Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids

The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

So you've seen all of Chicago's top tourist attractions and are ready to look at a different neighborhood? Think Lincoln Park! Whether your family enjoys the outdoors, theater, food, or festivals, Lincoln Park has options to please a variety of kids. It's bound by Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River to the west. While most people agree that the northern border is Diversey Avenue, we can't all agree whether the southern border is North Avenue or closer to 1800 North. We still think of the Chicago History Museum and Second City as Old Town, so look for those in a future round up.

In addition to the Lincoln Park Zoo, a few museums, a conservatory, and a couple of theaters, Lincoln Park has lots of fun and kid-friendly options for dining, from pizza to hot dogs to cupcakes. We recommend going during the summer to be able to visit the beach and Green City Market, and to try out one of the neighborhood festivals, but Lincoln Park is a vibrant community all year round.

Fore more recommendations in Chicago's neighborhoods, check out our Visitors Guide.

Best Beaches near Westchester for Kids and Families

Rye Town Beach is is a great for families. Photo courtesy of the the town

As you plan your summer must to-do's, a lazy day at one of these beaches near Westchester is worth adding to your list. We think a beach day ranks right up there with visits to swimming pools and splash pads for cooling, wet and wild summer fun. There are a few local beaches in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches nearby in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at our favorite beaches near Westchester, where kids can play in the sand and you can bask in the sun. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Activities for Westchester Kids for more seasonal fun.

Top Beaches Near NYC for Toddlers

Sand castle building and more fun await little ones at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island.

There are so many beaches near NYC, and yet there's so little time to visit them each summer. If it's your first summer with little sunbathers in tow, you may be wondering which local beaches are the most toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Each of these 11 beaches, which include some of our favorite beaches in NYC, plus fun Jersey Shore beaches and Long Island beaches, includes little-kid friendly fun beyond the sand and the surf, like playgrounds and aquariums along with great beach eats. Be forewarned, these extra perks might make it hard to lure your toddler away from all the fun in the sun.

So, pack your pails, picnic baskets, and beach babies, then plan a day trip to one of these toddler-friendly beaches near NYC. Find more great local beaches and water fun in our Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Parks near NYC.

Best Beaches Near Long Island for Kids and Families

The tranquility of Ocean Beach on Fire Island will win your family over. Photo by Tais Melillo via Flickr

Stretching along the North and South Shores of Long Island are dazzling beaches known for family-friendly vibes and natural beauty, and we don't just mean the the Hamptons. Whether you are looking for tranquil waters suited to younger kids or a spot where older kids can body surf, there is a Long Island beach for you. It's time to get ready for cool sea breezes and the feeling of sand between your toes.

At these family-friendly Long Island beaches, you'll find picnic areas, swimming pools, playgrounds, and bathroom complexes, along with food trucks and umbrella rentals. Before you slather on the sunscreen and head out the door, use our guide to choose the best beach for your family's needs.

Looking for other outdoor activities? Check out our guide for the best places to go camping on Long Island, or read up on awesome LI amusement parks geared towards families.

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go down the Shore. New Jersey has 130 miles of shoreline and some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. Whether your family is looking for a busy boardwalk with children's rides, a beachside water park, a thrilling amusement park or something a bit quieter, the Jersey Shore has it.

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Jersey beaches, from a national park on the northern shore down to the busier southern beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City. So pack the car with the best beach gear for a day trip or a long weekend.

The Jersey Shore season officially opens Saturday, May 28. Be sure to check with your local beach for beach tag information and capacity limits before heading out.

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long.

Best Cape Cod Beaches for Families

Cape Cod beaches offer miles of family fun. Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod National Seashore Facebook account.

Wide, clean, and blanketed with soft sand, the Cape Cod National Seashore boasts miles upon miles of beaches that are great for kids and families. While many Cape Coddians claim their local spot is tops, the following beaches check all the boxes essential for family fun, including plenty of space, fun (but not too intense) waves, and helpful extras like lifeguards, bathrooms, and easy parking that can make a good beach day a great one.

Once you've had your fill of sandcastling and shelling, go explore the region's charming towns for more fun things for kids to do at the Cape. If you want to experience our Massachusetts shoreline with an island vibe, check out our favorite beaches and activities on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, too. Cape Cod happens to be the home of one of our favorite Drive in Movie Theaters In and Around Boston for Outdoor Movie Night with Kids. And if you need to cool off closer to the city, see our list of the Best Sprinkler Parks annd Splash Pads in Boston.

13 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Los Angeles: Beaches for Babies and Fur Babies, Too

Abby the Dog at Delmar Beach; you can bring your adorable pup, too! Photo by Katie B. courtesy of delmar.ca.us

While it's easy to find hiking trails that are dog-friendly, or locate a dog park in Los Angeles, finding a dog-friendly beach is a bit more challenging. In fact, several cities—including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and most of the South Bay—restrict dogs from even walking on the beach. That can make it hard for those of us with dogs to enjoy a day at the beach; once you factor in traffic, you don't have much time by the sea before you have to run home to walk the dog! Luckily, there are a few beaches where your pup can join you on the sand and in the waves, and we've gathered our favorites here.

For more favorite local beaches, including Hidden Gem Beaches Near Los Angeles and the Best Beaches in LA and OC for Families, check out our Ultimate Family Beach Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County.

The Best Disney Character Breakfasts for Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Disney World Character Dining

Be Our Guest restaurant is an elegant dining destination located at Beast’s Castle. Photo by David Roark

Disney character breakfasts and dining is a unique and magical experience to include on your next Orlando vacation. At these special Disney dining experiences, kids (and kids at heart) can meet and greet some of their favorite television or movie characters. Many Disney character meals in Orlando have reopened for guests, with modifications, of course. We’ve rounded up a list of Disney character breakfast and dining options open in Orlando.

Planning a vacation this summer? Check out What's New this Year at Orlando Theme Parks. Be sure to also check out our list of the Best Orlando Hotels for Families and Things To Do in Orlando Besides the Theme Parks.

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