I think this resort is a fantastic option for parents who have older teens or adult children, and want to take a trip together that feels more grown-up. There were no cartoon characters, water slides designed specifically for six-year-olds, or frantic searches for chicken nuggets. Just a beautiful resort on Banderas Bay, plenty of food, pools, activities, and enough things to do that we never had to manufacture conversation. That last part is important when traveling with a 19-year-old.

Where Is Secrets Bahia Mita?

Secrets Bahia Mita is located in Riviera Nayarit on the northern edge of Banderas Bay, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains. The setting gives the resort both ocean views and dramatic mountain scenery, and the property itself is designed around that tropical environment.

The resort is oceanfront and adults-only, with 278 suites according to the information provided for our stay. The property is eco-friendly, and its architecture was designed by renowned Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno. I don’t usually mention the architect, but it has a super interesting layout, and it is obvious that there was a lot of thought put into how everything looks. It’s a beautiful property.

One thing I really liked about the location is that you don’t have to leave the resort to have an active vacation. There are pools, beach activities, fitness classes, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other recreation, along with dining and entertainment. There are at least six pools, including infinity pools and a rooftop pool, plus two outdoor hot tubs.

Basically, you can be as lazy or as ambitious as you want. I appreciate a vacation that doesn’t judge me for either choice. On this particular vacation, Jonah and I were taking a break from taking care of my parent with dementia, so I did not want to leave the resort. I wanted everything to be right there.

Yes, You Can Take Your Adult Child to an Adults-Only Resort

This was the most asked question I had before the trip. Would an adults-only resort that is marketed toward couples feel weird with my 19-year-old son? Not at all. Although, if I am totally honest, I got a few dirty looks. People make weird assumptions sometimes. We just laughed and continued to have a good time.

Jonah is old enough that our interests overlap much more than they did when he was little. There was something really nice about sitting down for a meal together, playing pickleball, going to the spa, and doing an adventure activity without having to plan everything around what a child can or can’t do.

Secrets Bahia Mita is definitely romantic in its design and atmosphere, so if you’re traveling with an adult child, you should go into it understanding that you are going to see couples. Lots of couples. It’s Secrets, after all.

For parents with college-aged kids, adult children, siblings or friends, I think the resort can work particularly well if everyone enjoys relaxing, eating well and participating in activities. The key is simply choosing a resort where the adults-only atmosphere is a benefit rather than expecting it to feel like a traditional family resort.

And, if you are going on a couples trip, you will adore this place. My friend Teresa and her husband were here a year or so ago on a romantic getaway, and she said it was incredible.

Our Pickleball Lesson Was One of the Highlights

One of the things Jonah and I were most excited about was pickleball, and Secrets Bahia Mita has several courts on the property, and they provide paddles and balls.

We are not beginners, which is actually part of the problem when you play with family. Jonah is considerably better than I am, so playing together can sometimes turn into me trying to convince myself that losing builds character.

Thankfully, our lesson was fantastic. We had a pickleball pro come in who travels to different resorts specifically to teach guests. Rather than giving us the standard beginner lesson regardless of our experience, he assessed where each of us was and taught from there.

That made a huge difference because Jonah and I were at very different skill levels. We were both able to work on things that actually applied to our games, and we came away with some genuinely useful tips. More importantly, we had a ridiculous amount of fun playing together.

For me, this is exactly the kind of resort activity that makes a trip with an older child work. You aren’t just sitting next to each other at the pool staring at your phones. You’re actually doing something together, and there is plenty of opportunity for a little friendly competition.

The 8th-Floor Pool Is One of the Best Parts of the Resort

One of my favorite places at Secrets Bahia Mita was the 8th-floor Preferred Club pool area. If you’re considering paying extra for Preferred Club, this is one of the amenities that would make me seriously consider the upgrade. The views from up there were fantastic, and having waitstaff meant I didn’t have to get up every time I wanted something. Once I settled into a pool chair, I would prefer to remain there until someone tells me it’s time to leave.

The 8th floor actually has multiple pools and hot tubs, so it isn’t just one little rooftop pool squeezed onto the top of the building. It felt like a legitimate place to spend the day, and I loved having the option to move between the pools and hot tubs depending on what I felt like doing.

There was one drawback, though, and it’s worth mentioning because this is the kind of detail you won’t necessarily know until you’re there: food service started a little later than I would have liked, so there were times when we had to wait before we could order food. If you’re planning to spend the entire day up there, I would grab something to eat beforehand or be prepared for the food service to get going later in the day. We got so hungry we gave up and left one day.

What About the Cabanas?

There are also two cabanas on the 8th floor that guests can book for an additional fee. These aren’t just shaded lounge chairs, either. The cabanas have their own pool and hot tub, making them a much more private option if you’re looking to splurge for a day.

If you’re traveling with a group or simply like having your own little piece of resort real estate, I can see these being a fun upgrade. There are only two, though, so I wouldn’t wait until you arrive to decide that sounds like a good idea if having one is important to you.

Sadly, we didn’t get to do the cabana up on the 8th floor, but we did have a cabana day over on the 6th floor roof, and it was lovely. They bring you a bottle of champagne and have waitstaff to bring food and cocktails. The only drawback was it’s only food from Olio, which we didn’t like. So we took a little cabana break and went and got more tacos.

The Adventure Park Is Worth the Extra Cost

Secrets Bahia Mita has an on-site adventure park that costs extra, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sometimes “adventure park” can mean something that sounds exciting in the brochure and takes approximately nine minutes to complete. This was not that.

The adventure park gave us a completely different way to experience the property, with hanging bridges, ZipBikes, ziplines, ropes course, and a free-fall jump. The resort’s itinerary describes the adventure park as a series of challenges with views of the surrounding landscape, and I was genuinely impressed by how good it was.

The fact that it is right on the property makes it especially convenient. You don’t have to spend half your vacation getting to an excursion, and then another half getting back. You can have breakfast at the buffet, do something completely ridiculous involving heights, and be back at the resort afterward in minutes. That’s my preferred definition of adventure.

It was extremely hot the day we did this activity. I was happy that they had water stations throughout the course, and at one point they even had frozen ice-cold wash rags for us to use. I wore mine on my head for a while.

A tip: The itinerary specifically instructed us to wear athleisure and sneakers for the adventure park and arrive 15 minutes early at the Main Plaza for transportation. You should do the same, except you do not need to show up that early; five minutes at the meet-up point is fine. We ended up waiting around for a long time for another family to show up.

Don’t Skip the Secrets Spa

After pickleball and an adventure park, we had earned some serious relaxation. We visited the Secrets Spa, which is a substantial spa rather than simply a couple of treatment rooms tucked behind the fitness center. The spa is 33,000 square feet, with a hydrotherapy circuit that includes pools, hydro tubs, Swiss showers, a sauna, and steam rooms.

Our itinerary included a 50-minute hydrotherapy circuit followed by a 50-minute relaxing massage. I highly recommend both. It was Jonah’s first hydrotherapy, so the next one will surely be a let down cause this one was superb.

The hydrotherapy portion is particularly worth knowing about because, for access, you have to book a spa treatment. So if you’re looking at the resort and thinking, “I’ll just wander into the fancy hydrotherapy area whenever I feel like it,” that’s not necessarily how it works.

If you enjoy spas, you will love this one. I would plan your treatment ahead of time and build the rest of your day around it. The combination of hydrotherapy and a massage was a great counterbalance to all of the more active things we were doing.

Barracuda Is a Great Place to Hang Out

One of my favorite casual spots at the resort was Barracuda, which is right by the ocean. It has a relaxed atmosphere, and we spent time there hanging out and watching part of the sunset and the surfers. It was one of those places where there wasn’t really a reason to rush off somewhere else.

If you’re looking for a spot to grab a drink, I’d put Barracuda high on your list.

The Food Situation

One of the advantages of staying at an all-inclusive resort is that you don’t have to turn every meal into a logistical exercise.

Secrets Bahia Mita has a wide variety of dining options, currently 12 restaurants and 13 bars and lounges across the resort. The property also provides access to additional dining venues at the neighboring Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort.

During our stay, we ate at several different restaurants, including El Patio for Mexican food, Himitsu for a teppanyaki dinner, and Bluewater Grill Beach Club.

I especially liked having casual options when we didn’t want to make a meal into an event. Coco Café is open 24 hours and serves coffee, pastries, salads, gelato, and sandwiches. I hit the cafe every morning for a cappuccino and a caramel pastry thing that was insanely good!

Our favorite was actually one of the more casual options: Tacoyotl Taquería. This is a quick-service restaurant, and we had both tacos and burritos there. Everything we ordered was fantastic. It was the kind of place that made it easy to grab a quick meal without turning lunch into a whole production, and I would absolutely eat there again.

