You’ll be amazed at what you can make with just three ingredients
If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the hunt for easy dinner recipes. The fewer ingredients we have to remember, the better (because no one likes doing a last-minute grocery store run!). To make all of our lives easier, we’ve rounded up a list of 3-ingredient recipes that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Read on to simplify your meal plan.
Your whole crew is sure to fall in love with this silky soup from Just a Taste. It’s practically begging to be topped with your favorite add-ons, from a simple swirl of olive oil to crumbled bacon or crispy chickpeas.
Dry, overcooked chicken will be a thing of the past once you try this 3-ingredient recipe from Cooking with Janica. Their easy method yields a juicy, well-seasoned chicken breast—perfect for pairing with rice, salad, or potatoes.
Our hunt for perfectly crispy roasted potatoes has finally come to an end, thanks to A Clean Bake. This foolproof method will have your whole family asking for seconds.
Delicious salmon is less than a half hour away, thanks to this 3-ingredient recipe from Savory Nothings. Bonus points if you make your own teriyaki sauce (but we won’t judge if you go for the bottled stuff!).
Grab your soup pot and make a big batch of this soup from Honey and Birch! With the homey goodness of tomato soup and tortellini (a kid fave!), we guarantee it'll disappear in no time.
Make-ahead-meal alert! We love how these sandwiches from A Taste of Madness can be frozen and then heated whenever you need a quick and easy school lunch. Plus, you can always customize it with your kiddo’s favorite lunch meat.
Taco night just got way easier, thanks to this genius recipe from Lanc Foodie Girl. Set up the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner will be hot and ready by the time you get home.
No one likes a dry pork chop! Good news: this recipe from Gimme Some Grilling is going to be your new go-to method for the juiciest (and easiest) pork. The secret ingredient is hiding in the grocery store spice aisle.
We’re always on the hunt for healthy snacks that the little ones will actually eat, and these sweet potato wraps from Lemons & Basil get the toddler seal of approval. You can fill them up with butter, cheese, or peanut butter for a perfectly balanced snack.
Three ingredients and a few hours in a Crock Pot and bam! Now you have killer BBQ chicken wings to feed the masses, all thanks to this recipe from Intelligent Domestications. Plus the kids will get a kick out of the “secret ingredient.”
Get your tiny taste testers’ hands deep into potatoes when they help you make gnocchi from scratch! Pair this step-by-step tutorial from Eugenie’s Kitchen with the tomato sauce later in this roundup.
Roll up ham and cheese for a dinner that will have the little ones forgetting about their pre-boxed meat, cheese, and crackers (you know which ones we're talking about!). You and your kids can whip up this recipe from It's Peachy Keen in less than 20 minutes for a fun, fingers-only meal.
You know that stockpile of juice boxes your family has been collecting? This sweet recipe, courtesy of Oatmeal With a Fork, puts them to good use! This chicken is flavorful and easy to make—and we’re willing to bet it’ll be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
A dinner that is fun to make, fun to look at, and deliciously satisfying to eat? Please let your burgeoning kitchen master bring these pinwheels to your dinner table. Weary Chef simplifies it down so your little one can get artsy with their greens before rolling it up to bake.
For the easiest (and kid-friendliest) side dish, you’ve got to try these green beans from Nyssa’s Kitchen. Her method leaves the beans perfectly tender with a little char on the outside. Drooling yet?
If your little one is tired of sandwiches, switch it up with this tortilla version on the stove. It’s literally as simple as spreading peanut butter and jelly on a tortilla, then heating up before devouring.
This easy dish subs nutritional yeast for parmesan and olive oil for butter to make a simple, dairy-free alternative to your kiddo’s favorite go-to pasta dish. Just cook spaghetti or linguine noodles according to the package, toss in enough olive oil to coat, and sprinkle liberally with nutritional yeast. You can add parsley, pepper, and a pinch of salt if you’re a rule-breaker.
We know your kids can’t get enough of meatballs once they’re on the table—it’s time to teach them where those delicious things come from. Take a peek at Persnickety Plates’ recipe for three-ingredient slow cooker pineapple teriyaki meatballs and have your little sous chef’s help with all the prep.
This one's an easy one for momma's helper, and it's done in no time at all. The Honour System has got tomato sauce down to a two-step science: simmer and stir!
Your iron chefs-in-training may or may not be ready for handling raw salmon, but they can certainly help out with a sweet and spicy glaze from For the Love of Cooking.
If you haven’t experienced the wonder of a dude ranch vacation, you definitely need to add it to your family vacation bucket list. Where else can the kids spend the day learning horsemanship while you enjoy some relaxation at the spa? It’s the perfect balance of rustic and luxury.
This list has our top dude ranches for families that include all-inclusive dude ranches that feed you better than you’d eat at home (think chuck wagon dinners with all the fixins and gourmet breakfasts around the campfire). Many of these destinations also have amazing programs for kids and stargazing in the evenings. Need we say more?
Mountains, streams, lakes, and some of the nation’s most glorious scenery can be found at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Perfect for multi-generational family gatherings, the 900-acre ranch offers the opportunity to slow down, sit by the fire, and play a game of cards with the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance.
What to do: The Ranch offers mountain bikes to borrow including a handful of kid-sized rides. There are loads of trails for hiking and a pond on the property where you can fly fish (catch and release only), try out stand-up paddle boarding, or head out to see if you spot the resident beaver while on the pedalboat. You’ll find a number of guided activities for guests including hiking, fly fishing clinics, and yoga. You can also book a massage appointment.
We definitely recommend booking a half-day horseback ride while at the Ranch. Stables are located just across the street from the Ranch and their knowledgeable guides will take you on the trails so that you can get a bird’s-eye view of the valley. There’s nothing like seeing this gorgeous area on the back of a horse!
While Big Sky is mostly known for its incredible skiing, Lone Mountain Ranch shines in the summer months. Located between Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone Park, the ranch features fine lodging in luxury, historic log cabins, dining at the Horn & Cantle Restaurant, and summer activities such as fly fishing, canoeing, Yellowstone tours, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, archery, and more.
What to do: Every Tuesday, the ranch hosts an authentic rodeo and live Western concert in the saloon, exclusive to guests throughout the summer season you can’t get anywhere else. Guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, evenings around a glowing campfire, scenic horseback trail riding, spectacular scenery, wildlife, and the overall Western atmosphere that leaves guests returning year after year.
This spot is just under four hours from Dallas, but you’ll feel miles away from your everyday life. The B&B consists of 14 cabins and cottages of varying sizes, as well as glamping options (Grand Safari Tent, Conestoga Covered Wagon, Deluxe RVs). Continental breakfast is included with your room rate with the ability to add on the full meal plan for an additional cost if you wish.
What to do: Onsite activities include horseback rides, catch-and-release fishing, biking trails, trapshooting, archery, and so much more. Kids will especially enjoy the exotic animal safari where they can see bison, deer, and antelope.
One of the most distinctive resorts in Tucson, Tanque Verde has been welcoming families with scenic desert and mountain views for years. Guests can experience its varied history with miles of exciting horse trails, four tennis courts, and a bright swimming pool that sparkles in the Arizona sun. Visit the property’s 150 horses and enjoy southwestern cuisine and happy hour at the Dog House Saloon.
What to do: Breakfast rides, cowboy cookouts, and all the relaxation you need are central to a stay at Tanque Verde. Mountain biking, fishing, guided hikes, yoga and wellness activities, arts and crafts, tennis, and more are also available. Guest can take advantage of the robust kids’ program that includes a full day of activities including riding lessons, pool time, tie-dye, and all the cactus crafts you can imagine. Enjoy some relaxation time at the La Sonora Spa while the kids are taken care of (they won’t even miss you!). The Ranch just added an apiary and looks forward to having their own honey in the future.
An hour from Atlanta you’ll find one of the only true dude ranches in the Southeast, Callidora Ranch. This operating cattle and hog ranch offers trail rides and agricultural tours along with luxury lodging so you can experience it all.
