Epic Indoor Water Park Opens at Great Wolf Lodge’s New Houston Area Location

The new Great Wolf Lodge in Webster features a 92,000-square-foot water park.

Houston, we have a new indoor waterpark! Yes, Great Wolf Lodge–the oh-so-popular year-round family destination–just opened a brand new location 35 minutes southeast of Houston in Webster, Texas. The expansive resort has toddler play pools, high-thrill water slides for teens, and lots of other fun activities under one roof, making it an easy vacation spot the whole family can enjoy.

My kids and I had been counting the days until Great Wolf Lodge Houston’s grand opening, so I was thrilled to be one of the first families to book an overnight stay and experience all the fun. Read on for my first hand review of the attractions and amenities, plus helpful tips for planning your trip and ways to save.

Best NYC Birthday Party Entertainers Who Bring the Party to You

Gary the Great keeps kids engaged with a magical birthday party performance. Photo courtesy of the magician

Planning a child's birthday party can be overwhelming but these birthday party entertainers make it a little easier. Whether you rent out a party room or throw a shindig in a park, these birthday party entertainers come to you in New York City.

These birthday party performers bring the fun—literally—from face painting to puppet shows, princesses to magicians, spa services to sports. These birthday party entertainers in NYC ensure your child's next milestone is truly memorable. Find more tips for planning your perfect party in our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC.

Feast & Fettle Meal Delivery Transforms Busy Weeknights—Here’s a Free Membership

Feast & Fettle understands what parents need and has created a service that delivers fresh meals made entirely from real ingredients.

Feast & Fettle is a fully-prepared meal delivery service that’s all about bringing fresh locally-prepared dishes made with real ingredients to families across the Westchester area and beyond.

If you've ever tried a meal delivery service, you may have found that the convenience it promises often falls short for families and the quality of the prepared dishes rarely measures up to a homemade meal. Feast & Fettle understands what parents actually need and has created a service that personally-delivers fresh meals made entirely from real ingredients to homes across Westchester, New Jersey, and New England–never frozen and never shipped. There’s no subscription required, you can customize your menu to fit various diets and appetites, and there are always options for kids.

Our family tried it out and, after a week of Feast & Fettle meal delivery service, I’m happy to say the locally-prepared entrees and side dishes did not disappoint. Plus, the easy-to-use service earned me and my husband back time in the day that we really didn’t think existed between our busy schedules and having two young kids.

Read on to learn more about what made Feast & Fettle stand out and get a FREE one-year membership when you place your first order.

Apple Picking Near DC: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Kids of all ages enjoy apple picking and chomping on an apple right off the tree. Photo courtesy of Butler's Orchard

As late August and September arrive, so do thoughts of apple picking near DC. This favorite fall tradition is a must for families, and it often goes far beyond plucking ripe apples from a tree. Many of these Virginia and Maryland apple orchards host fall activities of all kinds, like hayrides, petting zoos, and playgrounds.

All of the apple orchards and farms listed below are within easy driving distance of DC. A few of them even made our lists of the best pumpkin patches near DC and fun fall festivals near DC. Remember that farm conditions and produce availability change throughout the season, so call or check the farms' websites before you visit.

Read on for our list of 14 great places to go apple picking near DC. Then check out our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families for even more great autumn activities.

Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals

Pick from a number of apple varieties at Hudson Valley orchards. Photo by Leslie Seaton via Flickr

Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides. 

I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.

For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.

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