Hotels & Resorts

Top Kid-Friendly Resorts in and Near New Jersey

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Wed, 05/15/2019 - 1:30pm

The very best family vacations are the ones where there's something fun for every family member to do, and kid-friendly resorts offer just that. If you can locate a destination that's within an easy driving distance, even better!

Fortunately, the Garden State and surrounding areas offer plenty of spots where you can rest, recharge, and enjoy a little recreation without the hassle of long-distance travel. Whether you want a beachy getaway down the Shore, or indoor/outdoor adventures in the Hudson Valley or the Poconos (including lots of water park fun), we've rounded up a dozen close-to-home holiday havens that all but guarantee a great time for the whole crew.

Secrets of Atlantis: 10 Tips for a Bahamas Family Vacation with Kids

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 04/27/2019 - 2:08pm

Like many kids, my boys started begging to go to Disney around the time they could walk. Once they were swimming, however, the object of their spring break fantasies became Atlantis—the Bahamas mega-resort known for its gigantic water park, marine life encounters, and luxe casino. For years, unsure whether a place nicknamed "Vegas by the Sea" was the best choice for a family vacation, my husband and I brushed aside their pleas. But after another harsh Boston winter, we broke down and booked a trip, figuring our boys were at the ideal ages—12, 10, and 7— to appreciate all the 'tweeny bopper fun that Atlantis offers (and for which it charges big).

We had a fun-packed five-day stay, and along the way, accumulated plenty of advice for other families who are considering an Atlantis trip, including whether or not it is a kid-friendly destination. Here are the main things moms and dads should know to make sure their vacation in Paradise (Island) lives up to the hype.

Find more top places to stay on vacation in our Hotels & Resorts Guide for Families.

10 Family-Friendly Boston Hotels that Make Stays Special for Kids

Submitted by Caitlin Dowling on Thu, 04/25/2019 - 10:30am

Whether you're planning a little staycation or are visiting Boston on a trip, the right hotel can make a getaway feel all the more special. There are plenty of places to stay in Boston, but some hotels are better than others at making families feel comfortable and catered to. From spectacular pools to scavenger hunts, check-in goodies to cooking classes, these 10 hotels pull out all the stops to make sure tiny travelers have an unforgettable stay. And while you may be tempted to hang out in your room all day, Boston has so much to offer families, so get out and explore! Hit some museums, walk the Freedom Trail, take a spin on a carousel, or head to one of the city's awesome parks. You'll take heart knowing that a comfy bed awaits you at the end of a fun-packed day.

Orlando's Wyndham Bonnet Creek Offers Disney-Adjacent Suites and Resort Amenities

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sat, 03/23/2019 - 1:04pm

Finding the perfect place to stay for your Orlando family vacation can be hard. You want a location with good proximity to the amusement parks, but don't forget there’s lots more to do in Orlando than just theme parks, so a resort that is fun on its own can save you a bundle and also be a whole lot more fun. Family-sized suites, kitchens, and laundry options bring the comforts of home that take the stress out of a family trip, too.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek offers luxurious condo-style one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom family suites adjacent to Walt Disney World and close to other Orlando attractions. With a full schedule of resort activities, five pool complexes, including a lazy river and water slides, it’s no wonder it ranks No. 4 on Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards list of Top Resorts in Orlando.

19 Best Family Hotels in New York City With Perks for Kids

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 03/14/2019 - 10:30am

As a born and bred New Yorker who is raising children here myself, my out-of-town friends always ask my advice when planning their NYC family vacation. They want to know everything: the best things to do, places to eat, museums to explore and, perhaps most important, where to stay.

New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And while it's nice to have options, there are so many it can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled this list of 19 NYC hotels for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends, and great reputations. These hotels offer kid-friendly amenities such as pools, free strollers, and even bunk beds. A number of our choices are located right next to top kid attractions; some are more budget-friendly and others a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan. We included places to stay with kids in Lower Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and Upper East Side, and even hotels that are in hot neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.

10 Best Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaways Near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 1:05pm

New York City is unlike any other place in the world, and that’s just the way we like it. Still, it’s fun to get away from New York for a weekend to show our families what lies beyond the city limits (nature! culture! art! fun! food!), and the best part is, you don’t have to travel far to feel like you're a world away from New York.

We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite kid-friendly destinations for stir-crazy city families, all 2.5 hours or less from NYC.

Easy Spring Break Getaways for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 9:00am

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.

Family-Friendly Farm Stays: Meet the Animals and Work the Farm

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 03/02/2019 - 1:17pm

Farm stays provide guests of all ages with a taste of farm life. Whether by milking cows and collecting eggs, or gathering fresh fruit from a pineapple plant for breakfast, families who choose to stay at a farm hotel, which might be cabin, house, or even a tent, will likely have more fun than Old MacDonald led you to believe is possible.

Time your farm stay with the kids for spring, summer, or even fall. Check out which seasonal activities might be going on before picking the dates of your farm vacation, as well as the location. We've rounded up 10 of our favorite farm "hotels" around the country, from Maine to Texas to California.

I've found that farmer-hosts have a strong desire to educate little farmers on how to live a more sustainable and balanced life. Unplug, relax, and enjoy the fruits of a hard day’s work around a campfire. Lessons learned on these farms will stay with you long after you return home.

Find more vacation ideas and weekend getaways in our Family Travel Guide, or check out your local Farm Fun Guide for local petting zoos, harvest festivals, and pick-your-own fun.