Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the world of fandom through immersive and interactive...

Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the world of fandom through immersive and interactive in-world experiences, alongside live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities, curated food, beverages and merchandise.

Universal Fan Fest Nights

Created by the theme park’s entertainment team in collaboration with esteemed industry experts, Universal Fan Fest Nights welcomes guests to embrace a variety of eclectic worlds that celebrate fandom favorites.

This exciting experience invites Universal Fan Fest Nights guests to step into an adventure that will take place within an all-new outdoor environment created exclusively for this limited time event.

Tickets are now available for purchase to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights, which runs for a limited 12-nights only:

April 23-25
May 1-3
May 7-9
May 14-16

Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature an array of experiences and activations that will be included every event night for guests to enjoy.

Universal Fan Fest Nights In-World Experiences

Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff

This new all-original experience, Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff, at Universal Studios Hollywood dares witches, wizards and Muggles to venture into the Forbidden Forest in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on a journey to rescue this esteemed magical creature.

With guidance from a Hogwarts Magical Creatures professor, guests will embark on an exciting walk-through adventure within the Forbidden Forest where they will encounter an array of magical creatures and familiar beasts, from pixies to owls and spiders as well as the infamous Monster Book of Monsters, as they forge ahead on a daring nighttime mission.

A series of obstacles will interrupt their journey, challenging them to summon their bravery and spellbinding skills in order to rescue the Hippogriff.

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot

This all-new, immersive walk-through adventure is designed to give guests the sensation of literally stepping into a Scooby-Doo episode. Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have an exclusive experience to walk along a movie studio backlot alongside Scooby-Doo himself and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy.

The exciting escapade will challenge them to solve a mystery involving the most legendary Universal Monsters in cinematic history, including Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolfman, as they navigate portions of Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets, from the cobblestone streets of Little Europe to the iconic Court of Miracles, the original filming location for such historic Universal horror films as Frankenstein and The Wolf Man.

ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show

ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue.

Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a whirlwind performance featuring a cast of ONE PIECE fan-favorite characters.

With action, comedy and chaos taking center stage, guests will be transported to the very heart of the world of ONE PIECE – enveloped in friendship, freedom and mayhem.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe

This exciting Japanese language CG anime short film, which originally debuted as part of Universal Studios Japan’s popular Cool Japan, will gather guests within DreamWorks Theatre to watch a subtitled version featuring heroine Super Sailor Moon as she battles an unforeseen enemy with sinister motives to acquire the Legendary Silver Crystal from Moon Palace’s enchanting ball.

With her unwavering spirit, accompanied by audience support, Super Sailor Moon will prove good indeed prevails over evil as she outwits her rival and restores tranquility to the Moon Palace.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep

This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic walk-through experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D.

Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

This engaging experience features the legendary beholder Xanathar, uniquely created by the masterful puppeteer, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration

This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights introduces a vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis who can be found throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Visit the website to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

Learn more, visit - www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

In tribute to the Year of the Horse and Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will g...

In tribute to the Year of the Horse and Philadelphia’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival will glow with light, art, culture, and global spirit in Franklin Square, Friday, June 5 – Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Tickets for the 2026 Festival go on sale to the public on April 6, 2026, at 9 am. Franklin Square is also celebrating its 20th Birthday Season in 2026.

My Other Related Posts

• Activities at Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2023
• Interview Student Winner Philly Chinese Lantern Festival Design Contest 2023

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI), the non-profit organization that renovated, funds, manages, and operates award-winning Franklin Square, along with Tianyu Arts and Culture, announce the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in celebration of the Year of the Horse – symbolizing energy, passion, freedom, and transformation.

The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk.

All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers.

In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden.

Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate, extending the Franklin Square 20th Birthday fun into the evening. A portion of the proceeds benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., supporting the care, programming, and year-round free events that make Franklin Square a vibrant gathering place for all.

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest

Giving area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2026 Festival, children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a horse to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Winning drawings will be crafted into lanterns and displayed during the Festival.

The students will be able to take the lantern home with them at the conclusion of the Festival. Deadline for submission is May 8, 2026.

An Evening in Franklin Square fundraiser and private Festival preview

Taking place on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm, allows attendees a sneak peek of the Festival before it opens to the public. This illuminating evening includes a silent auction, the Parx Square Derby carousel race, dinner, and dessert and dancing among the lanterns throughout the Square.

All proceeds from An Evening in Franklin Square benefit the operation, management, and free community programs in Franklin Square.

Tickets Info

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass provides unlimited entry for the duration of the Festival: adults (with ID) $90 and children (ages 3–12) $50.

Regular ticket prices are below.

Monday - Thursday tickets:

· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $25 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)

Friday - Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):

· $32 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3–12, 2 and under are free)
· $29 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.)

Discount tickets for Philly Mini Golf and Parx Liberty Carousel are available during the Festival. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additional fees apply for online purchase.

Special event rentals during the Festival are available Mondays through Thursdays, either daytime or nighttime, or Fridays through Sundays daytime only.

Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org

While it's good to know fun kid activities in your area, what happens when you travel out of state? Yelp's "Most Saved Kids Act...

While it's good to know fun kid activities in your area, what happens when you travel out of state? Yelp's "Most Saved Kids Activity List in Every State" can be a resourse for traveling families.

This newly unveiled Yelp list helps find fun activities to keep kids entertained and educated, whether at home or on the road. Yelp did a deep dive into what parents are eyeing and saving the most across every US state (and DC), including children’s museums and trampoline parks to mini golf and play cafes.

For families in my local New York area, Color Me Mine seems to be the top pick. Now I have to make plans to visit with my family.

To see your own state, along with the other states top kid activieiss, visit the Yelp article - www.yelp.com/article/most-saved-kids-activity-every-state

Yelp’s 2026 Play Trends List

Yelp’s report also pulled the trends that parents and kids can’t get enough of, including “STEAM time,” indoor play spaces (increasing 61,420% in searches on Yelp), and activities that boost creativity.

