SeaWorld’s New Baby Shark Show and Jellyfish Experience Bring More Family Fun to San Diego

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

SeaWorld visitors can now catch <i>Baby Shark and Pinkfong’s FIN-tastic Adventure</i>.

Like most toddlers, my two-year-old constantly commands Alexa to “play Baby Shark,” and has her “doo doo doo doo doo doos” down. Needless to say, we couldn’t wait to head to SeaWorld San Diego to check out the two brand new attractions now open: the limited time Baby Shark Mini Live Show and Jewels of the Sea, the immersive Jellyfish Experience!

After an action-packed day exploring the park’s latest additions, plus a few fan favorites, my four kids–ages 9, 6, 4, and 2–confidently declared our visit “one of the best days ever!” So, read on for my rundown on what to expect at the new exhibitions, and take a look at my personal tips for navigating SeaWorld San Diego with kids.

Best Family Vacation Websites and Travel Blogs

Submitted by Nicole O'Donnell on

The Mommy Poppins travel guide has insider tricks and hacks for traveling with toddlers and kids. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters

Ever been on a family vacation only to get home and realize you’re more exhausted than before you left? Family vacations with kids can be challenging! You need to pick a great place to go that has enough to interest kids of all ages, find hotels with all the amenities your family needs and is close enough to the action to take breaks if you need them, and find food your picky eaters will eat. On top of that, every aspect of the trip needs to fit into your family's budget.

Luckily, you don’t have to go into it blindly. For planning family vacations, several websites stand out as having been-there-done-that insight into loads of different types of family vacations. In addition to where to travel with your family, these websites help steer you to the best family hotels, family restaurants, and even travel tips for traveling with children. We’ve scoped out the best family vacation websites to help ensure smooth sailing—or flying, driving, train travel… 

Read on for our picks for the top family vacation websites and blogs and why we like them!

Easy Summer Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Submitted by Diana Kim on

Plan a hiking trip during your visit to the Poconos for a summer weekend getaway. Photo by Ally Noel

Summer travel is on the horizon, and with a slew of kid-friendly escapes just a few hours from New York City, the hardest part of planning a weekend getaway from NYC could be deciding whether you want a woodsy outdoor adventure, a quiet beach town, an island escape, or a historical expedition. No matter what you decide, we've rounded up 10 summer weekend getaway destinations full of fun, and all are less than three hours from NYC by car or train.

You can find more travel inspiration in our Local Day Trips Guide and on our East Coast Family Travel Guide.

35 Things To Do on Mother's Day 2025 in Los Angeles

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

MOMentum Place is Theatricum Botanicum's annual Mother's Day celebration. Photo courtesy of the event.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11, 2025. Mom deserves something special, and what is more special than a fantastic, memory-making experience? This list is full of fun outings that the whole family will enjoy, but they're especially focused on the woman of the hour. 

Start with brunch, of course, whether at a spectacular spot serving one of the best Mother's Day brunches in Los Angeles or one of these easy Mother's Day recipes that kids can make. Then, bellies full and happy, move on to one—or more—of these Mother's Day ideas in Los Angeles that will delight and surprise the mothers in your life. 

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

The JadeWaters Resort Pool at Hilton Anatole Is Gearing Up for Summer

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on

The JadeWaters Resort Pool opens daily for summer at the end of May!

The Hilton Anatole is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Dallas. Not only is it close to downtown, the Arts District, and many other Dallas attractions, but it’s got an attraction of its very own right on the resort property. The JadeWaters Resort Pool, with its Splash and Play Zone perfect for babies and toddlers, two 180-foot slides, lazy river, and pool, is a huge draw for families looking for a Dallas staycation, and the good news is, opening weekend is only a few weeks away.

Discover more family-friendly hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth here. 

Best Strawberry Picking and Summer Strawberry Festivals Near DC

Submitted by Meredith Kiryakov on

Full up your buckets with juicy red strawberries. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms

Late spring/early summer is strawberry picking season in the DC area, and our taste buds are more than ready. From pick-your-own berry farms to full-on strawberry festivals, there are so many opportunities to pick and celebrate this delicious fruit.

Here are 11 places to go strawberry picking in Northern Virginia and Maryland that are not too far from DC, plus four fun strawberry festivals. While kids will love strawberry picking alone, several of the farms on this list also offer other fun activities like petting zoos, slides, playgrounds, and more.

For more fun on the farm, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC, which includes our roundup of even more places to go berry picking near DC.

Jekyll Island with Kids: Top Things To Do on Jekyll Island, GA

Submitted by Charlotte B on

This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach! Photo by the author

Part of Georgia’s "Golden Isles," Jekyll Island offers 10 miles of pristine natural shoreline and a variety of family-oriented activities and attractions, including horseback riding, biking, historic tours, a seasonal water park, and more. Development on the island is limited in order to preserve the ecosystem, so guests can enjoy a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on for the best activities, restaurants, and Jekyll Island hotels and campgrounds for families!

Space-Themed Fun in Orlando for Kids and Budding Astronauts

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Planet Play at the Kennedy Space Center is an indoor interactive area where children explore our solar system! Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

Orlando is an out-of-this-world destination for space-loving kids! Tiny astronauts-in-training will be over the moon after you use our guide to enjoy hours of space-related fun right here on Earth (more specifically, Orlando). From obvious outer space attractions, like the Kennedy Space Center, to those off the beaten path, including an alien-themed cafe with delicious cosmic creations, we've got the most fun under the sun!