Mommy Poppins

3-Day Itinerary in Hot Springs, VA: The Perfect Winter Getaway with Kids at the Omni Homestead Resort

Stephanie Shipman — 02/13/2026

Hot Springs, Virginia is less than a four-hour drive west of DC proper, but it feels like a world away. Home to what it is named for—a natural warm spring that even families can enjoy—it's a great place to escape to in the winter.

In Hot Springs, families can explore nature preserves and overlooks, take in a concert at the local music center, and enjoy plenty of snow sports like skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. Spring and summer are also popular times to visit, but there is something for everyone to enjoy in the town in the winter.

Read ahead for the perfect winter weekend itinerary in Hot Springs, VA. Then check out our DC Winter Day Trips Guide for more winter family fun.

Hot Springs, Virginia is less than a four-hour drive west of DC proper, but it feels like a world away. Home to what it is named for—a natural Warm Spring that even families can enjoy—it's a great place to escape to in the winter.

Read ahead for the perfect winter weekend itinerary in Hot Springs, VA. Then check out our DC Winter Day Trips Guide for more winter family fun.

NYC's Best Free Events in July 2026 for Families

Drew Kristofik — 06/30/2026

From America 250 to the World Cup finale and all the annual festivals in between, July is on hot month for free family-friendly fun in NYC. Here are our top picks for free fun.

America 250 is supersizing all the usual cool July happenings, and my family is ready for all of it, from the amazing Declaration of Independence Family Day at the NYPL to the ultra-expanded Macy's 4th of July fireworks, rolling ball drop, and Fleet Week thrills.

Our rising first grader is chomping at the bit to meet Pikachu at Pokemon Day Out in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and we've got all the details on the West Side Fest and Bastille Day. And—of course—we're in ultimate soccer mode, with the FIFA World Cup finale coming up on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Don't forget to consult our ever-expanding lists of free outdoor movies and summer concerts, too!

July Holidays for Kids: A Kid-Friendly Celebration for Every Day

Meghan Rose — 06/30/2026

July screams summer, America, and the beach. It's also the month of Shark Week, Joke Day, Hot Dog Day, and Harry Potter's Birthday!

July is the heart of summer, and while it kicks off with our biggest national holiday and all the parades and fireworks that the Fourth of July brings, the rest of the month seems like it's a holiday desert. Not so! July has Shark Week, Joke Day, Harry Potter's Birthday, and Fortune Cookie Day, and we've got ways to celebrate 'em all, including a fun recipe for making your own fortune cookies (and fortunes...).

Scroll down for all 31 fun holidays in July, plus links to holiday-a-day ideas for every month of the year.

Summer means summer vacation, and the only thing you need to plan the perfect summer for kids is our Summer Vacation Guide. Bookmark it. It's stuffed with thousands of local events & activities, and more fun things to do at home!

The Ultimate Guide to Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters with Kids

Jody Mercier — 06/29/2026

Plan the perfect family day at Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan. Discover playgrounds, The Met Cloisters castle, the gorgeous Heather Garden, and more!

Some of my favorite days in NYC are the ones that feel like I've been transported to another world, all for nothing more than the tap of an OMNY card, and so it is that a recent adventure brought my family to the upper reaches of Manhattan to explore Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters.

Nestled near the tip of the island, at one of Manhattan's highest points, Fort Tryon Park is a 67-acre oasis designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.—son of the famed Central Park architect. It's a lovely mix of manicured gardens, rolling paths, soaring arches, and action-packed playgrounds that's also home to a spectacular outpost of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters.