“STEAM time” is the new screen time

Families aren’t just looking for ways to burn energy — they’re saving places on Yelp that sneak in learning, like at Discovery Center of Idaho and Spark Imagination & Science Center in West Virginia.

The STEAM approach (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) blends hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and educational play to foster critical thinking and creativity.

Indoor Play Spaces are Skyrocketing

From play cafes that cater to parents too, like Chirpy’s Play Cafe in Nebraska, to indoor trampoline parks like Shell We Bounce in Delaware, Yelp users are drawn to all-age and all-weather havens where little ones can run around while adults grab a coffee, answer a few emails, or chat with friends.

Searches on Yelp for “indoor playcenter” skyrocketed 61,420% and “play cafe” searches went up 27%, comparing 2025 to 2024.

Creative spots are climbing the charts

More families are searching for places where kids can paint and create. On Yelp, searches for “children’s art classes” rose 34% and “kids arts and crafts” went up 32%.

From painting pottery at Meg-Art Pottery Painting Studio & Espresso Bar in North Carolina to joining a handcraft workshop at The Craftsman & Apprentice in Colorado, craft-focused outings are now top of the bucket-list.

Yelp Mobile App

Planning a staycation, plotting a cross-country road trip, or just trying to survive a daycare-free Tuesday? To keep these spots handy, follow the Most Saved Kids Activity in Every State Collection in the Yelp app.

Don’t forget to tap the bookmark icon on any business that catches your eye to start building your own family-fun adventure list.

Learn more, visit - www.yelp.com

For families ready to escape winter cold, Spring SplashFest at Great Wolf Lodge (March 6 to April 26) offers new limited-time seasonal theme...

For families ready to escape winter cold, Spring SplashFest at Great Wolf Lodge (March 6 to April 26) offers new limited-time seasonal themed activities including family Yoga, crafts, stories and games, a dance party and more.

Spring SplashFest Activities

All designed to re-energize your family between play sessions in the water park, the Spring SplashFest activities include:

Springtime Games: Families can enjoy some fun competition playing numerous spring-themed games, like the new Spring SplashFest Bingo.

Spring Yoga Tails: Families stretch, flex, and breathe in fun exercises designed to stimulate energy, imagination, and self-expression.

SplashFest Arts & Crafts: Kids can let their imagination run wild by creating spring-themed keepsakes like personalized bracelets or keychains, color-your-own buttons, seasonal origami and coloring pages, Wolf Ear decorating, and other splashy fun.

SplashFest Family Dance Party & Story Time: Guests will gather in the lobby to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring during the nightly dance party, which flows into Great Wolf’s nightly interactive story time tale.

Meet the Great Wolf Pack: Families can marvel at the splashy spring decor while spotting Great Wolf’s lovable characters roaming the resort and capturing memories with a selfie station featuring a springtime backdrop.

Spring SplashFest Food Options

To celebrate the arrival of spring, Great Wolf Lodge is serving up a fresh and festive collection of limited-time food and drink offerings at all 22 U.S. locations.

This seasonal lineup blends family favorites, seasonal flavors, and playful twists. Highlights include:

Ranch Bacon Double Burger: Great Wolf’s signature burger gets a tangy upgrade with two juicy beef patties stacked high with melted American cheese, smoked bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, mayo, and creamy buttermilk ranch.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: A rich and indulgent twist on pizza night, layered with creamy alfredo, fire-braised chicken, smokehouse bacon, a four-cheese blend, house-made ranch, and a garlic herb butter crust.

Garlic Herb Roasted Prime Rib: Tender, slow-roasted prime rib infused with garlic and herbs, paired with charred green beans, creamy horseradish, and rich au jus.

Fire-Grilled Skewer Trio: A flavorful trio of grilled shrimp, tender beef sirloin, and vibrant vegetables topped with charred pineapple chimichurri and served over buttery mashed potatoes.

Ranch Milkshake: A sweet-and-savory vanilla ranch shake topped with crispy fried chicken, fresh carrots and celery, and finished with a sweet-and-salty lime rim and whipped cream.

Wolf Brownie Ice Cream Tower: Two giant warm brownies stacked sky-high with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel drizzle, and clouds of whipped cream made for sharing (or not).

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie Milkshake: Fresh bananas blended with vanilla ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Spring SplashFest Adult Cocktails

And for parents looking to sip while the kids splash, Great Wolf Lodge is also debuting a limited-edition spring cocktail and drink lineup, featuring refreshing flavors to enjoy.

Tito’s Orangeberry Crush: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, orange juice, strawberry purée, and lemon.

Springtime Bourbon Peach Tea: Maker’s Mark Bourbon mixed with peach purée, lemon juice, and black tea for a smooth seasonal sip.

Firefly: A tropical, kid-friendly blend of lemonade, strawberry purée, and pineapple juice.

Along with these Spring SplashFest offerings, Great Wolf Lodge has a wide variety of amenities available year-round, including a world-class water park with slides, water features, pools for every age and thrill level, family-friendly attractions like Ten Paw Alley, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Northern Lights Arcade, Great Wolf Lodge’s interactive fantasy game MagiQuest, and more.

For more information, visit - www.greatwolf.com

For Great American Outdoors Day on August 4, The National Park Service is offering free admission for the day. Now families can enjoy explor...

For Great American Outdoors Day on August 4, The National Park Service is offering free admission for the day. Now families can enjoy exploring their local national parks with OFF!® insect repellent.

To help travelers plan smarter, OFF!® — the #1 most trusted insect repellent brand* — created OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast, which predicts mosquito behavior and populations.

*Voted most trusted Insect Repellent (for use on body) brand by American shoppers based on the 2024 BrandSpark® American Trust Study”

Mosquito Protection Tips To Enjoy The National Parks

With 37.8 million visitors to the national parks during the month of August last year, OFF!® and the National Park Foundation are teaming up to share insider tips for avoiding mosquitoes and other bugs.

