While 2020 might have been a less-than-ideal year for travel, we’re hoping for the best for 2021 and have loads new properties to share with you. From the highly-anticipated opening of the LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort to a new Great Wolf Lodge in California to dreamy tropical destinations, this list of new hotels and all-inclusive resorts set to open in 2021 has it all. Get ready to plan your next family vacation!

LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort | Hudson Valley, New York

LEGOLAND New York Resort

Coming to New York’s Hudson Valley in 2021, the 250-room hotel—the first and only LEGO themed hotel in the northeast—is specially designed for families, with imaginative LEGO features and themed play areas everywhere you look—and all just steps away from the LEGOLAND New York Park! Families can choose from four completely themed rooms (including Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO® themes!) and explore the park’s seven themed lands, over 50 rides, shows and attractions and experience the global debut of the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride (where guests will be transformed into a LEGO Minifigure!). LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the first major theme park to grace the Northeast in over four decades and will be the premier multi-day destination for families. 

Online: LEGOLAND New York Park

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya | Mexico

Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, Riviera Maya is a slice of paradise just 20 minutes south of Cancún. Discover white sand beaches perfect for relaxing and warm, clear waters just right for snorkeling. Discover the coolest, most animated luxury resort to come to Mexico! Karisma Hotels & Resorts is excited to introduce you to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, opening in 2021. Families will have their ultimate beachfront escape, filled with indulgent luxury for adults, like sensational dining and bars—and unforgettable Nickelodeon experiences for kids like one of the largest water parks in Riviera Maya. The resort opens in June 2021 and you can book now. Read more here

Online: karismahotels.com

Great Wolf Lodge Bay Area | Manteca, CA

Great Wolf Lodge

The San Francisco Bay Area has been eagerly awaiting the opening of its very own Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca. Currently scheduled to open in March 2021, kids will especially love the themed suites like the Wolf Den suite that comes with a decked out bunk bed room. Great Wolf Lodge guests have unlimited access to the water slides and pools inside the 84-degree water park. Guests are also invited to enjoy free activities like Story Time and Yoga Tails in the Lobby. There are other fun attractions inside the Adventure Park that are available at an additional cost.

Online: greatwolf.com

AutoCamp Joshua Tree, Zion and Catskill Mountains

AutoCamp will be adding Joshua Tree, Zion, and the Catskill Mountains to its destination portfolio, with slated openings for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. Established in California with AutoCamp Yosemite National Park and Russian River locations, as well as its first-ever East Coast debut in Cape Cod this spring, the introduction of three new quintessential properties mark an impressive milestone for the brand. All AutoCamp properties are designed with personal space in mind and offer a naturally safe and socially-distant experience aimed to help guests escape the crowds and bring them closer to nature.

Online: autocamp.com

Chatwal Lodge, The Catskills | Bethel, NY

Bringing a Blackberry Farm type experience to the Catskills, The Chatwal Lodge is located at The Chapin Estate, a 2,500-acre gated residential community. Accommodations include 10 suites, with private patios overlooking the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir Lake; a 1,000-sq.ft.  treehouse that rises 25 feet off the ground; and an 850-sq.ft. glam tent. Activities range from fly fishing in the on-property trout stream and kayaking with a to-go picnic, to private music classes at the Lodge and priority access to exhibitions at Bethel Center of Performing Arts.

Online: thechatwallodge.com

The George | Napa, CA

Coming in early 2021, The George is a meticulously restored Victorian home turned luxury boutique inn featuring nine guest rooms, situated in downtown Napa’s picturesque old town neighborhood. This property is nestled away but within walking distance to everything downtown has to offer; from exclusive wine tasting rooms, restaurants, Uptown Theater, Napa Valley Opera House, Oxbow Market, and much more.

Online: thegeorgenapa.com

Paradero Todos Santos | Baja California Sur, Mexico

One hour away from San José del Cabo Airport, Todos Santos has a barefoot, bohemian vibe and is a haven for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Paradero Todos Santos is an 80 percent landscape, 20 percent construction project. 35 suites are situated within the Le Mesa farming community and an agricultural area comprising more than a dozen family-owned farms. Details with a sense of place include: on-site 100,000-sq.ft. botanical garden with 60 endemic species; artisan-made furniture from Mexico; suspended ‘star nets’ that offer high-altitude views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and ocean; below-ground spa that is inspired by a secret watering hole in Todos Santos; an open-fire kitchen with a traditional Oaxacan clay oven.

Online: paraderohotels.com

Cambria Hotel Napa Valley | Napa, CA

Cambria Hotel Napa Valley, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Napa, will open this summer featuring an outdoor pool with a sun deck and poolside bar, fitness center, bicycle rentals, and a full-service restaurant and bar serving locally inspired dishes and regional craft beers.

Online: choicehotels.com

Margaritaville Resort Times Square | New York, NY

Where the island meets the city! Opening March 2021, the $300 million Margaritaville Resort Times Square marries island-inspired casual design with luxurious comfort, instantly transporting guests and locals to the iconic Margaritaville state of mind. Located in Times Square at 560 Seventh Avenue, blocks away from the bright lights of the entertainment district and NYC’s most popular attractions, the 234-room, 29-story property will boast five signature food and beverage concepts, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant, a rooftop LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, Tiki Bar and an all-new concept, Chill Bar. Additional amenities include year-round outdoor heated pool, upscale retail shopping, concierge, valet parking, laundry/valet service and fitness center. 

Online: margaritavilleresorts.com

The Mayfair Townhouse | Mayfair, London

Set on the iconic Half Moon Street—the setting of Oscar Wilde’s most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest—the property brings to life a unique design that features thoughtfully curated guestroom and suites that deliver the amenities of a high end hotel without all the frills. Without a traditional restaurant, The Dandy Bar will soon be London’s newest ‘must-go’ cocktail / lounge bar offering a refuge from the bustling streets of Mayfair. The property will also have a unique concierge program, Les Clefs d’Or (“the golden keys”), and an art program curated by leading art specialist Minda Dowling. 

Online: themayfairtownhouse.com

Colton House Hotel | Austin, TX

Jeremy Sexton

The Colton House Hotel brings a brand new hotel category and experience to Austin’s trendy South Congress district. The 80-suite luxury property combines residential comforts with upscale boutique hotel amenities and staff, inviting guests to “wander home” in a modern, yet authentic Texas setting. Drawing inspiration from its distinctive surroundings, the hotel showcases the captivating spirit of the Lone Star State and pays due respect to Texas’s rich history with thoughtful features throughout. 

Online: coltonhousehotel.com

Pendry West Hollywood | Los Angeles, CA

Located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive in the heart of the iconic Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood will feature 149 luxury guest rooms and 40 Pendry Residences by Montage Hotels & Resorts. With interiors done by award-winning international interior designer Martin Brudnizki, guests and residence owners will have exclusive access to hotel amenities, including multiple food and beverage concepts driven by world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck, a rooftop pool and bar, a multi-purpose live entertainment venue, a screening room, bowling alley, Spa Pendry and state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as a curated art collection. 

Online: pendry.com

Palacio Provincial | San Juan, Puerto Rico

Palacio Provincial

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, the first new hotel in decades is set to open January 2021. Flawlessly combining past and present, Palacio Provincial is a new posh property that offers travelers an ultra-stylish home base for discovering the rich traditions of Old San Juan. The hotel boasts 43 guest rooms and suites with unparalleled views of Old San Juan and San Juan Bay. Hotel guests can soak up the Puerto Rican sunshine with lite bites and hand-crafted cocktails on the property’s rooftop pool and terrace space.  

Online: palacioprovincial.com

Hotel Drover | Fort Worth, TX

A place where simple pleasures and one-of-a-kind experiences blend effortlessly to become special memories, Hotel Drover will bring 200 rustic-luxe rooms and suites—from cozy guests rooms, oversized soaking tubs, and fireplace suites to modern bunkhouse rooms and vintage-inspired retreats. The signature eatery, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, will feature a menu of contemporary Texas fare, elevated ranch classics and reimagined Southern comfort foods. Additionally, the property will boast two “one-of-a-kind” retail shops—Lucchese Custom Collection, a true bespoke experience offering custom and made-to-fit items and Little White Lies, a beautiful, hand-curated artisan shop with a decidedly feminine yet rustic flare.  

Online: hoteldrover.com

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas | San Diego, CA

Located in one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal towns, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will be a crafted luxury resort, delivering authentic and bespoke experiences in a world-class beachfront setting. Defining barefoot luxury, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is slated to open in early 2021 and will feature 130 coastal and garden view rooms and suites, using innovative design to showcase the breathtaking coastal views and natural elements of the coastline featuring wood, stone, and sophisticated lines resulting in a stylish yet artisanal understated environment. 

Online: alilahotels.com

Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts | Mahè, Seychelles

An ultra-private escape in a destination with unrivaled beauty, Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts will sit on the pristine beachfront in the southern part of Mahè. The highly-exclusive and intimate resort will be a tropical oasis of tranquility and relaxation, surrounded by clear waters and white sand beaches. With only 41 guest rooms, including 9 suites, the luxury resort will also feature five world-class culinary venues, three pool areas, including an infinity pool, and an elevated wellness program with standout treatment rooms overlooking the glittering Indian Ocean. 

Online: lxrhotels3.hilton.com

The Westin Anaheim Resort | Anaheim, CA

Situated in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, The Westin Anaheim Resort is a relaxing haven of wellness and renewal while being steps away from some of Southern California’s biggest and most popular attractions including Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Honda Center and the Anaheim Convention Center. A landmark hotel occupying eight acres, The Westin Anaheim Resort will boast 618 guest rooms and suites, signature state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT Fitness Center, outdoor pool, and multiple signature food and beverage outlets including Anaheim’s only exclusive rooftop bar which gives guests incredible panoramic views and first row seats—without the crowds—to Disneyland’s nightly fireworks.

Online: marriott.com

Pendry Chicago | Chicago, IL

Pendry Chicago sits at the epicenter of business and leisure in Chicago in the heart of The Loop, only steps from the River and in close proximity to  The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park. Pendry Chicago will be both a restoration and reinvigoration of the 1920s-era Carbide & Carbon building, built in the shape of a vintage green Champagne bottle and said to be inspired as a response to Prohibition. Pendry Hotels & Resorts will bring careful attention to detail and thoughtful elevations in design by the award-winning Alessandro Munge and Studio Munge; new food and beverage, programming and guest experiences—a re-imagination that will deliver a luxe, 364-room and suite property. 

