They have waterslides, kids’ clubs, nighttime performances, and top-notch restaurants all included with your stay

Escaping to an all-inclusive resort means guaranteed fun and ease for every member of the family, with everything you and your kiddos would want from a vacation—great dining, exciting and engaging activities, and more—available at your leisure. Mexico is a beautiful and affordable country to visit, easily accessible from most destinations in North America and beyond. Read on for some of our favorite Mexico all-inclusive resorts perfect for families. 

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun is a family friendly cancun resort
Royalton Luxury Resorts

This all-inclusive family-friendly Cancun resort opened in late December 2022. Ideal for generational vacations, the property welcomes you with sweeping, open views of the ocean and pools, as well as the main stage, which sits in the center of the resort. There are 12 restaurants that range from French cuisine to Indian food, Hunter's Steakhouse (a Royalton resort classic), Italian food served overlooking the Caribbean, a food truck serving up freshly-made quesadillas and tacos, and much more. The beach is a short step away from the pool, and there's a show every night that starts with kid-friendly activities and evolves into a party for adults. Read more about it here. 

Kids will love: the Royalton Splash is home to one of the largest water parks in Mexico, offering 14 waterslides and two lazy rivers to guests. There is a three-story kids' club and activities happen around the resort all day. 

Find out moreroyaltonresorts.splash-riviera-cancun

Hotel Xcaret México | Riviera Maya

Grupo Xcaret, the sustainable tourism company responsible for the Mexican Caribbean’s most famous parks and tours (all bearing signature X-letter names), is essentially the Disneyland of Mexico, and staying at their flagship resort is as magical as if it were Cinderella’s Castle itself. Beyond a beautiful beach and numerous pools, Hotel Xcaret also has still, glimmering rivers running through the property for guests to swim in, boat along, or simply gaze at. In addition to the amenities expected at any all-inclusive resort, you also get unlimited access, with transportation, to all of Xcaret’s pricey (but priceless) parks. Get ready for an active family vacay!

Kids will love: swimming in cenotes and meeting exotic wildlife at Xcaret, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and watersliding at Xel-Há, and the Mexican candy station at one of the resort’s many restaurants, Chibalí

Online: hotelxcaret.com/en/hotel-xcaret-mexico

Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences | Los Cabos

This is a dream resort to visit for extended families who want to travel together but might have different budgets at their disposal; rather than uncomfortably splurge or step down from the luxuries you are used to, Hacienda Encantada offers an incredibly wide range of accommodations with prices that suit everyone, while never compromising on quality and comfort. The property sits atop a lovely cliff outside of town (the views of the famed rock formation, El Arco, are stunning), but there’s ample opportunity to explore Cabo San Lucas between a free shuttle and a number of outside restaurants included in the resort’s all-inclusive dining plan.

Kids will love: splashing in the many pools available to them, whether that’s by the sand with family or with new friends at the water playground. The Residences also have private backyards and pools, perfect for rambunctious munchkins to run around in.

Online: haciendaencantada.com

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort | Riviera Maya

Both you and your niños will be enchanted with this resort upon arrival, as you’re immediately greeted by striking views of the horizon and sea, alongside lifesize whale shark wall illustrations that seem to cry out a friendly “Hello!” The kids club, Tortuguita (“little turtle”) has daily programming themes, ranging from guaranteed crowd pleasers like pirates and superheroes to more local specialties: the Mexico theme day includes piñata making and catrina (skull) face painting. Since you won’t be able to drag your brood away from the kids club, use the opportunity to visit the spa: it’s designed to look and feel exactly like a cenote, Mexico’s sacred natural sinkholes.

Kids will love: exploring Playa del Carmen, the cool beach town that the resort sits in the middle of. Take a walk down the main drag, Avenida Quinta, to see lots of cool shops and performers, or join the resort’s weekly bike tour around town.

Online: hyatt.com

Planet Hollywood Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort | Cancún

Whether you’re a parent to a budding Spielberg, or simply a kid who can recite their favorite movies line by line (by line… by line…), then the Planet Hollywood Mexico all-inclusive resort is bound to knock their socks off. Costumed characters will happily pose with fans young and old, sans any sort of line you would find at an amusement park, and classic memorabilia line the walls and fill the common spaces—the guest rooms even contain director chairs, mirror lighting worthy of Marilyn Monroe’s dressing room, and more. There’s an impressive restaurant list, of a higher caliber than the average all-inclusive, and nightly entertainment is full of Hollywood-level pizzazz, of course; their “Mexico night” features performances from traditional fire dances by Mayan warriors dressed in full regalia.

Kids will love: exciting attractions like Hollywood Fast Drivers, which lets anyone at least 4.6 feet (1.40 meters) tall “drive” (on a safe and short track) a rare, classic sports car from 0-62mph in less than 3 seconds! Shorter kiddos can ride in the passenger seat with an adult behind the wheel.

Online: all-inclusive.marriott.com/planet-hollywood-cancun

Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa | Riviera Maya

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck1puf5P-w1/?hidecaption=true

Grand Palladium is, through and through, the classic type of all-inclusive resort you imagine visiting in Mexico. But while other brands may have gotten too big or crowded, with the quality of food and service inevitably decreasing, these guys do it right. White Sand is one of four resorts on their Riviera Maya compound (sister resorts “Colonial” and “Kantenah” are also family-friendly, whereas the fourth, TRS Yucatan Hotel, is adults-only), which allows guests the unique opportunity of having both an intimate resort feel while being able to access the amenities (restaurants, pools, and more) of the neighboring resorts. If your kids (or spouse!) tend to get bored in one place quickly, this is the perfect answer.

Kids will love: the interesting animals they encounter, whether real (there is a large flock of flamingos that live on the property, as well as plenty of cute coatis, iguanas, and more) or “Raggs” (the resort mascots, colorful dog characters that entertain children throughout the resort by singing, dancing, reading stories, and posing for photos)

Online: palladiumhotelgroup.com

 

Next time you find yourself in a show hole, let one of these incredible series throw you a rope.

The jungles of Netflix are vast. So rather than bravely face the perilous cliffs of indecision in search of that elusive great series, you simply click on the brightest and shiniest binge, starring Hollywood’s most familiar faces. We get it. We do it, too. But you deserve better. So we’ve done the legwork for you.

Chopping through the glossy dramas, the buzzy thrillers, and the watercooler fodder, we’re unearthing the very best hidden gems on Netflix. Ahead, 10 series that range from horror fare ideal for the season to comedy therapy you’ll wish you’d tapped sooner; there’s a show to suit every mood. And there’s enough here to ensure you never get lost in the wilds of Netflix again without a compass of quality content.

Dark

Dark is a hidden gem on Netflix
Netflix

The best mind-bending missing-person thriller you’re not streaming is this German gem from series creator duo Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. But don’t worry; we’ll spoil nothing here. Just know that the hunt for a missing child unearths one town’s darkest secrets. It’s three seasons of piecing together a generation-jumping puzzle that all culminates to reveal one brilliant masterpiece.

Watch it here.

The OA

The OA is a hidden gem on Netflix
Netflix

Speaking of hidden gems, Brit Marling is one of the most enigmatic actors working today, but she’s yet to become a household name. A champion of independent storytelling, she stars in this series, which she also helped write, produce, and create. As for the nuanced plot, the story begins when a blind girl who went missing seven years prior returns—with her sight, and with a mysterious mission.

Watch it here.

Feel Good

Feel Good is a show on Netflix
Netflix

In the mood for love? Queue up this deadpan rom-com series from co-creator Mae Martin, who also stars. Based on Martin’s own journey to self-discovery, Feel Good juggles the complexities of modern relationships and the ever-shifting landscape of personal identity, with the hiccups of sobriety and the challenges of stand-up comedy, while making the audience laugh and cry along the way.

Watch it here.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls is a hidden gem on Netflix
Netflix

Yes, this is the hidden gem on Netflix your neighbor keeps telling you about but you have yet to watch. So, do that now. Set in Northern Ireland in the 1990s, this coming-of-age comedy sees 16-year-old Erin Quinn and her spirited friends trudge through the tumultuous landscape of adolescence amid the Troubles. With biting wit and a rebel spirit, these ladies will leave you in stitches.

Watch it here.

Cunk on Earth

Cunk on Earth
Netflix

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Cunk on Earth, a satirical take on the origins of civilization and humankind. Structured as a mockumentary, it stars Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk, a brilliantly stupid (don’t worry, it’s a compliment!) reporter not afraid to ask hard-hitting questions. Think: Borat meets Drunk History.

Watch it here.

Related: ‘Secret’ Netflix Codes to Help You Search for Kids’ Movies

Sweet Tooth

Sweet Tooth is a hidden gem on Netflix
Netflix

Fantasy, adventure, and the DC universe collide in this genre-blender from Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan. The story unfolds through a little boy/deer hybrid (his kind, the result of being born during the outbreak of the deadly H5G9 virus) on a mission to find his mother in a postapocalyptic, overgrown North America. You wouldn’t be far off thinking of it like The Last Us with a bit of Bambi.

Watch it here.

