Find Your Perfect Zipline Tour in Asheville Take in the sights of Asheville from a new perspective—soaring hundreds of feet above the ground. From adrenaline‑packed, tree‑based courses to family‑friendly options, here’s a guide to the best zipline experiences in Asheville. Go Far, Go Fast If you’re looking for a heart‑pounding thrill, grab a friend and head out on the Mountaintop Tour at Navitat Canopy Adventures. This side‑by‑side experience features zips up to 350 feet high and stretches for

Winter Adventures Near Downtown Asheville Perched below North Carolina’s highest eastern peaks, Asheville is a natural gateway for winter enthusiasts. Within minutes of the city, a wealth of activities—from ski slopes and snow tubing to zip‑lines and guided hikes—await. Ready for a personalized itinerary? Our Curated Asheville Experiences team crafts tailored tours that showcase the best winter activities while adhering to social‑distancing and safety protocols. Winter Sports at the Adventure Ce

Activities for Every Family Member, Indoors and Outdoors Steer clear of the busy fall, spring, and summer crowds and discover Asheville’s winter charm with your loved ones. Games & Interactive Museums With more than 30 pinball machines and over a dozen classic video games, Asheville Pinball Museum offers nostalgic button‑pushing fun that can keep the whole family entertained for hours—without you having to push all the buttons yourself. Little ones can channel their inner Isaac Newt

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, this guide is your essential companion. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned local, the following 50 experiences showcase the best of Asheville’s culture, nature, food, and entertainment.#1 Downtown AshevilleStroll through Asheville’s vibrant city center, where independent shops, craft breweries, and top‑rated restaurants blend into a unique mountain atmosphere.#2 Street PerformersEnjoy Asheville’s dynamic street talent by watching sk

As the weather grows cooler, the brisk mountain air paints the leaves of the forest trees in brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. Due to its mild climate and range of elevations nearby, Asheville enjoys one of the longest and most vibrant fall color seasons in the nation. While enjoying the kaleidoscope of colors, consider adding some “green” to the mix. Help minimize your impact while visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains with

Experience the rush of sliding down a 60‑foot all‑natural water slide that cuts through the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Sliding Rock is a unique, family‑friendly attraction that offers a thrilling escape from the summer heat.All ages line up to slide down the sloping rock face, landing in an 8‑foot‑deep pool. The water temperature ranges from 50‑60°F during the season, providing a refreshing plunge. For those who prefer to observe, two dedicated observation decks let you enjoy the spectacle

When we told friends we were heading to Paris with our three‑year‑old daughter, they were surprised. “Isn’t Paris a city for couples?” Au contraire! The city offers an abundance of activities that are perfect for young children, and we found ourselves returning repeatedly as our daughter grew—and later, when our baby son joined us. Planning a trip as parents required a different mindset than traveling as a couple, yet discovering kid‑friendly attractions revealed a fresh, vibrant side of Paris t

After a brief closure, Walt Disney World’s four Orlando parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—have reopened. Parents now wonder whether a visit remains both safe and enjoyable amid the new health protocols. Short answer: yes. Disney has rolled out comprehensive safety measures that not only protect guests and cast members but also enhance the overall experience. Below is an overview of what to expect. Robust Cleaning Protocols Across the Parks At every corner of Walt 

Discovery Cove is the only all‑inclusive theme park in Orlando that blends a water‑park experience with wildlife encounters, gourmet dining, and a carefully curated, low‑crowd atmosphere. Every ticket covers meals, activities, and a day of adventure—so you simply arrive and relax. What Is Discovery Cove? Discovery Cove invites guests to explore nature trails, pristine beaches, a grotto that opens into a tropical rainforest, and an underwater cave. Its all‑inclusive model means that every adult o

With Walt Disney World’s reopening amid the pandemic, guests were greeted on July 15 with the inaugural day of the hybrid Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The event combines the floral artistry of the Flower & Garden Festival with the culinary delights of the Food & Wine Festival, offering families the best of both spring and fall traditions in one celebration. The festival, now Epcot’s longest‑running event, began July 15 and will continue into late fall. Though its layout has