This vibrant green space has a little something for everyone—including stunning Hudson River views—so read on for our complete guide to visiting, and find more local parks to explore in our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters, At-a-Glance:

Location: Washington Heights and Inwood, spanning from Riverside Drive to Broadway between 192nd and Dyckman Streets
Best For: Castle-like museum architecture, scenic Hudson River overlooks, universally accessible playgrounds, and botanical gardens
Top Attractions: The Met Cloisters, The Heather Garden, Jacob Javits and Anne Loftus Playgrounds
Closest Subway: A Train to 190th Street; take the station elevator up directly into the park

Best Things To Do With Kids in Boston in July 2026, According to Mommy Poppins

N Ferreira — 06/28/2026

Enjoy family-friendly events and fun things to do in Boston this July 2026.

July in Boston is always a big deal, but this year feels even bigger. Between the Fourth of July celebrations, the fireworks lighting up the harbor, and the continued excitement surrounding America's 250th anniversary, there's an extra layer of energy in the city right now. History, patriotism, summer fun, and community celebrations all collide in a way that Boston does better than just about anywhere else.

Of course, the fireworks tend to steal the spotlight, but this month isn't just about looking up at the sky. There are boat races, nature festivals, family-friendly concerts, and community events that make it easy to fill an entire summer calendar. If there was ever a month to fully embrace being a tourist in your own city, this is it.

My Top Picks for This Month, At a Glance

Most Iconic Boston Tradition: Boston Pops July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Best Hands-On Family Activity: Marblehead Model Boat Building and Regatta
Best Historic Celebration: Boston Harborfest & Fireworks
Best Outdoor Play Day: Free Nature Play Festival at Discovery Museum
Best Feel-Good Summer Festival: Do Good Fest 2026

Best Things To Do with Kids in Connecticut in July 2026, According to Mommy Poppins

Jennifer Coe — 06/28/2026

Find family-friendly events and fun things to do with kids in CT for July 2026!

It's hard to believe that it's already July, and this year it's going to be a big one! With a massive focus on our country's 250th anniversary, Connecticut's events in July are patriotic, historical and reflective. Choose from one of the reenactments, concerts, presentations, festivals and more to commemorate this special July! Beyond the 4th, July has all the summer fun families are looking forward to.

Looking for more ideas on how to celebrate the 4th of July this year? Check out our Guide to Celebrating the America's 250th Anniversary in the US with Kids.

Jenny's Top 5 Picks for July 2026:

Top Pick for Family Fireworks: Quassy Blast at the Beach Celebrates America's 250th
Celebrate the 250th: America 250: A Riverfront Celebration in Hartford
The Event Toddlers Will Love: Family Activities: Celebrating America at 250 at CT Museum of Culture
The Event Teens Will Enjoy: Enfield 4th of July Town Celebration
The Event That Won't Break Your Wallet: Saturday Matinee's at Stamford Town Center

Best Things To Do with Kids in Atlanta in July 2026, According to Mommy Poppins

Elsa Simcik — 06/28/2026

Kick off July in Atlanta with continued World Cup 2026 excitement, including FIFA watch parties and events, as well as 4th of July fun during America's 250th birthday and more this month.

Atlanta sizzles with family fun this month, including World Cup action, 4th of July fireworks and summer festivals!

Kick off July in Atlanta with continued World Cup 2026 excitement, including FIFA watch parties and events in Downtown Atlanta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and more. Celebrate America's 250th birthday this July 4th at popular attractions like Stone Mountain Park and Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Want more 4th of July fireworks and patriotic events? Check out our guide to 4th of July Fireworks and Parades in Atlanta. When your kids need air-conditioned fun, head to Roswell Summer Puppet s and More for a new show each week in July; Aurora Theatre's Summer Break Magic Show; and the Dude Perfect guys bring trick shots into Gas South Arena. And don't forget about the always delicious Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park!

My Top 5 Events This Month: At-a-Glance

Can't Miss Atlanta 4th of July Event: Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
Sweetest, Tastiest Event: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Best Events for Teens (but they're teens so who knows?): Teen Takeover at Fernbank
Top Pick for Preschoolers: Music for the Very Young Concert: The Lion and the Mouse
Coolest Hidden Gem Event: Midsummer Kids' Festival

More picks for every age, interest, and neighborhood below…

Best Things To Do with Kids in DC in July 2026, According to Mommy Poppins

Stephanie Shipman — 06/28/2026

Summer is in full swing! July in DC brings Fourth of July, sunflowers, peaches, and more summer fun.