Kim’s Convenience

Kim's Convenience is on Netflix
Netflix

The corner store in this Toronto-set series is a hotbed of hilarity. It’s run by the Kim family, Korean immigrants who raised their children in a culture outside their own. Now all grown up, the kids frequent their parents’ biz, adding to the misadventures that keep the laughs coming. The show ran for five seasons, so there’s plenty of fodder to pair with the leftover snacks from your last gas station haul.

Watch it here.

Alice in Borderland

Alice in Borderland is a hidden gem on Netflix
Netflix

If you loved Squid Game and The Hunger Games, hit start on Alice in Borderland. A mix of fun times and gruesome nightmares, this series is a gamer’s fever dream. When Ryohei Arisu finds himself in a deserted, parallel-universe Tokyo, he and his friends are forced to tango with high-stakes games of chance; read: Play and win, or die by sky lasers. Simple as a game of hopscotch on a minefield.

Watch it here.

The End of the F***ing World

The End of the F***ing World
Netflix

Beyond the eye-popping title, this hidden gem on Netflix will surprise you. A British black comedy about two 17-year-old outsiders who hit the road to discovery, it’s more than your run-of-the-mill teenage comedy/coming-of-age bore; rather, it’s based on a graphic novel of the same name and doesn’t shy away from the dark corners of adolescence and bristly cusps of adulthood.

Watch it here.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Series of Unfortunate Events is on Netflix
Netflix

A visual feast of misfortune, mayhem, and moist coconut cake, this Netflix Original series stretches over three seasons, each one unraveling the mysteries and dark secrets of the Baudelaire family. After their parents die in a fire, three orphaned children are dropped into a delightfully dreadful world where nothing is as it seems. Oh, and NPH fans, the HIMYM vet is *chef’s kiss* as Count Olaf.

Watch it here.

Free kids’ movies like March of the Dinosaurs and Quest for Camelot will be instant pleasers

If your Netflix queue is looking a little stale, you might want to think about the treasure trove of free kids’ movies on YouTube. (we also happen to love these YouTube channels just for kids). You don’t need a subscription to watch, and even though you’ll have to sit through a few commercials before your movie, don’t let the ads turn you off. These free movies on YouTube are well worth your time. If you’re on the hunt for even more classics, scan through the best movies every kid should see before they grow up—and don’t forget some creative movie night snacks!

1. Thunder and the House of Magic

When Thunder, an adorable orange cat, is abandoned, he wanders the unfamiliar neighborhood looking for shelter. When chased by a big Dobermann, he finds himself in the local "haunted house," the home of an old magician named Mr. Lawrence. Thunder meets a terrified mouse named Maggie and her friend, Jack the Rabbit. When Mr. Lawrence is injured and his sly nephew tries to sell the home from under him, Thunder must join forces with Maggie and Jack to save the day. 

Best for ages: 5 and up.

Watch it here. 

2. Snow Queen

Before there was Frozen, there was Snow Queen. A more direct take on Hans Cristian Andersen's iconic tale, a young girl named Greta must battle the evil queen and rescue her friend in this free movie for kids on YouTube.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here

3. Arthur and the Minimoys

Follow 10-year-old Arthur as he tries to find a way to save his grandmother's house from being destroyed. He enters into a world of tiny creatures, who live in harmony with nature in search of treasure and, along the way, makes many discoveries.

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here

4. Pixies

Thanks to a Pixie's curse, Joe Beck has lost the love of his life, and now he needs to right a wrong from many years ago to end the curse.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here. 

5. Thomas & the Magic Railroad

Train lovers will love this live-action version of the iconic engine and friends. Mr. Conductor's (Alec Baldwin) supply of gold dust is critically low, and he needs the help of Lily, the granddaughter of a caretaker in charge of a magical steam engine, and Thomas the Train. They leave the imaginary island of Sodor and head to the real world to find more and meet the trouble-making Deisel Engine 10 along the way.  

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here

Related: 15 Free Full-Length Kids’ TV Shows on YouTube

free movies on Youtube for kids
You Tube

6. The Reef 

In this sweet free kids' movie on YouTube, a young fish named Pi loses everything and heads to the Reef and his family. There he meets a beautiful fish trying to ward off the affections of a bully shark. Will Pi save the day? 

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here

7. White Lion

Older kids will appreciate this gorgeous film about a young African boy who befriends a white lion cub before embarking on an epic adventure. The film uses beautiful real-life nature footage to tell its story. Consequently, expect sad scenes depicting the cruelty that the infamous "circle of life" imparts. 

Best for ages: 10 and up. 

Watch it here

8. Ribbit

This free movie for kids on YouTube is about a frog who doesn't enjoy water or jumping and wishes he could be like other animals in the rainforest. So, he sets off with his best friend, a flying squirrel, to discover his true self. 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here

9. March of the Dinosaurs

Calling all budding paleontologists! This animated docu/drama is set in North America during the Cretaceous Period and follows a young Edmontosaurus named Scar as he and his herd migrate south for the winter, as well as a Trodon, who stays put in the frigid North. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the action, although young kids might be scared when mega meat eaters Gorgosaurus and Albertosaurus make their entrance. 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here.

10. Quest for Camelot

What do you get when an adventurous girl, a blind hermit, and a silly two-headed dragon team up to find the sword Excalibur in hopes of saving King Arthur and Camelot? A journey through the Enchanted Forest filled with danger, bravery, and laughs. Will they get the sword to King Arthur in time to foil evil Sir Ruber's plan? 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here

free movies on Youtube for kids

11. Khumba

This South African-made film is about a zebra prince born without all of his stripes who is cast out from the herd. Khumba isn't quite The Lion King, but there are a few similarities, namely the trio of goofy animal outcasts (here it's a wildebeest and an ostrich) that team up with the misfit zebra and help him learn to love himself—half-stripes and all—before returning to the herd.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here

12. A Monster in Paris

Raoul and Emile release a monster from a scientist's greenhouse by accident and begin to track it down. As they do so, they realize it may not be as scary as they once thought. 

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here

13. Halo Legends

Based on the popular video game, this free movie on YouTube for teens expands into the Halo universe with seven origin stories.

Best for ages: 13 and up. 

Watch it here. 

14. Bunyan and Babe

While on a visit to their grandparents, two young kids, Travis and Whitney, discover a greedy land developer's sinister plot for a Minnesota town. When Travis falls through a magic portal, he meets the mythical Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. The unlikely team faces minor peril, and has plenty of unforgettable adventures, but will they be able to save the town in time? 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here. 

15. Sailor Moon Super S: The Movie

Anime fans will love watching this feature-length free kids' movie on YouTube! Based on the Sailor Moon manga series by Naoko Takeuchi, kids all over the world are being hypnotized by fairies and taken to a dark energy field called the Black Dream Hole. Why is this happening? Queen Badiane wants them to stay asleep permanently in Dream Coffins, where she'll be able to harness the energy from their dreams and eventually absorb Earth. Sailor Moon, Perle, and the Sailor Guardians must hurry to save the children before they go to sleep forever. 

Best for ages: ages 13 and up.

Watch it here

16. Another Cinderella Story

Starring Selena Gomez, this is a sequel to A Cinderella Story. Mary lives with her adopted mom and sisters, and she's the one stuck doing all the chores. When pop star Joey Parker returns to school for his senior year and hopes to reconnect with his love of dance. During the school's masquerade ball, Mary and Joey wow the crowd with their moves, but when Mary notices the time, she leaves quickly, leaving behind her iPod-like device. With catchy tunes and a heartwarming modern plot, this is a fun free kids' movie on YouTube for tweens. 

Best for ages: 8 and up. 

Watch it here

Related: 40 YouTube Channels Just for Kids

free movies on Youtube for kids
Youtube

17. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Fairy tale-loving tots will want to sing along with this 1965 version of the classic story. With minimalist sets and tons of musical numbers, this Cinderella feels more like watching a stage show than a movie—so don't go in expecting special effects. But anyone who loves the story of the cinder girl who finds her prince will be all in.

Best for ages: 5 and up.

Watch it here.

18. Mee-Shee the Water Giant

When some important machinery belonging to an oil company is lost in Canada, a man and his son have to cancel their trip to Disney to find the missing machinery. But they find an adventure they couldn't have expected when they discover a legendary sea creature.

Best for ages: 7 and up.

Watch it here.

19. The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue

In the sequel to the classic '80s film about intelligent rats living on a farm, this is the story of Timmy, the young son of Mrs. Frisbee. After growing into a strong rodent, Timmy sets out on a journey that will challenge him.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

20. Akeelah and the Bee

A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

 

Have you been to an outdoor movie night? Seen the fireworks over Navy Pier?

You may not be ready to officially admit that lazy summer days are dwindling; it seems as though it has only just begun, but that time is creeping in. This may seem like a moment for panic, but we’re going to help you rally to squeeze in every bit of sunshine and adventuring. Before you have to settle into school-year routines, take advantage of the last couple of months of favorable weather by hiking, boating, golfing, and more. If they aren’t on your summer bucket list yet, check out our recommendations around the Chicagoland area.

Listen to Music Under the Stars

From classical, to rock, country, and even Opera for the Young, there is literally something for everyone during the 2023 Ravinia Festival.

