Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

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.

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

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Thu, 08/10/2023 - 1:00pm

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, check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide.

Hilton Head with Kids: 20 Best Things To Do in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 06/17/2023 - 12:54pm

With 12 miles of gorgeous beaches, great restaurants (especially for seafood lovers), and a relaxed southern vibe, Hilton Head Island, SC is the perfect destination for a family retreat. Located 45 minutes outside Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head boasts white sand, salty sea air, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions should you tire of the ocean.

My family recently spent a week in Hilton Head and came home refreshed and recharged, with some wonderful memories. If you are looking to relax while connecting with your kids, I highly recommend this low-country resort town.

Here are 20 of our favorite things to do in Hilton Head, South Carolina with kids, including the best Hilton Head hotels and restaurants for families. For more family vacation ideas in the sunny South, visit our Southern States Vacation Guide.

Visiting Dollywood with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 05/27/2023 - 12:00pm

Ride the iconic Dollywood Express, a coal-fired steam train.

Dollywood, the Dolly Parton-inspired theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN, has become one of the top amusement parks in the US for families. Set in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains, the park has over 50 rides, daily musical shows, and an iconic coal-fired steam train that runs along its periphery.

Located next door is Dollywood Splash Country, a 35-acre water park. And with a new Dollywood resort set to open in fall 2023 (HeartSong, which joins Dollywood's DreamMore Resort), families can plan a full vacation at Dollywood.

My family recently visited Dollywood, and wow—what a trip! Read on for details from our adventure and answers to your biggest questions, like: What are the best rides at Dollywood? What ages is Dollywood for? Is Dollywood little-kid-friendly? And if you're looking for even more family-friendly theme parks, check out our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

Frost Science Museum: Miami's Must-See Family Attraction

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 9:23am

Get close to underwater creatures at the Frost Science Museum's massive aquarium. Photo by Jackie Jones

The Frost Science Museum, with a whopping six levels, hundreds of hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and a planetarium, is a must-see Miami attraction. Prepare to spend all day at the 250,000-square-foot Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which explores the human body, the science of flight, and the solar system, among its many STEM-friendly displays. Frost Museum is located at the picturesque waterfront Maurice A. Ferré Park, not far from the Miami Brightline train station.

Read on to map out your ideal day at the Frost Museum, and for more ideas on planning kid-friendly Florida trips, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.

Fargo with Kids: 21 Best Things to Do in Fargo, ND

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/08/2023 - 12:00pm

You'll find some gorgeous street everywhere you turn in Fargo, ND.

Don't cha know: Fargo, ND is a vibrant city with lots of family-friendly attractions and great restaurants. This town—the most populous in North Dakota and located just over the border from Minnesota—is becoming a real travel destination. And while Fargo may be best known for its namesake 90s movie (an absolute classic, though not appropriate for kids), it's much more than just a place to hear funny accents. Fargo, ND has become a real foodie city with top-notch museums, a zoo, and even a Viking ship on display.

Here are our favorite things to do in Fargo, ND with kids, including some delicious Fargo restaurants and a few great hotels in Fargo, ND for families. Check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great cities to visit with kids, like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Columbia with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Columbia, SC

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 03/18/2023 - 12:22pm

Take a free tour of the South Carolina State House, the state's capitol building.

Though Columbia, SC may not get the publicity of neighboring cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's capital city has plenty for families to love. Located in the center of the state, "Soda City" boasts top-notch museums, attractions for animal lovers, delicious restaurants, and beautiful hotels. It's a somewhat small city with wide streets, a walkable downtown area, and a youthful vibe (it's home to the University of South Carolina). Columbia, SC is also full of the southern charm and hospitality you'd expect from a city in the South. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever encountered such polite folks!

Here are our 25 favorite things to do in Columbia, SC with kids, including great family-friendly restaurants and hotels in Columbia, SC. Check out our Southern States Vacation Guide for more places to visit in the sunny South.

West Palm Beach with Kids: 40 Things To Do in West Palm Beach, Florida

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 01/21/2023 - 10:16am

Kayaking is one of the many outdoor activities available at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.

Tourists might think of West Palm Beach, Florida and Palm Beach County as a preppy playground for America’s elite, but it is actually a family-friendly hub, with an array of fun activities at a variety of price points. People come here to frolic in the miles of gorgeous Atlantic surf, and the Sunshine State has plenty to offer in the way of fabulous beach vacation spots. But Greater West Palm Beach, Florida also has a lot of fun things to do off the sand, including animal adventures, interactive museums, sporty activities, water parks, and more.

Here are 40 things to do in West Palm Beach, Florida with kids, including delicious West Palm Beach restaurants and fabulous West Palm Beach, Florida hotels and resorts. And if you're looking for more fun Florida vacation ideas, including things to do in popular cities like Orlando and Miami, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.