While visiting Dinos Alive, I thought about Robert Baaker, a world-renowned paleontologist, who once said “It’s very simple why kids are crazy about dinosaurs - dinosaurs are nature’s Special Effects."

I know my kids are crazy about them. Our family has so many toys and has watched countless dino movies. Every trip to the first floor of the Houston Museum of Natural Science never fails to amaze. So when we heard Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience had opened in Houston, we headed over to check out what all the up-rawr was about.  

We think you should too, but first, here’s some info on what to expect on your visit. Also, be sure to check out our Houston Children’s Museums and Exhibits Guide for more fun places to explore and beat the summer heat.

High temps mean it's high time for picking peaches and more at Boston farms. Kids can pick late-summer produce, like pears, raspberries, plums, cherries, corn, and more—even currants!  Children who enjoyed hunting for strawberries and blueberries on local farms in June and early July will have a blast plucking (and sampling) stone fruits and more at these nearby farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

For another fun u-pick experience that will lead to a beautiful centerpiece of sunflowers, snapdragons, and more for your summer table, consider a visit with kids to these flower farms around Boston. Or, pick your favorite flavor at these Boston farms with homemade ice cream. And be sure to bookmark our post on places to pick apples with Boston kids—some varieties are ripe starting late August. Happy harvesting!

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, so there’s no surprise that with all that sun, it can get extremely HOT, especially during an Orlando heat wave. Orlando summer temperatures average around 90 degrees, and with humidity factored in, the heat index is easily over 100 degrees! As temperatures rise, luckily there are plenty of cool things to do in Orlando. From splish-splashing water fun to indoor attractions with refreshing air-conditioning, we’ve put together a list of 30 activities to embrace during a blistering Orlando summer.

Luna Park has lured generations of New Yorkers to Coney Island for summertime fun, and the newest iteration of its famed boardwalk amusement park is celebrating 120 years of fun on Coney Island with a huge expansion that brings a brand new ropes course and adventure zone, plus a family-friendly roller coaster, and wet-and-wild log flume ride to the already action-packed park. That, in addition to classic crowd-pleasers like the iconic Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, and all the fun along the Coney Island boardwalk and beach make Luna Park a bucket list destination for ultimate summer fun.

Whether you want to make a day of it, or just duck into the amusement park for some carnival games en route to the beach, here are our top things to do at Luna Park, plus some parent-tested tricks to keep you sane during a visit. Find more epic seasonal destinations in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Each summer, sunflower fields near DC burst into a spectacular sea of bright yellow, orange, and red. Families can stroll through the fields, take in the gorgeous colors, and pick their own sunflowers to bring home and enjoy. Sunflower fields near DC are also the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. And, several of them offer additional fun such as sunflower mazes, playgrounds, farm animals, and more.

Here are eight sunflower fields near DC worth visiting with your kids this summer. Check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC for even more farm fun, including our lists of places to go berry picking and great animal farms and petting zoos near DC.

When the weather is beautiful, there's nothing better than an outdoor event. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, or another special occasion, there are plenty of beautiful nearby parks that are perfect for hosting celebrations. Our local parks and playgrounds are some of the simplest places to host a summer birthday bash, so if you're looking for an easy way to gather the family to celebrate, try one of these parks! 

For more park fun, check out our Parks and Playground Guide, or head over to our Pools and Spray Parks Guide to beat the heat this summer. 

Long Island's Lavender By the Bay lavender farms offer a stunning and serene experience—not to mention fantastic photo ops and a great summer day trip. Lavender By the Bay has two North Fork locations, Calverton and East Marion, and both are an oasis of delicious-smelling flowering plants in early summer. 

Both lavender farms offer more than 20 varieties of lavender in shades ranging from white to pale blue, pink, and, of course, purple. 

Check out our Guide to Visiting the Hamptons and North Fork for more things to do in the area, and be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of seasonal family fun. 

About 100 miles north of Manhattan, the quaint town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County is a prime destination for a family day trip. Steeped in Dutch history, Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where numerous fairs and family-friendly productions are held annually, as well as a performing arts center, an aerodrome, the oldest hotel in the country, great eateries, family shopping, and nature excursions.

We've gathered up some of our favorite Rhinebeck attractions culled after a recent visit. These include both year-round opportunities and some seasonal excursions, as well as a sampling of the creative shops and eateries that remind visitors of the quaintness afforded by a town supportive of independently owned businesses.

Read on for our inside scoop on all the great fun that lies ahead for your family in beautiful Rhinebeck! And for more great days out, check out our guide to family fun in Hudson Valley.