What to do: Spend your days on the ranch horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and swimming, They even offer photography classes, lasso lessons, and summer camps to keep the kids busy.
Does your family love the idea of camping, but the idea of “roughing it” in the great outdoors doesn’t sound so appealing? The Ranch at Bandy Canyon offers the perfect solution. Located in the heart of Southern California’s San Pasqual Valley, this rustic retreat allows you to enjoy all the comforts of home, yet be completely surrounded by nature.
Forget about pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground, The Ranch at Bandy Canyon has everything you need to experience the wilderness with the ease of modern-day amenities.
What to do: The Ranch offers all sorts of activities from horseback trail rides to swimming, hiking, biking, and more. And with cozy cabins and local wineries right outside your door, what are you waiting for?
Escape to the remote charm of JL Bar Ranch, an intimate ranch that sprawls across 13,000 acres of wide-open spaces, rolling hills, ancient oak trees, and wildflowers in Texas Hill Country. The ranch offers just 32 accommodations, a main lodge with a game room & bar/wine tasting room, indoor and al fresco dining venues with authentic Texas cuisine, cozy fire pits, a pool & hot tub, an intimate spa, and more.
What to do: The ranch offers fun outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, ATV/UTV adventures, yoga, 3D archery, a Jack Nicklaus putting/chipping green, incredible cowboy cookouts & more.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo | River Ranch, FL
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
You'll love your visit to this Florida property with sleeping accommodations that kids will love—Conestoga wagons and glamping tents. These premium offerings are the latest addition to the unique lodging experiences available at this secluded luxury glamping resort, located one hour south of Orlando and two hours north of Palm Beach County, Florida.
What to do: The Ranch, which lies on 1,700 acres overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, features horseback riding, an award-winning Saturday night rodeo, and much more.
Just north of Tahoe, you’ll find the gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path area of the Lost Sierras. Here you can really get away from it all and spend some time with your family among massive trees and native animals. Your stay at Greenhorn Ranch includes all your meals from taco night to the Saturday Night BBQ. If you are there on the night of their cookout, you can choose to take a trail or wagon ride to and from your meal.
What to do: At Greenhorn Ranch, cowboy culture takes center stage with horseback riding being one of the main activities on the Ranch. Adirondack chairs and hammocks dot the property and are the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. One of the biggest draws for kids is the pond that's just outside the saloon. Here little anglers can borrow a fishing rod and some worms to cast into the pond.
Transport yourself back to the cowboy days with a visit to Rainbow Trout Ranch. This High Sierra spot offers cozy cabins that families love with daily housekeeping and a porch to sit and enjoy the views. Meals are included with your stay and take place all over the property including near the river!
What to do: In addition to its exceptional children’s program, the ranch offers fly fishing, trapshooting, swimming, day trips to Taos, and more. Of course, horseback riding is a major focus with programs available for beginner to experienced riders. Spectacular all-day rides with waterfalls and views of the Continental Divide are among the offerings.
Alisal Ranch is an old cowboy ranch—a working one that dates back to 1843—and it has been welcoming guests since the 1950s. One of our favorite things about Alisal is what a great job they’ve done combining the fun activities of a ranch with the pampering of a resort. The ranch feels low-key and welcoming to the whole family (where many resorts often leave you feeling like they wish you’d left the kids at home), but never skimps on the creature comforts.
What to do: Whether you want to spend the weekend riding the range (or taking your first horseback lesson), eating at a campfire, catching fish, being pampered at the spa, listening to the roosters crowing, reading a book by the pool, gathering eggs, playing an 18 hole private golf course, tasting local wines or hiking, you’ll all find the perfect activities.
You’ll love the personal touch that comes with a visit to this family-owned Tucson dude ranch. With one of the largest private herds of horses in Arizona, the ranch is perfectly set up to take care of all riders from beginners to experts. Little kids can enjoy a ride guided by a lead line and older kids can qualify for fast rides, mountain rides, and all-day rides. Choose between all-inclusive and breakfast-only meal plans. Don’t miss out on the famous trail mix!
What to do: In addition to riding, you can enjoy rock climbing, e-biking, hiking, and archery. A heated pool is available for you to relax in after the day is done, plus a rec room for kids who just can’t get enough action.
Life doesn’t slow down just because kids need to eat; these toddler lunch ideas can keep up
If you’re trying to meal-plan for your toddler whose social life (or siblings’ sports schedules) translates to lunch in the fast lane, you have a few things going for you. Toddlers don’t eat that much—even on a good day—so you have room to pack a couple of choices. Plus, they tend to be distracted (translation: less picky). The next time you need to pack a quick bite, try one of our favorite healthy (and just plain enticing) toddler lunch ideas.
Savory Toddler Lunch Ideas
Quesadilla: Portable, handheld, and generally liked by all, the quesadilla is the king of the
toddler lunch on the road.
Toddler Portion of Leftovers (plus wipes): Forget about being clean. Just get them fed.
Hard Boiled Egg & Sesame (provided there’s no allergy) Bagel: For the pickier eaters, try plain instead.
Whole Avocados: Just remember to bring a bread knife to cut it in half, then hand the
unseeded side to your toddler with a kiddie spoon.
Kid-cuterie: Guess what you get when you unpack a Ziploc bag with a protein, a dairy,
fruit, and vegetable onto a paper plate? That’s right. A kid-cuterie. Throw in a small
container of hummus or ranch and you’ve got two tickets to paradise.
Roly-Poly: Cream cheese and turkey rolled into a tortilla.
Deconstructed Sandwiches on a Stick: For your older toddlers, skewer rolls of deli meat,
mini tomatoes, chunks of bagels or whole-grain bread, and cubes of cheese.
Peanut Butter & Anything: For toddlers who’ve cleared the peanut allergy test, this gold-
standard of child-rearing nutrition won’t fall apart and packs a protein-filled punch. Instead of jelly, try adding mini marshmallows or sliced bananas to keep it fresh. Or, simply allow a frozen Uncrustable that will thaw in your bag to do the work for you.
Apple Sticks Wrapped in Deli Turkey
Nutella & Strawberry Roly-Poly
Peanut Butter & Banana Roly-Poly: Don’t slice the banana! Spread peanut butter on the
tortilla and wrap that thing up whole.
Yogurt Dip & Graham Crackers with chopped fruit: Freeze this healthy treat and pull it out before you leave. Serve with strawberries, apples, or even bananas.
No-Bake Energy Bites: Made with peanut butter, chocolate, old-fashioned oats, and chia seeds, your toddler will get tons of nutrition in one tasty nibble.
Ideas That Sneak in Healthy Foods
Cucumber & Cream Cheese Crustless Sandwiches: Your mother had them at her baby
shower and you can bet your toddler will love the cream cheese paired with the salty
crunch of the cuke.
Garbanzo Beans & Halved Cherry Tomatoes: Squeeze some lemon and sprinkle some
salt on this easy finger food.
Thawed Frozen Veggies & a Cheese Stick
Frozen Pre-Made Smoothies: Freeze these in advance and they’ll thaw out just in time for
lunch on the go.
Shelled Edamame & Pasta: Add a splash of soy and sesame oil for the adventurous
eaters.
Hummus & Pretzel Chips: Throw in a few slices of bell pepper for a vitamin C boost.
Successfully returning to work after maternity leave takes more than a little planning
One day you’re planning and anticipating your baby’s arrival and the next—bam!—you’re a parent. Arguably, one of life’s biggest adjustments is learning how to exist in the world after expanding your family. It’s totally natural to feel incredibly excited and incredibly overwhelmed all at once. You are now responsible for a little human, and it’s a huge transition.
