xoxoerinsmith.com - Parenting Inspiration for busy families

Jul 10

Jul 10 Guide to Visiting Dollywood Theme Park with Kids

Dollywood ranked as #1 Theme Park in the United States by TripAdvisor in 2022 and after visiting I can most definitely understand why. Dollywood is a theme park owned by Dolly Parton and loved by so many families and visitors. Dollywood is situated on 160 acres located in the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood happily welcomes guests from all over the world mid-March to the Christmas holidays – Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee. You will definitely want to read more to find out why visitors young and old love Dollywood in Tennessee.

Jul 2

Jul 2 Anakeesta: Must Do Mountaintop Attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Erin Smith

Travel

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta stands as a beacon of adventure and natural splendor in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This enchanting mountaintop destination offers a plethora of activities that cater to nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and families alike. From thrilling ziplines to serene treetop walks, Anakeesta promises an unforgettable experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and your family will be begging for a return trip.

Jun 30

Jun 30 Wilderness at the Smokies Family Resort in Sevierville TN

Erin Smith

Travel

Wilderness at the Smokies is a family friendly waterpark resort nestled in the Smoky Mountains and jam packed with fun. Wilderness at the Smokies is a rustic mountain resort with amazing amenities for everyone in your family to enjoy. Wilderness at the Smokies is home to Tennessee’s largest indoor water park which gives you the opportunity to travel there year-round.

Jun 30

Jun 30 Water Parks Wilderness at the Smokies Resort TN

Erin Smith

Travel

Wilderness At The Smokies Waterpark Resort is a whole new concept in FUN for your Smoky Mountain vacation and the best part is that our waterparks are included with your stay! We had such a fun time at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort and did not want to leave, and you can read all about our favorite indoor attractions here. But the main draw and why many families book a trip to Wilderness at the Smokies are the 3 amazing waterparks that will have you sliding and splashing all day long.

Jun 28

Jun 28 Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville TN

Erin Smith

Travel

Soaky Mountain Water Park opened in 2020 and has been a splashing good time since then for both residents of the area and travelers from near and far. The 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark creates a memorable experience of slides, obstacle courses, a massive splash area, wave pool, surf rider, and more than 19 attractions. We were staying across the street at Wilderness at the Smokies and wanted to take advantage of being so close to Soaky Mountain Waterpark. We had the most amazing experience at Soaky Mountain Waterpark and cannot wait to go back next time we are in the Seiverville, TN area!

Jun 25

Jun 25 Parkside Resort Luxury Cabin Rentals Pigeon Forge, TN

Erin Smith

Travel

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Parkside Resort stands as a beacon of tranquility as the newest luxury cabin resort in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort, this resort promises an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Let's embark on a journey to discover the wonders that await within the embrace of Parkside Resort.

Jun 24

Jun 24 FREE Kings Dominion Season Pass for Pre-K Kids

Erin Smith

Travel

As a mom of 3 small and active boys close in age, Kings Dominion’s Pre-K Pass program has been a favorite of mine for many years! Go once or go multiple times a week if you want, with unlimited visits it's a no brainer for parents. It is such a great way to make fun memories all season long for FREE!! Yes, you read that right - FREE! If your family is looking for an affordable way to have a ton of fun, then you need to consider the Kings Dominion Pre-KPass for children ages 3-5.

Jun 23

Jun 23 Kings Dominion Soak City Water Park in Virginia

Erin Smith

Virginia Family Fun

Soak City is Kings Dominion's 20-acre waterpark packed with extreme water slides, interactive splash pad areas,45-foot multi-level play structure, lazy river, massive wave pools and live entertainment. Beat the hot days in Virginia with unique attractions and lots of fun waiting for you and your family at Kings Dominion & Soak city!

Amazing fun awaits your family whether you are looking forward to the new slide complex, relaxing in the lounge chairs, enjoying some delicious food and drinks, or splashing in the kids area, you and your family will have a splashtastic blast in the Soak City 20-acre water park.

Jun 21

Jun 21 Tips for Visiting Kings Dominion Virginia Park with Kids

Erin Smith

Virginia Family Fun

My family visited Kings Dominion in June 2022 and had the BEST time. We did not want to leave and the kids are already begging to go back and it's only been 24 hours! If you have been considering taking a road trip to Kings Dominion in Virginia and are not sure about whether it's worth it, I will share our recommendations and review all of the most frequently asked questions from families!

Jun 21

Jun 21 Magiquest Pigeon Forge Attractions in TN to do

Erin Smith

Travel

We were so excited to find a Magiquest in Pigeon Forge, TN close to where we would be staying on vacation so naturally, we had to make Magiquest Pigeon Forge a stop. I am so glad we did! We had so much fun at Magiquest and the boys are already begging to go back. Whether you are a Magiquest pro and have done it endless times or are new to the world of Magiquest read more.

