Mexico's Velas Vallarta All-Inclusive Family Resort is Eco-Friendly Earth Check Certified

All-inclusive resorts are popular with family travelers because they make life so easy, but all those options can also take a big environmental toll. An all-inclusive resort may create tons of food waste on a daily basis, not to mention loads of electricity for air conditioning and water for washing pool and bath towels. Nobody wants to feel guilty while trying to enjoy a relaxing getaway, so a resort that meets the needs of families and the environment too seems like a real dream vacation. 

Velas Vallarta, a family friendly all-inclusive resort with 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has an impressive green initiative that goes beyond the typical superficial hat-tip to eco-friendliness. Their efforts have been recognized by EarthCheck, the world's leading organization in certifying sustainable tourism, with gold and silver status for the resort. Plus, the all-suite resort, with kitchens in every room and a free bottomless mini-bar, offers an affordably luxurious all-inclusive experience. 

The Best Anaheim Hotels near Disneyland for Families

Twsit, turn, then plunge into refreshing waters with a wild ride down the water slide at Disney Paradise Piers Hotel.

Most family trips to Anaheim mean enjoying a couple or more days with the mouse at the happiest place on Earth, the Disneyland Resort. Therefore, finding the perfect place to stay either on Disneyland property, within walking distance, or a short shuttle ride away is essential. We've compiled a list of 10 great Anaheim hotels near Disneyland that will comfortably help you rest those tired feet between rides, enjoy some pool time with the kids, and perhaps even take in a hotel-balcony fireworks show after a long, memory-filled day at Disneyland with your family.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Orange County for all of our local recommendations, from 25 Things To Do in Anaheim With Kids to Great Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Disneyland, and even a guide to visiting Disneyland with your baby.

St. Patrick's Day 2022: Kid-Friendly Events and Parades in Chicago

St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Chicago,  photo courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, (CC BY 2.0)

St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago are among some of the best in the country. From the famous Chicago River dyeing to local St. Patrick's Day parades on every side of the city and suburbs, we’ve rounded up some of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades and events for kids. While many of the usual festivities took a break over the past two years, almost all the staple events are back this year, and even some new additions for the wee ones. 

For more fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids check out our Funny Leprechaun Tricks and Trap Ideas for Kids as well as our list of the Best Things to do in March with Kids.

Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay

Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

We love how easy it is to push our stroller along the flat path of Houston, but sometimes it's great to explore somewhere with a few hills and beautiful scenery! The Texas Hill Country is one of Texas's most popular regions to visit, and with the drive only 3 or so hours from Houston, it's doable as a weekend destination. The area combines natural attractions, historical towns, swimming spots, and great food. Favored by German settlers, the Texas Hill Country includes some authentic German bakeries and restaurants. There are plenty of great accommodation options as well, from remote cabins in State Parks to luxurious resorts. There are lots of things to do in the Texas Hill Country with kids, so check out our guide, which includes family-friendly top attractions and suggestions for places to stay and eat.

 

Vibrant Orlando Gardens to Discover Color and Beauty

Albin Polasek Museum Sculpture Garden complements the beauty of art with nature's beauty.

Visiting Orlando gardens is the perfect way to welcome the gorgeous colors of spring. Luckily Orlando is a wonderland of vibrant hues almost every day of the year, and roaming a lovely Orlando garden is a great reminder of the seasonal changes. Wandering among flowers and taking in Mother Nature is the perfect family-friendly activity for all ages.

Enhance your family's garden experience by bringing a picnic lunch and water, and maybe binoculars or magnifying glasses for kids to closely examine blooms and surrounding wildlife. Don't forget sunscreen and hats for protection against the sun, as well as insect repellant and comfy walking shoes.

Soar Over NYC at RiseNY's New Sky-High Times Square Attraction

The soaring, immersive ride at RiseNY is just one of the exhibits at this exciting new attraction. Photo courtesy of  RiseNY

A brand new experience has opened close to Times Square that takes visitors on a breathtaking simulated aerial tour of New York City. With your feet dangling from the full-motion seats, you soar and swoop through the city, its landmarks, and all its seasons in RiseNY’s awe-inspiring love letter to the Big Apple.

RiseNY combines this flying theater with engaging galleries that tell the city’s cultural story all the while highlighting many of New York City's top attractions.

20 Beautiful Spring Day Trips from Philadelphia for Families

Enjoy an afternoon on the lake at Marsh Creek State Park. Photo by Erica Velander

With the bulk of the cold weather behind us, we're ready to get out of the house and get out of town with these kid-friendly spring day trips from Philadelphia. From just outside the city, to the Philadelphia countryside and across state lines, this list of 20 spring getaways near Philly has awesome activities for kids of all ages. From breathtaking gardens and off-the-radar museums to train rides and nationally renowned attractions, there are so many places to explore right in our backyard. 

Read on for family-friendly day trips within a few hours of Philadelphia, and find more inspiration in our Spring Fun Guide. Prepare for your next mini vacay with our Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Guide.

Zipping Across the Best Atlanta Zipline and Ropes Courses

Every step matters at TreeTop Adventure & Ziplines at Callaway Gardens. Photo by Bill Leffler

Looking for a great family activity to get you out of your comfort zone? Imagine soaring among a tree canopy on an Atlanta zipline or ropes course. Everyone will get a good workout and have fun while improving gross motor skills, balance, and concentration. An added benefit of the ropes course and zipline is the adrenaline rush and boost of self-confidence that completing an Atlanta zipline or ropes course provides.

Whether your family consists of novices or experienced thrill seekers, check out our list of Atlanta ziplines and ropes courses in the area. (Don't worry if the weather isn’t cooperative, we’ve included several indoor places as well.) Book reservations to ensure availability and make sure your group meets any age, height, or weight requirements. Wear sturdy sneakers and save time by completing waivers online.

For more fun ideas this spring, check out our Spring Fun Guide, as well as our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids

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