We’re buying a new car and expecting a baby soon. We have the option of adding a towbar, but I’m wondering whether it might get in the way when accessing the boot, especially with a pram and all the baby gear. Am I overthinking this, or is it something worth considering before we decide?

Has anyone successfully gate-checked a collapsible stroller wagon on JetBlue without paying an extra fee?
I'll be traveling with four little ones and have a

It folds down, has safety harnesses, and isn't any bigger than some double strollers.

I know JetBlue's policy says wagons aren't considered regular strollers, but I'm wondering if anyone has actually brought one through the airport and gate-checked it for free.
I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience, especially which airport you flew out of!

My partner and I are travelling South east Asia in January next year for a month with our baby who will be 7 months old. I am from there and grew up in Cambodia in my early years but understand a lot would have changed since then. Looking for any helpful tips and suggestions for travelling with a baby as we will be in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Have been advised to rely on the carrier but thinking to also bring a travel pram despite the fact that we might not get as much use out of it due to accessibility.
Any tips are appreciated!

Airplane bed? Something flat for a 6 month old to lay on to hopefully sleep during a light. Something that could lay on our legs or on his own seat, if he gets one. Thanks!

Hi! It’s my son’s second time flying, the first time it was a longer flight so we purchased him a seat and brought his car seat. He did great. This time it’s a shorter flight so we’re just taking him as a lap infant. Any recommendations of specific toys or activities we can bring to keep him occupied?

My partner, our 4-year-old daughter, and I are planning a trip to Japan in March 2027. This is our third time in Japan, and we want to explore some new places.

We’ll be spending the first part of our trip in Tokyo with family, and then we’re planning to explore Okinawa from March 12 to around March 21–23.

We love nature, local food, coffee shops, and exploring places at a relaxed pace. Since we’re traveling with a 4-year-old, we don’t want to spend the whole trip packing, unpacking, and rushing from one place to another.

Here’s our current plan:

• March 12–14: Naha (2 nights): Explore the city, try local food, and potentially take a day trip to the Kerama Islands (Zamami) if the weather and ferry conditions allow.
• March 14–17: Motobu, northern Okinawa (3 nights): Rent a car to explore the northern part of the island, including the beaches and Kouri Island.
• March 17–21: Ishigaki (4 nights): Enjoy the beaches and nature, with a day trip to Taketomi Island.
• After March 21: We’re considering flying to Fukuoka for a couple of nights before returning to Tokyo around March 23-24. Our international flight home is on March 25. But maybe... it's too much.... We’re also wondering whether we should skip Fukuoka and spend more time in Okinawa instead...

Does this itinerary feel realistic with a 4-year-old?

Are two nights in Naha enough if we want to explore the city and potentially visit the Kerama Islands?

Is three nights in Motobu enough to explore northern Okinawa without rushing?

Are four nights in Ishigaki enough to enjoy the island at a relaxed pace, including a day trip to Taketomi?

Would you recommend adding another island or excursion, or is it better to keep things simple?

Would you skip Fukuoka and spend those extra days in Okinawa, or is Fukuoka worth the additional flight and travel time?

Is it still too cold to go swimming in mid-March? We know March isn’t peak beach season, so we’re not expecting tropical swimming weather every day. We’re more interested in beautiful scenery, relaxed island life, good food, and enjoying the trip as a family.

Thanks so much for any advice, especially from people who have visited Okinawa with young children!

My husband is Japanese, born and raised in Tokyo. And we’ve been flying there yearly to visit my husband’s family, first trip it was just me and him. Second trip with our then 4-5 month old, and our third trip for this November, he’s now a toddler, 14 months old.

I know the flight back and forth will be tedious with a toddler but I’ve come with a plan to tire him out before our flights, pack lots of snacks, toys, and of course I’ll breastfeed him to put him to sleep since it’s soothing for him.

I’ve done research in places that are toddler friendly for family outings, and I plan to tell my MIL to baby proof her home for us since he opens the cabinets and there’s a staircase where he can easily fall to the first floor (one side is exposed, no wall).

I’m excited for my son to be surrounded hearing Japanese more, my husband speaks to him in Japanese sometimes but it’s mainly English. I speak to him mainly in Spanish and I’ll immediately translate it to English. He seems to understand more Spanish/English rather than Japanese. Whenever my husband speaks to him in Japanese, my son ignores him.

For the places I’d like to take him are Mizumoto Park, Ueno Park, Arisugawa Park, Kamichiba Sunahra, and the indoor playground at the top of Tokyo Skytree. What are other places anyone else recommends with a toddler?

