From Trekaroo to 2 Travel Dads to The Bucket List Family, this list of the best family travel blogs will help you plan your next vacation with kids

Travel and kids in the same lifetime? We say yes, please! For parents determined to keep the travel adventures coming—even if it means with the kids in tow (and possibly flying with a baby)—we looked to our favorite family travel blogs. After all, there are massive benefits to traveling with kids! Each one of our picks promises to inspire you to take that trip already (even if it’s just to granny’s house and back).

In this list, you’ll find families that are big on outdoor adventure, ones who know what it’s like to travel with a disability, national parks fanatics, and Disney parks fanatics. We know you’ll find inspiration for your next family travel adventure from this eclectic list of family travel blogs.

2 Travel Dads
Not only do we love accompanying this adorable family on their adventures via their awesome IG account, but we love their tips for schooling kids on the road and their open-minded approach to travel.

Online: 2traveldads.com

Our Vie
Inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the National Park System, husband and wife duo Cees and Madison decided to hit the road and see every single one. Once "out there" they decided they loved the adventure too much to return to normal life. Their son Theo (named after Theodore Roosevelt!) was born in 2016 and continues to accompany his parents across the country in Vie, the family rig (a Toyota motorhome build).

Online: ourvie.com

She Buys Travel
This site is created by moms for moms and their families. Filled with real-life experience and TONS of info on Disney adventures, you can get great content from all over the country, as well as discounts and packing tips. 

Online: shebuystravel.com

National Park Capable
Amanda is a mom with Cerebral Palsy and an avid hiker. She explores National Parks and advocates for more accessibility. She also gives tips for those with mobility issues and moms of toddlers.

Online: nationalparkcapable.com

Insider Families
This Colorado-based family will inspire even the most reluctant to get out and experience the great outdoors. From skiing and hiking the majestic peaks of Colorado to exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica and the fjords of Norway, the stories and photos of their adventures are sure to inspire you and your family to get outside. Readers will also find some great tips on traveling and adventuring with kids.

OnlineInsiderFamilies.com

Angelica Kajiwara
Looking for a practical family travel blog about trekking across America with young kiddos? Angelica's blog might be for you. With kid-friendly hiking suggestions and content about campgrounds and RV travel, this blog is perfect for families that want to keep it simple and make incredible memories together. 

Online: angelicakajiwara.com 

Related: Easy Travel with Kids? The Solution We Can’t Stop Talking About

Trips with Tykes
Traveling with little kids can be a little daunting, so be sure to check out this site's helpful information that ranges from how to handle car seats on airplanes to hiking with toddlers, there's plenty of content to inspire and help you take the leap. Plus, this CA-based blog has an incredible archive of information about how to survive Disney with kids! 

Online: tripswithtykes.com

ROAM
This website is dedicated to the kind of travel you thought got put away with your backpack after the kids were born. But ROAM founder, Maryann Jones Thompson, has spent more than 15 years traveling with her own family and wants to share what she's learned with a new generation of parents. With content written by and for parents (that includes the good and the bad!), you'll find advice on how to navigate places as far and wide as Croatia, Peru, and even Mount Everest. 

Online: roamfamilytravel.com

Carful of Kids
Mom Catherine has logged over 70,000 miles behind the wheel while exploring North America with her kids. Her blog has detailed info, especially for outdoorsy-type who enjoy skiing, National Parks, and road trips. Follow her on IG for more fun!

Onlinecarfulofkids.com

Bay Area Family Travel
Don't let the name fool you; this blog is for anyone visiting the Bay Area, but also offers excellent reviews of trips around the world. From hidden gems in Northern California to the arts and culture of Hong Kong, you'll find plenty of practical tips from someone who has done it themselves.

Online: bayareafamilytravel.com

The Bucket List Family
Touting over two million IG followers, this family of five has been traveling the world since 2015. Follow along for good clean fun and breathtaking scenery.

Online: thebucketlistfamily.com

Wonders within Reach
This family of five shares wheelchair-accessible adventures for all types of families. You'll be inspired to get out there and explore when you follow along with them on their next national park visit or international trip. 

Online: wonderswithinreach.com

Related: Diverse Outdoor Adventure Families to Follow on Instagram

Related: 21 Amazing Packing & Travel Hacks to Try on Your Next Trip

Local Passport Family
You'll just love following along with this adorable family on their world travels, RV adventures, and NorCal day trips. Mom Preethi is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and you'll often find her sharing diverse children's books and ways to be better global citizens. 

Online: localpassportfamily.com

LA Family Travel
The perfect family travel blog for Southern California families looking for everything from local adventures, weekend trips, exciting destination travel, and everything in between. Don't miss the travel survival trips that parents need to keep packed away for emergencies! 

Online: lafamilytravel.com

Suitcases and Sippy Cups
There is nothing extraordinary about Jessica Bower, her husband, and four kids. This is why this blog is so special. It's the diary of an ordinary, middle-class family who put their suburban life on hold to travel the world—on an average American middle-class budget. From tips on weekend camping trips to roadschooling kids Suitcases and Sippy Cups is filled with awesome resources for families who don't have a travel agent on speed dial.

Online: suitcasesandsippycups.com

La Jolla Mom
Okay, so maybe luxe travel isn't on the itinerary this year (more like road trips to the local lake/beach/watering hole), and that's okay. Get your fix for all things glamorous by checking out La Jolla Mom. Luxury travel writer Kate Dillon provides gorgeous pics and daydream-worthy adventures as well as giveaways, lifestyle trends and insider tips on her home city of San Diego, Ca.

Online: lajollamom.com

Walking on Travels
For parents who don't want life to stop when the kids arrive, Walking on Travels is a bookmark must. From real-life tips on breastfeeding while traveling to the adorable Friday Postcard Series—a digital "postcard" from some cool spot that shows up every Friday—it's a go-to resource for parents on the go.

Onlinewalkingontravels.com

Ciao Bambino! 
Discerning travelers take note! With travel portfolios covering Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and other popular tourist destinations, this is a great resource for family-focused advice, directions, and accommodation information. It was founded based on the belief that traveling as a family shouldn’t mean lowering your expectations or standards. They will also plan your entire trip for you, check out their travel agent services

Online: ciaobambino.com

Pitstops for Kids 
The title of this site says it all—and boy, are we thankful for this much-needed resource! Pit Stops for Kids is a place to share your reviews of the places you’ve stopped during various road trips (whether you’ve been there once or one hundred times), and to take advantage of the experience and information other parents have to offer. It’s a community of parents who share a goal—finding kid-friendly detours and pit stops—and a philosophy: it’s about the journey and the destination.

Online: pitstopsforkids.com

Related: 12 Essential Life Skills Kids Can Learn from Travel

The Mom Trotter
This full-time traveling family of three lives in an RV when they are at "home" and heads off to all sorts of exotic locales when they are on the road. In addition to travel inspiration, you'll get budgeting tips and loads of ideas for becoming better global citizens while traveling with kids. 

Online: themomtrotter.com

Gone with the Family
Lisa Goodmurphy has been traveling with her kids since her oldest daughter was four months old. Fast-forward eighteen years—family adventures include playing with sled dogs in Alaska, getting lost (in a good way) in Mykonos, standing on the Prime Meridian, and hanging out at Catherine's palace in St. Petersburg. Goodmurphy is a regular contributor to Lonely Planet, Family Travel Magazine, and Travelmamas.com. FYI: If there's a devoted Harry Potter fan at home, be sure to check out the extensive info on Potter-themed travels! 

Online: gonewiththefamily.com

Have Baby Will Travel 
Yes, babies and traveling can go together … and this online guide for travel with babies, toddlers, and small children proves it. Founder and mother of two Corinne McDermott is a passionate advocate of the value traveling can have for everyone in the family. Her site is a collection of travel advice, trip reports, and helpful tips, tricks, and resources for traveling with small children (Psst …the particularly helpful “Flying with Baby” section even breaks down travel by airline!).

Online: havebabywilltravel.com

Trekaroo
The Trekaroo blog is an offshoot of the Trekaroo website—an invaluable resource for discovering activities, hotels, and restaurants, booking accommodations and flights, and contributing to reviews and discussions. The blog is more of the same great content and can-do attitude: resort reviews, “off the beaten path” guides, museum suggestions, weekly digests, and much more!

Online: blog.trekaroo.com

The Vacation Gals
Jennifer Miner, Kara Williams, and Beth Blair are three professional travel writers—and moms—who share their favorite destinations for family trips, girlfriend getaways, and romantic escapes. They also discuss tried-and-true travel gear, the latest travel news, and helpful travel tips. Their writing typically covers North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but the sky is the limit for these awesome Vacation Gals—they take at least 45 trips a year! Whew.

