There are even a few cruises where kids sail free

Cruising is back in full swing with families enjoying the ease of getting to visit many ports without having to lug your luggage around with you. The good news is that 2024 promises to be an exciting year for sailing with the inaugural sailings of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess happening in early 2024. Whether you are wanting to check out the stunning beauty of Alaska or you have always wanted to spend the day at Coco Cay, we have the cruise for you. There are a few adventure cruises on this list for those looking for a more active cruise and plenty that will work well for that multi-generational trip. Bonus: You can even find some “Kids Sail Free” deals mixed in!

Royal Caribbean | 7-Day Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day

aerial view of Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean

Ready to welcome up to 7.600 guests, the Icon of the Seas is setting sail for the Eastern Caribbean in late January and families are already booking their next adventure. The stats on this massive ship are quite impressive: 20 decks, 7 pools, 9 whirlpools, and the most waterslides at sea. With stops in St. Kitts, the Bahamas, and St. Thomas, you'll get to enjoy the Caribbean culture when you head off the ship. Book by January 2, 2024 and take advantage of their Kids Sail Free promotion for sailings departing between January 5, 2024 – April 25, 2026. 

Princess Cruises | Sun Princess 7-Day Mediterranean

Sun Princess Cruises for families deck image
Princess Cruises

Have you ever wanted to hang glide at sea? The brand-new Sun Princess is setting sail for the Caribbean and the Mediterranean next year and we can't wait to check it out. Kids will go crazy over the new activity zone named “Park19” that will feature simulated hang gliding, a two-story climbing structure, a splash zone, and even a hammock area for parents who need a little break from it all. Reimagined teen and tween zones will welcome these hard-to-please age groups with gaming areas, air hockey, foosball, and more. 

We especially have our eye on their Mediterranean sailings that offer stops in Sicily, Montenegro, Barcelona, and Naples. You can often find their 3rd and 4th guests sail free promotion which makes this a very affordable option for families. 

Windstar Cruises | 7-Day Costa Rica Cruises

Windstar Cruises at sunset
Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offer families a small ship experience that's full of adventure, education, and immersion in exciting new destinations. With only 148 to 342 guests on board each sailing, you'll get access to ports and areas of the world that other larger ships are unable to visit. There's ample downtime to relax while you are sailing and also access to the watersports platform where you can go swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking right off the back of the ship when anchored. 

The Windstar Costa Rica itineraries offer ziplining and hikes to waterfalls, visits to natural parks with the possibility of glimpsing a sloth in the wild, and lots of opportunities to enjoy local cuisine. Families will enjoy the naturalist discussions onboard as well as the relaxed atmosphere. 

Disney Cruise Line | Disney Wonder 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Disney Cruise Line mickey minnie
Disney Cruise Line

Families who set sail with Disney Cruise Line know that the Disney magic follows you aboard from the friendly staff to the thoughtful kids programs and excursions. You can expect to enjoy Broadway-quality shows while onboard along with fireworks at sea, character experiences, movie screenings, and more. Disney cruises are particularly suited to multi-generational travel so be sure to invite the grandparents! 

Disney's Alaskan cruises will have you spotting bald eagles and brown bears, cruising past majestic glaciers, hiking the mountains of Juneau, and visit the salmon capital of the world—Ketchikan. Excursions are the highlight of an Alaskan cruise and Disney has so many to choose from that you'll definitely find one that suits your family's interests. 

Holland America Line | 7-Day Mexican Riviera

kid on holland america cruise

Make it easy on yourself and depart from San Diego aboard the Koningsdam for a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Families will appreciate that this ship features family staterooms with beds for five (plus an extra bathroom) so you can easily keep an eye on your crew while sailing. Kids can participate in arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games, and themed parties while on board. 

Optional excursions include bird watching expeditions, ziplining over the canopy, and a mini speedboat outing with private beach day. 

Lindblad Expeditions | 7-Day Galapagos Cruise

Lindblad Expeditions

Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This kid-friendly cruise aboard the National Geographic Islander II will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.

Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!

Hawaii—UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise

UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. You can visit four islands aboard UnCruise's : Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.

UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.

Avalon River Cruises | Paris to Normandy via the Seine

seine river paris
istock

If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids (ages 8 and up).

Take a voyage down the epic Seine to visit landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art, and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. 

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!


