Lisa Warden

Latest posts by Lisa

Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:00am

The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3

Whether you live in the Chicago area or are here for a visit with your family, there are a few things that should always be on your to-do list. The one I strongly suggest? The Garfield Park Conservatory. This is one of the largest conservatories in the country with more than 10 acres of greenhouses, outdoor gardens, nature spaces, and play places. Not only could I not get enough of the wide variety of plants they showcased, but the kids had an absolute blast. Best of all, it is easy to get to and FREE! Read on for details on what you will see and what to expect when visiting with kids.

Feed the Animals and More Fun at Muddy Paws Farm Rescue

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 6:10am

Spend time with pumpkin-eating donkeys at Southampton's Muddy Paws Farm Rescue. Photo by the author

You can feel good about a visit to Muddy Paws Farm Rescue for two reasons: Your kids will be thrilled feeding and petting the farm animals, and you'll have donated to an incredible nonprofit that rescues mistreated animals.

Located in Southampton, New Jersey, Muddy Paws has more than 100 animals for your family to pet and pamper. If this sounds like a fun outing for your family, read on for tips on visiting the farm with kids.

Read our roundup of New Jersey's best petting zoos for more great places to visit some furry friends.

Visiting Flume Gorge in New Hampshire with Kids - Tips for Hiking Flume Gorge

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Sun, 09/08/2024 - 3:38pm

Explore all the fun your family can have when you squeeze in a visit to Flume Gorge in New Hampshire with Kids! Photo by Lisa Warden

Find family fun hiking Flume Gorge in the White Mountains of NH!

Guide to Visiting the Tuckerton Seaport Museum with Kids

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:42am

The Jersey Shore's Tuckerton Seaport Museum celebrates the region's nautical heritage. Photo by Lisa Warden

The Tuckerton Seaport Museum bills itself as a showcase for New Jersey's coastal culture, and my family and I had a great time visiting it this summer. The Jersey Shore institution offers boat rides, creek tours, a nature trail, a lighthouse, an old fishing village, and crafting.

When I first looked at the website before visiting, I thought it would be for older children, but my kids ages 2, 6, and 8, were all happy with the visit because it offers activities that will appeal to a variety of ages.

Read on for everything you need to know before visiting the Tuckerton Seaport Museum, and check out our roundup of 70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids for more inspo while you're in the area.

19 Best Things To Do in Wildwood, NJ, with Kids

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Sun, 08/04/2024 - 9:57am

Get your fill of classic amusement park rides on a trip to Wildwood, NJ.

The Wildwoods have a rep for being a raucous section of the Jersey Shore, but I didn't find that to be the case on a recent family trip. A summer weekend tends to be filled with flocks of multigenerational families who fill the boardwalk with bikes in the early morning hours and the amusement parks, beaches, and restaurants the rest of the day.

Wildwoods is comprised of three towns, North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. There are five miles of beach, and a roughly two-mile boardwalk that's loaded with the typical kitschy beach supply shops, but also Morey’s Piers and all the amusement park fun that comes with it.

Read on for all the details on what to expect from your summer getaway to this Jersey Shore hot spot, and check out our article covering 70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids for more ideas.

Visiting Harpers Ferry, WV with Kids

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Sun, 06/16/2024 - 10:00am

Take advantage of a stunning photo opp from St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Photo by Lisa Warden

The idyllic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the lower Shenandoah Valley has a lot to offer with its unparalleled history and breathtaking beauty. Located along the Appalachian Trail, there are miles of hikes to explore with kids. And for history buffs, there is so much to learn, as Harpers Ferry, WV was a crucial spot for Civil War clashes, abolitionist raids, and civil rights struggles.

Take a family day trip or weekend trip from DC to Harpers Ferry to enjoy natural beauty, get some exercise, and learn about American history. Here are the best things to do in Harpers Ferry with kids, plus tips on visiting.

Find more great places to visit in our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for DC Kids, which includes our list of 40 fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley with kids.

Admission to NJ’s Water Main Water Park Included with Diggerland USA Tickets

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 10:00am

The Water Main water park at Diggerland USA is officially open for the summer season. Both the construction-themed aquatic park and theme park, with 40 rides and attractions, are open 7 days a week from now through early September.

Since first opening in 2021, the Water Main aquatic park has made Diggerland USA a particularly epic warm-weather destination. Included with the cost of regular theme park admission, the expansive water park features a massive wave pool, awesome water slides, multiple splash pads, a lazy river, and more–talk about two for the price of one! Plus, it’s the perfect place to cool down after hours of operating tractors and diggers. Before you head over to Diggerland USA in West Berlin, New Jersey, read on for our review of the Water Main, plus a rundown of the park’s newest rides, and activities for the littlest visitors.

Experience the Joy of Glamping at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 05/21/2024 - 6:38am

Lewes is a beautiful beach town near Jellystone Park.

Glamping at Deleware's Jellystone Park is one of the few times camping has been easy, breezy, and, overall, a very enjoyable experience for our family with three kids. We weren’t stressed about setting up our campsite or exhausted from a night of not sleeping and everyone had fun, even us adults. It made for a great and easy long weekend vacation from our home in New Jersey.

Read on to find out why our weekend at Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches was a delight. For other suggestions for glamping destinations, see our review of the best glamping sites in the U.S.