Long Island has an abundance of nature centers to explore that help us learn about and appreciate the region's natural wonders, like its world-class beaches and woodlands. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So, next time you need a change of scenery, consider visiting one of these 13 nature centers on Long Island.

If you're looking for other alfresco activities on Long Island, like a roundup of the best hiking trails, be sure to check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities.  

The top things to do in Norwalk cater to tourists and locals alike, with a family-friendly eclectic mix of urban, coastal, and charming neighborhood experiences.  Norwalk highlights include two of Connecticut's most popular attractions: The Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Norwalk’s proximity to the Long Island Sound provides visitors with access to the coastline at Calf Pasture Beach and Sheffield Island and its dedication to diversity can be tasted and seen through its thriving restaurant and arts scene.

Perhaps most importantly, Norwalk is the place that I have called home for just about a dozen years, and it is the place where I choose to raise my family. We have all grown up in this town. We celebrated the last days of school and birthdays at Mr. Frosty's. We said farewell to Summer at the Oyster Fest, spent way too many early baby mornings at Stepping Stones, and developed a close friendship with the seals at the Maritime. Norwalk is our home, and I am so happy to share it with you. 

You can follow along with all my adventures by following along on Instagram.

From the history of Benefit Street to the food on Federal Hill, there are so many things to do in Providence with kids. Tucked on the southern New England coast between New York and Boston, Providence sometimes gets overlooked as a family travel destination. But the self-proclaimed "Creative Capital" is a hive of kid-friendly art, American history, and waterfront fun. It's a lot less crowded and touristy than other urban centers, which helps when you have kids in tow. What's more, Providence is a short drive from some truly stunning beaches, allowing for a surf-and-turf mix of activities over the course of a warm weekend. Here's a checklist of can't-go-wrong activities for a visit.

Golden Gate Park, the crown jewel of San Francisco, has over 1,000 acres to explore—all packed with things to do with kids! With row boats on Blue Heron Lake, hikes up Strawberry Hill, museums, carousels, Ferris wheels, and botanical gardens—where is a family even supposed to start? With this guide to all the best things to do in Golden Gate park, you can plan an itinerary for one day or many.

Locals and tourists alike won't want to miss favorite activities, like visiting Claude, the albino alligator, at the California Academy of Sciences, searching for butterflies on Strawberry Hill, and digging into a burger and fries at Beach Chalet.

While planning your visit to Golden Gate Park, explore some family-friendly urban hiking trails in San Francisco, and check out this list of free museum days for kids in San Francisco. And for more great ways to explore the city, check out our list of fun things to do in San Francisco this weekend with kids.

When families visit Truist Park for an Atlanta Braves game, it's like living the song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," except so much more! Sure, the Truist Park has peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a crowd, but it also has Chick-fil-A, pizza, and an interactive kids' zone. Visiting Truist Park for an Atlanta Braves game is an amazing experience on its own, and baseball fans (and non-sporty people) have an additional option to have fun at the surrounding Battery Atlanta. This entertainment district provides loads of fun for Atlanta families and visitors alike.

Located in the Cumberland neighborhood of Cobb County, Truist Park (originally SunTrust Park) opened in 2017 as the new home ballpark for Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves. This state-of-the-art facility sits next to The Battery Atlanta, which is open year-round for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

As baseball season approaches, cheer on the Atlanta Braves (winners of four World Series) with our helpful guide to Truist Park. And keep the party going by hanging at The Battery...or skip the sports part and just enjoy Atlanta's ultimate entertainment district!

Swimming can be fun year round at one of these indoor swimming pools in Chicago.

Chicago is called the Third Coast for a reason, and all summer long kids here enjoy our plethora of beaches; but come winter, those swimming options dry up (sorry, bad pun). Sledding, skating, and winter sports are great, but sometimes kids want to go for a swim, and in Chicago, that means an indoor swimming pool. That's why we found a whole bunch of places kids can go swimming right now, safely.

Whether you're just looking for a place to dip your toe in or dive into a full weekend away, the Chicago area has many choices for indoor swimming pools for the whole family. Discover hotels with private indoor pool times or day passes, theme park-like adventures, and awesome indoor pools with water parks for a mini-staycation—here's how to get kids in the pool in Chicago anytime.

There are several exciting additions that recently opened or are coming soon to Orlando theme parks and other attractions around Central Florida just in time for spring break! Get ready for new thrills, twists, and turns, with new coasters debuting at Magic Kingdom and SeaWorld. Step into an immersive movie-themed escape room experience at Universal Orlando, soar high above the Serengeti Plains at Busch Gardens, and set sail on a river quest through Legoland's Cypress Gardens. Read on for information on what's new or coming soon to Orlando theme parks and attractions in spring 2023.