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Explore What to Do in Anaheim with Kids
Things to Do in Anaheim With Kids Beyond Disney
Planning a family getaway to Southern California opens the door to far more than theme parks. While Disneyland is one of the area’s most recognizable attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Anaheim with kids that offer memorable experiences without requiring a park ticket. From interactive museums and neighborhood parks to sports venues and nearby beaches, families can enjoy a well-rounded vacation filled with fun throughout Anaheim and Orange County.
Knott’s Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park is a popular choice for families, especially those with younger children who enjoy the attractions in Camp Snoopy. For little ones, Adventure City in Stanton provides gentle rides and a family-friendly atmosphere at a more affordable price. If you’re looking for educational experiences, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center features rotating exhibits that make a great addition to any family itinerary.
Outdoor adventures are also among the top activities for kids in Orange County. Boysen Park and Pearson Park provide updated playgrounds, picnic areas, and open green spaces where children can burn off energy between sightseeing. On warmer afternoons, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers an exciting indoor option for active families.
When it’s time to slow down, Anaheim Packing District offers a relaxed setting with a variety of dining options, live weekend entertainment, and something for every appetite. Anaheim GardenWalk adds even more entertainment with bowling, arcade games, escape rooms, and a movie theater, making it an excellent choice for what to do in Anaheim after a busy day.
Sports fans can catch an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium or cheer on the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Families looking to enjoy Southern California’s coastline can also make the short drive to Huntington Beach for an afternoon of sand, surf, and ocean views.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Orange County
Finding comfortable accommodations makes exploring things to do in Anaheim with kids even easier. Lemon Heights Inn in Tustin places families within a convenient drive of Anaheim’s most popular attractions while offering easy access to beaches, parks, museums, and entertainment throughout Orange County. Guests can enjoy renovated rooms, complimentary parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and room options designed for couples, families, and larger groups.
Whether you’re planning a weekend family vacation or an extended stay, Anaheim offers experiences well beyond the theme parks. Book your stay at Lemon Heights Inn and enjoy convenient access to many of the best Anaheim attractions while staying at one of the most affordable hotels in Orange County.
Exploring the Unique Castle Ruins near Brattleboro
Visit the Castle Ruins in Madame Sherri Forest
Exploring the castle ruins in Madame Sherri Forest is one of the most unique things to do in Vermont, offering a blend of history, architecture, and scenic hiking just outside Brattleboro. Located in nearby West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, this destination draws visitors with its unusual setting and the remains of a once-grand summer home hidden within the forest.
The trail to Madame Sherri’s Castle follows the Ann Stokes Loop, a manageable two-mile route that winds through a dense hemlock forest before revealing the site’s most recognizable feature, a sweeping stone staircase that rises unexpectedly into the trees. As you continue through the grounds, the remaining stonework, including columns, archways, and a large fireplace, provides a clear sense of the home’s original scale and design. These castle ruins stand as one of the most memorable landmarks in southern New England.
Madame Sherri’s house was commissioned by Antoinette Bramare, a French-born costume designer who built a name for herself in New York’s theater scene. In the late 1920s, she transformed this quiet landscape into a gathering place known for elaborate parties and distinctive architecture that blended European influences. After financial challenges forced her to leave, the property was abandoned and later destroyed by fire in 1962. Today, the preserved ruins and surrounding forest offer both historical context and a distinctive outdoor experience.
Beyond the castle ruins, the surrounding area adds depth to any visit. Extending your hike leads to Indian Pond and open ledges with expansive views, while nearby Brattleboro offers galleries, restaurants, and local markets. This combination makes it easy to pair outdoor exploration with cultural experiences, creating a well-rounded itinerary on a romantic getaway to Vermont!
Brattleboro, Vermont Boutique Hotels
After a day spent exploring Madame Sherri Forest, returning to one of the boutique hotels in Brattleboro, Vermont, provides a comfortable and thoughtfully designed retreat. The Inn on Putney Road offers a refined setting with carefully appointed guest rooms, inviting common spaces, and well-maintained gardens, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Guests can begin their mornings with a gourmet breakfast and spend quiet time outdoors before heading out to explore more of the region. Its location within walking distance of downtown Brattleboro allows easy access to shops, dining, and the local arts scene, while still providing a peaceful place to unwind. Plan your visit to these castle ruins and reserve your stay to experience one of the most distinctive and engaging destinations in Vermont.