Onlinethevacationgals.com

No Bedtimes No Borders
This family of five decided to leave their normal lives behind and travel around the world for 180 days. Follow along as they share the places they experience along the way and get inspired by their "no bedtimes" philosophy that allows them to experience life as it comes, even if that means a few lost hours of sleep.

Online: nobedtimesnoborders.com

3 Kids Travel
Follow this family with three girls as they travel from their home in SLC all over the world. They are always sharing helpful tips like how to get your kids to carry their luggage at a young age (hooray) and what you do and don't need for a long-haul flight. 

Online: 3kidstravel.com

Family Travel Magazine
From theme parks to European vacations, Family Travel Magazine has something for everyone. Their goal is to help make travel more accessible to families—readers can find killer packaged deals at affordable prices. There are downloadable packing lists, the very latest on Disney destinations, and of course, founder Jodi Grundig's tips and tricks for heading off into the sunset with the whole family in tow.

Online: familytravelmagazine.com

Travels with Baby
Shelly Rivoli launched Travels with Baby as a modest site with answers to many of the real questions parents ask when planning to travel with babies and toddlers. Today, it has evolved into a full-fledged trusted voice among traveling parents. Shelly is also the author of several award-winning travel guidebooks.

Online: travelswithbaby.com

The Educational Tourist
Natalie Tanner is a teacher by trade, so her travels always include learning somewhere along the way (she can't help herself!) Hit up her family travel blog for great ideas on making every trip an educational learning experience, pop by her online shop to purchase one of eight e-books she's written, or, if you want to leave the planning to a pro, engage her services by signing up for the new Concierge Travel.

Online: theeducationaltourist.com

Travel Mamas
This site is for mamas (and daddies and grandparents!) who need a break from their everyday lives, want to see the world, experience new cultures, and maybe even indulge in a spa treatment or margarita while away. Travel Mamas is a community of regular women and men who want to learn and share not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their families.

Online: travelmamas.com

Wanderlust and Lipstick
Here you can find travel stories to whet your appetite for adventures around the globe: join a women-only or co-ed tour to Bhutan, India, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, or Santa Fe; peruse posts from the ever-expanding group of WanderBloggers; read travel tips from experienced globetrotters, and learn about recommended travel gear.

Online: wanderlustandlipstick.com

Related: 7 Reasons to Travel with Kids, No Matter How Young They Are

No Back Home
Mom Karilyn and son Cian make the most adorable travel duo and you'll love following them on their national park adventures all across the world. Looking for info on how to expand your travel adventures by homeschooling your kids? This blog is for you! 

Online: nobackhome.com

The Mother of All Trips 
This family travel blog is part travelogue, part memoir, part meditation on motherhood, with just a dash of how-to. The mother behind The Mother of All trips is Mara, who emphasizes the potential for learning and fun when it comes to traveling with kids. With each post on her family’s excursions, both big and small, and helpful advice gleaned from real first-hand experience, she “brings the world to your kids and your kids to the world.”

Online: themotherofalltrips.com

Mini Time 
This site is dedicated to making family travel planning easier, cheaper, and less stressful with in-depth reviews of kid-friendly accommodations, expert strategies for traveling with kids, insider city guides, and advice on where to find money-saving deals on family vacation packages. As if that weren’t enough, the site also has free printables like packing lists and car and travel games for kids, and a Trip Planner tool that helps you create an individual itinerary and travel journals.

Online: minitime.com

Suzette Mack Travel 
As a Family Travel Advisor, Suzette Mack’s specialty is creating memorable vacations for families with children of all ages. As a blogger, she offers readers her expertise (for example, travel insurance is a must when planning a family cruise) and personal experience (a la if she could do it all again, she’d buy the Paris Museum Pass).

Online: suzettemacktravel.com

Jetlag and Mayhem

This mom has been traveling and backpacking ever since she was in her teens. Now with two kids strapped to her side, she's still insistent on making the world her oyster. From Europe to Asia, Jetlag and Mayhem will make your flying and planning an easier process. Plus, if you're looking for travel and kid-friendly gadgets, mom-blogger Nicola has a list of recommendations just for you.

Online: jetlagandmayhem.com

FamiliesGo! 
How much time do you spend planning your vacation when you should be enjoying it? FamiliesGo! takes the guesswork out of organizing family trips with one simple site run by a community of savvy travelers (who happen to be parents). They share their advice on everything from hotel accommodations to how to pack your suitcases.

Online: familiesgotravel.com

Jet Set Family
Jet Set Mom Nicole Standley cut her teeth on luxury PR, so when Jet Set Tot came along, it only seemed natural to bring her along for the ride. What started as an online diary of one family's travels became a luxury travel/lifestyle with contributors with the same passion for quality travel with kids. We love the Invitation Only series. With glam coverage of LA premieres and Hollywood glitz‚ it's an instant getaway without leaving home.

Online: jetsetfamily.com

The Family Adventure Project
If you had to pick between white-water rafting in Costa Rica and checking out the latest art exhibit in Paris and you chose the former, The Family Adventure Project is the travel blog for you. Filled with incredible ideas for kid-friendly adventures at home and abroad, it's kinda crazy how many cool options there are for families. From taking a road trip in Patagonia to a tree-top adventure in Wales, thrill-seekers will find plenty of inspiration here.

Online: thefamilyadventureproject.org

 

What better way to teach kids about powerful women like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman than by visiting places that honor their contributions?

It’s Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate O.G. power girls like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman than by visiting places that honor their contributions to women’s history? These unique vacation ideas and educational trips are perfect for families because not only will your kids be inspired by these incredible people, but they’ll be sure to remember a family vacation that meant more than fighting the crowds and waiting in line. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best places to learn about women’s history in the United States.

National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum | Rochester, NY

Learn all about Susan B. Anthony with a visit to her former home. The famous civil rights leader was arrested here when she voted in 1872, and it was the home of the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association while she was president. Take a tour of the house, learn the story behind her legendary life, and be inspired by her “Failure is Impossible” speech.

Onlinesusanb.org

Rosa Parks Memorial | Montgomery, AL

Rosa Parks Memorial

Smack dab on the corner where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks boarded a public bus and where she was infamously arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger, this museum focuses on Parks' story and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. The Museum includes a permanent exhibit, “The Cleveland Avenue Time Machine,” a replica city bus that uses fog, lighting, sound, hydraulics, and a robot bus driver to guide visitors on a series of “time jumps” from Jim Crow to “Separate But Equal.”

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum | Washington, D.C.

Born over 200 years ago in 1821, Clara Barton’s humanitarian legacy continues today with the American Red Cross. In 1881, at age 59, she founded the American Red Cross and led it for 23 years. Prior to establishing the Red Cross in the United States, Barton dedicated years of her life to the soldiers of the Civil War. 

After the Civil War, Barton established the Missing Soldiers Office to locate Union soldiers who hadn’t returned home. She and her team initiated searches on behalf of the women who were looking for their lost husbands or sons. Barton and her team wrote more than 100 letters a day to contacts in the U.S. Army and family and friends of the missing. By December 1868, she and her team had located more than 22,000 missing soldiers.

Visit the preserved rooms where Barton lived and worked during the Civil War and where she and her team spent thousands of hours in the Missing Soldiers Office.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum | Santa Fe, NM

One of the greatest American artists of the 20th century, O’Keeffe’s museum is perfect for budding artists and history buffs alike. Wander through over 3,000 pieces of the artist’s work, and learn about her creative process and the local landscape that inspired her. It’s a stroller-friendly museum, and there are plenty of other fun things to do with kids in Santa Fe, click here to see more

Online: okeeffemuseum.org

Sacajawea Center | Salmon, ID

Idaho is a gorgeous state to visit any time of year, especially for families who love outdoor adventures: hiking, biking, rafting, and more. Enrich your trip with a stop at the Sacajawea Center, located in Salmon, which is in the Lemhi Valley, the birthplace of the sole female member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

Online: sacajaweacenter.org

Helen Keller Birthplace | Tuscumbia, AL

The life of Helen Keller was full of hard struggles and amazing accomplishments. When Keller was just 19 months, she suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. Keller became one of history's most remarkable women. She dedicated her life to improving the conditions of the blind and the deaf-blind around the world, lecturing in more than 25 countries. Wherever she appeared, she brought courage to millions of blind people.                                                                                     

When visiting Keller’s birthplace, do not miss the water pump where Keller had her life-changing breakthrough. While cool water gushed over Keller’s hand, Sullivan spelled “water” into her other hand. Suddenly, Keller connected the spelled word with the flowing liquid. Keller immediately began touching the elements around her, wanting to learn their names. Keller’s home includes her complete library of Braille books, her original Braille typewriter, plus mementos and gifts from her travels around the world.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park | Church Creek, MD

Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Visit the area in the Chesapeake Bay where the Underground Railroad’s most famous conductor—Harriet Tubman—spent her early days as a slave. The 10,000-square-foot visitor center has exhibits about Tubman’s life, the Underground Railroad, and the surrounding lands. There’s a Junior Ranger program for kids, and with a 17-acre state park to explore, it's a great place for the whole family.

