As the school year winds down, many parents start to worry about the dreaded summer slide, or learning loss that can happen over summer break. The good news is, there are so many fun ways to keep kids learning and reading over the summer. One way is to take part in a summer reading challenge.

Summer reading challenges are a fun and engaging way to incentivize kids to read by offering them rewards like free books, pizza, movie tickets, and more. We've rounded up eight national summer reading challenges offered by bookstore chains, libraries, and companies. Don't forget to check for any local summer reading challenges sponsored by local businesses, sports teams, and libraries as well.

Need some book suggestions for your child's summer reading list 2023? Check out our lists of 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up, children's books about women leaders, kids' books about race and social justice, and LGBTQ books for kids. Happy reading!

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie, an overnight camping trip with the kids can be a great experience for the whole family. It was visions of tent camping and afternoon hikes that prompted my husband, two children, and I—plus our friends and their two kids—to book an overnight stay at North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls last summer.

One of our favorite family-friendly campgrounds for families, this New York state-run facility offers plenty of creature comforts (bathrooms!) and had enough to keep kids occupied (playground! lake!), but not so much that they’d get overwhelmed.

Here’s a closer look at what we did during our family camping trip to North-South Lake Campground. Find more picks for exploring nearby in our Outdoor Fun Guide.

Whether you call it mini golf, miniature golf, or putt-putt, you'll find tons of places to play throughout New Jersey. The Garden State apparently has a thing for the game—there are dozens of mini-golf courses throughout New Jersey, and most of them have already reopened for the 2023 season.  

We're highlighting nearly the best courses in the state, from the Jersey Shore to Northern NJ. These courses have imaginative themes that range from pirate shipwrecks and African safaris to a medieval castle. Read on to find the perfect New Jersey miniature golf course for you.

For more things to do this summer, from spray parks to amusement parks, don't miss our Summer Fun Guide for NJ Kids.

Visiting the Central Park Zoo is one of the best ways to spend a day in Central Park with kids. From carriage rides to carousels, Central Park is full of possibilities for children of all ages, but you can't miss taking a walk around the Central Park Zoo, where children under 3 are always FREE.

Nestled on the east side of the park near 64th Street and 5th Avenue, the Central Park Zoo feels like a natural extension of the tranquil green space. Limestone carvings of animals adorn the brick buildings and are reminders of the history of this iconic spot. Here are our kid-tested (and parent-approved) highlights for visiting the Central Park Zoo, including where to see sea lions and how to find bathrooms.

For more things to do in the city with kids, check out our guide on the best things to see and do with kids in NYC and our list of the best zoos and aquariums in NYC, too.

Miami beaches are vacation destinations for tourists all year long—perfect spots for relaxing beach days with kids; staying active with fun outdoor games and sports; and enjoying nightly concerts nearby. We have compiled a list of some of the best Miami beaches and South Florida beaches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties for families of all shapes and sizes.

Need more ideas to do this summer? Check out our Summer Activities Guide for South Florida Kids to stay busy, as well as features about Frost Science Museum, Free Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals in Miami, and a Visitor's Guide to Naples, Florida.

Hikes in San Francisco are plentiful, with an assortment of stunning and iconic landscapes. With Redwood forests and coastal trails to deep valleys, big mountains, small creeks, and colorful wildflowers—family-friendly hikes in San Francisco and the Bay Area are as beautiful as they are enjoyable. And they’re not just for grown-ups! With tots in tow, lace up those sneakers, pack lots of snacks, and explore the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in San Francisco to help families enjoy weekend urban adventures. From hiking in Golden Gate Park with little ones to scaling rocks in Glen Canyon, strolling along the bay at Crissy Field, or walking to the beach in Tennessee Valley—exploring the great outdoors with loved ones is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

For more excursions in San Francisco, check out free museum days in the Bay Area, the best day trips from San Francisco with loads more hiking options, plus explore our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide. 

Dollywood, the Dolly Parton-inspired theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN, has become one of the top amusement parks in the US for families. Set in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, the park has over 50 rides, daily musical shows, and an iconic coal-fired steam train that runs along its periphery.

Located next door is Dollywood Splash Country, a 35-acre water park. And with a new Dollywood resort set to open in fall 2023 (HeartSong, which joins Dollywood's DreamMore Resort), families can plan a full vacation at Dollywood.

My family recently visited Dollywood, and wow—what a trip! Read on for details from our adventure and answers to your biggest questions, like: What are the best rides at Dollywood? What ages is Dollywood for? Is Dollywood little-kid-friendly? And if you're looking for even more family-friendly theme parks, check out our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

If you've got a child in public school, you live by the public school calendar. Many local NYC preschools follow the public school schedule, too. The New York City Department of Education's calendar for the 2025-2026 school year is below, and you'll want to bookmark it now for reference—and to help with planning family vacations and school break camp coverage.

Once again, there will be no snow days. Plan on logging your kiddos on for a day of remote learning whenever buildings are closed for snow or other emergencies.

These are all of the dates you can count on your kiddos being out of school during the 2025-2026 school year.