• Wear protective clothing: Choose light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce exposed skin and discourage mosquito bites.
• Plan your activities smartly: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your hikes and activities in mid-morning or mid-afternoon for more ideal conditions when mosquitoes are less active.
• Use a trusted repellent: Apply an EPA-registered mosquito repellent like OFF!® Deep Woods, which offers long-lasting protection for up to 8 hours (when used as directed) in wooded and high-risk areas. It also repels against mosquitoes that may carry diseases like Zika, Dengue and West Nile virus.

My Other Related Posts

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OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast

This guide informs parkgoers on where to expect higher mosquito activity—so they can come prepared with the data backed from OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast.

Developed by OFF!® and enhanced by the brand’s partnership with The Weather Channel® app, the flagship consumer brand from The Weather Company, OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast uses entomological research on mosquitoes from SC Johnson’s Center for Insect Science and Family HealthTM, along with real-time weather data – like temperature, humidity and precipitation – to predict daily mosquito activity down to the zip code.

With the right protection from OFF!® repellents, every parkgoer can enjoy a comfortable outdoor experience at the parks, regardless of how many bugs might be present.

National Parks with High Mosquito Visitation

While all parks offer a chance to connect with nature, some may see more mosquito activity than others on Great American Outdoors Day, making protection essential for an adventurous escape.

The following parks are expected to feature higher mosquito activity, so take extra caution (and bring your OFF!® insect repellent when visiting to help stay protected).

• Shenandoah National Park
• Badlands National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• White Sands National Park

National Parks with Low-Medium Mosquito Visitation

Not all parks are expected to be buzzing with mosquitoes on Great American Outdoors Day. Here are locations OFF!Cast expects to feature lower mosquito activity – making them perfect for a scenic and less buggy adventure.

Prevention still remains the best form of protection, so even when mosquito forecasts are low, make sure to make mosquito protection apart of your routine for uninterrupted time outdoors:

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Utah “Mighty Five” National Parks
• Zion, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Acadia National Park

OFF! to Adventure Sweepstakes

Want to check all the national parks off your bucket list? Find out how you can get an all-access pass to all the national parks by entering the OFF! to Adventure Sweepstakes.

OFF!® Mosquito & Tick Repellents partnered with the National Park Foundation as an official partner to help make bucket-list adventures more accessible while staying protected from mosquitoes and ticks – through the OFF! to Adventure Sweepstakes.

Now through Aug. 31, five lucky winners will receive a national park essentials prize pack to help turn their park adventure bucket list dreams into reality, which includes the following:

• An America the Beautiful Annual Pass for access to all U.S. national parks
• A $1,000 gift card to cover adventure expenses
• 63 cans of OFF!® Deep Woods® for mosquito and tick protection (one for each of the 63 capital national parks)
• A national park passport book and stamp pack to track visits

Learn more, visit - www.offsweeps.com

Planning a summer getaway with little ones? Whether driving cross-country or flying to far-off places, these travel-friendly activities will...

Planning a summer getaway with little ones? Whether driving cross-country or flying to far-off places, these travel-friendly activities will keep kids engaged, entertained, and quieter the entire trip.

The Teething Egg (Price: Varies)

For tiny travelers, the Teething Eggs were thoughtfully designed for little ones—lightweight, easy to hold, and perfectly sized for tiny hands.

Made with hygienic, BPA-free materials and easy-to-clean designs, they’re must-haves for soothing, feeding, and entertaining babies while traveling.

Their ergonomic teethers and silicone feeding tools feature lanyards, suction bases, and removable choke guards for safe, mess-free use.

Learn more - www.theteethingegg.com

Hop Around Children’s Book ($12.95)

This travel book is fun and helps calm any travel jitters. Hop Around teaches children the significance of travel and the beauty of immersing themselves in new cultures.

Its 8x5 size conveniently fits in any laptop or tablet sleeve for easy packing.

Illustrated by Courtney Huddleston, the pages will captivate young readers as they embark on a journey of discovery and friendship. The adventures pop off the page and encourage kids to keep reading.

Learn more - www.hoparoundbook.com

Popdarts ($34.99)

Popdarts is a modern twist on traditional darts, with suction darts that stick to smooth surfaces. Stick the orange target marker on a smooth surface and take turns throwing towards the marker.

Earn three points for the Popdart that’s closest to the marker, one point for each that sticks and 10 points for landing on the marker! First team to 21 points wins.

Put down the screens and reconnect with friends and family with this competitive game!

Learn more - www.popdartsgame.com

Limitless Power Bank with Built-In Cables ($80.00)

Keep tablets, phones, and earbuds charged for endless entertainment while you travel with the 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-In Cables.

The portable LCD screen charger features a complete charging solution that combines practicality with performance. Its built-in cables, versatile charging ports, digital display, and portable design, makes it a great accessory to keep your devices charged, no matter where you are.

Available in Aqua, Arctic Blue, and Mauve

Learn more - www.limitlessinnovations.com

Family vacations sounds nice. But if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the truth: snack negotiations at 10am, overloaded backpacks, t...

Family vacations sounds nice. But if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the truth: snack negotiations at 10am, overloaded backpacks, tired toddlers, and teens who just want Wi-Fi and silence.

But this year families can travel - and enjoy it- differently

According to new data from Hellotickets, a global platform for booking experiences in over 130 countries, families in 2025 are redefining how they plan their holidays.

They’re choosing shared, simple and low-stress moments — over packed schedules and “kid zones.”

What’s Changing in Way Families Travel

Goodbye to overstuffed itineraries. Today’s families are embracing a slower rhythm, with one or two key activities per day, and the rest left open — on purpose.

And they’re moving away from “kids’ activities” vs. “grown-up time.” What works best now are shared experiences that spark wonder in everyone: a boat at sunset, a treasure hunt in a museum, a skyline view with a drink in hand.

It’s not about compromising — it’s about experiencing something together.

