Melanie Preis

Latest posts by Melanie Preis

Free Indoor Playgrounds for Kids in Atlanta to Let Loose

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 01/14/2022 - 9:22am

The High Museum's Greene Family Learning Gallery is a magical space full of color and shapes. Photo by CatMax Photography, courtesy of the museum

Free indoor playground time in Atlanta means exciting (and warm) hijinks for the kiddos and a load off the wallet. Atlanta is boiling in the summer, icy in the winter, and a wet mess during the rainy season, so free indoor playgrounds can offer relief for kids to run around without hefty fees and entrance costs. And besides the happy moment of watching your children run off that pent-up energy in a place other than your own house, it's also a perk to have saved some cash in the process.

45 Fun Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona with Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sat, 12/18/2021 - 12:30pm

Among our top things to do in Phoenix: Pangaea's interactive, dinosaur-themed exhibits. Photo by Ally Noel

Phoenix, Arizona is where I grew up. Though I traded Phoenix's dry heat for the humidity of Atlanta after college, I still regard myself as a Phoenician for life. With family and friends still in Phoenix, we get to visit the desert at least three times a year. And what's really nice is now that I'm a mom, I get to revisit some of my favorite childhood attractions with my kids and discover awesome new things to do in Phoenix. Seriously, there are so many delicious Phoenix restaurants, fun family activities, and great hotels and resorts.

A trip to the Valley of the Sun makes for a perfect getaway for a sun-soaked family vacation. Kids love all of the fun things to do in Phoenix, and so do adults (the resort spas are out of this world). Here are the 45 top things to do in Phoenix for families with kids, plus some great family-friendly restaurants and hotels in Phoenix. Whether you stay at a five-star resort or spend your vacation with family and friends, this gem of the Grand Canyon State has a little something for everyone.

25 Things To Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama with Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sat, 10/30/2021 - 11:35am

The white sand is perfect for sandcastles at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Photo courtesy of Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are the perfect places to take kids on a beach vacation. Nestled along Alabama's Gulf Coast, this family destination is bursting with a ton of water activities, can't-miss attractions, and an unending amount of tasty treats. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama have been popular for years among those from Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida; however, the appeal of its white, sandy beaches and family-friendly vibes now attracts visitors from across the country.

Visiting the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach isn't like taking any other beach vacation. Besides the pristine, soft sands of the beach, visitors can also head to the back bays of the area, perfectly suited for fishing, kayaking, observing coastal wildlife, and other outdoor adventures. Kids love exploring the back bays and surrounding trails, discovering the natural habitat of this diverse ecosystem. In fact, if you really have an outdoorsy child, think about camping for a few nights in the area.

No matter what your family's interests are, we promise everyone will enjoy their trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Be sure to check out our Family Travel Guide for more fun family vacation ideas!

Best Art Classes for Kids in Orlando to Unleash Creativity

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 09/12/2021 - 9:08am

Kids enjoy plein air classes at Crealdé School of Art, expressing creativity outside.

Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and all genius artists share something in common—they were once children! Before they became masters in their field, they were just little Claude and Vincent fingerpainting and tiny Pablo doodling in the dirt. Further your own child's artistic talents by enrolling him or her in art classes for kids. Orlando art classes cover a variety of mediums -- pottery, drawing, painting, sculpture, and many more—and welcome all ages, from young children all the way to talented teens (and even adults).

Enriching children's lives with art provides a well-rounded education, promotes creativity, teaches independence and decision-making, unlocks an appreciation of the surrounding world, and helps develop fine motor skills. Oh, and keeps your child entertained, happy, and messy! We've put together some of our favorite Orlando art classes for kids for budding artists in need of unleashing their creative talents.

Best Atlanta Dance Classes for Kids: Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, and More

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 08/29/2021 - 8:59am

The highlight of Atlanta dance classes for kids is the elaborate recital production. Photo Mommy Poppins

Atlanta dance classes are great places for kids to let loose, train with skilled teachers, and make friends. From adult-child classes, where parents can dance in class with their children, to advanced dance classes, where children can perfect their form, Atlanta dance classes run the gamut of interests and skills. If your child isn't sure which type of dance he or she wants to try, don't worry —many Atlanta dance studios offer a variety of classes, including ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, acro, and more so children have the option to try multiple genres and see which are their favorites.

Mini Golf in Atlanta Is a Hole in One for Fun

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 08/22/2021 - 8:13am

Mini golf in Atlanta is a thing of beauty. Photo courtesy Skyline Park

Entertainment trends come and go (remember those velcro jumpsuits), but mini golf is a family-friendly activity that has withstood the test of time. Whether you have a tiny PGA all-star or a child who's never touched a golf club, miniature golf in Atlanta is always a reliable outing that's part entertainment, part sport, and part math (everyone needs to keep track of their strokes, right?!). And regardless of your age, there's something strangely exhilirating about holding those tiny golf pencils.

Candytopia: A Candy Playground Pop-up That's Totally Sweet

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 08/13/2021 - 10:01am

Playing with your food is an important rule at Candytopia.

Candytopia, an immersive, candy-themed pop-up experience is back to give the whole family a sugar rush of fun. Returning to Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Houston this summer, Candytopia has been a reliable source of indoor fun and a chance to momentarily live like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The experiential art exhibit is part Instagram-fodder, part sugary/rainbow explosion, with more than a dozen rooms featuring interactive displays, games, and candy to sample. Candytopia has toured the country previously—stopping in major cities and amassing selfie-snapping fans as it goes—and now it's time to close out summer once again with this tasty experience!