San Francisco is one of those cities that just feels fun. Hills that double as playgrounds, trams that make every toddler squeal with joy, sea lions lazing in the sun, and science museums so good you’ll secretly enjoy them as much as your kids.

When we told people we were heading to San Francisco with two young kids, we got a few raised eyebrows. The city is famous for its steep hills, buzzing food scene, and tech culture — but is it really a destination for families with small children? After two full days exploring with our almost-4-year-old and almost-2-year-old, I can confidently say: yes, it absolutely is.

Yosemite is magical for kids — granite cliffs towering overhead, meadows perfect for running, waterfalls ringing in your ears — but the right place to sleep can make or break your trip. Stay too far, and you’re driving after bedtime. Stay in the heart, and you might pay a premium or deal with busy lodges. Below is what we’ll call your family survival guide: the best spots in and around Yosemite, and how to pick what fits your family rhythm.

There are a few places that seem to appear on everyone's bucket list - Yosemite has always been one of ours. Those postcard-perfect granite cliffs, the waterfalls, the promise of amazing wildlife and epic hikes - it just sounded like the kind of adventure we wanted our boys to grow up remembering.

Yosemite has a reputation for epic hikes and towering cliffs — but honestly? You don’t need to sign up for Everest with kids in tow to have your mind blown. There are so many trails here that are short, beautiful, and totally do-able with little legs (or strollers, little hikers, and snack bribes). Here are hikes we loved, tips to make them smoother, and how to pick ones that suit your crew.

Yosemite is one of those places that just wows you instantly. Granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, giant trees — it feels like nature is showing off. But when you’ve got small kids in tow, the question is: what can you actually do without needing a sherpa, a four-hour hike, and a month’s supply of trail mix?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hiking with kids, it’s this: being prepared can make the difference between a wonderful adventure and a meltdown-filled disaster. But preparation doesn’t mean carrying your entire house on your back. Over time, we’ve found the balance between packing what’s essential and leaving the rest at home.

Hiking with kids can feel daunting at first—but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors as a family. From toddlers to teens, the right preparation, attitude, and gear can turn any trail into a fun adventure. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from planning your hike to keeping little legs moving and what to pack for a stress-free day outdoors.

Hiking with little ones is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the great outdoors together. But to make those adventures comfortable and enjoyable, choosing the right child backpack carrier is essential. Whether you’re planning a short woodland walk or a full-day mountain trek, the right carrier can make all the difference.

Hiking with a baby can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and introduce your little one to nature. However, it requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some top tips for hiking with a baby to help you get started on the right foot.

Hiking with a toddler can be a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it requires some extra planning and patience. With the right approach, you can make hiking a fun and memorable experience for both you and your little one. Here are some top tips for hiking with a toddler to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

A and I decided that now O was a little bit older (almost 18 months by the time we went) we should give Center Parcs a go. We decided to go to Sherwood Forest as it was the closest to us and we'd heard they had a great splash pool for kids. You can arrive at any time from 10am on the day of check in but can't access the lodge until 4pm so we decided to drive over O's lunchtime nap and arrived around 2 and headed straight to the Sub Tropical Paradise as this is free for all guests to use everyday.

Beech Farm Cottages is a charming, family-friendly destination located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This award-winning complex offers eight unique, luxury self-catering cottages with modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and Nespresso coffee machines. Guests enjoy exclusive access to an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, and a variety of children's play facilities, both indoors and outdoors. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing family getaway with plenty of activities for all ages.

For families seeking a unique escape to the countryside, a farm stay offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Across the UK, there are a variety of family-friendly farm accommodations that provide self-catering options paired with memorable farm experiences. These farm stays allow kids to interact with animals, participate in daily farm activities, and enjoy the freedom of open spaces, while parents can unwind amidst picturesque rural landscapes.

Looking for the perfect UK staycation that offers both relaxation and fun for the whole family? Explore our top picks for family-friendly destinations with free childcare, where kids can enjoy supervised activities while parents unwind. From countryside retreats to coastal escapes, these hotels and resorts offer the ideal balance of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly amenities without the added cost of childcare.