Online: pendry.com

Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase | Big Water, UT

Bailey Made

Opening April 2021, Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase offers 50 safari-style canvas accommodation tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms within, perched on the edge of Canyon Rim Plateau with views from the lake to its namesake, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. The camp will center around a lobby lounge tent where guests can enjoy board games, a book, Western inspired cuisine, retail offerings and generally soak up the community vibe before or after a day of outdoor adventure. The camp sits on 220 acres of beautiful land colored with hues of orange, red, and yellow for as far as the eye can see and is conveniently located near top attractions such as Antelope Canyon and Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell. 

Online: undercanvas.com

The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel | Jackson Hole, WY

Set to open spring 2021 as the only hotel on Jackson’s historic Town Square, The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection hotel will draw upon the town’s signature Western style, while bringing understated luxury and a refined, yet relaxed sensibility to the valley. Located at the gateway to the Grand Teton National Park, one hour south of Yellowstone National Park, and in the center of the town’s boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more, The Cloudveil aims to capture a true sense of place and offer a modern sanctuary inspired by the organic elements of its locale. The property will boast 100 guest rooms and suites; a European bistro-style restaurant and bar; an expansive rooftop terrace overlooking Jackson’s Town Square and Snow King Mountain; a tranquil outdoor pool and garden; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and 7,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting and event space featuring fireplaces, fire pits, and spectacular views, all designed with the destination in mind.

Online: thecloudveil.com

Under Canvas Acadia | Acadia, Maine

Bailey Made

Opening May 2021, Under Canvas Acadia offers 63 safari-style canvas accommodation tents on elevated decks with private ensuite bathrooms within, set on 100 acres with more than 1,200 feet of untouched Maine coastline and a short 35-minute drive to the acclaimed Cadillac Mountain Trail and more broadly, Acadia National Park. Under Canvas’s first Northeast location immerses guests in the beauty and lush New England environment of emerald green spruce and fir tree forests, sweeping lawns that reach to Union River Bay, and breathtaking views of Acadia’s famed mountainous landscape including Cadillac Mountain. A waterfront lobby tent will open out to an expansive communal dining and gathering space. 

Online: undercanvas.com

Pendry Manhattan West | New York, New York

Pendry Manhattan West will feature 164 guestrooms including 30 suites; a signature restaurant; a lounge and vibrant open-air terrace bar; and meeting and event space. A vibrant urban plaza with landscaped gardens and dynamic street-front retail will bring together high-end, experiential shops and innovative culinary concepts, all enlivened with public art and events by Arts Brookfield, Brookfield’s award-winning arts and entertainment program. The 250,000 square feet of retail at Manhattan West will be anchored by Peloton, which is creating “Peloton Studios,” a 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art flagship location, and Whole Foods, which is creating a 60,000-square-foot culinary destination.

Online: pendry.com

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa | Desert Hot Springs, CA

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, opening in Jan. 2021, offers a unique desert spa experience where guests can soak in healing mineral springs surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains. The resort will offer 40 overnight accommodations, ranging from spa suites with private mineral spring tubs to balcony view rooms facing the stunning western mountainscape. 

Online: azurepalmhotsprings.com

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection is a new luxury resort where winery estate tradition is perfectly blending with “new Napa” experiences. Scheduled to open in summer 2021, the resort will celebrate the heritage of the Napa Valley with architecture, cuisine and guest experiences inspired by the land. Shaped by its Napa Valley setting, the resort will have an overarching agricultural theme expressed through gardens and orchards, contemporary architecture inspired by the valley’s early farmstead buildings, environmentally minded infrastructure and engaging programs that invite guest participation in the cultivation and celebration of food and wine. The Stanly Ranch Winery will make the most of the Carneros district’s ideal climate and cooling breezes that contribute to the regions acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals. 

Online: aubergeresorts.com

Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe, NM

Situated on 317 secluded acres bordering Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is a soulful retreat steeped in heritage scheduled to open in Spring 2021. This iconic Santa Fe landmark was originally the home of Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy and was once the Pulitzer family’s private residence. With distinctive Southwestern heritage, nature-driven adventures and ancient healing arts, Bishop’s Lodge will boast 100 guestrooms and suites with amenities including outdoor gardens and event areas, a Turquesa Healing Arts Studio, awe-inspiring art gallery, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, on-site trout habitat, horse stables and a unique 12-bedroom bunkhouse for families, multi-generational families and friends getaways. 

Online: aubergeresorts.com

Montage Healdsburg | Healdsburg, CA

Nestled among 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak tree groves, the ultra-luxury retreat Montage Healdsburg will debut December 12, 2020 as Montage’s first Northern California resort. The property will feature world-class amenities including an 11,500-square-foot spa, a zero-edge resort pool, three signature dining options inspired by the region’s culinary heritage and a wealth of experiences in addition to seamless access to Sonoma wine country’s renowned wineries and outdoor pursuits. Stay in one of the 130 bungalow-style guest rooms featuring an outdoor balcony or deck, or stay in The Guest House, the resort’s luxurious three-bedroom suite with outdoor hot tub. 

Online: montagehotels.com

The Industrialist, Autograph Collection | Pittsburgh, PA

Azeez Bakare Studios

A revival of Pittsburgh’s industrial revolution in a modern-day interpretation for the creative class, The Industrialist Hotel is an 18-story historic landmark centrally located in the heart of the Golden Triangle district in the old Arrott Building. The hotel presents 124 appointed guest rooms including 28 stylish and spacious suites, a restaurant and lounge serving imaginative cocktails and American fare, and private venue spaces for social gatherings. The hotel’s 1902-era architectural details complement reimagined interiors inspired by Pittsburgh’s famous history as a steel capital and are rooted in elements of smoke and molten metal. All guest rooms feature an open floor plan and luxurious suites come with a sofa bed or separate living area. 

Online: marriott.com

Hyatt Place Tampa and Hyatt House Tampa | Tampa, FL

The first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in Tampa is slated to open in February 2021. The Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Tampa infuses modern chic designs with Tampa’s rich Latin History. Boasting a combined 345 luxurious guestrooms, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Tampa is in the heart of downtown and just steps away from world class entertainment and major corporate offices. Enjoy dashing city views from the outdoor swimming pool located on the 5th floor deck or start your day with a workout session on one of the hotel’s Peloton bikes in the fitness center. 

Online: hyatt.com and hyatt.com

Yonder Escalante | Escalante, UT

Yonder Escalante is a new, outdoor lodging and camping experience set within Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and located adjacent to the scenic Highway 12. Founded by father-son duo, Charles Tate and James Tate, Yonder Escalante aims to bridge the gap between time-honored camping traditions and a contemporary hospitality setting amid the stunning backdrop of the southern Utah desert. The 20-acre property affords travelers an immersive stay in nature and presents rustic yet refined accommodations in 10 Airstream Trailers, 22 Modern Cabins and 67 Pull-In RV Sites. The property design pays homage to the surrounding environment and is comprised of an open-air Clubhouse and Bathhouse, General Store, Resort-Style Pool and Hot Tub, Bonfire Pits, “Drive-In” Movie Theater, and 2,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor venue space. 

Online: stayyonder.com

Saba Rock Resort | British Virgin Islands

Located in North Sound of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Saba Rock is an iconic island paradise offering a laid-back, Caribbean-casual atmosphere. Made famous by diving pioneer Herbert “Bert” Kilbride, in the 1960’s, the bare-foot casual cay is an ideal spot for boaters, sailors and watersport enthusiasts in search of a private island escape. Alongside the crystal waters of the British Virgin Islands, guests can enjoy a variety of aquatic offerings including snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, boating and more. The resort boasts nine rooms and suites, restaurant, lounge and bar, dive and retail shop. Saba Rock is set to open Early 2021 following a complete reconstruction after the devastation by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Online: sabarock.com

Paradisus Playa Mujeres | Cancun, Mexico

Inspired by Mexican design and architecture, this luxury all-inclusive resort straddles the beach and lush jungle in its own self-contained oasis. Home to 498 rooms with beautiful views of the tropical gardens and picturesque beaches, each detail is thoughtfully considered to complement the natural beauty and topography of the land. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private marina, where they can sail the Caribbean Sea whilst soaking up unforgettable views. The resort also boasts 3 pools, with a water park for aquatic activities for all ages and 10 dining concepts. 

Online: melia.com

Fairmont Century Plaza | Los Angeles, CA

The iconic Fairmont Century Plaza will emerge as a fully reimagined landmark for the city of Los Angeles (after nearly 5 years of being closed). Formerly known as Century Plaza Hotel, the Fairmont Century Plaza will feature 400 luxury guest rooms, 63 private residences, and nearly 24,000 square feet of private event space.

Fairmont Spa Century Plaza will be a 14,000 square-foot showpiece, with state-of-the-art facilities, nine treatment rooms, experiential showers, sanarium, Himalayan salt room, aromatherapy steam room, and hammam. The spa will be home to world-renowned treatment concepts, Los Angeles-exclusive beauty and wellness partnerships, and innovative guest experiences.

Online: fairmontcenturyplaza.com

Thompson San Antonio | San Antonio, TX

Thompson San Antonio

Situated in a luxury mixed-use development, The Arts Residences, on the banks of the San Antonio River, Thompson San Antonio is expected to redefine the city’s skyline and bring modern sophistication to the Texas Hill Country when it opens on the celebrated River Walk. City and Hill Country views will be a hallmark of the new hotel’s 162 guestrooms, including 33 suites including a penthouse suite designed for entertaining. Thompson San Antonio’s captivating public spaces will include a signature restaurant helmed by one of San Antonio’s most celebrated chef’s, a soaring rooftop bar inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, an expansive pool deck with a bar and cabanas, a full-service spa, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space. 

Online: hyatt.com

Sunset Resorts | Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark and Oasis at Sunset are set to reopen this winter. Sunset Beach Resort, Waterpark & Spa offers sun-soaked fun for everyone. This family-friendly, all-inclusive beachfront resort is located just four miles from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. Boasting two towers, each with 149 spacious guest rooms, the resort features a waterpark, spa, six restaurants and four bars. Oasis at Sunset is a more intimate resort that offers a chic and sophisticated all-inclusive getaway with access to the fun offered at neighboring Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark. Guests of Oasis at Sunset will enjoy round-trip airport transfers, a dedicated concierge and three exclusive restaurants and bars.