We also took advantage of room service several times, which turned out to be especially nice during our stay. It was extremely hot while we were there, and there were definitely moments when the idea of getting dressed, walking across a giant resort, and sitting down for another meal felt unnecessarily ambitious. Ordering food to the room and eating somewhere cool was a solid decision.

The Teppanyaki Dinner Was a Lot of Fun

The teppanyaki experience was another standout, not just because of the food but because of the entertainment. Our chef was incredibly clever and entertaining, which made the meal feel like an experience rather than simply dinner.

And thankfully, the food was good, too. Because watching someone perform impressive tricks with a spatula only gets you so far if you’re hungry. This would be one of the dining experiences I’d recommend making time for if you enjoy teppanyaki.

Olio Wasn’t Our Favorite

Our least favorite restaurant was Olio. Interestingly, we really liked the pool and hot tub area next to Olio, so the location itself wasn’t the problem. It was the food that didn’t do much for us. I wouldn’t make Olio a priority on a return visit, but I would happily spend time at the pool and hot tub nearby.

That’s also why I think it’s important to remember that food is subjective. What didn’t impress us might be exactly what another guest loves.

Our Room: Preferred Club Panoramic View Double

For our stay, Jonah and I were in a Preferred Club Panoramic View Double, and the room was a great fit for us. The room category gave us two double beds along with the upgraded Preferred Club experience, which meant we also had access to additional amenities and spaces throughout the resort.

The panoramic view was definitely one of the things I appreciated most. Secrets Bahia Mita is built between Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains, so there is no shortage of scenery around the property. The resort’s 278 suites are designed with tropical, ocean, or panoramic views, and the overall look is modern and contemporary rather than overly themed or fussy.

Hyatt information says: Preferred Club includes benefits such as an upgraded suite, access to an exclusive lounge and pool, personal concierge service and other enhanced amenities.

One of the things we had access to was Sky Bar, aka the 8th-floor pools, an adults-only rooftop space reserved for Preferred Club guests.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes having a quieter place to escape the main resort activity, Preferred Club is worth considering. I especially like the idea of having an elevated pool and rooftop area available when you want a little more peace and quiet.

Be Prepared to Walk. A Lot.

If there is one thing I would absolutely tell someone before they book Secrets Bahia Mita, it is this: This resort is spread out. There is a lot of walking involved.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The property is large and has multiple pools, restaurants, activity areas, and amenities, so part of the walking comes with having that much available. But if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy walking long distances in the heat, you should factor this into your decision.

And remember, we were there during a period when it was crazy hot. We occasionally ducked inside simply because we needed to cool down. Walking across a beautiful tropical resort sounds idyllic until you’re sweating through your cute resort outfit and wondering why you didn’t just order room service.

The distance becomes even more noticeable if you want to use amenities at the neighboring Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, including its waterpark. If the waterpark is on your must-do list, just know that getting there involves a substantial walk.

Want to walk indoors instead? The gym was impressive. Here’s a video.

The Bottom Line

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort has a lot going for it. It’s beautiful, there are plenty of activities, the dining options give you variety, the spa is impressive, and there are enough pools, bars, and places to hang out that you don’t have to leave the property to have a full vacation.

I especially liked that there was such a wide range of ways to spend the day. We played pickleball, tried the adventure park, spent time at the pool, enjoyed the spa, and had several very different dining experiences. The resort also has options such as yoga, spinning, jungle hiking, and surfing, so there is plenty available for people who don’t consider lying horizontally for six straight hours a vacation activity.

But there are a few things I would want to know before booking: the resort is very spread out, the beach conditions can affect water activities like surfing, and some experiences cost extra.

For me, the positives outweighed those drawbacks by quite a bit. The 8th-floor pool area was a favorite, Tacoyotl Taquería was a genuine food win, the teppanyaki dinner was fun, and room service became particularly appealing when the temperatures were doing their best impression of the surface of the sun.

And that’s really what I want from a resort review: not that you book the exact room and restaurants I did, but that you know what you’re getting before you spend your vacation budget.

The post Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Dorm Room Essentials

Most of the dorm room essentials we love and I mention here are on this handy Amazon list to help you get your shopping done super fast!

Bedding

• Twin XL Bedding: Most dorms have Twin XL mattresses, so make sure your sheets fit.
• Mattress Topper and Pad: Dorm beds can be a bit stiff, and a good mattress topper can make a huge difference.
• Mattress Protector: You don’t know who slept there before, so zip it up!
• Bed Risers: Create extra storage space under your bed for things like shoes or storage containers. I was able to find some that raised the bed up by 9 inches!
• Backrest Pillows: Perfect for those long study sessions in bed.
• Thick Warm Blanket: Something super soft and possibly weighted.

Electronics and Power

• Power Strip and Extension Cords: Dorm rooms often have limited outlets, so these are a must. Make sure it offers a variety of plug-in options.
• Desk Lamp: Great for late-night study sessions.
• Clip-on Light: This is perfect for a dorm bed
• Electric Kettle: For quick and easy hot beverages.

Storage and Organization

• Storage Containers: Keep your belongings organized in a small space. I love the collapsible ones. 
• Duffel Bag: Useful for weekend trips home or visits to friends’ dorms.
• Shower Caddy: A shower tote ssential for carrying toiletries to the communal bathroom.
• Bath Towel Set
• Under-Bed Storage: Maximize space by utilizing the area under your bed.
• Trash Bags: For easy cleanup.
• Trash Can: My sons dorm provided a trash can but my daughter’s did not. 
• Bed caddy: My son ended up with the top bunk and instead of having to constantly go up and down we bought a bed caddy. 
• Closet Organizers: These will help you hang more things in the closet.
• Laundry Bag

Personal Care and Health

• Shower Shoes: Protect your feet in communal bathrooms.
• Laundry Detergent: Don’t forget to keep your clothes fresh. I recommend using earth-friendly laundry sheets. Not only do you use no plastic with these, but it’s also a massive space saver. 
• Body Wash: A shower essential.
• Cough Drops: Be prepared in case of a sudden cold.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during those long study sessions.
• Pain Reliever: It’s just a matter of time before they need it.

Important Documents

• Student ID: Your ticket to campus events and facilities.
• Professional Attire: You never know when you might need it for an interview or event.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list in case of an emergency.

Miscellaneous Items

• Rain Boots: Be ready for any weather.
• Study Supplies: Notebooks, pens, folders, backpack, and other school supplies.
• Favorite Snacks: Stock up on your go-to treats.
• Mini Fridge: Great for storing snacks and drinks. (Some dorms like the ones at the University of Texas provide a mini fridge and microwave)
• Travel Steamer: Steam wrinkles out of clothes and save a lot room since you won’t need an iron and an ironing board.

For Class

• Backpack
• Pens
• Pencils
• Notebooks

Tips for a Smooth Dorm Room Move-In

• Start Early: Begin your packing process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Check the School’s Website: Different colleges have different rules and amenities; familiarize yourself with your school’s guidelines.
• Use Online Resources: Take advantage of free printable college checklists available online.
• Watch for Sales: Utilize platforms like Amazon Prime to find the best deals on dorm essentials.
• Mind the Space: Dorm rooms are often small, so be selective about what you bring.
• Be Mindful of Fire Hazards: Avoid overloading outlets and follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Preparing for your freshman year of college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. By following this ultimate college packing list for guys, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate dorm life successfully. Remember, college is not just about the classes but also about the people you meet and the memories you create. Good luck on your journey, and make the most of every moment!

The post The Ultimate College Packing List for Guys: Dorm Room Essentials appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Both cruises and all-inclusive resorts can be excellent values, especially for families. The trick is understanding what you’re actually getting for the price, what costs extra, and what type of vacation your family will enjoy more.

After all, paying less for a vacation you don’t enjoy isn’t really a bargain.

What Is Included in a Cruise?

One of the biggest advantages of cruising is how much is bundled into the cruise fare. Your cabin, meals at many onboard restaurants, entertainment, pools, many activities, and kids’ programming are generally included, although exactly what is included varies by cruise line and fare.

For example, Carnival includes a stateroom, multiple dining options, entertainment, pools and waterslides, fitness facilities, and youth programs in its cruise fare. Disney Cruise Line includes meals, snacks, soft drinks at meals and beverage stations, entertainment, youth clubs, pools and recreation, and other onboard experiences.

Royal Caribbean similarly includes the stateroom, complimentary dining in multiple venues, entertainment, activities, and access to its private destinations in the cruise fare.

That can make a cruise look like a fantastic deal, particularly when you have kids who seem to believe that being hungry is a medical emergency every 47 minutes.