4 Tips for a stress-free summer

• Don’t overpack the schedule: less is more
• Choose immersive, visual experiences: 90 minutes of “wow” beats 3 hours of “are we done yet?”
• Balance interests: one for them, one for you — or both at once
• Book the essentials ahead, but leave room for spontaneity

What families are really booking this year

Forget long guided tours and educational marathons. What parents and kids want this year is:

• A visit to the Harry Potter Studios in the UK — a timeless crowd-pleaser
• Musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, or Back to the Future in New York or London
• City cruises in Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam — relaxing, scenic, stroller-friendly
• Skyline experiences like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (New York), Sky Garden (London), or Torre Glòries (Barcelona)

Average duration of family experiences: 1 hour 20 minutes. Most popular time slot: 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm— before meltdowns and nap crashes

The Takeaway

Traveling with kids doesn’t mean giving up on vacation. It means reimagining how we travel — and why. Often, it’s thanks to them that we slow down, look closer, and reconnect with wonder.

With Hellotickets, families can find simple, joyful, well-designed experiences that make traveling together not a chore… but the best part of the year.

Book your next experience, visit - www.hellotickets.com

Summer may be coming to an end, but there's still time to enjoy travel plans that are exciting and filled with action. Step outside...

Summer may be coming to an end, but there's still time to enjoy travel plans that are exciting and filled with action.

Step outside, embrace the thrills, and try something new—for yourself or with friends and family. Imagine soaring to new heights on a zipline or getting soaked as you rush through a whirlpool of white water.

Below are a few action-themed activities across New York that make for a memorable weekend away this summer.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours (Greater Niagara)

There is so much awe when viewing Niagara Falls, and a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour puts you in the heart of the action and churning waters.

You’ll view scenic landmarks along the way, combined with a whitewater rafting style experience launching from Lewiston.

Be prepared with a change of clothes, as guests will leave soaked from their ride, or opt for a dry experience aboard a boat protected by an enclosed glass dome.

Learn more, visit - www.whirlpooljet.com/jet-boat-tickets/lewiston

Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course

Climb high and soar through the treetops of the Adirondack Forest at the home of the nation’s first aerial adventure course.

The Bolton Landing property delivers an adrenaline rush to climbers as they conquer obstacles, zip lines and more, leveling up the intensity across a set of six aerial courses.

Learn more, visit - www.adirondackextreme.com

Six Flags Great Escape (Adirondacks)

For summer Six Flags Great Escape delivers on thrills with “The Bobcat,” a new wooden family coaster. Named the first-of-its-kind in Six Flags History, you’ll soar 55 feet into the air at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

The park is also home to the Steamin’ Demon, a pioneer of steel looping coasters and several other rides that will take your breath away.

Learn more, visit - www.sixflags.com/greatescape

Catamount Zip Tours (Hudson Valley)

Home to the longest zipline span in the USA, the Catamount Zip Tour can only be classified as a two-hour outdoor thrilling adventure.

With three dual-zipline spans and a chairlift ride up the mountain, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley as you soar through the sky.

Whether you’re an avid speeder or looking to take things slow, the zipline’s unique braking system allows you to control your speed, reaching up to 55+ miles per hour.

Learn more, visit - www.catamountski.com/summer/catamount-zip-tour

Lake Placid Legacy Sites (Adirondacks)

Excited about the Summer Olympics in Paris? Visit Lake Placid and experience the iconic Winter Olympic Games venue where the spirit of the past imbues the actual training grounds of some of the world’s best athletes.

Here you’ll be able to take a joy ride on Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s high-speed Cliffside Coaster equipped with sudden twists and turns. Named the longest coaster in North America, you can control your own speed as you ride alongside the historic 1932 and 1980 bobsled track while learning about the history of the Lake Placid Olympics.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg also offers a unique Bobsled Experience to those in search of an adrenaline rush. Typically, a winter sport, bobsleds are retrofitted with wheels during the summer to navigate the concrete track. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you zig-zag through the entire track reaching up to 50 miles per hour.

For additional thrills, head to the Olympic Jumping Complex and replicate the excitement of ski jumping on the Ski Flyer Zipline which follows the path of the 100 meter ski jump at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Learn more, visit - www.lakeplacidlegacysites.com

For more summer travel inspiration, visit - www.iloveny.com

Statue City Cruises, the official operator of ferry service to the Statue of liberty and Ellis Island, has shared summer travel tips for mak...

Statue City Cruises, the official operator of ferry service to the Statue of liberty and Ellis Island, has shared summer travel tips for making the most of a visit to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.

Statue City Cruises departure times to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were extended beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from Battery Park in lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily with the last return trips from both islands at 7 p.m.

This means more time to explore both islands, including later in the day where the crowds are lighter. But the best hidden gem to make the most of your experience is through the Liberty State Park departure point.

That’s just one of five tips for making the most of your visit this summer which include:

• Booking ahead of time through the brand-new Statue City Cruises App - it will save you time by avoiding the ticket purchase line and allow you to head right into the screening facility.
• The Liberty State Park departure point is a hidden gem with significantly less wait time and even more spectacular views of the harbor in New Jersey’s biggest park, lines here move much faster since most visitors depart from the Battery. But the secret is starting to get out with the Liberty State Park departure point up 11 percent year over year.
• Use the app to check wait times at each departure point - it will help guests plan their departure more quickly HINT - best departures are later in the day when the crowds are lighter. And last-minute tickets for the grounds of Liberty Island are always available.
• Book early and in advance when heading to the Pedestal or Crown of Lady Liberty. While there’s significantly more capacity to access the pedestal, the crown is a much tougher ticket to secure so plan ahead!
• Most importantly - Statue City Cruises is the only authorized concessionaire of tickets to sail to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The only way to secure a ticket is to book at statuecitycruises.com or via the App.

Tickets are priced at approximately $25.00/adult, $22.00/seniors, $16.00/child and free for children three years and under.

Tickets include self-guided audio tours on Liberty and Ellis Island. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance from the Statue City Cruises website and app.

Tickets are also available at the Battery Park and Liberty State Park box offices.

To learn more, visit - www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/statue/

Looking for Juneteenth celebrations? Path Through History has event reenactments, guided tours and exhibits, that highlights Black history a...

Looking for Juneteenth celebrations? Path Through History has event reenactments, guided tours and exhibits, that highlights Black history and culture.

Many of the events offer free admission, making it the perfect choice for all history lovers.

