Newport is GORGEOUS in the summer and with all the lovely water sprinklers and the beach clearly nothing more can be asked for. But we live close to one of the most popular cities in the world where you can find some superb day trips accessible by just a short train ride - So dont miss out on this fun too!

• 

  The Cloisters

  Manhattan
  

  This is a branch of the Met even many locals fail to enjoy. If you’re into a shorter trip, hop on the subway and enjoy the amazing medieval art and architecture overlooking the Hudson River.

• 

  Snug Harbor Botanical Gardens

  Staten Island
  

  The Staten Island Ferry is a fun and free way to get great city views. Snug Harbor Botanical Garden is a short bus ride from the ferry terminal, where you’ll quickly forget you’re in the city at all. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

• 

  The Rockaways

  Queens
  

  THE BEACH BUS IS BACK! Pre-game on this fast and cheap ride with your buds. In addition to beach lounging, your  agenda should include: tacos from  Rockaway Taco, frozen sangria (yes,  it’s a booze slushy) from Caracas,  and partying at Playland Motel.

• 

  Orchard Beach

  Bronx
  

  Less developed than Coney Island; try biking from the 6 train to this beach. When things get busier in the warmer months, take advantage of the quiet nature trails. Feeling adventurous? There’s a nude beach in  Section 1—no joke.

• 

  Roosevelt Island

  The views of Manhattan and Queens are gorgeous, and the air tram is reason  enough to go. Be sure to visit Four Freedoms Park at the southern tip of the island—you’ll feel like you’re on a giant ship in the middle of the East River.  Ahoy, Matey!

OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

MY LIST OF 20 FUN PLACES TO GO WITH YOUNG KIDS

1. Point Pleasant Beach, NJ: Complete with boardwalk, aquarium, skee ball and rides ( Carry your own food)
2. Cape May, NJ: Not only are there gorgeous beaches, but there's a light house, old Victorian homes, nice shopping and dinning, too. 
3. Sandy Hook, NJ: 7 mile beach MommyPoppins Top Five Beaches for Families in NYC.
4. Crayola Factory, Easton, PA
5. Land of make belief, Hope , NJ
6. Sesame Place - Family Amusement Park in Pennsylvania
7. Hersheypark - featuring 12 coasters and The Boardwalk at ...
8. Alstede Farms NJ
9. Field Station Dinosaurs - Secaucus
10. Central Park Zoo
11. Bronx Zoo
12. NY Aquarium and Coney Island Beach
13. Prospect park and the ZooThe Museums - Natural History and MET are ...
14. Picnic at  Bear Mountain State Park, NY
15. Fire Island, NY
16. Six Flags Great Adventure / Wild Safari, NJ ( Although I have heard that the one in MA is better suited for kids under the age of 5)
17. Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
18. Waterworks Family Aquatic Complex, West Windsor
19.  Zoom Ziplines at Mountain Creek
20. Mystic Country

Talkback: Know of other nice places one can visit?  Leave a comment below