Dine Out in the Open Air

A residual from the pandemic, many neighborhoods are still closing their streets on a limited basis, to allow restaurant capacity to spill onto pop-up patios. It’s a great opportunity to visit some finer establishments with the kids or even pets. The next Dine Out on Broadway will occur on September 15-17.

Shop til You Drop

While there will never be a shortage of places to shop in Chicago, the indoor/outdoor Randolph Street Market is America’s largest urban antiques market. Remaining dates include July 29-30 and September 23-24.

Picnic at the Movies

Lay down a blanket at one of the many free outdoor movie screenings, including the Millenium Park Summer Film Series.

Take a Hike

The call of hanging in the urban jungle all summer long is strong. But, how about throwing in some fresh air, unforgettable scenery, and wild animal spotting into the agenda? Lace up your boots, strap an infant to your back, maybe even bring along the fishing poles, and explore some lesser-known hiking spots found in our story: Discover the Not-So-Obvious Spots to Hike, Camp & Fish Near Chicago.

Visit the Zoos!

How lucky are we that we have not one, but two amazing zoos in Chicago? Pick your favorite—or visit both—and monkey around as a family for a day.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know about the Lincoln Park Zoo

Go for a Donut-Themed Jog (or Walk)

Grab your donut-lovin friends and register for Stan’s Donut Race. Join in for a 5K and Kids Dash at Montrose Harbor on Aug. 19.

Thrill-Seek as a Family at The Forge: Lemont Quarries

The Forge: Lemont Quarries (aka The Forge) is an amazing 300-acre adventure park, 22 miles from downtown Chicago. Not only does the park feature the largest aerial adventure course in North America, but a day of adventuring also gives you access to four over-water ziplines, 5 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, paddle sports, and a dedicated kids’ zone.

Play a Round of Mini Golf

Mini-golf. Putt-putt. Goofy golf. Adventure golf. Shorties. No matter what you call it, you have a blast playing it. Most of Chicago’s mini-golf courses are pure, kitschy fun and are only open for a limited time each year. So grab a short pencil and head to one of our city and suburban favorites.

Meander Through the North Shore Sculpture Park

Walk. Bike. Run. Skip. Gallop. However you make your way down this two-mile trail, you’re sure to enjoy the sights at the North Shore Sculpture Park. The paved path is lined with sculptures from artists across the world.

Make a Splash at Raging Waves

Splish, Splash! Illinois’ largest waterpark dedicated to family fun for all ages, Raging Waves, is excited to you its newest addition: Aussie Mat Dash. Riders race side-by-side on mats down the six-lane slide.

Cruise the Waterways on a Fireboat

Once the largest diesel-powered fireboat in the world, the Fred A. Busse is now set to share a bit of history with passengers who take a Chicago Fireboat Tour.

RELATED: Exciting Ways to Explore the Chicago River

Tour the Baha’i Temple Gardens

Take in the beauty of Baha’i Temple with a walk around their gardens.

Introduce the Kid to Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Love ’em or leave ’em, hot dogs are big in Chicago, and if your kids haven’t begged for one yet, they will soon—and they get a pass on the sacrilege of using ketchup. Grab one at a legendary local spot and turn eating into an adventure.

Pay a Visit to Shedd Aquarium

Are they soft, fluffy, or rough? You’ll find out what a stingray feels like during a 15-minute touch session. Learn about sustainable seafood options that help protect these creatures in the wild. Along with learning about different species (including cownose and yellow stingrays) and their wild habits, you’ll see just how docile and friendly these ocean swimmers can be.

RELATED: Animal Farms Near Chicago You HAVE to Visit

Explore the Green Space at Chicago Botanic Gardens

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden and be treated to colorful views of the North Lake, vistas of the Malott Japanese Garden, and close-ups of blooms in Dixon Prairie and the McDonald Woods. Until Sep. 5, you will also see hundreds of winged beauties and pretty petals in the Butterflies & Blooms exhibit.

Experience Blue Man Group

A visit to see the iconic Blue Man Group is always a fun way to celebrate the new school year. A dynamic combo of art, music, comedy, and tech, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective.

Admire Navy Pier Fireworks

Keep the kids up a tad later on Wednesdays and Saturdays this summer to experience the fireworks display synchronized to music at Navy Pier. Make it extra unforgettable by booking a nighttime segway tour.

Additional reporting by Maria Chambers

You don’t have to spend a bundle to learn about protecting animals

A trip to the zoo is a fun adventure for the young and young at heart. Not only a place to see exotic animals, but zoos are also educational and often focus on conservation and research. And what’s more exciting than visiting the zoo—visiting a zoo where you can get in for free! Here are some zoos around the United States that offer free admission to visitors.

Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL

Founded over 150 years ago, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, started with two swans donated by Central Park Zoo in New York. Home to almost 200 different species, the zoo includes a bird house and center for African apes, along with a carousel and train ride. The grounds also include 1,000 varieties of plants to enjoy.

Online: lpzoo.org

Related: Lincoln Park Zoo Is Free, but There Are Plenty More Reasons to Go

St. Louis Zoo | St. Louis, MO

An artifact from the 1904 World’s Fair was the beginning of Missouri’s St. Louis Zoo. With 500 species and 14,000 animals, the zoo has six distinct areas where the animals reside. It also supports WildCare Institutes worldwide to help with animal conservation and sustainability.

Online: stlzoo.org

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens | Hilo, HI

When someone visits Hawai’i, they might not think of going to the zoo. But a visit to Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is well worth it. Home to animals you might see on the mainland, such as spider monkeys, Pana’ewa is also home to endangered animals native to the island. Located on 12 acres, it’s the only zoo in the United States in a tropical rainforest—so bring your poncho!

Online: hilozoo.org

Bronx Zoo | Bronx, NY

Offering free admission every Wednesday, the Bronx Zoo is located on 265 acres and is the largest zoo in a metro area in the U.S. Home to more than 10,000 animals, the zoo has an aquatic bird house, a bison range, and recreations of the Himalayas and Madagascar. And don’t miss architectural features on the grounds, such as the Rainey Memorial Gates, the Zoo Center built in 1908, and the Rockefeller Fountain, originally a landmark in Italy.

Online: bronxzoo.com

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | St. Paul, MN

Botanical gardens, animals, and public art make up the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and over 100 years old, the founders created the park to give city residents a place to enjoy the outdoors. The zoo includes a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, large cats, and polar bears. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has many different species of plants visitors can enjoy, including orchids and a Japanese garden with bonsai. And keep an eye out for the many full-sized sculptures throughout the grounds.

Online: comozooconservatory.org

Cape May County Park & Zoo | Cape May, NJ

Capybaras, snow leopards, and oryx are some of the exotic animals that make up Cape May County Park & Zoo. Located in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, the zoo works with conservation groups worldwide to help preserve species and educate visitors.

Online: capemaycountynj.gov

Smithsonian National Zoo | Washington, DC

Originally founded to help preserve the American bison, the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute sits on 163 acres. Research at the zoo has helped reintroduce endangered species to the wild and educate its over 2 million visitors annually about the 1,800 animals that live there. Located in Washington, D.C., the National Zoo is one of only three zoos in the United States permitted to have giant pandas.

Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

Henry Vilas Zoo | Madison, WI

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the Henry Vilas Zoo was founded in honor of a young boy who died young. With its first exhibits created in 1911, the zoo is home to more than 650 animals from five continents. With 20 considered endangered, critically endangered, or vulnerable, visiting Henry Vilas Zoo allows visitors to see animals they might never get a chance to learn about firsthand.

Online: henryvilaszoo.gov 

Salisbury Zoo | Salisbury, MD

Nicknamed “The Best Little Zoo In North America,” Salisbury Zoo began accidentally. In the 1950s, city employees started finding animals once cared for by humans but abandoned in the city park. The employees made enclosures for these animals, and as word got out, residents started donating more animals, including a black bear, owls, and peacocks. Eventually, the city of Salisbury, Maryland, decided to create an official park, and the Salisbury Zoo was born. Today the zoo and its conservation mission educate visitors about the 40 species that live there.

Online: salisburyzoo.org 

Lee Richardson Zoo | Garden City, KS

On over 50 acres, the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas, aims to educate visitors about animal conservation. Offering visitors the opportunity to walk through the zoo, which is always free, or drive through, free on Wednesdays, provides a unique perspective to see the hundreds of animals and habitats that make up the park. Broken into different areas, including the North American Plains, Wild Asia, and South American Pampas, Lee Richardson Zoo offers a view of a wide variety of animals from around the world.

Online: leerichardsonzoo.org

Your kids are certain to release their inner Magellan along this historic trail

For a weekend getaway that offers lush forests, sparkling lakes, a majestic mountain (that stands over 11,000 feet!) and family fun, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is calling your name. We promise you’ll be in awe of the area’s impeccable beauty, while your little ones will be equally as entertained by the surrounding history.

Located just 90 minutes east of Portland, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is a great destination for a weekend road trip. Think nature, solace, cultural heritage and, we can’t forget, one-on-one family time.

