Dave Parfitt
![Mom teaching child how to ride a bike](https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2021/09/Mom-and-child-riding-a-bike-480x360.jpg.webp)
5 Best Fitness Trackers for Kids
Activity tracker watches help kids develop healthy habits and keep moving in technologically fun ways. Parents already using them might want to get a kids…
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10 Best Smartwatches for Kids 2023
Looking for the best smartwatch for kids? More and more parents are trying to find that perfect smartwatch for kids, tweens, and teenagers in the family. When picking a smartwatch for…
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10 Best Beach Umbrellas for 2021
We were having a great time in Bethany Beach, Delaware, visiting the grandparents until “the incident.” A gust of wind picked up our beach umbrella, blew…
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11 Best Men’s Diaper Bags for Dads 2021
Dads need diaper bags, too! Choose a diaper bag backpack, diaper bag messenger bag, or diaper bag duffle bag that fits your style and carries everything…
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10 Best Travel Books to Inspire Wanderlust Teens
As teens strive for independence, sometimes they look to break away from the family vacation and venture off on their own. Here are 10 travel…
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12 Best Bags for the Amusement Park
As official theme park Sherpa for our family, I know the value of a good bag that gives quick access to water bottles and snacks,…
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10 Best Kid-Proof Water Bottles for Travel
A solid reusable water bottle is essential for everyone in the family—kids included. Stainless steel water bottles have gained popularity as parents look to avoid…
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10 Best Alaska Cruises for Families 2020
Not only is a cruise to Alaska at the top of many families’ bucket lists, but it’s also a convenient way to sample The Last…
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10 Best Disneyland Rides for Toddlers
No, toddlers aren’t too young to enjoy Disneyland! In fact, there’s so much for toddlers and preschoolers to do at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, that…
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11 Best Family Vacations With College Students
Family vacations don’t have to stop once the kids head off to college. We’ve found several family vacation destinations that appeal to young adults and…
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6 Alaska Bucket List Adventures for Families
With its combination of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty, Alaska will always be a bucket list destination. But with so much to discover…
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9 Coolest Cruise Ship Dining Experiences for Families
When it comes to family dining at sea, cruise ships have come a long way from chicken fingers and buffets. While Disney Cruise Line leads…
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All 7 Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, Ranked
Since 2014, Universal Orlando Resort has blossomed from three onsite hotels to seven (soon to be eight), with the opening of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort…
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How to Strategize Your Visit to Disney’s New Star Wars Lands
For those who’ve always imagined wielding a lightsaber and walking in Luke Skywalker’s footsteps, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a dream come true. After visiting…
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13 Best Small Amusement Parks in the U.S.
Small amusement parks are the best amusement parks! Fewer crowds often mean shorter lines, and small amusement parks are usually easier on the wallet, too.…
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Packing Light with Kids: 7 Tools to Minimize Bulk and Maximize Fun
With airline luggage rules becoming more and more restrictive, packing for family vacations is a challenge. It’s essential for parents to pack light and smart.…
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25 Best New Rides and Roller Coasters for 2020
In 2020, a brand-new theme park will open in the United States: LEGOLAND New York will debut for the summer season and anchor an entire…
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7 Cool Gadgets That Will Improve Any Trip
Some travel gadgets seem so genius that you have to wonder if they’re actually useful—and many times, they aren’t. But these cool travel gadgets—while slightly…
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4 Ways to Avoid Getting a Dad Bod When Traveling
Once I became a dad, exercise became an even more important part of my life. My preferred form of exercise is running, and there are…
Read more![Universal's Halloween Horror Nights; Courtesy of Dave Parfitt](https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/10/HalloweenHorrorNights-480x360.jpg.webp)
SNEAK PEEK: “Stranger Things” at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights
All towns have their own mysteries, but if you’re a fan of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” you know there’s something a bit different about the fictional…
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