Melanie Preis
Melanie Preis is a writer, editor, wife, and mom of three (including her beloved bernedoodle). Before joining Mommy Poppins, she worked at StyleBlueprint, Turner Broadcasting, and HowStuffWorks. She loves reading, anything Bravo, art fairs, and, of course, her bernedoodle.
Latest posts by Melanie
Tween and teen summer camps in Atlanta offer some independence AND some organized activities. Teens and tweens (generally ages 12-17) can be tough to entertain come summer break, but there are awesome Atlanta summer camps that cater to the specific interests of this age group. Some local summer camps offer specific teen programs, among the other camp programs for younger kids, to entertain the older bunch. In addition to having a blast, many of these tweens and teens pick up leadership training and skills— allowing them to become the next generation of amazing summer camp counselors.
Take a look at some of the best summer camps in Atlanta for teens below; for more summer goodness, check out our Atlanta Summer Camp Guide to get the details on additional Atlanta camps!
Fun coffee shops in Orlando provide a much needed jolt of caffeine for parents and a charming spot for kids to unwind. We've gathered our favorite Orlando coffee shops -- offering sweet treats, kid-friendly drinks, quirky ambiences, on-site games, or even cute cats and dogs(!) -- all perfect for families. We've even rounded up awesome coffee shops and cafes at theme parks to get parents through the exhausting walking and waiting in lines with a jolt of joe. Take a look at the top coffee shops in Orlando and Central Florida now!
A trip to the Southwest isn't complete without a stop in Scottsdale, Arizona—especially as an add-on to a Phoenix family vacation. There are so many things to do in Scottsdale with kids, from hiking and biking the gorgeous surrounding trails to learning (and possibly meeting) the cowboys that call it home.
I grew up in this beautiful city northeast of Phoenix, which was once a suburban region. Now, Scottsdale's picturesque appeal, great schools, elite resorts, and countless attractions have made it one of the most popular Arizona cities to both visit and live in.
Check out this list of 40 things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, including some awesome Scottsdale hotels for families. And if you're already traveling westward, take a look at our Guide to the Best Vacations Out West, including articles about nearby Sedona and Colorado Springs.
Visiting New Orleans with kids is a wonderful cultural trip for a family vacation. There are foods you've never heard of, hard-to-place accents, and street names you may not even know how to pronounce (Tchoupitoulas Street, anyone?) making New Orleans a must-visit city. There are so many fun things to do in New Orleans with kids any time of year, but if you visit during one of the city's big festivals—like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Bayou Boogaloo—your family is guaranteed an even greater time!
Read on for our list of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, including the best family friendly New Orleans restaurants and foods to eat as well as family-friendly New Orleans hotels. If you're interested in taking the kids to Mardi Gras, find our 3 Day New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids Itinerary.
For more great family vacation options, from warm and sunny vacation ideas to must-try dude ranch vacations for families, check out our Family Travel Guide.
Situated in bustling downtown Atlanta, the Children's Museum of Atlanta offers local and visiting families a chance to discover the wonder of their world. With hands-on exhibits, colorful decor, and a ton of fun, the Children's Museum of Atlanta is the perfect place for curious kids. This Atlanta museum sparks creativity and imagination in every corner of the space, where children ages 8 and under learn through play.
Take a read as we tour the Children's Museum of Atlanta, to share the magic of this beloved Atlanta attraction!
Winter Lantern Festival Atlanta is the perfect way to spend a holiday night! Wander through Gwinnett County Fairgrounds and witness a world of illuminated beauty and magic as the grounds light up with the gorgeous colors and creative designs of more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns. I visited the Winter Lantern Festival Atlanta with my family and had such a fun time walking through each dazzling section, laughing and just plain gawking at these cool creations — take a look at this Atlanta holiday event.
Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs in a totally immersive, one-of-a-kind experience at Jurassic World: The Exhibition.
The movie-inspired attraction just extended its stay in Atlanta until January 3rd, giving families one last chance to stand under a towering Brachiosaurs, outrun a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and take part in other thrilling and memorable experiences for dino-lovers young and old.
With the clock ticking, I finally whisked my 9-year-old daughter over to Atlanta’s Pullman Yards to get the inside scoop. Read on for everything you’ll want to know and what to expect from Jurassic World: The Exhibition.
Visiting Christmas tree farms near Orlando is the perfect way to bring in the holidays! Most people may not think of Florida when talking about fresh Christmas trees, but there actually are great Christmas tree farms in Central Florida and Orlando to cut down your own tree and bring it home.
Besides selling lush firs, spruces, and other Christmas tree varietals, many of these Orlando Christmas tree farms offer additional fun including hot chocolate, wagon rides, petting zoos, and more. And beyond trees, visitors can sometimes buy wreaths, ornaments, and other Christmas goodies to decorate their home. Take a look at some of our fave Christmas tree spots now!
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