Sail with Mickey to Mexico or sail through the Panama Canal on these cruises that are perfect for families

After several years of setbacks, cruises are making a comeback. A convenient way for families to get together for a vacation, cruises allow multiple generations to relax in one place without always having to do the same activities. Now’s the time to start planning to set sail next year, so here are some 2023 cruises for families that caught our attention.

Royal Caribbean | Wonder of the Seas 7-day Eastern Caribbean

Multiple yellow and pink waterslides and water coming from top on Splashaway Bay, Wonder of the Seas cruise ship
Royal Caribbean

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Sea holds over 5,700 passengers. Sailing out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, Wonder of the Seas offers 21 dining venues, an AquaTheater, ice skating shows, a comedy club, and an onboard carousel. It has so much to do it's impossible to get bored. 

Kids Will Love: All of the water activities on board! From the whirlpool waterslide Supercell to the clear twisting waterslides where you can race another rider and the 40-foot-long surf simulator, it'll be a chore getting kids out of the water every day.

Parents Will Love: Get some alone time in the indoor-outdoor solarium exclusive for guests 16 and over. With swimming pools and a lounge area that overlooks the front of the ship, it's the perfect place to relax without the kids. 

Book here: royalcaribbean.com

Princess Cruises | Sky Princess 7-day Western Caribbean with Mexico

One of the newest ships in the Princess fleet, the Sky Princess heads to the western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Multiple pools, live shows and a sports court are on board to help families relax before hitting ports of call. Also, look for shore excursions and onboard presentations recommended by Discovery Channel and Animal Planet to learn a little more about the ship’s destinations. 

Kids Will Love: There are three separate areas for children ages 3-7, 8-12, and 13-17 with age-appropriate activities, including movie nights, art projects, stargazing, and video game tournaments.

Parents Will Love: Four specialty dining opportunities allow foodies to enjoy unique dining experiences of flavors from around the world. Adults hoping for some alone time can experience the Chef’s Table Lumiere, a multi-course dinner with champagne hosted by the ship’s executive chef. 

Book here: princess.com

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | HANSEATIC Inspiration 13-day Panama Canal South America

A cruise on the Hapag-Lloyd HANSEATIC Inspiration is an alternative for the family that loves to explore and learn while on vacation. Leaving Costa Rica and arriving in Panama, there are port calls in Columbia and Ecuador and a daytime passage through the Panama Canal. With no more than 230 guests per trip, it never feels crowded. Tours on small Zodiac boats allow guests to get up close and personal with nature. Onboard, traditional cruise options such as swimming pools, a spa, and sports club are also available, along with several restaurants and bars. 

Kids Will Love: Inquisitive children will love the Ocean Academy. Offering microscope stations and an interactive media wall, the center has experienced experts to answer questions about the area where the cruise is. 

Parents Will Love: Children under 11 travel for free when staying in the cabin with fully paying adults, while children ages 12 to 15 travel at a discount. Adults can also enjoy a champagne welcome in their cabins.

Book here: hl-cruises.com

 

Royal Caribbean | Serenade of the Seas 5-day Canada Cruise

Royal Caribbean

One of the line's smaller ships carrying 2,100 passengers, the Serenade of the Seas Canada cruise departs from Boston, Massachusetts, and heads to Canada and Maine at the height of fall foliage. But smaller doesn't mean less. With lots of glass exteriors, the ship allows for views from many vantage points. A pool with a retractable glass roof enables guests to swim even if the weather isn't perfect. And onboard activities such as dance lessons, scrapbooking, and outdoor movies keep everyone occupied day or night. 

Kids Will Love: Little sports lovers will enjoy the rock climbing wall, sports court, and miniature golf course available. Not into sports? Head to the arcade to play video and skills games to get bragging rights over the siblings or parents. 

Parents Will Love: Take time to enjoy the ship's spa. With a Tahitian theme, all traditional treatments are available. Two whirlpools are open 24 hours a day to help unwind after a long excursion. The spa also offers thermal suites and scented steam rooms and saunas.

Book here: royalcaribbean.com

MSC | Divina 6-day Mediterranean

Sailing out of Portofino and arriving in Rome, this summer cruise gives families a relaxing way to explore Italy along with Marseille, France. Inspired by movie legend Sophia Loren, the Divina greets guests with a two-story Swarovski staircase in the central atrium. Families can enjoy trivia games, dance lessons, and a variety of other family-appropriate challenges. There are also twice daily theater shows at night, along with plenty of evening programming and live bands.

