Latest news with #CandaceDavison
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What's the Best Kids' Lunch Box? These 7 Are Kid-Tested, Mom-Approved
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Growing up, choosing a lunch box meant picking out your favorite cartoon character amid the sea of plastic containers. It was just a container for whatever Mom tossed inside; if your sandwich was mangled or your Cheez-Its resembled dust by the time you got to the cafeteria, that was life. At least you could stare at Garfield or the Muppets as you sipped water from the lid of your coordinating Thermos. These days, lunch boxes have gotten far more sophisticated—there are collapsible ones, freezable ones, even electrically heated ones—all at a range of price points. So, which ones are actually worth your money? What won't contribute to a meltdown in the carpool lane? I needed answers—and since you're here, I'm guessing you do, too. The Best Kids' Lunch Boxes at a Glance How I Chose the Best Kids' Lunch Boxes Candace Davison As PureWow editors poll parents and vet products for the Happy Kid Awards each year, determining the best lunch box is always hotly debated. Our team combines market research and reviews with parent recommendations to form a short list of top contenders, and from there, lunch boxes are distributed to parents, as we ask them to review the containers based on the following criteria: Size and overall portability — Are they too bulky for a backpack? Can kids tote them easily? How much food do they actually hold, and is it enough? Ease of use — Can kids open and close them without dumping dino nuggets everywhere, or needing a teacher's help? How easy are they to clean and care for? Durability — What happens if they're dropped? Do they crack, tear or scuff easily? Do the latches seem sturdy or flimsy? Could this last a school year or longer? Value — How much does it cost, and what do you get for that price? 75 Simple, Delicious School Lunch Ideas The Best Kids' Lunch Boxes of 2025, Tested & Reviewed 1. Omiebox Bento Box for Kids Omie/Alexia Dellner Bento box styles have been a parent and kid favorite for the past few years, but they can often be pretty bulky—a challenge when backpacks are already pretty crammed. Omiebox's smart, lightweight design made it immediately stand out from the crowd: It's relatively slim, and yet it can hold a surprisingly hearty lunch. But that's far from all: "I really love the option to include a hot meal (which we do at least once I week—I add boiling water to the container while I microwave pasta leftovers, then pour the water out when I'm ready to assemble. I mean, who knows what really happens at lunch time, but my son says that the food is still hot when he opens it up and it always comes back empty)," says executive editor Alexia Dellner. "Oh, and the dividers are great—because nobody wants strawberry juice on their meat sticks. (My meat sticks.)" $50 at Amazon 2. Packit Freezable Playtime Lunch Box packit Why bother with ice packs when your whole lunch box can be one? PackIt's latest design features freezable gel walls, keeping foods chilled all day, and when it's empty, it smooshes flat, taking up less backpack space. (My toddler has used this bag every day for a full year, and it looks brand new—spills easily wipe away, and it's survived being dropped, stomped on and trampled by a dog without issues.) When I had other kids test and review the bag, they mentioned that they loved the fun designs, and that the zippers were easy to use. Plus, you can easily pop in a bento box, and the handle features a buckle clasp, so you can tether it to a backpack or messenger bag, if your kid's bag is already crammed full. $30 AT Amazon $30 at Target 3. Bentgo Lunch Container rachel bowie/bentgo In every poll, Bentgo comes up as PureWow parents' most-recommended lunch box. And it's not just hype—it's consistently won over editors in product testing, winning a Happy Kid Award not once but twice. Why? It's just that reliable—and affordable. 