But the Cruise Price Isn’t the Whole Story

This is where you need to look beyond the headline cruise fare. Depending on the cruise line and fare, things such as alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, casino play, photos, some activities, and transportation to the cruise port may cost extra. Gratuities may also be additional, depending on the line and fare.

Even beverages can make a difference. A basic cruise fare may include water, tea, coffee, lemonade or select juices, while cocktails, beer, wine and other premium beverages cost extra. Royal Caribbean and Carnival both spell out a variety of paid beverage options and other add-ons separately from the basic fare.

Shore excursions are another big variable. You can explore a port independently, book an excursion through the cruise line, or arrange something privately, but those costs aren’t generally included in the basic cruise fare.

So when comparing prices, don’t just compare the advertised cruise fare with the advertised resort rate. Build an actual vacation budget that includes the things your family is likely to buy.

What Is Included at an All-Inclusive Resort?

The beauty of an all-inclusive resort is that the pricing is often much easier to understand. Your room rate generally bundles accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, and a selection of activities into one price, although the exact inclusions vary by resort.

At Beaches Resorts, for example, the all-inclusive package includes meals and snacks, premium liquor, numerous restaurants and bars, and a wide variety of land and water activities.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana includes meals and drinks, entertainment, fitness facilities, non-motorized water sports, daily activities, an in-room minibar and Wi-Fi.

That is a pretty substantial amount of vacation packed into one price.

And there is something psychologically satisfying about walking into a restaurant on vacation, ordering whatever you want, and not having to mentally calculate whether the kids just ate $73 worth of chicken tenders.

All-Inclusive Doesn’t Mean Literally Everything

The phrase “all-inclusive” can create some unrealistic expectations. At many resorts, things such as spa treatments, off-property excursions, airport transfers, certain premium wines or spirits, private dinners, cabanas and some specialty experiences are not included.

That doesn’t mean an all-inclusive isn’t actually all-inclusive. It simply means you need to read the inclusions before booking instead of assuming the word “all” is being used in the dictionary sense.

This is particularly important when comparing two resorts. One might include airport transfers, snorkeling and water sports while another charges separately for them. Two resorts with similar nightly rates can therefore deliver very different values.

Where Cruises Really Win: Variety

If your family gets bored easily, cruising has a major advantage: you aren’t stuck in one place.

On a typical cruise, your hotel moves with you. You can wake up in one destination, spend the day exploring, return to the ship for dinner and entertainment, and wake up somewhere completely different the next morning.

That makes a cruise particularly appealing if your family wants to see several destinations without packing and unpacking every few days. Royal Caribbean points to this multi-destination aspect as one of the major differences between cruising and a resort vacation.

For families who want to maximize the number of places they experience during one trip, that’s a lot of value.

The catch is that a port day is not the same thing as actually vacationing in that destination for several days. You may have only a limited amount of time ashore, and popular excursions can add considerably to the overall cost.

Where All-Inclusives Win: Relaxation

An all-inclusive resort is usually better if your idea of a vacation involves picking a lounge chair and not moving unless absolutely necessary.

You can spend several days at the beach or pool, eat whenever you want, participate in included activities and enjoy resort entertainment without worrying about a ship schedule or getting back to the vessel before it leaves port.

For families with younger children, this can be especially appealing. You aren’t constantly trying to get everyone off the ship, through a port, onto an excursion and back again while keeping track of sunscreen, water bottles and the child who has somehow wandered toward a souvenir shop.

For families with teenagers, however, it can go either way. Some teens will happily live at the pool for seven days. Others will announce on Day 3 that they are bored and would like to speak to whoever is in charge of providing civilization.

Which Is Better for Families With Kids?

This depends heavily on the ages and personalities of your children.

Cruises can be fantastic for families because kids and teens often have dedicated spaces and activities while parents get some time to themselves. Disney Cruise Line, for example, offers youth clubs for children, tweens and teens, while Carnival and Royal Caribbean also have dedicated youth programming.

Large cruise ships can also offer an almost ridiculous number of activities. Depending on the ship, that can mean waterslides, pools, sports, shows, kids’ clubs, teen spaces, live entertainment and other activities without requiring you to leave the ship.

All-inclusive resorts can offer a similar advantage, but the experience is more centered around the resort itself. Family-friendly properties may have kids’ clubs, water sports, pools, entertainment and organized activities, with the added bonus of having a beach right outside your door at many properties.

For younger kids who need downtime, I often think the resort setup can be easier. For older kids and teenagers who want more independence and variety, a cruise can be a fantastic fit.

What About Food?

Both options can provide a lot of food, but the experience is different.

On a cruise, you’ll typically have multiple included dining venues, buffets, casual options, and main dining. Specialty restaurants can cost extra, and the exact dining setup varies by cruise line and ship.

At an all-inclusive resort, meals and snacks are generally part of the package, and some resorts offer a surprisingly large selection of restaurants. Beaches, for example, advertises up to 18+ restaurants at its resorts.

If your family likes trying different restaurants and cuisines, either can work well. If you have a teenager who considers pizza a primary food group, both options should also keep you from having to make emergency grocery-store runs.

Don’t Forget the Room

This is one area where the comparison can get tricky.

Cruise cabins tend to be smaller than the rooms or suites you might find at a land-based resort, although cabin sizes vary considerably by cruise line and category. Families sometimes need to book multiple cabins or upgrade to a larger family cabin or suite, which can change the economics dramatically.

At an all-inclusive resort, you may have more room to spread out, particularly if you book a family suite or connecting rooms. But larger accommodations can also significantly increase the resort price.

When comparing the two, look at the actual sleeping arrangement rather than simply comparing the price per person. A “deal” isn’t much of a deal if everyone is sleeping in a configuration that makes you question your parenting choices by night three.

Which Is More Predictable for Your Budget?

This is where all-inclusives often have an advantage.

Once you’ve paid for the resort, most of your basic vacation expenses are covered. You can still spend more on excursions, spa treatments, premium experiences and transportation, but you have a clearer baseline for what the trip will cost.

Cruises can be equally predictable if you’re disciplined about extras. The problem is that the opportunities to spend money are everywhere. Drinks, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, photos, shopping and other extras can slowly turn a great cruise fare into a much larger vacation bill. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both list numerous services and experiences that are outside the basic fare.

Neither approach is inherently better. You just need to know which kind of traveler you are.

If you see a $9 cocktail and think, “We’re on vacation!” you’re going to want a bigger cruise budget.

So, Which Gives You More Value?

For families who want to see multiple destinations, a cruise often wins. You’re combining transportation, accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities into one trip, while your hotel moves from destination to destination.

For families who primarily want a relaxing beach vacation, an all-inclusive resort often provides better value. You’re paying for a place where you can stay put and enjoy meals, drinks, pools, beaches and activities without constantly reaching for your wallet.

For families with younger children, I’d lean toward an all-inclusive if relaxation and simplicity are the priorities, although a family-friendly cruise can be an excellent choice if your kids enjoy activities and entertainment.

For families with tweens and teenagers, I’d give cruises a serious look. The combination of youth spaces, teen activities, entertainment, pools and multiple destinations can keep older kids engaged in a way that a resort sometimes can’t.

For families who don’t drink alcohol, an all-inclusive may not automatically be the better value. You are still paying for a package that includes alcoholic beverages even if nobody in your family orders them. On the other hand, if your family loves cocktails, beer or wine with meals, that inclusion can make an all-inclusive especially attractive.

The Best Way to Compare the Two

Before you book, create two imaginary invoices.

For the cruise, include the cruise fare, taxes and fees, gratuities if applicable, flights, transportation to the port, drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursions and any other extras your family would realistically purchase. For the all-inclusive, include the resort rate, flights, airport transfers if they aren’t included, excursions, premium experiences and anything else your family would actually spend money on.

Then ask one more important question: Which vacation would your family actually enjoy more?

If the numbers are close, I would choose the experience that better matches your family’s vacation style. A $500 savings isn’t much of a win if you spend the entire trip wishing you were somewhere else.

My Bottom Line

There isn’t one universal winner in the cruise vs. all-inclusive debate. Cruises generally offer incredible value when you want variety, multiple destinations and a huge menu of onboard entertainment and activities, while all-inclusive resorts shine when you want a simpler, more relaxed vacation where most of your everyday expenses are bundled together.

The real secret is to compare the total cost of the vacation, not the advertised starting price. Once you add the extras you know your family will actually use, you’ll have a much clearer picture of which one gives you more for your money.

And honestly, if your final decision comes down to whether you would rather unpack once on a cruise or unpack once at an all-inclusive resort, congratulations. You’ve reached the point where both options are already doing a pretty good job of solving the “Mom, what’s the plan today?” problem.

