Mommy Poppins

3-Day Itinerary in Hot Springs, VA: The Perfect Winter Getaway with Kids at the Omni Homestead Resort

Stephanie Shipman — 02/13/2026

Hot Springs, Virginia is less than a four-hour drive west of DC proper, but it feels like a world away. Home to what it is named for—a natural warm spring that even families can enjoy—it's a great place to escape to in the winter.

In Hot Springs, families can explore nature preserves and overlooks, take in a concert at the local music center, and enjoy plenty of snow sports like skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. Spring and summer are also popular times to visit, but there is something for everyone to enjoy in the town in the winter.

Read ahead for the perfect winter weekend itinerary in Hot Springs, VA. Then check out our DC Winter Day Trips Guide for more winter family fun.

Hot Springs, Virginia is less than a four-hour drive west of DC proper, but it feels like a world away. Home to what it is named for—a natural Warm Spring that even families can enjoy—it's a great place to escape to in the winter.

Read ahead for the perfect winter weekend itinerary in Hot Springs, VA. Then check out our DC Winter Day Trips Guide for more winter family fun.

50 States, 50 Kid-Approved Adventures You’ll Never Forget

Jennifer Marino Walters — 06/13/2026

While traveling with kids can be a logistical challenge, it's totally worth it: there's nothing quite as magical as seeing the world through children's eyes. Traveling to different countries is amazing, of course, but there are plenty of kid-friendly adventures all across the USA.

We've shared the best family activities in every state and DC. Whether it's a national park, a zoo or museum, a cool city, a theme park, or another unique attraction, each pick is truly worth the trip—a one-of-a-kind, kid-approved adventure. We've picked one must-do activity per state and provided insider tips and family-friendly hotels for each one to help you plan some bucket-list family trips.

Read on for our favorite kid-approved adventures in the USA. Then check out our Kid-Friendly Travel Guide for more family vacation ideas in the US and abroad, from the most unique family vacations in the USA to our 100 best family vacation destinations.

Oklahoma City with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Oklahoma City, OK

Jackie Jones — 06/13/2026

Oklahoma City—Oklahoma's capitol and the most populous city in the state—has a wonderful blend of cultures that make for a fun travel destination. Like nearby Tulsa, Oklahoma City is very urban, yet it also has cowboy vibes, Native American influences, and a reputation for hospitality (maybe that's how the city got the nickname "The Big Friendly.").

There's plenty for families to love about OKC, including memorable amusement parks, great outdoor playgrounds, and stand-out museums that lean in to its Western heritage. Throw in some top-notch restaurants and kid-friendly hotels and you've got yourself an all-American vacation spot.

My family had a blast exploring Oklahoma City! Read on for our top 25 things to do in Oklahoma City, OK with kids, including where to eat and great places to stay. Also, check out our Midwest Travel Guide for more great midwestern cities to visit with kids.

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Boston in 2026

Lucie T — 06/12/2026

Catch the best 4th of July fireworks in the Boston area in 2026!

You can’t miss the 4th of July Boston fireworks in 2026. The "Cradle of Liberty" is where our independence first took flight, and we celebrate with epic kid-friendly Boston fireworks, awesome activities, live music, and more. All of these Family 4th of July Boston events promise pure magic, especially for kids who can stay up for the grand finale! From the Boston Pops and 4th of July Fireworks to the Plymouth July 4th Celebration, where the USA began, you're sure to have a blast this 4th of July 2025. Dive into our fun-filled guide to the best 4th of July fireworks and festivities in Boston and get ready for a night of unforgettable fun!

For more family fun this summer, check out the Best Beaches Near Boston that Are Great for Family Day Trips. And be sure to see our guide to the Best Summer Festivals and Fairs for Boston Kids and Families for more festivities around New England.

4th of July Fireworks in Boston 2026: What This Guide Includes:

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Boston
Family-friendly fireworks shows in Boston and
FREE and ticketed events
Insider tips for parking, crowds, and timing

30 Free Ways to Keep Your Toddler Busy in LA This Summer

Kylie Williams — 06/12/2026

The sun is out, and the toddler energy is, well, off the walls. The toddler years are some of the most chaotic years of your life, but they can also be a sweet time to make some amazing summer memories. In addition to sticky, backyard popsicle treats and splashy sprinkler dashes, you can take your toddler out for some pretty awesome adventures. I've curated a list of my favorite free summer activities for toddlers in Los Angeles. Read on to learn about some incredible offerings around LA that are perfect for your little gal or guy. Sunglasses encouraged!

Where To See 4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2026

Elsa Simcik — 06/12/2026

Enjoy spectacular 4th of July fireworks in Atlanta 2026 for a memorable holiday. Bonus: It's America's 250th birthday AND falls on a Saturday! Practically every Atlanta suburb and neighboring town is putting on its own 4th of July fireworks display, festival, and parade. Folks can also celebrate kid-friendly Atlanta fireworks shows at attractions like Stone Mountain Park, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, and Truist Park. Most of the Atlanta July 4th events for kids occur on the Saturday, including Atlanta's internationally known Peachtree Road Race!