Kids Will Love: Take the Formula One racing simulator for a spin and enjoy a rollercoaster ride in the 4D Cinema. There are also two arcades on board, along with a teen disco.

Parents Will Love: Children under 18 travel free when sharing a room with their parents. There’s also the Hippy Dinners program for children between 3 and 11. Kids eat their meals in the dining room while their parents eat appetizers. When done, staff take the children to the kids’ clubs while the parents enjoy the rest of the meal.

Book here: msccruisesusa.com

Carnival | Mardi Gras 8-day Eastern Caribbean

Named after Carnival’s first ship, the Mardi Gras sails out of Port Canaveral, Florida, and has six themed areas for food, drinking, and all-around fun times. The French Quarter area features a restaurant by famed chef Emeril Lagasse while the top deck features a playground for all ages, including the first rollercoaster at sea. Be sure to catch the live version of Family Feud, where guests challenge each other in front of a live studio audience.

Kids Will Love: The WaterWorks section of the ship features three spiral slides, a water dump bucket, racing slides, and other water activities. There’s also a miniature golf course for those feeling a little water-logged. 

Parents Will Love: The different bar areas to relax. Feel like you’re in The Big Easy at The Brass Magnolia bar, which serves traditional New Orleans drinks and features live music. The Patio at Summer Landing is outdoors and has a BBQ theme and a game area, while the Fortune Teller Bar creates drinks as mysterious as its name implies.

Book here: carnival.com

 

Disney Cruise Line | Disney Wonder 3-day Baja Cruise

Sailing out of San Diego, California, the Disney Wonder isn’t just for those who love Mickey Mouse. While there are plenty of character interactions on board, there is also a Dixieland restaurant, an onboard spa, and adult-only areas to enjoy. 

Kids Will Love: Teenagers can get away from their families in the Vibe club. Open until 2 a.m., the club lets them enjoy karaoke and dance parties without interruption from little brothers and sisters. No one is left out, though. Those under 3 have their own pool area, and kids ages 3 to 12 can interact with Disney and Marvel characters in the Oceaneer Club.

Parents Will Love: Staterooms from Oceanview and above have split bathrooms with the shower in one area and the toilet and sink in another. Allowing families to get ready for the day without having to wait or be on top of each other.

Book here: disneycruise.disney.go.com

Capricorn baby names are all about the earth, qualities like trustworthiness, and of course, the goat

Capricorn names may be inspired by Capricorn’s status as an earth sign of the zodiac and so might include names that mean earth, such as Adam and Mira. Other Capricorn baby names in the US Top 1000 include Amina, Bruno, Onyx, Titan, Tru, Violet, Winter, and Zola. Capricorn’s astrological symbol is the goat, so related names like Giles and Capella would also work well as Capricorn baby names.

Also included are names related to Capricorn’s properties, such as its colors, purple and brown, and its flower, the Lotus. You may also want to look at our lists of December names and January names, depending on your child’s birth month. If your baby is going to be born under the Capricorn sign of the zodiac, any of these names would be very fitting for your little goat. Here are a few of our favorites:

Aja

Both a boy's name and a girl's name of Hindi origin meaning "goat, " it sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album.

Amina

Meaning "trustworthy, faithful," the name of the mother of the prophet Muhammad is well used among Muslims everywhere.

Bruno

The name Bruno is a boy's name of German origin meaning "brown." It's a popular name throughout Europe and South America that deserves more attention in the US.

Gaia

The name of the Greek mythological earth goddess and universal mother; actress Emma Thompson stated that she was attracted by its ecological element, so other "green" parents may want to follow her lead.

Ione

Meaning a violet-colored stone, this unusual Greek flower and color name has gained considerable recent attention via actress Ione Skye, who is the daughter of sixties folksinger Donovan.

parent and child looking at the stars
Michelle Mildenberg

Jael

This attractive Old Testament option is the name of a place in northern Israel. It is both a boy's name and a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning "mountain goat."

Lotus

The lotus is a meaningful symbol in many East Asian cultures, where it symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

Nyala

A girl's name of African origin meaning "mountain goat, " Nyala is a secret nature name with a fashionable animal meaning.

