Traveling with teens and tweens can present challenges, but it can also be loads of fun and great way to bond as a family. There are lots of ways to help make traveling with teens a lot less stressful. As the mom of a 15-year old, I’ve learned some tricks and tips! Here are 10 tips to help make your trip a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone in your family.
1. Include teens in the planning process. It’s a family vacation, so why not include the whole family when it comes to making the plans? Teens have definite likes and dislikes. If you engage them from the start of the vacation planning process – listen to their ideas, have them help research destinations and activities – they will feel empowered and get excited about the trip.
You can also enlist their help in planning the itinerary once you know where you are going. If they have a favorite type of food, let them research local restaurants. Have them look at the websites for the hotels you are considering, and let them give input on which one looks the best. The more your teen is involved in the planning process, the more vested they will be in having a good time on the trip!
2. Consider letting them bring a friend. If your teen is an only child or has siblings that are not close in age, consider allowing him to invite a friend! This will give your teen a buddy to talk and have fun with, and take the pressure off you (as the parents) being the only source of company for your teen while on vacation.
3. Visit a place they’ve read about. History comes alive when you visit the place something happened, and the same thing goes for literature. Kids read a lot of books in middle and high school. If you go to a place they’ve read about, that will bring a whole new appreciation for the book to your teen.
4. Make sure they get some free time. Traveling with teens is all about enjoying time together as a family, but too much of a good thing can get old for teens who are used to hanging with their friends. Make sure they have a little free time worked into every day so they can do their own thing. Whether it is going to the hotel gym on their own or having some downtime in the hotel room to text with friends or play games online, a little free time will go far.
5. Respect their privacy. Your kid may have had no problem running around a hotel room naked when they were little, but teenagers embarrass easily and are very private. Give them the respect they need. Don’t try to go into the bathroom to brush your teeth while they’re in the shower, and don’t say things that might make them self-conscious. In fact, the biggest favor you can do for a teen is leave the room for half an hour and let them take care of their business in peace!
6. Do a good deed on vacation. Vacations are a good opportunity to give back. Doing good for others is an awesome feeling, and a great value to instill upon your children. For this reason, I am a huge fan of volunteer vacations! But you don’t always have to plan your entire trip around volunteering; sometimes just a day or one activity on your itinerary can make a huge difference. If your goal is to leave a positive impact while setting out on new adventures, find a way to volunteer while you’re on your trip. It can be as simple as going to an animal sanctuary and leaving a small donation or participating in a charity event while visiting a new city.
7. Plan on some active activities. Even if your idea of a great vacation is lying on the beach 24/7, teens have energy to burn. Make sure you include some activities that will help everyone stay active and healthy on your vacation. Now, does that mean you have to go zip lining through the jungle or propel down a mountain? No, of course not! Active can mean taking a simple hike, renting bikes, or participating in some water sports at a nearby beach.
8. Let them pick the playlist. If your teen is into music, put them in charge of the road trip playlist. Or at least let them pick the radio station. My son and I made the five-hour drive to Vegas not too long ago and letting him stream the music he loved was actually a cool, unexpected bonding experience on the long trip. (Who knew he liked so many of the ’80s metal bands I listened to in high school?!)
9. Choose a hotel with free breakfast. Teens like to eat—a lot! When you’re away from home relying on eating out for every meal, the cost of food can add up quickly! Do your budget a favor and book a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast. Even if it’s just fruit and some waffles, filling up in the morning until lunchtime will save you a ton of money in the long run.
10. Be flexible. My final and possibly most important tip is to be flexible! As anyone with a teen likely knows, they can be a moody bunch. Don’t schedule out every minute of every day when you are traveling with teens. If you keep your plans flexible, everyone in your family will have a good time.
Time goes by quickly and your teens will soon be adults. You’ll always be a family, but family vacations may look very different in the future. Enjoy the time you have together and be flexible and understanding to make sure the memories you’re making will be good ones for everyone!
I am a travel writer, wife, mother and believer in all things happy and healthy. I created my family travel website, CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com, to share the best tips, destinations and experiences in California and beyond for active, healthy families.
Looking for one last vacay hurrah before summer’s over? Fun, local getaways don’t have to break the bank, especially when you live in San Diego, where others come to vacation! A cheap vacation right here in your hometown has all the ingredients of an epic staycation––sandy beaches, world-class museums and new neighborhoods to explore. And the cherry on top? Cheap hotels that are not only awesome, but totally budget-friendly. Scroll on for our list of top spots that are big on fun and light on the wallet!
Downtown San Diego at The Sofia Hotel
The Sofia Hotel
Explore all downtown San Diego has to offer with a stay at The Sofia Hotel. Lace up your sneakers and walk to nearby attractions such as the USS Midway, The New Children's Museum of San Diego and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Back at the hotel, enjoy brunch at Currant Brasserie, a 24-hour yoga studio (to keep up your spring break patience) and a hydration station before you hit the city streets.
Dreaming of tiny-house living? Give it a spring break test drive! This 344 square-foot La Mesa tiny home can sleep up to six with two queen bed lofts and a full-size bunk on the bottom. This Traveler XL model tiny house is designed by Escape Homes and features a full kitchen, bath and shower. When you're not living tiny, kids will love splashing in the onsite private pool available for guests. Enjoy living simply (if only for a week!) with modern, back-to-nature design and bluff views of San Diego and Mount Helix Valley.
Check out the hip North Park neighborhood with a stay at The Lafayette Hotel. This retro boutique hotel has a playful, historic vibe and families will love amenities such as bunk beds and chalkboard wall in the Suze Suite and the famed Weissmuller Olympic Pool. When you’re ready to explore, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are a hop, skip and jump away. Make sure to check out their CALI-Staycation promotion for 50% off parking and free breakfast for two and $25 food and beverage credit.
Channel Polynesian vibes in Pacific Beach at the Catamaran Resort Hotel. With tiki torches, lush landscaping and Mission Bay in the backyard, you'll all be in that vacation state-of-mind faster than you can say spring break. This beachfront hotel is made for relaxing but also full-on fun with water sports, Kids Keike Club, poolside entertainment and a daily exotic bird show. Ready to hit some bigger waves? The Pacific Ocean is right across the street and ready for boogie boarding, boardwalk bike rides and beach volleyball. Hotel guests will also enjoy complimentary family hour rides on the Bahia Belle, a Mississippi-style sternwheeler that cruises Mission Bay.
A stay at the West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad not only means a visit to LEGOLAND won't break the bank, but also that Fido can come too! Start your day with fantastic complimentary extras, like the free hot breakfast buffet and complimentary shuttle to LEGOLAND. While the kiddos will love playing with bricks all day, don't forget to make time to check out the nearby beach or splash in the saltwater pool. And for the perfect ending to an already great day, check out the fresh cookies and milk reception at bedtime. Sweet dreams!
Turn up the good vibes without upping the price tag at Staypineapple's colorful Hotel Z. Located in the lively Gaslamp Quarter, this dog-friendly hotel is walking distance from Petco Park, The New Children's Museum and a short shuttle ride to indoor go-karting at K1Speed. Rooms include fresh pineapple-inspired design, Tommy Bahama bath products, continental breakfast and afternoon pineapple treats. Spring break is looking bright!
Skip the plane ride and soak in every last minute of spring break with a staycation at Lowes Coronado Bay Resort. This tranquil property is located on a 15-acre peninsula with stunning views of San Diego. You'll feel like you've been transported to paradise right outside your backdoor with three pools, including one children's pool and one family pool. Special extras like chilled fruit, beach toys and a Pool Concierge also make vacation-mode come easy. When you're ready for fun, take the the complimentary shuttle to the beach, rent kayaks, sign up for surf lessons or hop aboard a sailboat for a relaxing sail from their private marina.
