It feels like we're all searching for new ways to keep cool in Houston right now, and it's still only June. Staying cool during a heat wave with the kids is top priority these days, and while Houston has plenty of splash pads and pools, sometimes it's nice to beat the heat while enjoying someone else's air conditioning. Even though we love them, we know it can get expensive at indoor playgrounds and gyms, so we've included an entire section of free indoor fun ideas to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank. And if you don't mind dishing out some dollars for fun indoor experiences, the second half of this list includes our favorite paid entry Houston-area venues where you can escape the heat this summer. 

Find yourself in need of even more ideas? Be sure to check out our guide to free summer fun and full guide of things to do with Houston kids in the summer.

Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-see for kids. There's so much to do there, from the carnival rides and games to the indoor attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum. Best of all, Navy Pier itself is free to walk around (admission is required for museum and rides). With sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, Navy Pier offers some of the city’s best vantage points.

One of the best parts about Navy Pier is its location. You’re within a couple of miles of several Chicago museums, Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, The Bean, Maggie Daley Park, and more. Before or after you’re Navy Pier visit, check out our guides to the ultimate Chicago weekend with kids and 100 things to do in Chicago with kids before they grow up.

Going camping near NYC may seem challenging for city dwellers because it often requires plenty of equipment, including a car. But, your next camping adventure might be easier than you think. There are plenty of family-friendly campgrounds nearby that offer amenities to make camping near NYC fun and easier for kids and families.

If you don't have camping gear, there are even campgrounds that provide nearly everything you need to have an amazing camping experience. We've rounded up a handful of great family-friendly campgrounds near NYC, all with availability for booking this summer. If you're looking for something even more full-service, consider booking a night at Collective Governors Island or one of these other local glamping destinations.

We've got tons more picks for exploring the great outdoors with kids in our Outdoor Adventures Guide, plus all our picks to have the best summer ever in our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

With summer officially here, camping season is in full swing for Philadelphia families. Regardless of experience level -- first-timers or veterans, bare-bones campers, or real-deal glampers -- the suggestions below have you covered. 

Almost all of these campgrounds are 2.5 hours or less from Center City, with a range of amenities from "just the basics" to luxury campsites with pools, playgrounds, and WiFi. Everything from KOA campgrounds to RV campgrounds to campgrounds with cabins makes this list. Check out our Guide to Philly Family Day Trips Weekend Getaways for more quick vacay ideas, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletters.

July 4th in Washington, DC is always a huge spectacle, and it starts with the famous National Independence Day Parade. DC's 4th of July parade is a fun and festive experience jam-packed with colorful floats and balloons, lively marching bands, and notable people waving to the crowd. Kids love to be in on all the patriotic fun, but it's good to plan ahead to ensure the experience is as memorable and stress-free as possible.

Read on for our tips and tricks on visiting the National Independence Day Parade with kids. Then continue your 4th of July festivities with our lists of the best spots to watch the DC fireworks on the National Mall and the best 4th of July crafts, recipes, and other activities for kids. Don't forget to wear your red, white, and blue!

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, FL is a fantastic, FREE outdoor attraction that caters to both young and old! My family recently visited this hidden gem, dubbed "Central Florida's Central Park," and it provided the perfect setting for a fun family day trip from Orlando. With a range of activities and attractions, Bonnet Springs Park offers an immersive experience that combines natural beauty, educational opportunities, and endless fun for kids of all ages. Gather the family and make memories at this enchanting destination!

Newport Beach may be synonymous with surf, sun, and sand, but there's plenty more to do in this scenic community beyond lying on the (admittedly inviting) beach. From whale watching to skate parks and petting zoos, there are countless kid-friendly activities to engage a family in the heart of Newport Beach—plus a wide variety of enriching options in adjoining Costa Mesa as well.

And when SoCal's version of winter rolls around, some of the season's most memorable events take place in these two communities, including one of the oldest holiday traditions in the country. 

For more amusement in Orange County, discover fun things to do in Irvine with kids, and add these things to do with Orange County kids before they grow up to your ever-growing bucket list. If you're looking for more sandy beaches along the coast, check out our Beach Guide to Los Angeles and Orange County.  

"Getting away from it all" and spending time camping in the woods sounds idyllic, but let's face it: Sometimes—especially when kids are involved—you just need something a little extra.

Whether it's a water slide, a museum, a side trip to a historic site, or even a cricket pitch, the campsites we list below offer that little something more to keep everyone entertained, get the kids off their phones for a bit, and fend off cries of "I'm bored!" All sites are within a reasonable distance, so they're far enough to get away from civilization but close enough for comfort.

For more summertime fun, check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide. And be sure to follow on Facebook and sign up for our sign up for our newsletters.