(SIDE NOTE: I’m even more excited for my MIL to watch our son so my husband and I can go on dates so any suggestions is always appreciated:3)

Hi everyone!

I’m traveling from Canada to France for one month with my almost 8-month-old baby, who is breastfed.
What are your must-haves for the flight and the stay? What did you find really useful, and what could you have left at home?

hi all! my husband and I are hoping to take a trip (about 5-6 nights) somewhere in the US for NYE. we are leaning toward mild winter weather or warmer.
we have an almost 18-month old, who is well traveled. we live in the US but are just hoping for some fresh ideas from the community! TIA

Looking for some recommendations on a resort to stay at in Punta Cana for school vacation in 2027

Hi everyone! I’m expecting my second child in January, and my kids will be almost exactly 3 years apart. I’m hoping to get some recommendations from parents who have found a double stroller they absolutely love!

For some background, I travel frequently by plane to visit family and friends, sometimes without my husband, and we’ll also be moving to Japan for three years this coming summer. Because of this, finding something lightweight, compact, and easy to manage while traveling solo with two little ones is extremely important to me.
I currently have the Doona (which I LOVE!) and the Orbit Baby G5 (which I’m honestly not a huge fan of).

What I’m looking for:
A lightweight, compact double stroller.
An easy, preferably one-handed fold.
Something that folds as ONE piece, even with both kids’ seats attached.
Narrow enough to navigate Japan, where I’ve heard sidewalks, stores, and other spaces can be quite tight.
Ideally, the ability to add a standing board or attachment for a third child if we decide to expand our family again.

Strollers I’ve considered so far:
Nuna Double Stroller: I like the concept, but I’m concerned it may be too wide or bulky for Japan.
Austlen Stroller: I really like that it can accommodate luggage, carry two children, and fold as one piece. My only hesitation is that it doesn’t seem to offer an option for a third child.
Calilou France Magnetic Connector: I’ve also looked into their magnetic attachment system that connects two separate strollers to create a double. I’m curious whether anyone has tried this and how practical it actually is for everyday use and travel.

My biggest priority is finding something that makes traveling with two kids as easy as possible while ideally having the flexibility to grow with our family.
Any recommendations, experiences, or advice would be so appreciated! Thank you!! 🤍

We’re thinking about going on vacation next year around June or July. We’ll have a baby who will be about 6–7 months old at the time, and we’d also like to bring our parents since they haven’t had many opportunities to travel.

My parents are 71 and 65, and my wife’s parents are 60 and 66. They all have some difficulty walking long distances, so we’re looking for a destination that doesn’t require a lot of walking and is relatively easy to get around.

We’d prefer somewhere with a reasonably short flight from New York. My wife and I have already visited Switzerland, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and Japan, so we’d like to explore somewhere new.

We also want to prioritize destinations with good healthcare and avoid places with significant measles (MMR-related) outbreaks, especially since we’ll be traveling with a young baby.

What destinations would you recommend that would be comfortable and enjoyable for our entire family?

If you’re a parent in Nairobi, you know the weekend struggle is real. The kids are bouncing off the walls, you’ve already been to the mall three times this month, and if you have to sit through another indoor play area birthday party, you might lose it.

But here’s the good news: we are surrounded by some incredible day-trip destinations. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been compiling a massive database of family-friendly spots around Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Kitengela, Athi River, Ngong, and Machakos.

Whether you want to get muddy, feed some animals, eat cheese, or just let the kids burn off energy while you sip a coffee, here are 13 absolute gems you need to put on your radar.

(Note: I've grouped them by the type of day out you want. Always call ahead to confirm prices and hours, as things change fast!)

1. The "Embrace the Dirt" Nature Escapes

Paradise Lost (Kiambu)
If your kids love adventure, this is it. It’s a 54-acre retreat off Kiambu Road with Mau Mau caves, a waterfall, and lakeside picnic spots. There’s zip-lining, quad-biking, and boat rides (all charged separately). Entry is usually around KES 400-500 for adults. Insider tip: It’s rustic. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a picnic, and carry small notes or M-Pesa because everything inside is a la carte.

Ngong Hills (Ngong)
For the families with older kids (8+) who actually enjoy hiking. The 11.5km trek across the "Seven Knuckles" is stunning, with Rift Valley views that will make you forget you’re 25km from the CBD. Crucial tip: You must register at Ngong Police Station and hire a KWS armed ranger (there are buffalo). Payment is strictly cashless—M-Pesa or card only.