Happy Birthday! If you’re celebrating the special day of a loved one, why not score some free birthday food while you’re at it? From free coffee to cake and even entrees, there are tons of restaurants that will let you eat for free on your birthday. Keep scrolling to see over 100 places that’ll help you celebrate.
Kids Only Freebies & Deals
Free Food
Barnes & Noble:Kids Club members can get a free cookie or cupcake when they visit the Barnes & Noble cafe.
California Pizza Kitchen: Head to your local CPK and sign up for CPKids Birthday Club. Members 12 and under will receive a free meal on their birthday.
Ruby's: Members of Ruby's Kids' Club can get a free shake on their birthday.
Benihana: Kabuki Kids members can snag a free souvenir mug when they redeem a special postcard they get in the mail and with the purchase of a kids meal.
Chuck E Cheese: Get 20 minutes of All You Can Play as a member of the More Cheese Rewards for your little's birthday, plus 100 free tickets to be used during the month of their half birthday.
Free Meals for the Entire Fam
Arby's: Sign up for Arby's email list, and get a coupon for a free shake the week of your birthday.
Auntie Anne's: Get a free pretzel during your birthday month by signing up for the Pretzel Perks rewards program.
A&W: Get a free root beer float on your birthday when you sign up for the A&W Mug Club.
Applebee’s: Snag a free birthday dessert coupon when you join the Applebee’s email club. Offer valid at select locations.
B. Good: Score a free side when you sign up for B. Good Rewards and a free meal on your birthday.
Baja Fresh: Sign up for Club Baja at least four days before your birthday and get a special treat, plus five dollars off your first order!
Boston Market: Sign up for the VIP club and get a free birthday dessert with the purchase of a meal on your b-day.
bd’s Mongolian Grill: Join Club Mongo and get a free birthday meal plus $5 off your next visit.
Bennigan’s: The e-club at Bennigan’s earns you a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or greater value on your birthday.
Biggby Coffee: Gulp down a free drink every year on the big day when you join Biggby Nation.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Joining the BJ's Premier Plus Rewards program gets you tons of freebies, including a free birthday pizookie!
Black Angus Steakhouse: Free steak? Sign up for Blank Angus' Prime Club and you earn a free steak dinner with the purchase of an entree on your first birthday as a member. After that, you'll be treated to a free Cowboy Cookie with the purchase of an entree every year after.
Black Bear Diner: The Bear Lovers eClub means you'll get a free breakfast on your birthday, plus a free bear claw and coffee when you sign up!
Blimpie: The Blimpie eClub will hand over a free six-inch sub with the purchase of a sub and drink on your birthday.
Bojangles: Join the Bojangles’ e-club, and nosh on a free Bo-Berry Biscuit on your birthday with any purchase.
Bruegger’s: Inner Circle members get a free bagel with cream cheese on their birthday.
Friendly’s: Join Friendly's BFF Club, and score a free medium sundae on your birthday.
Glory Days Grill: Victory Club members earn a free dessert on their birthday.
Godiva: Get a birthday chocolate offer every year on your birthday as a member of the Chocolate Rewards Club.
Houlihan’s: Join the email club, and get a free entree on your birthday in addition to $10 off your next order.
Huddle House: Join Huddle Perks, and get a free birthday dessert.
HuHot Mongolian Grill: Sign up for HuHot Rewards, and enjoy a free grill meal with the purchase of another meal on your birthday.
Iguana Mia: Come in on your birthday with a valid I.D. and get a free entree of up to $18 in value and fried ice cream at Iguana Mia.
IHOP: Register for MyHop, and get free pancakes on your birthday.
Jack in the Box: Sign up for Jack's email list, and you'll get a coupon for two free tacos during your birthday week.
Jamba Juice: Become a member of My Jamba Rewards, spend $15 worth of orders in your account, and get a free smoothie!
Jersey Mike’s: Get a free birthday sub every year when you sign up for Jersey Mike’s Email Club.
Juice it Up: Download the free Juice it Up! app and sign up for rewards to get a free medium smoothie on your birthday.
Kobe Steakhouse: Sign up for Kobe Rewards, and get a free chef hat and dessert, get a $15 off an entrée Friday and Saturday or up to $25 off a single entrée Sunday through Thursday during your birthday month. Must purchase another entree and only available in Florida.
Krispy Kreme: Enjoy a free birthday donut by signing up for Krispy Kreme Rewards.
la Madeleine: Get a free pastry or individual slice of cake on your birthday by signing up for la Madeleine rewards.
Lennys Grill & Subs: Sign up for VIP Rewards and earn a free 7.5-inch sub on your birthday.
Longhorn Steakhouse: When you're a member of LongHorn Steakhouse Rewards, you can enjoy a free dessert on your birthday.
MaggieMoo’s: Members of Slab Happy get a free b-day dessert.
Marble Slab Creamery: Get a delicious birthday treat for free on your birthday when you join Slab Happy.
McCormick & Schmick’s: Guests get a dessert of honor at McCormick & Schmick's when you celebrate the big day at one of their locations.
Mimi’s: Get a sweet reward on your birthday by joining Mimi’s E-Club.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Moe Rewards gives members a free burrito on their birthday.
Noodles & Company: Sign up for Noodles Rewards, and get a free dessert.
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Sign up for the eClub, and earn a free Bundlet on your birthday.
Olga’s Kitchen: Celebrate your b-day with Olga’s Legacy program, and get a dessert during your birthday month.
Olive Garden: Join the Olive Garden eClub, and get a free dessert on your birthday.
On The Border: Enjoy free Queso as a member of the Rewards Club on the big day.
Orange Julius: Join the Julius League, and get a BOGO free smoothie or Julius Original for your b-day.
P.F. Chang’s: During their birthday month, P.F. Chang's Rewards members get a free appetizer or dessert.
Papa John’s: Papa Rewards members earn 10 points for their day of birth, which is enough to use towards a dessert or bread side.
Peet’s Coffee: If you want a free beverage on your birthday, join Peetnik Rewards.
Pei Wei: On your birthday, pick from a free small plate or roll for your birthday as a member of My Wei Rewards.
Pinkberry: Download the Pinkberry app; sign up for the PinkCard, and get a free yogurt on your birthday.
Families looking for a vacation destination that’s full of history, outdoor adventure and museums for every interest should put Atlanta on their list. From well-known destinations like the American Girl Store and the Georgia Aquarium, to discovery-worthy destinations like Ponce City Market’s rooftop amusement park, Atlanta is full of family fun. Keep reading for the inside scoop on where to go and where to stay—Marriott Bonvoy™ members enjoy exclusive perks and savings at over 40 hotels—for a next-level family getaway.
Head to Northpoint Mall in Alpharetta where you'll find the American Girl Store & Bistro. Your super fans can have their dolls' ears pierced and hair styled at the salon, do a little shopping and then round out the visit with a trip to the bistro for lunch and cupcakes (they come in pint-sized ones for the dolls, too!).
The Georgia Aquarium—the world's largest aquarium—is growing even more! A new gallery featuring sharks will open in late fall of 2020, but right now you can catch a glimpse of the oh-so-cute beluga whales who always seem to be smiling at you.
Marriott
You can bypass parking fees by heading to the Georgia Aquarium on foot from the Westin Peachtree Plaza, one of Atlanta's iconic skyline buildings. Be sure to check out the hotel's Georgia Aquarium Package for Four, which comes with four anytime aquarium tickets and buffet breakfast to get you fueled up before you go.
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Downtown
Whether your team is Tennessee, Clemson, Alabama, Georgia or anyone else, you can head to the shrine of all things college football for a serious personal pep rally. Run a play on the indoor playing field, then check out the three-floor helmet wall in the Quad at the College Football Hall of Fame.
A stay at nearby Atlanta Marriott Marquis means that your downtown hotel is only a first down away.