Onyx

Unlike Pearl and Ruby, this is one gem name suited for boys, the final x making it sound strong and virile. Musician Iggy Azalea chose the name Onyx for her son.

Ren

The name Ren is both a boy's name and a girl's name of Japanese origin meaning "water lily, lotus." In Japan, the lotus is the Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection. 

Sierra

Sierra is a name borrowed from the western mountain range, with Latin rhythm and cowboy charm.

Seb

The name Seb is a boy's name of Egyptian origin meaning "God of the earth."

Tru

The name Tru is both a boy's name and a girl's name meaning "true."

Winter

The girls have dibs on Spring, Summer, and Autumn, leaving this name evocative of snowy landscapes as the one possible seasonal choice for boys.

Walker

This waspy name on the rise for boys hasn't hit yet for girls but could join others, like Sawyer, that have.

For the complete list with expanded meanings visit Nameberry.

The addition creates more inclusivity in the long-standing attraction

Disneyland added two new dolls in wheelchairs to its iconic “it’s a small world” attraction, showing a more inclusive experience in this ride that has been in operation since 1966. Introduced at the Holidays at Disneyland premiere night, the two new dolls are part of the “it’s a small world” holiday-themed overlay and will become a permanent part of the attraction after the holiday season ends. One doll is displayed in the scene representing South America, and the second doll can be spotted in the finale scene.

Disneyland Resort

It is integral for all Disneyland visitors to be able to see themselves in rides like “it’s a small world” and this move by Disney is an important step in that direction. This update can currently only be seen at Disneyland but is expected to come to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris in 2023. Erin Quintanilla, manager of Disneyland’s accessibility team, told The Huffington Post that the new dolls “authentically represent those of us who live life on wheels.”

Another new addition at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure this holiday season is the introduction of MagicBand+, which has been available at the Florida parks for a few years. MagicBands+ are multi-functional bracelets that let you store tons of information, like your entry pass and Lightning Lane reservations, and make your Disneyland experience that much easier. Available for purchase at $35 and up, any MagicBand+ purchased for use at Disneyland will work at Disney World as well.

Top holiday billing always goes to “Haunted Mansion Holiday” where Jack Skellington has transformed the New Orleans house into his own world, and the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, complete with a “snowfall” and vibrant projections.

Fans of Black Panther will love the addition of Wakanda Forever at Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park through Jan. 8, 2023. Guests will be able to celebrate the arrival of two new warriors, feast on fare inspired by African cuisine, discover props from the film, and more. “The limited-time experiences at Avengers Campus celebrating ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ immerse guests in the spirit, culture, and power of Wakanda,” according to Michael Serna, Executive Creative Director for Disney Live Entertainment. In the film, the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, and these must-see experiences invite Disneyland Resort guests to join their own chapter of that journey.”

Read more about what you can expect at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure this holiday season.

The days of freely sharing your Netflix password are over

It’s been nearly six months since Netflix started testing a model that charged $2-$3 for users to share their account with someone in a different household in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru. Now, the streaming provider is ready to take the program to the United States.

In the past, Netflix has taken a ‘users sharing their passwords is cool as long as they don’t sell them’ approach. But with record subscriber losses this past year, Netflix needs to find a way to recoup that lost revenue.

“We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans,” Netflix said in a blog post. “While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”

Related: 28 Netflix Shows Every Parent Should Binge-Watch

Netflix

“Investing in great new TV and films” means that now users will be charged to add subaccounts, to the tune of roughly $3.50 to $4.00 per member. While we wait on all the details, it’s likely the U.S. model will mirror that of the one tested in South America. That program was available to standard- and premium-plan customers and let them add accounts for up to two people they don’t live with. The “extra members” had their own profiles, personalized recommendations, and logins and passwords. The fee is less than what a new user would have to pay to create an account, but Netflix maintains it will help bankroll more original content.

But what Netflix really wants you to do is use the company’s Profile Transfer feature, “that lets people using your account transfer a profile — keeping the personalized recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games, and other settings — when they start their own membership.”

A new membership means higher fees than being added as a subaccount, which means more money to the streamer.

Related: These Secret Netflix Codes Will Help You Search for Kids’ Movies

share netflix password
Freestocks/Unsplash
Freestocks/Unsplash

The changes in password sharing is just one of many things churning over at Netflix the past year. The streamer is also getting ready to add ad-supported tiers that offer lower costs, but will continue to offer ad-free programing for kids.

