What Is Pickleball? Pickleball Rules and Why Kids Love It

Photo courtesy of One Shot Pickleball, Amazon

Perhaps your kids came home from school one day and announced, "I played pickleball in PE today!" Maybe you've seen ads for pickleball clubs in your community. Or you may have simply driven past the park and noticed an unfamiliar game happening on the tennis court. However you were exposed to it, at some point you've likely wondered, what is pickleball?

Pickleball is a craze that's quickly sweeping the nation because it's fun, affordable, and a great way to get some exercise. And because it's easy to learn and play, families and kids can play together and make memories.

Read on to learn all about pickleball and why it's the perfect family sport. For more outdoor fun with your family, check out our guide to top outdoor activities with kids.

Liberty Science Center: Best Things To Do With Kids

Kids can climb to their hearts content on the Liberty Science Center's Infinity Climber. Photo courtesy of the museum

It's no wonder the Liberty Science Center has become a New Jersey mainstay for area parents and kids—and one of our favorite attractions in New Jersey. This 300,000-square-foot educational center on the Jersey City waterfront is jam-packed with exciting hands-on STEM learning activities for kids of all ages. With live animals to see, unique structures to climb and explore, skyscrapers to build, planetarium shows to watch, and experiments to try, it’s easy to visit this four-story museum again and again. And the best part? The exhibits are constantly refreshed and new ones are rotated in, so there’s always something fresh to see. It's even a great place to enroll in a STEM-inspired summer camp or celebrate a birthday.

Read on for the top 10 things to do and see at the Liberty Science Center and find more great local cultural institutions in our Guide to Museums and Galleries in New Jersey. 

Kid-Friendly Nail Salons in NYC

Milk & Cookies Kids Spa and Salon offers plenty of spa services to glam your cuties from head to toe.

When it comes time to groom or get glammed up, a trip to the nail salon may be in order. At these local kid-friendly nail salons, children can enjoy getting pampered—or you can enjoy a mommy-and-me mani alongside them. These 14 local nail salons in NYC all offer parent-approved perks, like organic nail polishes, and kid-friendly draws, like nail art designs cool enough for big kids. Some of them are open for walk-in services, while others are party places only. We've even found a salon that brings a mobile spa party right to your front door for your next celebration.

Get Pumped for Peppa Pig Live! Coming to a Theater Near You

Peppa Pig is coming to your town for a live theater experience that delights kids. Photo by Shore Fire Media

Peppa Pig fans are squealing with delight because their favorite pig and her friends (George, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe) are coming to a live theater near you in Peppa Pig’s Adventure. The show is making stops in Red Bank, NJ on Wednesday, April 13 before heading up to Lowell, MA on April 16 and then stopping in Boston on May 1. We had the privilege of seeing the show when it stopped in Atlanta. Dressed in matching pink shirts adorned with their names, my crew headed to the theater with lots of giggles, anticipation, and cries of “How much longer until we see Peppa?”

Read on for the inside scoop on this show that's sure to delight your favorite preschooler.

Family-Friendly Spa Resorts and Hotels Near Boston

Find family-friendly resorts within an hour's drive from Boston. Photo courtesy of Seacrest Beach Hotel

New England is known for its history and natural beauty, but Greater Boston is also home to some amazing, family-friendly resorts and spas. Whether you're in the mood for beachfront relaxation or sweeping mountain vistas, we've got you covered. These hotels and resorts have the right amenities for families with kids. Many also have the luxurious spa treatments that overworked parents could use any time of year!

The following resorts are some of New England's top family-friendly staycation spots. Some are within an hour of Boston. These resorts combine the amenities parents need with the relaxed atmosphere they want. If you're looking for a little more adventure and excitement in your family vacation, check out our guide to the 40 Best Amusement Parks in the US for a Family Vacation. You can also find year-round rsort ideas in our 9 Best Florida Beach Vacation Destinations for Families. And our Guide to the Best Indoor Water Parks for Easy Family Getaways can point you to some fun destinations around New England.

 

10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut

Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the "Kids Club."  Photo courtesy of Gurney's Newport

Travel season is picking up and families are on the hunt for kid-friendly escapes where parents can also relax and unwind. Moms and dads in the Nutmeg State needn't look too far...there are plenty of great hotels and spa resorts in Connecticut with family-friendly amenities. These places tick all the right boxes, including pools, entertainment, and nearby attractions. Adults can enjoy massages, hot tubs, and maybe most importantly, babysitting where available!

Planning a vacation can be stressful, but we've got lots of resources to help make the process feel easier. Find more family travel inspiration in our Connecticut Day Trips Guide, our New England Family Travel Guide, and our Guide to Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels.

14 Family-Friendly Spa Resorts Near Los Angeles

Just try getting kids out of the pool at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage. Photo courtesy of the hotel via Facebook

Since Los Angeles is a vacation destination, the city doesn't lack great hotels for families. But sometimes you want a hotel with a little extra for everyone: you want a spa resort where parents can relax, get a massage, and maybe golf, yet where kids will be completely entertained and welcomed. From mountain spa resorts surrounded by pine groves to beachside retreats to desert paradises, there are spa resorts near Los Angeles for every type of family vacation and they all include kid-friendly activities, attractions, and of course, lots of mind-blowingly fun swimming pools.

Here are 14 of our favorite family-friendly spa resorts near Los Angeles for a spectacular vacation or staycation. If you're looking for other family-friendly sleeping options near Los Angeles, we've got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Hotels in Los Angeles for a Family Vacation, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.

17 Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels for a Family Staycation

Try the indoor s'mores kit and the  Rocky-style robes for kids at the Logan Hotel.

Family vacations create memories to last a lifetime. But that doesn't mean leaving the country, state, or even the city for that matter. There are several great Philadelphia hotels with perks for kids and families that are perfect for a Philly staycation. We've found all the best spots where parents can get some much-needed R & R while the kids stay entertained. Enjoy a busy day of sightseeing, or simply unwind and enjoy the family-friendly amenities at these hotels in Philadelphia.

A Philadelphia staycation is a great opportunity to make your way through our list of Top Attractions in Philly for Kids. For quick and easy escapes, don't miss our guide to Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

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