These swimming lakes near New York City add to the bounty of options local families have for taking a plunge on a scorching day. While New Yorkers are lucky to be surrounded by water, including family-friendly beaches right here in NYC, plus those on Long Island or at the Jersey Shore, for families with little kids, the ocean can be intimidating, with its choppy waves and miles of hot sand without an inch of shade. If you're itching to get the kids out of the city to enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, what better place than one of the area's beautiful, tranquil, freshwater swimming lakes?

We've rounded up 11 swimming lakes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut ripe for summertime visits. Some are even close to our favorite family-friendly campgrounds, making them perfect for a weekend away. Speaking of getting out of town, our NYC Kids' Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways has more picks for all seasons family travel.

Find the best adventure parks near Boston for indoor and outdoor fun!

The best places near Chicago for kids to cuddle animals. 

Got an animal lover in the family? The Smithsonian National Zoo probably springs to mind as the first place to visit in DC. But there are many animal farms and petting zoos near DC where kids can get up close and hands-on with all kinds of animals, from barnyard friends like goats and sheep to bison and zebras. Families can even feed the animals at many of these petting zoos and farms, and really—who wouldn't want to bottle feed a baby cow?

Here are 12 great animal farms and petting zoos in Northern Virginia and Maryland where kids can have memorable animal encounters. For more zoo and farm fun, check out our Guide to Farms in DC, which includes our list of the best farms with family entertainment near DC.

Check out the sweetest CT strawberry picking farms and strawberry festivals.

Water parks are a great way to beat the heat in the summer, and the Philadelphia area has so many awesome places to make a splash. From water slides to lazy rivers to tubing thrill rides and surf simulators to toddler splash areas and even swim-up bars for the adults—we've got you covered with all the best water park attractions near Philadelphia. So grab your swimsuit, towels, and sunscreen, and get ready to keep cool and carry on.

For more ways to water-play with less of a plunge and more of a spritz, check out our favorite local splash pads and spraygrounds, or browse our roundup of free swimming pools in Philly, both of which you'll find in our Philadelphia Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks.

Strawberry picking season on Long Island is a treat the whole family can enjoy. We've handpicked some of our favorite strawberry farms on LI where families can spend a memorable day. 

Harvesting your fruit is not only fun, but it also connects you with your food and supports local Long Island farmers. Long Island strawberries tend to be sweeter and more delicate than most grocery store varieties, and they also have a shorter shelf life. 

Many of these strawberry-picking experiences depend on fruit availability and the weather, so call before your visit. Once the berries are ripe, they'll only last a few weeks. So read ahead to start planning your sweet adventure with the kids. Check out our Guide to Long Island Farms for more places to pick delicious fruits and vegetables while enjoying farm life!