To experience Mt. Hood Territory in all of its glory and see its history in one go, head to the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail for a kid-friendly-meets-educational escapade. The historic trail features 26 different heritage sites, each brimming with interactive, hands-on experiences that’ll bring the 1800s to life–and keep your children busy. All you have to do is show up and let history do the entertaining.

Keep reading to discover seven of the trail’s stops that are perfect for your mini pioneer!

7 Stops You Don’t Want to Miss Along Mt. Hood Territory’s Heritage Trail

1. The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum

Located in the heart of Government Camp (the only town five miles within Mt. Hood!), the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum is an excellent starting point to dive into the region’s storied past and present. With access to six unique galleries, your family can learn about the history of skiing and mountaineering.

2. End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center

Take a step back in time. Located at the exact spot where Oregon Trail pioneers once camped in Oregon City as they awaited their land claims during the 1800s, this visitor center and museum highlights real-life records of these journeyers’ travels. You can also try your hand at candle dipping, butter and doll making, wagon packing, paper weaving and much more.

3. Philip Foster Farm

Young explorers will get a kick out of the countless interactive activities at Philip Foster Farm. From building a cabin with life-size Lincoln logs to grinding corn in an 1860s barn to cleaning laundry with a scrub board and wringer, you’ll get to experience daily life in the 1800s.

4. Oregon City Municipal Elevator

Also known as the vertical “Elevator Street,” this elevator was once powered by water and electricity for a 130-foot ride. Today, it stands as one of only four outdoor municipal elevators in the world, and remains the only “vertical street” in North America. Ride the elevator to the top to view downtown Oregon City from its observation deck and the neighboring McLoughlin Promenade, a 7.8-acre linear park, and don’t miss the nearby McLoughlin Conservation District’s homes brimming with Oregon history.

5. Canby Ferry

For over a century, the Canby Ferry has transported residents and visitors across the Willamette River, from the cities of Canby to Wilsonville and West Linn, as both a vehicle and walk-on ferry. Take a ride on the historic barge for impeccable views of the river and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it’s one of three remaining ferries operating in Oregon.

6. Willamette Meteorite at Fields Bridge Park

With 19 acres for exploration, Fields Bridge Park offers an afternoon of kid-focused fun with walking paths, playgrounds and a fishing pier, to name a few. The most astonishing sight to see, next to the neighboring Tualatin River, is the Willamette Meteorite. The exhibit commemorates the 15.5-ton, iron meteorite, which is the largest in the U.S. and sixth-largest in the world.

7. George Rogers Park

This 26-acre community park is the perfect place to take in the Willamette River at its sandy beach by the confluence of Oswego Creek. The open grassy area above the beach is home to a historic Iron Smelter, a reminder of the area’s industrial past, and is the perfect spot for a family picnic.

For a bonus activity that’ll get you on the water, take a guided paddle trip from Oregon City to Willamette Falls, a magnificent waterfall that offers a wonderful backdrop for your next family portrait and learn about the area’s history along the way (great for kids ages eight and older).

Pro Tip: Before traveling the Heritage Trail, view the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail interactive map, to locate all historical sites and find the best places to eat, shop and play along the way.

 

Start planning your Oregon trip to experience life on the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail!

Hop aboard a tea tour, search for minifigs in a famous library, and find the wild deer of Phoenix Park

Arguably one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the world, Ireland offers families a low-key vacation full of history, castles, music, and endless outdoor beauty. The odds are if you’re flying in on an international flight from North America, you’ll be landing in Dublin. While you may have plans to go further afield as you explore the Emerald Isle, don’t discount Dublin for tons of family fun that is surprisingly affordable. We’ve highlighted our favorite things to do with kids in Dublin, Ireland, including many free and cheap things to do. 

Amber Guetebier

1. Take a Vintage Tea Trip Around Dublin

A vintage double-decker bus that serves tea while you drive around seeing Dublin’s major cities? Yes, please! And in case you didn’t know, this isn’t just a cuppa: it’s a full tea with sandwiches, treats, scones, and more. They even have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enjoy your sandwiches and treats along with tidbits of Irish history and local knowledge on an utterly charming alternative to a big tour bus. The restored vintage buses are decked out like Gran’s tea room in the best way possible. This is a great way to get some food in their bellies and get off their jetlagged feet while you get the lay of the land on your first day in Dublin. Spend a little more and get the VIP upstairs seats. While this tour is a little pricey, you do get a full Irish tea, a guided tour, and an unforgettable experience. 

Book in advance at: vintageteatrips.ie

Amber Guetebier

2. See The Book of Kells & Old Library at Trinity College

Located at Trinity College, the Book of Kells and Long Room Library is usually on every visitor’s must-see list. And for good reason: the 1200-year-old manuscript is a sight to behold, and the library itself is like a magical passage into another era. It is highly advisable that you make advance reservations for this exhibit. While adult tickets run around $20 USD per person, children have reduced admission, and kids five are free. 

If you have older kids, consider combining your visit to see the library and Book of Kells with a guided walking tour of the Trinity College campus to learn about famous alumni and see some of the hallowed halls. Family tickets include two adults and two children ages 13-17. Kids under 12 are free when accompanying an adult. The rate is €65/family, which is currently around $70 (subject to exchange rate). 

Learn more: visittrinity.ie/trinity-trails

Amber Guetebier

3. Discover the Secret of Marsh’s Library  

Whether you love books and libraries or you’re looking for a more affordable, less touristy alternative to the Long Room, don’t miss the spectacular Marsh’s Library. Established in the early eighteenth century, this magical gem is easy to miss from the street. But once you know, you know. Pass through an unobtrusive archway in a stone wall, and you’ll soon be immersed in room after room of gorgeously preserved library books. Admire the rotating displays of books from the collection and chat with the knowledgeable staff about the history of the library, which was established by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh in 1707. Kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt for a “book thief” in the guise of a LEGO minfigure. The hunt takes them around the library looking for cleverly hidden minifigs of famous Irish writers and scholars and other important figures associated with the library, including a mummy and Dracula author Bram Stoker.  Admission is affordable at just €5 for adults and €3 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be combined with admission to the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Don’t miss the secret garden on your way out!

Visit: marshlibrary.ie

4. Stop By the LEGO Store Dublin

Speaking of LEGO minifigs, there’s a LEGO store in Dublin where you can customize a minifig all your own. The process doesn’t take long, and there are special Irish-themed choices exclusive to that store. A minifig including customizing will set you back around $15, but it’s an easy way to entertain the kids and let them make a souvenir they won’t forget. Be sure to pick up a passport you can have stamped on your way out! You can keep the passport and have it stamped at LEGO stores around the world.

The store is located in the heart of Dublin on Grafton Street, where you’ll likely find yourself at some point. This is a pedestrian-friendly shopping area where you’re sure to hear live music thanks to the wide variety of buskers. 

Learn more at: lego.com/en-ie/stores/store/dublin

Amber Guetebier

5. Dine in a Converted Church

There is no shortage of impressive churches in Ireland, where stone masonry is an art form. But an 18th-century church that has been converted into a gorgeous restaurant, one that features lively music and traditional Irish dancing, is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. About a five-minute walk from Grafton Street, The Church is a cafe, bar, and restaurant and also happens to be the wedding venue for Guinness forefather Arthur Guinness and his wife Olivia Whitmore. Much of the original architecture is in place, including stained glass windows and a Renatus Harris-designed organ. Self-guided tours are available every day between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and music and dancing take place nearly every night between 6:30 and 7 p.m. You can make reservations, but the restaurant is huge so unless you have a very large group, you can walk in. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, after which it becomes a 21 and up venue. Their website states that on Fridays and Saturdays kids are welcome until 5 p.m. 

Visit: thechurch.ie

6. Pop into a Pub 

Pubs in Ireland, particularly during daylight and afternoon hours, welcome children. In the Temple Bar district, pubs often have traditional music throughout the day (and well into the evening). Generally speaking, pubs allow children to be there before 9 p.m., though some may request children leave earlier. Temple Bar does have a reputation as the rowdy, drinking neighborhood for the twentysomethings, but it’s perfectly kid-friendly during earlier hours and can be a lot of fun. We loved the Auld Dubliner

Amber Guetebier

7. Take a Trek to the Dublin Zoo

Yes, it’s a zoo, and it may not be that different from the zoo in your hometown, but it’s also a zoo! And kids love zoos. One of the best parts about visiting a kid-centric spot like the Dublin Zoo is that the visiting crowds are full of locals, so you’re not only mingling with other tourists, but you’re also hanging out eating snacks by the meerkats with local Irish families. This zoo has wolves, tigers, and snow leopards among many other beautiful animals. 

Visit: dublinzoo.ie

Alex Lozupone via Wikimedia Creative Commons

8. Find the Deer in Phoenix Park 

Phoenix Park has a slogan: “Where Dublin goes to breathe” and it’s easy to see why when you see it. One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, it’s home to the Dublin Zoo, Victorian Flower Gardens, a marvelous playground and so much more. When you leave the Dublin Zoo, head for a walk toward Phoenix Monument, a giant obelisk (you can’t miss it) and keep an eye out for the famous deer herd. 

