United States

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.

5 Patriotic Day Trips to Historical Sites Near Philadelphia

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 05/19/2018 - 10:30am

No doubt, Philadelphia is chock full of history. From the Liberty Bell to the Franklin Mint, spooky old cemeteries and an abandoned penitentiary to battlegrounds and museums, much of America’s earliest history has roots right in the heart of the Delaware Valley.

But for families looking for places they might not have already explored or some fun, interesting, and mentally inspiring summertime excursions, we’ve rounded up five history-inspired day trips within a few hours’ drive of Philly. Consider this your historical day trip bucket list. No matter where you pick first, we wish you safe (time) travels!

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 10:00am

Make your New Jersey kid a beach baby and go "down the shore." New Jersey boasts 130 miles of shoreline and some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. Whether your family is looking for a busy boardwalk with children's rides, a beachside water park or sprinkler playground, towering lighthouses, toddler attractions, or something a bit quieter, the Jersey Shore has it.

We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Jersey beaches, from a national park on the northern shore down to the busier southern beaches of Cape May and Atlantic City. So pack the car (and the kids) for a beach day trip or a long weekend—the summer possibilities are endless. And for more beach fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide, including a roundup of our favorite boardwalks.

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Westchester Families

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 3:29pm

Area/Neighborhood:

Travel Regions:

Category:

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).

Best Amusement Parks for Preschoolers in and Near NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 11:00am

For young children, a ride on a carousel’s painted pony, a spin with dad around the bumper car track, and a dripping swirl of frozen custard are the stuff summer memories are made of. No need to seek out the latest scary high-tech roller coasters (which means you can cross Luna Park's most scary rides off your list).

Rides that look mild (or frankly, downright boring) to big people usually provide just the right amount of thrills for toddlers and preschoolers. Happily, there are a number of amusement and water parks in or near the New York City metro area that offer these kinds of tame attractions. Here's our roundup of theme parks perfect for the pint-sized.

Find more seasonal rides in our Theme and Water Parks Guide for families.

30 Things To Do in Milwaukee with Kids

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:30am

John Steinbeck once wrote that Wisconsin is full of surprises, and the state's largest city, Milwaukee, is no exception. With a cosmopolitan feel and midwestern charm, and just an hour and a half drive north of Chicago (plus one of the easiest airports you'll ever travel through), families looking for a new vacation spot should put Milwaukee high on their consideration list the next time they're planning a trip.

Check out our list of 30 fun and interesting things to do with kids in Milwaukee (plus five bonus spots if you're willing to drive a little outside the city). Whether you're looking for the arts or the sciences, a great day outside, soaking up the sun on the shores of Lake Michigan or a fun day in, sampling some of the country's best frozen custard, you'll find something for everyone in the family in Milwaukee.

Legoland California's New Castle Hotel Is Open for Your Royal Family

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 05/08/2018 - 3:26pm

Hear ye, hear ye! After much anticipation, the Legoland Castle Hotel has opened to young knights, princesses, and wizards of all sizes at the Legoland California Resort. Families now have two choices for staying overnight when visiting the brickiest of theme parks. We attended the opening ceremony for the new hotel and were royally impressed.