Elaine Paoloni Quilici

Latest posts by Elaine Paoloni Quilici

Snow Games for Kids Beyond Sledding

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 9:05am

This epic igloo will entertain the whole block (photo taken pre-pandemic).

Ready to add an extra dose of fun to that snow day? If you just got dumped on with a big batch of the white stuff, we have a whole list of snow day games to entice the kids outside and away from their devices.

With serious snowfall, you can build a snow fort or maze, and with sub-freezing temperatures, kids can try to blow frozen bubbles or make colorful ice gems! Read on for more fun snow activities and outdoor winter activities to be had on even the bleakest of winter days.

American Dream's Nickelodeon Universe Lives up to the Hype

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sun, 02/09/2020 - 1:31pm

My kids were thrilled to meet SpongeBob Square Pants during our visit Nickelodeon Universe.

It's hard to live up to hype, but the new Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream is doing just that. The Western Hemisphere's biggest indoor amusement park is filled with interesting rides that make it worth the trip—including three record-setting coasters and a variety of rides my family and I had never encountered before.

While most kids I know are excited to explore American Dream, parents are wary about navigating the mega entertainment and shopping complex. But we're here to report that it's not as daunting as it might seem at first glance.

As American Dream phases into completion, visitors can likewise chip away at the many offerings one at a time, rather than be overwhelmed by the grand scale of things. That's just what we did on a recent weekend visit to Nickelodeon Universe, and we found it to be surprisingly manageable—and extremely fun. Read on for more about our visit.

10 Best Indoor Water Parks for Kids in the US

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 02/01/2020 - 12:14pm

Chill out in the lazy river at the Pump House indoor water park in Vermont.

An indoor water park is often the perfect quick family getaway whether it's the middle of winter and you need warming up or you have a special occasion to celebrate but don't want to risk the party being washed out. And we're not talking the dip pool at the downtown Best Western. We're looking for indoor water parks with mega water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, toddler-friendly splash pads, and thrilling wave pools.

Those living in the North and Midwest no longer have to seek sunny locales to beat the winter blues given the rising popularity of indoor water park resorts. And residents of the South now have ways to beat the heat when even water won't cool you off from a blazing sun. The year-round fun of an indoor water park is a bonus for everyone!

Here are our picks for the best indoor water parks for kids around the country, including Pennsylvania water parks indoor, Wisconsin Dells indoor water parks, and more top selections. Find more great trips in our Family Travel Guide.

Cartoon Network Hotel Opens for 2020 in Lancaster

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 01/11/2020 - 1:01pm

Finding hotels in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, just got a bit easier for families. The Cartoon Network Hotel finally had its Pennsylvania premiere on January 10, 2020, so it's ready for all those upcoming school vacations and summer weekend getaways.

The new Lancaster hotel boasts family-friendly suites, some with bunk beds, restaurants, and of course, swimming pools for family downtime. Though delayed from its plans to open in summer 2019, the new Amish country hotel seems to have delivered on its promise to recreate a fun-filled network experience for lodgers.

American Dream Amusement Park, Ice Rink Open Today in NJ

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Fri, 10/25/2019 - 3:00am

Meet SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other favorite characters at Nickelodeon Universe.

The long-awaited debut of American Dream is becoming a reality today with the opening of the Western Hemisphere's biggest indoor amusement park, as well as an NHL-size indoor ice skating rink. This first phase of the new Meadowlands entertainment complex in East Rutherford, NJ, features the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and The Rink at American Dream.

Those without amusement park tickets for this weekend will have to wait a bit longer to visit, however, as tickets for opening weekend are sold out. In the meantime, we've got the lowdown on what you need to know about American Dream before you go.

These Hotel Pools Will Wow the Kids on a Family Vacation

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 08/17/2019 - 3:43pm

Take a vacation at Tahiti Village in Las Vegas where the sun reigns supreme.

When you have kids, finding a hotel with an awesome swimming pool is usually right at the top of the vacation-planning list. After a long day of activity, you can kick back and watch them splash around at the hotel pool. On a rainy day, hotels with indoor swimming pools will be a saving grace. While most kids will be satisfied with any hole that contains water, impress them with something unique to make that next family vacation one that they won't soon forget.

Here are some of our favorite U.S. hotels with pools sure to satisfy the whole family. We've included both outdoor hotel pools, indoor options, and even those hotels that let you swim in the pool without staying there overnight. The options run from a Las Vegas hotel pool to a Texas-shaped rooftop pool in Houston to a day-pass-friendly NYC hotel pool.

For more vacation ideas on where to stay, check out our Hotels & Resorts Guide.

American Dream Mega-Mall Finally Set To Open This Fall in NJ

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 9:00am

The Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream will be the largest indoor amusement park in the western hemisphere.

It's been a long time in the making, but the mega entertainment complex in the New Jersey Meadowlands, now known as American Dream, announced it will finally open its doors to the public on October 25, with additional offerings added into the new year.

Its many family-friendly attractions will include the western hemisphere's largest indoor amusement park AND North America's first indoor snow sports center—not to mention an indoor water park, ice skating rink, aquarium, mini-golf, LEGO Discovery Center, and much, much more.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Adds Three New Rides for Summer 2019

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Mon, 04/01/2019 - 12:50pm

The new Tidal Wave ride is coming in 2019! Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's Boardwalk

It’s difficult to take kids to the Jersey Shore without them hounding you to go to the boardwalk. Now they have three new reasons to twist your arm: Jenkinson’s is adding a trio of rides to its amusement area in summer 2019, including a new roller coaster, a giant slide, and a kiddie ride.