Read Next:

• Caribbean Cruise Packing List
• Ultimate Packing List for All-Inclusive Beach Vacation

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

Often, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars. Do not take Uber in 3rd world countries.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. this doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post Cruise vs. All-Inclusive: Which Gives You More Value? appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Make your own copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese chicken salad at home with this recipe. You’ll be shocked how close it is to the original.

Who out there doesn’t love the Cheesecake Factory?

This is one of my favorite restaurants and I am particularly in love with their salads. So, after a little time and research I have started to make some copycat recipes! I think this copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese chicken salad recipe is pretty darn close to the one you have at the restaurant!

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

1 head iceberg lettuce, cored and chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, cored and chopped
½ head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
½ C bean sprouts
1 small bunch of green onions, chopped
1 rotisserie chicken, skinned and cubed
1 bottle of Wildtree Plum dressing
1 can mandarin oranges
1 package of crispy rice noodles
1 package of crispy wonton strips
1 small bag of slivered almonds
2 TBSP sesame seeds
¼ C snow peas, sliced

Directions:

Combine the lettuce, cabbage, chicken, bean sprouts, ½ of the green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips.

Pour the dressing on top and toss. Top with the remaining green onions, almonds, sesame seeds and wonton strips.

Divide onto individual plates and garnish with mandarin oranges, snow pea slices, and crispy rice noodles.

Side note on the dressing: I have not attempted to create the Cheesecake Factory Chinese chicken salad dressing, so I don’t have a recipe for you. However, I think the Wildtree Plum dressing is just like the Cheesecake Factory Chinese chicken salad dressing. Others have suggested that they use Sesame-Plum Dressing. 

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:

• Fancy Pants Chicken Casserole
• Sheet Pan Spanish Chicken
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Easy Cranberry Chicken
• Buffalo Chicken Casserole

• Crockpot Chicken Parmesan 
• Spicy Chicken Spaghetti
• White Chicken Chili
• Baked Wine Chicken Casserole
• Tex-Mex Chicken Curry

Yield: 6

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad

4.5 Stars (2 Reviews)

Print

Now you can make your own copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese chicken salad at home with this quick and easy recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• iceberg lettuce, cored and chopped
• romaine lettuce, cored and chopped
• red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• bean sprouts
• green onions, chopped
• rotisserie chicken, skinned and cubed
• Wildtree Plum dressing
• mandarin oranges
• crispy rice noodles
• crispy wonton strips
• slivered almonds
• sesame seeds
• snow peas, sliced

Instructions

1. Combine the lettuce, cabbage, chicken, bean sprouts, ½ of the green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips.
2. Pour the dressing on top and toss.
3. Top with the remaining green onions, almonds, sesame seeds and wonton strips.
4. Divide onto individual plates and garnish with mandarin oranges, snow pea slices, and crispy rice noodles.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 8g

Nutritional info is an estimate.

The post Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad appeared first on Mommy Travels.

So, should you book your next family vacation through Costco Travel or go directly to the travel provider? The answer depends on what you are booking, what benefits matter to you, and whether you are willing to spend a little time comparing the total value instead of simply looking at the first number you see. Because a $200 cheaper vacation isn’t actually cheaper if you give up $300 worth of hotel benefits in the process. Math: ruining vacations since forever.

What Is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is a travel service available to Costco members that offers hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and other travel products. Costco says its goal is to provide members with upfront pricing and value, and its offerings include everything from family-friendly resorts and all-inclusive vacations to Disney cruises, luxury cruises, and major hotel brands.

One of the biggest reasons Costco Travel gets attention is that the value is often packaged differently than a simple room rate. A Costco vacation package may include a Digital Costco Shop Card, resort credit, breakfast, waived resort fees, transportation, upgrades, or other extras depending on the specific property and promotion. Current Costco Travel offers show examples ranging from resort credits to included breakfasts and Digital Costco Shop Cards, so you really need to look at what comes with the rate rather than comparing only the headline price.

That distinction is important because Costco Travel isn’t necessarily trying to beat the hotel’s lowest advertised room rate. Instead, it may be offering a stronger overall package.

Costco Travel vs. Booking Direct: The Quick Answer

If you want the short version, here is how I would approach it: check Costco Travel first, then check the hotel, resort, cruise line, or rental-car company directly before you book. (Better yet, ask me for a quote. I’m a travel agent.)

Costco Travel tends to shine when you are booking a cruise, vacation package, rental car, or a resort stay with valuable extras. Booking direct tends to make more sense when you care heavily about hotel loyalty benefits, elite status, specific room types, flexible policies, or special promotions that are only available through the travel provider.

And yes, I realize I just told you to check two websites instead of giving you one magical answer. Unfortunately, vacations refuse to be that cooperative.

When Costco Travel Is Usually the Better Deal

1. Cruises can be a Costco Travel sweet spot

Cruises are one of the categories where Costco Travel deserves a serious look. Costco currently advertises a Digital Costco Shop Card with every sailing on many cruises, along with additional cruise-specific promotions and member benefits. Its current offerings include major cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, and others.

The important thing is to compare the same sailing, same ship, same date, same cabin category, and same fare type. Then look at what each booking includes. If Costco is offering the same cruise fare plus a Digital Costco Shop Card or other included benefits, the Costco option may have considerably more value even if the advertised cruise price itself isn’t lower.

This is especially worth checking for families because cruise costs multiply quickly when you are booking several people. A benefit that looks modest for two passengers can become meaningful when you’re paying for four or five.

2. Vacation packages can offer substantial extras

Costco Travel packages are another category where I would absolutely compare before booking direct. Costco packages can combine hotels with airfare, rental cars, theme-park tickets, ground transportation, or other components, depending on the destination and offer.

The extras are where Costco can get interesting. For example, current Costco offerings include packages with Digital Costco Shop Cards, resort credits, breakfast, waived resort fees, parking, room upgrades, and other inclusions depending on the property.

For a family vacation, those extras can be more valuable than a small difference in the room rate. If Costco’s package is $100 more but includes $300 worth of things you would have purchased anyway, Costco has effectively won the argument.

The Executive Membership Makes Costco Travel More Interesting

If you have a Costco Executive Membership, there is another piece of the puzzle. Executive Members can earn an annual 2% Reward on qualifying Costco Travel purchases, although there are exclusions and the reward is applied after the travel is completed. The current maximum is $1,250 for a 12-month period.

The 2% reward does not apply to every dollar of a trip. Costco specifically excludes things such as taxes, fees, gratuities, trip protection, some third-party purchases, upgrades, resort charges, port charges, and certain other expenses. You also need to be an Executive Member when the travel starts.

This means you should not simply take the total vacation price and subtract 2 percent. That would be far too easy, and apparently vacations require spreadsheets.

Still, on a large qualifying trip, the reward can add meaningful value. The current Executive Membership costs $130 annually compared with $65 for a standard Gold Star membership, meaning the upgrade itself costs an additional $65.

If you already have an Executive Membership because you shop at Costco frequently, this is essentially an extra benefit to consider. I wouldn’t upgrade solely because of one vacation without doing the math first.

When Booking Direct Can Be Better

Costco Travel is not automatically the winner, particularly when hotel loyalty programs are involved.

If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand and collect points or elite-night credits, check the rules carefully before booking through Costco. Costco’s terms state that hotel stays that are part of a vacation package are not eligible for hotel loyalty programs, points, or benefits.

There is an important exception worth knowing: Costco says its room-only hotel reservations are eligible for World of Hyatt points, provided you add your World of Hyatt number during booking.

That means you cannot simply assume that every Costco hotel booking is treated the same way. If hotel status matters to you, look at the exact booking type and the specific loyalty program before clicking “purchase.”

This can be especially important for travelers with elite status. A direct booking might come with complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkout, lounge access, bonus points, or other benefits that could be worth substantially more than a Costco Shop Card.

Booking Direct May Also Give You More Control

Another reason to book directly is control. When you book with the hotel or cruise line, you are dealing directly with the company providing the travel service, which can make certain changes or requests more straightforward.

Costco Travel’s terms explain that cancellation and change policies vary by the airline, cruise line, hotel, and other suppliers. In other words, Costco doesn’t magically override the provider’s rules.

For a complicated trip with multiple moving parts, I like knowing exactly what the cancellation rules are before booking. A cheap vacation that becomes a nightmare to modify is not much of a bargain.

Don’t Forget Rental Cars

Rental cars are another category where Costco Travel is worth checking. Costco offers rental cars from major providers, and its current terms and FAQs show that policies vary depending on the rental company and rate.

One particularly useful feature is that Costco says online rental-car reservations can generally be canceled without a fee, although prepaid rates booked by phone may have cancellation fees.

