Not your typical suburban playground, Hoboken’s Pier C Park has a decidedly urban vibe that will delight little and big kids alike—and adults, too! With the Manhattan skyline as a gorgeous backdrop, this amoeba-shaped oasis sits on a two-and-a-half-acre pier off the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, between Third and Fourth Streets in downtown Hoboken.

The park is separated into two playgrounds and also offers sand and water play. You won’t find any of your standard, primary-colored play equipment here, nor any swings. The landscape has an old-fashioned feel, with lots of rustic wood and metal touches. The promenade, along the eastern edge of the pier, provides grassy lawn areas for families to picnic, play games, and soak in the sights. Use this day trip–worthy park as a launch pad to enjoy all that Hoboken has to offer.

It might please moms and dads to know the East End offers an assortment of family-friendly eateries. These spots offer everything from the traditional lobster roll to a "guppy" menu, ideal for young appetites.

Some of these locations even offer outdoor dining with stunning views, so it's a good idea to venture out early to avoid the crowds. We've rounded our favorite family-friendly locations, where you can sample the catch of the day (or most anything else) and eat with boats shimmering in the marina behind you. (Did we say summer photo-op?)

Before heading out to the East End, be sure to check our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork to help plan your visit. In addition, check out our list of 50 Things to Do with Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork. Bring your appetite, because delicious options are waiting.

My husband and I both went to college at Texas State University in San Marcos, which (in my obviously unbiased opinion) is arguably one of the most beautiful college campuses in Texas. Being tucked in the Texas Hill Country and surrounded by rivers means there is no shortage of water related activities to do. My husband even took kayaking as one of his electives! Our kayaking adventures came to a dead stop when we moved back to Houston post-graduation, though, largely because we made the same assumption that many people probably make: there's really nowhere to kayak or canoe in the Bayou City. But after doing some research, boy, were we wrong.

One of Houston's best-kept secrets is that it isn't just home to numerous hike and bike trails but also an abundance of waterways perfect for paddling and just waiting to be explored. Here are five of my favorite spots to kayak and canoe in Houston.

If visiting a summertime festival, fair, or carnival is on your summer bucket list and it has yet to be crossed off, look no further. Here is our round-up of Delaware Valley's August fun. These festivals, featuring entertaining live music, delicious foods, rides, and culture, will not disappoint. So take a look and be sure to visit some of these events with your family this month.

Amusement parks are a super-fun way to spend a summer day with the kids. But let's face it: between the price of admission, parking, food, and games, the cost really adds up—especially for large families. How can you save big at theme and water parks? Here are our tips for scoring discounted admission at NJ amusement parks.

If you're looking for toddler-friendly options, check out our listing of the best amusement parks for toddlers.

Sure, the waters surrounding Houston may not be the clearest, but there is still something magical about being among the waves. I've always considered myself lucky to live in a city near the sea; as a kid, we would often take boat rides around Galveston, and I wish we knew back then about boating opportunities within Houston's city limits. Boat rides make for great activities for any season, from spring to summer to fall. These six options are all family friendly and include both free and ticketed rides.

The rollercoaster whizzes down the track, the sweet smell of funnel cake fills the air, and an orchestra of buzzers and whistles plays from a nearby arcade. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were enjoying an evening on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, but this is iPlay America, a nearly four-acre indoor amusement park and fun center in Freehold, New Jersey that's open all year round.

When you mention beaches near Houston, everyone's first thought typically trends toward Galveston. However, Galveston's many beaches are not the only ones close enough for a day trip, and while we've trekked down there plenty of times, it's definitely not the end-all-be-all. In fact, one of our favorite spots is the quiet town of Surfside where the beach is clean and full of sand (not seaweed).