Family vacations are perfect for reconnecting and building lifelong memories together. But which cities are optimal for keeping the kiddos entertained? To find out, Lawn Love ranked 2023’s Best Cities for Kid-Friendly Vacations. They compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities, looking for plenty of family-friendly accommodations, attractions, and restaurants. They also considered transportation options, affordability, and safety, among 23 total metrics. Catch up with the kids, and use these rankings to help plan your next spring break or summer vacation. Dreams Come True in these Florida Cities Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge - courtesy of disney.com The Sunshine State in general is great for outdoor fun. You don’t need to go camping to have nature at your fingertips in Orlando (No. 2), Miami (No. 3), Tampa (No. 6), or Fort Lauderdale (No. 15). These cities offer plenty of kid-friendly outdoor activities. Not only can you head to the beach to spot crabs and dolphins, but Tampa and Miami also tie for the most zoos. Make your kids’ dreams come true with a family trip to our No. 2 city, Orlando, Florida. Orlando shines with the most family-friendly accommodations and the most water parks to cool down when you’re in the hot Florida sun. Home to Disney World and Universal Studios, it’s no surprise that the City Beautiful also comes in second for its number of both kid-friendly attractions and theme parks. Miami is also great for families who like to feast. It’s Lawn Love's top city for sweet tooths and has the most kid-friendly restaurants per square mile in the rankings. In Orlando: Immerse yourself in ocean life in a 360-degree ocean tunnel at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. For a more down-to-earth day, head to Gatorland, the perfect place to learn about today’s reptilian giants in the Alligator Capital of the World.In Miami: Soak up the sun while you admire Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring incredible street art. Need a break from the sunshine? Check out Miami Children’s Museum, Perez Art Museum, or the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.In Tampa: A trip to Busch Gardens is always a blast. Tampa also hosts more than 8,000 creatures at The Florida Aquarium and is home to the interactive and imaginative Glazer Children’s Museum. Vegas is Always a Good Idea (Surprisingly) Hershey's Chocolate World in Las Vegas - courtesy of hersheyschocolateworldlasvegas.com Sin City might not be everyone’s first idea for a family vacation, but Las Vegas (No. 4) hits the jackpot as a kid-friendly travel destination. As the Entertainment Capital of the World, there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas for kids big and small. In fact, Vegas ties with Orlando for having the second-highest number of amusement and theme parks. There are also abundant kid-friendly attractions, zoos, and water parks, as well as kid-friendly dining options to keep their stomachs from grumbling. Skip the casino to race around in go-karts, see the circus, or indulge at Hershey’s Chocolate World Las Vegas. Sleepy Southern Cities Chattahoochee RiverWalk in Columbus, Georgia - courtesy of visitcolumbusga.com Small cities in the South aren’t so exciting for families with kids. Places like Columbus, Georgia (No. 199), Fayetteville, North Carolina (No. 198), and Montgomery, Alabama (No. 196), landed at the bottom next to Clarksville, Tennessee, in last place. These cities are budget-friendly, but low safety scores and a lack of child-friendly activities and accommodations sent them to the very end of our ranking.That isn’t to say they don’t offer anything fun for families. Each of these cities has natural spaces and historic spots to explore, as well as museums and performing arts centers. But if your child isn’t old enough to be interested in history or nature walks, their experience might not be so memorable. In Columbus, Georgia: Get some fresh air by taking a walk on the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. Make it an educational trip and stop by the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, National Infantry Museum, and National Civil War Naval Museum.In Fayetteville, North Carolina: Spend time outside at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden or River Trail. Let your kid’s imagination run wild at the hands-on Fascinate-U Children’s Museum.In Montgomery, Alabama: As the birthplace of the civil rights movement, there are many educational spots throughout the city, including The Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Museum, and Dexter Parsonage Museum, the home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thrifty Texas Towns Space Center Houston - courtesy of spacecenter.org Everything is bigger in Texas, including vacations. Texas is one of the fastest-growing states, so it makes sense that there’s plenty to do in major cities like Houston (No. 8), San Antonio (No. 10), and Dallas (No. 11). Houston has numerous amusement parks, Dallas has several water parks, and San Antonio boasts plenty of both. These three cities also have zoos and aquariums for animal-loving kids. There will be even more for families with young kids to do when visiting the Lone Star State once Universal opens its new theme park in Frisco. One thing that isn’t bigger when it comes to Texas is trip costs. Staying, eating, and being entertained in these cities won’t hurt your wallet as much as a trip to New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles would. In Houston: Engage in 90,000 square feet of fun (and education) at Children’s Museum Houston. If you have a science buff in your family, be sure to stop by Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.In San Antonio: Take the family strolling or kayaking along Texas’ top attraction, the River Walk. Other parts of the city boast fun amusement parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first inclusive and accessible theme park.In Dallas: Spot your favorite animals at the Dallas Zoo, the oldest zoo in Texas. Explore the ocean and distant parts of the world such as South Africa, Mundo Maya, and Borneo at The Dallas World Aquarium. The best of the best: New York, New York A family watches a show at the New Victory theater - courtesy of newvictory.org The top city, New York, has it all, including the highest number of kid-friendly attractions out of all the cities we ranked. Grab a slice before going for a stroll in one of the city’s many museums, zoos, or parks. If walking around doesn’t blow off some steam, you can let the kids play at one of the more than 1,900 playgrounds in the city. When they’re old enough to sit still for a couple of hours, bring your children to see an unforgettable Broadway show. There are many highly acclaimed children’s theaters producing fantastic shows throughout the city, such as The New Victory Theater and New York City Children’s Theater. If you want to take on the town past the kids’ bedtime, NYC also has the most babysitters for hire. — For the complete rankings, visit LawnLove.com.

