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The Best Amusement Parks in America for Families, Thrill Seekers, and Bucket-List Travelers
My son asked me the other day if we could make it our goal this summer to visit as many amusement parks as possible. He’s on a big rollercoaster kick. And he knows how to appeal to his audience too because he said, “we can even make a vacation out of it!” While I don’t exactly want to spend my summer hopping from one theme park to the next, it did make me want to do some research to find out which parks are the best amusement parks in America and where they are located. What I learned is that if there’s one thing the United States does exceptionally well,…
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Best Family-Friendly Beaches on the East Coast
If you’ve followed along on my blog for a while, you know I’ve spent a lot of time covering the beaches out west—think sunny stretches in San Diego, iconic coastlines in Los Angeles, and more than a few unforgettable trips to the Hawaiian islands. But somewhere along the way, I realized something kind of wild…I had completely skipped over the best East Coast beach for families. And that was a huge oversight on my part because the East Coast is packed with charming beach towns, warm water, gentle waves, and boardwalks that feel like they were designed with kids in mind. We’ve spent many weeks splashing around in the Atlantic…
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Campgrounds with a Water Park: The Best RV Resorts in the U.S. with On-Site Water Fun
I love water parks, and I love camping. So anytime I have the opportunity to have a campsite with a water park just steps away, I jump at it. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the freedom of camping with the excitement of a full-blown waterpark, you’re clearly not alone. Campgrounds with a water park are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for families to vacation in the U.S. Instead of just a basic pool or lake access, these destinations go all-in with waterslides, lazy rivers, splash pads, wave pools, and massive aquatic play zones—all right on site at your RV resort or campground. For families, it’s a…
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Top 10 Most Amazing Water Parks in the United States
Discover America’s Ultimate Water Park Destinations I’ve already told you guys that I am a non-discriminatory traveler. I love resort stays, camping trips, theme park days, cruises… anything that can be considered a vacation. And you know that I love a resort with a lazy river and a waterslide, so you better believe I love a water park. Especially these water parks that are considered among the best in America. Planning a vacation around a water park makes perfect sense when that park features world-class attractions, resort-level amenities, and experiences your whole family will remember for years. These water parks deliver just that. Some of them, like The Atlantis and…
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Summer Vacation Ideas for Families (2026 Guide)
I’m a teacher, so I pretty much live for summer break if I’m being honest. Eight weeks of an almost wide-open calendar (I mean, we still have sports to work around) for me to plan travel adventures. We’ve made good use of our summer vacations so far. I know not everyone has the luxury of having the summer off. So whether you have three days to spare or ten, this guide will help you find the right summer vacation ideas for families of every size and style. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true summer vacation ideas for families looking to make some magical summer memories in 2026. What makes…
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Your Guide to Three Rivers, California
When I first saw pictures of Three Rivers California I knew I needed to plan a visit. The picturesque setting with mountains in the distance and the river going right through town, plus the fact that it’s right at the gateway to the Sequoia National Park, really sold me. The amazing scenery and landscapes of Three Rivers make it a truly memorable destination. Three Rivers is a charming little town and can make for a great stopping point on a longer road trip in California. Its location northeast of Sequoia National Park puts you close to key outdoor attractions. But it’s also a beautiful destination offering a perfect balance of…
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The Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S. (That Everyone Will Love)
There’s something timeless about a beach vacation. And while I love all kinds of vacation, beach vacations have always been among my favorite. If you want to plan the perfect family beach getaway, you’ve come to the right place. The best family beach vacations in the USA combine calm waters, kid-friendly activities, and easy access to accommodations. And they do this while offering something fun for every age. From the white-sand beaches of Florida to the scenic coastlines of California and Hawaii, there are incredible destinations across the country that are perfect for families. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of both, this guide covers the best…
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Best Things to Do on Balboa Island in Newport Beach
As a child, one of my favorite family summer outings was when my family would take a drive to Balboa Island in Newport Beach. We owned a timeshare in San Clemente, so this was a day trip we would do every year during the summer. And it was one of my favorite things to do in San Clemente. If you are planning a visit, these are my absolute favorite Balboa Island things to do. Balboa Island is located right in the heart of Orange County, but somehow has the charm of a sleepy beach town in a more remote location (although the parking definitely feels more Orange County-like). It’s a…
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Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Cruise
A Disney Cruise is something I always wanted to do with my kids, but it was something that my husband and I agreed would be a “one and done” kind of trip for us. First, like everything Disney, it’s a large financial investment. Second, our kids would be growing up, so by the time we could afford another trip, they’d likely be too old for Disney. Well, that was our initial thought, but before we even disembarked from our Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean cruise, we were already talking about our next Disney cruise adventure… Because this was supposed to be our one and only Disney cruise, we wanted to do…
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Top 4th of July Destinations Across the U.S.
Best Places to go for 4th of July in the U.S.: Top Cities, Lakes, and Beach Towns with Fireworks, Festivities, and Fantastic Stays If you’re dreaming of sparklers, parades, BBQs, and booming fireworks lighting up the night sky, then you’re probably already thinking about where to celebrate Independence Day this year. I live in San Diego, so I don’t usually have to travel far for fun 4th of July festivities. But I do love seeing how other cities celebrate. And let me tell you–some of these cities put us to shame! Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, there are cities, lakes, and beach towns across the U.S.…
