Best Orlando Pools with Day Passes That Are Open to the Public

Enjoy a day of fun at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Photo courtesy of the hotel

There are many public pools near Orlando for families to cool off during the warmer months. Some of these Orlando pools have shallow wading areas and interactive play elements for kids, water slides, and even adjacent splash pads. For a true staycation (or daycation) experience, families can also book a pool day pass to swim at some incredible hotels with pools near Orlando, as well as many other awesome swimming pools in the area.

Door County With Kids: The Best Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin

Jacksonport Farmers Market. Photo by Mike Tittel, courtesy of Destination Door County.

Door County, Wisconsin has five state parks, 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 19 county parks, and 14 charming towns and villages. If that's not enough reason to plan a summer getaway here, how about dozens of festivals, a thriving arts scene, countless restaurants, and so many outdoor activities you'll have to decide what to do first? 

The idyllic peninsula is a five-hour drive from Chicago—and worth every mile. This guide has everything from what to do, what to see, and where to eat to help you make the most of your family trip to Door County, Wisconsin.

Looking for other vacation spots near Chicago? Check out this guide to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these fantastic weekend getaways, and this Midwest travel guide for more ideas. 

40 Best Things To Do in the Catskills with Kids

Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani

When you're up for a road trip, New York's Catskills offer a slew of great things to do for families. Whether you have young kids or tweens and teens—or all of the above!—you can enjoy hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

Let’s start with the basics: Where are the Catskills? Covering 600,000 acres and encompassing most of Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Schoharie counties, the Catskills are rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You'll find family-friendly skiing and picturesque resorts—including the sprawling Kartrite Resort—as well as charming small towns, like Saugerties, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Tannersville, and Delhi.

Most destinations are about a 2- to 3-hour drive from the New York metro area. Here’s a look at the 40 best things to do in the Catskills with the kids, no matter your family’s interests.

Looking for even more places to visit in your area and beyond? Check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Free Outdoor Movies in New Jersey this Summer

Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer.  Photo courtesy of Dreamworks Animation

Looking for FREE summer outdoor movies for New Jersey families? Here are some to add to your list.

See your favorite flicks under the stars this summer as beaches and parks throughout the state host FREE outdoor movies on supersized screens. Bring a blanket or beach chair (and maybe a little bug spray), and catch an old or new favorite.

Round out your summer plans with our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide!

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Splish Splash, Long Island's largest water park, reopens for the summer season this weekend. Photo courtesy Splish Splash

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

Slip and slide into Memorial Day weekend at Splish Splash as it opens for the season. And, be sure to keep your eye on the sky as the Bethpage Air Show jets into town. 

If you're looking to let loose, Big Bounce America continues its run at Broadway Commons in Hicksville, while the Flip Circus dazzles audiences under the big top at Walt Whitman Mall. 

Happy Memorial Day from all of us here at Mommy Poppins!

40 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Monica With Kids

Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Roberta Brown

Is there anything more iconic than the Pacific Pier, rising over the ocean with its sparkling Ferris wheel? Santa Monica is, in many ways, the most "LA" part of LA, and is number one on the list for most tourists, which is why locals tend to avoid the packed streets. 

For years I was partial to beaches north of Los Angeles, but a friend recently invited me for a beach day, and I discovered that the coastline further down the PCH is less crowded, incredibly spacious, and perfect for my little crew. After a blissful day splashing in the Pacific, I was sold on Santa Monica's shoreline and the rest of the city as well. 

Whether you are a local mom looking for adventure or an out-of-towner planning your day, here are 40 fantastic, tried-and-true recommendations for enjoying Santa Monica with kids. When you know where to look (and where to park), Santa Monica can be the perfect day out for everyone. 

Looking for more city guides? We can help you navigate around Pacific Palisades, Ventura, San Diego, Marina del Rey, and more seaside spots. Head to our day trips and weekend getaways guide for an extensive list of adventures in and around LA. 

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