable Summer Camps for Chicago Kids, and also our complete Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids!

There are many public pools near Orlando for families to cool off during the warmer months. Some of these Orlando pools have shallow wading areas and interactive play elements for kids, water slides, and even adjacent splash pads. For a true staycation (or daycation) experience, families can also book an Orlando pool day pass to swim at some incredible Orlando hotels with pools, as well as many other awesome swimming pools in Central Florida.

Let kids frolic in an Atlanta splash pad, sprayground, or fountain to cool off during sweltering months. Our list will point you to the best splash pads all over Atlanta -- at parks, kid-friendly attractions, and community green spaces. Put these budget-friendly (and some even FREE) splash pads in Atlanta on your summer bucket list.

As you plan your summer must-dos, a lazy day at one of these beaches in or near Westchester is worth adding to your list. There are great local beaches in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches nearby in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at our favorite beaches near Westchester, where kids can play in the sand and you can bask in the sun. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Activities for Westchester Kids for more seasonal fun.

Stretching along the North and South Shores of Long Island are dazzling beaches known for family-friendly vibes and natural beauty, and we don't just mean the Hamptons. Whether you are looking for tranquil waters suited to younger kids or a spot where older kids can body surf, there is a Long Island beach for you.

At these family-friendly Long Island beaches, you'll find picnic areas, swimming pools, playgrounds, and bathroom complexes, along with food trucks and umbrella rentals. Before you slather on the sunscreen and head out the door, use our guide to choose the best beach for your family's needs.

Looking for other outdoor activities? Check out our guide for the best places to go camping on Long Island, or read up on awesome LI amusement parks geared towards families.

Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.

Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long, which includes our story on the Shore's best boardwalks.