My family and I recently spent a great afternoon at the Silverball Museum Arcade.  Located on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey, it is home to 200 pinball machines and arcade games. No problem if you or your kid becomes addicted to the flashing lights and the sound of the ricocheting metal ball, because unlimited play is included with your admission.  No quarters are needed at this hands-on museum. You can try as many of the machines as you like, as many times as you like.

We’ve kissed the holiday season goodbye.  Whether you stayed home and are craving a getaway, or need a vacation from your vacation, the dark days of January present some bright family vacation ideas.  If your family skis, there are discounts that make this expensive sport more affordable.  New York State has some particularly attractive ski discounts, so this could be the year to give skiing a whirl. Virginia may not seem like a ski destination, but The Homestead in Hot Springs has a cut-rate family ski package. If an urban getaway better suits your family, Washington, D.C. has some steeply discounted rates and dozens of free activities.  Go farther north and spend a few budget-friendly days in Montreal for a soupçon of Gallic flair. If you’ve already had it up to here with the cold and snow, warm weather destinations in Florida and Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries are on sale.  If luck is on your side, you might just win a free trip to Disney for your family of four.

It seems like only yesterday I was complaining about the heat and humidity, but cold weather and the holiday season are fast approaching.  There are deals to be had in diverse locations, like South Carolina, Williamsburg, Orlando, NYC and Portsmouth, NH.  If you are thinking internationally, there is a low-priced airfare special to Mexico City, non-stop from New York City.  If a romantic vacation without kids is in your future, consider the Aruba Marriott Resort's “Cupid on Call” program.