Galena, Illinois With Kids: 22 Top Things To Do in Galena

Hanging with Ulysses Grant. Photo by author Maureen Wilkey

Galena, Illinois, a city rich in history and charming surroundings, is less than three hours away from Chicago, making it a perfect getaway for families. Once a hub for commerce by way of the Mississippi River, its legacy is worth exploring. Grown-ups and kids will love everything from learning about its most famous resident—former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant—to the abundance of nature, shopping, and more. Here are 22 things you must do in Galena, Illinois with kids.

Looking for other fun adventures near Chicago? Check out everything to do in Napierville, Springfield, and Lake Geneva, WI

Giant Pandas are Returning to DC's National Zoo!

The countdown is on for the return of giant pandas to Smithsonian's National Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

DC panda lovers have two giant reasons to celebrate! The Smithsonian National Zoo announced in May that it will welcome two new giant pandas from China by the end of 2024—Bao Li and Qing Bao. After saying goodbye to pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji in November 2023 during a series of events called Panda Palooza, this is welcome news for a city that has grown to cherish these animals.

Read on to learn all about the new giant pandas coming to DC. Then check out our guide to visiting DC's National Zoo with kids.

Best Summer Fairs and Street Festivals in NYC this August

The 12th annual Aarti Hindu Lamp Ceremony returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pebble Beach! Photo by Etienne Frossard

August ushers in the final round of summer festivals in NYC. This last gasp of summer celebrations includes some of our favorite summer festivals in NYC like Summer Streets, Brooklyn's gorgeous Hindu Lamp Ceremony, the Sand Sculpting Contest on Coney Island, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Fest, and, of course, Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the US Open. We've found more than two dozen summer festivals in NYC this August and the best part: They're (almost) all FREE.

Best Indoor Batting Cages in Orlando for Kids and Teens

D-Bat has everything you need for a successful hitting session on your own. Photo by the author

Consider indoor batting cages with the summer heat in full swing (get it?!). Softball and baseball lovers and batting newbies alike will enjoy these awesome Orlando batting cages to cool off and hone their skills. Indoor batting cages are great ways for Orlando kids and teens to touch base with friends, parents, and even siblings! Cool off this summer and hit it out of the park with these awesome Orlando batting cages below.

Best Batting Cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

The batting cages at V.E. Macy Park in Ardsley are open to the public. Photo by the author

Batting cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley let you experience the particular summertime joy of the sound and the feel of a bat hitting a ball. The fun is not limited to warm weather, either, as there are indoor and outdoor batting cages to keep the hits coming all year round.

Read on for the top batting cages in the region, and check out our Guide to Sports in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for more stories like this.

Best Bowling Alleys on Long Island for Families

Bumpers and ramps make it easier for little kids to knock down some pins at Long Island bowling alleys. Photo by Gina Massaro

We’ve put together this list of the best bowling alleys for Long Island families so that you can find a great bowling spot no matter where you live on LI. From bumpers and ramps for toddlers to glow-in-the-dark game nights for tweens and teens, each venue offers a little something extra.

Most of these bowling alleys also offer specials during school breaks and some have after-school youth bowling leagues. 

Find more fun family outings in our Guide to Indoor Fun and on our always-updated Event Calendar.

Best Street Fairs and Summer Festivals in NJ this August

The Middlesex County Fair has been a fun family tradition for 80 years. Photo courtesy of the fair

The number and variety of New Jersey street fairs and summer festivals in August make for a month-long party. The New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is one of many August favorites, boasting live entertainment, rides, food, and horses. Plus, kick back to music, crafts, boat rides, and more at Canal Day Music & Craft Festival.

Read on for our top picks, and find more ways to make the most of August with our Summer Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids and our ideas for the best things to do all month long.

31 Free Games and Activities for August

August 10 is S'mores Day! Photo by Maureen Wilkey

It’s the dog days of summer, back to school, and gearing up for maybe getting out of town for Labor Day Weekend! With so much going on, it’s easy to find new things to do at home every day with kids, whether it’s getting ready for school with lunches your kids will actually eat or celebrating National S’Mores Day on August 10.

So any day this month, just check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day! For more ideas for fun summer activities, check out our Ultimate Summer Vacation Guide.

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