Online: dnr.maryland.gov/tubman

Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder | DeSmet, SD

Visit Mr. Loftus’s original store, rest in the shade of Pa’s cottonwood grove, and discover other pieces of the Little House trail in DeSmet, SD, the final settling place of the Ingalls Family. Several Little House-themed events are hosted in DeSmet, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. At the Ingalls Homestead, there are regularly scheduled activities: going to school in a one-room schoolhouse, feeding farm animals, and even twisting hay sticks as Laura did in The Long Winter.

Online: desmetsd.com/laura-ingalls-wilder

 

Boston Women’s Heritage Trail | Boston, MA

Boston is home to a number of self-guided tours where you can learn about the amazing women that have shaped our nation's history. Head to the Back Bay where you can see sculptures from women artists and then to Chinatown for information about Mary Soo Hoo, a longtime Chinatown community activist. 

 

Ontario County, NY

Best known as a wine and leisure destination, Ontario County in the Finger Lakes region of New York is also the epicenter of the women’s rights movement over 100 years ago. Visitors can follow the Ontario County Women’s History Trail to learn more about the history of women’s suffrage at the Ontario County Courthouse, where Susan B. Anthony was famously tried for voting, strides in higher education at Hobert and William Smith College, where the first doctoral degree was issued to a woman, and the traditions of the native Seneca and Haudenosaunee, who operated in a matrilineal society at the Ganondagan State Historic Site.

Bennington Museum | Bennington, VT

Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses (1860–1961) started painting in her seventies and within years was one of America’s most famous artists. Moses, known as a folk artist, painted scenes of rural life that captured an idyllic, bygone era of the United States.  

The Bennington Museum has the largest public collection of paintings by Grandma Moses and a collection of artifacts from her life, including an 18th-century tilt-top table she used as her painting table and her paint-stained apron. In addition, the museum is now home to the schoolhouse where she studied as a child.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett House | Chicago, IL

See the home of the famous journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist on your next trip to Chicago. Now a National Historic Landmark, Wells-Barnett and her husband bought the home in 1919 and lived there until 1922 (it is not open to the public). Want to know what else to do while you’re in the Windy City? This massive list will get you started. 

Online: nps.gov/travel/civilrights

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front | Richmond, CA 

Learn about the women who kept the factories running and the war supplies coming during World War II. Explore the visitor center, which includes interactive exhibits and daily films, or wander the Rosie the Riveter memorial, which includes two gardens and photos and quotes of working women from all over the United States. 

Online: nps.gov/rori

Wyoming House for Historic Women | Laramie, WY

The Wyoming House for Historic Women contains displays of the thirteen honored women and is the site of various conferences and lectures pertaining to women's history and issues. In the plaza, you'll find a life-sized bronze sculpture of Louisa Swain, who on September 6, 1870, became the first woman to cast a ballot under laws giving women full equality to men. Her ballot was cast just one block from the plaza.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame | Fort Worth, TX

Craig Kuhner for the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum

The only museum in the world dedicated to the women who helped shape the West is a must-see the next time you visit Fort Worth. There are interactive exhibits, two theaters, and features the legacy of many women on this list, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Sacajawea, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Online: cowgirl.net

Amelia Earhart Museum | Atchison, KS 

One of the most famous early aviators was also a woman, and you can learn all about her at the Amelia Earhart Museum, located in Atchison, Kansas. The childhood home of the record-breaking airplane pilot has been preserved and welcomes visitors to wander the floor and see not only the furniture that belonged to her family but also mementos and historical artifacts from her life as an aviator.

Online: ameliaearhartmuseum.org

National Women’s Hall of Fame | Seneca Falls, NY

Quite possibly one of the best places to learn about women’s history in America is the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Located in Seneca Falls, New York, which is the birthplace of the American Women’s Rights Movement, you can wander the rooms filled with information on incredible women like Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Emily Dickinson, Billie Holiday, and many more. 

Online: womenofthehall.org

Cheyenne, WY

Not only is Cheyenne a great place to go for outdoor adventures with kids, but the Wyoming territory was the first in the US to grant women the right to vote. Cheyenne is the home of Wyoming’s first women judge, Esther Hobart Morris, as well as being the capital city, so whether your family wants to have a cowboy adventure, outdoor thrills or explore a historic city, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. See our insider's guide to the city to help you plan your trip.

Online: Cheyenne.org

Additional reporting by Gabby Cullen

You’ll have to book by 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 5 for travel from Jan. 17 through March 8 to take advantage of this sale

If your new year’s resolution includes more family travel, you’ll want to check out Alaska Airlines’ “New Year Sun and Snow Sale,” which is offering one-way flights as low as $39. Maybe you want to head to San Diego for the new Super Nintendo World opening at Universal Studios Hollywood? There’s a deal for that! Or do you want to escape the winter cold of NYC for the sunny west coast? $99 will get you there. Here’s what you need to know:

Choose your home airport from the drop-down menu on the sale page to find out what deals are available. Check out some of our favorite options:

  • Head from Washington DC to Seattle for just $89 for some winter whale watching.
  • $89 will get you from Newark to San Diego for some beach days.
  • Fly from Chicago to San Francisco for $89 to catch the best of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
  • LAX travelers have the tough choice of flying to Honolulu or Los Cabos for $99 or going for the snow and flying to Anchorage for $159.
  • $39 will get you from Sacramento to San Diego, and from LAX to San Jose.
Alaska Airlines

The details: To snag this deal you’ll need to purchase by 11:59 p.m. PT on January 05, 2023, and at least 14 days prior to departure. Travel is valid Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from January 17-March 08, 2023. Blackout dates are from February 16-27, 2023. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. If nonstop service is offered during the advertised travel period, the advertised fare applies to the nonstop flights only.

What to do before you fly: Booked your flight—now what? Read up on all our tips for flying with a baby, and check off all the essential items on our packing lists for every age and stage. Do you have TSA precheck? It’s our number one travel tip for families to ease the stress of heading through security with kids in tow. Bringing along small toys will get you through any airplane meltdown (you’ll be thanking us later) and these podcasts for kids are a great way to keep the kids busy while en route.

Southwest Germany offers loads of festive Christmas markets with food, rides, and holiday cheer

Sparkling snow, twinkling fairy lights, and wooden huts adorned with decorated green garlands while the smell of sweet roasted nuts fills the air—it’s not just a scene from a childhood fairy tale. It is the reality all over Germany from the end of November to the days leading up to Christmas. One of the most magical Christmas experiences one can have is visiting a Christmas market in Germany.

Karilyn Owen

Germany is a large country filled with amazing Christmas markets. How do you narrow it down for a one-week family trip? Our top tip is to choose one region to focus on instead of buzzing all around the country. One of the most beautiful areas with a great number of unique markets is in the southwest region of Germany. This area includes Stuttgart and the Black Forest. This is an ideal area for family travel as the markets are all reasonably sized making them manageable for families with kids of all ages. 

Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt

One of the oldest and most beautiful markets in Germany, the Stuttgart Weihnachtsmarkt is a wonderful introduction to the German tradition of Christmas markets. The Stuttgart Christmas Market occupying several blocks of space in the shopping district offers the 3-4 million visitors each year a look into traditional and commercial markets all woven together in one place. The 300 wooden stalls, decorated with personality showcase a variety of items from traditional German foods to holiday decor to practical household items.

Entertainment here like the massive Ferris wheel, small ride-on train, and roller rink provides fun for the whole family. Adults will enjoy sipping their gluhwein (mulled wine with Christmas spices) while kids can have their alcohol-free version at the same time. The food on offer at this market rises above most other markets in that you can almost find anything you want from market staples to local favorites like käsespätzle (Germany's version of mac & cheese).

Esslingen Medieval Market

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One of the coolest markets in this part of Germany is Esslingen's Medieval Christmas Market. As you walk off the train making your way to the old town square you will begin to see the traditional style of buildings begin to emerge. This market is split into two sections essentially—the more traditional Christmas market with stalls selling all of your favorite items like boiled sweets, gingerbread cookies, and holiday decorations. Continuing further into the market you will find the atmosphere has changed into one harkening back to medieval times. 

