Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

Tulip Festival and More Things to Do in Holland, MI with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/27/2024 - 12:00pm

Families with kids should definitely swing by the Windmill Island Gardens.

Each spring, travelers from around the world descend on the small town of Holland, MI to take part in the annual Holland tulip festival. There, they get to see millions of colorful tulips in full bloom. It's an amazing spectacle, complete with carnival rides, parades, and performances.

But while the festival lasts just a few weeks in May, this town on the shores of Lake Michigan is also a great destination for a summer vacation, as my family and I discovered. About 2.5 hours from Chicago, Holland, MI is beachy and affordable, and many unique attractions and restaurants highlight its Dutch influence. (Ebelskiver anyone? For those who don't know, it's a delicious Danish dessert!)

Read on for more about the Tulip Time festival and other top attractions in Holland, MI, including great hotels in Holland, MI. And check out our Midwest Travel Guide for other vacation ideas.

Destin with Kids: 30 Awesome Things To Do in Destin, Florida

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/20/2024 - 12:30pm

Paddleboarding is just one of many fun water activities in Destin. Photo by Jennifer Swope

Destin, Florida may have a reputation as a party spot for spring breakers, but this city on the Florida Panhandle is actually brimming with kid-friendly activities. Families love the impeccably clean and clear waters of the "Emerald Coast," the unofficial nickname for the 100-mile stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico.

Yet, the fun doesn't stop at the sand. The greater Destin, Florida area offers plenty in the way of interactive museums, amusement parks, animal adventures, and great restaurants, making it a go-to Florida vacation destination for those with children in tow.

Here are 30 of the best things to do with kids in and around Destin, Florida, including delicious Destin restaurants and great Destin, Florida resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals. For more family adventures in the Sunshine State, including our list of the best family resorts in Florida, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Secrets to Ichetucknee Springs State Park with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 11:42am

Spend a relaxing day tubing the pristine waters of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo by Jackie Jones

Just over two hours north of Orlando lies one of Florida's greatest gems: Ichetucknee Springs State Park. My family visited this gorgeous Florida park to explore the park's natural lazy river (dubbed as "Florida's best location for river tubing" by the Travel Channel). During our adventure, the water was cool and clear (it stays a constant 72 degrees all year) and surrounded by a lush canopy of trees. With warm weather just around the corner, Ichetucknee Springs is an excellent day trip for families looking to get outdoors.

Guide To the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 03/01/2024 - 1:02am

Palm Springs Tramway observation deck photo by author Jackie Jones

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages. Ascending the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon, the tramway provides breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

At the Mountain Station, located at an elevation of 8,516 feet, families can explore hiking trails, enjoy dining with scenic vistas, revel in winter activities, and experience the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains. With cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes, the tramway offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat and unforgettable memories for families seeking outdoor recreation and exploration at new heights.

Explore more to do in Palm Springs with kids, plan road trips from Los Angeles for a family getaway, and find adventures in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families.

Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 7:00am

Dive into fun at the Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone

Children's museums in Los Angeles and Orange County offer immersive and interactive amusement to engage young minds and foster creativity, curiosity, and exploration. Southern California has plenty of local museums to excite and inspire visitors of all ages.

A museum where kids are encouraged to touch exhibits, climb on furniture, and ask as many questions as they want is the holy grail of indoor activities. However, some of these children's museums have exciting outdoor water features that are great for summer fun. Here are the best children's museums in Los Angeles and beyond to entertain and enrich curious kiddos.

For more museum outings, discover free museum days in Los Angeles, and let the kids run wild at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in LA. There's plenty more to explore in our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Best Things To Do & See in Martin County, Florida with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 11/18/2023 - 12:00pm

Martin County, Florida offers many family-friendly adventures, including the chance to see various wildlife. Photo courtesy NPS/Emma Force

Just north of West Palm Beach on the picturesque southeastern side of Florida lies Martin County, nicknamed the Treasure Coast. And what a treasure it is, with clean public beaches, a children's museum, parks, restaurants, and fabulous resorts.

Communities like Stuart, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound have plenty of family fun going on, just at a quieter pace than their neighbors to the south, like Boca Raton and Miami. My family lives in the Palm Beach area, and we are frequently hopping in the car to visit Martin County's many attractions.

Here are 18 of our favorite things to do and see in Martin County, Florida, including great places to eat and stay. For more ideas on vacationing in the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Cleveland with Kids: 30 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 09/30/2023 - 12:00pm

Climb "Steggie," the eight-foot tall Stegosaurus sculpture that has greeted museumgoers since 1968 at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Home to beloved sports teams and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio is a city with a bustling energy and an all-American spirit. There's so much for families to do in this town set on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, including plenty of attractions that are really affordable or entirely free. And step aside, New York and Chicago: Cleveland is a foodie city too, with delicious restaurants that will please the whole family.

My family spent a week in Cleveland over the summer, and my daughters are already asking when they can go back. Here are our top 30 things to do in Cleveland with kids, including kid-friendly places to eat and great Cleveland hotels. For more Midwest vacation ideas, including our guides to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, check out our Midwest Family Travel Guide

Kidspace: An Insider's Guide to LA's Beloved Children's Museum

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 6:45am

Kiddos can climb through the famous Ant Tunnel. Photo courtesy of Kidspace

Kidspace is a treasured children's museum in Pasadena, set apart from other museums in Los Angeles with its immersive water play features, enthralling exhibits, and unique climbing structures. There is something for everyone at Kidspace, from animal lovers to budding scientists and mini music maestros.

There are more than 40 hands-on exhibits within the 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor property, and the museum is designed specifically for children ages ten and under. My own family has had a membership for five years now. So what keeps us coming back again and again? Read on to find out—plus tips on how to maximize your visit.

For more museum exploration, visit the best children's museums in Los Angeles and Orange County, take advantage of free museum days in Los Angeles, and browse our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

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