Family Travel

Planning a family trip can feel overwhelming finding hotels, meals, and entertainment that work for every age. That’s where Great Wolf Lodge stands out because everything’s under one roof: a huge indoor water park, kid-friendly restaurants, themed activities, and rooms built for families.

When I moved to Orange County, I quickly realized that the need for swimwear had become a year-round necessity. When I stumbled upon this t-shirt style one-piece, I immediately fell in love. As I get older and the sun-spots start to appear, I have finally embraced sunscreen and sun protection and curse my high-school tanning-bed…

We moved to Boston less than a year ago. It’s been a tough adjustment, if I’m honest. But, I’ve quickly learned the best part about living here is the close proximity to historical and unique places, like Newport Rhode Island. We had a rare weekend free (I’ve been traveling to the west coast a ton), so we decided to check it out.

I try not to regret decisions I make because I don’t make decisions lightly. I often spend days, weeks, months analyzing something before I make a decision, so I try not to question them. Since I don’t come to decisions very quickly or without great thought, I try to have faith in myself and my thought process. But every now and then, I just get it wrong.

My sister lives in the twin cities. My kids and I visited for a couple weeks earlier this summer, so we had a chance to explore a lot both Minneapolis and St. Paul. I love visiting the Twin Cities in the summer because there is so much to do, especially with young kids. It was rather hot while I was there, so we looked for fun ways to cool off and keep the kids entertained. Here are 8 fun kid-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities in the summer.

Last week, I wrote about our time in the Twin Cities. We spent half of our trip at my sister’s house there. Then, we spent the next week at my parents’ house in Green Bay, WI, which is also my hometown. It was the first time I was home in 4 years and it was my first time bringing both of my kids with me back home. Given it’s where I’m from, I knew there were a lot of fun things to do with kids in Green Bay Wisconsin. So I set out to show them some of my favorite childhood things and also experience some new ones.

If you’ve been following my social media or the other 100+ mommy bloggers, you know that we just wrapped up the Social Media on the Sand 2019 conference. So what is social media on the sand? And who are these Beaches Moms?

In December, I was lucky enough to get to bring my family to Seattle. Visit Seattle created an amazing itinerary for us and we got to experience a lot of really neat things.

For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something big. Last year, I traveled to Scottsdale to visit my friend. We had an amazing time, but Scottsdale is almost like a second home. I lived there for 9 years, so I wanted to really shake it up this year. Puerto Vallarta immediately came to mind because it is a really short flight from LA. Yet, it feels like you’re in a completely different world when you get there. Plus, I had the most amazing time in Puerto Vallarta when I visited in 2019.

When Disney Parks invited us to visit Walt Disney World AND go on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, I honestly couldn’t believe it. For several days, I was in shock. I first received the invite in the late fall of 2021. We were supposed to depart at the end of January, but due to the surge in Omicron, they postponed the trip. Thankfully, they rescheduled it for the end of March, and I was able to take some time with my kids so we could participate.

Earlier this month, I shared my family’s recent experience at Knott’s Berry Farm. I also talked about why I decided to get an annual pass for my kids and me this year. One of the major perks of the gold and platinum passes is having unlimited access to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City.

Earlier this month, I finally had the chance to take my kids to New York City. I honestly thought they would love it. Thankfully, I had already planned some things to do in NYC with kids prior to our arrival. But what surprised me the most was the things they love about NYC that I never expected.

Have you heard of Atlantis Bahamas? I can’t remember the first time I heard about Atlantis, but I do remember how much it stood out as an iconic location the times I’ve been to Nassau. This is my third time in Nassau, although I actually forgot I had visited in 2013. My memory was jogged as we drove from the airport through the downtown area. I remembered the trip and our Vespa ride around the island as we drove past the distinctive downtown area and the fish market.

