20+ Weird Things to Do in Upstate New York on a Road Trip

World’s Largest Garden Gnome statue at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, one of the weird things to do in Upstate New York

A curated list of genuinely cool, legitimately weird things to do in Upstate New York… all researched and saved to the TLJ Weird & Wonderful Map so you don’t have to. Let’s be honest… Upstate New York is quietly one of the most bizarre, beautiful, and underrated parts of the Northeast. It has the world’s […]

5 Northeast Spring Break Destinations for an Easy Escape

Kids running through a tulip field, a spring break destinations photo moment

The best spring break destinations aren’t always the obvious ones. It feels like everyone books the same places each spring break. The same beach resorts. The same theme parks. The same flights that somehow cost double in March and April. Meanwhile, the Northeast is full of family-friendly spring break destinations that are drivable, affordable, and […]

Visiting Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with Kids

Close-up of mosaic figures and glass bottles at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is one of those places that’s hard to explain to someone who’s never been.  Imagine narrow, winding passageways completely covered in colorful mosaic art made from broken china, mirrors, bottles, bicycle wheels, and international folk art. It’s part indoor gallery space, part outdoor sculpture garden, and entirely the vision of mosaic artist Isaiah […]

19 Quirky Places to Take Kids for Free in Pennsylvania

Kids Castle wooden castle playground structure in Doylestown Pennsylvania, a large free place to take kids for free

If you’re looking for places to take kids for free in Pennsylvania that don’t feel boring, this list is all you need. Once you add up admission tickets for the whole family and the unavoidable gift shop stop, even a basic outing can hit $100 before lunch.  And honestly? A lot of “free” recommendations lists […]

Ski Lessons for 2 Year Olds Are Rare… Here’s Where to Go

Family with toddler walking through snow carrying skis at a ski resort

If you’ve ever tried searching for ski lessons for 2 year olds, you’ve probably run into this issue… many mountains offer toddler programs, but they are typically only for kids ages 3+. So instead of clicking through every ski school page in the Northeast to find which ones offer ski lessons for 2 year olds, I did it […]

19+ Free Museums in Connecticut for Winter Days with Kids

Dad and son waving at a dinosaur skeleton exhibit at one of the free museums in Connecticut

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Connecticut in winter, this list makes things easier. Once you factor in admission tickets for the family, even a simple outing can feel expensive fast. Here you’ll find 19+ free museums in Connecticut that kids will love and are open all winter. They have been […]

15 Places to Go Winter Break That Feel Easy and Fun

Family bundled up on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy countryside

The hardest part of winter break isn’t the travel… it’s the planning. Cold weather limits your options, kids have big expectations, and no one wants a trip that feels harder than staying home. This list fixes that… These 15 fun places to go winter break are reliable, flexible, and genuinely enjoyable with kids… even when […]

A Map of Snow Tubing Near NYC Worth Bundling Up For

Kids riding linked snow tubes on a wooded snow tubing trail

A winter outing with kids always takes a little extra planning…  the layers, the timing, the “do we have everyone’s gloves” moment right before you leave.  This guide goes through the details of the best snow tubing near NYC, with everything you want to know in advance… the drive time, the height rules, the session lengths, […]

Top New York Vacation Rentals with Private Indoor Pools

Family relaxing at the edge of an indoor pool during a Northeast vacation rental stay

You don’t need perfect weather, a perfect schedule, or perfect kids to have a great family trip. The one thing that always works for an unforgettable family getaway…  your own private indoor pool. That’s why these New York vacation rentals with private indoor pools are such a parent win, especially when the weather keeps us guessing. The […]

The Best Ski Resorts Near NYC for Kids Learning to Ski

A group of kids in a ski lesson

For families wondering where to ski near NYC, the answer is… surprisingly close. The best ski resorts near NYC for kids learning to ski aren’t the tallest or the flashiest… but they’re the ones with wide greens, great instructors, and layouts that keep it easy. Some even have shuttle options straight from Manhattan’s Penn Station, making it possible to get your […]

Travel Like Jess Logo