This hands-on museum will keep the kids happy with hours of exploratory play (in the air conditioning!) and you'll find an all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer exhibit a huge draw. Kids will be able to explore their individual and group potential by training as a team both physically and mentally, and then taking on the villains of New York City for an action-packed adventure. After hitting the Children's Museum of Atlanta, be sure and hit the Centennial Park All Children's Playground, a favorite all-abilities playground!
Downtown is a whole lot cooler from one of SkyView's climate-controlled Ferris wheel compartments. Check out the downtown and midtown skylines from one of the wheel's private cabanas. Each ride lasts about 15 minutes and our favorite time to go is at night when you can see the lights of the nearby Centennial Park fountain from a bird's-eye view.
A stay at the Westin Peachtree Plaza means that you don't even need to worry about finding a coveted parking spot, since it's only a few blocks away.
While the exhibits in World of Coca-Cola are fascinating for any history buff, it's the tasting room that will have your kids begging for a return trip. And, if the unlimited tastings of Coca-Cola products from around the world isn't enough to thrill them, the 3-D movie experience—illustrating the global reach of Coca-Cola—will.
Don't let a trip to Atlanta pass you by without a trip to the world-class Center for Puppetry Arts. Here you can learn about the history of puppetry and see a puppet show that brings to life your favorite stories.
Marriott
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is literally around the corner; however, if you opt to stay downtown at Westin Peachtree Plaza you're just a MARTA ride away from the Center for Puppetry Arts.
A visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden is fun for families as you can see what's in bloom and spend some time walking through the greenery. Head to the Lou Glenn Children's Garden to climb in the treehouse, visit the busy bees and learn about edible gardening. In the warmer months, this spot has a spray pad, perfect when you need to cool off.
For a walkable (and ultra hip) stay, check out W Atlanta Midtown, or opt for a downtown location at Aloft Atlanta Downtown, and hop on MARTA for a short ride to Arts Center.
Treetop Quest and Mastermind Escape Games, Dunwoody
Whether you're zipping through the trees at Treetop Quest, or working your way out of an escape room at Mastermind Escape Games, you'll earn some serious parent points for planning weekend getaway to Atlanta.
Stay at nearby Courtyard Atlanta Perimeter Center for a central location to explore some OTP (that's outside-the-perimeter, to locals) fun.
See Atlanta’s top attractions made from LEGO bricks in this Buckhead institution's MINILAND®, then take a whirl on the Kingdom Quest Legacy Ride. And with an online advanced purchase option, you'll score discounted tickets to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and also skip the walk-up line upon arrival.
The Atlanta History Center is located in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful neighborhoods on 33 acres, and is made up of exhibitions, historic houses, manicured gardens and a variety of year-round family programs. Don't miss a fancy lunch at the Swan Coach House (go for the pimento cheese and chicken salad), and be sure to check out the Smith Family Farm, where you'll get a better understanding of life long ago.
For a glimpse at the city's coolest brownfield project, head to Ponce City Market, where you'll find food stalls and restaurants from some of the city's most established as well as most up-and-coming chefs. Grab a banana puddin' popsicle from King of Pops and make your way to The Roof, where minigolf, a giant slide and boardwalk games await.
Dinosaurs, a mind-blowing indoor playscape and an even more amazing outdoor exhibit, breathtaking walking trails, a canopy walk, native wildlife and nature playgrounds await you at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. If you need to catch your breath, be sure and get tickets to one of their 3D giant screen movies.
Located east of Midtown in the historic neighborhood of Druid Hills, your stay at Westin Peachtree Plaza will make getting there easy.
A trip to Six Flags Over Georgia means you're in for thrills and chills around every corner. There's something for all ages and when the temps creep up, head to Hurricane Harbor to cool off. This multi-million dollar water park inside Six Flags is included FREE with your Six Flags Over Georgia admission.
When you decide to head back to your room at the Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta you'll really be able to relax, especially if you book a concierge-level suite.
A trip to Zoo Atlanta is amazing for it's recently-renovated animal habitats, its state-of-the-art reptile and amphibian exhibit, and yes, for it's incredible amusement area (located after all of the exhibits if you follow the flow of visitors, but easily found if you veer right from the entrance instead of forging ahead). With a train, a treetop ropes course, a splash pad and more, your critters will want to make a day of this.
Stay at Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown, or take MARTA (prepare for a bit of a hike, but a stop for ice cream at Morelli's will make you forget your sore feet).
Soar to the top of Stone Mountain on Summit Skyride, take a ride on the Scenic Railroad, trek through the treetops on Skyhike® Adventure ropes course, and stay for the laser show.
A day (and night) at Stone Mountain Park is made even easier with reservations at Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Center, located right at Stone Mountain. It's the perfect place to recharge with a little pool time after a day at the park.
With Marriott Bonvoy, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Save on your trip to Atlanta here!
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Atlanta
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Atlanta events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like ice skating, family festivals and outdoor movie nights.
Houston, the country’s fourth-largest city, has no shortage of amazingfun things to do with kids, which makes it an ideal vacation destination. The hard part is deciding what you want to do with your time while you’re visiting the most culture-rich metropolis in Texas. To help you out, we went ahead found the top 15 things to do in Houston with kids.
Most importantly, you need to find the right hotel for your families, so we did the research for you! Marriott Bonvoy™, families can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check in and more. Marriott Bonvoy members save when they book on Marriott.com.
Explore the Children’s Museum of Houston
Gabby Cullen
This museum dedicated to kids and play is one of the biggest of its kind in the country. With over 90,000 square feet of fun, be sure to spend a good portion of time in the popular Kidtropolis exhibit, where kids run the city, get a job, earn “money,” and spend it using a “debit card.”
This three-story, indoor “rainforest” is located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It has waterfalls, tropical plants, and of course, tons of butterflies. For extra interaction, wear a brightly colored shirt; the butterflies might come to rest on you and the kids!
Image by Trish Badger courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Introduce your kids to the fine arts by visiting this important Houston institution. Besides the permanent exhibits (recommended for older kids), there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on art experiences. On Sundays check out Family Days, which run from September through April, and offer free music, games, crafts and guided tours.
The Houston Zoo is known as one of the best in the United States, housing over 6,000 animals from 900 species. Conservation is a major priority for the zoo, and they do all they can for the health and happiness of all the animals. Kids will love the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals like giraffes and seals.
Be in the Middle of Everything at the Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
courtesy Marriott
If you’re looking for a hotel with easy access to Houston’s top attractions, this is it. Close to the Zoo and the Museum District, there’s even a stop on the city’s METROrail system across the street for easy transportation options. Kids will love the indoor pool, too.
This 155-acre space in the middle of the city has plenty of kid-friendly trails and opportunities to learn about nature. Be sure to look for turtles, and don’t forget to make it up the hill for a waterfall and stunning views of Houston.
This 500,000-gallon aquatic attraction is home to over 300 underwater species. Wander through the shipwreck exhibit before wandering over to the Discovery Zone to get up close and personal with animals like a bearded dragon, colorful fish and sea turtles. For any kids who love jungle animals, a stop at the newly expanded White Tiger habitat is a must.
Space-obsessed kids (or anyone else) will love the hundreds of artifacts and exhibits at the Space Center Houston museum. Also home to NASA Mission Control, the International Space Station Mission Control and astronaut training, this is one of the best places in the world to learn about both past and future space exploration. You'll even get a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center!
Jonnu Singleton/SWA Group, courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership
This urban green space is popular with locals and visitors alike. Little kids will want to spend time in the nature play area that boasts a stream, climbing logs, a tri-level treehouse and a slide; you’ll find it near the skatepark, which is perfect for your older adventurers. Be sure to hang out until sunset, and then watch over 250,000 bats emerge from under the Waugh Drive Bridge.