'I like the simplicity of Bentgo's kid's lunchbox," explains Rachel Bowie, senior director of royals and special projects (and has tested countless lunch boxes as she oversees the back-to-school edition of the Happy Kid Awards). "It feels like there's a spot for all my son's favorites—a half sandwich, a fig bar, even a cookie or two. I put Cheerios in the small circle, though you could also include a dip. Still, it's that compartment size flexibility that really makes it a fail-safe for us. The seal keeps everything separate, but most important of all, the tabs are easy to pop open. Best of all, it's dishwasher-safe, which is so helpful on busier school days.' Plus, with 33 designs to choose from, there's a style that's bound to suit your kid's taste, whether they're into llamas, unicorns, construction trucks or, ahem, quiet luxury neutrals. $30 AT Amazon $30 at pottery barn 4. Calpak Kids Lunch Bag calpak There are people who love the order of a bento-style lunch box, and there are those who like things a little more freeform (especially if your kid's the type who sees four compartments and demands all four compartments be filled, even if they'd be stuffed with a sunbutter and jelly and a banana). Calpak's lunch bag is remarkably lightweight yet durable, zips smoothly without snagging and the recycled polyester exterior is easy to wipe clean. The crossbody straps and top handles made it easy for kids of all ages to grab and go, no matter how much they were hauling around, and the bag itself—at 4 inches wide and 10 inches long—is spacious enough to hold a full lunch and water bottle, no problem. (Some other soft bags we tested required you to carry the bottle separately.) There's a name label on the back, yet you also have the option to personalize it, should your (er, your kid's) aesthetic skew more embroidered monogram than Sharpie. $38 at calpak 5. Lunch Box davison In a world where kids' lunch boxes can creep past $80 a pop (!), this $29 find stands out for its versatility, durability and value. The main compartment is large enough to fit a whole bagel or sandwich—with a removable ice pack included—and the hard case features a silicon bubble in one compartment, so you can easily stow a whole piece of fruit without bruising it. What really impressed me were its leakproof compartments, which were filled with marinara as the box was flipped, dropped and shaken—and didn't leak at all. $29 AT Amazon 6. Munchkin Toddler Lunch Box munchkin/candace davison Designed for kids aged 18 months and up, this five-compartment wonder is a daycare must-have. The lunch box survived drop tests without popping open, yet small hands didn't have any difficulty opening the box themselves. Plus, it comes with stainless steel utensils that pop into the inside of the lid, though our tester said they occasionally pop off and into food if the container is sloshed around too much. That said, the silicone liner on the lid creates a great seal, so liquids didn't seep into other compartments, no matter how much it was jostled. $17 at Walmart $17 at Target 7. PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box planetbox/purewow So many stainless steel lunch boxes are a hit with parents—but then kids can't open them. Or they're just not as fun as their friends' character-emblazoned bags. PlanetBox bridges the gap, with a slim, five-compartment container that parents can pop in the dishwasher, and yet kids can easily use and customize with exterior magnets (which come in 18 designs, from unicorns to galaxy prints). The set also comes with two leak-proof stainless steel containers with BPA-free silicone lids, so you don't need to pack your kid's yogurt separately. $55; $47 at PlanetBox What to Consider When Shopping for Kids' Lunch Boxes original photo: candace davison Budget and aesthetics aside, there are a few key things to look for: Size — Both in terms of whether it can hold enough food for your child's lunch and snack needs, and how bulky it is. If it can't fit in your kid's backpack, is there a strap that can connect it to the bag? Number of compartments and configurations — Do you want something bento-style, where you can store multiple foods without them touching (or needing to resort to resealable bags and other containers? Are the compartments adjustable and/or removable? Ease of use — How easy is it for a kid to use? How easy is it to clean? Durability — Do you intend to use this for more than a year? What do the reviews say about its longevity? Are the latches strong? Does it scuff or crack easily if dropped? (Stainless steel options have the best warranties—often five years, versus one or two with plastic lunch boxes—because they tend to be the most durable.) Ability to keep foods cold — Is there an ice pack or freezable liner included? How insulated is it, or will you need to purchase something separately to get the job done? Leak resistance — If it's a hardshell lunch box, are there silicone gaskets or other seals to make it less prone to leaks? Is it recommended for dry foods only? What's the Best Overall Kids' Lunch Box? Due to its overall capacity—yet slim design—ease of use and warm-food compartment, is PureWow's pick for best overall kids' lunch box of 2025. However, if you'd prefer something that's stainless steel, I recommend taking a closer look at Planetbox, or something that can smoosh flat when lunch is over, opt for Calpak or Packit. 58 Toddler Lunch Ideas Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love Why You Should Trust Us PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List, According to Our Water-Loving Editors
