History runs deep in Eastern Connecticut. From the first settlements in the late 1600's, through the battles of the American Revolution, and into modern times, Eastern Connecticut bares the marks of those who made significant contributions in the arts, military, manufacturing and more!  Just check out the amazing places you can experience a step back in time with your kiddos!

Over a million visitors flock to Sesame Place each year, giving young children a chance to spend the day with some of their favorite Sesame Street characters. Now, the 14-acre park offers something else for kids – and their parents – to love. Sesame Place has recently become the world’s first theme park to be named a Certified Autism Center.

Located just about three hours west of Houston, the historic town of New Braunfels is a hot spot for weekend getaways. This is especially true during the spring and summer months when Texan families flock to the iconic original Schlitterbahn Waterpark. While we absolutely love slipping and sliding down the signature tube chutes at Schlitterbahn, during our last few family trips to New Braunfels we have discovered many of the other family-friendly activities that this quaint town has to offer. No trip to the hill country is complete without swimming, hiking, or floating at the area's many lakes and rivers, but we found that these activities really go above and beyond what you'll find on a typical vacation itinerary. 

Whether you want to explore an underground cavern, peruse a museum, or catch a drive-in movie, New Braunfels has it all. From toddlers to teens and anyone in between, there is plenty to discover for everyone in your family the next time you visit the New Braunfels area. 

There is so much to see and do in Wilmington, Delaware. And with its proximity to Philadelphia, families can consider making a day trip or a weekend stay. A straight shot down I-95 (and even accessible by Amtrak), this family-friendly city is a delight for parents and kids alike. From sites along the Riverwalk to museums and outdoor adventures, Wilmington will have you coming back for more. Here is our roundup of the top 27 things to do as a family in Wilmington.

Still not sure where to take your next day trip? Check out our city guides for more ideas!

Patriots Day commemorates the April anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first clashes of the American Revolutionary War. It is a Massachusetts state holiday, officially observed on the third Monday in April, and is celebrated with parades and ceremonies from Boston to Roxbury, and all along the Battle Road.

We’ve rounded up some of the key reenactments, parades, and special events leading up to and on Patriots Day, as well as special events at local museums, historical houses and Minute Man National Park. Note: most of the events listed are free but also very popular, so plan to arrive early and expect crowds. (If you're interested in more happenings or places to eat while in Concord, check out our 20-plus things to do in Concord post.)

Those "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are just about here, and some of the most memorable moments are spent at festivals where the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of cotton candy, and the twinkling lights of carnival games.

Summer always seems to go by way too fast, so be sure to fill yours with adventure and fun before the chilly days descend upon us once more. Many towns across the New Haven area will bring your weekends to life with live music, exciting entertainment, traditional cuisine, thrilling rides, and plenty of fried dough.

Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Eastern CT and Hartford County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.

Calling all Rosie Reveres, Ada Twists, and Iggy Pecks! A new play space is coming to Millburn this spring, and it's sure to capture the imaginations of young engineers, inventors, and creators of all kinds.

Genius Gems, the brainchild of educator and founder Jennifer Romanoff, is a STEM-focused play space where kids can build and design with a collection of more than 24,000 magnetic tiles—and that's not all. The facility will also offer a variety of classes and camps focusing on art, architecture, engineering, chemistry, coding, robotics, and circuitry. A soft opening is scheduled for May 3.

Here on Long Island, kids who play outside also can learn outside. A number of venues in Nassau and Suffolk counties provide children with the opportunity to experience nature in an educational environment unrestrained by classroom doors.

For the most part developed by landscape architects, these nature-friendly learning areas encourage the use of the senses to help children develop a love of the outdoors. Access is generally FREE, but check websites to ensure that regular schedules are not interrupted by special programs.