Enjoy the Convenient Lodging at Element Houston Vintage Park
Not only do you get a free breakfast when you stay at Element Houston, but each room has either a full kitchen or kitchenette, which is perfect for families. It’s also near the George Bush International Airport and is pet-friendly, too!
The Kemah Boardwalk is a seaside destination just 20 miles from downtown Houston featuring 15 boardwalk attractions for thrill-seekers of all ages. There are street performers, dancing water fountains, an aquarium featuring stingray and rainforest exhibits, firework Fridays and more!
If you’re going to visit Houston anytime past the spring, don’t forget—it gets hots here in the summer! The best bet (and a huge hit with kids) for warmer months is Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. Rent a cabana, and spend the day riding family- and kid-approved water rides!
Go Back in Time at the George Ranch Historical Park
courtesy George Ranch
Located on a 20,000-acre working ranch, you’ll learn about over 100 years of Texas farming and ranching here. It’s divided into four different periods, there are costumed “workers,” blacksmithing demonstrations, hands-on activities and more! Tip: You’ll need to plan accordingly to visit the ranch, as it’s only open to the public on Saturdays.
The Galleria might have over 400 stores to whet your shopping appetite, but it’s also a kid-friendly haven. From the ice-skating rink to an awesome playground and two swimming pools, it’s easy to spend a whole day here, which, especially in the summer, can be a nice break from the Houston heat.
This premiere hotel makes it easy to relax while on vacation in Houston. With a free shuttle to the Galleria Mall, a heated outdoor pool, and spacious accommodations, you’ll never want to leave.
With Marriott Bonvoy™, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Save on your trip to Houston here!
—Gabby Cullen
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Houston
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Houston events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like sporting events, family festivals and outdoor movie nights.
Country music is the major draw for visitors heading to Nashville, Tennessee but there’s loads more that will keep both kids and parents busy on a vacation to Music City. Zip across a massive zip line, treat your taste buds to out-of-this-world paletas and BBQ and visit the Parthenon (or at least a very realistic replica of the Athens version). We’ve planned your next Nashville vacation below with the best things to see, eat and do while in town.
The best part? We even found the best hotels in the area that offer experiences for every type of traveler. Marriott Bonvoy™ Members enjoy enjoy exclusive savings and benefits when you book direct. What are you waiting for? Read on for the scoop!
Get Your Fill of Country Music History
Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is a must-visit for any family heading to Nashville. Whether you get tickets for a show or take a backstage tour, you'll get to learn the history of Music City and the history of performers who have taken the stage there from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood.
Nashville Shores is where it's at for families heading to this part of the country. Boasting 385 acres, this first-class water park is more than just a water park. You'll also find aerial ropes and zip line courses, festival areas, group event sites, pontoon boat rentals and more. Kids will love spending the day in the giant wave pool or the lazy river, playing in the huge water treehouse and careening down multiple water slides.
SpringHill Suites Nashville Vanderbilt/West End knows what it's like to travel with kids. Their suites have room for the whole crew to spread out, free breakfast and a shuttle that will get you to all the area attractions with ease. Plan to spend some time splashing in the indoor pool at the end of your day. Insider tip: Save yourself some time and book directly through the hotel's website; you won't find a better deal out there, guaranteed!
You may think you've traveled to a slightly greener version of Athens when you visit Nashville's Centennial Park. In addition to being one of Nashville's best outdoor spaces, you'll find the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon, perfect for an impromptu history lesson. In the park's 132 acres you'll also find hiking trails, a band shell with seasonal live music and the Centennial Sportsplex.
Don't let the line around the corner deter you from spending some time at the Pancake Pantry. It's worth it—we promise! From standard buttermilk to more unique options like sweet potato and Sante Fe cornmeal, Pancake Pantry has 23 pancake options to choose from. They've been serving up these circular treats since 1961 and their game is strong. They offer waffles, omelets and non-breakfast options, too.
With its prime location, Residence Inn Nashville Vanderbilt/West End is a no brainer for families heading to Nashville. In addition to complimentary breakfast offered daily, you can save some major dough and limit your eating out by cooking in your in-room kitchenette (they even offer a grocery delivery service!). Want to save on your room rate as well? Head to the hotel's website to book direct and you'll be guaranteed the best rate out there.
There's so much to do at the Adventure Science Center that you'll be able to fill a whole day (or more!). Packed to the gills with hands-on, interactive science exhibits, this destination is best for school-age kids though little ones will have a blast building with giant blocks in the Imagination Playground. Learn about the inner workings of the human body in the BodyQuest exhibit and then head over to the Innovation Incubator to see what's new in this high-tech maker space.
The Nashville Zoo is full of unique experiences that make it a must-visit for families. There are exhibits inside a couple of the restrooms (the first men's restroom has a python exhibit and the women's restroom by the bear exhibit has monkeys) and you can pet a kangaroo if one approaches you. The veterinary center allows visitors to see animal care firsthand through the glass, which will surely inspire future zoologists. Don't leave without taking a ride on the Wilderness Express Train and Wild Animal Carousel.
For a view of the city and walking distance to fun spots like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum, choose the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Its upscale design and modern features will make you feel like you are really on vacation. The indoor pool will be a kid fave and the massive rooms a parent fave. Book a Club Level room for additional perks like breakfast and access to the Club Lounge (and it's snacks!).
Known collectively as the "Warner Parks," Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are a favorite with locals. If you're looking to get some fresh air and experience nature, this is a great, woodsy place to take a hike. And if your kids aren't into hiking, never fear—there are trails specifically for kids. Stop by the Nature Center for a guide and you'll be on your way. There's also a "Nature Play" area with a small little wooden house and some hills, a rope climbing structure and some rocks for the kids to play on.
Sisters Norma and Irma Paz brought their Mexican paletas or ice pops to Nashville in 2001 and it was love at first bite. Made in their store’s kitchen, Las Paletas offers cream paletas that have the texture of an ice cream bar and fruit paletas that have the texture of a traditional ice pop. Using fresh, ripe fruit, vegetables and other ingredients including grains, nuts, flowers and herbs from community gardens, they offer 20 or more flavors each day. Choose a full-size or the mini "chiquita" size that's perfect for little hands.
Music City's first luxury hotel is one that families will be talking about for years to come. The 33-story, elliptical-shaped JW Marriott Nashville offers floor-to-ceiling windows in every room so you can see always see the action. With a pool for the kids and full-service spa for the adults, everyone will leave relaxed and refreshed (which is sometimes hard to come by on family vacations!). Make sure you nab the best deal on your hotel stay by booking on the Marriott website.
After listening to endless country music and purchasing your own blinged-out cowboy hats (of course), Juro Stables is the perfect family adventure for your Nashville visit. Group rides through the woods are offered daily and kids as young as one can participate (ages 1-4 ride double with a parent). Relax as these majestic beasts guide your way.
It's not a Nashville vacation until you feast on true Tennessean BBQ at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. You can experience whole-hog barbecue where a fresh hog goes on the pit at the end of each day to cook low and slow to be ready for customers the next day. Choose from ribs, chicken, pulled pork and more but don't forget to save room for dessert with southern classics such as coconut cake, pecan pie and fudge pie on the menu.
With Marriott Bonvoy, members can enjoy special rates, free in-room Wifi, mobile check-in and the ability to earn and redeem points at Marriott’s thousands of hotels. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Join for free when you book! Save on your trip to Nashville here!
Put travel on your 2020 bucket list, and book some family time at one of these brand-new hotels and all-inclusive resorts. From the much-anticipated new LEGOLAND NYC property to Caribbean resorts that cater to all members of the family, we’ve got the list for you. Scroll through for major travel inspo, and book your getaway today!