One of my favorite weekend trips from Los Angeles is to visit Palm Springs. It is only about a two-hour drive. When you get to the desert, it really does feel like you’re in a completely new place. It’s been a pretty chilly winter here in LA, so I wanted to escape the cool weather for some warmth and sunshine.

Maui is an incredible destination that offers endless possibilities for adventure and exploration. From stunning beaches to lush rainforests, there is something for everyone on this Hawaiian island. But, if you are planning a family vacation to Maui, you may be wondering what activities and attractions are best suited for kids. Here are some of the best things to do in Maui with kids, including fun and free options, as well as the best luau for families.

Did you know Universal Orlando Resort has its own waterpark? I didn’t know about Volcano Bay until we started planning our trip to the other parks. As part of Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay is a tropical paradise. The minute we entered the park, I felt like I was back in Maui. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about Volcano Bay, from securing tickets to exploring the map, capturing breathtaking photos, and making the most of your visit.

I spent 12 days in Greece and it was such an amazing trip so I want to share it with you. However, I actually added on two days mid-way through my trip so I could see Santorini. Originally, it wasn’t part of my travel plans, but I’m so glad I added on those two extra days. However, I wanted to share a 10-day Greece itinerary with you because that is the length of time most people look to spend in Greece. I am sharing with you all of the details of a Greece 10-day itinerary including visiting Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini.

I’ve lived in LA for 5 years and never visited Universal Studios Hollywood. This past summer, we were invited to Universal Studios in Orlando and had the most magical week. Given the fact that we loved the other coast’s park, I just knew I’d love this one too. Finally, we had the chance to visit Universal Studios Hollywood as a family (the kids have been with their dad several times), and it exceeded every expectation I had.

Planning a trip to Hawaii is exciting. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, the Hawaiian Islands offer a paradise unlike any other. However, to make the most of your Hawaiian adventure, it’s essential to pack wisely.

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix, France, is a dream destination for families seeking adventure, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences. This charming alpine town, famously known as the gateway to Mont Blanc, offers an array of activities for all ages. Whether you’re skiing the iconic slopes, dining at the best restaurants in Chamonix, or taking a cable car ride to marvel at the peaks, Chamonix promises an unforgettable trip.

When I was planning our trip to Europe, my kids had one big request: to visit Disneyland Paris. It was something they were so excited about, and honestly, I was curious to see how it would compare to the Disney parks we’d visited in the U.S. Our adventure began with a train ride from Geneva to Paris, a journey filled with anticipation.

Geneva, Switzerland, is a breathtaking city nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cosmopolitan charm. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to do in Geneva, Switzerland, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. This guide will help you explore the best Geneva has to offer, including where to stay, eat, and explore.

The French Alps are one of the most breathtaking destinations in Europe, offering stunning mountain scenery, world-class ski resorts, and charming alpine villages. Our family trip to Megève and Chamonix in December was nothing short of magical, but what makes this region truly special is that it can be visited year-round. Whether you’re skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or enjoying the autumn foliage, the French Alps have something to offer in every season.

Paris, the City of Light, is a magical destination for families. We chose to do a two-day trip to Paris as an extension of our Alps trip because our kids really wanted to go to Disneyland Paris and had been asking to see the Eiffel Tower. We took a train from Geneva to Paris, which was a seamless and convenient way to travel. European train networks make it easy to move between major cities, offering high-speed rail options that are comfortable and efficient.

Frisco, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, known for its family-friendly attractions, vibrant sports culture, and fantastic dining options. Located just about 25 minutes north of downtown Dallas and within easy reach of both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), Frisco makes for a perfect weekend getaway or an extended family vacation destination. Whether you’re a sports fan, a gamer, or simply looking for a place to entertain the kids, Frisco has something for everyone. Here are six fun things to do in Frisco TX.