Online: thesunsetbeachjamaica.com & theoasisjamaica.com

Hotel Citrine | Palo Alto, CA

Opening early 2021, Hotel Citrine, Tribute Portfolio, is part of a Marriott branded complex of new hotels coming to Palo Alto, California.  This clean, playful lifestyle hotel features 150 guest rooms and suites designed by award-winning Southern California interior design firm, Beleco and shares a tree lined driveway and services with a new AC Hotel by Marriott.   Conscious leisure and business travelers will enjoy Wild Onion Bistro & Bar, electric bicycles, a pristine pool and access to the AC Lounge & Kitchen. 

Online: hotelcitrine.com

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites | Virginia Beach, VA

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites, opening in January 2021, will be the only beachfront hotel on the Chesapeake Bay with its own private beach. The hotel will feature 295 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, simple and sleek design, and amenities such as an outdoor pool and lounge, kayak and bike rentals, and a 24-7 ultra-modern fitness center. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Tin Cup Kitchen + Oyster Bar, will offer a robust oyster program, coastal cuisine, and expansive outdoor patio with views of the Bay. 

Online: marriott.com

Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection | Montreal, Quebec

The brand new Humaniti Hotel Montréal will be Quebec's first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. Ideally located in downtown Montréal, the property and boasts audacious architecture and unique interior spaces. The hotel will feature h3 Restaurant, Terrace and Lounge where guests and locals alike can enjoy evolved local cuisine, a unique wine program and avant-garde mixology. 

Online: humanitimontreal.com

The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection | Burlington, Ontario

The elegant Pearle Hotel and Spa, overlooks the Burlington waterfront and features five elegant event spaces with Lake Ontario as the backdrop, a spa with a traditional Hammam sauna, and signature waterfront restaurant, Isabelle, which prides itself on genuine and thoughtful experiences created through extraordinary cuisine and an inspired setting.

Online: marriott.com

W Toronto | Toronto, Ontario

Say hello to Toronto’s newest and most sought-after hotel, an urban oasis of culture and style. The property will boast, a dazzling hotel rooftop bar and restaurant, FIT® gym, and ground-floor coffeehouse and restaurant. The 9-story, 255-room property is centrally located near iconic galleries, sophisticated shopping, world-class dining and electric nightlife.

Online: marriott.com

Hilton Aventura Miami | Aventura, Florida

The new Hilton Aventura Miami will expand luxury lifestyle within the Aventura area, opening its doors January 20, 2021. With 208 guest rooms, multiple dining concepts including MuseBar and Gala, both with elevated views of Aventura, Hilton Aventura Miami is slated to be a standout destination for leisure and business travelers alike. Other highlights include an eighth floor yoga studio, elevated pool deck, and Executive Lounge with premium perks such as breakfast options, coffee, and assorted snacks and beverages. 

Online: hilton.com

Canyon Madness Ranch | Roy, NM

Far removed from big city lights, Canyon Madness Ranch announces the launch of a luxury ranch set on 14,000 acres of outdoor adventure paradise amongst the geographic majesty of northeastern New Mexico. Opening to guests for the first time in April 2021, the ranch provides thrilling equestrian pursuits and an incredible range of wilderness activities, from archery to hiking to river kayaking and more.

An intimate property welcoming just sixteen guests, Canyon Madness Ranch’s extensive land holdings encompass Enciero Canyon, a box-canyon with seas of red clay interrupted by giant twenty-foot deep crevices. Views look out to the awe-inspiring red sandstone cliffs of the Canadian River Canyon. Mixing the high excitement of adventurous outdoor recreations with the comfort of luxury accommodations and stunning, uninterrupted, and pristine natural beauty, Canyon Madness Ranch is truly a playground for all.

Online: canyonmadnessranch.com

AC Hotel Orlando Downtown | Orlando, FL

AC Hotel Orlando Downtown is slated to open its doors on January 12, 2021 as the area’s first lifestyle hotel. More than just Disney-adjacent, Orlando has trendy bars and cheerful eateries, and AC Orlando is in the center of it all in the new SunTrust Plaza building. The hotel expertly combines the next-gen style of AC Hotels with the under-the-radar rhythm of downtown Orlando. The rooms feature sleek furnishings, open floor plans and a neutral color palette for an inviting respite from city life. SkyBar, the property’s elevated bar experience, offers a lively cocktail program and light bites that are sure to satisfy while guests enjoy unrivaled panoramic views of downtown Orlando. 

Online: marriott.com

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis | Memphis, TN

The only hotel situated on the iconic Beale Street, Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis will be a stone’s throw away from the culture and nightlife that fills one of the most famous streets in America. Opening March 2021, the 227-room full-service hotel will boast unparalleled views of the city and Mississippi River with upscale features including an expansive pool deck, private cabanas, a modern lobby lounge serving curated cocktails, and Beck & Call, a roof top whiskey bar that will impress even the most discerning whiskey lover. 

Online: hyatt.com

sbe, SLS Cancun Hotels & Residences | Cancun, Mexico

sbe

Renowned international hospitality group sbe will be expanding its SLS hotel portfolio with the debut of a new hotel in an entirely new global destination for the brand—Cancun, Mexico. SLS Cancun will debut in early 2021 and will feature 45 rooms with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, elegant Italian-designed interiors by Piero Lissoni, premiere beachfront access and imaginative Argentinian fusion cuisine by Chef Jose Icardi

Online: sbe.com

Club Med Seychelles | Republic of Seychelles

Cllub Med

The private island of Sainte Anne in the Republic of Seychelles will see their very first resort in February 2021.Nestled along the preserved Marine National Park, Club Med Seychelles will be the newest Exclusive Collection (5-star) resort from Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, with luxurious accommodations matched with high-touch, personalized service as guests explore the virtually untouched destination through glass-bottomed kayak rides, snorkeling experiences, and locally-inspired cuisine. The eco-certified resort will also feature a wide range of wellness treatments using products inspired by the native flora and will also offer nature conservation experiences, like marine conservation and turtle nesting.

Online: clubmed.us

Casa di Langa | Piedmont, Italy

Nestled in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, home to some of the world’s finest wines and white truffles, Casa di Langa is a sustainable luxury retreat that sits next to the vineyard landscapes of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 39-room hotel combines traditional Piedmontese design, reflected in the soft, muted colors of the surrounding natural environment, with sustainable practices such as a commitment to carbon neutrality and the use of 100% recycled water for irrigation. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with a modern twist at the signature Fàula Ristorante, and take advantage of a wide range of immersive experiences including cooking classes, workshops at the on-property wine academy, truffle hunting, and art tours.

Online: preferredhotels.com

The Londoner | London, United Kingdom

Set in the buzzy Leicester Square, The Londoner has been dubbed the world’s first “super boutique hotel.” Offering a multifaceted experience and six subterranean levels, the hotel extends 350 guestrooms, including 35 suites and a tower penthouse with cityscape views, all complete with curated fine artworks. Other highlights include six restaurants and lounges, rooftop bar with a fire pit, underground spa and swimming pool and a two-screen cinema. The hotel is set to be one of the greenest hotels in the United Kingdom and will be employing pioneering methods of sustainable luxury.

Online: preferredhotels.com

The Wall Street Hotel | New York, NY

Located along lower Manhattan’s famed Wall Street and housed in the historic Tontine Building that originated as a coffee house in 1874, The Wall Street Hotel is a sleek retreat with 180 spacious rooms and suites. Following a day of sightseeing, guests can enjoy international cuisine in the JF Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, or relax in the all-day lounge and bar. The hotel will also fuel guest exploration of The Big Apple by offering complimentary use of Electric Scooters and Vélosophy Original Comfort Bikes, in addition to an array of in-room spa treatments from Zeel Spa for post-adventure relaxation.

Online: preferredhotels.com

Andaz Bali | Indonesia

Inspired by the contemporary Balinese village where the property is located, the resort will be surrounded by a natural Balinese garden and situated in the heart of Sanur, known for its local charm and great beaches.

Online: hyatt.com

El Capitan, a Joie de Vivre Hotel | Merced, CA

On Merced’s Main Street in a building with ties to the town’s first railroad depot, guests will enjoy this hotel’s proximity to some of the San Joaquin Valley’s best nature offerings, including the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Yosemite National Park and more.

Online: hyatt.com

Hyatt Centric 39th & 5th New York | New York, NY

This 162-room boutique hotel will be situated steps away from the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and the famed marble entrance of the New York Public Library. Inside, guests will enjoy playful details and sophisticated furnishings that capture the spirit of NYC, and a rooftop bar and lounge with breathtaking views of the New York skyline.

Online: hyatt.com

Mission Pacific Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel | Oceanside, CA

Guests at this 161-room boutique hotel will be encouraged to slow down and immerse themselves in local food, culture and activities, including surf lessons and yoga offered by the property. The Mission Pacific Hotel will be situated adjacent to The Seabird Resort, a new Destination Hotel, collectively spanning 700 feet of uninterrupted beach access.

Online: hyatt.com

The Seabird Resort, a Destination Hotel | Oceanside, CA

The Seabird Resort will feature 226 guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa & fitness center and a 9,000-square-foot ocean-facing pool deck. The property’s oceanview lobby living room bar and lounge will be perfect for taking in sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The Seabird Resort will be located directly adjacent to the new Mission Pacific Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel.

Online: hyatt.com

The Shay, a Destination Hotel | Los Angeles, CA

The Shay’s 148 contemporary guestrooms will feature creative, loft-like design to fulfill the needs of today’s work-from-anywhere travelers, keeping guests connected to their surroundings.

Online: hyatt.com

—Kate Loweth

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A Portland coffee connoisseur has got their pick of third wave, pour over, single-origin brews all across town. But COVID has put a damper on all that. Fortunately, some of our favorite coffee shops are reopening for drink in, take out and drive through. Ready to get your coffee game back on? Read on to find out where you can get your favorite caffeine fix.

photo: Papaccino’s

Papaccino’s Coffee House & Cereal Bar

A bright and friendly space filled with colorful murals of dragons and trees, this coffee shop’s menu options include all the coffee, as well as nibbles and meals like bagels, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more. They are open for inside and outside seating as well as pickup.