LEGOLAND New York Resort—Goshen, NY
Wave the stars and stripes and start counting down to the fireworks! LEGOLAND® New York Resort will hold its bricktastic Grand Opening celebration on July 4, 2020. LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the largest LEGOLAND theme park Merlin Entertainments has ever built, with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions across seven themed “lands” on 150 acres. When it opens on July 4, 2020, LEGOLAND® New York Resort will introduce the LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride featuring the world’s first use of on-ride tracking technology. By identifying the attributes of guests and mapping their position in the virtual space, the ride transforms riders into LEGO® Minifigures right before their own eyes!
You'll have to wait until 2021 to stay on-site at the property as the LEGOLAND New York Hotel will open the following year.
Across from DISNEYLAND® Resort and adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center, the Westin Anaheim Resort will be a stunning retreat for families vacationing in Orange County. In the heart of the Anaheim Resort District, this newly constructed 618-room hotel is a great central launching point for all Southern California adventures with Huntington Beach a short drive away and both Los Angeles and San Diego within two-hours’ drive from the hotel. Enjoy new guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds® for a great night’s sleep, a concierge lounge plus four innovative and exciting restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with amazing panoramic views of Disney’s fireworks.
You won't be able to wait until 2020 for the brand-new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya to open its doors. It will offer 276 oceanfront swim-up pad suites and flat suites, plus four sprawling Nickelodeon-themed signature penthouses (including your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants) perched on the top floor of two modern six-story buildings. All-inclusive luxury means you'll spend lots of time at the 500,000-square food Aqua Nick, which includes a lazy river, water slides, a splash park, an interactive water playground for toddlers and mini relaxation pools.
Located in the rapidly-growing Seaport neighborhood along South Boston’s waterfront, Hyatt Place Boston Seaport District is expected to open in the spring of 2020 with 297 guestrooms. The new upscale select-service hotel will provide guests with close proximity to the Institute of Contemporary Art, Fan Pier, Liberty Wharf and more. Additional hotel amenities will include a rooftop lounge, free breakfast for World of Hyatt members and a 24/7 menu with freshly prepared food.
Located within the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Hotel Drover is a $100 million, four-star, Marriott Autograph Collection boutique hotel and rustic resort named for the legendary Drovers, who herded cattle along the Chisholm Trail. Hotel Drover will feature 200 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, as well as 15,000 square feet of meeting space and a dramatic, elegant barn for weddings, meetings, and social events. Hotel Drover will boast a true western aesthetic, marrying handcrafted elements with genuine Texas hospitality. The hotel’s backyard will offer fire pits, a lushly landscaped pool area, and paths to stroll Marine Creek.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection—Kamuela, HI
Opening on the tranquil, scenic shores of the Island of Hawaii, the newly-reimagined, family-friendly Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in January 2020—as Auberge’s first in Hawaii. Boasting contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalows, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a signature spa, a wellness haven, active pursuits, cultural programming and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle, families will want for nothing as they delight in panoramic Pacific views and revel in Auberge’s gracious service. Taking advantage of Mauna Lani’s storied and sprawling land, the educational and fun kids' programs range from cultural immersion, athletics and wellness, to culinary classes, movies under the stars, moonlight storytelling and navigation.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is inviting brick fans to #VacationLikeAPirate in 2020 with the announcement of the “Year of the Pirate” including the grand opening of LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel. Located just 130 kid-steps from the theme park entrance, LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel will feature 150 LEGO-filled rooms (including four suites), a heated pool (complete with LEGO soft bricks to build in the pool), hundreds of LEGO models, in-room LEGO treasure hunts and exclusive character experiences. Similar to the popular LEGOLAND Hotel, each room will include two separate spaces: a kid’s sleeping area and an adult area.
Opening early 2020 in downtown Cincinnati, The Lytle Park Hotel, part of Autograph Collection, is an imaginative collaboration between two historic buildings and the celebrated Lytle Park just outside its doors. The property will feature 106 oversized guestrooms, including 18 two-bedroom suites that are perfect for families. Cleverly blurring the lines between park and hotel, The Lytle Park Hotel will boast a central wine and cocktail bar, a fine-dining Italian restaurant and lounge, and Cincinnati’s only four-season rooftop bar and event space offering views of Lytle Park, downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River.
Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, Rosewood Little Dix Bay will re-open in January 2020 following a four-year closure due to the 2017 hurricanes. Inspired by its natural setting, the exclusive resort has been reimagined for today’s ultra-luxury traveler with 80 new guestrooms, suites and villas that will offer a level of refinement unrivaled in the Caribbean. Spanning 500 acres on half a mile of beach, the resort will include four distinct dining venues, two pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and Sense®, A Rosewood Spa set high on a bluff at the cliff's edge. A family-friendly destination, Rosewood Little Dix Bay will offer a wide array of activities including a tennis center, Rosewood Explorers Club, hiking trails, watersports and beach drops.
Opening in December 2020, the Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This all-inclusive resort welcomes guests of all ages, and will have five new restaurants serving international, Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisine and offers all kinds of fun including a kids club, plus a kids' water play area, a family room for video games, and more. There are 540 new rooms in total and options include one-and two-bedroom suites with either a private ocean view terrace or balcony, queen or king-size beds. Guests can kayak and sail on the lagoon, and there are plenty of daily activities to keep everyone busy.
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel is scheduled to open on the Viking Lakes campus in fall 2020 in Eagan, Minnesota. The four-star, full-service 14-story hotel will include 320 rooms and suites offering guests first-class accommodations with Omni Kids Crew. The Kids Crew program brings the personalized Omni experience to the youngest guests: Upon check-in, children receive a backpack filled with fun items designed specifically for them. The backpack includes an activity book with stickers, an e-book, crayons, binoculars and a small tabletop game. They’ll also receive milk and cookies delivered to their guest room on the first night of their stay. Omni is also launching a Junior Chefs menu in 2020 (Think unique menu items for kids like breakfast tacos, rainbow yogurt breakfast bowls, a Chinese takeout dish and Jenga French toast). Located adjacent to the Minnesota Vikings’ brand new headquarters and practice facility, the design of Omni Viking Lakes Hotel features elements inspired by the American-Nordic landscapes and the dynamic and unpredictable character of its climate.
The family-friendly Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel is set to be one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan's enchanting Flower District. Set on the former site of New York’s beloved Antiques Garage flea market, the hotel pays homage to the area’s vintage appeal with an immersive “secret garden” design concept. Encouraging guests to “look and look again,” whimsical touches are sprinkled throughout the property, including more than 50 hidden bunny icons. With 341 guestrooms and spacious suites, the property is near Manhattan attractions like Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden.
The 2,050-room Dockside Inn and Suites will open in 2020 as the second wave of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. This coastal-themed hotel is also a value property, with rates starting at $76 per night. Inspired by sand, sea and breathtaking sunsets, this retreat has a coastal vibe and comes with all the fun and convenience of staying with Universal—including awesome hotel guest benefits. With plenty of standard rooms and spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep six, it’s a great spot for families of any size to base their Universal vacation.
Hyatt House Nashville/Downtown-Sobro—Nashville, TN
At Hyatt House Nashville/Downtown-Sobro, guests can make themselves at home in the heart of Music City. Slated to open in early 2020, the hotel will feature 217 extended-stay rooms with full kitchens or spacious one-bedroom suites spanning 454 square feet. The hotel will be located minutes from many Nashville landmarks, Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, trendy restaurants and high-spirited honky-tonks. Hotel amenities will include complimentary breakfast for guests at the Omelet Bar, small bites and shareables at the H Bar, an indoor pool and grab ‘n' go snack at the H Market.
The Gordon Hotel in Eugene, Oregon will be opening in October 2020, will have a significant focus on art and design, and will strive to engage guests with first-hand experiences. A focal point of the lobby will be an "art bar" stocked with art supplies like pencils, watercolors and clay, along with an industrial sink for cleaning up after fits of inspiration or family time creating a unique souvenir. Also, guest hallways will feature local art and interactive pieces, like strings of colorful postcards from previous guests.