One of the most unique features is the "public hot tub" where you can book a 2-hour session with your friends to soak in the middle of the market. It's not as odd as it sounds, as you have privacy if you would like. The wooden tub books out in advance so if you think you might be interested, do plan ahead.

Other than this striking feature, this market is loaded with cool stalls selling everything from medieval clothing, homewares, unique medieval games, and jewelry all while intertwined with more modern stalls selling pottery, mistletoe decorations, and holiday decorations. This market is extra special due to the children's area that has carnival-type games, all with the medieval twist—jugglers, archery, axe throwing, crossbow shooting, and catapulting. For the littles, take a ride on an all-wooden Ferris wheel or an adorable swing both propelled by hand.

For eats and treats, you will be lured in by exotic spices and smells as you pass the dried fruit and nut stalls, massive cinnamon buns, flatbread pizzas, and of course the market staple bratwurst. 

Ludwigsburg Baroque Market

Karilyn Owen

This adorable market located just north of Stuttgart can be visited on a day trip or on an overnight stay. Brightly lit angels adorn the skies above this town square set from the 18th century lined with two Baroque churches and adorable homes. The 170 stalls here are all elaborately decorated in traditional materials—stuffed (real or pretend, you can't always tell!) creatures and dazzling pine garlands strung with fairy lights while the inside is filled with handcrafted goods. 

The Ludwigsburg market feels more homegrown with locals milling about, chatting up the stall vendors, sharing mulled wine, and enjoying the festivities. The stalls sell more unique items not seen at other markets including amazingly detailed and cool hand puppets. This market also had some of the best varieties of food that we experienced at any market—try the Stockbrot (bread on a stick) in either a savory or sweet version, the langos (deep fried flatbread with toppings), knödels (a dumpling sweet and savory), as well as the traditional rote wurst on brot (red sausage on bread). There are also crêpes for the kiddos, hot chocolate, and lots of kinderpunsch options. (My 12-year-old proclaims this market to have the best kinderpunsch throughout all of Southwest Germany.)

Gengenbach Weihnachtsmarkt & Advent Building

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Gengenbach, located just south of Baden-Baden and on the edge of the Black Forest is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. However, during the winter season, Gengenbach is known for having a large advent calendar displayed on 24 windows of its 18th-century town hall building. In recent years, the story depicted on the windows is from the book The Little Prince. The daily reveal occurs each afternoon at 6 p.m. for the following day's window.

In addition to this tourist draw, the medieval town center is an absolute delight to walk around. Take time away from the market itself to explore the little cobblestone lanes leading around the square to see where people live. The decorations on the front of the buildings as well as around the town give insight into the quirky arty charm of this town.

While the market itself isn't too large, it offers all the traditional food stalls you will come to expect including crêpes, sausages, and flammkuchen (flatbread pizza). Individual stalls here are much less commercial, offering unique items you will have not seen at other markets including wooden carved crafts and household decorations aimed more towards locals and German tourists.

If you have time on your itinerary we'd highly recommend staying over a night in this town to soak up the energy once the day trippers have left. 

Ravenna Gorge Weihnachtsmarkt

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The most picturesque market we visited is the tourist hotspot located deep in the Black Forest, the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market. This small market is held under the viaduct arches of the Devil's Valley Railway. If you are lucky, you will see a train cross the bridge with its windows lit up at night, while soaking up the holiday vibes hundreds of feet below.

There is little else that can compare with strolling the market with beautiful instrumental alphorn sounds playing over the speaker system, while a roaring communal fire pit beckons you under the changing lights of the train tracks above.

The market itself isn't the one to do your shopping at, as it is quite small compared to the others on this list. You get the sense from the patrons and the various stalls offering an abundance of food and drink that this market is more about hanging out amongst the wilderness and views than shopping. Rightfully so, the snowy hills in this area of Germany provide an exceptional backdrop to admire. That said, during our recent visit, we spied a local cuckoo clock maker offering a few items, a self-proclaimed professional hobbyist potter, and some beautiful woodwork among many other local artisans.

A note for visitors, you will find this market to be much more heavily touristed than other markets on this list due to its Instagram-worthy photos. Car parking requires an advance reservation as do the many shuttles dropping guests from nearby towns. This is one market you will need to plan around as it is also only open on Friday-Sunday.

+1 Bonus Market: Baden-Baden

Karilyn Owen

Known as the wellness center in Southwest Germany, Baden-Baden is the perfect place to stop off from Stuttgart as you head deeper into the Black Forest. This spa town bubbling over with thermal waters has even more to lure visitors in the winter with its adorable Christmas market. With its hilly streets, chic shopping area and fantastically laid out market, you will wish you booked even more time here. The market offers a large selection of delicious traditional foods (the best käsewurst we ate was here!), beautiful handmade crafts from locals and even snow globe bubbles to relax in! Our visit was made even more magical with a quick dumping of snow. While in town, don't forget to book into one of the amazing thermal spas for a relaxing warm soak.

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Getting There

For US visitors, the easiest way to get to this area of Germany is to fly into Frankfurt which offers a great number of direct flights and connections from throughout the US. From Frankfurt airport, you can hop on a train directly to Stuttgart which serves as a hub for Southwest Germany and the Black Forest. Most markets on this list can easily be reached via train, however, we highly recommend hiring a car to dive deeper into the Black Forest region as trains do not reach many destinations. Driving in Germany is efficient and easy, with automatic cars accessible. And who wouldn't want the opportunity to test out their driving skills on the German Autobahn? 

Tips on Planning Your Trip to Germany for Christmas Markets

Planning a trip to Germany to see Christmas markets can be daunting and overwhelming with over 2,000 markets in the country. Below we share a few general tips to make your dream trip a success.

  • Pack for cold and wet weather with lots of layers, including warm shoes, gloves, and hats.
  • Cash is king in the markets, so hit the ATMs before you reach the market.
  • Getting around by train is extremely efficient, but to get well off the beaten path, a car is great.
  • Plan for only 2-3 hours outdoors at a time as your feet or fingers will begin to get too cold.
  • If you see something you like, buy it. You may not see it again. The same goes for food—if it looks good, try it.
  • Leave space in your suitcase for the adorable market-specific mugs offered at each market for only 3 Euros.

Whether your kids are young or old, this is a family trip worth planning for. While ushering your kids from one market to another may not sound like an ideal winter getaway, trust us there is so much on offer for kids of all ages that they will surely be sucked in even if their pre-teen angst tries to stop them.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful (well, not quite as stressful) with these kiddo-friendly travel products

We can’t claim we’re going to eliminate all the challenges that come with family travel. Driving, flying, boating; no matter how you get there, the secret is in the supplies. These go-to kid-friendly travel products just make things, well, easier. From big problems to minor inconveniences, we’ve come up with some of the best kid travel products out there. Especially with the holidays coming up, these must-haves are going to save the day over and over again.

This article is sponsored by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s hotel loyalty program that rewards members at over 7,000 hotels worldwide. Find the perfect hotel that meets your family’s needs, from kids’ clubs and late check-outs to much more!

YETI 12oz Kids Water Bottle

Red kids YETI

Yeah, we know, it seems like common sense, but investing in a good kids water bottle is going to help you avoid the "all my ice melted!", "but it's warm now!", "it's watered-down!" whines. And we know you know what we're talking about.

YETI 12oz Kids Water Bottle ($25.00) Here

Ergobaby On the Move Sleep Bag

Baby sleep sack

Obviously, a sleep sack is a must, but this one is convertible! That means switching from nap time to play time in a snap as it goes from a sleep sack to a comfy romper. This is especially convenient for traveling long distances where your little one has to sleep on-the-go!

Ergobaby On the Move Sleep Bag (Starting at $39.00) Here

SKIP*HOP Zoo Little Kid Backpack

Let's face it: the chances of them carrying their own stuff gets much better if they like what they're carrying. These super cute backpacks come in a bunch of different animal options and are the perfect kid size!

SKIP*HOP Zoo Little Kid Backpack ($22.00) Here

Stephen Joseph Toiletry Bag

kids toiletry bag

We'll admit we were pretty shocked when we figured out kids have toiletries(??) and we have to pack them (??). Keep their necessities close with this toiletry bag! Comes in 4 prints.

Stephen Joseph Toiletry Bag ($9.99) Here

J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag for Car Seats

The airport is already an adventure without dealing with the hassle of the (totally necessary) car seat lugging. Protect yours with this easy-to-identify nylon bag designed for gate checking!