Fall at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire
Why Franconia Notch State Park Is a Fall Must-See
Franconia Notch State Park is one of the best places to experience New Hampshire fall foliage. The park fills a dramatic mountain pass between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges, and when the hardwoods turn, the whole notch glows. Granite cliffs, a glacial lake, waterfalls, and some of the most photographed foliage views in New England sit within a few miles of each other here, which is why it attracts thousands of visitors every autumn. The best time to see fall foliage in New Hampshire is typically late September through mid-October, with higher elevations turning first.
With so many things to do in New Hampshire in the fall, Franconia Notch State Park should be one of many stops during your fall getaway. Head to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, via the Cog Railway or the Auto Road for foliage views stretching across four states. Closer to the clouds, the best hikes on the Presidential Range put you above the color looking down, offering spectacular White Mountains fall foliage views. And save time for Sugar Hill, NH, itself, where we send guests to Harman’s Cheese and Country Store for aged cheddar and up Route 117 at golden hour for views across the valley to the Franconia Range.
All of it starts with a comfortable home base, and it is hard to beat ours. Sugar Hill, NH, is widely regarded as one of New England’s most picturesque villages, and Sugar Hill Inn sits right in the heart of it, about ten minutes from the park entrance, close enough for a sunrise hike at Artists Bluff with time to spare before breakfast.
Things to Do in Franconia Notch State Park This Fall
With so many things to do in Franconia Notch State Park, visitors never tire of visiting this beautiful mountain pass, especially in the fall. Franconia Notch hiking ranges from short family walks to the famous ridge trails above, and a paved recreation path runs roughly nine miles through the notch, one of our favorite ways to take in the Franconia Notch fall foliage by bike.
Franconia Notch State Park’s most popular attraction is the Flume Gorge, an 800-foot natural chasm at the base of Mount Liberty. A boardwalk carries you between granite walls that rise 70 to 90 feet and narrow to as little as 12 feet, ending at Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot waterfall whose present course was dramatically reshaped after a powerful storm in 1883. The gorge is open from mid-May through late October, so peak foliage falls within its final weeks of the season. Reserve a timed entry ticket online in advance, since fall weekends regularly sell out.
The two-mile Flume loop offers a bonus for covered-bridge fans. You will cross the Flume Covered Bridge, built in 1886 and one of the park’s most recognizable historic landmarks, then reach the Sentinel Pine Bridge, a covered footbridge perched above the Pool, a deep basin in the Pemigewasset River ringed by cliffs. Both are framed by fiery maples in October.
For the classic Franconia Notch fall foliage photo, hike the Artists Bluff Trail. The ledge overlooks Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain, and at peak color the view is unforgettable, especially at sunrise. During peak foliage season, the state directs hikers along a one-way, 1.2-mile counterclockwise loop, and parking is in the large dirt lot across from the Cannon Mountain base area, not the Echo Lake Beach lot. Go early on October weekends, as this is the most popular short hike in the White Mountains for good reason.
Round out your day at Echo Lake itself, where the fall colors reflect off the water beneath Cannon’s cliffs, then stop at The Basin, NH, a 30-foot granite pothole carved by glacial meltwater an estimated 25,000 years ago. It is a free, five-minute walk from the parking area and one of the easiest scenic stops in Franconia Notch State Park.
Stay at the Best New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast
After a day of White Mountains fall foliage, you will want to return to a cozy New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast. Sugar Hill Inn’s restored 1789 farmhouse and cottage rooms are filled with original art, and include features such as a fireplace, a luxury soaking tub, and fine linens. Warm up with a drink in our tavern, book a massage at our spa, and settle in for dinner at our restaurant.
Mornings here begin with a made-to-order breakfast, baked in-house, the right fuel before another day exploring things to do in Franconia Notch State Park, just minutes down the road.
Book Your Fall Getaway in Sugar Hill, NH
Foliage season is our favorite time of year in Sugar Hill, NH, and rooms for late September and October go quickly. Book your fall getaway at Sugar Hill Inn and see the best of fall in the White Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Franconia Notch State Park?
Franconia Notch State Park sits in New Hampshire’s White Mountains between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges, about ten minutes from Sugar Hill, NH.
How long is the Flume Gorge hike?
The Flume Gorge boardwalk loop covers about two miles round trip, including the walk to Avalanche Falls and back past the Flume Covered Bridge and Sentinel Pine Bridge.
