Summertime means beach time, but while there are lots of shores near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up all your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is that your chosen beach has no bathroom or that bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of the top five beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms and hidden costs. All are within 90 minutes of Manhattan by car but they're easily accessible via public transportation, too.

Little Neck, Queens is one of NYC's hidden gems. It has the feel of suburban living while still staying true to important tenets of city life: accessible public transportation, along with great culture and dining. It's just 30 minutes from Manhattan via the Long Island Railroad, and there are a number of interesting things to do and see here. Bordered by Little Neck Bay, Nassau County and the Long Island Expressway, Little Neck is one of the most scenic neighborhoods in Queens.

Attractions like Udalls Cove Park Preserve featuring 31 acres of nature, wildlife and great walking paths, and fabulous restaurants such as Little Dumpling, with its delicious steamed buns and noodles, make this neighborhood a worthwhile trip.

As you stroll through the area, you'll see that it's well-loved and well-preserved by its residents. Little Neck is clean and quiet, and the hilly streets make for an invigorating walk. Also, if you love looking at beautiful homes, this sweet neighborhood certainly delivers. I recommend walking through the residential part of town or one of the large parks, and then heading over to Northern Boulevard for a bite to eat.

You and your family are sure to have a fun-filled day exploring this small community with our top 10 things to do with kids in Liltle Neck, Queens.

When Raising Astoria originally opened in 2012, it offered the Astoria community a great local spot for kids' consignment and fun classes. However, this past February it closed for upgrades and changes. As owners Kim and Laurie put it, they were letting the needs of the community define their mission—and that continues to be true. Many local parents helped Raising Astoria transform from a store into a kids' enrichment destination by helping clean out the consignment shop, along with other odds and ends.

While kids missed the classes during the transition, the reopening was a great, refreshing start for this beloved spot. If you are looking for a wonderful play space or are a new or expecting mom, Raising Astoria is an invaluable resource, with its close-knit community feel, informative workshops and lots of hands-on fun!