Elaine Paoloni Quilici

Latest posts by Elaine Paoloni Quilici

Visit a Christmas Town or Santa's Village Near You: 26 Christmas Villages That Absolutely Sparkle

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 11/02/2024 - 10:11am

Leavenworth, WA transforms itself into a snow globe at Christmastime. Photo courtesy of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

Do you love the holidays? A stay in a top Christmas town or a trip to a nearby Santa's Village that goes all out for December 25 can be a great way to share that festive spirit with the whole family. Some of the most spectacular Christmas towns are right here in the US. These local spots celebrate Christmas with mega holiday lights displays, Christmas markets, special performances, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa Claus. Each of these unique locations gives us plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in style!

Read on to find an dazzling Christmas town or Santa's Village near you so your family can get into the holiday spirit in a big way, from Koziar's Christmas Village in Pennsylvania to Riverside, California. Find even more holiday (and winter) vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide.

Best Museums for Kids in Northern New Jersey: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Fri, 11/03/2023 - 12:36pm

The Science of Pixar exhibit at Liberty Science Center offers interactive fun. Photo courtesy of LSC

When bad weather hits, a trip to a museum can be a great cure for cabin fever. Northern New Jersey is home to a collection of world-class, kid-friendly museums–including world-class institutions like the Liberty Science Center and the Newark Museum of Art–where kids can study the stars at a planetarium, learn about dinosaurs that once roamed New Jersey, create their own works of art, meet animals, make music, and much more.

Read on for our favorite cultural spots in North Jersey, and be sure to check out our roundup of museums in central and southern NJ, too.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels Where Kids Stay Free

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 06/03/2023 - 12:27pm

Relax by the beach at the family-friendly Blue Haven Resort in Turks and Caicos.

Traveling with family can be a serious investment. After shelling out for plane tickets, you still have to book a hotel, cover the cost of meals, maybe rent a car, and more. Package deals and all-inclusive resorts can be a great way to save, but even better is choosing a hotel or resort where kids stay free.

Many hotels and resorts offer "kids stay free" promotions at certain times during the year, while others allow kids under a certain age to stay free all the time. These "kids stay free" deals often include free meals and on-site activities for children.

Whether your destination is in the US, the Caribbean, or Mexico, here are 10 family-friendly hotels where kids stay free. For more great plays to stay, check out our Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels Guide.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 05/06/2023 - 12:00pm

The slides at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey keep everyone cool.

If your kids love the adventure of amusement parks but are looking for a way to cool off this summer, outdoor water parks are the way to go! There are so many family-friendly outdoor water parks in the US with relaxing pools and lazy rivers to please the grown-ups, splash pads and climbing structures to delight kids, and thrilling water slides and rides to give teens an adrenaline rush. In other words, the whole family will be happy, have fun, and stay cool.

Here are our favorite outdoor water parks in the US, from Orlando to New England and all the way to California. And if you have your heart set on a water-park vacation but don't want to risk the weather, check out our list of the best indoor water parks for kids in the US.

Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 11:44am

Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra

While most non-residents don't equate New Jersey with beautiful green spaces worthy of a day trip, there are a whopping 36 state parks and 13 state forests to explore in New Jersey.

We've picked nine destinations that are perfect for a fun-filled day trip, where hiking, biking, and swimming are just some of the fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Add acres of gorgeous scenery and some wildlife-spotting, and NJ state parks and forests make for an ideal day of family fun in the fresh air.

For more great ideas about the great outdoors in New Jersey, like where to find the best nature centers, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in NJ.

Montclair, New Jersey: 21 Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 6:41am

Browse the Montclair Farmer's Market for local produce and goods. Photo courtesy of the market

Nestled in Essex County, Montclair, New Jersey is located just 12 miles outside of Manhattan. With two busy downtown districts, this walkable suburb is home to Montclair State University, the Presby Iris Gardens, and the Montclair Art Museum, as well as several parks and playgrounds. From the Upper Montclair shopping area to the Church Street storefronts in Montclair Center, the town's eclectic restaurants and kid-friendly activities make it a fun day trip for families in No rthern New Jersey.

Read on for the top places to visit and things to do during your visit.

55 Fun Things To Do around Miami with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sun, 10/23/2022 - 1:12pm

Get up-close with crocodiles at Zoo Miami. Photo by Ron Magill for Zoo Miami

Whether you're raising your kids in Florida or just bringing them here for a great family vacation, Miami (and the rest of Southern Florida) has plenty of kid-pleasing things to do. Snowbirds might not realize it, but there there is so much more to do in Miami with kids than just the beach. Miami Dade families enjoy outdoor activities all year round, from boating and pools to splash pads and parks—but there are also top-notch museums, animal encounters, great sports teams, and farms. And don't forget about Miami's proximity to the Everglades.

Read on for our favorite things to do around Miami, Florida with kids, including top-recommended family-friendly Miami restaurants and kid-friendly Miami hotels (for fledgling snowbirds).

14 Themed Playgrounds in NJ that Take Fun to New Heights

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Tue, 06/22/2021 - 8:15pm

Climb the ropes at KidStreet Playground. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Now that playground season has arrived, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, hats, and bottled water and head to the park. If you’re looking for some new options to captivate your kids, both young and old, choose an outdoor play space with a cool theme to keep them entertained. From a supersized sailing ship to an entire wooden village for tots, these unique playgrounds go beyond the usual swings and slides.

For more ideas, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.