L.A. Family Travel

Home
L.A. Family Travel

As an LA-based family travel magazine, we bring the best tips and trip ideas for families local to Los Angeles or anywhere else.

Discover family-friendly destinations, budget-friendly travel hacks, & tips to make traveling with kids a breeze.

01/07/2025

🧙‍♂️✨ ATTENTION MUGGLES! Your Hogwarts letter may have gotten lost in the mail, but we found something even better!

Just discovered that Hertfordshire (aka the magical land 30 minutes north of London) is basically the Disney World of the UK, but with MORE butterbeer and fewer crowds! 🍺

Here's what went down on our epic family adventure:
🎬 Got our Harry Potter nerd on at Warner Bros Studios (yes, we rode the Knight Bus and yes, we screamed)
🦌 Made friends with ancient deer at Knebworth (they've been there longer than the actual owners... talk about job security!)
🐅 Had a staring contest with an Amur tiger at Hertfordshire Zoo (spoiler: the tiger won)
✈️ Pretended to be Top Gun pilots at the aviation museum (danger zone not included)

The kids were happy, the adults were secretly more excited than the kids, and everyone got their steps in without realizing it. Plus, the butter beer ice cream is LIFE. 🍦

Who knew the best part of our London trip would be... NOT in London? 🤷‍♀️

Drop a 🪄 if you're ready to trade Big Ben for butterbeer!

https://lafamilytravel.com/best-things-to-do-in-hertfordshire-for-families/

Headed to London, or the English countryside? Take a daytrip to Hertfordshire, or spend several days there parks, farms, museums, and more.

29/06/2025

🌊 PARENTS: Stop dreaming about that perfect family vacation and start planning it!

As a mom of three boys, our writer has cracked the code on stress-free family trips: Find a place with epic water slides AND someone else telling the kids to stop cannonballing! 😂

She's rounded up the 7 BEST Marriott resorts with incredible water parks that'll keep your crew entertained while you actually get to relax (with a poolside drink in hand, obviously).

✨ Here's what we're talking about:
🏰 Orlando World Center Marriott - 575-foot lazy river that's basically a scenic tour
🌴 JW Marriott Grande Lakes - Quarter-mile lazy river through tropical paradise
🐊 Ga***rd Palms - FlowRider surf simulator (Olympics, here we come!)
🏄‍♂️ JW Marriott Miami Turnberry - First-ever FlowRider TRIPLE surf simulator
🌵 JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge - Adults-only island (yes, please!)
🏜️ Westin Kierland - 110-foot water slide that had my kids speechless
🤠 JW Marriott San Antonio - 9-acre water experience with cabanas for 8

💰 PRO TIP: Use your Marriott Bonvoy points and turn this into an affordable luxury getaway!

No more paying separate water park admission fees. No more "Are we there yet?" complaints. Just pure family fun where everyone's happy.

Who's ready to trade the chaos of theme parks for the luxury of resort water parks? 🙋‍♀️

Read the full guide with all the details ➡️ https://lafamilytravel.com/the-7-best-marriott-resorts-with-waterparks/

What's your family's favorite water park feature? Lazy river or high-speed slides? Tell me in the comments! 👇

Explore 7 standout Marriott resorts with on-site waterparks. Enjoy everything from high-speed slides to winding lazy rivers.

11/06/2025

🏖️ That magical time of year when I convince myself our family can handle a "quick Labor Day getaway" without anyone having a meltdown...

You know it's going to be an adventure when you're up at 2 AM googling "how many beach towels can legally fit in a minivan" and "is it normal for children to forget how to walk the moment they see sand?"

According to this article I found, there are 7 amazing Labor Day destinations perfect for families. What they DON'T mention:
✈️ Myrtle Beach has 30+ water slides (your kids will want to try them ALL)
🐎 Outer Banks has wild horses (and conveniently, no cell service for when you need to call reinforcements)
🌮 San Diego has perfect weather (and imperfect children who will still complain it's "too hot/cold/sandy")
🐓 Key West has free-roaming roosters (your suburban kids will never recover)
⛰️ Lake Tahoe has hiking trails (hiking totally counts as exercise for the whole month, right?)
⛳ Hilton Head is fancy (but sand will still end up in EVERYTHING)
🦞 Cape Cod has lobster rolls bigger than your head (and kids who will still ask for chicken nuggets)

But here's the thing - those chaotic, "why did we leave the house?" moments become the stories we laugh about for years. Plus, Labor Day weekend is literally our last shot at pretending summer isn't over!