Blake Walsh, travel expert at Travel Lens has commented on the steps passengers should take if their flight is delayed and whether they’re entitled to compensation: “Facing the prospect of a delayed flight can leave my passengers feeling frustrated and anxious, so it’s important to understand how you should approach the situation if you were to discover your upcoming flight is going to be delayed for a long period of time.” “In most cases, a flight will only be delayed for a short period of time but if you are facing long delays, then you could be entitled to compensation, but it’s not as straightforward as what it might sound. Firstly, before you can start the process of securing compensation, there are a number of factors you need to consider, such as the length of the delay, the distance of your flight and the airline you’re traveling with.” “For example, if you are traveling on a domestic flight which has been delayed for between 1 to 2 hours after the original arrival time, you could be entitled to a maximum compensation of $675 and for international flights, the delay time is extended to between 1-4 hours. This is only a guideline and as previously mentioned, there are a number of factors to consider before being awarded compensation, but it’s important to know that passengers do have certain rights if their flight is delayed.” Below are five tips from Travel Lens on what to do if you face a flight delay. 1) Speak to the airline’s customer service team If you’re able to speak to a representative of the airline at the airport then great, but in some cases, it’s more efficient to ring the customer service team. The staff members at the airport will have a flight load of people to try and accommodate for and they will only be able to do so much, so ringing the customer service line could prove to be quicker and more beneficial to you.Courtesy of abcnews.com2) Use social media to your advantage Sadly, not all customer service teams are as helpful as they should be and getting in touch with them via a phone call isn’t always easy. Airlines value their reputation on social media and platforms like Twitter are a great way to get in contact with an employee. If you do use Twitter to reach out, then it’s important to remain polite and calm as this will work in your favor.3) Check your insurance documents If your flight is delayed for a long period of time, then it’s worth checking your insurance policy. Not all policies will cover flight disruption, but most will, so it’s worth reading your policy in detail as you may be covered and not have to potentially pay out for an alternative method of transport or accommodation, which may be the case for a passenger with no insurance.A busy airport terminal - courtesy of Shutterstock4) Understand your rights as a passenger If your flight is delayed for a certain amount of time then the majority of airlines are expected to re-book you onto an upcoming flight, but in some cases, you're entitled to more than just a new flight ticket. It’s important to understand your rights as you may be able to claim back expenses for food and drink, as well as accommodation as a result of the delayed flight, so be sure to keep hold of any receipts you have.5) Arrive at the airport early If you notice your flight has been delayed before you get to the airport, then it’s wise to leave early so you can get to the check-in desk and try and secure an alternative flight. Most people traveling on the same flight will want an alternative flight as soon as possible, but it’s unlikely that all passengers will be accommodated for, so it’s best to arrive early to ensure you have the best chance of being given an alternative ticket.

Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a perfect excuse to plan an educational trip to a new place. Below, here are some of the top landmarks to visit to experience culture and entertainment, learn about abolitionist and Civil Rights history, visit the homes of influential figures, and see both contemporary art and historical artifacts at museums around the country. Beale Street Historic District - Memphis, TN Beale Street, established in 1841 and one of the most iconic streets in America, became a thriving area for black commerce and culture around the time of the Civil War. But in the 1870s, yellow fever hit Memphis and severely affected the city’s population. As a result, the city had to forfeit its charter in 1879. During this time, former slave Robert Church acquired land in the area, and his investments helped restore the business community’s confidence in Memphis, which led to the regaining of its charter. Among Church’s contributions was the Robert R. Church Park at the corner of Fourth and Beale. The park quickly became a gathering center for blues musicians and featured a 2,000-seat auditorium. Beale Street was also home to many black-owned businesses, clubs, restaurants, and shops and was the headquarters of Ida B. Wells’ anti-segregationist newspaper, Free Speech. The newspaper office was housed in the historic First Baptist Church (Beale Street), which was built by a congregation of freed slaves. From the 1920s to 1940s, artists such as Muddy Waters, Louis Armstrong and B.B. King played on the street and subsequently developed the legendary Memphis blues sound. During the Civil Rights Movement, the area was also where African-Americans came to entertain and be entertained, shop, strategize and protest. When city sanitation workers decided to strike in response to deplorable job conditions, they marched down Beale Street, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Memphis in support. The demonstrations were a precursor to his assassination on April 4, 1968. Despite the closing of many sections of the storied street by the 1960s, Beale Street saw a successful revitalization. Today, it continues to be a hub for music, nightlife, dining and the arts. The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, toward the end of Beale Street, houses an archive of 1.8 million images by photographer Dr. Ernest C. Withers. The building was Withers’ working studio, and visitors can see displays of his iconic images of legendary Civil Rights Movement events as well as blues and jazz performers. Other nearby landmarks: National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Clayborn Temple, WDIA Radio Station Martin Luther King Jr Memorial - Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial - courtesy of britannica.com Located in downtown Washington, DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world. The National Mall was also the site of one of the largest human rights protests in American history – the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom – after which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream Speech” to a crowd of 250,000. Washington, DC is a site that’s central to the Civil Rights Movement. The United States Supreme Court building here was the location of the groundbreaking decision in Brown v. Board of Education, and students and professors at local Howard University played a major role in bringing school desegregation to the nation’s attention. The nation’s capital and its historic landmarks offer opportunities for reflection on the American Civil Rights Movement and the country’s progress moving forward. Other nearby landmarks: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (reopens March 2023), Lincoln Memorial, National Museum of African American History and Culture Biddy Mason Memorial Park - Los Angeles, CA Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born into slavery in 1818. Not much is known of her early life, but by the time she was a young adult she was enslaved in the household of Robert Smith. In 1847, she traveled, mostly on foot, from Mississippi to Utah with the Smith household. The household lived in Salt Lake City for two years, then resettled in San Bernardino, California in 1851. California was admitted to the Union in 1850 as a free, nonslave state, which meant Smith was holding Mason illegally. Mason fought for her freedom in court, with the trial ruling confirming her freedom in 1856. As a free woman, Mason settled in Los Angeles with her children and found work as a nurse and midwife. In 1866, she purchased a nearly one-acre site between present-day Broadway (then Fort Street) and Spring Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets. On this, the present location of the park, she built her homestead. Throughout the years, this pioneering black woman purchased more property, and as the value of her holdings escalated, she eventually became a relatively wealthy woman and an untiring philanthropist. This mini-park was designed by landscape architects Katherine Spitz and Pamela Burton. The artwork Biddy Mason Time and Place is an 80-foot-long poured concrete wall by artist Sheila Levrant de Bretteville. The wall is a timeline of Biddy Mason’s life, illustrated by impressions of objects such as agave leaves, wagon wheels, and a midwife’s bag, as well as simple text and images such as an early survey map of Los Angeles and Biddy’s freedom papers. The history begins at the right (northernmost) end of the wall with the text “Biddy Mason born a slave,” and progresses in time to the inscription: “Los Angeles mourns and reveres Grandma Mason.” Other nearby landmarks: The Great Wall of Crenshaw, Ralph Bunch House, African American Firefighter Museum, Lincoln Theater Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site - Richmond, VA Maggie L. Walker House - courtesy of npplan.com Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women. As a bank president, newspaper editor, and fraternal leader, Walker served as an inspiration of