Then just when you feel like you’ve found some sort of rhythm to your days (and nights), your maternity leave is almost done. Now it’s time to get ready for another big change—learning how to balance parenthood with work. Although the thought of leaving your cuddly bundle and interacting with adults might seem daunting, these tips can help make the transition back into the workforce less stressful.
iStock
1. Aim for a Short First Week
For an easier transition, consider starting back on a Wednesday or Thursday. This will allow you to ease back into things as you adjust to pumping, childcare schedules, and all the other things you’ll have to consider when returning to work after maternity leave. Plus starting mid-week allows you to monitor your own energy and stress levels. Regroup with your partner over the weekend to discuss what worked and what didn’t then pivot accordingly. Finding your flow will take some time.
2. Establish a Routine
Planning out a routine that can set both you and your partner up for a successful day is a win-win for everyone. Before returning to work, sit down and come up with a detailed checklist. Who will do childcare drop-off and on what days? Do you need to prepare breastmilk or formula in the morning? What about pumping? Is the to-go diaper bag ready? Sure, things will come up (trust us, they will), but having an outline you can both reference is a good starting point when things start to feel overwhelming. If you don’t have a parenting partner, run through the routine with a friend or family member to double check your plan.
Before starting back up, do a few practice runs. Commuting? Map your route from home to childcare to your place of work. Note how much longer it may take and plan to leave earlier depending on what you discover. It’s also a good idea to run through your entire morning–take a shower, get yourself ready, and get the baby ready to see how long it might realistically take.
If your child is starting childcare–whether it’s daycare or with a nanny–consider starting them a week or two before you return to work after maternity leave. This will allow both of you to adjust as you get comfortable with them spending time with new people and a new routine as well. Remember, multiple transitions at once can overwhelm parents and baby.
4. Make a Meal Plan for You and Baby
Before returning to the workforce, it’s important to come up with a meal plan not only for the baby but for you, too. Are you breastfeeding? Pumping not only takes a lot of time, but can zap your energy. Make sure you schedule sessions around meetings and other commitments. Many offices have designated maternity rooms so familiarize yourself with yours when you first return. Opting for formula or a hybrid of formula and breast milk? Make sure your baby’s bottles and food are prepped and ready for their caregiver. When all is said and done, don’t forget to nourish yourself. Your body is working overtime right now as it regulates. Eat a well-balanced meal and take snack breaks for yourself.
One of the hardest parts of going back to work is leaving your baby for the first time. You’ve been bonding and getting to know each other 24/7; letting go can be tough. It’s crucial for your peace of mind to find a childcare plan that works for your family. That might look like daycare, a nanny or nanny share, or staying with a relative. It’s never too early to start touring locations to see what feels comfortable for you and your child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
6. Communicate with Your Co-workers
It feels like you’re been making 1,000 adjustments in your life, but for many of your coworkers it’s business as usual. While they may understand you just had a baby, they might not realize maternity leave isn’t a vacation. Keep lines of communication open with your boss and coworkers. Things happen–daycares close unexpectedly, kids get sick, doctor appointments need to be made—and talking to your manager about expectations and flexibility before you get back into things can also help make the transition all that much easier.
7. Set Boundaries
You might feel like you have to take as much on as you did pre-baby, but it’s okay to not take on too much too soon. Set boundaries for yourself. It can be a challenge to say “no,” but sometimes it’s the healthiest word you can use. Whether it’s a hard laptop cutoff time or not checking emails off-hours, it’s important to stick with what works for you and your family.
Sure, it’s a very exciting time, but it’s also a very exhausting one. Your sleep patterns are off, your mom brain fog is real, your emotions are up and down, and you want to get as much cuddle time with your little one as possible. With that being said–remember, it’s hard work and it’s totally okay and totally normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure about what you’re doing. That’s parenthood! Allow yourself to feel those feelings, acknowledge them, take a deep breath, and move forward. Every day, every hour, every minute is different, and you’re doing the best you can in the moment. You got this!
These subscription boxes for moms are the gifts that keep on giving year round
The anticipation of opening gifts is as fun as the gifts themselves, in our humble opinion. Even when we have a pretty good idea what’s inside, the anticipation is part of the fun. That’s why we’re such big fans of subscription gifts. They’re super fun when we sign up for them ourselves, but these subscription boxes for moms are the ultimate in Mother’s Day gifts. They aren’t just a one-and-done thing—oh no, you get to be surprised every week, month, or quarter with these!
Subscriptions are a great idea for those loved ones you’re struggling to buy for, who already have it all, or who just love getting packages (we’re all raising our hands over here!). They’re an awesome alternative to gift cards, too! We also definitely wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to subscribe to a few of these, yourself. In fact, we did! No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something for every mom in our round up of subscription boxes for moms to make this Mother’s Day (and every month after) special (and maybe delicious or easy or fragrant or cozy or…) Check out our list of a few of our favorite ideas!
HelloFresh & HelloFresh Canada
HelloFresh
What's better than cooking? Not having to shop for ingredients! With HelloFresh, everything you need to create incredible meals is right in the box, including easy-to-follow instructions and from-the-farm ingredients. HelloFresh (Starting at $75.00)—Buy Now!
No, it doesn't come in a box, but aside from our obvious love, 150,000 5-star reviews from our users agree. With Tinybeans, you can easily and privately capture and organize your kiddo’s best moments and milestones in a single platform. Its intuitive interface, along with features like photobook creation and easy customization, make organizing and searching for memories a breeze. Tinybeans—Get it Here!
Scentbird
Scentbird
A monthly subscription of an 8ml fragrance! That means you can try all sorts of scents without the commitment. Scentbird's huge collection of fragrances makes it super easy to find your new signature scent, too. Scentbird ($16.95/mo)—Buy Now!
Taylor Cookies
Taylor Cookies
With their huge, 6-ounce cookies that are irresistible ooey-gooey, dense center with a browned, crispy edge it's no wonder why Taylor Cookies has already become a TikTok sensation and is loved by celebrities including Taylor Lautner! Their subscription service lets you pick your dozen to be delivered every month, so you'll be able to look forward to drooling every. single. month. Taylor Cookies Cookie Club (Starting at $50.00)—Buy Now!
Yohana
Yohana
Okay, so Yohana isn't an official gift box, but we absolutely love it, especially for moms! Ever wondered how celebs do it all? They have help. And you know what? They aren't the only ones who deserve to get it. Yohana is the first ever concierge service that matches families with a team of specialists to manage their wildly busy lives.The service has been proven to save some families up to 10 hours per week they’d otherwise spend tackling their to-do list.
Members are matched with a Guide who helps manage their family's goals, and a whole team of specialists who manage everything from household tasks (finding a housekeeper, scheduling forgettable renewals, researching alternative internet providers), to family to-dos (planning a birthday party, coordinating appointments, scheduling snacks for soccer practice) and experiences (find a place to donate old baby gear, plan a family weekend getaway, volunteer as a family). It's all managed via the app on your phone or desktop. This is the ultimate gift! Yohana—Gift It Here!
TheraBox Self-Care Box
TheraBox/Cratejoy
Each TheraBox includes 1 research-inspired therapeutic activity to wire your brain for more joy + 7 full size treats to pamper your mind, body and soul. They aim to inspire more self-love & happiness through therapist curated products that reduce stress and enhance your life. As seen on Oprah, Forbes, The Today Show, ABC News, Good Morning America, and BuzzFeed! TheraBox (Starting at $35.00/mo)—Buy Now!
Goddess Provisions
Goddess Provisions/Cratejoy
Each Goddess Provisions box has a mix of crystals, aromatherapy, natural beauty products, superfood snacks, and spiritual tools. This is the subscription box for goddesses only (which means every mom, obviously). Goddess Provisions (Starting at $27.75/mo)—Buy Now!