Who else is brave enough to attempt a family getaway this Labor Day? Drop your destination below and let's commiserate together! 😂

Currently accepting donations for my "survived another family vacation" therapy fund 💸

https://lafamilytravel.com/labor-day-weekend-getaways/

Whether you're into beautiful beaches, golf courses, state parks, we’ve rounded up the best spots to make your holiday weekend unforgettable.

08/06/2025

🏛️ VATICAN CITY WITH KIDS: THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE!

Planning to tackle the Vatican with your family? Here's the truth nobody tells you: 6 MILLION people visit every year, the lines are INSANE, and one cranky kid can turn your holy experience into... well, let's just say it won't be heavenly! 😅

But don't panic! We've figured out the secret to Vatican success with kids:
✨ Early morning tours that get you in BEFORE the crowds
✨ Skip-the-line access (because ain't nobody got time for 3-hour waits)
✨ Kid-friendly guides who know how to keep little ones engaged
✨ Private tours where YOU control the snack breaks and bathroom stops

Imagine your kids seeing Michelangelo's Creation of Adam in person, climbing St. Peter's dome for sunset views over Rome, and walking through galleries that look like something from a fairy tale - all WITHOUT the meltdowns!

The best part? These tours are designed for REAL families with REAL kids who need to move, ask questions, and yes... occasionally need a snack break in the middle of art history!
Whether you're a solo parent traveling with kids, planning a multi-generational trip, or just want to make sure your Vatican visit is more "WOW" than "OUCH" - this guide has you covered.

Save this post and check out our full guide for specific tour recommendations, insider tips, and everything you need to know about Vatican dress codes, meeting points, and making the most of your Rome adventure!

Who's ready to turn Vatican stress into Vatican SUCCESS? 🙌

https://lafamilytravel.com/private-vatican-city-tours-for-families/

Discover the best Vatican City tours for families, with kid-friendly guides, skip-the-line access, and tips to make your visit fun, meaningful, and meltdown-free.

06/06/2025

We spent last summer testing budget beach destinations with our two boys (and their never-ending appetites). Here's what we discovered: you can have incredible beach vacations without the sticker shock.

Our favorites from this year's adventures:

Outer Banks, NC - Wild horses, historic lighthouses, and zero admission fees to the beach. We stayed right near Cape Hatteras and watched both sunrise and sunset from our hotel's observation tower.

Clearwater Beach, FL - All the white sand and turquoise water you want, minus the Miami prices. The free sunset celebration at Pier 60 became our kids' nightly entertainment.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Street tacos for $1, calm bay waters perfect for paddleboarding, and colorful art along the Malecon boardwalk.

The real game-changer? Traveling during shoulder season and choosing destinations where locals actually live year-round, not just tourist zones.

We've mapped out 9 total destinations (6 in the US, 3 international) with specific hotel recommendations, free activities, and the exact costs we paid.

What's your best budget beach find? Drop it below - always looking for our next adventure.

https://lafamilytravel.com/cheap-beach-trips/

These cheap beach trips offer family-friendly fun, affordable stays, and beautiful coastal views that won't break the bank.

31/05/2025

🏝️ VANCOUVER ISLAND: The Pacific Paradise Everyone's Getting Wrong!

Okay friends, confession time... I used to think Vancouver Island WAS Vancouver city 🤦‍♀️ Turns out it's this incredible island off the BC coast that's about to become your new obsession!
Just spent a week exploring and I'm STILL dreaming about:

✨ Tofino - Where world-class surfers hang out and Sarah McLachlan has her secret spots (yes, THAT Sarah McLachlan!)

✨ Tigh-Na-Mara Spa - Y'all... you can literally go from mineral pools to a 10-course gourmet dinner WITHOUT changing out of your robe. This is not a drill! 🥂

✨ Ucluelet - Award-winning seafood chowder, wild coastal trails, and yes, bears! (Pack those ginger chews for the winding roads!)
The BC Ferry ride over is half the adventure - you can drive your car right on and spend the crossing whale watching from the deck! 🐋

From epic surf beaches to ancient rainforests to dining in your spa robe like royalty, this place hits different. Already planning my next trip back!