Rental-car pricing changes constantly, so I would compare Costco Travel with the rental company directly and look at the final price, cancellation terms, included drivers, vehicle class, and any additional fees. A rental car advertised for $22 a day can become considerably less adorable once the fees start multiplying.

How to Compare Costco Travel With Booking Direct

Here’s the method I recommend because it prevents you from comparing apples to an extremely different fruit salad.

First, search Costco Travel for the exact vacation you want. Write down the total price, what is included, cancellation terms, and any Digital Costco Shop Card or other perks.

Next, go directly to the hotel’s, resort’s, cruise line’s, or rental-car company’s website and price the exact same thing. Make sure you are comparing the same room or cabin category, dates, occupancy, cancellation policy, and inclusions.

Then calculate the real value, not just the advertised price. If the direct rate is $100 cheaper but Costco includes a $200 resort credit and a $150 Shop Card, Costco is obviously the better value. Conversely, if the direct rate is $200 cheaper and you receive hotel points, elite benefits, and the same inclusions, booking direct may be the smarter choice.

Costco Travel vs. Booking Direct: Which Should Your Family Choose?

For cruises, I would almost always check Costco Travel before booking elsewhere because the Digital Costco Shop Card and other member offers can make the overall value very competitive. Costco’s current cruise promotions demonstrate that these aren’t just theoretical benefits; the site regularly features Shop Cards and cruise-specific savings.

For all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages, Costco Travel is also worth a serious comparison, particularly when the package includes resort credits, transfers, breakfast, waived fees, or a Shop Card. Costco currently offers packages at destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe, and elsewhere.

For hotel-only stays, I would be more inclined to compare carefully with booking direct because hotel loyalty benefits and elite status can change the equation. Costco’s room-only hotel rates can still be attractive and include upfront pricing with taxes, and some room-only bookings can earn World of Hyatt points.

For rental cars, compare both every time. Rates can change frequently, and Costco may have a better combination of price and cancellation flexibility, but there is no universal winner.

My Costco Travel Booking Strategy

If I were booking a family vacation today, I would use Costco Travel as one of my first stops, but not my only stop. I would price the trip through Costco, price it directly with the travel provider, and then compare the total value of each option.

The biggest mistake is looking only at the room or cruise fare. The cheapest headline price isn’t necessarily the cheapest vacation, especially when you factor in resort credits, Shop Cards, breakfast, parking, transfers, loyalty points, elite benefits, cancellation policies, and Executive Member rewards.

Costco Travel can be an excellent way to save money, particularly for cruises and vacation packages, but booking direct still has some important advantages. The winner is the option that gives your family the most useful benefits for the least money—not whichever website has the biggest “SALE!” banner screaming at you.

And honestly, that’s the travel-shopping rule I use for almost everything: compare the total value, not just the price. Your future vacation self will appreciate it, especially when you’re sitting poolside instead of realizing you paid $300 extra for things you could have gotten included somewhere else.

Costco Travel vs. Booking Direct: At a Glance

Final Verdict

Costco Travel is often worth checking first, but don’t assume it is automatically the best deal. For cruises, vacation packages, rental cars, and certain resort stays, the combination of member pricing, Digital Costco Shop Cards, included extras, and Executive Member rewards can make Costco Travel extremely compelling.

Booking direct is often the better choice when hotel loyalty benefits, elite status, special direct-booking promotions, or specific cancellation and room-selection needs are important to you. The best vacation deal isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest starting price; it’s the one that delivers the most value for what your family actually needs.

Related MommyTravels Reading

If you’re comparing vacation options, you may also want to check out my guides on Disney Cruise tips, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, and my resort reviews before you book. MommyTravels has been helping families figure out where to spend their hard-earned vacation dollars since 2008, so there is a pretty decent archive of “please learn from my experience before you make this expensive decision” content around here.

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

Often, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars. Do not take Uber in 3rd world countries.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. this doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post Costco Travel vs. Booking Direct: Which Is Better for Your Vacation? appeared first on Mommy Travels.

It Contradicts Itself

Start by recognising that a lot of baby sleep advice contradicts itself, which is your first clue to take it lightly. For every person insisting you must never wake a sleeping baby, there’s another swearing by strict schedules, and for every co-sleeping evangelist there’s a cot-only purist. When the advice cancels itself out this comprehensively, it’s a sign that there isn’t one right answer, and that you can stop treating every confident opinion as gospel.

A Lot of It Is Outdated

Much of the advice is also simply outdated, passed down from eras with very different knowledge. Your parents’ and grandparents’ generation raised children with genuine love but often on guidance that’s since been revised, sometimes for important safety reasons. Well-meaning older relatives may confidently recommend things that current guidance no longer supports, so their advice, however lovingly given, isn’t automatically the advice to follow today.

The Half You Must Never Ignore

That said, there is a crucial category you must never ignore: official safety guidance. While much sleep advice is optional and personal, the established safe-sleep guidelines from health authorities, around safe sleeping positions and a safe sleep environment, are the non-negotiable exception. This is the half to follow to the letter. The point of ignoring advice is to free yourself from the fussy, contradictory noise, never to disregard genuine safety guidance.

Trust Your Own Baby

Beyond safety, though, trust your instincts and your own baby, because you know them better than any stranger. You are with your child constantly, learning their cues and rhythms in a way no outside adviser can, and that accumulated knowledge is genuinely valuable. When a piece of advice clashes with what you can plainly see works for your baby, your observation usually deserves more weight than the generic tip, so back yourself.

Drop the Guilt-Inducing Advice

Ignore, especially, anything that makes you feel guilty or inadequate, because that advice rarely helps. So much baby-sleep guidance is delivered with an undertone of judgement, implying you’re doing it wrong, and it piles anxiety onto already-shattered parents. Advice that leaves you feeling worse, more anxious, more like a failure, is usually worth setting aside, since stressed parents and stressed babies don’t sleep any better for the guilt.

Beware Rigid Systems

Be wary of rigid, one-size-fits-all systems, too. The strict programmes that promise to fix your baby’s sleep if you just follow every rule perfectly work for some families and are a miserable, guilt-inducing failure for others, because babies are individuals. If a rigid method isn’t working for you and your baby, you’re not doing it wrong; it may simply be the wrong approach for your child, and abandoning it is entirely allowed.

Every Baby Is Different

Remember that every baby is genuinely different, which is why universal advice so often misses. What settled your friend’s baby beautifully may do nothing for yours, and what the book insists should work may not match your child at all. This isn’t a failure on your part; it’s just the reality that babies vary enormously in temperament and needs, so treat all advice as a menu to try from rather than a set of rules you’re failing to obey.

Get the Environment Right

One area genuinely worth attending to, within the safety rules, is your baby’s sleep environment and comfort. A calm, safe space and a firm, safety-standard mattress support good sleep in a way that endless behavioural tips often don’t, and if you’re ever unsure, guidance from the UK’s trusted sleep specialists is a better bet than the contradictory advice of well-meaning strangers. Getting the fundamentals of the sleep setup right, safely, is more useful than chasing every competing technique.

Allow Yourself to Adapt

Give yourself permission to change your mind and adapt, because rigid consistency isn’t a virtue here. What works at three months may stop working at six, and that’s normal, not a failure, so staying flexible and adjusting as your baby grows and changes serves you far better than doggedly sticking to one approach. The families who cope best tend to be the ones who hold their methods loosely and evolve with their child.

Look After Yourself

Above all, look after yourself, because a functioning parent matters more than perfect adherence to any method. Sleep when you can, share the load, lower your standards where it’s safe to, and don’t run yourself into the ground trying to follow every scrap of advice. A rested, sane parent is better for a baby than an exhausted one who followed all the rules, so your own wellbeing belongs near the top of the priority list, not the bottom.

Find Your People, Not Just Advice

One genuinely useful thing to do amid all the noise is to find a small circle of trusted people, a health visitor you rate, a couple of honest friends, a sensible book or source or two, rather than passively absorbing advice from absolutely everyone and everywhere. A handful of trusted voices you can actually ask, who know you and your baby and won’t judge you for asking, is worth infinitely more than the endless, contradictory chorus of everyone’s unsolicited opinions. Curating who you listen to, and cheerfully tuning out the rest, protects both your confidence and your sanity during a phase that is already desperately short on both, and it makes the advice you do take far easier to trust.

Keep the Safe Half, Bin the Rest

So take the tidal wave of baby-sleep advice with a large pinch of salt: follow the safety guidance without exception, and treat the rest as optional suggestions to test against your own baby and your own instincts. Ignore the contradictory, the outdated, the guilt-laden, and the rigidly one-size-fits-all, and trust what you can see working. Half of what you’re told won’t suit your family, and knowing you’re allowed to let it go is one of the most freeing things new parenthood can teach you.

