When the summer heat descends on the DC area, there are plenty of nearby swimming lakes and watering holes where families can make a splash and cool off. These swimming lakes (all within a two-hour drive) are a fun, natural alternative to the area's swimming pools and water parks. Many of them are within state parks and national forests, which offer a variety of other fun activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Here are our favorite swimming lakes and watering holes near DC where families can beat the heat and reconnect with nature. Many of these awesome swimming spots even offer a Tom Sawyer-like adventure that will have the kids swinging, diving, and absolutely grinning.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for even more fun ways to cool off this summer.

Sarasota, Florida is a gem on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with access to amazing beaches, water sports, marine biology, museums, and more. Where it once was a haven for retirees, these days it is increasingly popular with families and vacationers eager to escape the cold winters of the north.

An hour south of Tampa, whose airport serves almost every major city in North America, Sarasota, Florida offers plenty of natural beauty. It is a vibrant city rich in arts, culture, and dining delights. Plus, its metropolitan area includes the world-famous beaches of Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.

Here are 33 of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida with kids, including family-friendly Sarasota hotels and restaurants. Check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for even more great places to visit in the Sunshine State, including the best Florida beach vacations for families.

Florida has its “Emerald Coast,” its "Space Coast," its “Treasure Coast,” and even its “Forgotten Coast.” But unless you spend time in its northernmost section, you might be unaware of its “Historic Coast,” headlined by the haven of St. Augustine.

About an hour south of Jacksonville, whose sizable airport services most major carriers, sits America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers. To visit St. Augustine’s charming cobblestone streets and seemingly ancient architecture is to be reminded of Florida’s multicultural history.

Of course, these days visitors—adults and kids alike—are better welcomed than the 18th-century pirates who sailed in for plunder. These days, St. Augustine is a seaside haven for kids and families, particularly those eager to mix a little education with all that Florida sunshine.

Read on for our picks for the 30 best things to do in St. Augustine with kids. Then check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for more great getaways in the Sunshine State.