J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag for Car Seats ($19.99) Here

OXO Tot On the Go Fork & Spoon Set with Travel Case

It's very rare a restaurant has silverware that's easy for little hands to maneuver, so toss this set into your baby bag, purse, or backpack for easy meals out and about.

OXO Tot On the Go Fork & Spoon Set with Travel Case ($9.99) Here

Quinny Buzz Travel Bag

You have your car seat protected; make sure your stroller is, too. This travel bag even has wheels for easy movement!

Quinny Buzz Travel Bag ($169.99) Here

SKIP*HOP 2-Piece Easy-Serve Travel Bowl & Spoon Set

Fill it with your little one's favorite food, or use it for easy restaurant food feeding. This is going to come in handy so often!

SKIP*HOP 2-Piece Easy-Serve Travel Bowl & Spoon Set ($8.99) Here

The Everything Kids' Travel Activity Book

Kids activity book

Puzzles, activities, quizzes, and games—this book has it all! Kids can create their own postcard, play detective, talk about why we daydream, and so much more. Forget hearing "Are we there yet?" ever again.

The Everything Kids' Travel Activity Book ($8.49) Here

Malarkey Kids Munch Teether Mitt with Wash Travel Bag

Baby teething mitt and travel bag

If your baby can't keep their hands out of their mouth, this silicon mitt is the perfect answer! The adjustable wrist lets it grow with them through all their teething stages, and the kicker? The included travel/wash bag prevents gross stuff from sticking to the silicon. 

Malarkey Kids Munch Teether Mitt with Wash Travel Bag ($10.99) Here

BCOZZY Kids Travel Pillow

Kids purple travel pillow

This pint-sized pillow makes keeping them comfortable while traveling a lot easier! It comes in multiple colors and several different sizes, so you'll find one that fits for sure.

BCOZZY Kids Travel Pillow ($34.97) Here

BabyQuip

Two woman with a luggage cart full of baby gear.

Maybe despite the convenient travel bags, the idea of bringing along strollers and car seats and the whole kit-and-caboodle sounds miserable. We get it. Meet BabyQuip, the baby gear rental folks who will deliver and pick up everything from cribs to toys to strollers and more, right at your hotel, Airbnb, rental property, you get it. How easy is that?

Check Out BabyQuip Here

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

Light up tracing pad

This Amazon Exclusive light-up tracing pad from Crayola comes with over 100 traceable images, paper, pencils, and an evenly-lit surface so evening travel doesn't mean boredom!

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad ($25.05) Here

Pillani Kids Travel Tray

Kids travel tray

Keep all your kids' supplies in one place with this travel tray! It can hold their tablet, water bottle, coloring books, and more, and is foldable and totally portable.

Pillani Kids Travel Tray ($26.99) Here

Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat

Traveling with kiddos who are still learning how to navigate the bathroom could be nightmare fuel, but this potty seat is a dream! It's super easy to clean, ultra-secure (suction-cup secure!), and comes with a travel bag so you're not just toting around a potty seat (that would be weird).

Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat ($14.99) Here

noot products Kids Foldable Tangle-Free Headphones

Adaptable with all 3.5mm audio devices, these padded kid-size headphones come in a range of colors and prevent you from having to hear the same YouTube video over and over and over and...

noot products Kids Foldable Tangle-Free Headphones ($17.99) Here

Kids Hard Side Carry-On Spinner 5-Piece Luggage Set

Take care of everything your little ones need with this 5-piece luggage set! It includes one hard side carry-on spinner, backpack, neck pillow, lunch bag, and luggage tag. 

Kids Hard Side Carry-On Spinner 5-Piece Luggage Set ($180.00 $67.49 with Code FRIEND) Here

Baby Clear Travel Bag, Pack of 3

Pack of 3 travel bags

TSA-approved are magic words when jet-setting, and these are an awesome alternative to single-use plastic bags. Toiletries, crayons, first aid, small toys...all of it is covered!

Baby Clear Travel Bag, Pack of 3 ($13.95) Here

Bassinet To-Go Baby Travel Bed

Travel bassinet

We're obsessed with this clever travel bed! It folds up into a backpack in one move and is super light, has a waterproof base, and includes removable activity bar, toys, and canopy. 

Bassinet To-Go Baby Travel Bed ($89.99) Here

Osmo Explorer Starter Kit

Osmo starter set

Ready for hours of good-for-them educational entertainment? Osmo nails it! This Starter Kit has everything you need to play 9 Osmo games and includes game pieces, art supplies, and stackable storage. All you need to add is your tablet.

Osmo Explorer Starter Set ($113.50) Here

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Little Rock, Arkansas, is filled with history and natural beauty, and if this up-and-coming city isn’t on your family’s travel radar, we think that should change. After spending a few days in the capital city, we were delighted to discover everything from a meandering river district to a hip enclave south of Main Street.

So, pack your bags, and use our guide on what to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with kids.

Little Rock Arkansas

River Market District & North Little Rock 

When it comes to deciding what to do in Little Rock, Arkansas, we recommend spending the most time in the River Market District and North Little Rock. There is ample lodging that puts you within walking distance of most of the downtown attractions, and the food choices are unique. And, with the free METRO streetcar that runs through downtown and over the Arkansas River to North Little Rock, getting out and about is a breeze.

What to Do

History buffs will want to check out the Historic Arkansas Museum, which has several impressive exhibits. Tiny tots will want to spend all of their time in the Sturgis Children’s Gallery, which has a play log cabin perfect for big imaginations. An important exhibit is We Walk in Two Worlds: The Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw People of Arkansas, found in the Native American gallery. There are 158 objects on display ranging from tools to clothing and pottery, all of which tell the story and the journey of the Native American people of Arkansas. 

If you love nature and the outdoors, visit the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. This 3.4-acre center on the Arkansas river focuses on the outdoor adventure opportunities in Arkansas. There are learning exhibits indoors and plenty of wildlife viewing (in an urban setting) outdoors. 

It will be hard to hang out in the River Market District without paying a visit to the William J. Clinton Library and Museum. The state of Arkansas is home to former President Bill Clinton, and in his library, you’ll view almost 100,000 objects and works of art, many of which the Clintons received from dignitaries and world leaders during his time in office.

An afternoon at the Museum of Discovery is a must for curious kids. A fun exhibit for older kids is Tornado Alley. It does a great job of re-telling the story of the tornadoes that devastated parts of downtown Little Rock in 1999. Another fun area to explore is the exhibit with experiments on the human body. Discover your resting heart rate and reaction time, and challenge someone in your group to a battle of the minds. Strap on a headband that reads brain waves, then, using only your mind, move a ball towards your opponent. 

There is so much to do in Riverfront Park. Kids will love the ​​Margaret Clark Adventure Playground. It offers a two-story slide, climbing webs, a boulder climbing wall, and other attractions. The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden puts art on display for everyone to enjoy, and the Peabody Splash Park is a great way to cool off on a hot day.

Drive or ride the METRO street car a short distance over the river to watch an Arkansas Travelers game. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at this minor league baseball stadium, and with themed days and lots of ballpark snacks, it’s an affordable way to enjoy America’s pastime.

Where to Eat

If you want breakfast or brunch, get up early and head to At The Corner. A modern diner with everything from pancakes to chicken-n-waffle and brunch poutine, there is often a line out the door here. 

For adventurous eaters, be sure to stroll Ottenheimer Market Hall. You’ll find everything from Thai and Indian to BBQ and Middle Eastern cuisine. Be sure to plan because the market closes at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends.

Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro is a short walk from the riverfront and close to several hotels. It’s got an artsy vibe, an oversized front patio and menu items ranging from salmon to hamburgers, and various pasta options for kids.

Exploring SOMA is a fun thing to do in Little Rock Arkansas
Gabby Cullen

SoMA

This up-and-coming neighborhood has funky shops, unique museums, and locally-owned restaurants.

What to Do

Spend some time in Bernice Garden. There are several sculptures, acoustic music Saturdays, and a Sunday farmer’s market. Walk the neighborhood to find several vibrant murals, take older kids to the ESSE Museum, one of two purse museums in existence, and admire the Villa Marre, a restored Italianate 2nd Empire mansion featured on the ‘80s hit sitcom Designing Women.

What to Eat 

Do not leave Little Rock without eating at The Root Cafe. This locally-owned restaurant was our favorite foodie stop during our trip. A cozy setting with paintings, funky light fixtures, a large outside patio, and great food, the owners strive to source as much of their supplies locally as possible, so you’ll be dining on eggs, meats, cheese, and veggies from nearby farms. 

For a sweet treat, head across the street to Loblolly Creamery, which offers a great list of ice cream made on the premises. There are vegan options, and you can even order an “ice cream flight” if you can’t decide what to get. 