pride and progress. Today, Walker’s home is preserved as a tribute to her enduring legacy of vision, courage, and determination. The residence at 110 1/2 East Leigh Street was built in 1883. The address became a prime location in the heart of Jackson Ward, the center of Richmond's African American business and social life at the turn of the century. The Walkers purchased the house in 1904 and soon began making changes. Central heating and electricity were added, and with the addition of several bedrooms and enclosed porches, the home increased from 9 to 28 rooms. In 1928 an elevator was added in the rear of the house to provide Mrs. Walker access to the second floor. The Walker family owned the home until 1979, when it was purchased by the National Park Service. Most of the furnishings throughout the home are original family pieces. They are valuable in understanding the 1904–1934 period of her occupancy. Together the house and the furnishings help us to learn more about Maggie Walker and the world in which she lived. Her community of Jackson Ward, a National Historic Landmark District, continues to exemplify the success of African American entrepreneurship. Other nearby landmarks: Robert Russa Moton Museum, Virginia Civil Rights Memorial, Jackson Ward, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, Booker T Washington National Monument Mississippi Freedom Trail Freedom Trail marker - courtesy of civilrightstrail.com There are several Freedom Trail markers in Jackson, so if you’re starting from there, you can see markers at the home of Medgar Evers, the Greyhound Bus Station, Mississippi State Capitol, Council of Federated Organizations Civil Rights Education Center, Tougaloo College, Jackson State University and the site of the 1963 sit-in at Woolworth’s. According to the state of Mississippi’s tourism website, three more markers are scheduled to be placed in Jackson – at the NAACP state headquarters, Masonic Temple (M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge) and WLBT news offices. Northern Mississippi is also home to several markers. In Cleveland, you can visit the home of Amzie Moore, an underappreciated champion of civil rights in Mississippi. Nearby Ruleville has two markers, one at William Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and one at the gravesite of civil rights heroine Fannie Lou Hamer. Take a 40-minute drive to explore the Mississippi Delta and visit Clarksdale to see the Freedom Trail marker at Aaron Henry’s Fourth Street Drug Store. Other northern Mississippi cities with markers on the Freedom Trail include Mayersville, Greenwood, Holly Springs and Blue Mountain. For a complete list of cities and markers, visit Mississippi’s tourism website. Abiel Smith School & African Meeting House - Boston, MA African Meeting House - courtesy of nps.gov The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. In Boston, the Museum has preserved two historic sites that tell the story of organized Black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century. At the Boston location, visitors arrive first at the Abiel Smith School. The Abiel Smith School (1835) is the oldest public school in the United States that was built for the sole purpose of educating African American children. Its walls tell the story of abolition and equal education. Located steps away from the Massachusetts State House, the Abiel Smith School currently houses first-class exhibit galleries, education programs, and a museum store filled with books and inspired gifts. Nearby, the African Meeting House (1806) is the oldest extant black church building in the nation and built by free African American artisans. Once a church, a school, and vital community meeting place, the African Meeting House has been returned to its 1855 appearance through historic restoration and is open to the public for talks and tours, our events and yours. In addition to the historic sites, the Museum has also preserved sites in Nantucket as well as a trail through the Beacon Hill neighborhood that includes the Charles Street Meeting House, Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, George Middleton House, The Phillips School, John J. Smith House, Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, John Coburn House, and the Smith Court Residences. Other nearby landmarks: Boston Common, Boston Women's Memorial for Phillis Wheatley, Orchard House, W. E. B. DuBois HomesiteThe Langston Hughes House - New York, NY The African-American poet Langston Hughes, one of the foremost figures of the Harlem Renaissance, lived at 20 East 127th Street for the last two decades of his life, on the top floor of a brownstone row house where he wrote such notable works as "Montage of a Dream Deferred" and "I Wonder as I Wander." Open to the public, it's also home to the I, Too, Arts Collective, a non-profit committed to nurturing creativity within underrepresented communities that offers poetry salons, workshops and affordable work space. Other nearby landmarks: The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, The Studio Museum in Harlem, Apollo Theater, Audre Lorde Residence, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Frederick Douglass Memorial,Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art The Little Rock Nine Monument - Little Rock, AR The Little Rock Nine - courtesy of civilrightstrail.com Following the decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the court mandated that all public schools in the U.S. be desegregated “with all deliberate speed” in a second ruling called Brown II. Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus opposed the decision and attempted to block nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock by calling in the Arkansas National Guard on September 4, 1957. These students, known as the Little Rock Nine, and their plight drew national attention. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent in federal troops to protect the students and let them enter the school safely. By the end of September, all nine had been admitted to Little Rock Central High School, marking a major victory in the fight for civil rights in education. “Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument” honors the courage of the nine African-American students enrolled at Little Rock Central High School who began the process of desegregating the city’s public schools in 1957. Located on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol, the memorial features bronze sculptures of the nine, along with plaques bearing quotations from each of them. Other nearby landmarks: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail

Groundhog Day certainly isn't a major holiday, nor one that gets a lot of attention when it comes to planning a celebration. However, there's plenty to do in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and the nearby township of Gobbler's Knob (where the country's most famous weather-predicting mammal actually resides). If you find yourself in the area for the annual February 2nd festivities, be sure to check out the attractions below for a fun, if not kitschy, trip. Take part in the official "Groundhog Club" events Gobbler's Knob - courtesy of visitpago.com The Groundhog Club Headquarters is the site for historical and rare Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil items. Located in the historical library on Mahoning Street, in downtown Punxatawney. The Club also hosts the Groundhog Day events, many of which are reserved for members of the "inner circle" (didn't know a groundhog had such a big following, did you?). The Gobbler's Knob grounds where the official celebration takes places opens early—at 3am. Shuttle services are offered by the club. The Hospitality Village held at the Gobbler’s Knob Visitors Center Pavilion opens at 4am. This limited-entry, ticketed area features a heated pavilion and is the ultimate way to watch the day's festivities. There's food, coffee, live feed of the Knob, a firepit, and access to the restrooms in the building. Guests also get an exclusive souvenir and will have a chance to have a photo with Phil after the Groundhog Day Ceremonies. On Friday, the Club hosts The Groundhog Ball at the Punxsutawney Country Club. This traditional formal attire event features a live band, alcoholic beverages, food, and a great opportunity to engage with the Inner Circle and out of town Phil Phans. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland" and tickets start at $35. For a more relaxed experience, the Club hosts the Lunch with Phil the next day, on Saturday at the Gobbler's Knob Visitors Center Hall. A full schedule of official Groundhog Club events can be found here. Hike along the The Gobbler's Knob Trail The Gobbler's Knob Trail - courtesy of visitpago.com The Gobbler’s Knob Trail is nearly a half mile and features the metal art created each year on Groundhog Day by Jeff Tech, a local trade school. The flora and fauna along the way is identified by markers and in a brochure at the entrance of the trail. Signage that gives the history of Groundhog Day, the Inner Circle, Punxsutawney Phil, groundhog facts, and much more serve as a main focal point and includes smart phone technology to enhance the visitor experience. In addition to this trail, winding its way through most of the Punxsutawney area is the Manhoning Shadow Trail. This 15.5-mile long, multi-use trail is perfect for hiking and biking, as well as cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter. Named for the creek that runs alongside it, the Manhoning Shadow Trail also offers many interesting features along the way, including its own waterfall. Explore science and folklore at the Weather Discovery Center The Weather Discovery Center - courtesy of visitpago.com Punxsutawney is also known as “The Weather Capital of the World," making it the the ultimate destination to learn about the science and folklore of weather! The exhibits are interactive, making it fun for the whole family. Weather topics to explore include tornados, thunderstorms, weather folklore (including famous Punxsutawney Phil), precipitation, clouds, the water cycle, weather forecasting technology, lightening, and weather emergency readiness. Additionally, each Groundhog Day, The Weather Discovery Center honors individuals who have advanced the knowledge of weather science, climatology, and meteorology. Currently open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Taste your way through the Groundhog Wine Trail Wood Lodge Winery - courtesy of woodylodgewinery.com Nestled in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Groundhog Wine Trail stretches over 120 miles and includes access to several vineyards. In the southern region, Raspberry Acres is a small winery that ferments wines on site and features their beloved mascot, a yellow lab named Bacchus. At the Woody Lodge Winery, guests can enjoy a glass of wine at one of their custom-made sassafras bistro tables or outside at the tasting bar. In the northern region, visitors can try more than just wine at the Twisted Vine Beverage Co—a winery, brewery, and distillery all under one roof with a full service five-star dining experience. Nearby, the Allegheny Cellars Winery is nestled in the beautiful mountains of the Allegheny National Forest with a tasting room and gift shop full of souvenirs and gift ideas. Finally, in the central region Foxburg Wine Cellars sits overlooking the Allegheny River, with a lovely grape-arbor covered patio for a beautiful outdoor tasting experience. They also feature one of the largest wine retail outlet stores in Pennsylvania, offering over 30 varieties of wine, accessories, glassware, clothing, gifts, meats, cheeses, coffees, and home winemaking supplies. If you don't want to traverse the whole trail, Shadow Vineyard and Winery is the closest to Gobbler's Knob and Punxsutawney. This year, on February 11, 2023, visitors can also celebrate at the Groundhog Wine Festival. The event features vendors, entertainment, tastings, and door prizes, and tickets start at $25.