The wild deer of Phoenix Park are a species of fallow deer, first introduced to Ireland in 1244 but brought to what is now Phoenix Park in 1662 to establish a Royal Deer Park for hunting. The deer are now protected with a population of approximately 600. Visitors should not feed the deer and should maintain a respectful distance of at least 50 meters (a little over 150 feet). 

Learn more at phoenixpark.ie

National Museum of Ireland

9. See the Bog Bodies at the National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland is actually four museums, three of which are located in Dublin: Natural History, Archeology, and Decorative Arts & History. (The fourth is Country Life, located in Castlebar, County Mayo). While they are all fabulous, kids will likely enjoy the flora and fauna at the Natural History Museum, and the impressive artifacts and preserved bog bodies at the Archelogy Museum. Admission is free, so it’s easy to wander in and out of each one without pressure to see everything. 

Visit: museum.ie/en-ie/home

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

10. Have an EPIC Experience at This Museum

Dublin has no shortage of museums and cultural sites, so it’s easy to spend a week just trying to see them all. However, a true stand-out is EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Full of interactive and fun exhibits, children and grown-ups alike will discover the lasting contributions and major impact on the world thanks to Irish emigrants. A visit here will help gain insight into the celebrated culture of Irish heritage around the world, and basically just why Ireland is so great! 

Visit: epichq.com

Dublin, Ireland with kids is an easy place to visit and a hard place to leave. These are just a few of the amazing things you can do with kids in the city of Dublin.

Tucked away in the midwestern region of the nation lies a family-friendly haven that offers popular city amenities with small-town hospitality: Springfield, Missouri.

With activities rooted in both outdoor recreation and urban exploration, Springfield is the ideal destination for a ‘fusion trip’—a getaway that merges a vibrant city break with an outdoor getaway. Families can spend time hiking and biking the Ozark Mountains one day, then dine at amazing local eateries and visit the aquarium (voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today!) the next.

Read on to discover which experiences await nature lovers and city dwellers alike in the Queen City of the Ozarks.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Voted by USA Today as America’s Best Aquarium, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is one of the largest immersive wildlife attractions in the nation that provides hours’ worth of entertainment. Get ready to be WOW-ed by the on-site 1.5-million-gallon aquarium that showcases over 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

For more immersive exhibits, families can interact with penguins, sting rays and sharks or learn about ongoing wildlife conservation efforts in a fun way.

Fantastic Caverns

Known as the Cave State, Missouri has approximately 7,500 recorded caves, with one of the most renowned located right in Springfield. Fantastic Caverns provides a complete drive-through tour where guests can hop in a bright red, Jeep-drawn tram for a relaxing ride. The 55-minute guided tour will take you and your family through an ancient underground riverbed for breathtaking views of massive formations and deep dive of the history of the cave.

Thanks to the constant temperature of 60°F within the cavern, you’ll feel comfortable no matter what time of year you visit.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Adjacent to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium stands the original and largest Bass Pro Shops. The 500,000-square-foot facility, which is rooted in its outdoor recreational gear and gifts, is more than just a store. The immersive experience brings to life the beauty of the great outdoors, with an in-store swamp filled with alligators and fish and surrounded by 100-foot-tall cypress trees.

Dads can check out the firing range and boat showroom while kiddos can visit the many indoor museums for history on the first Bass Pro store, archery and more. Don’t miss the store’s daily fish feeding shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.!

Springfield Cardinals Baseball Game

Baseball fanatics and families looking for a local experience should head to Hammons Field for an exhilarating Springfield Cardinals game. As the town’s Minor League Baseball team, which served as the starting point for countless St. Louis Cardinals players today, residents and visitors alike flock to Hammons Field for an affordable evening of tasty stadium bites, on-field contests and unique giveaways.

The season runs from April through September, so be sure to check out their schedule here in advance. Pro Tip: Bring a glove–you just might catch a ball from a player who’s destined to make it big someday soon!

Dickerson Park Zoo

Dickerson Park Zoo seamlessly combines entertainment, education and brisk exercise for visitors of all ages. Stroll along the zoo’s 1.2 miles of paved trails to learn about more than 450 animals from five different continents, including South America’s red kangaroo, North America’s mountain lion and Asia’s Malayan tiger, to name a few.

Spend the day greeting the zoo’s roaming peacocks face-to-face, feeding the giraffes and attending an on-site educational workshop for young learners, like identifying animal footprints and learning about kookaburras. You can also take a train ride and play at the children’s playground for more hours of fun.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

For Springfield residents, Andy’s Frozen Custard and summer are practically synonymous with one another. Families flock to the family-owned shop for their impressive, slow-churned custard that’s made fresh every hour with toppings that are baked daily in-house. As a drive-through and walk-up service restaurant, Andy’s exclusively sells frozen custard creations, from traditional vanilla and chocolate cones to floats, malts and seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Pie Concretes and Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes.

The secret behind their rich, thick and decadent dessert? Keep the recipe short and sweet with simple ingredients that are free of gimmicks, such as cream, sugar and vanilla extract.

 

Want to learn more about Springfield? Click here to order the official Springfield Guide. Once you arrive, don’t forget to “Ask a Local,” Springfilend’s ongoing initiative that strives for visitors to capture the welcoming, energetic, fun and creative personality of the city. By asking a local, you can discover the best things to see, do and eat in the Ozarks—they’ll be more than willing to show off Springfield to your family!


You’ll find the Honda Odyssey, the Kia Telluride, and the Sante Fe Hybrid on this list

If your car is starting to feel a little crowded—or if your kids are complaining that they don’t have enough USB ports, cupholders, or wifi to get them through the drive—maybe 2023 is the year you ditch your old wheels for something new. Whether you’re looking for a reliable minivan to haul your brood or a comfortable sedan that’ll fit two car seats, there’s a mover for every kind of family. Here’s our list of the best family cars for 2023 (including minivans, and SUVs, of course!) according to experts.

Best Family Minivans

2023 Honda Odyssey

the honda odyssey is one of the best family cars for 2023
Honda

It's no surprise that Honda's iconic family hauler consistently scores top grades on Kelley Blue Book's roster of the best minivans: It has everything a parent might want when lugging around a load full of kiddos. Sure, there's no denying the less-than-chic minivan style, but... so what? It comes with an attached vacuum cleaner. And a camera to keep watch on those bickering backseat antics. And room for a whole basketball team! KBB praised the Odyssey for its "generous standard equipment," excellent safety scores, "well-considered interior,” and great resale values. Here's what else the infamous Mom Car has going for it: 

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seats up to eight, with LATCH accommodations for up to five car seats (it’s also the only minivan to earn an IIHS top rating for ease of use of its LATCH child seat attachment hardware)
  • Amazing “Magic Slide” second-row seats let you move the seats not just backward and forward (to get closer to you, perhaps)—but also side to side, meaning if two of your kids refuse to get their hands off each other in the back seat, you can split them up and put some space between them, mid-argument (Be sure to pull over, of course.) 
  • Folding 10-inch screen for back seat passengers can stream movies and games
  • The “Cabin Watch” camera lets you keep an eye on your backseat passengers, even in the dark, and the “Cabin Talk” feature allows you to talk to rear passengers through the speakers and the DVD headphones
  • The split-folding third row offers room for strollers (even unfolded ones) and offers hefty storage space when seats aren’t folded into the floor 
  • Remote start abilities let you warm up or cool down the car before you step in
  • Smart Entry, a walk-away locking system, will automatically unlock the car when you come near and lock it when you walk away (no need to fish around your purse for your keys)
  • An 8-inch display touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto 
  • The optional cellular plan allows you to stream videos directly to your car
  • In-car WiFi 
  • Wireless charging pad in the front seat, as well as front and rear USB ports
  • Sunshades for second and third-row passengers 
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • A hands-free power tailgate lets you open the trunk by kicking your foot under the rear bumper

Safety Features:

  • Eight standard airbags, including knee airbags for the front seats and side-impact curtain protection for all three rows 
  • All trims include Honda Sensing (which features Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation, incorporating Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keeping Assist System; traffic sign recognition; and Active cruise control with a forward-collision warning system)
  • Automatic emergency braking applies the brakes when the car detects that a frontal collision is unavoidable
  • Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and Road Departure Mitigation all help keep you from veering off the road
  • The blind spot information system will alert you if vehicles are detected in your blind spots when changing lanes
  • The multi-angle rearview camera gives you extra eyes when backing up
  • Snow Mode recalibrates the car’s traction system for more control in winter weather
  • Rear seat occupant reminder notifies you to check the back seats before you get out

Starting price: $37,490

Online: Honda.com

2023 Chrysler Pacifica

The Crysler Pacifica is one of the best family cars for 2023
Chrysler/Stellantis

Coming in Number 1 in Car and Driver's 2023 rankings of minivans, the stylish and roomy Pacifica is praised as being "the preeminent family-friendly utility vehicle in the age of the age of the SUV." Kelley Blue Book also raves about the family-mover, calling it a "practical minivan that offers much appeal to busy families" with a rich, "luxury-like" interior. It's also one of only two minivans to offer all-wheel drive (the other being the Toyota Sienna), a huge bonus if you live in snowy or rainy climates.  