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the grand opening celebration and media preview of Universal’s Epic Universe, the latest and most ambitious theme park addition to Universal Orlando. This park redefines immersive storytelling with five unique worlds, groundbreaking attractions, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Big Sur or watched HBO’s Big Little Lies, chances are you’ve already admired the breathtaking Bixby Bridge. Officially known as Bixby Creek Bridge, this iconic structure along California’s Highway 1 is one of the most photographed spots in the state—and for good reason. Set against dramatic cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean, Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California, offers visitors a view that feels like it belongs in a movie scene.

We recently spent one magical week in Upper Michigan, staying at a charming lakeside house just 30 minutes from Munising. It was the perfect home base for exploring the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty, and we knew right away that a visit to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore had to be at the top of our list.

Visiting Walt Disney World is magical at any age, but visiting with pre-teens and teens? It’s a completely different kind of unforgettable. Earlier this fall, National Geographic invited us to visit Walt Disney World as part of their Best of the World 2026 celebration and we had the chance to explore Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom through the eyes of my kids.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is, without question, one of the most unique and immersive parks at Walt Disney World. It blends the spirit of adventure with real animal encounters, world-class theming, inspiring cultural storytelling, and thrilling attractions.

Costa Rica has been on our family travel list for years. Between the beaches, wildlife, and laid back culture, it feels like the perfect destination for a family vacation that blends adventure with rest. When the opportunity came to stay at the Westin Reserva Conchal on a sponsored trip, I was excited to finally experience one of the most talked about Costa Rica all-inclusive family resorts for myself.

Traveling with early elementary-aged kids is leaps and bounds easier than traveling with babies or toddlers. My kids are at the age that I no longer have to bring bottles, diaper bags, etc., which is such a relief. They are pretty good at entertaining themselves. But on long trips, even my usual travel tips and tricks start to fail. That’s why I’m so glad we finally got a new Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablets – or KET for short.

Seattle has been on my travel bucket list for many years. I’ve been enamored with Seattle since the 90s. I was a big Nirvana fan and I’m an avid Starbucks drinker. Since those things came out of Seattle, it must be a place I’d like.

For a lot of people, Alaska is high on their bucket list. My idea of Alaska was a lot different than what I actually experienced. I was expecting glaciers and polar bears. I hadn’t even heard of Sitka Alaska before my dear friend moved there last year. Despite my lack of knowledge of Alaska, I have to say that I’m so glad I’ve gotten to experience the glorious beauty of Sitka. And this summer, I was lucky enough to be able to take my kids too. If you have the chance to visit, I highly encourage it. And if you can bring your kids, even better. Here are 10 things to do in Sitka Alaska with kids.

My kids and I are getting to experience lots of firsts this spring. Earlier this spring, we went on our first cruise and last week, we got to go to Lake Tahoe for the first time. My kids have also never done any snow sports so they were so excited to get to try to snowboard for the first time.

I was trying to think of something fun to do with the kids over Memorial Day since we decided to stay in town. We haven’t been to Knott’s Berry Farm in over two years, so it seemed like the perfect time. Even with traffic, we live less than an hour from Knott’s, so it makes for a great day trip for our family. Although we definitely had a great time, there are some things I’ve learned about visiting and the benefits of the Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass.

It is officially Disneyland Halloween time! It is my favorite time of year at Disneyland. I do love Christmas time at Disneyland too, but there is something that feels extra special at Halloween. We were lucky enough to get to attend the opening night of Oogie Boogie Bash and be some of first people to experience Halloween at Disneyland. Read on to find everything you need to know about Halloween Time at Disneyland.

Searching for options for Ice Skating Los Angeles? I’ve got you covered. If you live in LA or Orange County areas, here are 9 places to go skating this holiday season. By the way, if you’re looking for snow near LA, click here.

Embarking on a road trip is an exhilarating adventure, offering the freedom to explore new destinations at your own pace. However, long hours on the road can sometimes lead to restlessness and boredom. Fear not! We have compiled a list of 10 engaging road trip games that will make your journey more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a quick and festive treat to make this fall, Halloween pretzels are the perfect solution.