DIVE INTO SPRING AT GREAT WOLF LODGE BY MEREDITH KNIGHT When Monica asked her kids what they want to do over their spring break, she wasn’t surprised by their answer. Great Wolf Lodge! They honestly haven’t stopped talking about the family vacay they took there last summer. A return trip was absolutely in the cards. One thing Monica loved about their time at Great Wolf Lodge is that there was something for every member in her family to enjoy. Her “littles” loved the pools wit

From Water Park Nights to Interactive Shows, Disney Rolls Out its Most Playful Season Yet BY MEREDITH KNIGHT It never fails to amaze Katie how every trip to Walt Disney World Resort is something new. “I honestly feel like I could visit every day of the year and each visit would be a new experience,” she said. “I know it sounds cliché but for me there’s no place as magical as Disney.” On their last visit, she and her family decided to try the Lightning Lane pass and Katie give

ARTFUL VIBES, NATURAL ADVENTURE, LOCAL CHARM BY ANNETTE BROOKS On a quest to find a “hidden gem” for a weekend getaway, I queried a well-traveled friend who recommended Bentonville, Arkansas — home to Walmart’s global empire. Admittedly, Bentonville wasn’t on my vacation radar, but it should have been. Located in the Ozark region of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville blends artistic expression, thrilling outdoor activities, and farm-totable culinary delights, making it an unforg

ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR BOARDING YOUR PET BY ANNETTE BROOKS Imagine sipping piña coladas on a sun-drenched beach, the kids building sandcastles, and your furry sidekick is back home, tail-wagging through a stress-free stay at a top-notch boarding facility. Sounds idyllic, right? But here’s the kicker: That seamless getaway doesn’t happen by magic. It starts with smart prep now, weeks or even months before your suitcase hits the door. With winter and spring getaways looming, why r

JUST TWO HOURS FROM DALLAS BUT A WORLD APART BY MEREDITH KNIGHT Caroline didn’t want much in a family vacation. Just a place where she and her husband could get away with their teenage daughter and each find activities they enjoy, things they could do together as a family, and some they might each enjoy separately. She wanted a place that was beautiful, with luxury accommodations, an attentive staff, and amenities such as outstanding cuisine and perhaps a day spa where she an

ROAD TRIPPING IN TEXAS You don’t need a passport — or even a plane ticket — to enjoy a change of scenery. Texas is big enough to deliver nearly every kind of escape you could dream up: charming small towns, relaxing lakeside resorts, romantic vineyard stays, beachy bliss, and wide-open skies. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous road trip or marking a long-overdue getaway on the calendar, here are some of the best weekend destinations in Texas for fun, food, and a little fre

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler — with the Kids BY MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT If all you know about Mardi Gras is the debauchery televised from Bourbon Street each year, it might be the last place you’d consider for a family vacation. But that’s just one small element of the New Orleans Carnival season. Many of the festivities are family friendly. WHAT TO BRING If possible, bring a wagon or stroller for younger kids (with the added bonus of storage for you). Pack plenty of snacks, w

MARKETS, MUSIC, AND MAGICAL MOMENTS FOR EVERYONE By Annette Brooks Blending its cowboy heritage with a festive modern flair, Fort Worth offers an array of activities that capture the essence of Christmas. From twinkling lights to parades and markets that evoke a sense of togetherness, joy, and wonder, Fort Worth is an ideal destination to create lasting memories with friends and family this holiday season. ‘TIS THE SEASON Downtown Fort Worth sparkles with holiday magic in Sun

A FAMILY ADVENTURE AT UNIVERSAL’S NEWEST PARK When your kids are on the verge of becoming teenagers, you start looking at family...

A SAN ANTONIO TRADITION REVIVES CONNECTION BY CHRISTINA GARCIA For a few hours every November, the souls of the dead reconnect with the...