Florida

25 Fun Things to Do in Miami with Kids (Beyond the Beach)

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 12/08/2018 - 2:05pm

When you travel with kids, it's hard to think about vacationing in Florida beyond the mega theme parks in Orlando. Yet, the Sunshine State delivers numerous family-friendly destinations, from Tallahassee to the Keys, as well as one of our favorite cities: Miami.

Miami offers beach-ready weather for most of the year and moderate temps for the rest of it, so it welcomes visitors fleeing northern climes year-round. But there's more than the beach to entertain kids in this South Florida hot spot. You'll find outdoor activities galore, from boating and pools to fun splash pads and parks for strolling. Top-notch museums, animal encounters, and even top sports teams offer families endless options, and don't forget about Miami's proximity to the Everglades.

Read on for our favorite things to do with kids in and around Miami, Florida.

Top 10 Christmas Towns and Villages That Absolutely Sparkle

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 11/03/2018 - 12:30pm

When it comes to the best places to visit for Christmas as a family, there are plenty of holiday travel options. You can head to Rome and Vatican City to soak in the religion of it all. Vienna, beautifully drenched in festive lights, boasts first-rate Christmas markets and concerts. Head north to Lapland, Finland, to visit Santa’s official hometown. Or, if you want to lie beneath Christmas-lit palm trees, a Caribbean vacation might do the trick.

Yet, some of the best Christmas towns and bedecked Christmas villages are actually right here in the US, offering those traveling with small kids a way to save on money and time. These local destinations go all out for Christmas with unique holiday light shows, special performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa Claus.

Read on for some of our favorite Christmas vacation ideas for those looking to get into the holiday spirit in a big way, from New York City to Williamsburg, Virginia, to Newport Beach, California. Find even more ideas in our Family Travel Guide.

9 Must-See Dinosaur Theme Parks and Attractions for Kids

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 06/09/2018 - 1:25pm

If your kid is fascinated by dinosaurs, chances are everything in your home revolves around the prehistoric creatures, including your family vacations. Your nearby natural history or kids' science museum is a great bet for a quick trip to study major fossil displays. For an even bigger thrill, families might want to check out one of the many outdoor dinosaur parks, from full amusement parks to nature walks and mini fossil digs.

We've rounded up a list of 10 great places for dinosaur lovers across the country. These dinosaur-themed attractions offer up-close encounters with lifelike creatures, thrilling rides, impressive fossils, and more fun things to do and see for kids, including dino-theater.

For more family vacation ideas—that may, or may not, involve dinosaurs—check out our United States Family Travel Guide.

The Grove Resort and Water Park Is a Worthy Disney Alternative

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Sat, 05/19/2018 - 2:24pm

When planning a family vacation to Orlando, Florida, you and the kids might have just one destination on the brain: Disney. But actually, as we’ve pointed out before, there’s more to Orlando than theme parks, including plenty of family resorts from which to choose.

If you’re looking off-park for a hotel, consider The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. The 106-acre resort is just a few miles down the road from the entrance to Walt Disney World, but sits on a pretty tract of land set back from the major highways in a natural marsh and wooded landscape. It has all the favorite perks of a great family resort, including suites for housing extended family, pools, on-site restaurants, a spa, activities for kids, and even a water park.

We just returned from a long weekend at the resort and are happy to share our review.

Little-Known Orlando Theme Park Experiences and Bonus Fun for Kids of All Ages

Submitted by Mandy Carter on Mon, 05/14/2018 - 9:00am

Orlando, home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, is one of the most visited destinations in the United States—yet it has theme park experiences that are secrets to even the most dedicated travelers. If you are planning a vacation to Orlando, be sure to include these top experiences for extra fun (and awesome bragging rights).

Can You Visit Legoland on a Disney World Orlando Vacation?

Submitted by Mandy Carter on Sat, 03/17/2018 - 6:24pm

Planning a theme park vacation in Orlando, Florida? Disney World and Universal are the common highlights of an Orlando trip, but there are several other tempting theme parks in the area. If your family has Lego lovers—especially if they're between the ages of 2 and 12—Legoland Florida is a great add-on to an Orlando vacation. But with only so much time and a limited budget, the big question is, "Is it possible to go to Legoland and Disney World on one trip to Orlando?"

Star Wars Day at Sea Aboard the Disney Fantasy: Could a Cruise Be Any Better?

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 02/10/2018 - 1:32pm

A long time ago (early January), in a galaxy far, far away (Florida), I had the pleasure of embarking on a thrilling voyage: Star Wars Day at Sea, aboard the Disney Fantasy. My spouse is an Imagineer who worked on creating the Day at Sea, so our lucky toddler and I got to tag along. Just call us the Death Star... cuz we had a blast.

Beauty and the Beast Aboard the Disney Dream: Cruising the Caribbean with Belle

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Sat, 01/27/2018 - 12:00pm

Following last year's announcement of a Beauty and the Beast themed European river cruise, Disney Cruise Lines has opened a spectacular new stage production of Beauty and the Beast exclusively on the Disney Dream. I can’t recommend this show enough—it’s sure to be a highlight of anyone's vacation (maybe even more than the all-you-can-eat-soft-serve)—and who knew you could improve on a trip to the Bahamas?