Read Next:

• 22 Essential Newborn Baby Accessories
• 11 Tips for Flying with a baby

The post Why New Parents Should Ignore Half the Sleep Advice They’re Given appeared first on Mommy Travels.

I’ve stayed at both resorts, and while they each have plenty to offer, if I had to choose one to return to with my family, I’d book Beaches Turks & Caicos without much hesitation. That doesn’t mean Atlantis isn’t worth visiting, it absolutely is, but they’re surprisingly different vacations once you get past the glossy brochures.

Here’s how they compare.

Beach

This one wasn’t even close.

Beaches sits on Grace Bay, and there’s a reason it’s consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. The water is that ridiculous shade of turquoise that makes people think you’ve edited your vacation photos. You haven’t. It really looks like that.

The sand is soft, the water stays calm enough for younger kids, and because it’s protected by the barrier reef, you rarely have to worry about rough surf.

Atlantis has a beautiful beach too, but it’s on the Atlantic Ocean, which means waves are often much stronger. That’s great if you enjoy body surfing, but not ideal if you’re trying to relax while your six-year-old splashes in shallow water. During my visit, there were several periods when the red flags were flying, limiting swimming.

Winner: Beaches Turks & Caicos

Food

Food can make or break a family vacation.

Beaches includes unlimited dining at more than 20 restaurants, premium drinks, snacks, and even room service in many room categories. Since it’s all-inclusive, no one is mentally calculating the cost every time someone decides they suddenly need ice cream.

And if you’re traveling with teenagers, trust me—they suddenly become professional snack enthusiasts.

The variety impressed me. From sushi and Caribbean cuisine to French pastries, barbecue, and a surprisingly good steakhouse, there was enough variety that nobody complained about eating the same thing twice.

Atlantis also has a huge restaurant selection, but everything is à la carte unless you’ve purchased a dining package. Meals add up quickly, especially for larger families. Even grabbing burgers and drinks poolside starts to sting after several days.

The restaurants themselves are good, but I found myself thinking about the bill almost every time we sat down. That’s not exactly the carefree vacation mindset I’m aiming for.

Winner: Beaches Turks & Caicos

Water Parks

This category is much closer.

Atlantis is famous for Aquaventure, and for good reason. It’s one of the largest resort water parks in the Caribbean, with thrilling water slides, river rides, multiple pools, and the iconic Leap of Faith slide that sends riders through a shark-filled lagoon.

It’s genuinely impressive.

Beaches has Pirates Island Waterpark, which isn’t quite as massive, but it’s still excellent for families. There are water slides, a lazy river, a surf simulator, splash zones, and plenty for younger children.

Here’s the difference I noticed: Beaches feels easier. You don’t spend as much time walking long distances between attractions, and younger kids can enjoy more of the park independently. Atlantis feels enormous—which is exciting—but also means a lot more walking throughout the day.

If your kids are adrenaline junkies and older teens, Atlantis probably wins this round.

If you’re traveling with multiple ages, Beaches is easier to manage.

Winner: Tie (depending on your kids’ ages)

Marine Life

Atlantis was built around marine exhibits, and it’s honestly one of the coolest parts of the resort.

You’ll find massive aquariums, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish throughout the property. Simply walking around becomes part aquarium visit, part scavenger hunt.

Beaches approaches marine life differently. Instead of looking at sea life behind glass, you’re encouraged to get into the water. Grace Bay offers excellent snorkeling, and Beaches includes snorkeling trips in your stay. Scuba diving is also included for certified divers, which is almost unheard of at an all-inclusive resort.

Personally, I’d rather snorkel over a coral reef than stare at one through acrylic panels. Your kids may disagree.

Winner: Depends on your family

Activities

Both resorts keep families busy.

At Beaches you’ll find:

• Kids camps included for all ages
• Sesame Street characters
• Scuba diving for certified divers
• Snorkeling trips
• Paddleboards
• Kayaks
• Hobie Cats
• Beach volleyball
• Evening entertainment
• Teen activities

Most of it is included.

Atlantis offers:

• Dolphin experiences
• Marine encounters
• Escape rooms
• Casino
• Golf nearby
• Shopping
• Movie theater
• Water sports
• Nightlife

Many of these activities come with additional fees.

If your goal is keeping everyone entertained without constantly pulling out your wallet, Beaches has the advantage.

Winner: Beaches Turks & Caicos

Rooms

Atlantis offers everything from standard hotel rooms to luxury suites spread across several towers. Some rooms have been beautifully renovated while others are starting to show their age, so it pays to pay attention to which tower you’re booking.

Beaches is divided into themed villages inspired by Italy, France, Key West, the Caribbean, and Treasure Beach. Family suites are designed with actual families in mind, not just extra beds crammed into a hotel room.

I especially appreciated having more room to spread out after long days in the sun.

If you’re traveling with grandparents, cousins, or teenagers who suddenly require “their own space,” Beaches has some fantastic multi-bedroom suite options.

Winner: Beaches Turks & Caicos

Cost

This is where people sometimes get sticker shock. At first glance, Atlantis often appears less expensive.

Then you add:

• Meals
• Drinks
• Water park extras
• Activities
• Resort fees
• Tips
• Snacks
• Transportation

Suddenly the math changes.

Beaches costs more upfront, but because nearly everything is included, I found it easier to budget. I wasn’t constantly wondering how much we’d spent each day. For families, especially larger ones, that predictability is worth a lot.

Winner: Beaches Turks & Caicos

Which Resort Is Better for Younger Kids?

If your children are under 12, I’d recommend Beaches without hesitation.

The calm beach, included kids clubs, Sesame Street programming, shallow swimming areas, and all-inclusive format make it incredibly easy to vacation with younger children.

You spend less time planning and more time actually relaxing—which, let’s be honest, is the dream.

Which Resort Is Better for Teens?

This one is closer. Older teens who love huge water slides and exploring giant resorts may prefer Atlantis.

Teens who enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba diving, unlimited food, and hanging out on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches will probably love Beaches just as much.

Having traveled with older teens myself, I found Beaches offered enough freedom that they could entertain themselves while still feeling like we were vacationing together.

The Verdict

Atlantis is iconic for a reason. It’s exciting, energetic, and packed with attractions you won’t find at many other resorts. If your family loves giant water parks, marine exhibits, and doesn’t mind paying separately for dining and activities, it’s a great choice.

But after staying at both, Beaches Turks & Caicos is the resort I’d happily return to again and again.

The biggest difference isn’t the beach, although Grace Bay is spectacular. It isn’t the food either, even though I appreciated never signing another dinner check. It’s how easy the vacation feels.

Everything is included. The beach is calm. The resort is easier to navigate. There are activities for toddlers, teenagers, parents, and grandparents without constantly reaching for your credit card. Instead of spending the week making decisions about where to eat or how much activities cost, you simply enjoy your vacation.

And isn’t that exactly what a family vacation is supposed to be?

The post Beaches Turks & Caicos vs. Atlantis: Which Is Better for Families? appeared first on Mommy Travels.

The good news? Hue is surprisingly easy to explore in a day if you prioritize the highlights. We managed to enjoy an incredible lunch, wander through Vietnam’s former imperial capital, and visit one of the country’s most beautiful royal tombs, all without feeling like we were running a marathon in 100-degree heat. Just kidding it was crazy hot and we felt completely wiped out. The majority of our group bailed after just one activity because it was so exhausting. My kids and I kept going!

If you’re planning your own visit, here’s exactly how I’d spend one day in Hue.

Why Visit Hue?

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 until 1945, making it one of the country’s most historically significant cities. While Hanoi may be the political capital today and Ho Chi Minh City the economic powerhouse, Hue remains the cultural heart of Vietnam.

For history lovers, and yes, my history degree self gets ridiculously excited about places like this, Hue offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past. The city is filled with palaces, temples, royal tombs, and ancient architecture that tell the story of the country’s last emperors.

Many of these sites are recognized as part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, which became Vietnam’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Stop 1: Lunch at Imperial Craft Bia

Before tackling several hours of sightseeing, we made what I consider one of the smartest travel decisions possible: eat first. We had lunch at Imperial Craft Bia, and honestly, I would go back. The owner is from California, so if you are an American, you are going to love this place.

The restaurant serves modern burgers, tacos, and BBQ alongside its own craft beer, creating a menu that feels approachable even if you’re still working up the courage to order something you’ve never heard of before.

Everything we ordered was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor without feeling overly complicated.

If you’ve been traveling around Vietnam for a while, you’ll also appreciate having air conditioning during lunch. Sometimes the greatest luxury isn’t five-star service, it’s sitting somewhere cool long enough for your shirt to stop sticking to your back.