Fancy Sprinkles
Fancy Sprinkles
Unleash your creative potential all year long with a Fancy Sprinkles Decorating Kit Subscription. Enjoy decorating experiences sent to your door to help you celebrate the year’s biggest and best seasonal moments. Along with instructions and education, each kit comes with all the Fancy Sprinkles products needed to accomplish decoration. From Edible Glitter to Melting Candy, limited-edition sprinkles, tools, and more, you'll receive what you need to create on-trend food items throughout the seasons. Fancy Sprinkles Subscription ($50.00/every 2 months)—Buy Now!
My Fashion Crate
My Fashion Crate/Cratejoy
Unlike other styling services, you keep everything you get in My Fashion Crate! Boxes include clothing, accessories, shoes, gift cards, and other surprises. Each My Fashion Crate is curated for the season, too, so you can wear what you get right away! My Fashion Crate ($55.00)—Buy Now!
Factor
Factor
Factor is perfect for the loved ones in your life who are focused on healthy living and makes eating well so easy! Factor's team of dietitians developed an immense menu of smoothies, juices, and ready-made meals. From keto to high-protein to low-carb to vegan and vegetarian options, they'll be able to find the perfect menu for their lifestyle. Factor (Starting at $90.00)—Buy Now!
Crooked Cottage Candle Club
Etsy
The candle obsession is real! Every month, look forward to goodies like best selling candles, special editions made just for subscribers, wax melts, matches, match refills, car diffusers, tea lights, and more. Crooked Cottage even asks about your favorite scents or if you have any special requests! Handcrafted, high-quality soy candles with amazing fragrances make incredible gifts (and not just for Mother's Day!). Crooked Cottage Candle Club (Starting at $125.00)—Buy Now
Green Chef
Green Chef
Green Chef is all about fresh, sustainable ingredients, right down to their eco-friendly packaging! Many of the ingredients, from chopped veggies to homemade sauces, have been prepped for you, so you can save time while still getting the flavor of freshly-made dishes. Each recipe card and kit bag are color-coded so you can easily find what you need fast. All of their packaging is made from recycled, reusable, and/or compostable materials! Green Chef (Starting at $50)—Buy Now!
EveryPlate
EveryPlate
We know that meal delivery services can be associated with premium pricing, and that's what makes EveryPlate different. Each meal costs less than $5, but without sacrificing quality! They've made minor tweaks and changes to make EveryPlate a little bit different, and those tiny changes allow for them to pass along major savings. Simple, delicious, easy meals. That's a real gift! EveryPlate (Starting at $50.00)—Buy Now!
Tovala
Tovala
Tovala is redefining meal delivery! How? With the Tovala oven. This baby is a 6-in-1 steam + air fry oven that's specially designed to create the meals Tovala delivers. Scan the QR code and you're off. Or, scan the barcode of your favorite groceries, pantry staples, and frozen foods, for quick delicious results. When you feel like cooking, keep it simple. Follow a few prep steps in the app, then press “cook” to a make a chef-perfected side dish, brunch, or lunch. When they say "smart oven", they mean it! Tovala Smart Oven ($99.00+) & Meal Plan (Starting at $9.99/meal)—Buy Now!
Winc
Winc
Winc is our favorite way to try out new wines and enjoy ones we already love! This monthly subscription service pairs you with bottles and blends catered to your specific tastes. How do they know what makes your tastebuds tingle? Winc creates your wine profile after you answer 6 (yep—only 6) questions and sends you an exclusive selection of vinos based on your answers. You'll rate each bottle and Winc will continue to tailor their recommendations to your preferences as they get to know you! It's a fantastic way to discover new flavors, learn about different regions, and always have a bottle on hand for a special evening (even if having the bottle on hand is what makes the evening special!). Give a Winc Gift—Start Here!
Monthly Muse Art Inspiration Box
Etsy
Jump start the creative process with the Monthly Muse box! Perfect for beginners figuring out where to start, DIY enthusiasts, and artists just looking for inspiration. The Monthly Muse Box Includes: 22 different art prompts/activities on their own 4x6 numbered watercolor paper, prompt instruction packet, additional colored paper to be use for specific exercises, Micron pen 02, pencil, colored tape, art print (4x6”), and a coloring sheet (4x6"). 1, 3, and 6 month options available. Monthly Muse Art Inspiration Box ($35.00+)—Buy Now!
Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar
Whether you're someone who practices sobriety as a lifestyle, is taking a break, is pregnant, or just looking for more options this holiday season, Raising the Bar has to be your first stop. Their incredible alcohol-free subscription service is the perfect way to explore zero-proof cocktails. Each box features a drink of the month recipe card, all the ingredients needed to create it, and one or two extras, like a garnish or bar tool.
With alcohol-free spirits and teas, syrups, bitters, and tonics, and juices, mixes, and carbonation, Raising the Bar has created fun, sophisticated, and super yummy cocktails that are so good, you won't miss the booze. Each month is something new, so although RTB offers a month-to-month subscription option, we highly recommend their 3, 6, or 12 month options! Raising the Bar Non-Alcoholic Subscription Box (Starting at $50.75/month)—Buy Now
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We’re partial to the fajitas and the baked chicken spaghetti recipes
Busy weeknights don’t have to equal fast food, especially when you own a pressure cooker. From healthy soups to savory tenderloin and spicy fajitas, these recipes and meal prep ideas are all about Instant Pot freezer meals that will take your daily dinners from drab to fab. Get ready to add a ton to your weekly recipe rotation.
Pinch of Yum's wild rice soup is just what the cold weather ordered. It is easy to freeze and even easier to make (try a vegetarian version or add chicken). It's comfort food that packs in veggies, spices and a healthy dose of flavor.
Kid-friendly and packed with pineapple, The Salty Pot's Instant Pot sweet & sour meatballs get dinner on the table in a flash. It's simple to stow all the prepped ingredients into a bag and pull out just in time to add to your pressure cooker.
Happy Money Saver's recipe for shredded beef fajitas will quickly become a family fave. The meaty mixture cooks for 60 minutes in your Instant Pot and needs only a side of tortillas and lime before enjoying.
Hearty and savory, these Instant Pot Unstuffed Peppers from Adventures of a Nurse are a quick one-pot meal. Rice, ground beef and peppers cook straight from the freezer for just four minutes, and dinner is done!
This dump-and-go freezer meal from Meal Plan Addict is great for any time of the year, but especially in cold weather months. Everyone will enjoy this savory dish; you can cook from frozen or pull out the ingredients the night before to thaw in the fridge.
A fave for chilly nights or football games, this Instant Pot chili from Recipes from a Pantry is quick and to the point. Prepped meat and veggies can be thawed overnight and cooked up in just 15 minutes in your IP for a healthy and hearty weeknight meal.
Whether you're a diehard vegetarian or just prepping for a Meatless Monday, this Vegetable Soup recipe from Thriving Home is packed with healthy ingredients no one can resist. Easy to prep, meal planning is a cinch with this tasty dinner. Get the full recipe from Thriving Home.
Great for picky eaters and busy nights, this cheesy taco pasta dish from Bake Me Some Sugar is just what your weeknight ordered. Savory meat, adorable mini shells, cheese and lots of flavorful seasonings make this one-pot dish come together quickly. Just add a salad and dinner is done.
Are you looking for a flavor-packed dinner? Pressure Cooking Today's recipe for Thai chicken thighs is where it's at! Boneless chicken thighs and peanut sauce are just a few flavorful ingredients that can be frozen together then dumped into your pressure cooker. All you need to do is add a few fresh ingredients like green onions and peanuts.
This savory pasta e Fagioli soup from Sparkles to Sprinkles is great for chilly nights. To prep, add all your ingredients except the pasta. When it's time to make dinner, just add in the pasta before cooking.
This chicken Caesar wraps recipe from Foody Schmoody is perfect for a lighter meal. Frozen chicken is quickly cooked and shredded, then combined with yummy Caesar dressing before adding to a tortilla.
Even if you’re waiting until closer to the 14th, that doesn’t mean you can’t wow them with the best last minute Valentine’s Day gifts!