Juneteenth Week (Finger Lakes)

Date: Wednesday, June 12 – Saturday, June 15
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, daily
Location: Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford

Genesee Country Village & Museum’s fourth annual celebration honoring Juneteenth is a week jam packed with events and experiences that help emphasize the collective understanding of what freedom really means.

Activities include learning and tasting recipes and dishes from customed historic cook, Malinda Russell, the first known female African American published cookbook author.

Underground Railroad In the Lake Champlain Area (Adirondacks)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Ausable Chasm

Through this tour, visitors will have the chance to learn about the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad. With onsite exhibits detailing the lives and stories of fugitives from slavery to sculptures of those who represented hope and freedom, guests will have the opportunity to learn what it was like to be a runaway.

Colonial Crossroads – A Concert! (Hudson Valley)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 PM
Location: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery

Once the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle, Fort Montgomery State Historic Site will be the stage for an African and European music concert.

A family-friendly musical presentation, concertgoers will be treated to a vibrant intersection of European and African musical traditions established during Colonial New York that laid the foundations for blues, jazz and rock and roll.

The event will feature music performed on banjos, guitars, recorders and African gourd-made banjos.

Special Exhibit - "From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora" (Long Island)

Date: Saturday, June 15 – Sunday, June 16
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, Cold Spring

The Whaling Museum and Education Center will host an exhibition exploring and detailing the important role of African American mariners.

The whaling industry was a large employer, and it is estimated that between one-quarter and one-third of all the American whaling crews were people of color.

Stop by the museum for a firsthand look at the contributions African Americans had in whaling history

History Lessons in the Great Outdoors

This year also marks New York State Parks and Historic Sites’ Centennial. Path Through History Weekend adds to the celebration with family-friendly events at many of New York’s 180 state parks that are sure to get everyone enjoying the outdoors.

With over 150 Path Through History Weekend events taking place across the state, there is something for everyone’s individual interests.

Hike Through History (Greater Niagara)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls

Take a guided walking tour through the history of Niagara Falls State Park, the nation’s oldest state park. Grab your best set of comfortable sneakers and head outdoors as you discover the important people and events that created and protected these now famous waterfalls.

History Hidden in the Woods: Guided Trail Hike (Hudson Valley)

Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg

Take part in this 90-minute guided walk where you will have the chance to tour and learn about Mills-Norrie State Park.

Once the setting of the luxurious Hudson River-front estates, the hike will guide you through the historic site, uncovering the history of three estates including Staatsburgh and the Stonehurst estates.

Make sure to dress comfortably as the hike is 1.5 miles of uneven terrain. While the hike is free, reservations are required.

Children's Day at the New Windsor Cantonment (Hudson Valley)

Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, New Windsor

Perfect for the little ones, this historic site is hosting a fun-filled Children’s Day. Spend the afternoon petting animals thanks to the Two by Two Animal Sanctuary, watch magic tricks from celebrated magician Robert Olson and play games like field hockey and military drill with wooden muskets.

Make sure to stop by the New Windsor Cantonment Visitor Center where you’ll find exhibits telling the stories of the men and women who lived at the 1782-83 cantonment and another on General Henry Knox's New Windsor Artillery Park.

NYS Parks Centennial Community Day Celebration! (Capital Saratoga)

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Historic Site, Gansevoort

Celebrate 100 years of New York State Parks and Historic Sites at Grant Cottage State Historic Site. The perfect setting for a fun family outing, the event will feature music, food, exhibits, reenactors, entertainment and walkthroughs of the historic Grant Cottage.

Learn more, visit - www.iloveny.com

To celebrate the hiking season, the Oboz Everywhere Tour will be in New York City hosting various events including community hikes, boot fit...

To celebrate the hiking season, the Oboz Everywhere Tour will be in New York City hosting various events including community hikes, boot fitting sessions at retailers, and in-store presentations during the first week of June.

June 4 - Hike with Public Lands at Bethpage State Park

Oboz is leading off the week in New York by hosting a hike with Public Lands at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday June 4, at 5:30pm. Oboz will have a demo fleet of hiking footwear for attendees to try as well as providing light snack and drinks.

To learn more and reserve a spot on the hike visit the event page.

June 5 - Mappy Hour hosts Oboz ambassador Derick Lugo (Mr. Fabulous)

On Wednesday, June 5, Oboz is hosting an event at Paragon Sports. Starting at 5pm Oboz’s expert boot fitters will be on hand to help customers find the best boot for their needs.

At 6:30 pm Oboz has teamed up with Mappy Hour to host Oboz ambassador Derick Lugo, aka Mr. Fabulous, who will share his experiences of completing the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail.

To reserve a spot at the event visit Mappy Hour.

June 6 - Campmor Boot-Fitting Event

On Thursday, June 6, the Oboz team heads across the Hudson River to Paramus, NJ, to host a boot-fitting evening at Campmor from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Along with assisting customers find the right boot, there will be a food truck, beverages, and raffle prizes.

June 8 - Hiking Event at Mohonk Preserve

Oboz closes out its takeover of New York with a ”sold out”, free hiking event at Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz, NY, with Mappy Hour on Saturday, June 8.

Oboz Footwear Everywhere Tour

Following the New York event Oboz will host similar events in Seattle and greater Los Angeles

The week of June 18th, the Oboz team heads to California for a series of hikes and clinics with REI locations in Burbank, and Rancho Cucamonga.

Oboz will finish out the week at the Highlander Big Bear event where the Oboz team will be managing a check point and sprinkling some trail magic along the way.

In late July, the Oboz Everywhere tour to moves to Seattle where the Outreach and Education team will host clinics at area retailers and will team up with Mappy Hour for an evening event at the Seattle REI location on July 24.

Oboz will also partner with Mappy Hour for hosted hikes during the Timber! Outdoor Music Festival where Oboz is the official footwear partner.

Learn more, visit - www.obozfootwear.com

Visit the Oboz Facebook Events page - www.facebook.com/ObozFootwear/events

Celebrate the father figure in your life with an unforgettable experience at a Blue Diamond Resorts property. He can enjoy time near Can...