Stop 2: Explore the Imperial City

Our next stop was the Imperial City, and if you only have time to visit one attraction in Hue, make it this one. (Although Jonah says make it the tomb, which he thought was better.)

The Imperial City was built beginning in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long and served as the political and ceremonial center of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was designed with inspiration from Beijing’s Forbidden City but incorporates distinctly Vietnamese architectural styles and traditions.

Walking through the massive stone gates feels a little like stepping into another century. Inside you’ll find a beautifully restored palace, ceremonial halls, temples, gardens, and courtyards spread across an enormous complex enclosed by thick defensive walls and a surrounding moat.

Not everything survived the 20th century. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, Hue became the site of one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War. Much of the Imperial City suffered extensive damage from bombing and artillery fire. Since then, restoration efforts have been ongoing for decades, carefully rebuilding many of the structures using traditional techniques while preserving what remains of the original architecture.

Give yourself at least two to three hours here. The grounds are much larger than they appear on a map, and you’ll do quite a bit of walking. You have to walk all the way to the back to see the main palace. The good news is, there’s an exit back there. Which means you can walk out and catch a Grab, aka a Vietnamese Uber.

Tips for Visiting the Imperial City

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. The stone pathways can be uneven in places.
• Bring water. Lots of it.
• A hat or umbrella will quickly become your best friend because much of the complex has very little shade.
• Consider purchasing tickets online in advance if you’re visiting during peak travel season.

Stop 3: Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc

Our final tourist stop was the Tomb of Tu Duc. If you’re imagining a gloomy cemetery, think again.

Emperor Tu Duc designed much of this complex himself during the 1860s as both his future burial place and his personal retreat. Before his death, he actually spent time here writing poetry, relaxing by the lake, and escaping the pressures of ruling an empire.

Honestly, building yourself a peaceful lakeside getaway that eventually becomes your tomb is either incredibly practical or impressively optimistic.

The grounds are serene, with ponds covered in lotus flowers, elegant pavilions, temples, courtyards, and shaded walking paths winding through pine trees. It feels far more like a royal garden than a cemetery.

Interestingly, despite the elaborate tomb, the exact location of Emperor Tu Duc’s burial remains unknown. Historical accounts say the workers involved in the burial were executed afterward to keep the location secret, helping prevent grave robbers from discovering it.

Whether legend or fact, it certainly adds another layer of mystery to the visit.

This stop offers a quieter, more reflective experience than the Imperial City and provides an excellent contrast between the emperor’s public life and his private world.

End Your Day With Dinner and Drinks in Hue

After a full day of exploring Hue, we headed back to Cherish Hue Hotel for dinner at the hotel’s Royal Restaurant. After all that walking around the Imperial City and Tu Duc’s tomb, sitting down to a proper meal felt like a very reasonable reward for our historical productivity.

The Royal Restaurant gave us an easy way to have dinner without having to trek across the city again. If you’re staying at Cherish Hue, this is one of those nights when convenience wins, especially when you’ve packed a lot into a single day.

After dinner, we headed out to explore the area around the hotel. Hue has a lively evening atmosphere, and getting out on foot after dark gives you a completely different perspective from the daytime sightseeing circuit.

We eventually stopped for drinks at Brisa Cubana. It was a fun way to end the day and gave us a chance to relax rather than immediately collapsing into bed—which, after the amount of walking we’d done, was definitely a possibility.

Why I Recommend Staying Out a Little

If you’re visiting Hue on a tight schedule, don’t make the mistake of thinking the city shuts down once you’ve finished visiting the historical sites. The evenings are a great time to wander, grab dinner, have a drink, and experience a little of the modern city.

This is also one reason I like building some flexibility into a one-day itinerary. You don’t necessarily need another major attraction after the Imperial City and a royal tomb. Sometimes the best part of traveling is simply walking around a neighborhood, finding somewhere interesting to eat or drink, and seeing how people actually spend their evenings.

Our One-Day Hue Itinerary

If you’re trying to recreate our day, here’s the basic timeline I would use:

Morning: Drive from Hoi An over Hai Van Pass and arrive in Hue.

Lunch: Have lunch at Imperial Craft Bia before beginning your sightseeing.

Afternoon: Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc. The grounds are peaceful and make a nice contrast to the larger, busier Imperial City.

Late afternoon: Spend several hours exploring the Imperial City. Give yourself enough time to wander rather than rushing from building to building. Make sure to get there before they stop letting people enter. If you only have time to do one of these activities do this one.

Evening: Return to your hotel, have dinner, then head out on foot to explore the area around the hotel.

Night: Stop for drinks at Brisa Cubana or find another nearby bar that catches your attention.

This worked well for us because we weren’t trying to cram every single attraction in Hue into one day. We focused on two major historical sites, ate well, and still had time to experience the city after dark.

Is One Day Enough?

Not really. One day is enough to experience a few of Hue’s biggest highlights, but it’s definitely going to leave you wanting more.

If you have extra time, I’d also consider visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, taking a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, or exploring some of the local markets. Plus, there are 13 more tombs you can visit nearby.

That said, if your Vietnam itinerary is packed, as most are, you can absolutely leave feeling like you’ve experienced the heart of the city.

Helpful Things to Pack for Hue

Vietnam’s central region can be incredibly hot and humid, especially from late spring through early fall.

A few items that made our day much more comfortable include:

• A reusable insulated water bottle
• Cooling towel
• Portable handheld fan
• SPF 50 sunscreen
• Lightweight moisture-wicking clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Portable power bank for your phone and camera

None of these are glamorous purchases, but neither is heat exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

Hue surprised me. The Imperial City tells the story of an empire, while Tu Duc’s tomb offers a glimpse into the man behind the throne. Together, they provide a fascinating look at Vietnam’s royal history that you simply don’t get anywhere else in the country.

Even if you’re only passing through between Hoi An and Phong Nha or continuing north toward Hanoi, it’s well worth dedicating a day to Hue.

Some cities are all about checking famous landmarks off a list. Hue invites you to slow down, imagine what life looked like inside palace walls, and appreciate how much of Vietnam’s history is still standing today, even after centuries of change.

And if you can pair all that with an excellent lunch and a cold craft beer? I’d call that a very successful day.

The post One Day in Hue, Vietnam: How to Make the Most of a Short Visit appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Like a lot of people with a family history of dementia (my dad and his dad), I’ve wondered what that might mean for me and my siblings. Every time I forgot why I walked into a room or couldn’t remember someone’s name right away, I’d catch myself wondering if it was just normal life or something more. Deep down, I knew I couldn’t spend the rest of my life worrying about every little memory lapse, but I also didn’t know if there was anything proactive I could do.

That changed during my annual physical.

As we were talking about my family history, my doctor asked if I had ever heard of the Alzheimer’s blood test. I stared at her for a second because I honestly thought I had misunderstood what she said. A blood test? For Alzheimer’s? (AD-DIRECT A BETA 42/40 AND P-TAU 217 EVALUATION.) I knew doctors sometimes used brain scans or spinal taps when evaluating patients with memory problems, but I had no idea there was now a blood test that could help identify biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Apparently, I’ve been behind on my medical news.

My doctor explained that although these tests are currently intended primarily for people who are experiencing cognitive symptoms, the science has advanced incredibly quickly. She also told me she believes that by the time I’m 55, testing like this could become much more common as part of evaluating brain health. That was her opinion based on where the field is headed, not an official recommendation, but it certainly made me realize how rapidly Alzheimer’s research is evolving.

Since I had just turned 46 and have a significant family history, she offered to let me take the test. I didn’t hesitate. I replied yes immediately. I always wondered if I was the type of person who “would want to know” and it turns out I am.

What Is the Alzheimer’s Blood Test?

If you’re hearing about this for the first time, you’re not alone because I had never heard of it either.

The newest FDA-cleared Alzheimer’s blood tests look for proteins in your blood that are associated with the changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease, including a protein called phosphorylated tau (pTau217) and changes related to amyloid. These biomarkers can help doctors determine whether someone may have the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but the blood test is not a standalone diagnosis.

Instead, doctors use the results along with a patient’s symptoms, medical history, neurological exam, and sometimes additional testing such as PET imaging or cerebrospinal fluid testing. In other words, this isn’t like getting a cholesterol number where you’re either above or below a certain level. It’s one piece of a much bigger picture.

That’s an important distinction because I don’t want anyone reading this to think the test can predict their future with certainty. It can’t.

Inside my own MyChart, it explained that this test does the following:

This panel combines beta amyloid 42/40 and p-tau217 plasma scores to provide an assessment of the likelihood of amyloid plaque deposition in the brain. A score of less than 0.3254 is consistent with a low likelihood of a positive amyloid PET scan in someone with cognitive impairment. This determination cannot diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by itself and should be used in combination with the patient’s clinical history and presentation.

