Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island

It's time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island.  For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can't be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the 'shoulder seasons of … [Read more...]

Atlanta with kids: Stone Mountain Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden

After touring the city of Atlanta with kids, get into nature and spend a day out of doors! Visitors don't have to venture far to experience the Atlanta Botanical Garden (it's minutes from the city center), and Stone Mountain Park is only a short drive outside of Atlanta. Stone Mountain Park: What is Stone Mountain? It's not quite a theme park, and not quite a state park, but a hybrid of … [Read more...]

Touring Oregon Wine Country with Grape Escape wine tours

Not long ago, I wouldn't have thought of spending a full day during a Portland Oregon vacation touring the Oregon wine country. I simply wouldn't have realized it was an option. In fact, the region directly around metropolitan Portland is ripe with wineries, and has been for several decades. During a recent parents' weekend away in Portland, I spent an early spring Saturday in wine country with … [Read more...]

Portland happy hour picks: Where to go for happy hour with or without the kids in Portland

If you're visiting Portland without the kids, have older kids with discerning tastes (as mine have become as they get older) or have younger children who appreciate great dining atmosphere over crayons and chicken nuggets (not mine at that age!), you'll want to try one (or all!) of the following Portland restaurants with happy hour deals, lively ambiance, and a true Portland city feel. 23 … [Read more...]

Atlanta History Center with kids

During a family vacation to Atlanta, absolutely do not overlook the Atlanta History Center, located well out of downtown in the neighborhood of Buckhead. This sprawling museum on 33 wooded acres is tucked into the heart of a beautiful Atlanta neighborhood and is both peaceful and thought-provoking. For families visiting from outside the South, it's especially fascinating to learn about local Civil … [Read more...]

Atlanta with kids: visiting the CNN Center

The CNN Center is an impressive family attraction in Atlanta, and because it's located conveniently adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park attractions, it's definitely worth a visit. If you have young kids, it will be enough to walk into this vast building, take in all the international flags and large globe, and stop by the fun stores, such as a Cartoon Network store and Atlanta Braves store. … [Read more...]

Family attractions in Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium with kids

We visit a lot of aquariums, so I say this on pretty good authority: the Georgia Aquarium is one of the best we've experienced in the country. What makes it so great? Fully immersive exhibits and an easy-to-navigate layout. The Georgia Aquarium is designed in a way to resemble a hub and spokes. Instead of cavernous rooms that link together, making it hard for families to make sure they tour … [Read more...]

Touring Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola

Stepping into Atlanta's famous World of Coca-Cola, I didn't know what to expect. Was this popular attraction a factory tour, a museum, or just one big ad for Coke? Turns out, it's a little bit of all three. While it won't be the most meaningful stop on your Atlanta intinerary with kids, it will be fun…don't skip it! Visitors are first led into a large room filled with Coca-Cola advertising … [Read more...]

What to do with kids around Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta

What used to be an area tourists rarely had reason to visit transformed into an epicenter of Atlanta family fun upon the creation of Centennial Olympic Park for the 1996 Olympic Games. Now, kids have their pick of nearby attractions and outdoor play areas, as well as restaurants and lodging. What to do in Centennial Olympic Park with kids: Enjoy playgrounds and fountains: When the weather is … [Read more...]

5 Laguna Beach parks to visit while waiting for the fog to clear

Laguna Beach California is a mecca for sun, surf, and sand. It's casual while still offering luxurious hotels and fine dining, relaxed while still upscale. The only downside? Families can find themselves with time to kill during spring and summer Laguna Beach mornings, waiting for the fog to clear. Where to play while you wait? Our top five park picks for Laguna Beach: Bluebird Park: A … [Read more...]