4411 SE Woodstock
Portland, OR
Dine in and pick up.
Online: facebook.com

photo: jeff via yelp

Posie’s Cafe

A neighborhood joint in Kenton that offers a relaxed vibe for parents. Recently reopened, it offers a solid menu of great options, including pastries and kids servings of grilled cheese, pb&j, or the magical cinnamon sugar toast, the whole family will be easily satisfied. With a passion for good food and coffee that invites good company, Posie’s aims to make you feel right at home.

8208 N Denver Ave
Portland, OR
Dine in, take out
Online: posiescafe.com/

Jim and Patty’s

Serving the best coffee since 1976 in various iterations, Jim and Patty have a few locations now across Portland, pleasing folks with their friendly service, delicious lattes like the Velvet Hammer Mocha, and yummy pastries like the Pig Newton, sausage patties wrapped in a cheddar biscuit. Open for pickup!

4 Portland locations
Online: jimandpattys.com

photo: Katrina Emery

Prince Coffee

The two locations at this stylish cafe may be on the small side, but the winning prize here are the treats—Dutch stroopwafels, thin wafer-like waffles with syrupy caramel sandwiched between. The kids will likely gobble them up too fast, but parents could use this tip: rest them on top of your latte for a minute to let the steam soften them!

2030 N Willis Blvd
4523 NE Fremont
Available for takeout
Online: princecoffeepdx.com

Pip’s Original

This cafe slings donuts that are freshly made with unique toppings, sometimes with long lines winding out the door so don’t forget to bring your mask! The donuts are a delicious treat—covered in Nutella, jam, maybe even bacon, and perfectly sized for tiny hands and mouths!

4759 NE Fremont St.
Portland, OR
Available for Takeout.
Online: facebook.com

photo: brent via yelp

Baker and Spice

A sweet neighborhood bakery tucked away in Hillsdale, yet only 5 minutes from downtown, this hotspot has long been a family mainstay for baked goods (check out the Cakery just down the street!). While you can also order lunch items like a turkey sandwich, you’ll most likely want to head here for the sweets—seasonal fruit hand pies, drop cookies, cupcakes, lemon tarts, and the Katie bun, a Danish pastry rolled with cinnamon, brown sugar and raisins. Eat in with a delicious coffee, or have the kids pick all their favorite to fill up a to go box.

Closed Mondays
6330 SW Capitol Hwy.  
Portland, OR
Available for walkup.
Online: bakerandspicepdx.com

—Annette Benedetti

featured image: Tyler Nix via Unsplash 

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It’s a weird summer, but we can still get outside an enjoy some of Portland’s tastiness on offer. While some restaurants have needed to change their routines to keep up with the times, these walk-up windows already know the drill–walk up, order, enjoy! Check out these walk-up windows around town for a thoughtful socially distanced (and totally delicious) meal! Read on for more!

photo: Kathi V. via yelp

Waffle Window

Portland’s original window started in 2007 from the side of the Bread and Ink cafe. Over 12 years later they’re still slinging golden waffles from there, while also adding two more locations. Each has their own special menu, though all three serve a mixture of sweet and savory waffles, like Fried Chicken and Waffles at Hawthorne or waffle sundaes at Bridgeport Village.

Bridgeport Village
7411 SW Bridgeport Rd
Tigard, OR
503-620-8029

2624 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR
503-265-8031

3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR
971-255-0501

Online: wafflewindow.com

Frank’s A Lot

This little hut slings some of the city’s best Chicago-style hot dogs! The menu offers Red Hot Franks, Chili Franks, All-Beef Franks, and corn dogs (gluten-free available!), with a long list of sides and drinks. You’ll feed a family of four for under $25 and leave with happy tummies! Find their walk-up window in the Whole Foods parking lot on SE 28th and Burnside.

2845 E Burnside St.
Portland, OR503-239-3647
Online: facebook.com/pages/category/Fast-Food-Restaurant/Franks-A-Lot-125487390860107/

Bar Bar

Yes, this is a bar, but don’t discount it even if you have littles in tow. The outdoor courtyard on the side is a beautiful place to eat, with minors allowed until 7pm. There’s no specific kids menu, but kids will love the burgers, fries, and especially the toasted raviolis served with house-made marinara.

3939 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR
503- 889-0090
Online: mississippistudios.com/barbar/

photo: Huy H. via yelp

The script is flipped at this pick-up window in SE Portland, where mac and cheese finds its way to the spotlight and bbq wings are found on the side. Adventurous kids and parents can try the Pesto, the Hellapeno, or the Buffalo, while everyone will love the Basic or even build their own! Lots of vegan options, too!

5145 SE McLoughlin Boulevard
Portland, OR
971-263-8490
Online: getmacd.com/macd-menu

Arrosto

Get a fix of goodness from the fine folks at Providore Fine Foods, where the main tenant Pastaworks serves up Mediterranean meals from the side window. Order up a rotisserie chicken rubbed with lemon and rosemary oil, with sides of focaccia, salad, and roasted potatoes. Order ahead and pick up from the window in the parking lot of Providore Fine Foods

Providore Fine Foods
2340 NE Sandy Blvd.
Online: arrostopdx.com

Milk Glass Market

Milk Glass is usually a place for the tastiest and coziest breakfast or lunch. This summer, they’ve switched it up a bit to offer produce, baked goods, wine, and some of their kitchen favorites from their side window on Gay Street. If you’re in the mood for seasonal hand pies, citrus cornmeal cake, or housemade pickles, then order up!

2150 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR
503-395-4742
Online: https://www.milkglassmrkt.com

photo: Jillian L via yelp

Dragonfly Coffee House

This NW community staple has kept up business this summer by serving up their coffee and pastries from the window on 24th St. Swing by on a stroll to enjoy their Kahlua Cake, date bars, chai, matcha tea, and espresso drinks.

2387 NW Thurman St
Portland, OR
502-224-7888
Online: http://www.thedragonflycoffeehouse.com

Shipshape Goods

This one’s new! Since Division Street mainstay Ava Gene’s is no more, they’ve converting into a market with a walk-up window, which opened in June. Expect to find groceries like produce and pantry goods, pizzas, lunch Sammies, and meal kits from Ava Gene’s. Order online then pick up your goodies from the window– seating to come!

3377 Division St.
Portland, OR
Online: https://www.shipshapegoods.com

-Katrina Emery

READ MORE

100 Must-Try Summer Adventures in Portland

For many Seattle parents, coffee is a way of life. So finding a spot where you can take your kids so you can fuel up is essential. Scroll through our picks of Seattle’s best coffee shops to find your new parent meet-up spot or respite from busy parenting days.

Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide families with up-to-date information regarding closures and re-openings related to COVID-19. As things change quickly, please verify hours and services with individual businesses before heading over with the kids.

El Diablo – Queen Anne

Anne B. via yelp

Editor’s note: El Diablo is currently closed to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

This Cuban-inspired coffee shop has been a Queen Anne staple since it first opened more than 15 years ago. Although it’s changed locations (it’s now in a two-story, spacious converted house), the tasty breakfast & lunch menu and spicy coffee drinks remain the same. In addition to the kid’s room upstairs that stocks plenty of toys, books and a kid-sized table, the outdoor space is another seating option for families, especially on a warm day.

1825 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-285-0693
Online: eldiablocoffee.com

The Dane – Crown Hill

Jade C. via yelp

Editor’s note: The Dane is currently open for take-out only to enjoy at home or out back on their outdoor patio. The twice-weekly story time is currently on hold.

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that’s hygge AF (their words, not ours), The Dane is it. It’s a Scandinavian-inspired café that brews specialty coffees, serves fresh pastries, sandwiches and salads, and pours everything from local on-tap beer to mules and manhattans if you need a kid-friendly nighttime meet-up spot too. They host story time twice a week on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. making this spot a no-brainer.

8000 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-297-4441
Online: thedaneseattle.com

The Bridge Coffee House – Haller Lake

Jennifer D. via yelp

Another non-profit coffeehouse, this north end shop is one of the best-kept secret’s out there. The coffee is great. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the kid’s playroom has comfy couches where parents can sit in a (mostly) quiet place while they play catch-up. Lattes all around!

2150 N. 122nd St.
Seattle, WA
206-457-8690
Online: facebook.com/TheBridgeCoffeeHouse98133

Ballard Firehouse Coffee - Ballard

Sarah F. via yelp

Take refuge in the separate play area that makes Ballard Firehouse Coffee a favorite for families. You can sip while your kids play and get caught up on the neighborhood going-ons. In addition to coffee they’ve got pastries from local spots like Alki Bakery and Flying Apron (hello, gluten-free goodies!) and sandwiches that’ll fill tummies if your convo runs through lunchtime.

2622 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA
206-784-2911
Online: ballardfirehousecoffee.com

Dubsea – White Center

DeeJay C. via yelp

Editor’s note: Dubsea is currently open for take-out and pick-up only.

A newer coffee shop on the scene, Dubsea has earned its place in the hearts of White Center and West Seattle parents for their welcoming atmosphere and small space set aside for kids. As a not-too-big space, it’s easy to sit at a nearby table while the tots play and thumb through picture books at their own kid-sized table.

9910 8th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-708-6806
Online: dubseacoffee.com

Honey Bear Bakery – Lake Forest Park

Helen B. via yelp

Editor’s note: Currently offering a limited menu for take-out only. The weekly Play & Learn and story times are currently on hold.

More of a bakery than a coffee shop, this Lake Forest hot spot is the place to be when you’ve got kids. The secure play pit means you can sit back and relax while keeping an eye on your busy tot. The weekly Play & Learn sessions in the Commons don't hurt either. And don't forget story time at Third Place Books (just downstairs) that makes a nice follow-up to your coffee quiet time. No matter how you look at it, this is always a good stop for families.

Lake Forest Park Towne Center
1717 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA
206-366-3330
Online: honeybearbakery.com

Vios – Capitol Hill

Rachel B. via yelp

If you like your coffee with a side of homemade Greek food, Vios is the place to find it. They serve delish traditional dishes like hummus, pita sandwiches and souvlaki plates to hungry families. But you can also just grab a cup of coffee and a Macrina-made pastry to enjoy while the kids color and play in the small area set aside for families. It’s easy to spend a couple hours here (as long as the kids are willing) with friends.

903 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA
206-329-3236
Online: vioscafe.com/capitol-hill

Cloud City Coffee - Maple Leaf

Jen C. via yelp

Editor’s note: Cloud City Coffee is currently offering take-out and delivery. The outdoor phone booth now stocks pantry and hygiene supplies for those in need.