Taking the Test Was the Easy Part

The actual blood draw couldn’t have been more routine. If you’ve ever had blood work during an annual physical, you already know what to expect. There weren’t any extra preparations, no special instructions, and no lengthy appointment.

What surprised me wasn’t the test itself. It was the waiting.

I’m used to getting cholesterol results or other routine lab work fairly quickly through my patient portal. This time, days went by with nothing. Then a week passed. Every time my phone buzzed with a notification, I wondered if that would be the one.

I kept telling myself that whatever the results were, I couldn’t change them by worrying. As you can probably guess, that advice was much easier to give myself than it was to actually follow.

I Got My Results in the Middle of Vietnam

Life didn’t stop while I was waiting. In fact, by the time my results were ready, I was halfway around the world on a trip through Vietnam.

We were riding a bus through the stunning Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the country. If you’ve ever been there, you know the views are absolutely incredible. Mountains, coastline, lush greenery. It’s the kind of place where you should be looking out the window instead of staring at your phone but obviously, I was checking mine.

Before I left for the trip, I had made a promise to myself. If the results came in while I was traveling, I wouldn’t look at them until I got home. I didn’t want to risk getting difficult news while I was thousands of miles away from home.

Then my phone buzzed. The notification from my patient portal popped onto the screen, and suddenly my brilliant plan went right out the window. My self-control lasted all of about five seconds.

I logged in, opened the results, and immediately started scanning for the part that mattered most. The words I saw were:

Low likelihood.

I actually read them twice because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding what I was seeing. Then I read the results out loud to everyone on the bus. As soon as they realized what the report said, the entire group started cheering. It was one of those moments I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.

After carrying around so much worry because of my dad’s diagnosis, hearing that my results indicated a low likelihood of Alzheimer’s-related pathology felt like someone had lifted a tremendous weight off my shoulders.

What “Low Likelihood” Actually Means

As relieved as I was, I also want to be careful not to overstate what my results mean.

A “low likelihood” result does not guarantee that I’ll never develop Alzheimer’s disease. It also doesn’t mean I never have to think about my brain health again. Like every medical test, this one has limitations and needs to be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.

For me, though, it was reassuring news.

Instead of wondering whether my blood work showed evidence that would raise immediate concerns, I was able to take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of my trip knowing that, at least today, there wasn’t an indication that I needed additional Alzheimer’s testing.

Should You Ask Your Doctor About It?

If Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia runs in your family, I think it’s absolutely worth asking your doctor whether this type of testing makes sense for you.

That doesn’t mean everyone should rush out and request it tomorrow. Current blood tests are primarily intended to help evaluate people who have cognitive symptoms, and whether it’s appropriate depends on your age, medical history, family history, and your doctor’s clinical judgment.

The important thing is knowing that the conversation is now possible. Before my appointment, I didn’t even know this test existed. If my doctor hadn’t brought it up, I never would have known to ask.

Supporting Your Brain Health

While no lifestyle change can guarantee you’ll avoid Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have identified several habits that are associated with better brain health. Regular physical activity, keeping blood pressure under control, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, getting enough sleep, staying socially engaged, and continuing to challenge your brain through learning all appear to play a role in maintaining cognitive health.

Those are things that benefit your heart and the rest of your body too, so they’re worthwhile regardless of your test results.

Some things I have specifically done in the last few months to reduce my risk are:

• More cardio aka rollerblading
• Supplements: NMN, NAD, Vit B, and Vit D
• More squats (leg strength is a really big deal)

My Biggest Takeaway

The biggest lesson I learned from this experience wasn’t really about the blood test itself.

It was about asking questions.

For months, maybe even years, I worried about my family history without realizing there was a new tool that might provide additional information. That conversation with my doctor gave me knowledge I didn’t have before, and while waiting for the results was nerve-racking, I’m grateful I chose to do it.

Watching my dad’s journey with dementia has been heartbreaking, and I know there are no guarantees for any of us. But standing on that bus in Vietnam, surrounded by people cheering after I read the words “low likelihood,” reminded me that sometimes good news is worth celebrating loudly.

If Alzheimer’s has touched your family too, I hope this encourages you to have a conversation with your doctor. The blood test may or may not be appropriate for your situation, but knowing your options is always better than wondering what they are.

Sources

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Clears First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-clears-first-blood-test-used-diagnosing-alzheimers-disease
• Alzheimer’s Association. Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/blood-tests
• National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

The post I Took the New Alzheimer’s Blood Test appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Why botanical gardens beat a screen every time

A 2019 study from the University of Michigan found that children who spent at least 120 minutes per week in green spaces showed measurably lower stress hormones. Botanical gardens concentrate that benefit into a curated experience. Kids touch bark, smell herbs, watch pollinators land on petals, and ask questions that no YouTube video can fully answer.

Gardens also teach patience. A child watches a bud for weeks before the bloom opens. That slow reveal sticks. I’ve seen five-year-olds remember the name “corpse flower” months after a visit – because the experience engaged all their senses at once.

Top picks across the country

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – New York

The Discovery Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden spans half an acre and targets visitors ages 2–12. Staff-led programs run every Saturday from April through October. Kids dig in soil, plant seeds, and learn composting basics. The garden charges $18 for adult admission; children under 12 enter free.

Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, Illinois

Spread across 385 acres, the Chicago Botanic Garden maintains a dedicated Learning Campus with four climate-controlled greenhouses. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibit opens each June and houses over 75 species of live butterflies. Families pay only for parking ($30 per car on weekends), because garden admission costs nothing.

Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Longwood Gardens features a 4,600-square-foot indoor Children’s Garden with a bamboo maze, fountain play area, and a cave made from living rock. Pierre S. du Pont founded the garden in 1906. Today the site draws roughly 1.5 million visitors annually. Children’s tickets start at $13.

Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona

This 140-acre garden in Papago Park holds one of the world’s finest collections of arid-land plants – more than 50,000 specimens. The Cactus Clubhouse drop-in activity center lets kids pot their own succulents. Desert Botanical Garden opens daily at 8 a.m. from October through April, catching the cooler morning hours that families prefer.

Atlanta Botanical Garden – Georgia

The Hardin Visitor Center leads into the Edible Garden, where children taste herbs straight from the plant. Atlanta Botanical Garden also runs a Canopy Walk – a 600-foot elevated walkway standing 40 feet above the forest floor. That height alone thrills most kids under ten. Adult tickets cost $24.95; children ages 3–12 pay $19.95.

What makes a garden truly kid-friendly?

Not every botanical garden succeeds with children. The best ones share a few concrete traits:

• Hands-on stations where kids plant, water, or harvest something
• Short trail loops under one mile, designed for small legs
• Sensory elements – textured plants, fragrant herbs, splashing water features
• Trained educators who answer questions without lecturing
• Shaded rest areas with benches spaced every 200–300 feet

One detail parents often overlook: flower diversity. Gardens that grow unusual blooms, like a striking green lily bouquet variety or a chocolate cosmos – hold children’s attention longer than rows of identical roses. Novelty drives curiosity.

Turning a visit into a learning adventure

Preparation matters. Grab a garden map and let your child circle three spots to visit first. Ownership over the route keeps younger kids motivated.

Bring a small notebook. Sketching a leaf or writing down a plant’s Latin name creates a personal record. One mother I spoke with at Longwood said her daughter filled 14 notebooks across two years of monthly visits.

Ask open-ended questions. “Why do you think this flower faces the sun?” beats “Look at that flower.” The first question invites a hypothesis. The second invites a glance and a shrug.

Consider timing. Weekday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m. draw the fewest crowds at most gardens. Smaller crowds mean docents have more time per child. Check each garden’s event calendar – many host seasonal festivals, nighttime illumination walks, or butterfly releases that amplify the experience.

Beyond the garden gate: keeping the spark alive

The visit ends. The curiosity shouldn’t. Start a windowsill garden at home – basil and cherry tomatoes grow fast enough to hold a child’s interest.

Explore flower varieties together online. Kids who loved lilies at a botanical garden, for instance, enjoy browsing unusual lily varieties and colors to see how many different forms a single species can take. That comparison sharpens observation skills.

Join a junior naturalist program. The National Wildlife Federation runs a Garden for Wildlife certification that families complete together. Over 230,000 gardens hold the certification across all 50 states.

Pick a garden and go

Every botanical garden on this list welcomes walk-ins. None requires a botany degree. Your child needs nothing more than comfortable shoes and the freedom to ask “What’s that?” fifty times in an hour. My favorite moment at any garden visit? Watching a kid realize that the grocery-store strawberry started as a tiny white flower. That connection between nature and daily life changes how children see the world.

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