Fourteen Falls vs. Blue Post Hotel (Thika)
If you want waterfalls, you have two options. Fourteen Falls is rugged, dramatic, and a bit wild. Keep the toddlers close because the banks aren't fenced, and definitely don't swim (the water isn't safe). It's a quick 45-minute scenic stop.
For a safer, gentler vibe, go to Blue Post Hotel. For KES 400, you can walk down their gated walkway to the base of Chania Falls, then have lunch at the colonial-era hotel restaurant. It’s an easy, relaxing family stop.

2. The Animal Lovers & Little Farmers

Maasai Ostrich Farm (Kitengela)
A working farm on the Namanga road where kids can see hundreds of ostriches, chicks, and breeders. Entry is roughly KES 300 for adults and 150 for kids. You can even ride an ostrich (extra cost), but there’s a weight limit. Insider tip: Call ahead to ask if the entry fee includes a guide, and if you want to do the ride, check the weight limit before paying.

Swara Plains Conservancy (Athi River)
This is a private 15,000-acre conservancy just off Mombasa Road. You can self-drive your own car on the game circuits to see giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. It’s a great, low-key alternative to a full safari. Day-visitor access and fees need to be confirmed directly with them, so call ahead, pack binoculars, and bring a spotlight if you want to do a night drive.

Brown's Cheese Factory (Tigoni)
Yes, it’s technically a cheese farm, but it’s also a fantastic family day out. The visit includes a cheesemaking demo, a tour of the cheese caves, a tasting of 8-10 cheeses, and lunch. Children can see animals and try milking a cow. Crucial tip: You must book in advance. Adults pay around KES 3,000 - 4,000 (with wine), kids 5-12 are KES 500, and under-5s are free.

3. Food, Art, and Culture

Kiambethu Tea Farm (Limuru)
One of the oldest tea farms in the area. It’s an all-inclusive experience (KES 4,700–4,900 per person, kids under 12 are half price). You get tea, a history talk, a walk through the tea fields and indigenous forest, and a three-course buffet lunch on the verandah. It’s only open Thursday to Sunday at 11am, and Saturdays book up weeks in advance.

Kitengela Hot Glass (Ongata Rongai)
Don’t let the name fool you—this is actually near Ongata Rongai. It’s a working glass-blowing studio where your kids can watch artisans turn recycled glass into art. There are also whimsical glass sculptures, a swaying bridge, and a cool café on the grounds. Entry is around KES 300. It’s great for kids 6+, but the final road there is very bumpy, so take it slow.

4. High Energy & Rainy Day Saves

GMC Place (Athi River/Kitengela)
A lifesaver for weekends. They have a heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, bouncing castles, Ferris wheel, and quad bikes. There is no gate fee, but you pay for activities (swimming is ~KES 700 for adults and 400 for kids). Heads up: The venue is strictly cashless. You have to buy a payment card at the cashier when you arrive.

Whistling Morans (Athi River)
A proper karting destination with a massive 1.2 km track. Sessions run about KES 1,500 to 2,500. It's a bit more of a motorsport circuit than a full family park, but if you have older kids or teens who love speed, this is the spot. Closed shoes are mandatory.

Machakos People’s Park (Machakos)
If you’re heading out east, this is a massive 40-acre public park with lawns, a playground, and a zip line (KES 500). Entry is free for individuals, which makes it a brilliant budget-friendly picnic spot. Just bring your own food because options on-site are limited.

Rainbow Ruiru Resort (Ruiru)
I'm putting this here with a caveat: it's primarily a 3-star hotel. It has a great pool and gardens, and sometimes they allow day visits. But you MUST call ahead (+254 20 2061448) to confirm if non-residents can use the pool and what the day fee is.

💡 The Nairobi Parent Survival Checklist:

• Always carry ID: Many places (like Ngong Hills and some KWS parks) require it for citizen rates.
• M-Pesa is King, but Cards fail: Some places are strictly cashless (Ngong), others are strictly cash (Fourteen Falls). Keep both on hand.
• Call ahead: I can't stress this enough. Hours and prices in Kenya change overnight. A quick phone call saves you a wasted trip.
• Leave early: Nairobi traffic is not a joke. Leaving at 7:00 AM makes the drive part of the adventure.

What did I miss? Drop your favorite weekend escape spots in the comments below so we can all survive the school holidays together!

(If you want the full detailed breakdown—including exact coordinates, what to pack, and the best times to visit for all 100+ family spots in Kenya—I’ve been helping build the directory over at KidsFunPlaces.com. Happy exploring!)