SoCal has no shortage of beaches, including plenty of classic, family-friendly beaches right here in Los Angeles. The only problem is all those other people who seem to know about them, too. As locals, we deserve a few beaches that only we know about, where we can enjoy the Pacific Ocean in our backyard without running into all the tourists who are just as happy at Santa Monica Pier anyway. Read on to discover the beautiful hidden beaches that even some Angelenos have never visited.

Momming is hard work. But necessity is also the mother of invention, so it seems only fitting that moms have been discovering (and sharing) simple tricks to make mothering a little easier for all of us. From getting kids to eat their vegetables to soothing sunburn, these 15 life-changing #MomHacks will save you a little time and energy—and hopefully a little sanity too.

Looking for more clever mom life ideas? Check out our other creative parenting hacks and tricks, like these fun Tooth Fairy ideas that kids love, some screen-free activities for family night, and even tricks to get toddlers to play by themselves!

Mamaroneck's Marine Education Center is an under-the-radar destination for families. Situated on the Long Island Sound in Harbor Island Park, the small size of the building and staff belies the extensive offerings of this STEM treasure. What’s more, visiting is FREE! Whether you’ve got curious kids or aspiring marine biologists, read on to learn more about this Westchester gem.

When you've had your fun inside, explore the rest of the attractions in the park, including one of our favorite playgrounds and a top-notch seasonal splash pad.

There is nothing like a walk in the woods to clear your mind, and the sights will undoubtedly excite your children. When you're ready for an outdoor adventure, consider one of these South Jersey hikes, where you can spot everything from beavers and fish in a creek to songbirds flittering about and the occasional quail or deer. In addition to wildlife, you can find manmade structures to hide in, wooden bridges to traverse, and a rope swing to glide on if you’re daring enough.

Find more great green spaces and hiking spots to explore in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds, and we'll look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Walking into the High Score Pinball Arcade inside the Westfield South Shore Mall immediately transported my husband and I back to our youth. After lamenting to our 10- and 12-year-old sons about how we had to save our quarters for arcade trips, our collective eyes glimmered at the dancing lights, pinball bells, and flickering scoreboards.

Read on for the inside scoop on this family-friendly outing and find more local arcades for old-school fun all across Long Island.

There's no denying it—kids love diving into a sandbox, running their shovels and hands through the grains of sand, dumping a full bucket over, and generally getting their hands dirty. Though NYC parents might get grossed out at the thought of what could be lurking in our uncovered, urban sandboxes, it's hard to refuse one of a preschooler's most beloved sensory experiences. So pull up a bench (and your cup of coffee; you'll be here a while!), and check out these eight toddler-tested, mom-approved NYC sandboxes. We've done our best to find the cleanest ones across the city. Besides, you can always wash their hands in the nearby sprinklers or park bathrooms when you're finally able to get them out.

About 12 miles south of Boston is Hingham, a coastal town located right on Boston Harbor. Hingham is known for its Fourth of July fireworks on the harbor, a Main Street filled with historic homes, and stately trees that offer beautiful canopy covers in the warmer months, a charming downtown, and the home of the South Shore Conservatory and Derby Academy. Eleanor Roosevelt once designated Hingham's Main Street as “The most beautiful Main Street in America.” 

For visitors, there are at least 4 main reasons to love Hingham: Seaside town. Check. Quaint. Check. Non-touristy. Check. No fast food. Check. Families in the Boston area who are looking for something fun to do should plan a visit to Hingham for a wonderful experience. 

Who can resist the urge to pop that bubble wrap once it comes floating loose from a package? Certainly not any kids we know!

Well, instead of shooing them away from the box as they ready their stomping feet, try one of these 10 clever ways to let kids play with it, get messy with it, and generally have some fun with bubble wrap. It's actually one of our secretly fun exercise games for kids. Also, you're demonstrating some healthy plastic upcycling practices, too. Win-win. Go ahead and add a little "pop" to your playtime. These kid-tested crafts and games will have you engineering roads and creating beautiful swirls and whirls of color and design.