Follow the flashing yellow arrow to Cloud City Coffee to enjoy fresh brewed coffee and pastries (they serve up sandwiches too) in a retro, updated neighborhood joint. Between the kids play area and the outdoor lending library (in a phone booth, no less), there’s plenty to keep you and the kids coming back to this spot.

8801 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-527-5552
Online: cloudcitycoffee.com

Mosaic Community Coffeehouse - Wallingford

Lillian I. via yelp

Editor’s note: Mosaic is currently closed for summer.

More than a coffee shop, Mosaic has been a go-to spot for north end families for years. Located in the basement of a church, it offers coffee and pastries at pay-what-you-can pricing, and is almost completely staffed by volunteers. Demitasse, the kid’s playroom, is just off the main room. In it, you’ll find space to sit, gab and sip as the kids play with toys, read books or play games. They’ve got a great selection to keep big kids busy.

4401 2nd Ave. N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-632-4560
Online: mosaiccoffeehouse.com

Kaffeklatch – Lake City

Amy F. via yelp

It’s no wonder parents have been getting together for coffee at this location for years. That’s what it was designed for. After all, the word “kaffeeclatsch” combines the German words for “coffee” and “gossip” in celebration of traditional housewife gatherings. With a kid’s table near the window and pastries made from scratch, like the to-die-for apfeltaschen, you can spend more than a few minutes taking a break from things here.

12513 Lake City Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-462-1059
Online: kaffeeklatschseattle.com

Grumpy D’s - Ballard

Vicky P. via yelp

Editor’s note: Currently open for indoor and outdoor seating.

Don’t let the name fool you. This friendly neighborhood coffee house is just what you need when you’re meeting a friend or looking for a place to land (that’s not the library) with the kids. They’ve got a little stage for live music, but your kids will make a beeline for the books and toys that are available for play.

7001 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-783-4039
Online: facebook.com/pg/grumpydsballard

—Allison Sutcliffe

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featured photo: StockSnap via pixabay

Photo: The House

Our inability to perform at a high-level is often a direct result of our environment. Think about how you feel on a rainy day compared to a sunny one, or, in a bright room instead of a room that’s dimly lit. The temperature can even affect you. All of these factors influence our mood, energy, and productivity.

So, if the environment plays such a crucial role, why are we expecting our kids to learn in an environment not conducive to learning?

As it stands, the average American school isn’t set up to optimize student performance. Most classrooms today consist of an inspirational poster or two, a whiteboard at the front of the room, and desks filed in neat rows—similar to the classroom you or I might have sat in 20 years ago.

The design is based on a one-size-fits-all model. A desk, for example, was created with the average student in mind—both physically and emotionally, but what we’ve learned over time is that there is no average student, so why haven’t more schools evolved to include seating arrangements more helpful to today’s learners and teaching styles?

A 2012 study in the U.K. found that classroom design could enhance or setback a student’s academic progress up to 25% during the course of a year.

And it’s not just the classroom that isn’t working. Spaces that we typically dedicate to homework also aren’t ideal. Take a look at your home, for example. There are so many distractions, from phones and television to noise created by siblings. Many home environments are too chaotic to allow a student to concentrate on getting work done.

Since space can either inhibit or improve learning, it would make sense to create environments that give the modern student more flexibility, similar to what we see in learning at the university level or in today’s workforce where many adults choose to work away from their desks.

Here are some examples of other study space solutions for students:

Grab the books and a cup of coffee. The library can be a great space for a student who needs complete silence to learn best. Conversely, a coffee house can be a great option for a student who likes a bit more external stimulus, or a place for small-group studying. With a pair of headphones, it can also be a good environment for tuning out the world and getting into the zone.

Soak up the natural environment. Studies have demonstrated the numerous benefits that come from spending more time in the great outdoors, like improving short-term memory and reducing stress. Many of those benefits can improve a student’s focus and attention. Studying or doing homework outside gives students the opportunity to get fresh air that helps clear their minds, destress, and access their creativity.

Choose a creative co-working space for kids. Most cities offer a variety of after-school spaces for students to do schoolwork among peers, encouraging collaboration. These spaces help cultivate an environment where they can relax, learn, and grow in a positive way. By offering different options, students get to find the best climate for them to work in and thrive where they feel most comfortable.

With the many issues facing education today, creating environments that can promote learning, boost confidence, and produce positive feelings about education can be one of the most cost-effective, easy solutions we can implement to enhance our children’s education.

Gil is CEO and founder of The House, an on-demand, parent-free tutoring lounge for students. The House has revolutionized tutoring by giving students a space they can learn and grow on their own terms. Currently based in Glencoe, IL, Gil is looking at expanding the concept into new communities nationwide.

From their home renovations to their Target products, Chip and Joanna Gaines bring plenty of style to everything they touch. It should come as no surprise then that their new Magnolia Press Coffee shop looks stunning.

The new coffee house that the couple has been working on for months finally celebrated its grand opening this week. Magnolia Press Coffee joins a handful of other restaurants and shops launched by the Fixer Upper stars in their hometown of Waco, Texas.

Joanna has been counting down to the reveal of the new project on Instagram and shared an excited post when the shop finally opened. “Happy Grand Opening @magnoliapress!” she wrote in the post. “If you’re a local or just visiting, be sure and stop by and try a few of my favorites… the 1905 coffee, magnolia press chocolate cake, and the artichoke croissant! #icallthatlunch.”

The Magnolia empire will be growing again. The couple recently announced that with the coffee shop complete, their next project will be a boutique hotel in downtown Waco. Here’s hoping their next expansion finds them heading outside of Texas and into cities across the country so we can all enjoy a Magnolia latte.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Joanna Gaines via Instagram

 

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Whether you take your coffee black or pumpkin spiced, we can all agree that fueling up at a spot that welcomes kids puts the pep in our step as parents. We’ve got a list of San Diego’s best coffee shops for families that have turned brewing your perfect cup of joe into an art form. One shop on our list even offers a music, story and snack time for kids so you can get your fix while the littles have fun. Read on for where to order up your new favorite cup of joe.

Parakeet Cafe

Michael B. via Yelp

A little birdie told us to fly straight to Parakeet Cafe for delicious coffee and delectable eats, and we're so glad we did! The cheery space features vibrant, neon and hand-painted parakeet print wallpaper that will instantly bring a smile to your face. But that's just the beginning of all there is to chirp about. Parakeet Cafe's coffee drinks, comprised of ethically sourced beans, house-made syrups and alternative milks, pair beautifully with their healthy, creative menu. They believe "indulging in your health should be just that: indulgent. Every item on the menu is full of lush, organic ingredients, bright flavor, interesting textures and beautiful color."

We love the turmeric latte, an enticing blend of turmeric, ginger, vanilla, cardamom, honey and almond milk, paired with their cacao waffle served with coconut yogurt, organic fresh berries, banana, chia, cinnamon and coconut sugar. Additionally, you'll find something for everyone's taste from their extensive menu of savory and sweet breakfast and lunch items ranging from decadently topped toasts and robust salads to comforting soups and hearty breakfast entrees served all day. Their pastry case is straight out of heaven, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options to choose from.

Four locations:

3745 Paseo Pl. Suite 820
San Diego, CA 92130
858-345-1688

927 Silverado St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-412-5627

1680 India St.,
San Diego, CA 92101
619-255-1442

1134 Orange Ave.,
Coronado, CA 92118
619-675-0104
Online: parakeetcafe.com

Communal Coffee

Communal Coffee

Located in hip and trendy North Park, Communal Coffee offers coffee, flowers, gifts and a community-minded, inclusive atmosphere. A true coffee-junkie’s haven, this unique bean house proudly serves up San Francisco’s acclaimed Sight Glass Coffee as well as breakfast and lunch favorites. The onsite flower shop by Wyld Blooms will bring a little sunshine to your day. Snag a bouquet of wild blooms for home or snap a few photos for your Instagram feed. Because let’s face it: Coffee + Flowers = Instagram love. Check out Communal Kids by Seed & Song offering music, dance, stories, snacks and drinks for wee ones. Click here for info on Communal Kids events. Communal Coffee also has an outdoor location in South Park.

Insider’s Tip: We recommend the Lavender Honey Latte. For the littles, try the Iced Creamsicle drink.

2335 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-363-7737

South Park:
2221 Fern St.
San Diego, CA 92104

Online: communalcoffee.com

Mostra Coffee

Andy B. via Yelp

The aptly named Mostra Coffee ('mostra' is Italian for show, exhibition, or performance) lives up to its name by offering innovative brewing experiences and flavors that elevate grabbing a cup of joe to an art form. Additionally, Mostra was just named 2020 Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine. 

This elegant yet cozy neighborhood coffee shop features 'English Industiral' inspired design and has the first three-head, Mavam espresso machine in San Diego. The machine was built into a low bar-top so customers can witness the brewing process themselves. Mostra invites the community to warm up in their friendly, relaxing environment to make connections and enjoy great coffee. We love their impressive list of signature drinks including the Campfire Latte: oozing with flavors of mocha, graham cracker crumble and honey and the Bibingka Crème Brûlée Latte: inspired by a Filipino dessert, a Crème Brûlée Latte made with
coconut-infused whole milk, topped with coconut powder as well as their Choconana: house-made banana milk mixed with Brazil Cold Brew.

12045 Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-304-0061
Online: mostracoffee.com

Cat & Craft Cafe

Jessica Z. via Yelp

For a truly unique coffee-going experience, add canoodling with cats to the mix! Cat & Craft is North County's first cat café, and it boasts “Purr-over” coffees from Manzanita Roasting Company alongside “Catprese” toast and Hazel & Jade pastries. You'll get to cuddle adoptable kitties from rescue organization Love Your Feral Felines during your visit. (Married owners Andrew and Caroline Vaught hope to rehome 500 cats in the café’s first year.) If you'd rather admire the kitties from a sneeze-free zone, a glass viewing wall separates the café and the cage-free cat lounge. Visit during Kiddie Cat Hour, where you can reserve a one-hour session to pet and play with the kitties.

3211 Business Park Dr.
Vista, CA  92081
760-295-1181
Online: catandcraftcafe.com

Caffe' Calabria

Michael B. via Yelp

That's amore! Italy meets San Diego at this charming coffee caffe' that serves up award-winning espresso, tea and Italian sodas. You can also come in at lunchtime to enjoy a panini or Neapolitan pizza (served Weds.-Sun. from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.) with your fave coffee drink. Additionally, Bread and Cie delivers fresh pastries daily as an added sweet touch to your fuel-up! An enticing ambiance and the aromas of coffee brewing and pizza baking? Sounds like heaven!