Netflix has not announced an official launch date for the password sharing fees or an exact amount, but be ready come early 2023.

From hot cocoa and a warm fireplace to powdery-capped mountains and thrilling adventures, a winter getaway is the perfect way to embrace the chilly season.

To help you arrange a trip that meets your family’s needs while keeping the giggles going, we’ve listed our go-to tactics that’ll make traveling with children in tow a breeze. Unsure of where to stay at? Look to Marriott Bonvoy’s vast portfolio of hotels across the country for your perfect fit.

Choose where you want to be a winter adventurer

While parts of South America, Asia and Europe experience a low season during winter, the frosty weather marks prime travel time for Northern Hemisphere ski resorts. If your family is looking for a winter escapade, look to Colorado, Vermont, Montana, Idado or Utah for exhilarating snow-filled activities.

Pick a resort with accommodations that meet your needs

When choosing a resort, base your selection on your lifestyle. Do you prefer preparing meals for your family while on vacation? Look to a suite with a kitchenette. Do you enjoy trying new foods at restaurants? A room with fewer accommodations may be best. To help keep your children entertained, find a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub for the parents. If mom and dad want to sneak away for a couple of hours of snowmobiling or a romantic dinner date, ensure your stay offers a childcare center for little ones.

Don't skip out on travel insurance

Oftentimes, travel insurance is overlooked, but for a winter getaway that could face the potential of trip cancellations or delays either from difficult weather conditions or illnesses like the flu or COVID-19, having this security net can provide you peace of mind. In case of any emergency that occurs before you packed your bags or amidst your ongoing plans, travel insurance provides you financial security, so you don't lose out on what was initially spent for your travel accommodations.  

Book your vacation early

Once you’ve nailed down your winter holiday destination, it’s best to book your lodging and travel accommodations ahead of time to avoid the holiday rush. Since holidays are the busiest time of year for airlines and hotels, the earlier you snag your spot the better. You’ll have ample options to choose from, so your family doesn’t have to squeeze into a room with one king bed and rollaway. Plus, you’ll beat spiked costs leaving more money in your budget for exciting activities.

Create an itinerary that meets everyone’s interests

When traveling with the kiddos, it’s important to make sure they’re happy, entertained and having a great time. The age of your children, however, will dictate the type of activities you can do as a group. For tweens, consider hitting the slopes during the day and nighttime snow tubing. If you have younger children, plan skiing lessons, an epic snowball fight and a game board extravaganza. Don’t forget to carve out time for hiking through local (and safe) trails as well as sightseeing in the area.

Pack a winter travel kit to keep your immunity strong

While a true winter wonderland vacation offers beautiful sights and experiences, it also brings about harsh weather conditions and seasonal ailments. To avoid spoiling the fun with an illness, create your own winter travel kit that'll keep your immune system in tip-top shape, like flu or fever medications, nasal decongestants and daily vitamins. Our go-to accessories also include heat packs or warmers that will keep your extremities warm and a small, portable humidifier for combatting respiratory infections that thrive in the dry air.

Start planning your winter escape today. With Marriott Bonvoy, you can find a hotel that checks off all the boxes.

A new study shows encouraging information about helping our kids succeed: strong family bonds. Published in the journal, Pediatrics, the study surveyed over 37,000 adolescents in 26 countries, ages 11 to 13 from 2016 to 2019.

Researchers studied information from the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being which includes data from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. The results made up what they believe is the “first population-based study of adolescents showing the association between a measure of relational health (family connection) and flourishing,” according to the study.

A man and two sons have fun during family activities
Nathan Dumalo/Unsplash

While there have been plenty of studies in the past that show how strong family bonds helps kids avoid negative behaviors, this particular one shows that positive action results from that relationship, too. Basically, kids don’t just survive, they thrive with a healthy family connection.

That “family connection” was ascertained using five survey items, including care, support, safety, respect and participation. Adolescents were asked a series of questions and then required to rank how strongly they agreed with each item from 0 (“I do not agree”) to 4 (“I totally agree”) to get an overall score.

Additionally, the study also determined “flourishing” by addressing categories that included self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth, environmental mastery and autonomy. A similar ranking system followed, but with options from 0 to 10.