The new property will feature 82 rooms and complement the nearby existing 5th Street Public Market (a mainstay in the community) with an additional market alley showcasing local and regional food, beverage and retail shops, including a collection of experiential, craft-focused vendors; an adjacent co-working space; and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the downtown Eugene skyline.
The Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa—St. Thomas
2020 will bring the return of the Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa and a new, adjacent resort under Marriott's Autograph Collection, Noni Beach, a St. Thomas Resort. The resort complex located on the Caribbean Sea will provide several distinctive dining experiences for families and singles. The Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort & Spa, dramatically situated atop a harbor-side cliff with panoramic ocean views, will boast 384 guest rooms, including 28 spacious suites, three resort pools including an infinity edge pool with swim-up pool bar, a state-of-the-art luxury wellness spa, and 85,000 square feet of extraordinary indoor and outdoor event space. The family-friendly resort will have ample activities for kids that will teach them about the environment and how we can help preserve it. There will also be activities for the whole family to enjoy making a stay at Frenchman’s Reef unforgettable.
An architectural beauty surrounded by palm trees, tropical blooms and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, Conrad Punta de Mita provides stunning views from anywhere in the resort. Guests can relax in a coastal-chic guest room, sink their toes in sandy beaches and indulge in premier dining and endless activities. Families will especially love the three outdoor pools, tennis and basketball courts and 24-hour indoor/outdoor fitness center along with land and water activities for all ages.
Opening January 2020, The Ranahan by Welk Resorts is located on six acres of a scenic bend in the stunning Blue River and minutes from the historic town of Breckenridge. The brand-new, ranch-inspired resort pays homage to town’s history as a mining and ranching community through native stone and timber design. Even the name Ranahan is derived from the “Ranny,” the term for a top ranch hand or a good all-around cowboy.
Families will enjoy spacious one- and two-bedroom villas with fully-equipped kitchens, a living room with a flat-screen TV, balcony or patio and fireplace. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, lively indoor/outdoor pool complete with slide and splash pad, hot tubs, fire pits plus barbecue stations. The resort’s prime location is across the street from Breckenridge Golf Club and within easy access to skiing, bike trails, fishing, shopping and dining and much more.
Hotel Cerro will be the first full-service, luxury hotel to open in the college town of San Luis Obispo. The property has a variety of room types, from double queens to spacious suites with flexible sleeping arrangements that are great for families. It has a rooftop pool and deck with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The countryside is one of the big attractions of SLO—it has miles of bike paths, hiking trails and family-friendly beaches in nearby Avila Beach and Morro Bay, not to mention stunning Montana de Oro State Park on the coast.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Bozeman, Montana, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants will turn the National Guard Armory building into a 122-room hotel with a signature restaurant, a speakeasy featuring music and live entertainment and 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The new Kimpton will also feature a concert hall designed to attract top musical performances, as well as a rooftop pool and bar, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridger Mountain Range.
The hotel’s location will attract a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts, with Yellowstone National Park as well as Big Sky and Bridger Bowl ski resorts at its doorstep. In addition to Bozeman’s premier outdoor offerings, which extend to incredible biking trails and fishing adventures, the city is also home to a vibrant art and music scene.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee—Greensboro, GA
The family-friendly waterfront retreat’s multi-million-dollar renovation has begun and will spring new life into the luxury guest rooms and suites, Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge Level, and guest experiences—all capturing the spirit of effortless lake life. A special focus is being placed on the resort’s youngest guests with the construction of a shorefront family pool and a brand new Ritz Kids center nearby, serving as home base for all things fun.
Holiday Inn Express® Trier is a modern hotel situated on the shore of the River Mosel. In the morning, enjoy a complimentary healthy breakfast in its comfortable breakfast room, then enjoy a 20-minute walk along the river to the city center. The city center is the oldest city of Germany which offers multiple sights and many attractions including the oldest city gate “Porta Nigra”, the old thermal bath as well as the Dome. As with other Holiday Inn Express properties, breakfast is complimentary.
Joie de Vivre and Destination Hotels Beach Resorts—Oceanside, CA
Expected to be completed late 2020, Oceanside’s brand-new Joie de Vivre resort and its sister property by Destination Hotels (both by Hyatt) will make up what will be the largest beachfront development on the San Diego coastline in over 20 years. Fronting Oceanside’s historic pier and sandy beach and within easy walking distance to restaurants, museums and shopping, both properties will offer families a stunning location from which to experience a Southern California beach vacation.
The Joie de Vivre hotel will feature 160 guest rooms and suites – most with private, ocean-facing balconies. Amenities include a restaurant, expansive rooftop pool, meeting space and a public garden. The property also will be the new home for Oceanside’s beloved “Top Gun” house, named for its appearance in the popular movie from the 1980s. Dating back to the year 1887, the historically-protected Queen Anne Victorian is being meticulously restored to its original splendor and will re-launch as a curated food outlet.
Oceanside’s Destination Hotels resort will boast a residential, upscale beach house feel with 226 guest rooms and suites, most with full or partial views of the ocean. Noteworthy amenities include a signature restaurant, an indoor-outdoor bar lounge, a luxury spa, an elevated 9,000-square-foot pool deck and extensive event space, including a poolside living room and terrace.
Set to debut March 1, 2020, in the exclusive resort enclave of Mexico’s emerging Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun will offer guests of all ages an upscale and unforgettable all-inclusive vacation. The resort will feature 898 luxury suites, as well as an all-star line up of activities and adventures for travelers of all ages. Children are sure to enjoy the Stars Kids Club, a unique kids club program designed to spark the imagination of younger guests or have a blast at the new JUMP trampoline park. The whole family can channel their inner PGA player at the mini-golf course, wind down the lazy river, zoom down slides at the water park or test out their surfing skills on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Keeping with the Planet Hollywood lifestyle, the new-build resort will be reflective of the iconic '90s brand boasting authentic Hollywood memorabilia and curated entertainment experiences.
The ultimate glamping vacation, Under Canvas, creates an immersive escape that connects travel and nature and encourages being Outside Together. Guests of all ages can fall asleep under the stars, wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a day of endless activities amongst incredible views of America’s most iconic national parks and monuments.
NEW for 2020, Under Canvas Acadia, 75 lodging tents set on 100 acres, will comprise of more than 1,200 feet of coastline just a short 35-minute drive to the acclaimed Cadillac Mountain Trail and Acadia National Park.
Legacy International Center Resort & Spa—San Diego, CA
Legacy International Center Resort & Spa is located in the heart of San Diego’s famed Mission Valley. Featuring a 126-room hotel and conference center, an International Experience Center, and a 500-seat performing arts theater, this one-of-a-kind resort will become one of the region’s premier family-friendly destinations.
The International Experience Center will feature a dramatic 18-foot-tall interactive globe that gives visitors the chance to learn about different cultures. The Legacy Center’s flight motion simulator attraction will include a thrilling 4-D, 100-seat motion theater, conceived by former Disney Imagineers, where guests can experience “Wings Over Israel,” a full sensory “hang gliding” tour of Israel complete with sights, sounds and scents.
Set your sights for the British Virgin Islands in late 2020 to visit Bitter End Yacht Club after extensive renovations that were the result of the 2017 hurricanes that hit the islands. In the 2020 winter season, Bitter End will debut all-new world-class marina facilities complete with a two-story, open-air marina complex and lounge with expansive views of the North Sound and setting sun. Later in 2020, the club will introduce enhancements to the nautical village including yacht management programs, a casual beachfront restaurant and bar, private event space and an epicurean market for provisioning. Following on the heels of the marina and waterfront rebuild, the resort development will include a variety of unique accommodations and hospitality amenities.