3933 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-683-7787
Online: caffecalabria.com

Hawthorn Coffee

Hawthorn Coffee

Hawthorn Coffee is as family-minded as a coffee house can get. Owned by a father/son duo, Kevin and Dylan, Dylan's young sons often frequent the shop. The clientele consists of many parents with kids as well as expecting parents. Kevin says, "Part of the reason why is that we believe in welcoming everyone, and that means everyone. Our philosophy is that kids can do no wrong, so we let them have the run of the shop. And since kids generally make noise, we let them do that, too. And that, in turn, makes parents very relaxed." In addition to this fantastic, inclusive atmosphere, Hawthorn Coffee means business when it comes to the perfect cup of joe. They serve Cat & Cloud of Santa Cruz, CA, Dapper&Wise Coffee Roasters of Beaverton, WA and Arcade Coffee Roasters of Riverside, CA, in their shop because of their "commitment to that sweet balance, blend, and consistency of deliciousness." Save us a seat!

3019 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-501-4882
Online: hawthorncoffee.com

Old California Coffee House & Eatery

Patrick D. via Yelp

Officially named the oldest coffee shop in San Marcos, Old California Coffee House & Eatery is a local favorite. This charming coffee shop features lots of well-loved sofas and chairs, an eclectic collection of instruments, funky décor and free WiFi. The fire pits on the patio are lit nightly to make for a cozy place to gather. Play games with the fam, listen to music, or simply chill. The coffee and food menu are expansive and reasonably priced. We recommend the Snickerdoodle specialty drink for the munchkins or the kid-at-heart. Don’t forget your four-legged furry friends. They are welcome on the patio!

1080 W. San Marcos Blvd. #176
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-744-2112
Online: oldcalcoffee.com

The King’s Craft Coffee Co.

Elizabeth Silva

Tucked away in east Poway, The King’s Craft Coffee (TKC), was founded by local dad and former defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers, Cory Withrow. Poway’s first specialty coffee shop, these guys serve up single origin brews sourced from small holder organic farms. TKC features an outdoor seating area for kiddos to burn off some energy and plenty of seating for tired parents. In true Poway fashion, this coffee shop has a small town vibe that your whole “brewed” can get hip to. A portion of TKC’s sales are donated to non-profits and they've partnered with regional organizations like Rady’s Children’s Hospital and Poway Pop Warner. Grab your cup of java then head over to North County Soccer Park, where the pee wee league plays (ages 4-11) or spend the afternoon a short distance away at the scenic Old Poway Park.

14530 Espola Rd.
Poway, CA 92065
858-842-3717
Online: thekingscraft.com

Brew Coffee Spot

Janie H. via Yelp

In the heart of La Mesa, the family-owned Brew Coffee Spot has gained the attention of local families. This coffee house uses award-winning coffee beans that are 100% certified organic and responsibly sourced. And Brew Coffee Spot sees roasting beans as a science. Since coffee and tea are 98% water, they take their water purity very seriously. To ensure great tasting drinks, they use a configurable water system that delivers reverse osmosis and blended filtered water. Brew Coffee Spot offers a wide variety of food—including vegetarian and vegan options—a pretty extensive coffee and tea selection, and hello, free WiFi! Need we say more? Join in on the fun with family game night, a painting workshop, live music, or a fair trade jewelry show. We promise, Brew Coffee Spot will be your new fave.

6101 Lake Murray Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-713-6698
Online: brewcoffeespot.com

Copa Vida

Vivian H. via Yelp

City dwellers take heart! Copa Vida, nestled in East Village, has it all: location, chill vibes, great coffee and tea and food. Whether you’re new to the coffee life or a caffeine connoisseur, Copa Vida’s take on coffee and tea is approachable and welcoming to all. Copa Vida offers hot and cold espresso pressure drinks—including single origin brews—an extensive tea list and breakfast, brunch and lunch. Copa Vida has an open concept with giant windows that open to the street. Perfect for people watching! And add to all that, Copa Vida is walking distance to Petco Park at the Park which offers a kid’s play area, little league field, picnic area and more. If the littles are up for it, end your day at the nearby San Diego Central Library, where you can join a guided tour.

Insider’s Tip: For parents on the go who can’t spare a moment waiting in line, Copa Vida offers a self-service honor bar until 10 a.m. on weekdays. Simply help yourself to a cup of java, leave some cash, and off you go!

905 J. St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-501-7529
Online copa-vida.com

Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe

Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe

Two words: pastry case. But Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe also offers so much more. This artisan bakery serves up delicious coffee drinks and a mouthwatering breakfast, brunch and lunch made using sustainable, organic, local ingredients. Nutmeg is also a dream come true for those on alternative diets, as you'll find vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free menu items to enjoy––even from the pastry case. High chairs, a laid-back ambiance and an open floor plan make it easy to bring the kids along for your fix.

Nutmeg just opened a second location in Scripps Ranch as well!

12640 Sabre Springs Pkwy.
Ste. 107
San Diego, CA
858-486-8863

New Scripps Ranch location:
10755 Scripps Poway Pkwy.
Ste 107
San Diego, CA 92131

Online: nutmegsd.com

––Elizabeth Silva & Beth Shea

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The Great Wolf Lodge has plenty to offer all ages and stages, from an epic water park to the MagiQuest adventures, story times and more. But if you’re looking for one more reason why you have to visit this hotel-waterpark near you? This summer they’re debuting the first-ever Summer Camp-In for adventures through Labor Day. Read on to find out what else is in store for your family this summer.

1. The Summer Camp-In

Lobby s'mores, anyone? Summer Camp-In, Great Wolf Lodge's summer themed decor and activities are brand new this year. Think summer-camp themed crafts like decorating pins and badges or making friendship bracelets, evening s'mores in the lobby, Bingo or trivia for families each night and super cute activities like the Rubber Ducky 500: Kids select and decorate a rubber ducky early in the day, register it in the water park and then watch to see which ducky wins the race down one of the water slides. (Plus, kiddos get to keep their ducky for a souvenir.) There are organized pool games and parties, and you can even get a summer-camp seasonal rooms. 

2. The Waterpark

Great Wolf Lodge

Whether it's too hot or too cold, the Great Wolf Lodge's  indoor waterpark that is 84 degrees year round. Relax in Crooked Creek, a winding lazy river or let the tots splash around the multi-level Fort Mackenzie which recently got upgraded to included smaller-kiddo sized water slides and is surrounded by well-placed tables and lounge chairs for the parents. You can also test your balance on the Wolf Rider Wipeout and coax the whole family to take the River Canyon Run, a tube ride with an interactive Splash Cinema.

Plus, as of June 28, 2019 day passes are now on sale to visit the waterpark even if you aren't staying overnight! 

http://gph.is/2FHyH7F

video: Amber Guetebier

Good to know: Safety is a priority, and there are plenty of Coast Guard certified water jackets on hand, including ones fit for toddlers. Some of the rides, like the Totem Towers and the Wolf Rider Wipeout have height requirements but do not fear: even your smallest kiddos will not feel left out.

Dial It In: Claim a lounger by Fort Mackenzie and order yourself up some fancy house drinks from the Watering Hole. You don’t even need your wallet: just scan your wristband and the cocktails get charged right to your room.

3. The Rooms

Great Wolf Lodge

Whether you've got a big clan or it's just you plus one, there are rooms for your family at the Great Wolf Lodge. Upgrade any room during the summer with the Summer Camp-In package. You'll get a pup-tent, decorations and even a campfire-shaped light. 

The most popular room is the Deluxe Bunk Bed Suite, which has built-in bunks and a queen bed, as well as a pull-out couch. The rooms are spacious enough to chill in after a busy day and all rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge include mini-fridges and microwaves. Other great options include rooms with multiple queen-sized beds, rooms with double bunks in a separate space (Queen Cabin Suite with themed KidCabin) and even big family suites like the Grizzly Family Suite which sleeps 12 and the Northwoods Suite which sleeps 12 and includes a fireplace.

Good to know: Unless you spring for a room with separate bunks (KidCabin) you and the family will all be in the same room. This isn't a bad thing, since this is a family vaycay, but if you're hoping for some downtime/privacy after the kids sack out and you've got light sleepers, you should upgrade.

4. The Great Wolf Adventure Park

Preston Mack. Great Wolf Lodge

If the Water Park is the crown jewel, we think the Adventure Park is the hidden gem. With plenty of different level arcade games, a climbing wall, a ropes course and a mining experience you'll find hours of fun right there. Plus, there's Ten-Paw Bowling (ten pin bowling! you never see these anymore!) that even the littles can master. Grab some pizza and salad at Hungry Like a Wolf on the second level and then hit the lanes.

5. MagiQuest

Great Wolf Lodge

No visit to the Great Wolf Lodge is complete without an introduction to MagiQuest—the interactive game that is like a scavenger hunt meets video game. But don't be fooled—there's very little screen time and kids and their parents will get lots of exercise. Wander the lodge communing with Pixies and battling dragons. Start your Quest at the MagiQuest shop where you procure a wand and declare your Quest name. Throughout the second and first floors, you'll find the wands react with features, stations (called "portals") and more. Light up crystals, make paintings talk and more as you solve each level. And if you find yourself heading to a different Great Wolf Lodge location, bring your wand! It will work for the adventure at any location.

Bonus: See what your wand does to the bear in the lobby.

6. Build-a-Bear Onsite

Great Wolf Lodge

For a souvenir worth snuggling, stop by the main gift shop's Build-a-Bear station where kiddos can build bears or a Great Wolf Lodge character (like a wolf) and then outfit them with Great Wolf Lodge-appropriate attire. character outfits. 

7. Food & Drink

Great Wolf Lodge

There are seven different food and drink spots on site, including a Dunkin Donuts, Hungry Like a Wolf pizza place, Camp Fire which offers a breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner, Buckets Incredible Cravings (right inside the water park) and a Ben & Jerry's. 

Insider tip for coffee drinkers: There's no beloved Caribou on site so your main coffee house is Dunkin Donuts. You have been warned.