It happens: between Valentine’s Day classroom parties, work potlucks, and the general busyness (and maybe a bit of stress) of the day-to-day, you can’t always spend a ton of time searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day present. Shopping for anything other than groceries these days can feel next to impossible. We’re right there with you. Of course, your loved ones already know you love them! We just never miss an opportunity to show them; even if it means we have to wait until the eleventh hour. The good news is that we’ve rounded up the best last minute Valentine’s Day gifts out there.
Last minute doesn’t mean “boring” or “thoughtless”—not in our book. We have something for everyone, so they’ll never even know you weren’t able to make it to the store (though we’re pretty sure they wouldn’t be mad). Unique gift cards, amazing flowers, and everything in between is all right here. We recommend serving these with a side of a heartfelt card and a really big hug, or a super sweet text message with lots of emojis if you’re sending long-distance. But no matter how you present your present, you can be sure with this list of the best last minute Valentine’s Day gifts, love will most definitely be in the air!
Keepsake Red Rose Heart Wreath
These red roses make it next to impossible to tell that they're faux. 1-800 Flowers Real Touch roses are stunning and stay fresh forever, so this pretty rose wreath can stay hanging up all year!
Homesick's Love Letters candle is a blend of custom fragrance oils with top notes of rose petals and jasmine; mid notes of sandalwood and peony; and base notes of lemon and red plum. It's the perfect romantic blend! Add this sweet lightweight pink scarf and the cute gift box and you're all set!
Valentine's doesn't have to only last one day! With these love notes, a whole month of sweet sentiments are each individually enclosed in a linen cardstock envelope featuring artwork exclusive to 1-800-Flowers.com. The classic red fabric heart box holds 14 assorted Godiva Chocolates (those probably won't last a whole month, though).
Roses, ranunculus, and dianthus blend together to create a unique color combination that feels like a modern take on the always-loved classic red rose bouquet!
A new take on the BFF heart necklace, these cute succulents come in a potted set in pink and black. Keep one and give the other to your love, best friend, or favorite coworker, or display both of them as a symbol of a full heart!
This is the ultimate in self-care! Use the rose quartz facial roller to de-puff and improve circulation, then light the Brooklyn Candle Studio candle, indulge in the Mast mini chocolates, and find a place for the charming air plant.
We're just gonna say it: the gift of travel has to be one of the most romantic out there, and since it's digitally delivered, it takes less than 5 minutes to grant your love's adventurous wish!
Giving the busy parent in your life the gift of an extra pair of hands thanks to Yohana! From meal-planning, birthday party coordination, grocery shopping, and more, Yohana helps you get done everything you need to get done in a snap.
BabyQuip is the baby gear rental service that meets you where you're at—hotel, Airbnb, private residence—so you don't have to lug a bunch of clunky baby gear when you travel!
If you're not sure what their favorite cocktail is, or if you know they prefer to peruse cabernets or margarita mixes themselves, a gift card to Total Wine is the way to go!
This is the romantic dinner of the year—better make it special! Blue Apron makes it easy (as they do with everything!) with premium seared scallops, a rich tomato sauce, asparagus, and a side of crispy garlic bread. You can even add a beautiful charcuterie board or decadent caramel macchiato pie! Pop the cork on a bottle of Blue Apron's bubbly and you have a memorable at-home date night!
Available for delivery the week of February 13. Order by February 8 to receive in time for Valentine’s Day.
Candles are a great gift, and Scent Lab takes picking one out to a whole new level! Take their 60-second discovery quiz and their proprietary algorithm leads you to create the perfect scent for you. It's so much fun and you'll be blown away by how amazing your personalized candle smells!
Get that glow before spring! The PMD Personal Microdermabrasion Kit is a fab gift for all skin types. It's also available on Amazon Prime, so it'll come in time for the big day!
This book contains fill-in-the-blank lines for you to customize and tell your sweetheart why you love them! It's on Prime, but make sure to give yourself some time to fill in the blanks. With over 61K reviews on Amazon, this gift is a sure thing!
Clevr Blends was listed as one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2022, and for good reason! Creamy, barista-style lattes infused with superfoods, adaptogens and probiotics—just add hot water and sip anywhere, and a clean oat milk creamer (a blend of oat milk and coconut cream for coffee-shop texture. Gently sweetened with monk fruit, no refined sugar, no aftertaste.). This kit includes a Clevr Blends Chai Tea Latte (spicy and energizing) and Golden Tumeric (a caffeine-free mood booster!). It also includes a hand-held frother and scoop!
The original faux fur blanket is now bigger and better than ever. Ultra-soft, extra large, and weighted for cozy therapeutic benefits, UnHide is the ultimate snuggle buddy. Available in 9 colors! Too big? Don't forget to check out the UnHide Lil' Marsh! Both available on Amazon Prime.
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As we welcome the new year, it’s time to introduce healthy routines and reevaluate your family’s eating habits. With a well-balanced regimen and meal plan that the entire household can partake in, your kiddos will learn the importance of nutrition and adopting a wholesome lifestyle.
While it can be tough to get children on board with eating nourishing foods—we’re looking at you, pantry full of snacks—involving them in the decision-making process for meal-time and asking for a lending hand in the kitchen can get the excitement rolling.
To help kickstart your family’s wellness journey, we’ve turned to foodie mom Meghan Allen of @raisingtwinboys for inspiration. With eight-year-old twin boys of her own, Allen knows how important it is to raise healthy eaters who play a role in creating the food they eat.
“We watch cooking shows together and sometimes pick out recipes online to make and try,” Allen says. “They love trying new foods and often put their own spin on them by adding or removing ingredients. We consider cooking an art form and allow them to play around in the kitchen.”
With Sun-Maid’s classic raisins, Allen shares fun, creative and easy breakfast recipes that her sons Hayden and William have tested—and approved. Read on to learn how to make these on-the-go options for busy school mornings.
Build-Your-Own Overnight Oats
Even the pickiest of eaters will look forward to breakfast with these simple yet delicious build-your-own overnight oats that can be made in advance of a hectic school week. “These are made with ingredients you probably have in your pantry already and they can be customized to your and your kiddos’ taste, which makes them a crowd pleaser,” Allen adds.
Ingredients (Makes 4 Jars):
4 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
2 cups Milk of your choice (I used Almond)
8 Tbsp. Almond Butter
1 cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
4 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
Toppings of your choice, we love:
Blueberries
Strawberries (sliced)
Coconut Chips
Cacao Nibs
Bananas (sliced)
Walnuts
Directions Per Jar:
Pick your favorite jar with a lid.
Add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to your jar.
Add 1 Tbsp. chia seeds on top of almond butter.
Add 1 cup oats to cover chia seeds.
Add ½ cup of your choice of milk to cover the oat mixture.
Add ¼ cup of Sun-Maid California Raisins on top.
Top with additional toppings of choice! We loosely use 1-2 Tbsp. of blueberries, strawberries, coconut chips, cacao nibs, bananas and walnuts per jar.
When done building, cover each jar with a lid, chill overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours.
No-Bake Cacao-Raisin Energy Bites
Need a boost in the morning? These bite-sized treats, generously stuffed with cacao and Sun-Maid raisins, can do just the trick. Allen recommends customizing the recipe by rolling the energy bites in shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs. “Sun-Maid is a staple in our house,” says Allen. “[These] can help guide moms, like me, who are looking for easy solutions to breakfast and weekday morning chaos.”
Ingredients:
½ cup Almonds
½ cup Walnuts
2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
¼ to ½ Tsp. Salt
¾ cup Sun-Maid California Raisins
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
½ cup Almond Butter
1-2 Tbsp. Water
Toppings of your choice, we love:
Shredded Coconut
Extra Sesame Seeds
Cacao Nibs
Directions:
Prep a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Pour all ingredients, except almond butter, into a food processor.
Use “pulse” button to blend.
Add ½ cup of almond butter into food processor.