When does Flume Gorge open?
Flume Gorge typically operates from mid-May through late October, meaning peak fall foliage falls within its final weeks of the season each year.
Where should you stay near Franconia Notch State Park?
Sugar Hill, NH, about ten minutes from the park entrance, makes an excellent base, with Sugar Hill Inn offering a restored 1789 farmhouse setting close to Franconia Notch’s fall attractions.
Family Fun on Farms in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Best Amish Country Farms to Visit in Lancaster County
If your family is looking for an escape from busy schedules and screens, few destinations compare to the authentic experiences found at Amish Country Farms in Lancaster County. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, this region offers an opportunity to connect with local agriculture, learn about Amish traditions, and enjoy some of the most scenic countryside in the North.
Lancaster County is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the world, where working farms continue practices passed down through generations. Visitors can explore rolling farmland, roadside produce stands, covered bridges, and historic communities while gaining a deeper appreciation for rural life.
One of the most engaging experiences is a visit to Verdant View Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in Lancaster County PA that offers interactive farm tours. Families can milk a cow, collect eggs, meet farm animals, tour barns and gardens, and learn about sustainable farming practices. For families interested in a farmstay experience, the property also offers overnight accommodations that let guests experience daily farm life firsthand.
Lancaster County offers several memorable farm experiences. Old Windmill Farm in Ronks provides a hands-on Amish Farm Tour where visitors can interact with animals, gather eggs, and learn about farming traditions. The Amish Farm & House offers guided tours of an authentic Amish farmhouse, a one-room schoolhouse, and the surrounding countryside. At Plain & Fancy Farm, educational tours provide insight into Amish history, culture, and agricultural practices.
Families will also enjoy Cherry Crest Farm, a neighboring attraction known for its seasonal activities, farm animals, wagon rides, pumpkin patches, and expansive corn maze. For a taste of local culture and fresh products, Lancaster Central Market remains a must-visit destination, bringing together local farmers, bakers, and artisans under one historic roof.
Stay on a Working Farm in Lancaster County
After a day exploring Amish Country Farms, there is nothing quite like returning to a farm stay in Lancaster County. Guests enjoy genuine hospitality, fresh breakfasts, and the opportunity to experience the rhythms of farm life each morning. Staying on a working farm enhances every part of the visit, creating lasting memories for both children and adults.
Whether you are searching for an Amish Farm near Philadelphia, planning a family weekend getaway, or exploring things to do in Lancaster, these Amish Country Farms offer a unique way to experience Pennsylvania Dutch Country and create unforgettable family memories.
Fantastic Things to Do in Madison, WI, this Winter
Best Things to Do in Madison, WI During Winter
Winter brings out a different side of Madison; frosted in snow, the city feels easier to explore without summer crowds. With frozen lakes surrounding the city and neighborhoods near the Capitol taking on a quieter rhythm, winter is an ideal time to explore the best things to do in Madison for a memorable getaway.
Seasonal events in Madison are a big draw in Wisconsin during winter. The Frozen Assets Festival, held on Lake Mendota, combines outdoor fun with a playful spirit, featuring an on-ice 5K, pond hockey, curling demonstrations, kite flying, and skating. The Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival adds another layer of energy with snow sports, fireworks over the lake, and family-friendly activities. Later in the season, nearby Middleton hosts Bockfest, a popular celebration centered on local beer and winter traditions.
Beyond festivals, Madison’s extensive trail system remains active year-round. Winter transforms familiar routes like the Lakeshore Path, sections of the Capital City State Trail, and the UW Arboretum into peaceful places for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or bundled-up walks. These outdoor options complement Madison’s strong lineup of indoor attractions.
Cold weather is the perfect excuse to explore what to do in Madison, WI, indoors. Museums like the Chazen Museum of Art offer free admission and rotating exhibits, while the University of Wisconsin campus provides lectures, performances, and galleries open to the public. Dining also shines in winter, with restaurants leaning into comforting seasonal menus and craft cocktails, many of which are located within easy walking distance of downtown.
A Cozy Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Madison, WI
Choosing a Bed and Breakfast in Madison, WI, that visitors trust adds warmth to a winter escape. The Buckingham Inn offers a welcoming home base just minutes from downtown, set in a charming residential neighborhood with easy access to Madison events and attractions. After a day exploring places to go in Wisconsin during winter, returning to comfortable common spaces and a peaceful guest suite makes the experience feel complete.