8. The Staff

Andie Huber

Every time we've visited, we've noted the wonderful treatment toward guests by the staff. From the enthusiastic customer service at the MagiQuest Marketplace to the managers on site who can make the Northwoods Friend Adventure show appear "like magic" in spite of the schedule, every employee you and your kids interact with will make your family feel like they are honored guests. Knowing your kids are not going to be ignored or chastised goes a long way toward making any parent feel good about taking their family somewhere. Kudos to the staff at this Great Wolf Lodge location.

Special shoutout: On our most recent visit we witnessed a young employee (Sophie M.) take swift action when she found a child crying, separated from his family. She quickly consoled him while she called security to come and help locate his parents, and explained to the boy what was happening all along so he wasn't as scared.  As a parent, this is exactly what you would hope for if your kid encountered this situation. Kudos, Great Wolf Lodge!

Best Deal

Preston Mack. Great Wolf Lodge

Rooms start at as little as $99. The best bet for parents with busy kids is the to grab either a Pup Pass, a Paw Pass or an Adventure Park Pass. The most popular is the Paw Pass, which includes a MagiQuest wand, topper and game; one game (for one) at Ten Paw Alley, a pass on the ropes course, and two climbs on the climbing wall. Kids also get a cup of bulk candy and a scoop of Ben & Jerry's, too, along with 20 credits at the Arcade.  

All guests receive a wristband. Grown-up wristbands also act as a room key, a "wallet" so that you can charge directly to your room and allows access to the waterpark. Kids wristbands do not open rooms nor make charges but they can help reunite lost kiddos and parents. If a kiddo finds themselves alone, any Great Wolf Lodge employee can scan the band and help locate the parents or alert security to take them to the front desk where the parents are quickly located. 

Daily shuttles between the property and both MSP and the Mall of America occur every 30 minutes.

Great Wolf Lodge
1700 American Blvd E
Bloomington, MN 55425
Call: 844-561-9653
Online: greatwolflodge.com/minnesota

—Amber Guetebier

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Thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for hosting; while portions of this trip were paid by Great Wolf Lodge, the opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

Well-known as The Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells does way more than provide waterpark thrills and adventures on more than 200 plunge drops, tube rides, racing speed slides, bowls, water roller coasters, surf machines, wave pools and lazy rivers. And, of course, there’s a plethora of other attractions for all ages as well. This family-friendly destination brings multigenerational relatives together—the indelible memories created here will be the fodder for stories told around the dinner table for years to come. Pack the kids in the car, set out on a short three-hour road trip, and see for yourself why Wisconsin Dells has been touted as one of the Midwest’s best-rated vacation hot spots. Here are 10 ways families can enjoy Wisconsin Dells.

Fun for Everyone: Noah’s Ark Waterpark

Noah's Ark Waterpark

Start your vacation by diving into one of the best waterparks to start your vacation: Noah’s Ark Waterpark, America’s largest waterpark, spanning a whopping 70 acres with three miles of waterslides.

The smallest littles of your group will love splashing around in one of the four children’s water play areas or with a parent in one of the two wave pools. Paradise Lagoon has special rides and slides built just for them. Older kids will have a hard time not screaming on Raja: The World’s Largest King Cobra, which starts six stories up in the air and ends with a trip through the snake’s mouth. The Black Anaconda is a raft jaunt that three people can experience, and Time Warp is a bowl design that four family members can enjoy. If you need a break from the sun, check out the 4-D Dive-In Theater or the Safari Adventure Mini Golf, ideal for the whole family.

Online: noahsarkwaterpark.com

Through the Trees You’ll Go: Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort

Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort via Facebook

Wisconsin Dells houses over 8,000 hotel rooms, so picking the right one might seem a herculean task. Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort wins for being America’s largest indoor and outdoor combination waterpark and resort, built to thrill with over 500,000 square-feet of waterpark fun—that’s the same size as 12 football fields! Spend your day splashing around in four indoor and four outdoor waterparks at this resort—cabanas are available throughout to enhance your stay.

If you’d like to check out the dry adventures, pop over to the: Click ‘N Climb Challenge Walls, indoor and outdoor Go-Karts, CYvrSPACE Virtual Arena, Northern Lights Sky Ropes Course, Wild West Bumper Boats, indoor and outdoor mini golf, Mega Prize Arcades, Room Escapes, Timberland Playhouse, Wilderness Canyon Zip Line, and Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. You won’t go bored here, that’s for certain.

Online: wildernessresort.com

 

 

Go on a Water Safari: Kalahari Resort Waterpark

Kalahari Resort Waterpark

The award for the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin, traversing 125,000 square-feet, goes to Kalahari Resort Waterpark. Everyone, from young to young-at-heart, will enjoy a stay at this resort, which features a world-class spa, with manicure, pedicure, facial and massage treatments even for kids; varied dining, including options for even the pickiest of eaters; and a huge indoor waterpark. If your kids have ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid, shark or surfer, the Kalahari Resort Waterpark’s trainers can help.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to do here as well: bowling, arcade, escape room, and The Arena virtual reality experience. Tom Foolerys Adventure Park features 100,000 square-feet of interactive fun for the whole family with awe-inspiring rides, activities and games. Siblings will magically play together and have those bonding moments that all parents hope for.

Online: kalahariresorts.com/wisconsin

 

Get Your Thrills: Amusement Parks That Can't Be Beat

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

For thrill-seekers, or for people who like to watch from the safety of the ground, there are numerous amusement parks in Wisconsin Dells, perfect for the intrepid members of your family.

BigFoot Zipline Tours
Fly through the oak and pine trees, from tower to tower, on Wisconsin Dells’ first zipline. Seven separate paths will provide hours of smile-inducing fun for your family. For special savings, purchase a package and enjoy multiple area attractions like the Dells Army Duck Tours, WildThing Jet Boats and BigFoot Zipline Tours.

Online: bigfootzip.com

Big Chief's Go Karts
This family-friendly classic adventure is not only adventuresome but also, it’s affordable. For only $3.00, you’ll ride up and over hills and around hairpin turns with as much speed as you can muster. Grab some noshes and drinks afterward—definitely not before, unless your stomach is made of steel—at Pizza Pub, B-LUX Grill & Bar, Mr. Pancake, or Dairy Queen.

Online: wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-area/attractions/big-chiefs-race-mountain.htm

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park

Heightened Adventures
Heightened Adventures offers a Zip Line and Adventure Park located within Chula Vista Resort on six tree-filled acres. Seven zip lines and four ropes courses will keep your kids busy and active—it will be the best screen-free “online” experience yet. If mom and dad want to join in on the fun, there’s a Black Course for confident climbers over age 12, full of challenging obstacles and zip lines.

Online: heightenedadventures.com/

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Wisconsin Dells is known for having a lot of “firsts” and “biggest” attractions and Mt. Olympus is no different. It’s here that you’ll find the world’s first upside down wooden rollercoaster, with the world’s longest underground tunnel: Hades 360 Wooden Rollercoaster. Other must-visit attractions include: The Underworld Go-Kart Track, The Manticore swings, Almighty Hermes Swing, Cyclops Rollercoaster, Little Titans Rollercoaster, Kiddie Train, and more.

Online: mtolympuspark.com/

 

Canyon Creek Riding Stables Scenic Tour

vicki watkins via flickr

There are multiple ways to get in and around Wisconsin Dells through informative and fun scenic tours. Dells Trolley Tours, Ghost Boat’s “Journey to Haunted Canyon”, Lost Canyon Tours’ horse-drawn carriage rides, and Baraboo Tours for pedicabs are all standouts worth looking into for a memorable afternoon.

Canyon Creek Riding Stables is one of those adventures that sticks with you long after you’ve dismounted your horse. Go on a one-hour trail ride with your family, taking in nature’s beauty at every turn—ancient rock formations and a waterfall will delight every rider. Journey through a 200-foot tunnel, see Boot Hill Cemetery, and explore Canyon Creek’s Tombstone western town, where you’ll be greeted by the local sheriff and possibly Jailhouse Bob. Once you return, don’t forget to visit the petting zoo where you can feed farm animals.

Online: canyoncreekridingstable.com/

 

Magic, Oddities, and Wonder: Museums

Great Wolf Lodge

Wisconsin Dells abounds with interactive activities that are sure to spark your imagination and get your creative juices flowing. Challenge your brain power at Ripley Believe It or Not! Museum. Test your gem-finding skills and intuitive powers at Great Wolf Lodge’s MagiQuest and ShadowQuest collaborative games. Find the elusive golden skull at the Lost Temple. Pan for gold at Dells Mining Co. Learn about photography at H.H. Bennett Studio.

 

 

“Ooh” and “Ahh” at Wisconsin Dells' Live Shows

Tommy Bartlett Show

Circus World in Baraboo is entertaining for all ages, Palace Theater in the Dells showcases Broadway musicals and Disney classics, and the Crystal Grand Music Theatre is perfect for music lovers. For a classic Wisconsin experience, however, don’t miss the Dells Lumberjack Show. Watch brawny lumberjacks, made strong by that good Wisconsin dairy, compete in Canoe Jousting, Standing Block Chop, Ax Throwing, and Crosscut Sawing.

Popular amongst visitors is the Tommy Bartlett Show, a 90 minute, action-packed live event that will have you on the edge of your seats. With stunts, acrobatics and water skiers, this is anything but your ordinary show. It's been wow-ing fans for 67 years with extreme water skiing, incredible boat stunts and light-hearted comedy. 

Online: tommybartlett.com/water-show/

Go Wild: Timbavati Wildlife Park

Timbavati Wildlife Park

Watch 70 different species of animals, roam around as you ride on the Old Fort Dells Engine Number 9 Safari Train Ride. You can see more than 400 animals here, including an Artic fox, sloth, kangaroo, wildebeest, lion, and tiger. Timbavati Wildlife Park has it all—Swine Time Pig Racing, illuminating wildlife presentations, giraffe and camel feeding stations, and a large petting zoo and animal nursery for hands-on animal encounters. For a great lay of the land, start your adventure at the observation tower. You’ll spot things that you never thought possible for a day in Wisconsin.

Online: timbavatiwildlifepark.com/

 

Explore Downtown Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells

A change of scenery, outside of the waterparks and adventure courses of the Dells, might be in order. Visit downtown, which is accessible and walkable and worth a look-see. Buy souvenirs at one of the many gift shops, sip espresso in a coffee house, and even get a photo keepsake at Capone's Original Old Time Picture Studio (there are a number of these photo studios). Downtown is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner, treat the kids to fudge and candy, see what you can find in one of the antique shops, and stretch your legs along the Scenic River Walk. You might just surprise yourself with what you’ll find.