Construction has already begun on a new 127-room hotel with anticipated completion as early as Fall 2020. The four-story hotel, located on a portion of the Chapel parking lot near Copper Road and Ten Mile Circle will consist of 127 guest rooms offering a mix of two queen beds, king beds and suites. With a spectacular panorama of Copper Mountain and the Sky Chutes, the Creekside Hotel will feature an outdoor patio nestled along West Ten Mile Creek complete with fire pits and hot tubs, giving guests a chance to unwind and soak in the views after a day on the slopes. The hotel will be a significant new addition to the resort’s Center Village and will provide easy access to unmatched Colorado adventure.
Alaia Belize, Belize’s first Marriott International Autograph Collection property, is opening December 2020 on Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro Town (dubbed La Isla Bonita by Madonna). The beachfront community resort will sit on over 20 acres and feature a hotel, as well as two- and three-bedroom condominiums and oceanfront villas available for purchase. Alaia will boast world-class amenities for the whole family, including a beach club, rooftop suspended pool and lounge (a first for Belize), full-service spa, fitness center, kids club, dive shop and live art gallery with family-friendly activities.
The Ben West Palm is shaking up the hospitality scene in West Palm Beach as it gears up for an opening in mid February 2020. As the first water-facing hotel in the downtown area, the highly anticipated property will be the ideal launch point for an unforgettable South Florida family vacation. Drawing inspiration from the Ben Trovato Estate, Byrd Dewey’s South Florida home that helped put West Palm Beach on the map, the hotel will reflect its roots with whimsical details throughout the property, like sliding bookcases and edgy fixtures intended to be discovered by guests and visitors.
The hotel will welcome all members of the family, including the four-legged ones, with pet-friendly offerings that include bath amenities like a plush bathrobe to match the human’s, and a special menu for canines. Other family-friendly offerings will include an interactive F&B program that includes weekly chef-led tours to the local green market, where families can pick up a wicker basket at the lobby and follow Chef Andre’s lead to the freshest produce of the day and enjoy a family meal back at the hotel. For a day of exploring, visitors can hop on one of The Ben’s colorful bicycles and pedal to the beach, wander through Rosemary Square and end the day back at the pool, where the kids can enjoy a dip and mom and dad can take in the views with a glass of wine in hand.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana—Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt
All ages resort Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana will be part of the greater Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara complex. Located on Juanillo Beach in the private community of Cap Cana, the grand opening date is set for March 2020. In addition to multiple pools on property, there is also a water park that is being built with both kids and adults in mind (large slides, lazy rivers and a splash pad for the little ones). Food and beverage offerings will span fast food, Italian and Asian/Mongolian among others along with an old-school diner offering everything from a robust selection of coffee to ice cream sundaes for kids.
In 2020, the 43-story The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will deliver a new generation of luxury with dramatic architecture, a 1.5-mile private beach, 35 world-class restaurants, a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean and 795 lavish guest rooms and suites and 231 residences. Adventurous families need only travel next door to its iconic sister hotel Atlantis, The Palm for access to Aquaventure Waterpark with the Middle East’s longest river ride, Lost Chambers Aquarium with 65,000 marine animals, Wavehouse with the world’s first 3-axis rotation VR simulator and more.
An architectural landmark turned luxury hotel, Villa Copenhagen, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts will open its doors in April 2020, offering 390 guest rooms and suites. Set in the century-old Central Post and Telegraph Head Office, Villa Copenhagen holds a prime location next to the famed Tivoli Gardens and the Meatpacking District. Families can enjoy the outdoor heated pool, the private rooftop garden and the uniquely designed courtyard, which will serve as a vibrant social space. Also unique to the hotel are its genuine connection to the city’s history, interior green spaces created to promote calm, well-being, and sociability, and traditional Danish and international dining options.
Set on eight acres of oceanfront in Palm Beach, Amrit Ocean Resort & Spa is ideal for a relaxing family getaway along the coast of Florida. The resort will feature coastal design elements across the 153 guest rooms and 34 grand luxury wellness suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to soak up the unobstructed ocean views from its Singer Island location. Families will also find solace in the 11 penthouse residences (each with private rooftop terraces), ideal for multigenerational families. For parents focused on wellness, relaxation is available throughout the resort from an infinity pool steps from the shore, a four-story spa, and, private beach cabanas, and a full-service salon.
In early 2020, Half Moon, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic resorts, will open a stunning new luxury hotel experience. It will feature 57 spacious accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a Salamander Spa, a vegan café, an expanded beachfront with a natural swimming cove, an infinity-edge swimming pool and a market café. These enticing new offerings will join the existing amenities that have made Half Moon Jamaica’s top resort, including a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and the Sugar Mill restaurant, which is consistently ranked as Jamaica’s best.
Opening January 2020, the all-new beachfront resort situated on a white sand beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea offers 537 elegant rooms and suites. Now® Natura Riviera Cancun features a modern design surrounded by lush nature including a lazy river, waterfalls and a grotto bar. Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience, where everything from reservation-free gourmet cuisine to top-shelf spirits is included. Activities and thrilling entertainment for families include an infinity pool complete with a waterslide, a Rollglider aerial ride, and the Now Spa by Pevonia® designed to look like the region's remarkable cenotes.
Cuyama Buckhorn is a hotel in the Santa Barbara County area known as the “Hidden Valley of Enchantment.” It’s a classic motel getting an incredible revamp from two LA designers and is set to be completed in late Spring 2020. The vibe is Stone Barns meets Marfa, meets something like Scribner’s Catskills Lodge. Right now rooms are open on weekends (the café/restaurant is fully open); the pool/bar area and additional rooms, lobby, etc. will be completed in the spring. The road from Ojai to New Cuyama is the only unmarked Scenic Highway in North America—it's a great California road trip to take with kids. The property features double rooms that can comfortably sleep four, and the restaurant features classic dishes using fresh ingredients from farmers in the area. Parents and kids alike will enjoy the pancakes for breakfast or the Buckhorn Burger for lunch and dinner.
Forget about standing in long lines or getting up extra-early to drive an hour to the mall. This year LEGOLAND Florida’s Black Friday deals offer the park’s biggest savings of the year—and you can score deep discounts for seven days.
Save at least 50 percent on vaycay packages and annual passes from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Dec. 3, 2019 online at legoland.com.
photo: Edward Linsmier for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
This year’s deals include 50 percent savings on vacation packages at LEGOLAND Pirate island Hotel, LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. Black Friday packages start at $58 per person per day (plus tax) for stays between Jan. 5 and Jun. 30, 2020 and include a one-night stay plus a two-day theme park and water park combo pass for each member of your family/party. Available stays exclude nights from Apr. 4 through Apr. 11 and May 22 through May 24, 2020. Along with the park tickets, hotel guests who purchase this special package will also get free breakfast with each paid night, free parking and an exclusive LEGOLAND holiday gift set.
If you’d prefer an annual past, you can also score more than 50 percent off the Awesomest Annual Pass. Get the 12-month unlimited admission pass for $99 (regularly priced $209.99) during the seven-day sale. Not only will you get a years’ worth of admission to the theme and water parks, but you’ll also get free admission to all seasonal events during the “Year of the Pirate,” exclusive hotel savings and free standard parking. If you decide to venture away from LEGOLAND Florida, you cal also visit Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquariums, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, the San Francisco Dungeon, LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND New York (opening in 2020).
LEGOLAND Florida’s Seven Days of Black Friday Deals starts at midnight on Nov. 27, 2019. Visit the theme park’s website here for more information.
November 11 is a day set aside every year to honor the men and women who have bravely served our country. While many businesses close on this day, there are plenty of restaurants and stores that remain open and offer discounts to active duty service people and veterans.
Keep scrolling to see 10 amazing Veteran’s Day deals for military families.
