Jennifer Marino Walters

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

21 Best Family Beach Vacations for Summer Travel

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 06/10/2023 - 12:00pm

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys is a great place to go snorkeling. Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks

In addition to warmth, sunshine, and gorgeous beaches, the best family beach vacations offer extra activities to make summer travel truly magical. After all, is it even a real beach vacation without a round of themed mini golf, a scenic cruise or bike ride, or endless visits to local ice cream shops?

We've rounded up 21 of the best family beach vacations for summer travel in the US, starting from Florida and the South, up to the Northeast and New England, and all the way across the country to California. For each one, we've highlighted some of the best aquariums, zoos, museums, and other fun things to do with kids.

Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more summer travel ideas, including epic road trips, exciting all-inclusive resorts, and the best family vacation spots in the US that are off the beaten path.

Must-Try Ice Cream Shops Near DC for a Cold Treat

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 9:45am

Kids love to sit in the train engine at Peterson's Ice Cream Depot in Clifton, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Marino Walters

Though summer in the DC area can be hot and sticky, there are plenty of fun ways to beat the heat—including a plethora of delicious ice cream shops near DC that are sure so satisfy any sweet tooth. And while we've got plenty of love for the nationwide ice cream chains, sometimes you just want to go somewhere more local and special.

Read on for our list of 15 great ice cream shops near DC, many of which are near other attractions like parks and playgrounds. Some of them stick with what they do best (ice cream), while others offer extra goodies such as cookies and cakes.

For more great ways to keep cool this summer—including our lists of outdoor water parks and free public swimming pools near DC—check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Finest Punta Cana: A Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for Families in the Dominican Republic

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/22/2023 - 12:00pm

Finest Punta Cana is a luxurious slice of paradise in the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of the resort

My recent stay at Finest Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic—the newest resort from The Excellence Collection brand—changed every assumption I had about all-inclusive resorts. In my experience, staying at an all-inclusive has typically required some level of sacrifice. Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts often involve large crowds, loud restaurants, and unwanted splashes at the pool. Adults-only all-inclusives solve those problems, but you can't bring the kids. And the more affordable all-inclusive resorts often have lower-quality food, poorer service, and fewer amenities.

But Finest Punta Cana sacrifices nothing. Open since October 2021, this stunning and luxurious resort welcomes families, but also has an adults-only section. Every meal I ate was memorable and delicious. Every staff member was friendly and attentive. The kids' club was the biggest and best I've seen. At nearly 80% capacity, the resort still did not feel crowded. And the best part? Finest Punta Cana offers better prices than many luxury resorts, not to mention the fact that food, drinks, and most activities are included in the cost of your stay.

Read on for my full review of Finest Punta Cana, my new favorite resort. For even more family vacation ideas in the Caribbean, check out our Caribbean Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.

Top Kids' Birthday Party Places Near Washington, DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 9:37am

The birthday child will have a ball at Bowlero. Photo courtesy of Bowlero

Throwing a kids' birthday party can be surprisingly stressful for parents. You need to choose a theme, narrow down the guest list, figure out food, etc. And if you have the party at home, you also need to provide entertainment for all of those kids... not to mention the setup and cleanup. That's why you should consider one of the many great children's birthday party venues near DC. By taking the birthday party outside the home, you can just show up and have fun with your kid and their friends while someone else does the work!

Here are 25 awesome kids' birthday party venues in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. From sports centers, indoor playgrounds, and bowling alleys to escape rooms, zoos, and art studios, you're sure to find a great fit on this list for toddlers, kids, and teens of any interest.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, including our lists of great party venues for preschoolers and for teens.

Colorado Springs with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Colorado Springs, CO

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/15/2023 - 11:30am

Be wowed by the majestic rock formations at Garden of the Gods. Photo courtesy of the nature center

When my Army-officer husband got stationed in Colorado Springs, I wasn't sure how to feel about it at first. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and Colorado Springs seemed painfully small and slow-paced to this New York City girl. But I quickly fell in love with the city's majestic mountains, gorgeous hiking trails, historic western neighborhoods, and laid-back vibe.

When our twin boys were born, we discovered that there are also a ton of things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, including amazing parks and playgrounds, a Christmas-themed amusement park, and one of the best zoos in the US. Now that the boys are older and we also have a daughter, we can't wait to go back and experience Colorado Springs again with them.

Here are the 35 best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, from outdoor adventures and must-visit museums to kid-friendly Colorado Springs hotels and restaurants. For more Colorado family vacation ideas, check out our list of things to do in Denver with kids (other than hiking) and our visitors' guide to Boulder and the Rocky Mountains.

Best Things To Do in DC's Georgetown Neighborhood with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 9:40am

Float along the C&O Canal on a charming canal boat. Photo courtesy of Georgetown DC

Founded in 1751, Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in Washington, DC. Its long history is evident in charming, old-fashioned touches like cobblestone streets and historic homes and museums. But Georgetown is also loaded with modern amenities that make it one of the coolest areas in DC. It's home to M Street, one of the best shopping streets in the US, with everything from mall stores to high-end fashion boutiques. Some of the best restaurants and dessert shops in the city are in Georgetown, including those famous Georgetown cupcakes visitors flock to try. And then there's Georgetown Waterfront Park, with it's gorgeous views of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center.

Ready to visit? Here are 20 fun things to do in Georgetown with kids, from outdoor adventures to kid-friendly shops and eateries. Check out our visitors' guides to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia; Kensington, Maryland; and Clifton, Virginia for more historic neighborhoods to explore with your family.

25 Best Things To Do in DC with Kids this Spring: Our Spring Fun List

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 9:00am

Enjoy the brilliant colors of spring at Burnside Farms. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, at virginia.org

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC! That means it's time to put away the coats and hats and head outdoors to start checking activities off your spring fun list. There are so many things to do in DC to take advantage of the mild temperatures and the extra daylight. The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring festivals are in full swing, mini golf courses are opening back up, and the parks and playgrounds are beckoning. And on those rainy spring days, there are plenty of indoor options like museums and family-friendly shows.

Read on for our list of 25 things to do in DC and its surrounding areas this spring. The list includes spring activities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the city itself for families and kids of all ages. Get on out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season!

12 Best Places To Visit in the South, USA with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on Sat, 04/01/2023 - 10:45am

Snorkel in the pristine waters of Key West. Coral Reef State Park. Photo by John Pennekamp

The best places to visit in the South are all wonderful in their own way. If you're looking for a warm and sunny destination to escape a cold winter, you'll find it in many parts of Florida, Georgia, and other southern states. Perhaps your family is drawn to the fabulous Orlando theme parks, the country-music scene in Nashville, or the rich history of charming cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Or, maybe you just need a good dose of southern hospitality and cooking!

Whatever your reasons for traveling down south, here are the 12 best places to visit in the South with kids. From beautiful beaches and pristine parks to world-class museums and children's attractions, there's a southern destination on this list to suit every family's interests. For even more southern family vacation ideas, check out our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Latest posts by Jennifer Marino Walters

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