Free Summer Concerts in New Jersey

The Westfield Community Concert Band presents its annual summer concert series in Mindowaskin Park. Photo courtesy of Westfield

Outdoor concerts are a summer staple throughout New Jersey, and going to one is the perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening. Luckily for us, it's possible to take in FREE live music nearly every night of the week in New Jersey, so get ready to go concert-hopping at the local parks, downtown areas, and beaches we've listed below. 

Find more summer freebies with our guide to Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids and our rundown of free summer outdoor movies in New Jersey. We also have lots more ideas in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Ventura with Kids: 39 Great Things To Do in Ventura County

There are endless activities at Ventura Harbor Village. Photo by Kylie Williams

There are so many things to do in Ventura with kids; there are family-friendly activities and entertainment as far as the coastline stretches. Ventura has remained refreshingly authentic with a small selection of places to eat, beaches framed by privately owned houses, grassy parks, and tasteful walkways. Pile the kids in the car, and head up the 101 to this happy little spot—you won't regret it.

Looking for more day trips from LA? Keep driving up the coast to check out Santa Barbara, or browse our ultimate beach guide to find plenty of sandy spots for your family. 

Ogunquit with Kids: 17 Great Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine

The summer sun brings so many great things to do in Ogunquit, Maine with kids! Photo courtesy of Visit Maine

Visiting Ogunquit, Maine with kids is great. Really, really great. Only 75 miles north of Boston and arond 150 miles from Hartford, Ogunquit has been drawing artists and sunbathers to its shore for  Blibbidy-three decades. Things to do in Ogunquit run the gammut from fun in the sun to cool museums and nearby amusement parks. And Ogunquits open-minded, open-hearted spirit makes all travelers feel welcome, including families with kids. 

For more tips on getting away with the family, see our picks for Gorgeous New England Islands for Family Getaways. And check out our U.S. Travel Guides for expert tips on where (and even how) to travel as a family!

OBX with Kids: 25 Things To Do in the Outer Banks, NC

There are so many kid-friendly beaches in the Outer Banks. Photo by Patty King, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The Outer Banks, NC is a favorite summer getaway for DC families that's well worth the six-hour drive. The Outer Banks (also referred to as the OBX) is a series of beautiful barrier islands, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm Pamlico Sound on the other. My family has been traveling to the Outer Banks every summer for over 40 years, and it’s the perfect laid-back family vacation. From the gorgeous beaches to the amazing wildlife (sea turtles and dolphins!), fresh seafood, and fun activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at a wide range of prices.

Here are 25 great things to do with kids in the OBX, including water sports, lighthouses, and delicious local seafood restaurants. For other great family vacations at beaches near DC, check out our list of family-friendly beaches near DC, including our guides to Virginia Beach and the Delaware beaches.

Philadelphia Beer Gardens that are Family-Friendly

Spruce Street Harbor Park has two water features and tons of games to keep kids busy after a meal. Photo courtesy of Spruce Street Harbor Park

Philadelphia beer gardens are popping up just about everywhere. With delicious brews and cocktails alongside yard games and kid-friendly spaces, these spots are a perfect match for families looking to get out without paying for a babysitter. There are lots of great family-friendly (and pet-friendly!) beer gardens in and around the city that are perfect for a relaxing weekend.

If you're heading to a Fishtown beer garden, check out our recommendations for Things to Do in Fishtown with Kids. Looking for more ways to get outside? Check out the Best Playgrounds in Philadelphia for All Day Play or take a look at our Outdoor Activity Guide.

30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids

Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises

South Padre Island brings ultimate family fun and a taste of the tropics without ever leaving Texas. Roughly six hours south of Houston, this coastal getaway is worth the drive with its 34 miles of white-sand beaches, gorgeous Gulf Coast waters, and tons of activities the whole family can enjoy. We've rounded up the 20 best things to do in South Padre Island with the kids, from boardwalk trails and rocket launches to pirate boating adventures, museums visits, and more. And to make planning your vacation a breeze, we've also scouted out the top family-friendly resorts and restaurants you won't want to miss. 

Looking for beachy fun that's closer to home? Browse our guide to Galveston for the best things to do there with children in tow. If you're hoping for more weekend excursions that are easy to pull off from H-Town, check out our Houston Getaways Guide. Or, if you're planning a big family vacation and need some destination ideas, give our Family Travel Guide a look for top family destinations across the US. 

25 Awesome Free Things To Do in Miami This Summer With Kids

Free splash pads and spraygrounds are easy ways to enjoy the summer without breaking the bank. Photo courtesy of City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation

Looking for something fun and free to do in Miami with your kids this summer? Here's a list of awesome FREE things to do in Miami and South Florida sure to put smiles on everyone's faces. Whether it is a family summer concert or a must-see Miami festival, there are great options for free things to do in Miami and South Florida.

Get more ideas to have a fun summer break with our Ultimate Miami Kids Summer Vacation Guide, filled with awesome summer activities and events sure to entertain any kid!

25 Things To Do in Rye with Kids

Don't miss a ride on the iconic Dragon Coaster at Playland Park. Photo courtesy of the park

While Rye, New York, is probably best known for its famous theme park, Playland, the small city is bursting with plenty of other family-friendly features, including excellent community facilities, parks, shops, restaurants, and attractions—all within a 45-minute train ride of Manhattan.

It's no wonder that Rye and the Village of Rye Brook are among the most sought-after areas to live in Westchester. We've gathered a list of our favorite things to do with kids in Rye, both indoors and out, below. 

Looking for more family fun? Consult our Event Calendar for our daily picks. 

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