Online: wisdells.com/wisconsin-dells-area/attractions/scenicriverwalk.htm

Visit a Hands-On Interactive Exhibit

The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory

The Tommy Bartlett Exploratory – Interactive Science Center, formerly known as Robot World, will delight and inspire your family through interactive scientific discoveries and science. This exhibit is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at its best, an educator’s dream. With 175 opportunities for learning, your kids will delve deep into science experiments, space exploration, technology-heavy activities and games of skill. This is the sort of place that a young kid can enjoy alongside an older sibling—in short, it’s fun for all.

Online: tommybartlett.com/exploratory/

Ready to start making more amazing memories with your family? Plan your family vacation now at wisdells.com

 

—Wendy Altschuler

Toddlers and Maui? Such bundles of energy and emotions don’t seem to mix with the romantic destination, but don’t think that for one minute: Maui is a perfect place to let a toddler’s natural curiosity out! With warm water to swim in, tropical fruit to taste, plenty of fishies to see and lots of new things to try, there are so many things that the under 5 set will love. The right place and the right pace is key. We scouted out some of the best things to do in Maui for you and your keiki (child)– so you can feel like you’re actually on a tropical vacation, and make sure everyone has fun. Read on for more!

Photo: Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson

See

Maui Ocean Center
What little kid doesn’t want to see colorful fish and turtles? Bring them to the Maui Ocean Center for a whole day of fun (and maybe some learning, too)! In the various encounters you’ll see neon fish, sharks, glow-in-the-dark coral, starfish, jellyfish, and more! A special exhibit brings the world of undersea mammals to life, and the open air touch tank provides an opportunity for gentle hands to feel spiky purple urchins and pokey orange starfish.

Get your kiddo their own Keiki Passport so they can hunt for petroglyph rubbings to color in, scattered all around the space. Be sure to stick around for a few demonstrations and talks like the Turtles, where you’ll learn what a turtle eats (seaweed and lettuce!) and fun facts, like that they can live to 50 years! Or the shark tank, where you’ll watch a scuba diver descend into the tank and talk to you through the water while a hammerhead swims by. Don’t miss a walk through the undersea tunnel where a giant rays might glide right above you!

To finish the day off, grab a Dole Whip for the perfect treat, on the menu at the Reef Cafe Plaza. Or if you’re ready for lunch or dinner stop by the Seascape Restaurant for a meal with a view.

Online: mauioceancenter.com

photo: Katrina Emery

Tropical Plantation
This tropical paradise is full of fun stuff to see and do! Beautiful gardens, shops, an ice cream cafe, a duck pond and even a zip line for older adventurers, you’ll find something for everyone. Toddlers will love the 45 minutes tram tour (choo choo!) that tours the plantation fruit and plants, like Ti leaves traditionally used to make hula skirts. They’ll also see a pineapple patch, coconut trees, mangoes, papaya, coffee, and bananas! Little ones will love seeing their favorite fruits “in the wild” and they’ll be able to gobble them up (because you know they’ll be asking) right afterward with the complimentary fruit cup at the end.

You’ll also see a fun coconut husking demonstration at the Tiki Hut, where kids can get a front row seat to the action, and can touch the husks and coconut meat afterward.

Back at the garden, adults can stop by the Mill Coffee House for 100% Hawaiian small batch coffee, or everyone can enjoy lunch in their award-winning cafe (try the chicken bao buns). Toddlers will love to wobble or run around the beautiful gardens and feed the ducks in the pond. Near the front entrance/exit, check out the farmer’s market stand for fresh produce and other items. Be sure to grab a pineapple for the road before you go!

Online: https://mauitropicalplantation.com/

photo: Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa

Drums of the Pacific Luau
You can’t head to Hawaii without seeing a Luau! Starting with a fresh lei when you first arrive, the performers and servers at the Hyatt Luau aim to make sure your night is a wonderful one. The bar is open, the music flows, the drums beat, and when it’s dark, the stars come out.

Both men and women dance in a variety of beautiful styles from around the South Pacific– you’ll see a haka from New Zealand, a beautiful love story from Tahiti, and plenty of hulas from right there in Hawai’i. Along the way you’ll learn some of the myths, values, and dance moves of the cultures. Kids (and adults) will even get the chance to get up on stage and learn some hula moves themselves– perfect for little spotlight-lovers!

Adventurous parents and kids can try the range of foods on the buffet like traditional fermented poi, but there’s always a full tray of chicken fingers, ketchup, and spaghetti as a fall-back. The performance stretches until a little past sunset, which can be tricky for sleepy little ones, but just plan naps accordingly and the fire dancers will take care of the rest. After all the excitement, they’ll sleep well that night!

Note that kids under 5 are absolutely free, so it might be worth it to spring for the VIP tickets– you’ll be much closer to the front and will be able to see the action better as well as eat sooner. Just be warned: your child might insist on becoming a fire dancer after this show!

Online: drumsofthepacificmaui.com

photo: Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson

Explore

Historic Lahaina
Take a walk around this historic whaling village for a chance to peek into Hawaii’s past! Stroll down Front Street for fascinating museums, whaling history, art galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Kids will especially enjoy the giant Banyan tree in the park: an Indian species planted in 1873, the banyan tree grows by putting down new trunks as it spreads. It’s currently stretching 200 feet long with 16 trunks in the ground!

The popular town is a hot spot for many boat tours, including seasonal whaling tours, and offers great oceanside dining (reservations recommended for most places). But perhaps the best part of the day is the chance to visit to Ululani’s shave ice, full of colorful flavors that kids can choose from. They’ll probably go for Pink Bubble Gum or a rainbow mix, but adventurous adults can try Lychee, Matcha Green Tea, Pickled Mango, or even Tiger’s Blood. Don’t skip the Snow Cap– it’s a sweetened condensed milk mixture that’s poured over the top, adding a perfect creamy touch.

Online: ululanishawaiianshaveice.com

photo: Katrina Emery

Kapalua Coastal Trail
This short trail on the Kapalua coast is a perfect place to wander. The trail stretches from Kapalua Bay 1.9 miles up to DT Fleming Beach park, but the prettiest parts are in the first section. You’ll stroll through a wildlife sanctuary perfect for little eyes to spot birds, then walk past the cliffs at Oneloa Bay where turtles are often seen below!

Walking toddlers will love to explore the path, though you might want to bring a carrier for the very young, and watch tiny feet on the volcanic rocks section–so sharp! Break up the hike into any section, and end with a splash in the ocean or picnic on the beach. There’s not much shade, but the trail is not strenuous, as it’s mostly flat and goes over sidewalks and boardwalks. Access the trail at Kapalua Bay, Oneloa Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, or D.T. Fleming Beach Park.

Online: alltrails.com/trail/us/hawaii/kapalua-coastal-trail

photo: Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson

Iao Valley State Park
This gorgeous valley was a holy place for ancient Hawaiians, used as a burial site for royalty for centuries. It’s easily accessible, which makes it great for kids– the “hikes” are very short and sweet with plenty of views. You can walk up to take a peek at the namesake Iao Needle, a lush green point reaching into the clouds. Kids will especially love the big bridge, and exploring the forest and streams below. The valley is only about 15 minutes away from Kahului airport and doesn’t take long to see, so it makes a great stop on your first or last day.

$5 parking fee/car

Online: dlnr.hawaii.gov

photo: Katrina Emery

Stay

Napili Kai Beach Resort
This relaxed, family friendly resort is a long-standing jewel on the coast of Kaanapali. The lush grounds are beautifully landscaped with a few simple pools, and a small putting green in the middle (on Wednesdays the green hosts a Mai Tai Cocktail night!). The 163 rooms all come with kitchenettes (making snacktime and the nightly glass of milk a piece of cake for the young ones), and many can be joined together to make up to a 3 bedroom suite for traveling families.

The best part of any beach stay, though, is of course the beach. Easily accessible from all rooms, the bay here is a special spot, protected from any intense waves, making it easy to play and swim in the water. Another treat is the reef in the bay: rent a stand-up paddle board and give the little ones a ride to glimpse the fish and coral. Or if they’re too skittish, parents can borrow snorkel gear while the kids build a sandcastle empire (or just one really big pile, let’s be honest).

Extra services are aimed at making your vacation a great one: kids eat free in their award-winning beachside restaurant, and they offer daily cultural demonstrations like lei-making, and snacks like fresh pineapple. The concierge can arrange a beach photo session for the family, and on Tuesdays you can catch the free keiki (children) hula show, every week. Your little one might learn some moves they can show off all week long! The resort is also taking an environmental stand: they’re one of the first on the island to switch to paper straws, and they also offer and educate guests about using reef-safe sunscreen.

Online: napilikai.com

photo: Grand Wailea

Grand Wailea Resort
Get lost in the beauty! Your toddler might ignore the impeccable grounds and beautiful artwork, but they will love the friendly staff, flowers, fish ponds and many paths to explore. The winners are the pools and nearby beach, with more than enough water and sand for days of fun. It’s a breeze to pop back to your room for naptime while you enjoy the view from your balcony, then head back out for more pool splashing. The pool system includes a Baby Beach, perfect for little ones who want splash and dig without the worry of waves. A lazy river offers lots of places for mom or dad and babe to explore, a few smaller slides can be found that braver toddlers might try with help.

There are plenty of amenities that will take your stay to the next level: Rent a poolside cabana for a shaded place to relax when you need a break from splashing. The onsite shops mean even if you forget a phone charger, you’re all set, and there are several beautiful restaurants and cafes to choose from. If you can convince your travel partner to occupy the kids at the beach, slip away for provided activities like beach yoga, botanical and cultural tours, golf, or some spa time.

Online: grandwailea.com

Aloha and MahaloWith nonstop flights from 13 cities across the mainland U.S., Maui offers a unique family destination full of fun and new experiences. Older kids and adults will find plenty of distractions, and while your toddler may only talk about that one turtle they saw all.week.long, you’ll know they absorbed a wonderful experience that will create lifelong explorers (be sure to leave some room in your suitcase for that stuffed turtle, though).

Check out Go Hawaii: Maui for more info as you get ready to say Aloha to Maui!

—Katrina Emery

 

Note: This trip was subsidized by the Maui Visitors Bureau, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer

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