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for 7 (the Touring L model offers an optional second-row bench seat to make a total capacity of 8)
  • Stow 'n' Go seats, which allow the rear seats to fold completely into the floor (helpful when you're lugging around stuff instead of kids)   
  • Optional top-view "FamCam" interior camera system that can keep eyes on the back seat—even infants in rear-facing car seats
  • In-car vacuum 
  • Optional hands-free lift-gate, so you can open the trunk without having to push any buttons
  • Uconnect Infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, HD Radio and satellite radio, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates
  •  Optional back seat 10.1-inch touchscreens, with wireless streaming, wireless headphones, Amazon Fire TV for Auto, and built-in video games
  • Heated steering wheel (not a wholly "family-friendly feature, but nice for Mom and Dad, just the same!)
  • Up to 12 USB ports throughout the cabin
  • Hands-free sliding door and power tailgate lets you open the doors and trunk by simply kicking your foot under the doors
  • The remote start feature lets you warm up or cool down the car before you get in
  • Tri-zone temperature control so everyone can be comfortable

Safety Features: 

  • Standard V6 engine
  • Optional all-wheel drive
  • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Standard blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Standard adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning
  • Active park assist
  • Automatic high beams
  • Forward collision warning
  • Parking sensors 
  • SiriusXM Guardian Emergency SOS
  • 360 Surround View Back-Up Camera

Starting Price: $37,020* (*according to Kelley Blue Book; the Chrylser website didn't have the 2023 model on its website as of this publishing)

Online: Chrysler.com

2023 Kia Carnival

the Kia Carnvial is one of the best family cars for 2023
Kia America

The highest-rated minivan by Consumer Reports, this stylish hauler looks more like an SUV than a minivan, which is a definite plus for those parents staunchly opposed to the “Mom Car” aesthetic. With seating for up to 8 and a roomy, sleek interior (the second-row seats recline with optional leg rests!), Kelley Blue Book calls the Carnival “the ideal minivan for people who would rather not buy a minivan.” 

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for up to 8 (in EX and SX models; the LX and SX Prestige models have seating for 7)
  • Sliding/removable second-row seats and reclining third-row seats that fold into the floor
  • The SX Prestige comes with second-row “VIP lounge seats” that slide and recline with leg rests at the push of a button (Note: These seats do not stow into the floor)
  • “Quiet Mode” funnels the sound through only the front speakers—which is a great feature when the littles are snoozing in the back.
  • Optional intercom lets you easily talk to backseat passengers
  • Passenger camera lets you see what’s going on in back
  • Hands-free sliding doors open the doors without you having to fumble for the keys
  • Slide Flex Seating allows the center seat in the second row to slide forward, making it easier for front-rowers to reach a child sitting there. When not used for seating, this seat can also turn into a table for the second or third rows of seats
  • 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, USB ports for all three rows, and six speakers
  • The remote start feature lets you warm up or cool down the car before you get in
  • Tri-zone temperature control, so everyone can be comfortable
  • Heated front seats

Safety Features: 

  • Standard V6 engine
  • Standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Lane-keeping and lane-following assistance.
  • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Rear and front parking sensors
  • Automatic high beams
  • Parking sensors 
  • 360-degree camera system
  • 10-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty 

Starting Price: $32,900* 

Online: Kia.com

Related: Heck Yeah, I Bought a Minivan

Best Large (Three Row) SUVs

2023 Ford Expedition

ford expedition is one of the best family cars for 2023
Ford

If you’re more into driving a truck than piloting a minivan, the Ford Expedition may be your best bet. Rated the Number 1 Large SUV by Kelley Blue Book, the Expedition is a roomy, stylish mover with “muscular capabilities” and a “family-friendly interior.” Want power and reliability? KBB says the Expedition “can haul the whole family and lots of cargo while towing a boat without breaking a sweat.” 

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Huge interior cargo space, especially in the MAX version (which is a foot longer than the standard model)
  • Seating for up to 8
  • Optional second-row captain seats with a walk-through console so your kids can get to the third row
  • Power-fold the second and third rows for when you’ve got to carry gear, luggage, or the dog in the back
  • A hands-free liftgate for easy access to the trunk
  • Second-row USB ports, plus optional wireless device charging in the front seat
  • The 15.5-inch high-def touch display is the biggest in its class
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Rear seat entertainment systems with Amazon Fire TV lets kids stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded shows and movies  
  • The remote start system lets the car warm up before you get in
  • Optional massaging front seats available in Platinum trim
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Power-folding running boards act as a step-stool for kids (and rickety grandparents) to get into the seats
  • It’s built more like the Ford F-150 truck than the Ford Escape, which makes it great at towing heavy loads (if you’re going on, say, an all-summer road trip)

Safety Features:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (warns if a front impact is imminent and will brake for you if you don’t respond in time)
  • Reverse Brake Assist: Backing senses oncoming pedestrians and vehicles while you are backing up; alerts the driver and brakes if the vehicle is at risk of a collision
  • The lane-keeping system makes small steering corrections to keep the vehicle centered in its lane
  • Road Edge Detection engages the steering system to help you maintain your position in the lane on roads with a visible line or a clear edge
  • Available Intersection Assist uses the front camera and radar sensors to detect oncoming traffic while you are attempting to turn left. If there’s a risk of a potential collision with an oncoming vehicle, the car will alert you and apply the brakes
  • A blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Cross-traffic alert
  • 360-degree camera
  • Adaptive cruise control with speed sign recognition and lane-centering technology is available on upper trims
  • Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway Driver-Assist Technology allows drivers to operate their vehicle hands-free on the highway while being monitored by a driver-facing camera to ensure they keep their eyes on the road (available in Platinum trim)

Starting Price: $55,125

Online: Ford.com

2023 Kia Telluride

Kia America

This sleek and rugged SUV made both Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports’ Number 1 ranking for three-row SUVs, thanks to what CR called a “refined driving experience, user-friendly controls, thoughtful features, and vast cargo room.” Car and Driver magazine also praised its “near-luxury experience,” raving about its “elevated experience that's comparable to SUVs that cost twice as much.” 

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for up to 8 (with room in the third row to comfortably fit an adult)
  • Available heated and ventilated front and second-row seats
  • In-car intercom to talk to rear passengers
  • Available reclining dual captain’s chairs that slide forward with the push of a button for easy access to the third row
  • Dual rear sunroofs
  • “Quiet mode” will shut off all rear speakers (so as not to wake little nappers) and play audio up front at a low level
  • USB ports for all passengers plus available wireless charging
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to easily connect your music and apps
  • Remote climate feature that lets you use your phone to warm up or cool down your car before you get inside
  • Find My Car system helps you locate your car in a crowded parking lot
  • One-touch sliding and folding second and third-row seats
  • Hands-free opening and closing rear cargo door
  • 12.3-inch infotainment display (up from 10.25 last year) with a split-screen function 

Safety Features:

  • Optional all-wheel drive 
  • The blind spot view monitor shows a live feed of your right rear blind spots and stops you if you try to change lanes while an object is detected in the blind spot
  • The rear occupant alert system can tell if you left your car with someone in the back seat—and alerts you accordingly
  • Standard Safe Exit Assist helps you get off the freeway without worry
  • The 10-inch Head Up display gives you important driving information (speed and road turns) on the front dash, so you don’t have to look down at your console while driving 
  • Smart cruise control keeps your car a safe distance from cars in front of you and stops your car if needed
  • Emergency braking and warning system will warn you of stopped objects ahead and will apply brakes if needed
  • Lane-keeping technology keeps you from straying out of your lane
  • Eight inches of ground clearance keeps the bottom of your car safe from bumps and off-road obstacles

Starting Price: $35,690

Online: Kia.com 

2023 Toyota Highlander

Toyota USA

This three-row family hauler won second place in the Consumer Reports list of mid-size, three-row SUVs (behind the Telluride, for the second year in a row), with reviewers saying “it gets a lot of things right, especially safety, and it gets even better for 2023. Consumer Reports calls it “a smart choice for families looking for a do-it-all vehicle.” It’s also an economical choice, with Car & Driver magazine saying that if you opt for one of the higher trims, you’ll “enjoy a more luxurious environment that just about matches the offerings of a Lexus-branded SUV.”  