From now through Nov. 11, veterans, active-duty troops and Guard and Reserve members can save $40 off a one-year Amazon Prime membership for a total of just. $79. If you're already a member, you can also renew your membership at the lower rate.
Military and veterans can receive up to six free admission tickets to LEGOLAND Floriday Nov. 1-25 and special discounts on Veterans Day. Head to a ticket window on Nov. 11 to get a wristband and flyer to get access to a 10% discount on food, beverage and retail purchases at all locations including carts, a second 6x8 photo free with purchase of the first photo and two plays of carnival-style games for the price of one, excluding prize-every-time games.
Expecting service women, military spouses and veterans can get a special 15 percent discount at Motherhood Maternity & A Pea in the Pod Nov 7-11. To get the discount, show your military ID.
Families have a lot of choices when it comes to finding the best hotel in New York City. Hotels in Manhattan—including hotels in Times Square and hotels in Midtown—hotels with family suites for really big groups, and of course, hotels for budgets of all size. We’ve rounded up the best NYC hotels for families right here, so you and the kids can get the rest you need to explore the city from dawn ’til dusk. Find your family-friendly hotel match and get booking!
Concorde Hotel
Concorde Hotel NYC
If you're spending time in the city with young kids, you couldn't find a better location than the Concorde Hotel. It's easily walkable to some city landmarks that kids love: The Nintendo Store, American Girl Doll, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. The junior suite offers an incredible amount of space, wraparound windows giving you an incredible view of the city, and sleeping arrangements that accommodate the whole family. The 24-hour coffee/hot chocolate station will be a hit. This is a cozy hotel with a friendly staff and a great location. Couldn't ask for anything more.
Looking for a fun, family hotel in Times Square? ROW NYC has a cool vibe and decor, an attached food hall with lots of tasty options, and the “Row Pass” which gets you discounts on NYC family-friendly places like Dave & Busters, Sugar Factory, and souvenir shops. Family specials include the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum package, which gives you a discounted room rate, two tickets to the museum and a complimentary Intrepid souvenir. You can also cook together at the Row NYC Pizza Academy, where families can book a three-hour pizza-making class at Keste Fulton. This NYC hotel package includes a complimentary car service and complimentary breakfast at the hotel restaurant, District M.
For a five-star family-friendly hotel in midtown Manhattan, head to the Peninsula, where you can book adjoining suites and rooms (and get a discounted rate on the second one). Nearby attractions for families include Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art. For an extra special stay, book the Camp Peninsula experience, which includes a cute tent pitched in the room, s’mores, a picnic at the hotel’s glass-enclosed swimming pool, a kids’ amenities set, and scavenger hunt adventure.
700 5th Ave. New York, NY 10019 212-956-2888 Website: peninsula.com Hotel Peninsula location google maps
Kimpton Ink48 Hotel
Kimpton Ink48 Hotel
Located on NYC's West Side in Hell's Kitchen, Ink48 is near Times Square but not in it, providing a little space between you and the bright lights; it's also near Chelsea Piers, Hudson Yards, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and has great views of Midtown and the Hudson River. Family-friendly hotel features include a welcome gift for kids upon arrival, a pet-friendly policy, bikes and scooters for use, and Osme bath products, gentle for baby and young kids' skin. For families traveling with very young ones, child safety kits are available (outlet covers, toilet latches, etc.), as well as cribs, playards, strollers, and more.
653 11th Ave. New York, NY 10036 212-757-0088 Website: ink48.com Kimpton Ink48 Hotel location google maps
This midtown Manhattan hotel is great for families thanks to a location two blocks from Central Park and one block from the subway. In addition to offering family suites, Loews Regency New York is ready for your children with kid's menus and dining activities, cribs, nightlights, and child-proofing supplies, and guides to getting the most out of New York City with kids. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop for a quick pastry and morning beverage. The best news? Kids under 18 stay free.
540 Park Ave. New York, NY 10065 212-759-4100 Website: loewshotels.com Loews Regency New York Hotel location google maps
For apartment-style suites near Chelsea, Madison Square Park, Macy's, and the Empire State Building, consider Hyatt House. The pet-friendly, residence-like accommodations offer peace and quiet, as well as laundry machines—a major score for families visiting NYC—kitchens in each suite, and a 24-hour "H Market" with prepared foods and more when you're in a bind. There's also free breakfast featuring an omelet bar. Best of all? The Borrows Menu, offering a variety of items available to borrow, from a jumbo coffee maker, white noise machine and child night light to outlet covers, a crib, high chair and even games like UNO, checkers, dominoes, chess, Connect Four, Sorry and Monopoly.
815 Sixth Ave. New York, NY 212-513-0001 Website: hyatt.com Hyatt House New York/Chelsea google maps
A family-friendly hotel in Midtown, the Omni Berkshire Place welcomes kids with milk and cookies on the first night of their stay. Other perks for kids include an Omni Kids Club backpack, loaded with games and things to keep the little ones busy, as well as a kids menu. For an extra special treat, there's the American Girl Dream package, with a doll bed and breakfast for two. For you? Babysitting services, 18 connecting suites for two-bedroom accommodations, and proximity to scores of attractions in Midtown Manhattan and beyond, including Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and the Museum of Modern Art.
21 E. 52nd St. New York, NY 10022 212-753-5800 Website: omnihotels.com Omni Berkshire Place location google maps
Gardens Suites Hotel By Affinia
Gardens Suites Hotel By Affinia
This recently renovated all-suite hotel is perfect for families, with large suites, full kitchens, and lots of family-friendly perks. The new Affinia Junior program includes coloring sheets and crayons for kids, kid-friendly snacks and treats, “Family Fun” chests filled with board games, and help for parents such as strollers, pack and plays, and high chairs. Add-ons include an Affinia Junior sportpack full of goodies including colorable pillow, glow in the dark flashlight, and animal temporary hand tattoos (for an additional $49); and an Affinia Junior Fresh Direct Kit (for an additional $52). For even more fun, book in advance the Starry Night Camp-in experience (complete with teepee), or an in-room sparkle spa soiree.
215 E. 64th St. New York, NY 10065 866-233-4642 Website: affinia.com Gardens Suites Hotel By Affinia location google maps
Nu Hotel Brooklyn
Nu Hotel Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a very family-friendly borough, so it makes sense it’s got a hotel that’s great for traveling with kids. Another spot with a hip vibe, Nu Hotel is centrally located near the cute brownstones neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and beyond, the transit hub of downtown Brooklyn, and popular spots like Brooklyn Bridge Park, the New York City Transit Museum, and the Brooklyn Bridge itself. Accommodations for families include rooms with two double beds, and a bunk bed suite that sleeps four. Other perks include cool murals on select walls and free bike use.
Lotte New York Palace provides you space to spread out in the Palace Family Suites. These family-friendly midtown accommodations have two bathrooms, multiple seating areas, and lots of closet space. Kids will love the American Girl Place Package (the hotel is a block from the flagship in Rockefeller Center), which includes a sweet treat and an American Girl doll bed to take home. Baseball nuts will like Palace Pinstripe Package, featuring up to 50% off accommodations and tickets to select Yankees home games, a Yankees welcome gift, complimentary pre- or post-game drinks & more. And during the holidays, kids can write letters to Santa, drop them in a mailbox on site, and get a personal response during their stay. Santa himself also drops by during the season for story time.
455 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10022 212-888-7000 Website: lottenypalace.com Lotte New York Palace location google maps
Fun, funky, and affordable, this family-friendly hotel is south of Times Square, near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. Tryp offers free breakfast, casual dining, rooms with bunk beds, and family suites for large groups that can sleep up to eight people. We especially like the Tryp Theater suite, with a bunk bed, two LED tv screens, funky carpet, 18-foot ceilings and blue skylight.
345 W. 35th St. New York, NY 10001 212-600-2440 website: tryphotelnyc.com Tryp by Wyndham Times Square South location google maps
