Travel
fromScary Mommy
4 days ago15 Incredible Family-Friendly Hotels In The U.S. That *Aren't* Disney
Family-friendly hotels and resorts offer great alternatives to theme parks for vacations with kids.
Originally called Treasure Island, it opened on April 8, 1974, three years after Walt Disney World first welcomed visitors. The theme was based on the 1950 Disney pirate adventure film "Treasure Island," with a wrecked ship visible on the shore. Its name was changed to Discovery Island in the late 1970s, and the 11.5-acre nature preserve-accessible by boat-operated until April 8, 1999.
Located within Walt Disney World, this shopping, dining, and entertainment district is worth checking out during your next trip to the resort. Even though it's on Disney property, Disney Springs is one of several attractions that don't require park tickets and self-parking is complimentary. With around 100 shops, 80 eateries, and 20 other attractions, there's so much to see here.
Running on regular dates through the summer months, Trekking Hellas's three-day, two-night odysseys in the Ionian Sea start in Nidri, on Lefkada, and paddle on past Skorpios to Meganisi, camping out at Lakka before continuing the next day to Mikros Gialos for a second night under the stars before turning for home. There are stops for swimming, resting and barbecues along the way, and some thrilling cave detours, but with about six hours of paddling a day, the minimum age is 14.
There are always fun things to do with kids at night in NYC, in the city that never sleeps! Explore our amazing list of 25 nighttime adventures! From stargazing on the Highline to adventures at The Color Factory, the city is filled with family-friendly nighttime fun. Check out all of the things to do to keep your family entertained after hours!
A man fell asleep underneath an oak tree in Placerita Canyon, in what's now the Newhall area of Santa Clarita. As he slept, he dreamed of finding gold. When Francisco López awoke, he pulled up wild onions growing nearby and discovered gold clinging to their roots. The legend is real - or at least parts of it. We'll never know if López really dreamed of gold, but we know he found it and that it was the first recorded discovery of gold in the state.
In the months when avoiding heat and crowds is a priority, it's best to arrive early, stay late, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. When it's cold, it's kind of the opposite. We focused on the indoor attractions and spots with indoor queues in the morning. At 11 a.m., we searched for opportunities to be in the brisk afternoon air and lovely sunshine.
As summer school breaks stretch longer and childcare becomes harder to secure, some families are turning to an unexpected solution: hotels offering full-day, structured kids' camps that allow parents to travel, work and keep routines intact.
Cathy, I understand your pain. Driving 80 miles can feel like an odyssey, especially in SoCal. Thankfully, there are loads of fun places where your family can meet in the middle (or close to it). I've rounded up some solid options. By the way, the driving times mentioned here are a rough estimate for a weekend day without traffic, but as you probably know, your actual time may vary.
If you're looking for a tropical getaway, Germany likely doesn't come to mind. But about 45 miles south of Berlin, you'll find an unexpected vacation destination. Here, visitors can lounge on sandy beaches in balmy temperatures and splash about in warm waters, even in the dead of winter. The secret? It's all indoors. Housed inside a former airship hangar, Tropical Islands is a beach-themed water park that needs to be seen to be believed.
Because it's so immersive and theatrical, it's ideal for keeping kids entertained without requiring parents to plan every second of the day (which, frankly, already makes it feel like a win). This is not a cruise where you sit by the pool while your kids complain they are bored. It is a cruise where they disappear into kids' clubs, beg to stay up late for shows, and talk about the Hydra puppets and Cruella de Vil long after you are home.
1. A cup holder snack tray converter so you can spend fewer road trips straining your arm while contorting it to hand individual Goldfish crackers from the front seat to the grabby hands in the back. 2. A pair of noise reduction ear muffs that'll cut back on the noise in your little's ears by 23 decibels and help muffle loud travel sounds, whether they're awake or asleep.
Six Flags will kick off the regional pass plan on Feb. 9 with a limited time sale on Gold season passes for $140 at Knott's and $90 at Magic Mountain that offer access to all the Six Flags parks in the West Region. The Magic Mountain Silver Pass will become the Gold Pass on Feb. 9 and include Six Flags West Region access. Knott's does not offer a Silver Pass.
Our local guide covers popular family destinations across North Suffolk, West Suffolk, and both the South Shore and the North Shore. Suffolk County offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for kiddos and families. While you may need a car for this day-out-adventure, most places are organized by proximity so that you can reduce driving time. You can also extend it to a weekend getaway! There are plenty of things to do in Montauk
Scary Mommy can exclusively reveal that for just 24 hours, starting February 6, 2026, families of four staying in a standard room can snag a price point of just $26 per person, per night. Using the promo code 2626, all you have to do is log on February 6 and reserve an overnight stay at any Great Wolf Lodge vacation (all U.S. locations are participating), with the offer valid through June 18, 2026.