Planning a family beach getaway in North Carolina? With over 300 miles of coastline—from the iconic Outer Banks to the tranquil southern reserves—this state offers some of the East Coast’s most welcoming family beaches. Below are 10 of the best spots for swimming, sandcastle building, and soaking up the Southern sun (just remember your sunscreen!). Each destination delivers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, making it easy to find the perfect family beach escape. Topsail Topsail Island

When you picture Patagonia, rugged peaks, 12‑hour hikes, and relentless trekking come to mind. That image fits Chile more than Argentina, yet Argentine Patagonia offers a surprisingly family‑friendly alternative. Spanning 260,000 square miles, the region boasts the world‑famous Los Glaciares National Park, home to iconic peaks such as Mt. Fitz Roy. It’s the perfect destination for active families seeking accessible, breathtaking adventures. Here’s why Argentine Patagonia should be the next stop

Blending a passion for cars with the allure of open country and quirky roadside stops, family road trips remain the quintessential American adventure. Who can forget the moment of loading the family car, hitting the open road, and embracing a journey as memorable as the destination?  When traveling with children, the trip must be engaging and enjoyable. It goes beyond scenic vistas and dad jokes to include national parks, natural wonders, engineering marvels, interactive car games, and fami

Indoor water park resorts aren’t just perfect for a fun weekend escape. The best water park resorts offer so much to do that they’re even great for a fall or winter family vacation. At our favorite indoor water park resorts in the U.S., you’ll find all the usual water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. But that’s just the tip of the proverbial dumping bucket. You’ll also find other family-friendly activities like bowling and indoor mini-golf, plus onsite dining and comfy ac

Walt Disney World has a reputation for turning the holiday season into a sparkling spectacle, decking out all four parks, each resort, and even Disney Springs with festive decor. In 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic meant the scale was reduced, but families still found plenty to enjoy. The celebrations kicked off on November 6 and ran through December 30. While the Magic Kingdom is famed for its extravagant decorations and ride overlays, the other three parks offer unique holiday experiences that shou

Whether you let food drive your travel plans or simply want a delicious side‑kick, our brand‑new FamilyVacationist food column, Delicious Destinations, is your go‑to guide. From family‑friendly restaurants to hidden gems for solo explorers, we cover everything you need to taste Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene. Let’s Eat: Orlando I’m Megan duBois, a full‑time food and drink writer who can’t resist an ice‑cream cone when she’s not busy hunting for the next great bite. Each month I bring you to a

Whether you plan a trip around culinary adventures or simply need a reliable food guide, Delicious Destinations offers in‑depth, trustworthy recommendations for families, solo travelers, and food lovers alike. Hi, Im Megan duBois, a full‑time food and drink writer who never leaves home without a fork or a scoop of ice cream. In each monthly installment, I take you to a new city—discovering the best restaurants, bars, bakeries, and other eating spots—and provide tailored suggestions for families,

[Editor’s Note: The Lake Tahoe region, like many parts of the U.S. and the world, is still feeling the aftershocks of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and temporary business closures may apply. Even if you can’t visit right now, you can use this guide to plan and dream about future trips.] When indoor spaces feel cramped, South Lake Tahoe offers an expansive outdoor playground. From world‑class skiing to gentle lakeside strolls, the area delivers year‑round adventure for athletes, casu

Wyoming, the 10th largest U.S. state and one of the most sparsely populated, offers a perfect backdrop for families seeking wide-open spaces and safe, socially-distanced activities. With iconic destinations like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the state’s winter landscape is packed with opportunities for fresh‑air exploration. Cheyenne The Big Boys Rail enthusiasts of all ages will be thrilled to discover that Cheyenne houses two of the world’s largest steam locomotives: the Big Boy

Branson is celebrated for its live shows and bright attractions, but the region’s natural beauty offers equally thrilling experiences for those who venture beyond the downtown water parks and roller coasters. Just minutes from the bustling heart of Branson, the Ozark Mountains host state parks, limestone caverns, pristine lakes, and a network of hiking trails that cater to families and solo explorers alike. Below are ten standout outdoor activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Outdoor