James Smith

James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.

Latest posts by James

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and on the North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 7:26am

The waterfront Pridwin Hotel and Cottages offers a serene escape at its family-friendly hotel on Shelter Island.

The Hamptons and North Fork of Long Island offer families a fantastic vacation getaway filled with endless activities and family-friendly excitement. There are family-friendly hotels near the ocean, country inns near golf courses, and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of the charming Long Island villages and some of North Fork’s celebrated wineries.

From chain hotels near kid-friendly attractions to decadent resorts with private beaches and pools to seaside motels, the East End lodging options are plentiful. Hamptons hotels are at a premium during the peak months of July and August. The North Fork hotels are usually at peak during the summer months as well, so book early for the best prices and monitor hotel websites for last-minute specials.

Read on for all the details of our favorite family-friendly hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork. Once you've booked your stay, check out our Guide to Family Fun in the Hamptons and North Fork for all our top picks for things to do, see, and places to eat. For more vacation getaway ideas for the summer, don't miss our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Strawberry Picking in Atlanta at Family-Friendly Strawberry Farms

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 04/13/2025 - 10:30am

Rows and rows of fresh strawberries are ripe for the picking at Washington Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Spring means strawberry picking in Atlanta! The season for u-pick strawberry farms in Atlanta is upon us and usually lasts through June. We have plenty of strawberry farms within driving distance of Atlanta that not only offer u-pick and pre-picked strawberries, but also activities like petting zoos, jumping pillows, and train rides. Georgia strawberries are also the theme of some of our favorite spring festivals, including the popular Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds and the Strawberry Festival in Musella.

Check out the best Atlanta farms for strawberry picking...strawberry-themed outfits encouraged!

Christmas Vacation in Atlanta: 50 Staycation Ideas for Things to Do With Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 10:45am

Head to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds to walk through an outdoor maze of over 1,000 illuminated Chinese lanterns at the Winter Lantern Festival. Photo by Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Christmas vacation is one of the best things about the holiday season for many Atlanta kids. Parents, on the other hand, may dread the thought of keeping their children entertained for the winter break. Have no fear! We've got some amazing Atlanta staycation ideas to enjoy the ultimate Christmas vacation.

Because kids can sleep in during holiday break, take advantage of evening activities like Christmas light displays and Atlanta holiday shows and Nutcracker performances. Try outdoor activities, such as ice skating and winter hikes, since Atlanta's weather is generally mild. Save money during Christmas vacation by getting an Atlanta CityPass for many of Atlanta's top attractions, including Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and more.

12 Swimming Lakes Near DC You Need to Discover

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:25am

No ocean? No problem. The Chesapeake Bay is calling! Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

When the summer heat descends on the DC area, there are plenty of nearby swimming lakes and watering holes where families can make a splash and cool off. These swimming lakes (all within a two-hour drive) are a fun, natural alternative to the area's swimming pools and water parks. Many of them are within state parks and national forests, which offer a variety of other fun activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Here are our favorite swimming lakes and watering holes near DC where families can beat the heat and reconnect with nature. Many of these awesome swimming spots even offer a Tom Sawyer-like adventure that will have the kids swinging, diving, and absolutely grinning.

Check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for even more fun ways to cool off this summer.

Sarasota with Kids: 33 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 02/24/2024 - 12:00pm

Relax amidst nature’s beauty at Selby Gardens.

Sarasota, Florida is a gem on Florida’s central Gulf Coast, with access to amazing beaches, water sports, marine biology, museums, and more. Where it once was a haven for retirees, these days it is increasingly popular with families and vacationers eager to escape the cold winters of the north.

An hour south of Tampa, whose airport serves almost every major city in North America, Sarasota, Florida offers plenty of natural beauty. It is a vibrant city rich in arts, culture, and dining delights. Plus, its metropolitan area includes the world-famous beaches of Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key.

Here are 33 of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida with kids, including family-friendly Sarasota hotels and restaurants. Check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for even more great places to visit in the Sunshine State, including the best Florida beach vacations for families.

St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 09/23/2023 - 11:37am

The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter

Florida has its “Emerald Coast,” its "Space Coast," its “Treasure Coast,” and even its “Forgotten Coast.” But unless you spend time in its northernmost section, you might be unaware of its “Historic Coast,” headlined by the haven of St. Augustine.

About an hour south of Jacksonville, whose sizable airport services most major carriers, sits America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers. To visit St. Augustine’s charming cobblestone streets and seemingly ancient architecture is to be reminded of Florida’s multicultural history.

Of course, these days visitors—adults and kids alike—are better welcomed than the 18th-century pirates who sailed in for plunder. These days, St. Augustine is a seaside haven for kids and families, particularly those eager to mix a little education with all that Florida sunshine.

Read on for our picks for the 30 best things to do in St. Augustine with kids. Then check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for more great getaways in the Sunshine State.

13 Best Swimming Lessons and Swim Classes in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 10:30am

British Swim School offers swim lessons across Atlanta for kids of all ages.

Swimming lessons empower children in the water, and Atlanta families have a number of options when it comes to individual swim classes, budget-friendly group swimming lessons, and even swim lessons that come to you.

We’ve rounded up 13 swim schools that are sure to instill confidence in the water without flooding your wallet! Your child will emerge from these swimming classes with important, life-saving skills to dive right into the water again and again.

Long Beach with Kids: 26 Things To Do in the City By the Sea

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 7:53am

Long Beach offers sun, sand, and surf fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy City of Long Beach

Nicknamed the "City by the Sea," the eclectic enclave of Long Beach, NY, offers visitors a rare combination of energy and relaxation.

One of only two cities in Nassau County, Long Beach has an ocean vibe generally reserved for vacation communities. And yet Long Beach is less than an hour from Manhattan and 15 minutes from Jones Beach State Park. It is accessible by car via the Meadowbrook State Parkway or the Long Island Rail Road, whose Long Beach station is in the heart of the city.

In summer, the population of Long Beach swells with beachgoer s, surfers, sightseers, and fans of the city’s famous boardwalk. So pack up the kids, bring your beach gear, and work up a healthy appetite—there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in the city—as you take in all this Nassau County gem has to offer.

James Smith

Latest posts by James

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