Nested within Soho, Nolita is a neighborhood best known for its chic cafes and fashion forward boutiques. But it's also a family destination thanks in part to one of the city’s most new and improved playgrounds. After a two-year long, $1.7 million renovation funded by the borough president and city council, the DiSalvio Playground recently re-opened to the delight of both neighborhood kids and kids who have traveled from other parts of the city. Read on for an overview of our recent visit.

I’m a big dog person (meaning I like dogs, not that I am some sort of half man, half dog). Luckily, so is my toddler. A real perk of having a child who loves dogs is that she gives me an automatic excuse to pet a lot of strangers’ dogs (“Oh, my adorable little girl just wanted to say hi”). But no excuses were necessary for both of us to get a really good dog fix at the new exhibit Dogs! A Science Tail at The California Science Center.

There are plenty of places that offer year-round swim lessons so your kids are comfortable and confident in the water. Here are some places that offer camps for competitive swimmers and those interested in pursuing specialty water sports. For more summer and vacation camp ideas, check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings.

The Museum of the City of New York, located near the top of Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue across from the northeastern corner of Central Park, may not look like a kid-friendly place at first glance, with its opulent facade. Look closer, however, and you'll learn it's actually a great destination for children, thanks to its frequent hands-on family programs, robust on-site classes meant to teach tweens about the history of NYC, and easy-to-digest NYC-themed exhibits that remind kids (and parents!) how lucky we are to live in a place with such a rich cultural past and present.

Originally opened in 1923 in Gracie Mansion, the Museum of the City of New York moved to its current, Georgian Colonial-Revival building in 1932. Its permanent collection overflows with drawings, photographs, garments, textiles, paintings, sculptures, furniture and artifacts that all have something to do with the history of our great city. Read on for eight things to love about this cultural gem in the heart of East Harlem.

As an active little boy in Dorchester, 8-year-old Martin Richard loved climbing, swinging, and playing ball at his neighborhood playgrounds. His parents say this playtime helped develop Martin's keen sense of sportsmanship and fairness before his life was taken too soon in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. So it was a natural fit that a playground that emphasizes both fun and inclusiveness has been built in his honor. Opening June 15th next to the Boston Children's Museum at the Smith Family Waterfront, this one-acre addition to Boston's awesome playground scene features lots of green space, harbor views, handicap- and wheelchair-accessible play equipment, and innovative structures, from a giant play ship to a "water garden" splash pad. Here's the scoop on how designers and Martin's loved ones envisioned the park, and what Boston kids and families are sure to love about it.

A few weeks ago, I randomly stumbled upon a children’s space that I didn’t even know existed. I was genuinely stunned and wondered how I could have missed the Southern California Children’s Museum before. Determined not to let another day go by, I made plans to visit the museum immediately with my two-year-old (I was actually way more excited to check out this place than he was!).

If you have especially adventurous or nature-loving kiddos, it's time to grab your sunscreen and sturdy shoes because state parks on Long Island will be millions of dollars more exciting beginning this Memorial Day.

Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, and Wildwood state parks are welcoming upgrades this season that include cottages, marina access, an outdoor adventure area, and more sure to leave your family eager for outdoor excitement.