Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

Bismarck with Kids: 20 Things to Do in Bismarck, North Dakota

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 11/16/2024 - 12:00pm

Raging Rivers Water Park is the place to be on a hot day in Bismarck.

OK... so Bismarck, North Dakota is probably not among the first places you think of when looking for a family-friendly destination, but this capital city has a lot going for it. Aside from the state Capitol (which you can visit for free), Bismarck, ND boasts a fabulous zoo and a free history museum. It also has that warm Midwestern appeal and those great accents, similar to what you'd find in Fargo, another great North Dakota town.

My kids and I had a blast exploring Bismarck! Read on for our top 20 things to do in Bismarck, ND with kids, including great restaurants and places to stay. Also, check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great cities to visit with kids.

Bozeman with Kids: 25 Best Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 10/05/2024 - 12:00pm

The Montana Grizzly Encounter is a bear rescue facility where you can see grizzly bears up close.

The fast-growing city of Bozeman in southwestern Montana is truly a nature lover's paradise. Surrounded on all sides by mountains, Bozeman is not only beautiful, it offers an abundance of family-friendly sporty activities, as well as museums that highlight its affection for the wild. (Got a dinosaur lover? Bozeman boasts one of the largest fossil collections in the world.)

Many visitors fly in to Bozeman on their way to Yellowstone National Park, but to rush through this Big Sky city would be a mistake. As my family learned during a weeklong trip, there are so many cool things to do here year-round.

Here are 25 of our favorite things to do in Bozeman, Montana, including great restaurants and places to stay while visiting. Also check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide for more vacation ideas.

Guide to Visiting Mount Rushmore and Rapid City, SD with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 09/14/2024 - 12:00pm

To truly understand the wonder of Mount Rushmore, you'll need to see it in person!

There are few national landmarks as iconic as Mount Rushmore, the massive granite sculpture in Keystone, South Dakota depicting four of the country's most beloved presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) surrounded by the majestic Black Hills and a forest of Ponderosa pine trees. The carvings may even be one of the first images that come to mind when you think of the American landscape.

Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors a year. This year, that included my family. While the landmark is the big draw for a vacation in this part of the country, it's also just one of the many activities offered in the area. (Watch out, Branson, Missouri: South Dakota is becoming a genuine family fun center!)

Here's your guide to visiting Mount Rushmore with kids, plus things to do nearby in Keystone and Rapid City, SD. Also check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide for more vacation ideas.

Ft. Myers with Kids: 25 Top Things To Do in Ft. Myers, Florida

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 06/08/2024 - 10:56am

Fort Myers beaches are a favorite destination for locals, snowbirds and vacationers. Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers

Ft. Myers, Florida—the gateway to the state's southwest region—is a city full of water-play opportunities, interactive museums, and a history that includes two of America's most famous inventors.

Though arguably more urban than Naples, its neighbor to the south, Ft. Myers also has stunning beaches. I'm talking about white sand, warm Gulf Coast water, and mild weather pretty much all-year round. The city was greatly impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022, but it has largely bounced back. With great restaurants and resorts to boot, it's an ideal spot for a family vacation.

Read on for our top 25 things to do in Ft. Myers with kids, from Ft. Myers Beach to kid-friendly Ft. Myers hotels. Also, check out our Florida Vacation Guide for more trip ideas in the Sunshine State.

Tulip Festival and More Things to Do in Holland, MI with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/27/2024 - 12:00pm

Families with kids should definitely swing by the Windmill Island Gardens.

Each spring, travelers from around the world descend on the small town of Holland, MI to take part in the annual Holland tulip festival. There, they get to see millions of colorful tulips in full bloom. It's an amazing spectacle, complete with carnival rides, parades, and performances.

But while the festival lasts just a few weeks in May, this town on the shores of Lake Michigan is also a great destination for a summer vacation, as my family and I discovered. About 2.5 hours from Chicago, Holland, MI is beachy and affordable, and many unique attractions and restaurants highlight its Dutch influence. (Ebelskiver anyone? For those who don't know, it's a delicious Danish dessert!)

Read on for more about the Tulip Time festival and other top attractions in Holland, MI, including great hotels in Holland, MI. And check out our Midwest Travel Guide for other vacation ideas.

Destin with Kids: 30 Awesome Things To Do in Destin, Florida

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/20/2024 - 12:30pm

Paddleboarding is just one of many fun water activities in Destin. Photo by Jennifer Swope

Destin, Florida may have a reputation as a party spot for spring breakers, but this city on the Florida Panhandle is actually brimming with kid-friendly activities. Families love the impeccably clean and clear waters of the "Emerald Coast," the unofficial nickname for the 100-mile stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico.

Yet, the fun doesn't stop at the sand. The greater Destin, Florida area offers plenty in the way of interactive museums, amusement parks, animal adventures, and great restaurants, making it a go-to Florida vacation destination for those with children in tow.

Here are 30 of the best things to do with kids in and around Destin, Florida, including delicious Destin restaurants and great Destin, Florida resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals. For more family adventures in the Sunshine State, including our list of the best family resorts in Florida, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 11:42am

Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones

Just over two hours north of Orlando lies one of Florida's greatest gems: Ichetucknee Springs State Park. My family visited this gorgeous Florida park to explore the park's natural lazy river (dubbed as "Florida's best location for river tubing" by the Travel Channel). During our adventure, the water was cool and clear (it stays a constant 72 degrees all year) and surrounded by a lush canopy of trees. With warm weather just around the corner, Ichetucknee Springs is an excellent day trip for families looking to get outdoors.

Guide To the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 03/01/2024 - 1:02am

Palm Springs Tramway observation deck photo by author Jackie Jones

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages. Ascending the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, the tramway provides breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

At the Mountain Station, located at an elevation of 8,516 feet, families can explore hiking trails, enjoy dining with scenic vistas, revel in winter activities, and experience the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains. With cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, the tramway offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat and unforgettable memories for families seeking outdoor recreation and exploration at new heights.

Explore more to do in Palm Springs with kids, plan road trips from Los Angeles for a family getaway, and find adventures in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families.