Use “pulse” button again to blend.
Form small balls from mixture and add to baking sheet. It’s best to form them into the size of a ping-pong ball.
To add some variety to your bites, roll them with toppings of your choice such as shredded coconut, sesame seeds or cacao nibs.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours prior to serving.
We’re getting all the everyday cooking help we need during the holidays from HelloFresh (and maybe an extra peppermint mocha)
Have you done it yet? Taken out the file folder filled with handwritten recipes? Dusted off the holiday cookbook and flipped straight to the dog-eared pages? Opened those bookmarks in your browser to make sure you have everything you need? What are we talking about? Holiday eating, of course! Or, more specifically, holiday cooking. And, is it just us, or does all of that baking, cooking, plating, and packing for the season make your day-to-day meals feel sort of…daunting? Everyday cooking during the holidays has been a serious challenge for us.
It’s is the sort of meal planning and execution that tends to be a little tricky on the best days. This time of year, add shopping, packing, wrapping, ordering, school recitals, company coming and going, decorating…we need help. And while you’ve probably heard of HelloFresh, if you’re anything like we were, you may not know just how much of a difference it can make. Frankly, we thought it sounded too good to be true. It’s not.
You think you know how HelloFresh works, but let's be sure.
Pick a plan.HelloFresh isn't one-size fits all, and especially as parents, that's music to our ears.
What do you prefer? Meat and veggies? Family-friendly? Fit and wholesome? Quick and easy (although, we have to say, it feels like all of their options are quick and easy). Whatever works best for you and the ones you're feeding, there's a choice that's perfect for you. There are over 100 choices each week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more! Oh, and if that wasn't personalized enough for you, make it your own with HelloCustom!
HelloCustom is now included in all plans and gives you the option to change, swap, or upgrade 12+ sides and proteins every week. That means a menu that's uniquely your own with each delivery. Your kid's ever-changing likes and dislikes are covered.
Finish off your picks by selecting the number of people gathering around the table and the number of recipes (full meals) you want each week and you're set. If you need to cancel, change meals, or skip a week? It's no problem.
If you thought that was easy...
Your meal choices show up on your front porch like magic. Okay, so that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but we're not sorry. Full meals are dropped at our door and all we have to do is bring it inside. That feels pretty magical to us.
Maybe you're already used to getting your weekly groceries delivered, but this is next-level. No grocery delivery we've ever used portions and divides up our ingredients into their own labeled bags for us to easily slide into the fridge until we're ready to use them.
And now for the fun part, chef!
Since HelloFresh ingredients go straight from the farm to your door (we can't say that about the grocery store, can we?), you know you're opening something, well, fresh. Each pre-portioned meal comes with divided ingredients, easy-to-follow recipe cards, and clear nutritional info.
And remember that part where you didn't have to fight your way through the store and dig each individual ingredient out of fridge? That means that we enjoy cooking so much more now. We're able to relax, know we have what we need, and enjoy the whole process.
And the whole time, you're saving money!
We loooooove saving money. And we love it even more during the holidays. And we extra-super love it when we can save money and get the best for ourselves and our families. HelloFresh is 25% cheaper than take-out. Cheaper than grocery shopping. Starting at $7.99 a meal, HelloFresh is a wallet-friendly way to eat well and have fun while doing it.
Did we mention the whole "sustainability" thing?
HelloFresh takes sustainablyreally seriously. They're diligent in sourcing their ingredients from responsible suppliers, and source renewable electricity for all their facilities. HelloFresh also works hard through community impact programs to provide fresh meals to people experiencing food insecurity.
Oh, and you can play a part! Almost all of HelloFresh's packaging is recyclable, down to the ice packs. There's even instructions on exactly how to do it, too, so you don't have to work really hard to do do this part, either!
There’s a reason HelloFresh is America’s #1 meal kit with the most 5-star reviews. It’s been voted #1 four years running in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. And it’s easy (the word of the day) to see just how HelloFresh can make your days so much better. Right now, get 16 free meals + 3 free gifts when you try HelloFresh!
Give yourself back time, money, and love of the kitchen again. We think that’s the kind of gift that’ll last all year.
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.
A family vacation where the planning is done by experts and your kids get to make new friends along the way? Where do we sign up?
If you think meal planning and after-school activity juggling is hard enough—try planning an epic family vacation. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone! Family-focused group tour companies like National Geographic Expeditions and Adventures by Disney are there to handle all the travel planning details—from where you’ll stay and how you’ll get there to what you’ll see and do while you’re exploring the world. All you and your globe-trotting brood will have to do is pack your bags and go!
Group tours are also perfect friend-finders, with families being placed together so that kids have instant BFFs (which, let’s be honest, makes things easier for everyone!). So whether you want to climb Machu Picchu, horseback ride in the Wild West, or stay in a 13th century castle in Wales, here are some small group tour companies for families that can make it happen:
National Geographic Expeditions Family Journeys
Photo Courtesy of G Adventures
It's only fitting that the company that brought nature up close and personal to the world with its stunning photographs and stories would also want to bring people up close and personal to nature...in real life! National Geographic Expeditions' Family Journeys aim to give multigenerational families "a meaningful way to discover the world together," with epic itineraries that will give travelers a front-row seat to nature's (and mankind's) majesty. All of its trips are inspired by National Geographic’s photography and storytelling as well as its focus on culture, history, wildlife, and geography.
Group size: No more than 20 people.
Destinations include: France, Costa Rica, Peru, Japan, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, Iceland, Morocco, Alaska, Yellowstone & Grand Teton.
Coolest-Sounding Trips: The Alaska Family Vacation takes families on a catamaran cruise to watch massive ice chunks crash into the sea while scanning for orcas, humpbacks, and other local sea life. This, before walking a winding boardwalk through the northernmost rainforest in North America; pulling a hand-operated tram high above a rushing river; taking a wildlife safari in Denali Park; touring quirky local towns; and snuggling with sled dogs. Another fave is the Peru Family Vacation, which leads intrepid explorers through the bustling local markets of several Peruvian cities to the peaks of the famed Lost City, where you'll arrive at sunrise to admire the views and end the day with a train ride back to the town of Cusco (which, your kids will learn, was once lined with Inca gold!). The trip also includes a motorized canoe ride through the jungle and three days In the Amazon rainforest, where you can all be on the lookout for toucans, monkeys, and anacondas while learning from experts about the medicinal uses for local plants.
Cost: Prices range from about $1,800 per person to $5,300 per person, depending on the trip and date.
What's included: Accommodations, arrival transfer, transportation for scheduled activities, breakfast daily, some lunches and dinners, snacks, water, and scheduled activities, as well as the services of two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers).
Hiking with kids can be a gamble. The question is always: Will they get tired after 20 minutes and demand to be carried, sherpa-style, the rest of the way? Backroads, a luxury adventure tour company, wants to make sure all goes well with your active travel goals—even with the littles in tow. Their family journeys specialize in trips that center on hiking, biking, kayaking, and sailing—with adventures designed to be suitable for the smaller set but thrilling for all. You'll be joined by other families as well as three experienced trip leaders who will keep everyone motivated and learning as they explore Backroads' various destinations around the globe.
Group Size: Up to 26 people (with an average of 18)
Destinations include: Costa Rica, Czech Republic & Austria, Dolomites (Italy), Galápagos, Germany to Austria, Ireland, Thailand, the Great Smoky Mountains, Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills, North America, and Hawaii.
Coolest-Sounding trips: The Dolomites Multi-Adventure Tour takes families on a bike ride between majestic mountain peaks and through the countryside on the twisting-turning trails of old railroad lines before ascending the hills to make like a Von Trapp and hike the mountaintops. Travelers will take a scenic chairlift ride to see the Dolomites' famous stone pinnacles—as well as explore historic World War I trenches and dine at a traditional hiker’s hut along the way. Kids will get a rock-climbing lesson from an expert mountaineer; grown-ups will enjoy an Italian wine tasting.
