Hotels & Resorts

Mohonk Mountain House: A Favorite Hudson Valley Resort Reviewed

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 03/12/2018 - 4:03pm

For a luxurious family getaway in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House is a delicious splurge in any season. The historic Victorian castle, just 90 miles from New York City and North Jersey, is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest, miles of hiking trails and breathtaking mountain vistas. It attracts both locals and guests from around the country, including the tristate area.

Cozy guest rooms include fireplaces or rocking-chair balconies, but no televisions, so get ready for hours of family togetherness. Don't worry, there's a kids club, myriad indoor and outdoor activities, an award-winning spa, and decent wi-fi signal. We revisited the local family resort this winter for a long weekend getaway and are happy to share our review with Mommy Poppins readers.

Easy Spring Break Getaways for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 03/02/2018 - 3:00pm

Spring break means sunshine and outdoor fun. But if a trip to Florida or the Caribbean is not in your family's plan this season, a low-key vacation that's closer to home is an ideal way to welcome warmer weather.

Most New Jersey schools are on spring break in mid-April, when weather in the Northeast can be unpredictable: too chilly for outdoor swimming, yet too warm to stay cooped up inside all week. So dress everyone in layers and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family. We've rounded up the best options for fun family destinations in and around the Garden State, from New Jersey beach towns and indoor water parks to Pocono resorts and Hudson Valley getaways.

If you're looking for a shorter jaunt minus the overnight stay, check out our guide to New Jersey family day trips. And if a road trip is not on your agenda this April, visit one of these indoor play spaces or z oos.

10 Best Indoor Water Parks for Kids in the US

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 02/24/2018 - 2:14pm

Whether it's the middle of winter and you need a family getaway or you have a special occasion to celebrate but don't want to risk your party being washed out by rain, it's nice to have indoor water options. And we're not talking the dip pool at the downtown Best Western. We're thinking mega water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, toddler-friendly water play, and thrilling wave pools that only a water park can offer.

Those living in the North and Midwest no longer have to seek sunny locales to beat the winter blues. And residents of the South and West now have ways to beat the heat when even water won't cool you off from a blazing sun. The year-round fun of an indoor water park is a bonus for everyone!

Here are our picks for the best indoor water parks for kids around the country. For more ideas, check out our local coverage of indoor water parks near New York, New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Crystal Springs Resort: Two NJ Hotels Host Mountains of Family Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 02/20/2018 - 1:53pm

Sometimes, it's all about the location when you travel. Exploring new areas of your state or country are exciting. But other times, it's all about the amenities. When you pack two sister resorts full of skiing, snow adventures, water play, and spa options, there's really no need to go past the grounds—which is the case with Crystal Springs Resort in northern New Jersey.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, and if they're right for your family.

Find more vacation destinations in our Family Resort Guide, which is packed with reviews.

Wild West Meets Wine Country at this Southern California Guest Ranch

Submitted by Dana Zepeda on Mon, 02/19/2018 - 4:27am

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is just a two-and-a-half hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, but it feels like vacationing in another world. While it's possible to go horseback riding around Los Angeles, this quiet escape in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country takes that a step further on a 10,000-acre ranch boasting 50 miles of riding trails, a 100-acre lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, and a heated pool and spa.

Star Wars Day at Sea Aboard the Disney Fantasy: Could a Cruise Be Any Better?

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 02/10/2018 - 1:32pm

A long time ago (early January), in a galaxy far, far away (Florida), I had the pleasure of embarking on a thrilling voyage: Star Wars Day at Sea, aboard the Disney Fantasy. My spouse is an Imagineer who worked on creating the Day at Sea, so our lucky toddler and I got to tag along. Just call us the Death Star... cuz we had a blast.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs: Where Playing in the Mud Is a Treat for Mama

Submitted by Laura Esposito on Mon, 02/05/2018 - 6:27pm

Kids love getting into mud about as much as moms usually dread the sight of it. But don't make the mistake of reducing mud to a simple laundry nightmare. LA mamas have long found the mud baths at Glen Ivy Hot Springs to be rejuvenating, good for their skin and, yes, even fun to play in. You could invite your so-grown-up teen to take a spa day with you (no one under 16 allowed!), or you could just leave the posse with Papa and run for the hills on your own. Either way, a day escape to Glen Ivy Spa is an Angeleno secret worth knowing.

Beauty and the Beast Aboard the Disney Dream: Cruising the Caribbean with Belle

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 01/27/2018 - 12:00pm

Following last year's announcement of a Beauty and the Beast themed European river cruise, Disney Cruise Lines has opened a spectacular new stage production of Beauty and the Beast exclusively on the Disney Dream. I can’t recommend this show enough—it’s sure to be a highlight of anyone's vacation (maybe even more than the all-you-can-eat-soft-serve)—and who knew you could improve on a trip to the Bahamas?