3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom

Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company

Take an Orlando trip with Mommy Poppins! As a local (born and raised), I'm here to tell you that there is so much more to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. If you are visiting Orlando for a long weekend or quick trip and want to avoid the high costs and crowds associated with theme parks, we’ve compiled the perfect three-day itinerary for an Orlando trip with kids. And since the Florida weather can be unpredictable, we've included both outdoor and indoor attractions. Plus, if your kids are older and can hang after the sun has set, we've included evening entertainment options for your Orlando visit.

3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum

We've planned the best things to do in Philly during your next trip to the City of Brotherly Love.

Welcome to Philly, home of the cheesesteak, the Iggles, Rocky, and, oh yes, the birthplace of America. Whether you're visiting for the history, the food, the art, the sports, or the friends, there's something for everyone in the always-sunny City of Brotherly Love. We've planned a 3 day itinerary for exploring Philly with kids, including good eats, sites to see, and all the best family-friendly destinations. A kind warning--for your own good, don't wear sports gear unless it's a Philly team, mmmkay?  

While you're at it, browse our list of Philadelphia's top attractions for kids, or get inspired to think like a local with our list of 100 things to do in Philly before your kid grows up. Don't forget to check our weekend events roundup while you're here for all the happenings that are, well, happening during your visit. 

3 Days on Long Island with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Dad

Long Island is known for its glorious beaches, and no visit here is complete without dipping your toes in the sand. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Few places offer as many things to do as Long Island. In what other region of the country, for example, can you treat your kids to a morning museum visit in Nassau County, then whisk them off later to one of the most talked-about beaches in the Hamptons?

For the record, yours truly is a Long Island native with roots on the East End. I’ve lived in all three sections of Long Island before settling in central Suffolk, where I am raising my kids. Much as I struggle with the winter snowstorms, summer humidity, Long Island Rail Road delays, and seemingly endless parkway traffic, I’d never live anywhere else. 

No, you won’t suffer from a shortage of things to do here, and I've put together a 3-day itinerary showcasing some of the area's riches, which include pro sports, state parks, seasonal celebrations, amusement parks, farm fun, and plenty more. And if you like sand on your toes, Long Island has some of the finest and most kid-friendly beaches in the Northeast. So the plan here is to introduce you to a number of must-do things when visiting Long Island.

Montclair, New Jersey: 21 Things To Do with Kids

Browse the Montclair Farmer's Market for local produce and goods. Photo courtesy of the market

Nestled in Essex County, Montclair, New Jersey is located just 12 miles outside of Manhattan. With two busy downtown districts, this walkable suburb is home to Montclair State University, the Presby Iris Gardens, and the Montclair Art Museum, as well as several parks and playgrounds. From the Upper Montclair shopping area to the Church Street storefronts in Montclair Center, the town's eclectic restaurants and kid-friendly activities make it a fun day trip for families in Northern New Jersey.

Read on for the top places to visit and things to do during your visit.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck

Looking for things to do when visiting Chicago with kids? We've got you covered with this three day itinerary packed with kid-friendly activities in Chicago.

Chicago is a great city to explore with kids. From the food to the museums and parks, there is something for everyone to do, see, and eat. To help you plan the ultimate 3-day trip with your family, we’ve rounded up our favorite kid-friendly activities you can pack into a long weekend.

When visiting Chicago, it’s always wise to have a few alternate and indoor options mapped out as well. In one weekend, you could see a little of all four seasons. Check out our Free Things To Do in Chicago On Cold and Rainy Days for bad weather alternatives that won't cost you extra cash. And while we list many food options below, you can also peruse our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide. Lastly, you'll probably want to check out our Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago.

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

Disney Celebrates 100 Years of Magic with Celebrations at Disneyland, Disney World, and More

Disney turns 100 with celebrations from coast to coast and around the world. Photo courtesy of Disneyland

Disney is turning 100 in 2023! That Mickey Mouse looks pretty great for his age. (For the record, Mickey Mouse isn't 100 yet, as he was first seen in 1928.) To celebrate 100 years of childhood smiles, the Walt Disney Corporation is throwing a party at theme parks across the globe. This year we get new nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland in Anaheim (and hopefully at Walt Disney World in Orlando as well), traveling museum exhibits across the country, a new animated feature film dedicated to the legacy of the animation studio, and more.

The worldwide anniversary bash begins January 27, 2023 at Disneyland, and the party continues all year, with more dates to be announced at other Disney parks. We've rounded up the biggest and best new rides, shows, movies, and celebrations, so you can plan your Disney-themed vacation this year. If your Disney trip takes you to Disney World, be sure to check out all our Orlando theme park coverage, and if your family is more partial to the west coast, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to know when visiting Disneyland with kids.

Top Types of Parenting Styles from Gentle Parenting to Tiger Mom: Which Is Best?

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

Types of parenting styles these days actually outnumber books on parenting! From tiger moms to gentle parenting, which style is best for you? Finding your parenting style is a bit like finding your tribe. With so many categories (and sub-categories), it can be a challenge to find the right fit. Are you a Koala parent like Kim Kardashian or a permissive mom like Jada Pinkett Smith?

The good news is you don't have to settle on one single style. The better news is we've brought together some of the top types of parenting styles here, so you can see what everyone is talking about, and figure out which style(s) intuitively make the most sense to you. Plus, you'll be able to distinguish the helicopter parents from the bulldozers at the next school function!

Hopefully, these types of parenting styles will make you feel seen, as you recognize like-minded parenting schools of thought. Kind of like these funny parenting memes, that give you a chuckle and let you know you're not alone.

Registration Opens for Free Spring Break STEM Camps in NYC

Kids can get a lesson in space technology at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum's STEM Matters spring break camp. Photo courtesy of the museum

The NYC Department of Education's popular free STEM Matters program is back in 2023 and offers FREE week-long camps during New York City's spring break, with programming running from Monday, April 10-Friday, April 14, 2023. The deadline to apply for these hands-on programs, serving kids in kindergarten through 8th grade, is fast approaching.

Seventeen different sites are offering programs across the five boroughs, and many are hosted by New York City’s top cultural institutions, including kid hot spots like the Bronx Zoo and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The subjects are diverse but focus on the sciences.

Looking for more camp coverage for spring break or beyond? Be sure to bookmark our New York City Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for camps by type, age, and neighborhood.

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