Celebrate the father figure in your life with an unforgettable experience at a Blue Diamond Resorts property.

He can enjoy time near Cancun’s dreamy coastlines or head down to Montego Bay where tropical adventure dreams await. From sports and movie fanatics to athletic enthusiasts, there is a resort for every type of father figure.

Create everlasting memories this Father’s Day at one of these resorts:

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun Resort

Price: Starting from $302 USD per night for 2 adults.

Royalton Fit Experience

An all-inclusive paradise, this resort is the perfect choice for those heading down to Cancun this summer. With 1,005 suites, you can choose a swim-out, ocean view, or oceanfront suite.

If dad is an athletic enthusiast, Royalton Splash invites you and dad to stop by the Royalton Fit fitness facility. Setting a new standard for the hotel gym experience, Royalton Fit is home to a 2-floor iron jungle.

Think athletic training equipment, squat racks, cardio machines, and cutting-edge fitness programs, this gym is ready to help you stay on track.

There is also pickleball if he is interested in trying out the new courts.

The Royal Spa Barber Shop Experience

There is a variety of services all featured on the shop’s very own menu. Does he need a fresh shape up? Stop by for a gentleman’s haircut ($55 USD).

Other services include razor shaves ($60 USD), beard trims ($25 USD), regular shaving ($25 USD), and eyebrow trims ($20 USD).

If you want to go all out, book a barber shop package like the Father & Son Combo ($85 USD) which includes a haircut and welcome beverage (tea or chlorophyll water) or go for the haircut and regular shaving package ($70 USD).

After a day of activities, stop by one of the 12 onsite restaurants and bars. From authentic Italian comfort food to delicious locally inspired cuisine in a mystical cave-like setting, the restaurants are ready to tailor to anyone’s tastebuds.

Learn more, visit - www.royaltonresorts.com/resorts/splash-riviera-cancun

Planet Hollywood Cancun

Price: Starting from $360 USD per night for 2 adults.

Home to 648 suites, 11 restaurants, 11 bars, swimming pools and sports and fitness facilities, there is an abundance of activities all in one convenient site.

Film Fanatic Experience

Hollywood memorabilia! Fast and Furious cars from the set, Power Ranger helmets, John Wick 3 costumes and High School Musical cheerleader outfits, you are sure to catch the memorabilia all around the resort.

Want to sit down and watch a movie? Stop by the on-site theater which runs fan favorite movies throughout the day.

If you’re feeling competitive, challenge dad to a nine-hole mini-golf course game or dance the night away at the neon silent party or on Retro Wednesday’s LED dance floor.

Learn more, visit - www.planethollywoodhotels.com/resorts/cancun

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Price: Starting from $369 USD per night for 2 adults.

In need of an adults only getaway? With 352 rooms and suites, this resort offers a private oasis for those who are seeking to relax and reconnect with their adult children.

Guests will wake up refreshed and ready to savor palate-pleasing international specialties at 11 fine-dining alternatives. Here, dad will have the chance to relax under the sun in the sparkling infinity pool or in the privacy of a pool cabana.

The Royal Spa Experience

Those guests that can’t get enough onsite will benefit from the resort’s Stay at 1, Play at 2 feature, with access to neighboring Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay, located just steps away.

While you’re there, treat dad to a relaxing spa treatment at The Royal Spa. An athletic massage would improve joint mobility, release muscle tension and calm the nervous system.

Too much time in the Jamaican sun? Try the After Sun facial which helps repair over exposed skin and relieve redness with a treatment designed to care for the face in this delicate state.

An avid coffee drinker? Perhaps a premium coffee body wrap, perfect as an anti-inflammatory, fluid retention and anti-cellulite treatment.

Learn more, visit - www.royaltonresorts.com/resorts/hideaway-blue-waters

Royalton Negril

Price: Starting from $369 USD per night for 2 adults (2 queen beds).

Located in vibrant Jamaica, Royalton Negril is home to 407 suites, sparkling pools, breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering gourmet meals, and high quality sports and fitness facilities. If you’re opting for this timeless resort, rest assured everyone will have the time of their lives.

SCORE Sports Bar and Lounge Experience

Diehard sports fan? With 2024 ringing in the world’s biggest sporting events, the onsite SCORE Sport’s Bar and Lounge has a Sports Event Guarantee™ with top tournaments streaming on its many big screens.

From the NBA Finals (June 6-14) and US Golf Open (June 13-16) to Copa America 2024 (June 20 – July 14), make sure dad doesn’t miss the playoffs.

When he’s not watching his favorite sport, he can test his own athletic skills with a variety of sports activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, tennis and pickleball.

After a day of adventures, dress in your favorite white outfit and stop by the White Party. Here guests will dance, sing, and enjoy an exquisite meal under the stars.

To learn more, visit - www.royaltonresorts.com/resorts/negril

At a recent event, I learned about food and travel experience families can enjoy when visiting Tennessee, including their Discover Tennessee...

At a recent event, I learned about food and travel experience families can enjoy when visiting Tennessee, including their Discover Tennessee Playcation!

What is Discover Tennessee Playcation? A first-ever holiday catalog for children inspired by tourism.

One of the fun features about this catalog is that includes mini building sets of different iconic locations families can visit in Tennessee. I thought this was a great way to include kids in the travel planning.


And the point of the Discover Tennessee Playcation is to encourage gifting experiences to kids in their lives, and still see the joy in their eyes as they unwrap physical presents.

Tennessee Playcation | Toy Catalog



Tennessee Tourism will mail 100,000 physical catalogs offering 88 pages of fun for the whole family.

Parents can purchase 25 toy builds inspired by Tennessee’s biggest attractions – from Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains to Graceland in Memphis, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and the Bristol Motor Speedway – then plan their trips to that location!

The website will feature a downloadable and printable version of the catalog.

Learn more, visit - www.tennesseeplaycation.com

While the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival was in Franklin Square, June 21 – August 13, 2023, we visited to see the returned 200-foot-l...

While the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival was in Franklin Square, June 21 – August 13, 2023, we visited to see the returned 200-foot-long dragon, along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays.