Eating at Hillcrest little bakery is fun thing to do in Little Rock Arkansas
Gabby Cullen

Midtown

Midtown offers plenty of fun for families. There’s an abundance of parks, shops and restaurants to explore. 

What to Do

The Little Rock Zoo is one of the best things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with kids. There are 33 acres and 500 animals to discover, a carousel to ride, a baby Rhino to see, a science center to explore, and much more. War Memorial Park backs up to the zoo and amongst its 100+ acres, you'll find walking trails, a hammock park, a playground and splash pad, and a fishing pond. In addition, in 2023, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks will play at the War Memorial Park stadium. Allsopp Park, located in the Hillcrest region of Midtown, is another place to enjoy the natural beauty of Arkansas. There are hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more.

Where to Eat

Hillcrest Little Bakery is a block down from the zoo and serves homemade biscuit sandwiches and some of the best pancakes in Little Rock. The charming family-owned establishment is in a renovated home, so be aware that seating is limited. All Aboard Restaurant & Grill is a favorite with young kids for a reason. Not only is there a train table in the lobby, but your food is delivered via train right to your table. Kids get to take home a paper conductor's hat and the food offered is fresh and varied. The Purple Cow restaurant is also a great place to dine with kids in Midtown. Not only do they offer kid-pleasing menu items like PB&J, corn dogs, and even the Elvis Special, but they also serve up purple milkshakes that are bound to be a big hit with anyone in your group.

To customize your Little Rock itinerary to fit your family’s interests and needs, head to arkansas.com for tips, tricks and suggestions on how to plan an unforgettable getaway.

Living a couple of thousand miles from my immediate family means that I fly every year—with kids—on tiring flights. On multiple occasions, I’ve flown solo with kids. This summer, I flew alone with four kids aged 2, 4, 6, and 8. Last summer, I did it alone with each of those kids being a year younger. I’ve flown with sleeping newborns, squirmy nine-month-olds, and impossible eighteen-month-olds. On some flights, my kids have been surprisingly angelic. On others, I’ve fought with a loud, kicking toddler for four exhausting hours. Believe me, it’s not fun.

I’ve experienced the anxious, dreading sideline glances of passengers when they see young kids approaching their seats. I’ve witnessed the “huffing, puffing and mumbling.” Honestly, some people seem to be annoyed by the mere presence of kids, even when their behavior is just fine. Unfortunately, only on a small handful of occasions in the last decade of plane travel with kids has someone offered to help, and it’s usually been a kind-hearted passenger.

I know it’s annoying to listen to a young child whine or cry. I know it’s annoying when they talk loudly or get excited and yell (or in my two-year-old’s case, sing their heart out). I know there are a lot of business travelers on flights these days who expect to read, work or sleep the entire flight. But, fellow passengers, try to understand.

The planes my family travel on are public transportation just like buses or ferries or trains. I’m allowed to board them with my kids, and these flights are not designated silent zones. They are not even “adult-only” zones. I promise to do my best to get my kids to behave well during the flight. But I can’t promise you a silent flight, and you are not entitled to one.

If I see one of my kids kick your seat, I’ll get them to stop, but they might sneak one in anyway. My toddler sometimes gets excited and (like a normal child with exceptionally healthy lungs) screams out of joy, fear, excitement, whatever. If that happens, I’ll promptly remind her to use her “inside voice,” but she’s likely to forget at some point during the flight.

If my four-year-old drops a crayon or fruit snack and it somehow finds its way under your seat, let’s not treat it like a criminal offense, ok? If—heaven forbid—my toddler has ear pain because of the changes in air pressure, there might be some loud crying. They are kids, after all, and as hard as I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to get our two-year-old to act 21.

The human family we are all a part of consists of people of all ages. We need to bear with one another a little more. Children seem to have been largely pushed out of many public places, but they have every right to be there. Please don’t treat my kids like they don’t belong on your flight. I know you have important places to go. So do we. My kids need to see their grandparents.

So dear fellow passenger: as long as you’re not hiring private jets and we find ourselves on the same flight, let’s make a deal.  I’ll do my very best—I promise—to have my kids behave well on our shared flight. I’m prepared. I have snacks, activities, iPads, patience, and stamina. But my best efforts can’t 100 percent ensure total serenity.

You do your very best to welcome them on the flight and overlook minor outbursts in their otherwise-good behavior. Oh, and if you see me struggling under the weight of a toddler, diaper bag, purse, carry-on case, and stroller, feel free to be an everyday hero and offer to help with a smile. See you on our next flight.

I'm a wife and mom (to six) who's also a freelance writer in between the craziness of family life. I love the outdoors, reading, cooking and snuggling with the littles. I write to share my thoughts about the things that capture my attention - family, faith, education, health and life.

Alaska is full of gorgeous hikes, too many bald eagles to count, and welcoming people

If you’re looking for pretty much the easiest way to see the gorgeous state of Alaska, you’ll definitely want to put a cruise with Holland America Lines (HAL) on your family travel list. We tagged along on the MS Westerdam that made a round-trip journey to Alaska from Seattle and we think it appeals to families who love outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and vacations that are pretty much planned for them. Here’s why.

teen looking through binoculars on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Holland America Line Cruises are set up for families

If you’ve planned a family vacation from start to finish on your own, you know all the work that goes into finding lodging, booking activities, setting up meals, and finding things to keep the kids entertained. HAL cruises do all the work for you. Their smaller-sized ships (typically between 1,432 and 2,668 guests) mean that you’ll feel better letting your older kids explore once they get the lay of the land.

We especially like HAL for families who are interested in learning about the area they are visiting. On the Alaska-bound cruises, you can expect to find presentations about the Iditarod, the history of the port towns, important women in Alaska history, and more. These help to give kids and adults some idea of what they are going to do and see while in port and how this land has changed over the years.

Related: Everything to Know About Disney Cruise Line’s New ‘Disney Wish’ Ship

Club HAL Kids Club

Holland America Line

If you are looking for some time in the spa or a special dinner at the steakhouse while on your cruise, you’ll be happy to know that Club HAL is there for your childcare needs (and it’s included in the cruise price). Kids from age 3 and up can spend time at Club HAL enjoying crafts, games, and even theme nights. Teens can head to the Teen Lounge for some video game competitions or Scattergories tournaments.

Other shipboard activities kids will love: Kids will also enjoy checking out the pools, whale watching from the Observation Deck, and participating in activities like origami lessons. They can even join in the secret game of looking for rubber ducks that were hidden by other passengers. There’s a Facebook group that explains all the fun!

Related: The Best Resorts with Kids Clubs (According to Experts)

It’s all about the shore excursions

ketchikan fishing on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

What makes an Alaska cruise so special is the excursions that are available to you on port days. For this Alaska cruise, port days happened in Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. These were the excursions we checked out:

  • In Juneau, we took the small group excursion to hike to the Mendenhall Glacier. This excursion also took us out on a small boat to go whale watching. This was a great opportunity to see the beauty of Alaska up close, both on land and on the water.
  • In Sitka, we went for a more educational day and visited the bald eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center and learned about the coastal brown bear population at Fortress of the Bear. Last stop was at the Sitka Marine Science Center where there were touch pools and a salmon hatchery. This excursion would be perfect for multi-generational families traveling together because there was a lot to learn but the activity level was moderate.
  • The final Alaskan port was in Ketchikan and we were able to book a day of salmon fishing. This was a trip highlight for the teen in our group and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day out on the water (and a successful catch for all participants). We even saw sea lions and whales while we were out!
bear rescue sitka alaska
Kate Loweth

Many people wonder if they should book excursions through HAL or if off-ship gives them more options. We definitely recommend booking your excursions through Holland America because if you are late returning to the ship and you are on a HAL-sponsored excursion, the ship will wait for you. If you book an excursion off-ship and you miss the embarkation time, you are on your own to catch the ship at the next port town or make your way home. HAL also has a price match guarantee so you don’t have to worry about whether you’re getting a better deal.

Related: The Best Things to See & Do in Victoria, BC

What you want to know about the dining options and beverage packages when traveling with kids

dining on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Dining: There are a number of options available for dining and we loved the variety. You can order room service delivered pretty much any time (the mid-afternoon delivery of warm chocolate chip cookies is pretty much every teen’s dream come true). We ate most of our meals at the buffet because it had so many different options, and we never got tired of it. The dining room offers a more upscale service with waiters and a set menu. The Dive-In offers poolside burgers, fries, and hot dogs (order through the Navigator app to avoid the line). The ship also had a steakhouse and Italian restaurant that were more upscale and available for an additional fee.

