The best family vacation spots in the US aren't always the most popular ones (no hate towards Disney World, New York City, Washington, DC, or Los Angeles, of course). America is a big country, and there are so many great places to visit that may not be on every family's radar. There are lots of benefits to visiting places that are off the beaten path, including fewer crowds, lower prices, and the thrill of discovering something new and different.

Here are 15 of the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path. These places in the northeast, south, midwest, and western part of the country offer plenty of things to do with kids, including beautiful beaches and parks, family-friendly museums and cultural institutions, delicious restaurants, and all of sorts of other fun activities and unique places to explore. Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more amazing family vacation destinations.

Looking for children's birthday party entertainers in Houston? We have 15 Houston birthday party entertainers who will come to your home.

As parents, we want to make our children's birthday parties unforgettable, and planning one such party is definitely not monkey business. One easy way to do this is to bring whatever it is that your kid loves (animals, princesses, superheroes, magic - you name it) to life right in your very own home or event space. Yes, I did say easy. No, really; hear me out. These 15 excellent Houston birthday party entertainers provide everything from live animal shows to princess tea parties, face painting, balloon art, and more; and they bring the show on the road so you can host your event where it's convenient for you. Don't forget to check out our birthday party guide for more fun and easy ideas your little ones will remember for a lifetime.

You weren't always looking for fun indoor places where your kids could hang out. It’s like you blink, and one day you have a teenager. Although there is always time for family time, sometimes teens and tweens need a little bit of freedom, and these spots are sure to do the trick. With a little spending money and a group of friends, these spots are Mommy Poppins-tested and teenager-approved! From Stamford to  New Haven, and Hartford to Norwalk, there are a lot of family-friendly options for Connecticut families. But these spots truly go above and beyond to offer a little something extra for teens—even if it's just a good photo op.

Connecticut has so many fun indoor places to enjoy with the family. When it's a special celebration, regardless of the season, these fun indoor birthday party places for kids in Connecticut make a memorable day. And you can stretch those entertainment dollars with free museums in Connecticut to visit with kids. 

Looking for the best indoor ice skating rinks in Westchester? Read on for top options throughout the county. 

Whether it's winter or summer, many of us have kids who are eager to lace up. To help you out, we've got the scoop on indoor ice skating rinks in Westchester.

Ice skating is rapidly becoming one of my family's favorite activities. We are happy to find active ways to enjoy the cold weather. Some rinks are geared more toward the budding 3-year-old hockey star and some are better places for birthday parties. Read on for the scoop on indoor (or covered) rinks in Westchester.

Check out our rundown on workouts for Westchester families to try together and other fun activity ideas in our Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, & Fun Zones for Westchester Kids. 

When it comes time to brainstorm first birthday party ideas, keep in mind: Hitting the 1-year-old milestone is definitely a cause for celebration—not only for baby, but also for his or her tired, yet hopelessly devoted parents, too. Despite the abundance of kids birthday party venues in New Jersey, not all are suitable for the littlest birthday parties.

That's where this list of first birthday party ideas in New Jersey comes in. Whether you are looking for a location indoors or out, with animals or in a toddler gym, we have some great kids birthday party ideas. While 1-year-olds might not yet be ready to jump, climb, or ride ponies themselves, they'll love watching their guests play. Most of these first birthday party ideas emphasize parental participation, so the fun can be had by all. And truthfully, as long as there’s some cake to smash and smiles to capture, your first birthday party is sure to be a blast.

From animal encounters to playtime in the park, these are our top picks for first birthday celebrations in New Jersey. Be sure to check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide for more inspiration.

You know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions the Best First Birthday Gifts, and more in our Guide to Top Toys and Gear for Kids.

Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood! My family—including my video game-obsessed teen son and video game-averse teen daughter—got a sneak peek, and I'm here to give you all the details. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the first ride to open, along with the Toadstool Cafe, 1-UP Factory retail store, and an immersive play area. What's it like? Is it worth the hype?

Read on to get the scoop on all things Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach at the newly expanded land at Universal Studios Hollywood. And get all the latest happenings at local theme parks in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

Looking for ninja warrior classes in Chicago? We have a list of the best ninja warrior gyms and climbing gyms in Chicago.

If you have a little one who is prone to climbing the furniture, walls, and anything else they can, this is a round-up for you. We've gathered up the best ninja warrior courses and climbing gyms in Chicago. In addition to the drop-in play, each ninja warrior location or climbing gym below offers weekly training classes and monthly membership options. Many also have after-school care or summer camps. You can also host birthday parties and private events for a ninja warrior birthday party. Adults can also get in on the ninja or climbing action. 

For more indoor activities, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids.

With cold winters, hot and humid summers, and unpredictable rain and snow, finding the right venue for a children's birthday party near DC can be tricky. Finding a spot that's appropriate and fun for preschoolers? Even harder. But DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are home to several great indoor birthday party places for preschoolers that are perfect in any weather. Whether your preschooler is into science, art, superheroes, or sports, there is a great indoor birthday party spot for them.

Here are some awesome indoor birthday party places for preschoolers near DC that allow you to join the fun and celebrate with your kid without stressing over the setup and cleanup. We've also thrown in a few birthday party entertainers that will come to your home or rental space for a unique and fun indoor birthday party.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC for more fun birthday party ideas for kids of all ages, from cool birthday party places for teens to free ways to celebrate your kid's birthday at home.