Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

25 Fun Things To Do in Myrtle Beach, SC with Kids

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 04/16/2022 - 12:00pm

There is so much for families to love about Myrtle Beach, a vacation resort on South Carolina's Atlantic coast. Nicknamed the Grand Strand because of its 60-mile stretch of gorgeous beaches, this area is known as a sunny surf-side retreat and a golfer's paradise

But while the natural beauty of the coastline and the premier golf courses don't disappoint, there's also a ton of fun to be had off the sand (and the green). Myrtle Beach has lots of interactive museums, animal adventures, shopping destinations, and activities for thrill seekers big and small. Add to that some great restaurants (particularly if you love seafood) and you've got yourself an awesome family vacation.

Here are 25 things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with kids, including delicious restaurants and family-friendly Myrtle Beach resorts and hotels. For more great family vacation ideas, visit our Family Travel Guide.

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.

The Amusement Park for Crafty Kids: Crayola Experience Orlando

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 02/20/2022 - 7:07am

See the world's largest Crayola crayon at Crayola Experience Orlando.

With dozens of colorful hands-on activities, the Crayola Experience Orlando is an amusement park for kids who love art! Inside this 70,000-square-foot space, you'll find enough creative play opportunities to keep your family busy all day (including a giant, crayon-themed playground). We were there for 4 hours and still didn't get to all of the 27 exhibits! Tickets cost less than $30 dollars per person, making the Crayola Experience a bargain compared to other Orlando theme parks and attractions. The age range of young visitors at Crayola Experience Orlando runs the gamut, from infants to teenagers. So tap into your inner child and get those creative juices flowing...here's your guide to the Crayola Experience Orlando!

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.

Zion National Park: A Guide for Families

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 07/04/2020 - 1:00pm

Riverside Walk hike at Zion NationL Park

No question about it: Zion National Park in southern Utah is a spectacular spot. Just the sight of its red and orange sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations can inspire and soothe the soul—and that's before you consider the park's amazing hiking trails, water play opportunities, and wildlife.

After weeks of feeling worn down and worn out, our family planned a road trip to Zion, not really knowing what to expect. Like most other national parks, Zion is open for the 2020 summer season but with limited operations. Don't let this deter you though; we had an epic trip—the journey to Zion being half of the adventure.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your family vacation to Zion National Park, including where to stay and where to hike.

Iconic LA Street Art and Murals for Must-Have Angeleno Kid Photo Ops

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 12:40pm

Here in Los Angeles, art is everywhere—and you can enjoy it even when our fabulous museums are closed. LA has plenty of beautiful and inspiring street art, from giant wall murals to painted utility boxes. Seemingly everywhere you look, there's a street display that's colorful and thought-provoking, not to mention Instagram-worthy. And in this time of so much uncertainty, the messages street art conveys can be uplifting. In fact, in the aftermath of some of the damage that occurred when looters hijacked recent protests and demonstrations, street art has helped communities heal.

Here are some of our favorite photo op street murals for LA families.