4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2026: What This Guide Includes:

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Atlanta
Family-friendly fireworks shows across Atlanta suburbs and towns
Free and ticketed events (and which are worth it)
What makes each show great for kids
Other 4th of July Atlanta fun like festivals, parades, and races

4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2026: What This Guide Includes:

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Atlanta
Family-friendly fireworks shows across Atlanta suburbs and towns
Free and ticketed events (and which are worth it)
What makes each show great for kids
Other 4th of July Atlanta fun like festivals, parades, and races

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in DC 2026

Christine Mooney — 06/12/2026

Nothing says Independence Day like watching the Washington, DC 4th of July fireworks light up the night sky above the iconic memorials and monuments. It's a sight many families are eager to see, and that means viewing spots tend to get pretty crowded. Luckily, we have some ideas to help you navigate safely and get great views of the DC fireworks in 2026.

But the 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall are not the only ones worth seeing in the DC area in 2026. If the idea of fighting crowds is too much for you, or you'd prefer to stay in Maryland or Northern Virginia, I've rounded up some of the best DC fireworks shows in 2026 for families.

For even more fun summer activities throughout the DMV, check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

4th of July Fireworks in DC 2026: What This Guide Includes

The best places to see the National Mall 4th of July fireworks in DC
More family-friendly fireworks near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
What makes these Independence Day events near DC great for kids
Insider tips for timing, where to sit, and what to pack
Mostly FREE 4th of July fireworks shows

For even more fun summer activities throughout the DMV, check out our Ultimate DC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

4th of July Fireworks in DC 2026: What This Guide Includes

The best places to see the National Mall 4th of July fireworks in DC
More family-friendly fireworks near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia
What makes these Independence Day events near DC great for kids
Insider tips for timing, where to sit, and what to pack
Mostly FREE 4th of July fireworks shows

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Chicago 2026

Maureen Wilkey — 06/12/2026

See the sparklers fly in one of these Chicago-area fireworks displays.

4th of July fireworks in Chicago are a hallmark of summer. Independence Day is on a Friday this year; some spots will have their 4th of July fireworks on July 3, and some have fireworks displays even earlier. Those late to the party can also see post-4th fireworks at Navy Pier on July 8.

Drone shows are gaining popularity, with one at Northwest Fourth Fest in Hoffman Estates or at the Schaumburg Boomers game on July 4—a great way to see the sky light up without the big booms.

From the beaches to the parks to the lake, these are the best places to view fireworks in Chicago for 4th of July weekend. In addition to seeing some super sparklers, consider celebrating the holiday with one of these Fourth of July activities that aren't fireworks.

4th of July Fireworks Chicago 2026 - What This Guide Includes:

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Chicago
Family-friendly fireworks shows across Chicago and nearby areas
Free and ticketed events (and which are worth it)
What makes each show great for kids
Insider tips for parking, crowds, and timing
Low-key spots to watch fireworks without big crowds

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Orlando 2026

Charlotte B — 06/12/2026

4th of July fireworks in Orlando 2026 are just around the corner, and we're so excited to celebrate America's 250th birthday this year! From the best Orlando fireworks 2026 (at theme parks and beyond) to patriotic Orlando July 4th parades, we’ve rounded up tons of fun-filled family 4th of July events in Orlando and Central Florida.

Other Orlando July 4th events for kids include summer trips to a nearby beach, local natural springs, and fishing boat excursions. Whatever you choose, we hope you and your family have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

4th of July Fireworks in Orlando 2026: What This Guide Includes

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Orlando
Family-friendly fireworks shows across Orlando and nearby areas
Free and ticketed events (and which are worth it)
What makes each show great for kids
Insider tips for parking, crowds, and timing

4th of July Fireworks in Orlando 2026: What This Guide Includes

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in Orlando
Family-friendly fireworks shows across Orlando and nearby areas
Free and ticketed events (and which are worth it)
What makes each show great for kids
Insider tips for parking, crowds, and timing

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut in 2026

Kelley Heyworth — 06/12/2026

Find the best 4th of July fireworks and festivities in Connecticut for families in 2026!

"Oh say, can you see"...the 4th of July FIREWORKS in Connecticut! It's time for the sparkling, colorful and explosive beauty of fireworks for the 4th of July! Some of these special shows will be happening before the national holiday - but there will also be some the weekend of and even after!

You can also celebrate at home with 4th of July desserts, Independence Day crafts, and more from our list of the Best At-Home Fourth of July Activities for Kids.

4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut 2026: What This Guide Includes:

The best places to see 4th of July fireworks in CT
Family-friendly fireworks shows across CT
FREE and ticketed events
Insider tips for parking, crowds, and timing