You’ve heard of the Mall of America. It’s that giant shopping mall in Minnesota. Its 520 retail stores can keep any shopper happy for days. But do you know how much there is to do at Mall of America besides shop? I have spent a ton of time at this mega entertainment complex over the years. In […]
About Colleen Lanin
Colleen Lanin is the founder/editor-in-chief of TravelMamas.com. As the author of her book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their offspring. Her stories have appeared online and in print for such outlets as the "Today" show, NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Expedia, San Diego Family Magazine, and more. Colleen gives tips on television, radio, and as a public speaker. She has a master’s degree in business administration with a background in marketing. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.
In which country do women give men chocolate (not vice versa) on Valentines Day?
February 14, 2019 5 Comments
a) Finland
b) Estonia
c) India
d) Iran
e) Japan
Dos & Don’ts of Disney’s Castaway Cay
February 3, 2019 237 Comments
While Disney’s Castaway Cay in The Bahamas is a tiny island, it’s packed with so much to do that you might have a hard time deciding how to spend your time. This wee isle measures just 3.1 miles long and 2.2 miles wide, but it offers tons of activities like waterslides, bike trails, open-air massages, two water play areas, parasailing, […]
10 Best Beach Hotels for Kids ~ Recommended by Family Travel Experts
January 30, 2019 53 Comments
I asked some of the best family travel bloggers to tell us about their all-time favorite family-friendly beach hotels. From where to take a dip with babies and toddlers to the best beach hotel for active families, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you.
8 Tips for Disney On Ice with Kids
January 28, 2019 56 Comments
Even if you don’t live near a Disney theme park, you can still experience the magic of Disney close to home with Disney On Ice. Expect an evening of unique entertainment for the whole family, beloved characters skating and spinning on ice, and the wide-eyed wonder for which Disney is renowned. To maximize the fun factor, […]
Things to Do in Jerome, Arizona ~ Exploring America’s Biggest Ghost Town with Kids
January 17, 2019 24 Comments
Residents in quirky Jerome, Arizona are proud to live in America’s largest ghost town. That’s an oxymoron, of course, because typically people don’t reside in a ghost town. A booming copper mining town at the turn of the 19th century, Jerome was once home to 15,000 inhabitants. After the mines closed in 1953, however, the […]
What to Do in Juneau, Alaska with Kids
January 14, 2019 23 Comments
Families will love exploring Juneau, Alaska with kids. The area’s natural beauty and the city’s walkable downtown lure visitors here by the boatload…literally. Although technically you can drive to Juneau if you put your car on a ferry, most visitors arrive via cruise ship (or plane). Take a look at these fun things to do in […]
Flying with a Baby or Toddler ~ 15 Tried and True Tips
December 18, 2018 16 Comments
Flying with a baby or toddler and afraid everyone on the plane will hate you? You are not alone. When I’ve given presentations about traveling with children to new parents at events, the most common worry I hear from audience members is being “that parent” on the airplane with the screaming baby. As someone who […]
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Kids by Helicopter and by Land
December 5, 2018 23 Comments
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids can seem intimidating. You may have some trepidation over whether such a visit is dangerous and how to make it interesting for the whole family. If you do it right, though, exploring volcanoes on Hawaii’s Big Island is not only safe, but also super fun for families. Here’s […]
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Disney California Adventure Park
November 23, 2018 30 Comments
Where better to ring in the New Year than at the Happiest Place on Earth? If you’re tired of trying to feel festive on the final day of the year, we’ve got the solution for you. You’ll be merry indeed at Disneyland’s sassy sister park in Anaheim, California. Put on your party hat because it’s […]
Tips for Touring Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Young Children
November 7, 2018 24 Comments
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the easiest Disney theme park to tackle in one day with preschoolers, toddlers and other grade school kids. Although larger in size than the Magic Kingdom, this park has fewer attractions, many of which are sit-down shows or longer-length rides. This makes it a good choice for a day when your […]
Booking Hotels ~ How to Avoid Scams and Marketing Ploys
October 18, 2018 42 Comments
When booking hotels, it makes good sense to research options and read online reviews. But it’s just as important to protect yourself from deceptive booking sites. In 2017 alone, $5 billion was spent in fraudulent and misleading hotel bookings according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). That’s a whole lotta money lost by […]
Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
October 15, 2018 116 Comments
Many parents worry there are not enough rides for babies and toddlers, but amusements for all ages abound at Disneyland! Here are my picks for best Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers.