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for up to 8 depending on the model
  • Available hybrid option teaches kids about environmental stewardship (and saves you money on gas!)
  • The infotainment system offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration
  • The hands-free power liftgate for the XLE and XSE trims makes it easier for you to open the trunk when your hands are full
  • The seat belt reminder system will alert you and show you exactly which passenger (via a map on the dashboard) has unbuckled during a drive
  • The 8-inch infotainment system comes standard, but dual 12.3-inch touchscreen displays are available on higher trims  
  • Wireless charging ports in the front row
  • Available heated front and second-row seats
  • Eight cup holders, six bottle holders
  • Panoramic moon roof
  • Concave conversation mirror to keep an eye on the back seat
  • Wifi connectivity with 5 USB ports throughout the car

Safety Features:

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission helps the car climb hills and accelerate on the highway (Consumer Reports called its drive “smooth and punchy.”)
  • Standard forward-collision warning with emergency braking
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane-keeping assistance
  • Front and rear parking assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind spot warning (standard on the Hybrid)
  • Standard LED headlights with standard auto high beams
  • Available all-wheel drive 
  • Road sign assist will recognize road signs and alert accordingly 
  • Multi-Terrain Select (available on all-wheel-drive models) lets you choose between four modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow and Normal) for enhanced traction
  • Toyota’s Safety and Remote Connect service (free for one year) offers remote engine starting, location tracking, and locking/unlocking 
  • Free 3-year subscription to Toyota’s Safety Connect, which enables emergency crash notification and calls for help when the airbags are deployed 
  • Digital rearview mirror (for when the stroller and other things are blocking your rearview)
  • Road Sign Assist is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, and yield signs and display them on the Multi-Information Display

Starting price: $36,420

Online: Toyota.com

Related: 24 Car Games to Play on Your Next Road Trip

Best Midsize and Compact SUVs for Families

2023 Subaru Forester

Subaru

Named the top compact SUV of the year by Consumer Reports for the second year in a row, the 2023 Forester is described as “a well-executed small SUV that boasts a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and a comfortable ride.” It's a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Car and Driver calls it "a compact crossover with outdoorsy street cred."

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Roomy seating for 5
  • Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Power liftgate for easy access to the trunk
  • Heated front (and rear, in higher trims) seats; ventilated front seats
  • Optional moonroof
  • 11.6-inch vertical touch screen in the center console
  • Two USB ports in front; two optional ones in the rear.
  • Built-in WiFi hotspot connectivity
  • Remote engine start lets you warm up or cool down your car from your smartphone
  • Rear Seat Reminder System will remind you to check the back seat before you exit the car

Safety Features:

  • “Top Safety Pick Plus” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic pre-collision braking
  • A lane departure warning will notify you if you stray out of your lane
  • The blind spot detection system notifies you if it detects vehicles in your blind spots
  • Rear cross-traffic warning alerts you to oncoming cars while backing up (super-helpful when backing out of your driveway or a parking spot)
  • Reverse automatic braking will first give a visual and audible warning—then apply the brakes and stop the car—if there is an object in the rear bumper zone that the vehicle may hit
  • Automatic emergency steering (optional)
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Subaru Starlink will alert an operator if your car is involved in a crash and get you roadside help at the push of a button
  • EyeSight advanced safety with a wide-angle camera (new for 2023) keeps you a safe distance from the car in front of you; it also detects objects in front of you that you’re likely to hit and reduces power to the engine to help minimize the force and impact of a collision
  • Front and rear camera views keep you from missing anything on the road in front or behind you
  • Up to 9.2-inches of ground clearance makes off-road (or on-road) bumps no problem
  • Standard rear seatbelt reminder will tell you which seat is unbuckled
  • My Subaru app lets you set speed limits and boundaries to alert you if your (teenage) driver is speeding or going somewhere they’re not supposed to go

Starting price: $26,395

Online: Subaru.com

2023 Kia Seltos

Kia America

If you don't need three rows to chauffeur your gang around town, this compact SUV was rated Number 1 on Kelley Blue Book's 2-Row SUV category, standing out for its roomy interior (it has one of the roomiest cabins in its class), fuel-efficient drive (29 mpg), and excellent safety ratings. With "unique styling that’s sleek and refined with a hint of ruggedness," its small footprint makes it easy to maneuver and gives it a sportier drive than bigger SUVs. 

Best Family Friendly Features: 

  • Seating for 5
  • The back seat is roomy enough for three full-size car seats
  • 15.3 cubit feet of trunk space is big enough to fit a double stroller
  • Wireless charging pad in the front seat
  • Standard 8-inch touchscreen/ available 10.5-inch touchscreen (both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
  • Kia Connect lets you remotely access your car to adjust cabin temperature, lock or unlock the doors or find your car (like, if you've lost it in the Target parking lot 
  • Split rear folding seats for when you need to make the trunk space even bigger 
  • Front and rear USB charger for keeping devices juiced up
  • The remote keyless entry feature means no more fumbling for your keys
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick

Safety Features: 

  • Available turbocharged engine 
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Blind-spot detection technology with collision avoidance will apply the brakes if you try to change lanes while an object is detected in your blind spot
  • Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist
  • Auto emergency braking technology will detect a potential collision and apply the brakes if needed
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist will detect if anything is in your way when backing up and stop the car if needed
  • Safe Exit Assist will alert you if opening your door will result in a collision with a cyclist or car
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance with cyclist and pedestrian detection
  • Driver attention warning to alert you if you're getting sleepy while driving or not looking at the road
  • Digital rearview camera helps you see what's behind you (on the center console screen) even if a stroller or car seat is blocking your view out the back windows

Starting Price: $23,140

Online: Kia.com

2023 Santa Fe Hybrid

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best family cars of 2023
Hyundai USA

Consumer Reports gave this stylish hybrid the number one spot on its list of Best Midsize SUVs, praising its "power, quietness, and 30 mpg overall fuel economy." It's also a multiple winner of Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Award, with its impressive fuel economy and generous pricing. 

Best Family Friendly Features: 

  • Seating for 5, with up to 44-inches of legroom 
  • An 8-inch touch screen comes standard; 10.25-inch on higher models
  • Heated front seats are standard, with heated rear seats available on the Limited edition
  • A hands-free tailgate makes it easy to open the trunk when your hands are full
  • The hybrid version can teach kids about environmental stewardship (and gets 30 mpg) 
  • The Rear Seat Motion-detecting feature can help remind the driver to check the rear seat before leaving the car so kids or pets aren't left inside
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • The remote start feature lets you warm up or cool down before you get in the car 
  • Four USB charging ports (two in front, two in back)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for up to five devices

Safety Features: 

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • SmartSense system comes standard with collision avoidance, pedestrian/cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance/lane departure warning, and blind-spot collision avoidance. 
  • Highway Driving Assist (lane centering)
  • 360-degree camera system available in the SEL Premium trim 
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor shows video of both sides of the vehicle in the driver information display  
  • Navigation-based cruise control can read the road and speed up or slow down accordingly at curves
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist can help you get into hard-to-fit parking spots while standing outside the vehicle
  • Safe Exit Assist warns you that opening your doors could result in a collision with a car or cyclist
  • Three years of free SOS and Automatic Crash Notification to alert emergency services of an accident

Starting Price: $35,660 

Online: Hyundaiusa.com

Related: Mystery Road Trips Are Perfect for All Kinds of Families—Even Yours

Best Luxury SUVs

2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Jeep/ Stellantis North America

Named the Number 1 Luxury Full-Size SUV (and Number 2 for the L version) by Kelley Blue Book, this roomy family hauler is described as a "super-sized, uber-luxurious SUV that goes toe to toe with established premium 3-row SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator." Says Car and Driver: "Before the Grand Wagoneer arrived, Jeep had never built an SUV so big and luxurious."

Well, now they have. Here's what to expect with the fancy off-roader:

 Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for up to 8, with award-winning second and third-row legroom
  • Available heated and ventilated front seats plus a four-zone climate control
  • 24-way power front seats with massage and power-adjustable head restraints
  • USB ports for all passengers plus wireless charging in front
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa-enabled so you can easily connect your music and apps
  • Premium audio system featuring 23 speakers, including a 12-inch subwoofer with 3D Surround System,
  • Most cargo volume in its class behind the third row
  • Power-folding seats in both back rows
  • Up to 75 inches of total screen display, including a 10-and 12-inch center stack touchscreen and two 10-inch touchscreens available for second-row passengers
  • Amazon Fire TV with Alexa, including access to hundreds of thousands of movies, TV shows, and apps
  • Large panoramic sunroof that opens over the front and second-row seats; fixed window panel over the third-row seats also available
  • A rear-seat monitoring system that displays a video feed onto the central touchscreen

Safety Features:

  • Standard all-wheel drive and suspension are built for rugged terrain
  • Selec-Terrain Traction Management System has various settings for different terrain and weather, including Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, and Sport—all of which help the car handle all weather conditions
  • Head-up display lets you see the controls/speed on the windshield in front of you
  • Available digital rearview mirror (for when car seats or gear in the back is blocking your rear window view)
  • Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking will warn—and then stop the car—to avoid a frontal collision
  • Blind spot warning
  • Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance
  • Rear cross-traffic warning, as well as rear park assist sensors that will stop the vehicle if needed
  • Available 360-degree Surround View and night vision with a pedestrian, cyclist, and animal detection camera
  • Hands-Free Active Driving Assist allows for hands-free driving on an approved road
  • Intersection assist will warn drivers in intersections if a car is approaching from the right or left and apply brakes if needed
  • Available Drowsy Driver Detection will detect driver fatigue and monitor steering wheel behavior; if it detects an issue, it will warn you with an alert
  • An automatic parking system can park the car for you

Starting price:$88,640

Online: Jeep.com

2023 Genesis GV80

Genesis

Sleek and stylish, this five-seater SUV is  rated Number 1 in Kelley Blue Book's Luxury Midsize SUV category, calling it "some of the finest premium automobiles money can buy." Reviewers called it a class leader due to its "roomy, luxurious interior, fantastic engine choices, and outstanding value proposition." It's also great for families thanks to its excellent safety scores, enviable tech, and smooth, quiet drive. 

