With 42 acres of gardens and sculptures, the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, is perhaps not your typical family museum or park outing. Yet, even my 2-year-old was fascinated with the various art we discovered, including many pieces that towered well over both of our heads! Plus, he absolutely loved being outside and walking around the grounds, which are built on a portion of the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds.

Situated just outside of Trenton, and just over the state line from Pennsylvania, the garden draws in visitors from all over. There are fun surprises hidden around seemingly every corner as you explore the grounds: a spray of mist, a lotus pond, little bridges, peacocks, and more. Whether you're 2 or 92, this outdoor museum likely holds something exciting for everyone.

A trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, offers a surprising number of family activities, from farm visits and more country fun to train rides and cool museums. My family, including two little ones, recently tried to squeeze as much of the area's top attractions into a day trip as we could, and we're already planning a return trip to see more.

Whether you love that rural vibe or are just looking for an alternative to the standard beach-type of family weekend getaway, I can assure you that Pennsylvania Dutch Country and Amish Country make for a sweet destination with kids in tow. It's not just fields, pastures, and cows!

Read on for the top family sights, including The Science Factory, Strasburg Railroad, Dutch Wonderland, and even a train-themed hotel. 

Looking for more family getaways? Check out our travel guide with real parent reviews of resorts and destinations. Find more Pennsylvania family fun with our Poconos Guide.

Installing a new infant car seat can be confusing. There are a lot of rules when it comes to car seat safety, and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Is it in tight enough? Is it straight enough? Are the straps set correctly? Only about 5% of parents get it right on their own- and about half of the 95% who did it wrong have older kids and have done it before. Sometimes, just having a second pair of eyes looking at your baby's seat can alleviate all your concerns. Car seat safety checks are a great (and free) resource for parents. It never hurts to get checked out. That's why we've compiled a list of places in the area who offer free car seat safety inspections regularly, so you can have a little peace of mind. We recommend calling ahead of time as most are by appointment only.