Heat Wave Survival Guide: Free & Fun Ways To Keep Kids Cool in Los Angeles

Noah's Ark  at The Skirball. Photo by Mercie Ghimire.

As summer heats up, these cool things to do in Los Angeles will help provide respite from those lasting sun rays. It can be hard to soak up that sun for more than a few minutes when temperatures climb to triple digits. When it's too toasty to play at the park, ride bikes outside, or go for a walk, we've got answers and lots of ideas for cool things to do in Los Angeles. 

From pools and splash pads to bowling alleys and cool museums, we've gathered the best indoor and outdoor activities to beat those summer—or even rare fall or winter—heat waves, as well as those unfortunate smoky haze days. Plus, you can always head to the beach! There are even more cool things to do in Los Angeles this summer in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Best Summer Fairs and Street Festivals in NYC August 2025

The 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, which stretches nearly the length of Manhattan, 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.

My Perfect Day in NYC: Exploring Central Park

Climb to Belvedere Castle for a stunning view and a fun photo-op.

When it comes to experiencing quintessential New York City, you can’t beat a trip to Central Park. The 843-acre green space in the middle of Manhattan stretches from 110th Street down to 59th Street and from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. It’s full of opportunities for adventure.

I’ve spent many happy hours enjoying Central Park with my children, and I'm sharing my favorite destinations on this itinerary for a perfect NYC day. These plans are customizable and include ideas to suit all ages.

Discover more activities on our list of the best things to do in Central Park with kids, or explore more of the Big Apple with this 3-day NYC itinerary from a local mom.

Best Free Online Summer Camps and Classes for Kids That Save Your Sanity (and Wallet)

Free online summer camps can help you fill your summer activity gaps! Photo by Maria Thalassinou/Unsplash

These free online summer camps for kids will keep them engaged and having fun, all while learning something— and without leaving home or breaking the bank.

Between gaps in scheduled camps, vacation downtime, and the high cost of everything, it's easy to hit mid-summer burnout. If you've already heard "I'm bored!" more than a few times, free online summer camps could be your secret weapon. (Another secret weapon? Our list of 100 Things To Do When Kids Say "I'm Bored.")

These virtual summer camps in 2025 go way beyond passive screen time. They're fun, flexible, and filled with educational activities your kids will look forward to. Whether you're working from home, traveling, or just need a sanity-saving routine, there’s something here for every family.

We've also created a whole guide with hundreds of boredom busters for kids of all ages, including indoor exercise games, science experiments, and recipes kids can make

Best Prenatal Massages in NYC for Prenatal Pampering

The Prenatal Massage and Movement Center offers gentle massages and movement therapies designed to support the well-being of pregnant individuals. Photo by Your Cherish/courtesy of the business

Being an expectant mother isn't easy, and it's so important to give yourself some "me" time as your body adjusts to carrying a tiny New Yorker. Take a much-needed break by indulging in some of the best prenatal massages NYC has to offer. Whether you need relief from back pain, want to reduce swelling, or crave a moment of calm, these spots for prenatal massage in New York City soothe your body and mind. Find the most relaxing pregnancy massage locations where skilled massage therapists will help you relax, recharge, and find a moment of rest along your incredible journey to motherhood.

Mothers to be can find more help for the changes on the horizon in our NYC Baby Guide, which is packed with helpful ideas for everything from baby registry must-haves to our mom-tested tips for raising little New Yorkers.

Pages