Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

Best Things To Do & See in Martin County, Florida with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 11/18/2023 - 12:00pm

Martin County, Florida offers many family-friendly adventures, including the chance to see various wildlife. Photo courtesy NPS/Emma Force

Just north of West Palm Beach on the picturesque southeastern side of Florida lies Martin County, nicknamed the Treasure Coast. And what a treasure it is, with clean public beaches, a children's museum, parks, restaurants, and fabulous resorts.

Communities like Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound have plenty of family fun going on, just at a quieter pace than their neighbors to the south, like Boca Raton and Miami. My family lives in the Palm Beach area, and we are frequently hopping in the car to visit Martin County's many attractions.

Here are 18 of our favorite things to do and see in Martin County, Florida, including great places to eat and stay. For more ideas on vacationing in the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Cleveland with Kids: 30 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 12:00pm

Climb "Steggie," the eight-foot tall Stegosaurus sculpture that has greeted museumgoers since 1968 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Home to beloved sports teams and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio is a city with a bustling energy and an all-American spirit. There's so much for families to do in this town set on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, including plenty of attractions that are really affordable or entirely free. And step aside, New York and Chicago: Cleveland is a foodie city too, with delicious restaurants that will please the whole family.

My family spent a week in Cleveland over the summer, and my daughters are already asking when they can go back. Here are our top 30 things to do in Cleveland with kids, including kid-friendly places to eat and great Cleveland hotels. For more Midwest vacation ideas, including our guides to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide

Rochester with Kids: 25 Best Things to Do in Rochester, NY

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 09/09/2023 - 12:00pm

There's even a carousel in The Strong National Museum of Play.

Rochester, NY is widely known as a gateway to the Finger Lakes region or the perfect stopover on a road trip to Niagara Falls. But this Upstate New York city stands on its own as a great family vacation destination, with good food, world-class museums, and a ton of history. Set right outside the banks of Lake Ontario, Rochester is also full of natural beauty.

Our family had a blast exploring Rochester on a recent summer trip. Here are 25 of our favorite things to do in Rochester with kids, including family-friendly hotels and restaurants in Rochester, NY. Check out our Adirondacks and Catskills Family Travel Guide for more New York State family vacation ideas.

Kidspace: An Insider's Guide to LA's Beloved Children's Museum

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 6:45am

Kiddos can climb through the famous Ant Tunnel. Photo courtesy of Kidspace

Kidspace is a treasured children's museum in Pasadena, set apart from other museums in Los Angeles with its immersive water play features, enthralling exhibits, and unique climbing structures. There is something for everyone at Kidspace, from animal lovers to budding scientists and mini music maestros.

There are more than 40 hands-on exhibits within the 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor property, and the museum is designed specifically for children ages ten and under. My own family has had a membership for five years now. So what keeps us coming back again and again? Read on to find out—plus tips on how to maximize your visit.

For more museum exploration, visit the best children's museums in Los Angeles and Orange County, take advantage of free museum days in Los Angeles, and browse our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

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

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Thu, 08/10/2023 - 1:00pm

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, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Hilton Head with Kids: 20 Best Things To Do in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 06/17/2023 - 12:54pm

With 12 miles of gorgeous beaches, great restaurants (especially for seafood lovers), and a relaxed southern vibe, Hilton Head Island, SC is the perfect destination for a family retreat. Located 45 minutes outside Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head boasts white sand, salty sea air, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions should you tire of the ocean.

My family recently spent a week in Hilton Head and came home refreshed and recharged, with some wonderful memories. If you are looking to relax while connecting with your kids, I highly recommend this low-country resort town.

Here are 20 of our favorite things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina with kids, including the best Hilton Head hotels and restaurants for families. For more family vacation ideas in the sunny South, visit our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Visiting Dollywood with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 05/27/2023 - 12:00pm

Ride the iconic Dollywood Express, a coal-fired steam train.

Dollywood, the Dolly Parton-inspired theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN, has become one of the top amusement parks in the US for families. Set in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, the park has over 50 rides, daily musical shows, and an iconic coal-fired steam train that runs along its periphery.

Located next door is Dollywood Splash Country, a 35-acre water park. And with a new Dollywood resort set to open in fall 2023 (HeartSong, which joins Dollywood's DreamMore Resort), families can plan a full vacation at Dollywood.

My family recently visited Dollywood, and wow—what a trip! Read on for details from our adventure and answers to your biggest questions, like: What are the best rides at Dollywood? What ages is Dollywood for? Is Dollywood little-kid-friendly? And if you're looking for even more family-friendly theme parks, check out our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

Frost Science Museum: Miami's Must-See Family Attraction

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 9:23am

Get close to underwater creatures at the Frost Science Museum's massive aquarium. Photo by Jackie Jones

The Frost Science Museum, with a whopping six levels, hundreds of hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium, is a must-see Miami attraction. Prepare to spend all day at the 250,000-square-foot Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which explores the human body, the science of flight, and the solar system, among its many STEM-friendly displays. Frost Museum is located at the picturesque waterfront Maurice A. Ferré Park, not far from the Miami Brightline train station.

Read on to map out your ideal day at the Frost Museum, and for more ideas on planning kid-friendly Florida trips, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.