Beverage packages: Holland America offers a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages onboard. If you are considering choosing a package for yourself, know that all guests in the same cabin must choose a package if one person does. If you are traveling with kids, this means that if the adults in the cabin choose a package like the “Have It All” package, the kids will need to be on the “Quench” package that includes soda, coffee bar items, bottled water, juice, and smoothies. In the alternative, you can choose to pay for your drinks on an a la carte basis. Insider tip: Happy Hour is offered every day and beverages are half-price.

Holland America’s Navigator app

glacier viewing on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth

Download the Navigator app prior to departure and you’ll be all set up with a schedule of onboard activities, bookable excursions, reservations for upscale dining, and more. You can even message others in your family through the app without having to use cell service.

Go through the schedule of events for the day and add them to your calendar. The app will notify you in advance when one of your selected activities is about to happen so you don’t miss the activities like the pea soup given out at the Hubbard Glacier (a Holland America tradition!).

One of the features of the app that we found most helpful was being able to order food from the Dive-In (kid-friendly burgers and hot dogs located next to the pool). You got a notification when your food was ready to pick up so you could avoid the line entirely.

The Navigator app is also helpful to keep tabs on your spending so that there aren’t any surprises at the end of your trip.

Related; Our Editor’s Ultimate List of Cruise Tips & Tricks for Families

Tips for your Holland America Cruise

cabin on holland america alaska cruise
Kate Loweth
  1. Get to your departure point the day before embarkation (at least). With everything that’s going on with flights these days, you don’t want to let a flight delay or cancelation make you miss your cruise. HAL offers the option to book a pre-cruise hotel and they even provide transportation from the airport to hotel and hotel to the ship (for an additional fee). When it’s time to head to the ship on embarkation day, they take care of getting your luggage all the way from your hotel to your cabin. Easy!
  2. Book your excursions before you go. This is especially important if you have your heart set on an excursion like salmon fishing that max out at 6 people. Excursions are bookable as soon as you make your cruise reservation so if you find something you want to do, book it. Keep in mind that sometimes excursions are added while you are underway and you can consult with the shore excursions team onboard if you’d like to cancel an excursion and go on a different one instead.
  3. Get a room with a balcony. You can definitely save some money by booking an interior room but for an Alaska cruise, we recommend splurging on a room with a balcony. We found the verandah room to have plenty of storage space for luggage and we loved having the outdoor space to watch for whales or enjoy the sunset. It’s especially fun having a verandah room on the day that you visit the Hubbard Glacier because you can enjoy the sights from your own space instead of on the crowded deck.
  4. Save room in your suitcase and get the laundry service. For our one-week cruise, we were able to travel with only carry-on bags by utilizing the ship’s laundry service. We’d leave a bag of our laundry in our cabin in the morning and it would be returned to us washed and folded by the end of the day. Talk about service!
  5. Don’t forget to switch to airplane mode on your phone once you board. Cell service while at sea is not a fee anyone wants to be surprised by! We found the upgraded internet package (which covers four devices) to be more than adequate while at sea.

Related: Our Editors’ Top Tips to Make Traveling by Air a Little Easier

Kids Cruise Free on select Holland America Line cruises

Now that we’ve got you ready to book your family cruise, here’s a deal that can save you some money. For a limited time, guests 17 and under cruise free on select 2022 cruises to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Holland America Line but opinions belong to the writer. 

Planning an awesome, memorable vacation for your family is no big deal—said no parent ever! From where to stay to what to do, a lot of hard work goes into bringing a great trip to life.

When you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Rewards member, there are plenty of benefits that help you plan (and enjoy!) with ease.

1. So many hotels, so many options.

The Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty rewards program includes 30 brands around the world and across varying price points—everything from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Whether you want to stay at a Ritz Carlton or a Residence Inn, there’s a property (among 7,000+!) to meet your family’s unique needs and budget.

2. The more you stay, the more perks you get!

Anyone can sign up for free to join the Marriott Bonvoy program. With your membership, you’ll get to book your stay at an exclusive, discounted member rate, which is always a good way to kickstart a vacation. The more often you stay at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the more points you’ll earn toward free nights, and the higher you’ll move up the ranks to different “elite tiers.” Each tier has different levels of benefits that unlock amazing perks—like mobile check-ins, extra rewards points, enhanced free Wi-Fi, late checkouts, free breakfasts, and guaranteed room types. The happiness you’ll feel about these perks is pretty similar to the joy your kiddos feel as they zip down water slides at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, am I right?

Pro tip: If you travel a lot for work, be sure to stay at a Marriott property when possible, so you can reap the points to use on family vacations!

3. There’s room to… go!

From San Diego to Miami Beach, Yellowstone to Montreal, there are so many awe-inspiring destinations to choose from. So, consider your hotel room your launch pad for adventure. Depending upon availability and your membership status, Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy room upgrades that make a family trip extra special. A Courtyard suite overlooking the fireworks at Disneyland? Yes, please! A room with a balcony and an ocean view? Done and done! Better yet, if for any reason your reservation cannot be honored, the Ultimate Reservation Guarantee pays for a nearby stay and you’ll be compensated for the inconvenience.

4. See the sights on cool tours and excursions

Marriott’s collection of amazing local experiences are fun for the whole family. From surf lessons to sailing expeditions to history tours, there’s no better way for your crew to explore your destination together. And you’ll earn more rewards points by booking!

5. Two words: kids' clubs

Let’s be real. Even on the best family vacation, parents could benefit from the chance to unwind and get a break from fielding snack requests. Many Marriott resorts offer kids' clubs where you can drop your children off for some much-needed TLC or beach time.

Here’s the best part about being a Marriott Bonvoy member: On your current vacation, you’ll be earning points for the next one! Rack up bonus points on eligible hotel purchases, including the room rate, spa, and dining. Yep, Bonvoy rewards are the gift that keeps on giving. Families love knowing their vacation is paving the way for more great times at more great destinations.

Become a loyalty member with Marriott Bonvoy and start racking up the points! 

When the temps dip and the trees turn all shades of orange, it’s time to hit the trails

Leaves are changing color, and there’s a fresh autumnal smell in the air—what a good excuse to explore the great outdoors! Pull on your hiking boots, grab plenty of water, and perhaps a sweater too—because fall is the perfect season for hitting the trail with your little adventurers. From mountain rambles and forested strolls to historic walks and more, you can discover them all this fall.

Best Fall Hikes in the West

Cascade Springs | Provo, UT

person hiking through park in the fall
Aaron Burden/Unsplash

Teeming with natural beauty and wildlife all year, Cascade Springs is especially nice in the fall. Boardwalk trails lead you over bridges and around the artesian springs, with waterfalls tumbling down limestone terraces into pools. Aspens, maples, and oaks provide the fall color. Watch out for moose!

Insider Tip: You’ll enjoy the journey as well as the destination—it’s a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon to get to Cascade Springs.

Online: gohebervalley.com/Cascade-Springs

Mt. Rainier National Park | Pierce and Lewis County, WA

This dormant volcano erupts with color in the fall. Drive to Sunrise, the highest point you can reach by vehicle, in early fall and take the Mt. Rainier Gondola (with the whole fam, including pooch) to the summit of Crystal Mountain. You can hike along the ridge for beautiful views of Mt. Rainier amid snowmelt and fall sunshine (accessible only through September). Later in the fall try the Alta Vista, Naches Peak Loop, and Moraine trails. There’s lots of wildlife to spot, including friendly mule deer.

Insider Tip: Check out our guide to the Naches Peak Loop Trail and, if you've got littles, you may enjoy Five Fall Hikes for Kids Five and Under.

Online: nps.gov/mora

Breckenridge, CO

teen girl hiking in the mountains above Breckenridge
Kate Loweth

When you first think of Breckenridge, chances are you think of it as a premier destination for skiing and other winter sports. We actually think that the fall is really the ideal time to head to Breckenridge as its elevation makes it one of the first spots in the country to welcome autumn. The town itself sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation and there are numerous hiking options nearby. We particularly liked driving up Boreas Pass Road to the Black Powder Pass trailhead. This hike takes you above the tree line and is perfect for seeing the whole area from above. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and moose while you are there! 

Castle Rock State Park | Los Gatos, CA

On a high ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park boasts amazing rock formations (called “bosses” by geologists). The best hike for families is the Castle Rock Loop which takes you through a mossy madrone forest. There’s easy bouldering for kids along the trail (no equipment needed) and you can take a short detour to Castle Rock Falls.

Insider Tip: After your hike, explore the nearby little town of Los Gatos.

