James Smith

Latest posts by James

Playa Largo Resort & Spa: Family-Friendly Fun in Key Largo, Florida Keys

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 12/03/2022 - 12:00pm

Playa Largo is the perfect family resort for a Florida Keys vacation.

If you think about it, the Florida Keys are truly an ideal family vacation destination. Where else can the kids enjoy postcard sunsets, crystal seas, gentle breezes, and exciting water sports without having to leave the country? But until a recent hotel building boom, the Keys have largely been the playground of overstressed grown-ups soaking in the Margaritaville vibe. Mommy Poppins readers know that’s changing. In 2021, we shared our favorite Florida Keys resorts and hotels for families. The latest addition to that list is Playa Largo Resort & Spa.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa is located in the south end of Key Largo, less than two hours from Miami. Part of Marriott’s boutique Autograph Collection, the 178-room resort features a pool, water sports, on-site dining, and one of the few true beachfronts in the rocky Keys. Check out our review of Playa Largo, then visit our Florida Family Travel Guide for more fun in the Sunshine State.

Amelia Island with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, Florida

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 07/30/2022 - 12:00pm

Amelia Island is a great family vacation destination. Photo by Octavio MJ, courtesy of Instagram

On a stretch of beach along the “First Coast” of Florida sits Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, two destinations not typically associated with kid-friendly fun. But amid all the retiree splendor, enterprising families will have no trouble entertaining little ones. Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, Florida boast four seasons of fun, including award-winning beaches, destination-worthy state parks, plenty of mini golf, and a host of family-friendly dining options.

Here are 25 things to do in Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach with kids, including Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island restaurants kids will love and family-friendly Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island hotels and resorts. For more family vacation ideas in the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 07/15/2022 - 10:29am

The waterfront Pridwin Hotel and Cottages offers a serene escape at its family-friendly hotel on Shelter Island.

If you’ve ever visited the Hamptons and North Fork on Long Island, you know there are hotels in the Hamptons and nearby to fit every need. There are family-friendly hotels near fishing resorts, country inns near golf courses, and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of the North Fork’s celebrated wineries. Families visiting the East End have options, too, from chain hotels near kid-friendly attractions to mom-and-pop guesthouses with private beaches and pools. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly hotels in the Hamptons, plus a selection of North Fork hotels, motels, and guesthouses for families.

Find more places to stay and get away in our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

25 Things to Do in Narragansett, RI with Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 7:22pm

Narragansett is the gateway to Rhode Island's tourist treasures, like Newport and Block Island. Photo by John Riviello (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Occasionally referred to as Newport’s little cousin, Narragansett offers families a four-seasons getaway minus the touristy hustle and bustle of Rhode Island’s more celebrated destination a few miles to the east. And we've got you covered with tips on the best things to do in Narragansett with kids once you get there.

Narragansett is more intimate than Newport, whose trendy shops and stately mansions attract visitors from New England to the New York metropolitan area and beyond. But if you’re eager for some fun with the kids at less than Newport prices, pay a visit to Narrangansett, accessible in less than 90 minutes from Boston and less than an hour from the New London ferries that connect to Long Island.

Sports Outings on Long Island: Cheap Places to Catch a Game

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 06/06/2022 - 10:16am

Watch amazing athletes take the field at a Long Island Ducks game.

Sports outings on Long Island offer family traditions from Manhasset to Montauk. If you're eager to catch a game, spectator sports offer great entertainment, and it's possible to take in a variety of events without spending excessively. There are even a host of events that are totally FREE–just bring the kids, a few bottles of water, and maybe a snack or two.

So, batter up–here then are some of our favorite spectator sports options for families on Long Island. And, if you're looking for places to play sports, check out our Kids' Sports Centers and Fun Zones for Long Island Kids Guide.

The Best Ski Resorts in the US for Family Vacations

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 01/22/2022 - 12:00pm

Heavenly Ski Resort is just what it sounds like ... Heavenly!

Skiers get it—winters are long and occasionally treacherous. But where some see calamity, we see opportunity. And not just for ourselves, but for our families, too. With that in mind, we’ve got the skinny on the best kid-friendly ski resorts in the United States.

Whether you prefer ski resorts in the powdery West or the slippery Northeast, skiing is one winter activity sure to bond parents with kids for a lifetime. So wax down the skis, load up the roof rack, and make for one of these ski resorts sure to delight experts and first-timers alike.

For more fabulous ski resorts for families, be sure to check out our list of New England Ski Resorts that Cater to Families or our favorite Family-Friendly Ski Areas Near NYC. However, if all this talk of snow is too chilling, you might prefer to peruse the best Warm and Sunny Family Vacation Ideas!

Best New Kid-Friendly Openings on Long Island in 2021

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 8:00am

The Eye Opener outdoor tree house at the Long Island Aquarium features rope bridges, slides, and plenty more. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

We said goodbye to the horrible year of 2020 with the promise of renewal, recovery, and a return to normalcy in 2021. And on Long Island, that was more or less what we got. At least until the last few weeks.

Learning to cope with COVID-19, we managed to entertain our kids with trips to the beach, outdoor activities, and the occasional visit to the play space. And as new entertainment venues opened in 2021, we were there with our parent-strong team of local writers to give you the official Mommy Poppins take on these openings.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 10/31/2021 - 9:23am

The popular Sculpture Garden Ice Rink returns November 19, 2021. Photo courtesy of The National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden

On a beautiful winter day, what could be more enjoyable than skating around on a fresh sheet of ice? In 2022, skaters will have plenty of options for ice skating near DC, from rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks near DC that stay open all winter long.

Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks near DC generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating near DC at one of these great rinks. For more fun things to do near DC this winter—from the best ski resorts near DC to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.&