Who's adding Vancouver Island to their travel list? Drop a 🌊 if you're in!

https://lafamilytravel.com/great-places-to-stay-on-vancouver-island/

Discover 3 great places to stay on Vancouver Island, top things to do & where to eat. Make the most of this stunning West Coast destination!

24/05/2025

🎢 CEDAR POINT: Don't visit until you read this essential guide🎢

Our family just spent another incredible weekend at America's Roller Coaster Capital of the world, and I had to share our ultimate guide to making the most of your Cedar Point visit!

With 18 world-class coasters (including the new Siren's Curse!), there truly IS something for everyone. While my almost-12-year-old and I conquered Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force, my partner and youngest lived it up in the water park's wave pool and lazy river.

Our biggest pro tips:
🚀 Head to the BACK of the park first (skip those entrance crowds!)
📱 Download the app for wait times and navigation
⏰ Arrive early, stay late for shorter lines
🥪 Pack a picnic to save your wallet

Whether you're ready for Top Thrill Dragster 2's 120mph launch or prefer family-friendly rides like Blue Streak, Cedar Point delivers pure magic every single visit.

Who's planning their Cedar Point adventure this summer?
Drop a 🎢 if you're ready to ride!

https://lafamilytravel.com/read-this-before-you-go-cedar.../

Cedar Point Visit Ohio Today

Discover the Cedar Point best rides for 2025, from record-breaking coasters to family favorites—plus insider tips from a season pass family.

21/05/2025

🚨 BREAKING: Scientists discover average dad needs exactly ZERO new toolboxes this Father's Day! 🧰❌

Instead of adding to his collection of "stuff he'll organize someday," why not give him what he ACTUALLY wants? A getaway where someone else fixes things for once!

Whether your dad is the type who can name every football player since 1972, believes he was a park ranger in a past life, or thinks his garage band "could've made it," we've found the PERFECT escape for him:

Football fanatic? Send him to Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame where he can finally bore strangers with his opinions instead of you!

Outdoor enthusiast? Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks means he can return with fresh hiking stories (that somehow get longer each time he tells them).

Music lover? Nashville awaits, where his car karaoke skills will finally get the respect they deserve (or at least polite applause)

Check out all our dad-approved destinations at the link below. Remember, memories last forever... unlike those socks you got him last year!

https://lafamilytravel.com/top-9-fathers-day-trip-ideas/

From outdoor adventures to golf getaways, these Father's Day trip ideas are something every type of Dad will love.

16/05/2025

🏰 PLANNING A FAMILY WEEKEND GETAWAY? 🌟

Ohio families - we found the PERFECT weekend destination that's closer than you think!

MANSFIELD, OHIO is packed with family fun, from touring the famous Ohio State Reformatory (yes, where Shawshank was filmed! 🎬) to letting the kids explore interactive museums and outdoor adventures.

✨ What makes Mansfield special for families:
🎭 Ohio State Reformatory tours (kid-friendly during the day!)
🎢 Snow Trails for year-round outdoor fun
🌿 Gorman Nature Center - perfect for little explorers
🎨 Little Buckeye Children's Museum with hands-on activities
🏞️ Easy day trips to Loudonville and Wooster

Whether you're looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, or just a change of scenery for the weekend, Mansfield delivers without breaking the budget or driving for hours.

Who's ready to explore Ohio's hidden gem? 🗺️

https://lafamilytravel.com/things-to-do-in-mansfield-ohio/

Explore Mansfield Ohio with family and enjoy waterparks museums and kid-friendly adventures for a fun Midwest getaway

Address

Website

https://lafamilytravel.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when L.A. Family Travel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to L.A. Family Travel:

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Country:

City:

Thriving

Rina Baraz Nehdar is an award-winning travel writer and photographer. Together with her husband, she tries to figure out how to discover the people, land and cultures of our beautiful world without her boys initiating a mutiny. Through her articles and social media posts, she shares her success stories, places others should visit with family and friends and the wonderful information she discovers from other travelers. Please visit the website where she writes and edits https://wwww.lafmilytravel.com