Among the results, “the highest family connection scores and the highest prevalence of flourishing were for those adolescents who reported never having family financial worry, always having enough food, or living with both parents.” Overall, 49% of kids were more likely to flourish if they had a strong family connection.

As parents ourselves, we’d like to point out many of the factors that went into determining success and “flourishing” in this study do not require expensive vacations or pricey wardrobes. Providing an environment filled with support, respect and participation are just as key to creating a family bond that lasts––and it doesn’t cost a penny.

If you’d like to read the entire study, you can head here.

 

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Boredom is hard to achieve in a place like Chicago, where top-quality exhibits and activities for kids lurk around every corner. Some are permanent, some are temporary, but they all are perfect go-tos when creativity is waning for family date ideas. From massive dinosaurs at Brookfield Zoo to Frida and Prince, we’re letting you in on some of our favorite long-running or temporary exhibits for families in Chicago.

Museums

Museum of Science & Industry's the Art of Brick

exhibits and activities in chicago, lego exhibits, museum of science and industry, exhibits in chicago, museums in chicago, chicago museums, chicago exhibits, the art of brick, Nathan Sawaya
MSI

MSI's The Art of Brick on display Feb. 10- Sep. 5, features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. 

Underground Adventures at Field Museum

When you’re paying a visit to everyone’s favorite T.Rex, Sue, pop into Underground Adventure for a bug’s-eye view of the world. You’ll magically shrink to 1/100th your actual size, smaller than a penny, to explore an immersive environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. Kids will learn soil is home to an incredible diversity of living things and that not a single plant or animal could survive without it.

wndr Museum

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WNDR Museum, the ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience, features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios locally and globally that prioritize joy, curiosity and creativity.

Science & You at Kohl Children's Museum

Through Sep. 5, kids get to play in a child-sized laboratory to explore how scientists impact health and wellness in the Science & You exhibit. They can explore machines, processes and technology that demonstrate the role science plays to keep the body healthy. The immersive, open-ended exhibit provides kids the opportunity to play, explore, discover and experiment.

Remembering Dr. King at Chicago History Museum

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Maria Chambers

On display until Jul. 4, 2022, Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north. More info

Zoos

Brookfield Zoo's Ice Age Giants

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Ice Age Giants unleashes more than 30 life-sized animatronic re-creations of dinosaurs that roamed North America and Eurasia during the Ice Age. Through Oct. 30, kids can see a 15-foot-tall woolly mammoth, an oafish 20-foot-long ground sloth, a 12-foot-tall giant bird, a fearsome 5-foot-long saber-toothed cat and more. Adding to the lifelike effects, parts of the animals such as the head, eyes, mouth, and tail move, making the experience even more realistic.

Arboretums

Morton Arboretum's Human + Nature

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Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum by artist Daniel Popper rise above the natural landscapes in Human + Nature. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connection between humans and nature.

Immersive Experiences

Frida: Immersive Dream

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Michael Brosilow

Frida: Immersive Dream focuses on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the beloved 20th-century Mexican artist best known for compelling self-portraits and radiant pieces inspired by life in her native country. The artist's best-known works will be brought to life and set to music through May 28. 

Prince: The Immersive Experience

Chicago will glow purple when Prince: The Immersive Experience makes its worldwide debut, Jun. 9-Oct. 9. Fans can immerse themselves in the music and life of Prince in 10 multi-dimensional spaces. 

Stage Shows

Lookingglass Alice

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Liz Lauren

Lookingglass Alice takes kids on a circus-infused trip down the rabbit hole, through Jul. 31. This signature Lookingglass production has toured the country enchanting audiences, painted each time with a fresh coat of magic. The awe-inspiring production has come back home to Lookingglass Theatre for a new generation to discover.  

Chicago Kids Company's Rapunzel

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Chicago Kids Company

After stealing a precious plant, the King and Queen are forced to let their wacky gardener raise their daughter, Rapunzel. She is locked away in a tower where she grows into a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and flowing hair. After 18 long years, Rapunzel meets a handsome prince who just might help her escape. Presenting at Beverly Arts Center through May 6 and at Stahl Family Theater, May 11-Aug. 5. 

Winnie the Pooh at Mercury Theatre

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Mercury Theatre

Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation introduces kids to Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and, Tigger too!). This fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories of iconic characters loved for generations. Presenting through Jun. 12.

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