There are so many options out there when it comes to finding the best travel pushchair/stroller and it can be very overwhelming but choosing the right travel pushchair can make your journeys much smoother. 

Traveling across time zones can disrupt a baby's or toddler’s sleep schedule, leading to jet lag that affects their mood and energy levels. However, with a bit of planning and patience, you can help your little one adjust more smoothly to a new time zone. Here are some effective tips for managing jet lag in babies and toddlers:

So you're needing to keep a toddler entertained on a flight - these are my go to toys. I love these items as each one can keep my toddler engaged for ages as well as only being a "one piece" items - rather than having lots of bits that would undoubtedly go everywhere on the aeroplane seat! See photos and links to products below.

Admittedly you are likely going to go with the airline that offers the best price and/or flight times, however, it is still worth knowing how the airlines compare in terms of flying with children - particularly if you actually have a choice.

In an ideal world you  would check in quickly, head straight through security, grab a quick drink and then head to the gate to board the flight and be on your way. In reality we all know this rarely happens - long queues at check in and security - getting there much earlier than you need "just in case" and then delayed flights all mean that airports can be a really boring place for children. Here are my top tips for keeping the little ones entertained along the way.

Keeping our children safe when around water is so so important and something that I fret about quite a lot. One of the tips I've come across which I'd not even thought about was the colour of childrens swimsuits. Many colours (like blue) are barely visible in water and therefore it is worth considering purchasing one that is a colour that is easy to see. Unfortunately for boys these are limited but I am continually on the lookout. See the post that I saw from Mini First Aid which I found extremely useful and the image from the post below.

So you're needing to keep a toddler entertained on a flight - these are my go to toys. I love these items as each one can keep my toddler engaged for ages as well as only being a "one piece" items - rather than having lots of bits that would undoubtedly go everywhere on the aeroplane seat! See photos and links to products below.

Admittedly you are likely going to go with the airline that offers the best price and/or flight times, however, it is still worth knowing how the airlines compare in terms of flying with children - particularly if you actually have a choice.

There are so many options out there when it comes to finding the best travel pushchair/stroller and it can be very overwhelming but choosing the right travel pushchair can make your journeys much smoother. 

In an ideal world you  would check in quickly, head straight through security, grab a quick drink and then head to the gate to board the flight and be on your way. In reality we all know this rarely happens - long queues at check in and security - getting there much earlier than you need "just in case" and then delayed flights all mean that airports can be a really boring place for children. Here are my top tips for keeping the little ones entertained along the way.

When we first started going on holiday we always looked for a bath when looking at accommodation but we soon realised that this very often cut down our options. We now book the accommodation based on other factors and use other options instead of a bath when we are away. Here are some of the methods we've used along the way.

See my hints and tips for flying with a toddler

See my hints and tips for flying with a baby

Planning a family holiday in Cornwall? Padstow is full of old-fashioned seaside fun, outdoor adventures, and just enough rainy-day options to keep little ones happy whatever the weather. Whether your kids love running wild on the beach, learning about sea creatures, or simply tucking into an ice cream by the harbour, Padstow and its surroundings have plenty to keep the whole family smiling.

This was a long awaited trip to the house in Cornwall that A stayed in every year as a child. We had no idea what to expect as the only way of booking was via an email address from a sign outside that we had spotted on an earlier trip. We wondered whether it would have been updated at all in the 20 years since A had been and in all honesty it barely had. However, that didn't matter as it was really special to be staying in the place with so many memories for A and it was clean and had everything we needed.

Exploring the Camel Trail with your children is a fantastic way to soak in Cornwall’s stunning scenery while getting active as a family. This traffic-free route is perfect for little cyclists, but a little planning can turn a good ride into a great one! Here are the top tips to make your adventure smooth and memorable.

North Cornwall is a paradise for families looking to enjoy sandy shores, gentle waves, and plenty of activities to keep little adventurers entertained. Whether you're hunting for rock pools, building epic sandcastles, or simply enjoying a paddle in the sea, here are some of the best child-friendly beaches in the region.