Jun 19

Jun 19 Crave Golf Club Family Fun in Pigeon Forge, TN

Erin Smith

Travel

Crave Golf in Pigeon Forge, TN has been named the Best Mini-Golf in Pigeon Forge & Ranked #1 Mini-Golf Course in the Country featuring 19-hole Indoor Course & 19-hole Rooftop Course! Trust me, you will want to add this mini golf destination to your must do attraction for families in Pigeon Forge during your next visit!

May 10

May 10 Children's Picture Books that Celebrate Diverse Characters

Erin Smith

Books and Movies

There is no greater gift than the love of reading and no better use of time than getting lost in a book. When you look at the titles in your home or your child’s school, do the charaThese picture books are just a small sample of the diverse stories available to young readers today. By sharing narratives that reflect a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and identities, we can foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of the human experience. Whether celebrating cultural heritage, embracing individuality, or promoting inclusivity, these books play a vital role in shaping a more diverse and inclusive world for future generations.cters all look like them? Literature serves as a powerful tool in enabling children and families to gain a better understanding of the cultures of others. Having books that not only are educational about other races, ethnicities, cultures but books where main characters and authors are diverse are incredibly powerful. These 15 must read diverse picture books are amazing to add to your collection.

Apr 12

Apr 12 Best Asheville, NC Breweries to Visit that are Kid Friendly

Erin Smith

Travel, Food

Asheville's family-friendly breweries offer more than just great beer—they provide a space where parents can create lasting memories with their children amidst the backdrop of one of the country's most captivating destinations. From scenic riverfront views to bustling downtown vibes, Asheville's breweries cater to families seeking a balance of relaxation, entertainment, and exceptional craft beer. So, whether you're a local looking for a weekend outing or a visitor exploring the charms of Asheville for the first time, be sure to add these family-friendly breweries to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of this enchanting mountain city. Cheers to crafting memories together in Asheville, NC!

Apr 5

Apr 5 Great Wolf Lodge Family MagiQuest Adventure Review

Erin Smith

Travel

The one aspect that I vastly underestimated before arriving at Great Wolf Lodge in terms of what my children would enjoy was MagiQuest. My 8-year-old loved MagiQuest SO MUCH that he asked to leave the indoor water park, and that is saying a lot! MagiQuest was such a family hit that I wanted to devote a whole blog post so that your family is prepared for Magiquest when you arrive at Great Wolf Lodge. Find all of the details about cost, what is MagiQuest, what we need to know and more is in review on this MagiQuest post!

Apr 2

Apr 2 Massanutten Resort Virginia Winter Activities for the Family

Erin Smith

Virginia Family Fun

Massanutten Resort offers many unique amenities for the whole family including the Indoor Waterpark, Ski lodge and family adventure Park area, farm-to-table dining experiences, shopping and recreation options, along with a day spa for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Massanutten Resort Virginia is easily accessible from many major cities making it a must visit winter season resort destinations. The entire family will enjoy the winter sports at Massanutten Ski resort.

Apr 1

Apr 1 Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg VA Water Park Family Review

Erin Smith

Travel

A family vacation for the entire family to have fun is no easy feat, but Great Wolf Lodge has mastered the family-friendly resort! The water park at Great Wolf Lodge is what draws families in typically for the first time boasting year round fun at the massive water parks on premises! The water park area takes up a significant portion of the renovated resort in Williamsburg, VA. Younger children, teens, and adults will have a good time at the 80,000-square-foot water park kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round! Come find out why families return over and over again and why Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg VA is named one of the best water parks in the United States.

Mar 30

Mar 30 Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg Resort in VA Review

Erin Smith

Travel

If your family is considering a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, specifically Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, be sure to read this ultimate family review of Great Wolf Lodge first to get details on lodging, food, amenities, cost and everything you have ever wanted to know plus more about this family-friendly resort in Williamsburg, VA! You may be coming for the indoor waterparks and water slides at Great Wolf Lodge, but the entire family will go home exhausted and happy in the most family friendly hotels across the United States!

Mar 16

Mar 16 Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites Universal Resort

Erin Smith

Travel

Dockside Inn and Suites Universal Orlando, Florida Family Review will help answer your families' questions while researching and booking your trip to Universal Resorts. I will give you the full review of room, dining, amenities and more! Make sure to read this family review for all of the important information before you book your trip to Dockside Inn & Suites.

Mar 15

Mar 15 Goldfish Swim School Richmond VA Lesson Review

Erin Smith

Parenting

Mar 13

Mar 13 Best Religious Christian Easter Books for Children

Erin Smith

Books and Movies

Easter, the cornerstone of Christian faith, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. It's a season marked by the remembrance of Jesus Christ's resurrection and the promise of salvation. One beautiful way to share the significance of Easter with children is through the pages of religious picture books. These books not only entertain but also educate, instilling important values and teachings in young hearts. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most captivating Christian-based Easter picture books, each weaving together stories of faith, hope, and love that resonate deeply with both children and adults alike.

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