Amazing Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers

Toddlers can't resist the fun of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Traveling with toddlers can be tricky, and visiting Orlando theme parks with toddlers is no exception. Between the heat, ride wait times, and crowds, little guests can burn out fast. On the other hand, toddlers are only little for so long, and we understand the importance of soaking up this time with them and making lasting memories! Thankfully, many Orlando theme parks cater to little ones with kid-friendly waiting lines, indoor play zones, and more. We’ve rounded up the best Orlando theme parks (and water parks!) to visit with toddlers.

Visiting the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, WI with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

People enjoying the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Photo by Joseph Gage via Flickr

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is a magical realm that comes to life each summer. Step through the gates and be transported to the year 1574 where the streets are bustling with villagers, nobles, and performers in elaborate costumes.

You'll find different play spaces, interactive kid's areas, playgrounds, shows, interactive performances, food options, rides, games, shops, and a benevolent queen who rules over her kingdom. If you're planning a visit to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with kids, these insider tips will make the most of this enchanting adventure. 

If you're looking for other exciting family adventures in Wisconsin, opt for a weekend in Lake Geneva or Madison. Want to try something else? These family day trips and weekend getaways are the perfect fit for more family adventures.

12 Swimming Lakes Near DC You Need to Discover

No ocean? No problem. The Chesapeake Bay is calling! Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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.

50 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Besides the whimsical fairy trail, the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers events like the annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival.  Photo courtesy of the center

Toddlers and preschoolers are like little sponges that soak in the world around them. These days are fleeting so take advantage of the many Atlanta places for toddlers and preschoolers to explore and expand their world. Enjoy our curated list specially geared for toddlers and preschoolers in Atlanta before they get busy with homework and sports. Bonus: Many of these Atlanta attractions offer FREE admission for kids at this age!

10 Swimming Lakes near Philly You Need To Discover

Dive into Parvin State Park; the water's fine! (And a little chilly...) Photo by Cait Sumner

There are no two ways about it: Kids love swimming! Lake swimming is the perfect way to cool off when the beach or the pool is too crowded, or when you just want to mix it up a bit. There are quite a few swimming lakes in the Philadelphia area that offer great little beaches, picnic areas, and, of course, swimming! As an added bonus, most of these swimming lakes are located in state parks, which offer lots of other great activities, including camping and hiking. Most swimming lakes in the Philadelphia area are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. So get your bathing suits on, load up the car, grab the sunscreen, and head out to one of these great local swimming lakes in the Philadelphia region!

Looking for more summer fun? Check out our favorite Jersey Shore Beaches, or browse our roundup of Where to Go Camping with Kids. For all the best Philadelphia-area swimming spots, our guide to Beaches, Pools, Spray Pads, and Water Parks has got you covered.

All Aboard These Train Rides and Day Trips near NYC for Locomotive Lovers

Train-lovers of all ages love to explore the roundhouse at Steamtown.

All of my three children have gone through a train-loving phase around 2 years old, and while we are lucky enough to live on a train line where we can watch the trains zoom by all day long, I've been known to go out of my way to feed our kids’ love of choo-choos. From local train rides to seasonal Polar Express train rides, train museums, and model train displays, families in the tri-state area have plenty of options to entertain pint-sized train lovers.

Read on for our top picks for train-inspired day trips, including all the best things to do with train-obsessed kids in NYC and beyond.

The Funniest Words Kids Mispronounce

Most kids love wallymelo, but can they pronounce it? Photo courtesy of Canva

English is a weird language! When kids are mastering it, there are loads of commonly mispronounced words, or words that kids use instead of the real name because they make more sense. On our Mommy Poppins Instagram and Facebook pages recently, we had a hilarious discussion about the funny words our kids mispronounce.

Some are sweet letter slip-ups, some are sound-alike mistakes, and some make lots of sense (a bra really is a "boobie mask" right? and "stunk" perfectly describes a skunk!).

We rounded up the funniest responses below. Reading them brings back some sweet memories! Can you add to it? Join the conversation!

Check out our Parenting Guide for more parent talk, from funny animal parenting memes to parenting tips from dads.

Easy-to-Make Mother’s Day Cards and Mother’s Day Card Ideas

Use watercolors and painter's tape to make beautiful DIY Mother's Day cards at home.

Browse our Mother’s Day card ideas for lots of creative ways to make Mom’s day a memorable one.

What’s cuter than homemade Mother’s Day cards? Those tiny handprints, adorable spelling mistakes, and well-intentioned portraits that totally look JUST like Mom are made with so much love. Find some inspiration for this year’s Mother’s Day cards with our list of sweet and simple Mother’s Day card ideas that will make the kids beam with pride as Mom wipes her eyes.

For more ways to make Mom’s day, check out our top 50 Mother’s Day gifts that moms actually want, or make her something delish from our favorite kid-friendly Mother’s Day brunch recipes. Don’t forget to check your local Mommy Poppins site for all the awesome Mother’s Day things to do.

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