Want to stay closer to home? Another popular trip is the Yellowstone & Tetons Montana's Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour. This adventure, which is suitable for kids 6 and up, will take you and your fam on a multi-state trip across the canyons, rivers, and gorges of the Wild West by way of raft, bikes, horse, and hike. You'll see a menagerie of local wildlife (it's where the buffalo roam!) as you make your way past the Tetons, up into the hills, and past erupting geysers including Old Faithful himself.
Note: There are always sag wagons driving alongside during bike rides in case anyone gets too tired to bike. Also, families can decide ahead of time what route they want to take to make sure their biking or hiking itinerary isn't too tough for little legs.
Cost: Trips start at about $3,000 a person.
What's included: Three trip leaders, including a dedicated "Kids Adventure Leader" who orchestrates children's activities (including an hour or two per day of kids-only fun!); van shuttles to support a variety of route options; private guided tours; gratuities at hotels and restaurants; snacks, drinks, breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners (one lunch and one dinner are on your own); comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information. For biking and multi-adventure trips, all equipment is provided (including a Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories—as well as trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for kids).
Ages: 4+ (kids have to be 9+ to ride their own bike, and some activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, rafting, and rock climbing have age restrictions).
Ah, Disney. You just know how to do things right. The company's expertly-curated adventures offer a first-class traveling experience like no other. From being treated to a private showing of the Royal Crown Jewels to spending the night in a 16th-century castle, Disney gives families adventures that go beyond the thrills of its theme parks—with the same attention to detail that the brand is known for. You'll also get dedicated guides trained by Disney to be kid-approved. That means that while one of your guides is telling you about a destination, another is finding a super-fun way to make it cool for your kids. As for the excursions, expect immersive, authentic experiences that entrench you into faraway cultures, with local experts called upon to help groups engage with the people and traditions of each destination.
Group size: 35-40 people
Destinations include: Egypt, South Africa, England & France, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, Danube River (stops in four countries), Iceland, Italy, Norway, Antarctica & Patagonia, and various areas of the U.S. and Canada.
Coolest-Sounding trips: Want a whirlwind tour of four countries? Disney's Danube River Cruise offers an eight-day float down the Danube River aboard a luxury river cruise ship—with eight stops in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Explore castles, hike mountains, bike along the Danube River, and learn to waltz in the ballroom of a Slovakian palace. Highlights include a boat ride across the underground lake of a 7,000-year-old salt mine; and a walk across the Tree Path Kopving, where you'll get to traipse above the trees and get a panoramic view of the Austrian Alps via a network of connected wooden bridges.
Devoted Disney fans might want to book the Disneyland Resort & Southern California trip, where they'll get a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of California Adventure and Disneyland (including getting front-of-the-line passes and VIP seating for all parades and shows). The trip also includes VIP tours of Disney Studios, Disney Imagineering, and the Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood—as well as a walking tour of Hollywood and lunch at the century-old Tam O'Shanter, Walt's favorite Hollywood restaurant.
Cost: Trips start at about $4,000 per person.
What's included: All accommodations, transportation (excluding airfare) and transfers; admission fees to museums and attractions; most meals, snacks, drinks, and tips; two adventure guides plus local experts; activities (including zip-lining, rock climbing, art lessons, etc.).
Ages: 5+ (though the recommended age varies by destination)
This family-focused travel company became the first of its kind when it opened in 1998, with its mission being to create travel experiences that could thrill the kids as much as their parents and grandparents. Its unique "Friends Across Borders" program aims to broaden perspectives by connecting travelers with local families, scheduling meetups so kids of different backgrounds can play soccer, share a meal, or just hang out (kids can also become pen pals before even meeting in person!). Groups of 8 or more will also get a "Rafiki" (it's the Swahili word for friend), whose main job Is to engage the kids to socialize with each other, learn the local language, and learn about the local plants and wildlife.
Group size: About 6-10 people.
Destinations include: Italy, the Azores, Morocco, Tanzania, Baja, Costa Rica, Ecuador/Galapagos, Peru, Japan, Thailand, Canada, Hawaii, and Yellowstone.
Coolest-Sounding trips: Active families will love the Galapagos Multisport Adventure, which will take you and your family snorkeling around the mangroves of Santa Cruz Island, trying surf lessons in island water swells, kayaking Academy Bay, hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, planting a tree in the Santa Cruz Highlands, and learning about the local plants and animals of the Galapagos (including spotting the lumbering and adorable giant tortoises!).
Want a more urban escape? The Japan Family Vacation offers a jam-packed whirlwind through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and the KII Peninsula, where families will experience an astounding array of Japanese history and culture. Highlights include touring the trendy city of Harajuku (and singing in a traditional "karaoke box"); taking a bullet train to Osaka; riding bikes through the rural town of Asuka; learning taiko drumming from a world-famous drumming troupe; walking the Kumano Ancient Trail; taking a jet boat ride through emerald waters; touring the 17th-century Nijo Castle; and meeting local students for games.
Cost: Trips start at $3,790 per person.
What's included: A pre-departure specialist who can answer questions before the trip; a private guide during the trip (plus a "Rafiki" for groups of 8 or more); hotel accommodations, including tax and service charges; private transfers; ground transportation; local flights; most meals (varies by itinerary), snacks and water; all activities; entrance fees to parks or museums.
Intrepid Travel prides itself in what its North American Director Matt Berna calls "a way for families to use the power of tourism as a force for good.” That means that while families are zip-lining over rainforests, catching an overnight train in Egypt, or traveling via tuk-tuk through the streets of Bangkok—they're also learning how they can help make the world a better place.
Destinations include: Gambia, Ghana Namibia, Zanzibar, Armenia, Pakistan, China, Belize, Honduras, Panama, Egypt, Turkey, North America, Antarctica, Greenland, Brazil, Argentina, the U.S., and across Europe.
Coolest-Sounding trips: The Borneo Family Holiday takes families to Batu Puteh, a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River., where the hosts for the night are the local community-run conservation organization KOPEL (whose aim is to provide villagers with the means of making a sustainable living from the forest). You'll stay in stilt houses made of upcycled wood. deep in the jungle—with no electricity or generator so as not to disturb the wildlife. Families also get to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, which works to re-introduce domesticated or orphaned orangutans back into the wild.
Another popular tour is the Morocco Family Holiday. Families will get to visit a traditional mountain village in the High Atlas Mountain of Aroumd, where they'll learn a little of the Berber language, gain insight into a traditional Berber family and help cook bread in the traditional way on an open wood fire. They'll also get to explore colorful marketplaces of Marrakech (they have real, live snake charmers!), and ride atop a camel along the beach.
Sierra Club Outings offers what it calls "environmentally-friendly adventure travel," with its mission being to bring families up close and personal with the beauty of nature so that they can then go off into the world and protect it. The outings are led by Sierra Club volunteers and take groups on active trips that include rafting, hiking, canoeing, and volunteering—as well as service trips that'll have you helping rebuild villages, restoring native plant habitats, and picking up trash at wildlife refuges. Accommodations range from shared lodges to basic camping tents and mountain huts.
Group size: 10 to 12 people.
Destinations include: Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Antarctica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, India, Canada, Israel, Europe, The Caribbean, U.S. (many National Parks), Panama, and many more.
Coolest-Sounding trips: The Sun, Service & Whales trip to Maui gives travelers a taste of island life while also giving back. The work aspect of the trip includes weeding, planting, and clearing invasive species as well as picking up trash or doing other projects. On the non-service day, volunteers get a chance to go out on a Zodiac to observe the migrating humpback whales—who come to the islands between November and April to breed and give birth—and snorkel and swim in a protected cove. Swimming and snorkeling is also possible after the work portion of the day on other days as well. Note: The condo you'll stay in is shared with other travelers—mainly adults—so this trip is recommended for older kids (12+).