Note: I was invited as media to preview the exhibit. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.


We had an amazing time! Once again we were wowed by the mystical animals and planets lantern sculptures. But there was also so many non fantasy themes to enjoy seeing.


The flower bridge was one of the favorites. But we also enjoyed the plants and animals, especially the panda bears. The teens really had fun there.


This year some of the giant lighted artistic sculptures are interactive and added something fun for families with kids of all ages to do. Truth be told, lots of adults enjoyed the interactive also.


Besides the lanterns, we enjoyed watching the various Chinese cultural performances on stage. So much talent including a Jiu-Jitsu Acrobatics, Face Changers and Ribbon Dancing.


We also saw folk artists at various tables Aluminum Braiding, Inner-Bottle Painting and Lantern Painting. Such a treat to see how they make their crafts.

While this just highlights some of our time at The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, there's so many other activities for families to enjoy I didn't include here.

Make sure you visit and enjoy it all with your family.

Activities Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

In addition to the light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show, taste Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise.

The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Tickets Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Friday and Saturday tickets (timed tickets required):

· $25 for adults
· $14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Sunday through Thursday tickets:

· $22 for adults
· $14 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $20 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Combination tickets including Franklin Square attractions are available.

Attractions in Franklin Square

Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. $13 adults/$11 children (3-12), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian

Parx Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more! Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. $4 per person (adult or child), guests 2 years of age and younger are FREE with paid accompanying guardian

Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free.

Franklin Square Fountain Show: FREE choreographed “performances” of fountain jets dancing magically with dramatic lighting and music, both day and night. April 29 – October 31, with daily performances every 30 minutes from 12 pm until closing

SquareBurger: SquareBurger has a delicious menu operated by Cooperage. Food options include burgers, fries, and classic thick milkshakes including the legendary Original Cake Shake made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets®. Hours vary by season, visit historicphiladelphia.org for schedule and full menu.

A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit that operates and manages Franklin Square, for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events.

Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org

Looking for a unique and immersive travel experience for families? Go beyond the surface and into the heart and soul of a destination with E...

Looking for a unique and immersive travel experience for families? Go beyond the surface and into the heart and soul of a destination with ExperienceFirst Tours for Families.

ExperienceFirst tours range of tailored experiences, from exhilarating outdoor expeditions to cultural immersions and culinary delights, all designed for families who like to explore.

Tours are available in 12 major international cities including New York, LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Chicago, Boston, Barcelona, Rome and Paris.

ExperienceFirst City Tours

New York

• Tour Broadway with an actor to learn its backstage secrets
• NYC in a Day Walking Tour
• Lower Manhattan Ghost Tour
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour 
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum Insider Tour 
• SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour

Los Angeles

• Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime, Creepy Tales, Thrills and chills in LA's most famous neighborhood
• Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Hike
• Griffith Observatory Guided Tour and Planetarium Ticket Option

San Francisco

• Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour With Alcatraz Ticket
• San Francisco in a Day Walking Tour
• Mission District Food and Culture Tour, Eat your heart out in SF
• The Painted Ladies and Victorian Homes of Alamo Square Tour, Bask in the beauty of the Victorian Painted Ladies, immortalized in the 1980s sitcom, “Full House.” (NEW)
• Haunted Haight-Ashbury True Crime Walking Tour, Stories and sights to give you chills (NEW)

San Diego

• San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour

Dallas

• JFK Assassination Tour, The history and truth of Kennedy’s assassination right where it happened
• Dallas Food and Culture Tour, Hearty servings of West End’s Tex-Mex with a side of history
• Dallas Highlights Tour

San Antonio

• Historic Downtown San Antonio Food and Culture Tour, Savor San Antonio’s best comfort food as you discover its history (NEW)
• San Antonio Market Square Tex-Mex Food and Shopping Tour, Welcome to the birthplace of Tex-Mex (NEW)
• Pearl District Food and History Tour, A delicious journey through the Pearl District’s cuisine and culture (NEW)

Austin

• East Austin Food Tour, A delicious Austin experience where old meets new

Boston

• Haunted Boston Walking Tour, Where history and horror walk hand in hand (NEW)

Chicago

• Chicago Riverwalk Architecture Tour, A scenic walk through Chicago’s iconic architecture
• Mobsters and Haunted Mysteries of Chicago Walking Tour, Fight and fright in the Windy City

Paris

• Eiffel Tower Guided Climb
• Montmartre Walking Tour
• Emily in Paris: The Unofficial Tour by ExperienceFirst

Barcelona

• Barcelona Markets Walking Tour: Las Ramblas, La Boquería, and Beyond
• Behind the scenes: Barcelona Wax Museum VIP Tour

Families will be impressed with the team of knowledgeable and passionate guides that are experts in their respective fields, providing enriching insights into the history, culture and hidden gems of each destination.

Private Tours

ExperienceFirst also offers private tours, if your family prefers, that dedicates the time beforehand to understand your family’s interests, preferences, and needs allowing them to tailor the tour accordingly.

Whether you have toddlers, teenagers or multi-generational members, ExperienceFirst ensures that everyone’s expectations are met, ensuring a harmonious and engaging experience for the entire family.

Learn more, visit - www.exp1.com

Thinking of planning a family vacation that includes mountain biking? For a mountain bike park that's a good fit for active adults, an o...

Thinking of planning a family vacation that includes mountain biking? For a mountain bike park that's a good fit for active adults, an outdoorsy teen, as well as a four-year-old, learn more about SkyPark at Santa’s Village bike park.

Mountain bikers Bill and Michelle Johnson shared some info for families interested in visiting.

“We wanted to make the perfect park for families to spend a day or two,” says Michelle Johnson, park Co-Owner, “Bill and I have biked these mountains since we were kids, and now we get to share it with the world.”

WHAT FAMILIES CAN EXPECT AT SKYPARK?

“We have a fully-alpine themed Santa’s Village as well as an epic mountain bike park with 7.5 miles of track,” says Bill, “And there’s something for every age and skill-level. We have a pump track for the little ones, entry and medium level trails, and even expert-level tracks that keep pro riders coming back.