The DC area really celebrates Independence Day! Local towns and neighborhoods have fantastic hometown festivities like the Takoma Park 4th of July Parade and Evening Celebration and the City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade, while the city plays host to large celebrations such as the National Independence Day Parade and the big DC fireworks show on the National Mall.

July has so many other reasons to be outside as well, from county fairs like the Loudoun County Fair to outdoor films such as Summer Movies on the Lawn at Library of Congress—and most of them are FREE! Happy summer!

My Top 5 Picks, At a Glance

Most Unique Outdoor Movie Event: Cinematery (at Congressional Cemetery)
Most Playful Museum Exhibit: The Playground at National Building Museum
Fun Live Theater for Families: Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical
Most Delicious Event: National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery Museum
Best County Fair: Loudoun County Fair

Summer is in full swing! July in DC brings Fourth of July, sunflowers, peaches, and more summer fun.

My Top 5 Picks, At a Glance

Most Unique Outdoor Movie Event: Cinematery (at Congressional Cemetery)
Most Playful Museum Exhibit: The Playground at National Building Museum
Fun Live Theater for Families: Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical
Most Delicious Event: National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery Museum
Best County Fair: Loudoun County Fair

Best Things To Do with Kids in Chicago in July 2026, According to Mommy Poppins

Maureen Wilkey — 06/28/2026

Festivals, concerts, and fireworks sum up this fun month in Chicago.

Chicago in July means being all outdoors, all the time! Kick off the month with fireworks downtown and in the suburbs, and continue with movies, concerts, street festivals, and more. You can enjoy food fests like Taste of Chicago and celebrate different cultures at the Chinatown Summer Fair, Bastille Day, or International Festival of Life.

It's also NASCAR Weekend at Chicagoland Speedway! The race takes place downtown on July 3-5, so unless you're attending, you may want to steer (see what I did there?) clear of the crowds in Grant Park/Millenium Park on those three days.

My Top Picks for July 2026, At a Glance

Biggest Event Happening This Weekend: NASCAR Weekend at Chicagoland Speedway
Best Fourth of July Event: 4th on 53rd Parade and Free Festival
Top Pick for Tweens and Teens: Backyard Fest
Top Free Event: Fresh Fest at Navy Pier
Best Hidden-Gem Event: Foam Fun Fest

Here are our favorite things to do with kids in Chicago this July!

9 Best Swimming Lakes Near Dallas-Fort Worth for Families (Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips)

Gabby Cullen — 06/28/2026

Let's be honest. Hanging out poolside is always cool, but in the summertime, having access to the swimming lakes near Dallas and Fort Worth is as essential to North Texans as a working AC unit. After all, if you love being outdoors and showing off your grilling skills, you'll need a body of water nearby when the heat takes its toll. Luckily, plenty of spots perfect for families in and around the metroplex are within an hour's drive of your home.

And, since we live in Texas and you know we go big or go home, you'll find the biggest inflatable obstacle course in the state at one of these places and waterslides at another. So, as you gear up for hot weather, consider planning a day with your crew at one of these spots where you can run, jump, and swim to your heart's content. And remember, always wear a lifejacket!

Best Swimming Lakes Near Los Dallas-Fort Worth (Quick List)

Lake Lewisville
Joe Pool Lake
Burgers Lake
Lake Tawakoni
Possum Kingdom
Lake Granbury

Best Swimming Lakes Near Los Dallas-Fort Worth (Quick List)

Lake Lewisville
Joe Pool Lake
Burgers Lake
Lake Tawakoni
Possum Kingdom
Lake Granbury