Ski families will want to try the Gliding Through Glacier National Park trip, which takes adventurers on a cross-country and downhill ski journey through the mountains of Montana, where they'll view local wildlife with expert guides and stay in luxurious lodge accommodations (this is one of the few Sierra Club outings that doesn't have shared accommodations!). The trip requires a minimum skiing ability of advanced beginner to intermediate.
Cost: Trips start at about $595 per person.
What's included: Accommodations (which are often shared with other travelers); airport transfers; meals and snacks; activities.
Ages: Varies by trip, but we recommend 12+ due to the physical difficulty of many of the active adventures. Many of the trips are adult-only, but teens are welcome, and family trips are offered periodically. Check the website for details.
A century-old travel company, Tauck launched its Bridges family venture in 2004 to cater to globe-trotting grown-ups who didn't want to slow down just because they had a few kids in tow. The company now offers family trips designed to build deeper connections to local cultures while keeping multi-generations of travelers entertained. Whether via snorkeling, zip-lining, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, or river cruising, expeditions aim to give travelers a unique look at the world through immersive hands-on activities. Families are grouped together and accompanied by two guides (three plus a host family on river cruises) who stay with the group throughout the trip.
Group size: Up to 40 for land adventures; up to 130 on river cruises.
Destinations include: Tauck operates in 65 countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, India, Nepal, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Jordan, Peru, Costa Rica, and throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Coolest-Sounding trip: The Italia Bella tour gives families everything they'd want in an Italy vacation—Rome! Pisa! Venice! Florence!—with exclusive experiences Tauck has developed over its many years of traveling the region. Families will get an after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel; experience dinner board a pirate ship on the Venice waterways; learn to make gelato at a 17th-century cooking school in Rome; and spend two nights on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon at San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice, winner of Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 "Top Hotels in Italy/Venice."
The Castles & Kings tour of London and Paris is also a bucket lister, with wow factors including an after-hours tour of the Louvre; a visit to the Palace of Versailles; a speedboat ride down the River Thames, a private double-decker bus tour of London, an interactive London "Spy Walk," a peek into the Windsor Castle, a private capsule aboard the towering London Eye, tickets to a hit show in London's West End theater district. The tour also includes travel aboard the Eurostar train from London to Paris.
Cost: Trips start at about $3,000 per person.
What's included: Private guides, accommodations, transportation/transfers, gratuities, most meals & drinks, activities, and museum/attraction fees.
Ages: 3+ (with some exceptions—the minimum age for river cruises is 4; safaris is 5+; Galápagos cruises, 6+).
If you're an outdoorsy family looking for a smaller group experience, this may be your best bet. Austin Adventures aims to keep its groups at a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, with guides trained to keep kids (and their parents) entertained throughout the journey. You'll be paired with one or two other families and taken to the Great Outdoors on trips that include horseback riding, glacier trekking, kayaking, trail biking, and hiking—while visiting destinations around the world. Personalized touches abound: You'll even get a call before you leave to ask about your kids' favorite foods, so you can rest assured your tiny explorers will be sufficiently fueled for the journey.
Destinations include: North America, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Austria, France, Iceland, Botswana, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Group size: Average of 12 people
Coolest-Sounding trips: The popular Yellowstone and Grand Teton Family Adventure gives families everything they'd want in a trip to these two treasured national parks. You'll pedal winding bike paths, raft Wyoming’s finest whitewater rapids, kayak between mountain ranges and hike to high overlooks of Yellowstone's own Grand Canyon—while by night you'll stay in luxurious lodges where the views of the sky are unparalleled.
Want to try something more exotic? The Croatia Family Vacation takes families to the often-overlooked "Pearl of the Mediterranean," where they'll get to bike through picturesque villages, hike mountainous coastlines, sea kayak the peaceful emerald-colored waters, and take a private boat ride to an island vineyard.
Cost: Trips start at about $3,800 per person.
What's included: Accommodations; all meals, snacks, and receptions (except one dinner on own your own); two guides and knowledgeable local partners; equipment for active travel (bikes, helmets, etc.); Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip; Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service; pre-departure and packing information; taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
If you've been wondering when your little adventurer is old enough to try white water rafting, the answer is: Probably younger than you think! OARS has been offering rafting and kayaking adventures for families for more than 50 years, with paddlers as young as 4 enjoying the ride. You'll be joined by experienced guides (with a 1:4 guest-to-guide ratio!) and matched with other families for multi-day adventures that include rafting or kayaking by day and hiking, cookouts, and camping by the riverside in the afternoons and evenings. Want just a taste of adventure? There are one-day trips as well!
Destinations include: Rivers in the U.S. and Canada as well as waterways of Croatia, Cuba, Fiji, Galapagos, Botswana, Costa Rica, and Peru.
Coolest-Sounding trip: The Lower Klamath River trip is the perfect intro to river rafting that's great for kids as young as 4. With gently bubbling waters through scenic canyons and warm waters just right for swimming, it's enough of a thrill for the littles without making any parents nervous about the whitewater. When they're not in the water, families will spend their time on gentle hikes, picking blackberries, or enjoying meals and campouts by the river.
If your kids are a little older and you want a little more adrenaline flowing, the Lower Salmon River 4 or 5-day expedition snakes its way through gorgeous Idaho river gorges via Class III rapids that are thrilling while still being safe for kids 7+, according to OARS. Families will camp out on sprawling sandy beaches with stargazing galore (they're some of the darkest skies in the nation!). In the calmer parts of the river, kids can choose from a whole fleet of boats, including paddle rafts, dories, inflatable kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Cost: Trips range from $120 per person for 1-day trips to $7,000 per person for a 13-day trip.
What's included: All rafting/kayaking equipment (including life jackets); All meals, desserts, and drinks; guides (including, for family trips, a designated ”Fun Director” who helps keep the kids entertained); a “Fun bag” stocked with games and toys for all ages; accommodations (including all camping equipment); sleep kits for camping.
Ages: 4+ (varies by trip, based on difficulty/risk)
Trafalgar prides itself on making a positive impact on the communities it visits. As a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to helping underprivileged communities and supporting sustainable tourism, it has donated more than $2 million to the cause since 2008. Its tours take families almost everywhere you'd want to travel, with destinations on all continents of the planet except Antarctica—with unforgettable touches the kids will appreciate. From becoming a Roman gladiator in Italy to ziplining down the side of a volcano in Costa Rica, there are adventures for all ages to be had.
Destinations include: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Botswana, Namibia, Egypt, Kenya, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Coolest-sounding trips: On the 8-day, Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes trip, families can embark on the ultimate jungle adventure The journey takes guests through the beaches and rainforests of Costa Rica, where they'll zipline through a cloud forest, float through canals and hike a volcano. Kids will learn about wildlife as they seek to spot sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and more. They'll travel to the district of Horquetas, where they’ll have the opportunity to connect with a local family before traveling to Sarapiquí, where they’ll visit a wildlife rehabilitation center. Later, guests will hike up the Arenal Volcano and then relax in the thermal springs.
Want to go back in time for a week? The Pioneer Adventures of the Old West is an 8-day adventure through Arizona and Utah’s Canyon Country that will transport families back to the Wild West. You'll explore the majestic sights of the deserts, lakes, and canyons—including trekking through the Sonoran Desert, traveling by train to the Grand Canyon (where you’ll wake up the next day to see the sunrise!), horseback riding Zion National Park, hiking Bryce Canyon, and taking a boat ride on Lake Powell before flying out of Las Vegas (where you can choose to extend your stay!).
Group size: Average of 30 people.
Cost: Trips start at about $2,000 per person.
What's included: A private travel director and driver; all accommodations; sightseeing activities; porterage and restaurant gratuities as well as hotel tips, charges, and taxes; breakfast daily and up to half of evening meals; audio headsets for flexible sightseeing; all transport and transfers; a luxury, air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi (in most countries) or alternative transportation (including rail journeys).