The park is designed much like a ski resort, although we do not have a lift service. Everyone can ride together to the top, but a scaled network of trails for all levels can bring you down, back to the village, at a central location to regroup. We’re constantly improving and adjusting trails, with expansion continuing to change the experience every season.”

ABOUT THE BIKE LESSONS

“We offer bike lessons for ages 3 and up, at a variety of skill levels,” says Michelle, “Our lessons are taught by certified instructors. We offer group and private lessons for everyone from beginners to regulars looking to improve their skills.”

More info about bike lessons - www.skyparksv.centeredgeonline.com/class/classes

WHAT ELSE IS OFFERED FOR BIKERS?

“We offer lessons for all ages and skill levels as well as a full on-site bike shop,” says Michelle, “Our shop is filled with top-of-the-line mountain bikes, bike rentals, clothing, accessories, and everything a biker could want, whether you’re new or a regular.

Our expert staff will help you find the bike and gear to get the best experience on the mountain. We even have a rent-to-own program. When you purchase a bike from us you also get an annual pass for free.”

ABOUT THE PARK’S LOCATION

“Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful location in an alpine setting,” says Bill, “And Big Bear is about an hour’s drive down the road. The area gets a lot of seasonal skiers and nature-lovers. You can stay at our campground and RV park, or the Lake Arrowhead Lodge.

There are fun places to eat and get drinks (including several in the park). The area is a great place for a weekend getaway, and, weather permitting, our park is open year-round.”

NEW LEGACY FOR THE PARK?

“It used to be, when people came to the San Bernardino Mountains for sports, they were mostly just into skiing. But today, they’re also into mountain biking” says Bill, “We’re proud to be a part of that mindset shift.

These mountains need to be experienced and mountain biking is such a great way to do it year-round. It’s good for the local community as well, to have something year-round again.

Plus, we’ve brought the famous Santa’s Village theme park back to life for new generations, and that’s really special. I think the legacy this park leaves for future families is a very positive one, and Michelle and I are proud to be a part of it.”


SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an outdoor adventure park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, archery, seasonal ice skating or roller skating, rock climbing, and more open-air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead, California.

The village is the core of SkyPark, which includes historic log cabin restaurants and shops, seasonal entertainment, and more.

Learn more, visit - www.skyparksantasvillage.com

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities. Note: I was invited a...

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities.

Note: I was invited as media and received product samples for review purpose. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

One location that offers a variety of family fun activities is Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ.


To see some of the fun families can have there, I was invited for a full day experience, with access to our own at a private luxury skybox cabana, and a hands-on demo of summer ready products for families.

We first settled into our private skybox cabana which is AMAZING.


There's was a full living room with couchs, a TV and entertainment center, a private changing area and a mini kitchen area with a sink and mini fridge. We were able to change, leave our things and head out into the water park.

Our first stop was to see the products demo! Which were #gifted for us to try out while there and take home!

Products for Summer Family Fun

Monster Speakers

DNA Max ($179) Provides a sensational listening experience with brilliantly engineered technology in an extraordinary, portable design.

Blaster 3.0 ($299) a revolutionary portable boombox that delivers breathtaking sound, phenomenal bass, water resistance, and extraordinary battery life all in one lightweight, stunning design.

BlendJet 2

BlendJet’s newest accessories and designs including Disney and more. Serves up big blender power on the go.

It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, on vacation or wherever the day takes you. Use with BlendJet JetPacks for juice bar quality smoothies and barista-worthy lattes at the touch of a button.

BeachTech Towels

BeachTech Towels made from recycled plastic, with sand wicking properties and built-in UV sensors in Nickelodeon designs (Spongebob, Avatar, Blue’s Clues, PawPatrol and more.

Folding to the size of a paperback book, these towels dry almost instantly - perfect for traveling.


After the demo, we quickly opened our BeachTech Towels and headed out for a day of water fun. And when I say the whole day, I truly meant it.


There's was so many areas for families to enjoy. One of the things I enjoyed about the Dreamworks Water Park is that there's rides for all ages of kids (and adults).

I confess the moms had just as much fun as the teen boys on the water rides. We did a few water rides just us moms and other water rides moms and son teams.


After a full day of water fun, we dried off quick and easy with our BeachTech Towels and folded them back into their carry bags.

Carrying four towels became so much easier and we plan to use our BeachTech Towels during more water activities!

If your family enjoys water parks but don't want to travel far, I highly recommend visiting Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall.

Dreamworks Water Park Deals

Splash & Save in April & May

Enjoy 30% off at DreamWorks Water Park this spring. Use code* SAVE30, Mon-Thu, April 17th - May 18th.

Spring Season Splash Pass

The new 2023 Spring Season Splash Pass is perfect for repeat visits! At $179, enjoy unlimited visits to DreamWorks Water Park throughout spring from April 17th – June 30th.

Spring Break Pass

Experience The Great Indoors at one great price—only $165. Save up to 25% on admission to two parks, plus get a $20 dining card to your choice of MrBeast Burger or Five Guys. Buy your passes now for April 1 – May 12.

Spring Break Pass

DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe for one low price. Choose to experience both parks in one day or across multiple days. Your choice!

Includes 1-day admission to DreamWorks Water Park, Includes 1-day admission to Nickelodeon Universe. Valid now through June 15, 2023; one-time use, blackout days may apply.

Learn more, visit - www.americandream.com

While touring around Philadelphia this past week, we walked through an area close to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. We planned to visit t...

While touring around Philadelphia this past week, we walked through an area close to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. We planned to visit there, but that $15 ticket price changed my mind.

Instead we walked around the neighborhood on South Street, and checked out Isaiah Zagar colorful mosaic murals on buildings and alley walk ways. For free. HA!

I've always liked the colors and patterns of mosaics, but these mosaic murals had extra. While you can see the artwork in large view, when you step in closer, you can see more details and more artwork.



Like with the corner of this mosaic window. After I zoomed in, I discovered so much more. Can you tell which area I zoomed in on? Hint, look for the pink square on the left (right?).