Winter mornings begin with a homemade breakfast before heading out to explore more of Madison’s seasonal charm. Whether visiting for a weekend or a midweek getaway, winter in Wisconsin reveals a version of Madison that feels personal, inviting, and worth exploring time and again.
Fantastic Whale Watching Tours in Juneau, Alaska
Best Whale Watching in Juneau this Season in Alaska
Whale watching in Juneau is one of the most compelling ways to experience Alaska’s coastal wildlife during the summer season. Set along the Inside Passage, Juneau offers nutrient-rich waters that attract humpback whales, along with orcas and occasional grey whales. For travelers planning an adventurous getaway in the northern reaches, this region is known for both its wildlife activity and dramatic natural surroundings.
Late Spring and Summer are the peak times for whale watching in Juneau, with long daylight hours and consistent feeding patterns increasing the likelihood of sightings. From late spring through early fall, whales migrate to these waters, and June is especially active. Visitors often witness tail slaps, surface dives, and, on occasion, breaching behavior. Beyond whales, tours frequently encounter sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles, adding variety to each outing.
Most Juneau whale watching tours last between two and four hours and operate on small to mid-sized vessels. These tours are led by licensed captains and knowledgeable naturalists who provide context on marine life, regional ecology, and responsible wildlife viewing practices. Boats are designed for comfort and visibility, typically featuring open decks and heated indoor cabins. As you travel through the Inside Passage, you will also take in views of forested islands, distant mountain peaks, and glacial landscapes. There are plenty of Juneau excursions to check out!
Stay Centrally Located near Downtown Juneau
Selecting the right Juneau Hotel enhances your overall experience, especially during the busy summer season. Booking accommodations in advance ensures convenient access to tour operators and flexible scheduling options. Staying locally often allows for smaller group tours and a more personalized approach to Juneau excursions.
Alaska’s Capital Inn offers a comfortable and well-located home base for your trip. Guests can enjoy a house-made breakfast each morning and a relaxed afternoon happy hour with light snacks and drinks. The innkeepers also assist with booking Juneau tours to help streamline your itinerary. After a day on the water, returning to a quiet and thoughtfully appointed guest room provides the rest needed for the next day’s activities.
With its reliable wildlife sightings, experienced tour operators, and striking coastal scenery, whale watching in Juneau remains one of the most rewarding things to do in Juneau during the summer. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of this memorable Alaska experience.
Favorite Best Things to Do in Anaheim this Year
Best Things to Do in Anaheim Beyond Disneyland
Anaheim is widely known as the home of Disneyland Resort, but there are many more attractions, entertainment venues, and family-friendly experiences waiting beyond the theme park gates. Whether you are planning a family getaway or simply looking for new ways to explore Orange County, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in Anaheim.
Of course, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure remain major highlights for visitors. Attractions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus have transformed the guest experience with immersive environments and interactive adventures. For many families, these parks remain an essential part of any Anaheim vacation.
However, some of the best things to do in Anaheim extend well beyond Disney. Knott’s Berry Farm offers thrilling roller coasters, historic attractions, and the popular Soak City water park, making it a great option for families seeking a full day of fun. Downtown Disney also provides shopping, dining, and entertainment without requiring park admission.
Visitors looking for additional entertainment can explore Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor destination featuring restaurants, specialty shops, live entertainment, and family activities. Sports enthusiasts often plan visits around games at Angel Stadium, while Honda Center hosts Anaheim Ducks hockey, concerts, comedy performances, and family shows throughout the year.
One of Anaheim’s most distinctive attractions is the Anaheim Packing District. Located inside a restored 1919 citrus packing house, this vibrant gathering place features more than 30 local food vendors serving everything from artisan coffee and gourmet grilled cheese to international cuisine and handcrafted beverages.
Families looking to spend time outdoors can visit Yorba Regional Park, where walking trails, lakes, picnic areas, and bike paths provide a relaxing break from the city’s busy entertainment districts. Anaheim also offers convenient access to nearby coastal destinations, including Huntington Beach and Seal Beach, making it easy to add day trips to the Pacific Ocean to your itinerary. These ideas are just the beginning of great things to do in Orange County!
