Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

Chattanooga with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 08/27/2022 - 12:00pm

The Creative Discovery Museum is sure to delight kids of all ages.

Chattanooga, Tennessee is known as the Scenic City, and it's not hard for visitors to see why. Set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this southern town is brimming with beauty and fascinating attractions. Though not as high-profile as Nashville or Memphis, Chattanooga is an affordable and easily accessible place. And with so many family-friendly things to do in Chattanooga, it's a great destination for a trip with kids.

Here are 25 of the best things to do in Chattanooga with kids, including kid-friendly museums, fresh-air fun, delicious Chattanooga restaurants, and great Chattanooga hotels for families. Be sure to visit our Family Travel Guide for more great family vacation ideas.

Lion Country Safari: Drive-thru Zoo with Wildlife, Water Rides, & More in South Florida

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 07/24/2022 - 1:00pm

There are more than just lions at Lion Country Safari.

With more than 900 animals, a water park, and carnival rides, Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee is a must-see attraction for visitors and locals in south Florida. Located 90 minutes north of Miami (30 minutes outside West Palm Beach), Lion Country is the kind of place where a family can spend the entire day and still not see everything this park has to offer. Its drive-through wildlife preserve is one of our favorite drive-through zoo experiences. Visitors can expect to see rhinos, giraffes, and lions up close. And I mean close. Last time my family visited, an ostrich approached our car and started pecking at a parking pass in the window (much to my daughters' delight!) Even more animals are on display in the park's walk-through zoo. And if you visit on a warm day, which is likely in south Florida, be sure to pack swimsuits; the splash pad and water slides here are some of the best in the area.

Here's more on what to do at Lion Country Safari—and for more ideas on Miami family activities, check out our South Florida and Miami guide.

Memphis with Kids: 25 Great Things To Do in Memphis, TN

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 07/02/2022 - 10:35am

Take a tour of Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.

Memphis, Tennessee is a city known for its rich musical history, civil rights heritage, and amazing BBQ. This town on the Mississippi River beats with a distinctly American heart. Many people regard it as the birthplace of rock n' roll: Legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Otis Redding, and Elvis Presley all recorded hit songs in Memphis. But you don't have to be a music aficionado or history buff to love the "Bluff City." Like the city of Nashville, there are so many things to do in Memphis, TN with kids, such as great museums, gorgeous parks and gardens, and delicious food. (Did I mention BBQ?)

Here are 25 things to do in Memphis with kids, including Memphis restaurants kids will love and the best family-friendly hotels in Memphis, TN. For more awesome family vacation ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Georgia Peach World: The Sweetest Stop Along I95

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 11:25am

Take a fun-filled break from the drive along I95 and let loose at the ultimate rest stop: Georgia Peach World Farm.

Georgia Peach World is a must-see attraction for those traveling I95 in southeastern Georgia. After mile upon mile of boring rest stops and gas stations, Georgia Peach World beckons like a juicy oasis of family fun for weary road-trippers of all ages. Located directly off the highway at Exit 58 in Townsend, Georgia (between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida), this travel respite offers bouncy houses, farm animals, an on-site cafe, and much more. The $12 wristband admission gets visitors all-day access!

With peach season starting this month, here's more on why this Georgia family farm should be scheduled on your next road trip! And enjoy more farms and fresh produce spots across our region with our helpful Pick Your Own Guide to Farms in Atlanta.

Orlando World Center Marriott: The New Water Park We Can't Wait to Visit!

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 03/19/2022 - 12:00pm

The massive new River Falls Water Park has opened at Orlando World Center Marriott just in time for spring break.

Just in time for spring break, a massive new water park has opened at Orlando World Center Marriott. River Falls Water Park made its debut on March 16 and features all the hallmarks of our favorite Orlando water parks: thrilling water slides, a giant lazy river, and a toddler-friendly splash pad. We visited the resort recently to see what's coming and why this Orlando attraction should definitely be on your radar.

Read on for everything you need to know about Orlando World Center Marriott and the new River Falls Water Park. For more family fun in Orlando, check out our Orlando Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide.

A Fabulous Family Getaway: Sea Island Resort, Georgia

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 02/05/2022 - 11:28am

We can think of worse ways to spend a sunny afternoon...

This phrase gets thrown around a lot, but Sea Island Resort in Georgia is a vacation destination that really does have it all. Located between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah on the stunning southeast Georgia coast, Sea Island is brimming with southern charm and world-class hospitality. Sea Island Resort features five miles of private beach and several pools. The amenities are plentiful, and the dining options are top-notch. During our vacation at Sea Island, we barely left the property. We were too busy biking, bowling, and swimming.

Read on for all of the scoop on Sea Island, Georgia. If a trip to Georgia isn't in your immediate future, be sure to peruse our other favorite family-friendly hotels and get ideas for where to travel next in our Family Travel Guide.

13 Kid-Friendly Always-Free Museums in Los Angeles

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 12/31/2021 - 1:51pm

Kids check out the current exhibit at the CAAM. Photo by HRDWRKER

What's better than a free day at a museum? How about a museum that's free every day? A place where you can expose your children to some of the best artwork, science, and history that Los Angeles has to offer without paying admission, ever. Several of this city's most iconic museums offer free admission every day (if you don't count parking, that is). And then of course there are the ones that just offer free admission to kids. So what are you waiting for? Take your whole crew out for some culture and creativity at one of these FREE museums.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters—and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Los Angeles Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

See the World's Largest Display of Lego Art: The Art of the Brick Is Back at the Science Center

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Mon, 05/17/2021 - 9:37am

I'm looking through you, where did you go? Photo courtesy of California Science Center

Get ready to see Legos in a whole new light. The Art of the Brick is the current exhibit at the California Science Center, featuring more than 100 sculptures and other works of art, all made exclusively with Legos (more than one million of them to be exact.) This exhibit had just opened when the museum closed down last year, so when the Science Center reopened, the bricks came back, too!

See a re-imagined Lego version of the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's Starry Night. Be dazzled by a giant Lego T-Rex and a multi-colored peace sign. And the exhibit has recently added a whole new section with sculptures of the world’s most endangered species that no audience has seen before. There are also some thought-provoking original works by the artist, Nathan Sawaya. It's a must-see for families that love Legos. (And who doesn't?!) I took my kids to experience the ultimate block party; read on for the highlights.

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

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