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Seating for up to 7
  • Option to turn off the audible lane departure warning alert and use a vibration alert instead (useful when a baby is napping in the back!)
  • Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for 2022
  • Heated front seats; available heated second-row seats
  • USB charger for every passenger  
  • Lay-flat third seats make for massive cargo space for gear, strollers, and groceries
  • 14.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and navigation system
  • Available Remote Smart Parking Assist lets you stand and watch (from the sidewalk!) as the GV70 takes over and parks your car in  even hard-to-fit spots
  • Genesis "Digital Key" lets you use your phone as a key to open the driver's door, open the trunk, or start the engine
  • The hands-free power liftgate lets you open the trunk when your hands are full 
  • A smooth, quiet ride makes it an easy nap space (hello, quiet time!)
  • Front seat massage settings, plus an option to make the side bolsters snugger when you turn on Sport mode
  • Best-in-class 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
  • Available 21-speaker sound system  

Safety Features: 

  • All-wheel drive comes standard in all models
  • Forward and Rear Collision Warning and Assist will warn you if a collision is imminent (and apply the brakes if necessary)
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • The blind spot view monitor displays a live view of your blind spot in the instrument cluster
  • When initiating a lane change, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist senses potential hazards on both sides and can apply the brakes to reduce the risk or severity of an accident
  • Rear cross-traffic warning with rear automatic braking
  • Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance help you stay in your lane 
  • Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with optional turbocharged V6 help you zip in and out of traffic  
  • Driver attention warning alerts you if you are dozing off or not paying attention to the road
  • Dynamic Voice Recognition can control climate settings, get directions, and change audio channels, so you don't have to take your hands off the steering wheel

Starting Price: $55,550 

Online: Genesis.com

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the American Road Trip

Best Family Sedans for 2023

2023 Honda Accord

Honda

Sure, sedans make up only 22.1 percent of new car sales in the U.S., according to this New York Times article—but not everyone wants to drive an SUV or minivan. But being a parent doesn't mean you have to give up your traditional car-driving days. Sedans can be perfect cars for small families, offering fuel-efficient options, affordable prices, plenty of tech, and space for car seats. Look at the all-new Honda Accord: The roomy five-seater topped Kelley Blue Book's list of Best Sedans for 2022 and 2023, offering great fuel economy (30/38 mpg), good tech options, and a ton of safety features.

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • U.S. News calls the interior “cavernous,” with comfortable seating for five and room for three car seats/boosters in the back row
  • 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space makes for one of the biggest in its class, says Edmunds.
  • Passenger seats have tons of pockets and bins for all your kids’ books and small items
  • Available heated and ventilated seats
  • A back seat big enough for three car seats, according to Carmax
  • Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy and warm (or cool)
  • Drawer inside the trunk for storing smaller items that may roll around while you’re driving
  • Cargo hook for hanging grocery bags in the trunk
  • Standard 7-inch touchscreen/ 12.3-inch for top trims
  • Apple Car Play and Android Auto for connecting your phone’s apps and music to the car
  • All new Google Built-In lets you control select vehicle functions by voice with Google Assistant, get directions and live traffic updates with Google Maps, and download music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more with Google Play.
  • WiFi hotspot connectivity
  • Impressive fuel efficiency at 30 city/38 highway mpg for the standard model; 48/47 mpg for the hybrid model

Safety Features:

  • The updated 1.5-liter Turbo engine (LX, EX) adds refinement and responsiveness while remaining fuel efficient 
  • Next-gen front airbags designed to reduce traumatic brain and neck injuries
  • The collision mitigation braking system will automatically apply brakes when the car detects a collision is unavoidable
  • Road departure mitigation system detects if you’re straying from your lane and will help correct you or apply brakes if needed
  • Available Head Up display shows important driving information—speed, directions, and incoming calls—in the driver’s line of sight. 
  • Remotely lock your car or see the fuel status from your phone
  • Blind spot information system, updated for 2023 to have 82 feet of radar range
  • Traffic Sign Recognition  
  • A multi-angle rearview camera with available cross-traffic monitor, plus a wide-angle radar with a 120-degree field of view
  • Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto-lock lets you lock and unlock your car without taking out your keys
  • Rear occupant seat reminder makes sure you don’t forget anyone in the back when you exit the car
  •  Stolen vehicle locator, remote immobilizer, and a Find-My-Vehicle function

Starting price: $26,520 

OnlineHonda.com

2023 Lexus ES

2023 Lexus
Toyota USA

Sure, you may only be driving to the school pick-up line, but who says you can't cruise in style? The Lexus ES has all the safety and tech to keep the kids protected and entertained, plus the looks, luxury, and reputation of a high-end vehicle. Kelley Blue Book called it the "Best Luxury MId-Size Car for  2023—and last year, it won the top spot on KBB's list of the Best Safety-Rated Sedans. And, while technically a "luxury" car, it nabbed KBB's "Best Buy of 2023" award, with a starting price of $42,490.

Best Family Friendly Features:

  • Available heated and ventilated seats, plus a heated steering wheel.
  • The dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy, and the “Lexus Climate Concierge” automatically adjusts the temperature and seat heater settings based on the outside and cabin temperature
  • Quiet cabin, with Kelley Bluebook calling it an “oasis of calm”
  • High-end Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound
  • Use your voice to control various car functions such as temperature and radio station (just say, "Hey Lexus")
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Standard 8-inch (or optional 12.3-inch) touchscreen infotainment center comes with a navigation system
  • Apple Car Play and Android Auto for connecting your phone apps and music to the car—plus built-in Alexa integration
  • 4G WiFi connectivity
  • Six USB ports (four in front; two in back) so everyone stays charged on the road
  • A hybrid model is easier on the environment (and your wallet), running about 42 miles per gallon
  • The trunk can open and close with a kick under the rear bumper
  • Available all-wheel-drive
  • Lower LATCH anchors are easy to access with pop-off covers, though the car probably won't fit three car seats

Safety Features:

  • Blind spot warning
  • Panoramic View Monitor uses four high-resolution cameras mounted on the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle to give drivers a bird’s-eye view of the immediate area
  • A rear cross-traffic warning will alert you if someone is approaching as you are backing out
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection will automatically apply brakes when the car detects a collision is unavoidable
  • The “sway warning” will give an audible alert if the vehicle is straying from its lane
  • Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
  • Intersection Turning Assist warns drivers of any oncoming vehicles when turning left across an intersection; it also looks for pedestrians on left and right turns
  • Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking
  • Automatic high beams
  • Optional front and rear parking sensors
  • Heads-up display projects speed, gear and rpm onto the windshield in front of you, so you can more easily keep your eyes on the road
  • Siri Eyes Free and Google Assistant are supported with a paired phone.
  • 3.5-liter V6 engine gets you from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds (great for merging into highway traffic)
  • Rear seat belt reminder will alert you—and get increasingly louder—if someone unbuckles while driving

Starting price: $40,800

Online: Lexus.com

Because AWESOME is for everyone

When it reopens for the season on March 31, 2023, LEGOLAND New York will become the newest LEGOLAND Resort to be designated a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This means that all of the resort sites in North America will have this distinction: Florida and California received autism certification in 2022, joining Florida’s three onsite hotels, as well as Peppa Pig Theme Park.

“LEGOLAND Resorts are designed to inspire creativity amongst children of all abilities—our rides, experiences and entertainment all foster a child’s imagination through a lens of belonging,” says Merlin Entertainments CEO Scott O’Neil. “With 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism in the U.S.A., we want to build understanding and empathy while also ensuring our teams have the tools and support strategies when engaging with a neurodiverse population.”

LEGOLAND Resorts

 

Here’s what families can expect as part of the new LEGOLAND Resorts experience:

  • LEGOLAND team members will be trained to better assist autistic guests and those with other sensory sensitivities.
  • Pre-planning resources will be available for guests on the Resorts’ websites.
  • Across the three Resorts, every ride will have a posted sensory guide developed by IBCCES indicating whether there are bright lights, loud sounds, or any features that guests might need to plan around. This will make it easier for families to plan activities that align with their needs and accommodations.
  • Low-sensory areas will be available to allow guests with certain sensitivities to take a break and relax in a less stimulating environment.
  • LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND New York offer quiet rooms dedicated to children with varying sensory needs—where guests can decompress with weighted blankets, dim lighting, and tactile toys.
  • Upon request, First Aid offers earplugs to assist with sound and overstimulation.
  • “Assisted Access Passes” can be requested at Guest Services. With this pass, families can visit their first ride and not have to wait in line. After that, they choose a time to visit their second ride and head to that ride at the designated time without having to wait in line. This process continues throughout the day.
  • Guests who use strollers as wheelchairs can obtain a special tag that allows them access to all venues.

“Through this certification, we’re providing our guests with more opportunities to create and play their way, while supporting parents through every step of the vacation planning journey,” says Merlin Entertaintments CEO Scott O’Neil.