Hotels in Orange County to Call Home
After exploring the many things to do in Anaheim with kids and families, having one of the most comfortable Orange County Hotels can make all the difference. Orange Grove Inn in nearby Tustin offers affordable lodging close to Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and other Orange County attractions. Guests enjoy complimentary WiFi, free parking, an outdoor pool, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every stay comfortable and convenient.
Whether you are planning a weekend escape or an extended family vacation, Orange Grove Inn provides an ideal home base near many of the best things to do in Anaheim. Book your stay today and start planning your next Orange County adventure.
Fifa World Cup is Coming to Seattle
Plan a Unique World Cup Seattle Getaway This Summer
World Cup Seattle is set to transform the city into a global hub of energy and culture this summer, drawing fans from around the world for matches at Lumen Field. With six games scheduled in a downtown Seattle stadium, visitors can expect an energetic atmosphere both inside and outside the venue. From organized fan zones to waterfront watch parties and citywide celebrations, Seattle offers far more than match-day excitement.
Bainbridge Island provides a compelling alternative when deciding where to stay near Seattle. Located just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown, the island offers a slower, more intentional pace between World Cup Seattle games. The ferry itself becomes part of the journey, offering views of the skyline before arriving in a walkable town filled with local character.
Between matches, visitors can explore Winslow Way’s boutiques, galleries, and cafés, or spend time outdoors at places like the Bloedel Reserve. Dining options reflect the region’s seasonal focus, with waterfront settings and menus that highlight local ingredients. For those who prefer activity, kayaking in Eagle Harbor or biking along scenic routes provides a way to experience the surrounding landscape without straying far from town.
Where to Stay Near Seattle for World Cup Seattle
Tucked in downtown Bainbridge Island, the Eagle Harbor Inn puts guests a short walk from the ferry terminal, making it one of the smartest bases for attending World Cup Seattle matches. The crossing itself becomes part of the experience: a scenic buffer between the energy of Lumen Field and the unhurried pace of island life.
As Seattle hotel availability tightens around tournament dates, Bainbridge offers something increasingly rare: easy access to the action without the city’s noise and crowds. Skip the gridlocked traffic and steep parking fees that come with major tournament days, and instead step onto a ferry. Come back from a full day of matches and fan events to quieter streets, fresh air, and a genuine change of scenery. It’s a way to do the World Cup that leaves you actually looking forward to tomorrow.
Find Adventure at the Wausau Whitewater Park
Find Adventure at Wausau Whitewater Park During the Warm Months
If you’re planning an adventure getaway in the Midwest, the Wausau Whitewater Park deserves a place on your itinerary. Located along the Wisconsin River in downtown Wausau, this renowned whitewater course has welcomed paddlers from around the world since 1974. Whether you’re an experienced athlete looking to refine your skills or a beginner interested in experiencing whitewater kayaking, the park offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy kayaking in Wisconsin during the warm months.
Stretching approximately one-third of a mile through downtown, the Wausau Whitewater Park features more than a dozen natural and engineered rapids with dependable water levels provided through scheduled dam releases. Most of the course consists of Class II rapids, while several Class III sections provide an added challenge for more advanced paddlers. Recreational releases welcome kayakers, canoeists, and boogie boarders of varying experience levels, making the park an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors who prefer to stay on shore will also find plenty to enjoy. Throughout the season, the park hosts freestyle and slalom competitions that attract talented athletes from across the country and beyond. Watching competitors navigate the rapids from the riverbank creates an exciting atmosphere in the heart of downtown Wausau.
Beyond the river, there are many additional things to do in Wausau. Ride the trails at Sylvan Hill or Nine Mile, browse the collections at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, stroll through the downtown 400 Block, or visit local shops and craft beverage destinations before returning to your accommodations.
Stay at One of the Finest Hotels in Wausau, WI
After an active day exploring the Wisconsin River and experiencing the area’s outdoor recreation, relax at one of the most distinctive hotels in Wausau, WI. Located less than five minutes from the whitewater park, our restored 1906 Prairie-style boutique inn combines historic architecture with modern comfort. Guests enjoy private ensuite baths with luxury steam showers, premium linens, king-sized beds, spa robes, and thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, with select accommodations featuring fireplaces or private balconies.
Each stay also includes a nightly wine reception and a gourmet multi-course breakfast prepared with locally sourced Wisconsin ingredients, creating the perfect beginning and ending to every day. Reserve your stay today and discover why the Wausau Whitewater Park and our boutique hotel create an unforgettable Midwest adventure.