Online: parks.ca.gov

Hug Point Beach | Cannon Beach, OR

Helen Walker Green

Slip off your shoes, and go for a hike along one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast. Skip rocks, and explore caves, coves, and waterfalls. Be sure to come at low tide—there’s more underwater life to see, tide pools to be discovered, and you can walk further down the beach. Low tide also reveals an old stagecoach trail (stagecoaches used to “hug” the edge to avoid the tides, hence the name of the beach). In the Portland area? Check out our recommendations for where to see fall colors.

Insider Tip: Dogs can slip off their leashes too! This off-leash beach means freedom for Fido and the kids.

Online: oregonhikers.org

Palomar Mountain State Park | San Diego County, CA

A nice escape from the bustle of the city, the cool forests and meadows of Palomar Mountain have a similar climate to the Sierra Nevada Mountains many miles to the north, making it a welcome change from the hot temps of this region. Start out on the easy Doane Valley Nature Trail—there are many forks on the trail (make sure you don’t get lost) connecting to other trails and more adventures. If you take the fork to the French Valley Trail you'll wander through woodlands and meadows to a waterfall. If you want to start the littles out on something easier first, check out Best San Diego Hikes for Kids under Five.

Insider Tip: The unusual climate means that some creatures here are unique to Palomar Mountain. Look out for the Palomar Banana Slug—sure, you can find their relatives in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest but these guys are the only banana slugs to survive in SoCal!

Online: palomarsp.org

Coconino National Forest | Sedona, AZ

Arizona’s red rock country is breathtaking year-round, but it explodes with color in the fall. There are some beautiful hikes around Sedona, including the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon which takes you along the canyon floor by a stream and across stepping stones, and the Broken Arrow Trail which will lead you up to the Devil’s Dining Room sinkhole, Submarine Rock, Mushroom Rock, and more gorgeous vistas.

Insider Tip: Fall is the perfect time for hitting the trails in Sedona, as temps cool down, making hiking more pleasant.

Online: fs.usda.gov/asnf

Solstice Canyon | Malibu, CA

Your fam, including your four-legged kids, can hit the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Solstice Canyon Loop is a cool shaded canyon hike. Populated with local deciduous trees, you’ll be sure to spot some falling yellow and red leaves through the beginning of December. You’ll see the Keller House (the oldest stone building in Malibu), and the Solstice Waterfall and creek. There's lots to explore including the ruins of a 1950's ranch. Look out for alligator lizards on the trail! For other fall color hikes in the Los Angeles area, take a look at where to see fall colors.

Insider Tip: If you scramble up the rocky trail to the top of the waterfall in Solstice Canyon you’ll find some awesome pools, but please be careful!

Online: nps.gov/samo

Best Fall Hikes in the South

Caprock Canyons State Park, TX

Bats and bison make their home in Caprock Canyons State Park. Fall brings cool temps, perfect for hiking with the family, and if you can stay up late, there's amazing stargazing too. Try the one-mile Mesa trail, or take in a small section of the Caprock Canyons Trailway, which spans 41 miles, and crosses 46 bridges and a railroad tunnel.

Insider Tip: If you visit in early fall, you can catch the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats of Clarity Tunnel before they migrate south for the winter.

Onlinetpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons

Related: Stargazing 101: Your Guide to Mastering Astronomy with Kids

Great Smoky Mountains | NC, TN, GA

Each fall, the Smokies are awash with bright colors—this mountain range is home to over 100 native species of tree, many deciduous—making the Smokies one of the best places in the country to view fall foliage. Kid-sized hikes include Baskins Creek Falls and Schoolhouse Gap. You can see the sweep of color making its way down the mountains, as fall changes come first to the higher elevations, then gradually reach the foothills. For more Georgia fall color, check out: 3 Places to See Fantastic Fall Foliage

Insider Tip: Head over to the Smokies' fall color website to find the best time to hit the trail.

Online: nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Related: These Cozy Cabins Are Perfect for Your Next Smoky Mountains Visit

Best Fall Hikes in the Midwest

Glacier National Park | MT

Mid-September to Mid-October is a great time to visit Montana's glorious Glacier National Park—the summer rush of visitors is over, and the leaves of the larch trees are turning a beautiful shade. Rob Taylor, of 2 Travel Dads blog, recommends the Avalanche Lake trail in Lake McDonald Valley or Redrock Falls in the Many Glacier Valley. Avalanche Lake is a short hike where you'll cross over streams and walk through woods to the lake. Redrock Falls is a little more challenging, but you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the mountains.

Insider Tip: Rob says hikers may be able to paddle in some of the lower levels of Redrock Falls, but use caution, of course!

Online: nps.gov/glac

Related: The Very Best Family Travel Blogs to Bookmark Now

Sand Run Park | Akron, OH

Summit Metro Parks

This Ohio park is full of history; the Portage Path running through it was once the western border of the United States. Today, you can follow that historic route, or take one of many other trails in the park. Look out for the plentiful wildlife (including screech, barred, and great horned owls and red, gray, and fox squirrels). You'll also spy some awesome fall colors.

Insider Tip: Take part in Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree, which will take you to some amazing parks and trails—from caves and marshes to steep valleys and waterfalls. This annual event has been going since 1964 and encourages families to explore the many trails in their community.

Online: summitmetroparks.org

Rock Cut State Park – Rockford, Il

So named because it was chiseled through the rocks by a river—this state park has lots of activities for the whole family year-round but is especially lovely in the fall when leaves are painted with red and gold. There’s a lot of wildlife to be seen, including deer, fox, muskrat, beaver, and woodchuck (perhaps you can find out how much wood a woodchuck can chuck). There are a few easy hikes in the park including one that loops around a lake. Nearby, you’ll find the town of Rockford—the place where pioneers once forded the fast-moving Rock River in their wagons. Here are some more colorful spots for fall family strolls in the Chicago area.

Insider Tip: Your little hikers can do a spot of bird watching in this park. See if you can spot a Great Blue Heron and a Ruddy Duck. If you're REALLY lucky you may see the elusive Snow Goose!

Online: dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Munising, MI

Collin Rose via Unsplash

15 miles of colorful sandstone give the towering cliffs of Pictured Rocks their name. You’ll find caves, arches, and unusual rock formations, all naturally stained by minerals from Lake Superior. This National Lakeshore has wonderful fall hikes that capture the beauty of both the cliffs and the changing of the seasons. The Chapel Trail Mosquito Falls Loop is a great hike for families with big kids; it takes you past two waterfalls and along part of the 42-mile Lakeshore Trail with spectacular scenery. It’s not recommended for the littles as the trail goes along the clifftops. Families have several nature trails and day hikes to choose from including hikes to waterfalls, shipwrecks, dunes, and the Au Sable Lighthouse.

Insider Tip: After your hike, hop on a boat cruise to get a good look at the cliffs from a different vantage point.

Online: nps.gov/PIRO/

Best Fall Hikes in the East

Staunton River State Park | Scottsburg, VA

vastateparksstaff via Wiki Commons

One of the six original state parks that opened in 1936, Staunton River has a variety of terrain—from woodlands and meadows to the sandy shoreline of Buggs Island Lake. Much of the landscape is unchanged from the times when Revolutionary and Civil War troops camped here. There are several hikes to choose from but the best one to try with mini-hikers is the easy Tutelo Trail.

Insider Tip: Staunton River State Park is certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. This means the night skies are very dark there and minimally impacted by city lights. The park hosts Star Parties throughout the year.

Onlinedcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river

Angel Falls, Rangeley Lakes | Franklin County, ME

You’ll hike through a forest of sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch to get to one of Maine’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls. Angel Falls gets its name from the shape the cascading water makes—some say it looks like an angel’s wings. This short hike follows mountain streams (you’ll have to scramble over boulders and do a bit of wading to cross them, but it's still family-friendly). Depending on how much water is flowing at the time you’re there, you may be able to make it to the base of the falls. If you do, look up for amazing views.

Insider Tip: “There’s gold in them thar hills” ... people used to pan for gold up here but the real gold in this forest is maple syrup‚ these sugar maples make syrup that's double the usual sweetness!

Online: rangeley-maine.com/attractions

Wawayanda State Park Sussex and Passaic County, NJ

There are many easy trails along the wooded shoreline of this park (and one very challenging one—the Appalachian Trail). The Cherry Ridge Trail travels alongside Lake Wawayanda, across a stone bridge, by beaver ponds to a rare swamp of White Atlantic Cedar. The Cedar Swamp Trail will take you across the swamp on boardwalks and through rhododendron tunnels.

Insider Tip: Civil War buffs, look out for the ruins of a charcoal blast furnace used to produce iron for the Union armies. You might also spot mine shafts belonging to the abandoned Wawayanda Mine.

Online: nj.gov