LA is known for a lot of things: Sunny weather. Towering palm trees. Hollywood. And freeways. Consequently, driving out of town for a SoCal staycation—the whole, 10-to-the-110-to-the-405 thing— is sometimes more hassle than it’s worth. Especially when you’ve got littles strapped in for the ride. Enter Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. A 351-mile train service that runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, this coast-hugging train is for travelers who love a scenic road trip but don’t want to deal with the actual road. It’s basically Pacific Coast Highway, without the harrowing drive. The 29 statio ..read more

It takes a lot to top a day at Disney—but this Orange County Airbnb may have done it. The meticulously Disney-fied “Princess Palace” home—located 10 minutes from Disneyland—isn’t stopping at its princess-themed bedrooms and a killer backyard playground/pool setup that’ll keep the kids busy long enough for Mom and Dad to have an actual conversation. It’s also got a secret game room that’ll blow your minis’ minds… once they figure out how to get inside.  (Hint: It’s not that hard!). The Bedrooms But first things first. Walking into the modest three-bedroom Anaheim-area home, your kids will ..read more

If staying inside Batman’s Bat Cave or a replica Haunted Mansion isn’t enough over-the-top bucket list fodder for you, Airbnb is upping its game. The vacation rental site just released a new tier of experiences that will offer guests one-of-a-kind stays inside homes and spaces they’ve only imagined. The new “Icons” category includes experiences such as spending the night inside a real-life version of Carl Fredricksen’s floating yellow house from Pixar’s Up to being the first-ever to sleep inside the Clock Room at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Even cooler? Most of the stays are free (and if they ..read more

Tucked away in the heart of vibrant New Orleans, Loews New Orleans Hotel offers families a blend of luxury, comfort, and Southern charm that’s hard to beat. If you’re experiencing this iconic hotel firsthand, prepare to be blown away  by its family-friendly atmosphere and prime location. This journey through the Big Easy is a memorable one, and you’ll see why this hotel is the ultimate destination for your next family getaway. Welcome to New Orleans View this post on Instagram A post shared by Loews New Orleans Hotel (Official) (@loewsneworleans) From the moment you step into the lobb ..read more

If your kids have a visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on their wishlist for summer, we’ve got some great news! Disney Parks just announced a new way to save some money when visiting the parks this summer. The new 3-Day Disneyland ticket offer will bring the price as low as $50/day for kids ages 3-9. With child tickets typically running $98 and up per day, this is a significant savings. We’re also super excited about the flexibility offered by this deal, as you don’t have to use the 3-day ticket on consecutive days but can spread out your visit over the summer months. Plu ..read more

When I saw the news that Wildhaven was opening a new glamping spot in Mariposa near Yosemite, you can bet that I immediately set up a time to visit with my teens. The crew at Wildhaven has already established themselves as glamping pros with their highly successful Sonoma County property nestled in between vineyards in Healdsburg. That property is a favorite of ours as it has a prime location right along the Russian River and is just a short drive from the restaurants and shopping in downtown Healdsburg. I found that the new Wildhaven Yosemite property offered the same relaxed vibe parents are ..read more

You’re excited about your destination. The journey to get there—maybe not so much. But before you start writing preemptive apology letters to your fellow airplane passengers, try some of these genius airplane hacks to keep your brood calm, happy, and organized on even thelongest of flights. From where to sit on the plane to how to pack so you can whip out the right stuff at the right time (Hello, emergency lollipops!), here are the best travel and packing tips for your next flight. AdobeStock 1. Get TSA PreCheck status to breeze through security. True, some airports will whisk families through ..read more

Calling all lovers of Turning Red, Up, and Inside Out! Disneyland is putting its beloved Pixar friends front and center for the return of Pixar Fest, a celebration of the music, themes, and characters from its Pixar Animation Studios films. The Pixar-ification includes new food items, a reimagined fireworks display, a new parade, and a new immersive show that’ll have Disney toddlers freeze-dancing their wiggles away. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Pixar Fest, which runs now through Aug. 4 at Disneyland and California Adventure: There’s a Reimagined Fireworks Show M ..read more

Tucked away in a lush landscape with beautiful flowers and tall palms that make you feel like you’re on a Caribbean getaway, The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando is in a world of its own. With 878 two- and three-bedroom vacation residences that are perfect for families, the property blends the comforts of home with the luxury of a full-service resort. All units are equipped with full kitchens, full-sized washers and dryers, multiple bathrooms, and screened balconies. We loved that we could make breakfast in the room and head out without waiting in the restaurant.  Whether you’re ..read more

Whether you are looking to check out the Guggenheim, see a show on Broadway, or take a walk through Central Park, a visit to New York City is something that all families should experience. When looking for a New York hotel for families, you’ll find that space is at a premium and most properties only offer small, cramped rooms that aren’t particularly suited for traveling with kids. A family suite is the only option when you need a spot for you to hang out while your toddler naps. We recently stayed at INNSiDE New York NoMad and their family suites are the perfect option for families visiting N ..read more