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Come summer, two things are certain in my household. The first is that High School Musical 2 will be queued on the television, and the second is that I'll end up on a sandy shore. That said, a beach trip packing list is essential—even if you're just headed out for the day. Trust me. On a recent Coney Island excursion, I found myself, by day's end, monitoring two friends for heat intolerance and making a plan to organize everyone's emergency contacts and insurance cards. Whether you're just headed out for the day, or are spending a few weeks seaside, here's a comprehensive list of essentials, spanning clothing and accessories, toiletries, sun burn treatments and beach gear you didn't know you needed. PureWow editors, including a native Floridian, have weighed in on the things they always take with them. My best tips? SPF 50+, a good umbrella and more water than you think is practical. 10 Underrated Beaches Near NYC (as in, Within 2 Hours of the City) Paula Boudes/PureWow Swimsuits Swim trunks Swim diapers Rash guards Shirts Shorts Skirts Sundresses Light sweater Sneakers Waterproof shoes Swimsuit coverup Sunglasses Hat Toothbrush Toothpaste Facial cleanser Moisturizer Shampoo Conditioner Body wash/soap Nail clippers Deodorant Sunscreen SPF lip balm After sun care (aloe vera, hydrocortisone, calamine lotion) Allergy medication Pain reliever Towels Umbrella or tent Beach tote Rolling bag Wet bag First aid kit Goggles/snorkeling gear Inflatable kayak (for lake beach) Beach lounger/chairs Pails and shovels Boogie boards Paddle/surf boards Instant camera Cooler Water Frozen fruit Cut fruit and veggies Cold main dish Dry and portable snacks Canned drinks Napkins Wet wipes It might seem obvious, but after anxiously supervising two friends for mild heat stroke on a recent beach trip, I can confirm you can never have too much water. To be safe, start with at least a gallon per person, and be prepared to buy more beverages on site. (And keep everyone chugging!) 'I roll towels and stick them in [a] tote vertically to save space, pack a gallon-size ziploc with snacks at the bottom, and then throw any extras on top,' says former Floridian and PureWow Vice President of Editorial Candace Davison. 'I carry a separate mesh bag with the kids' sand toys, so the sand filters out as you walk to your car and doesn't mingle with your other essentials.' Davison's other tip is to pack a 'wet bag.'No kid wants to go home drippy, and I can easily throw swimsuits in here and zip it closed for the ride back without getting everything else in my bag soggy.' PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth prefers strappy sandals to flip flops on sand. After burning my own feet sliding around in the latter on a beach day, I'm inclined to agree. She swears on her Tevas, but recommends any sandal that will stay secure on your foot and protect the bottom of your feet. Take it from the editor who's written an in-depth guide to sunscreen. Higher SPF is better. For the face, I'm personally a fan of Versed's Good Defense SPF 50, while PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint's kids finally acquiesced to sun protection after she handed them the clear Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. As for body, Davison loves good-old-fashioned Banana Boat's SPF 50 spray sunscreen, which makes covering more surface area a quick task. PureWow Food Editor and former competitive swimmer Taryn Pire swears on Dock & Bay. 'These are super light, compact and quick-drying. Since they aren't made of cotton and have a loopless design, they also retain less sand, so you won't make as big a mess in your car or house once you leave the beach,' she says. I also like eco brand Nomadix, which makes similar quick-drying towels that have sand falling away. My rookie mistake at the beach was having no shade source—which is partially how two of my friends ended up with mild heat stroke. Whether you've got an umbrella, tent or other shade apparatus, trust me when I say it's a must. Davison agrees. 'A pop-up beach tent is crucial for blazing hot days. Kids can rest (or nap) inside of it, or you can bring in some sand and let them play in the shade,' she says. You're going to be schlepping a lot, so you want a bag to match. Davison says: 'Ideally, I look for a roomy tote with at least three pockets: One for sunscreen, one for a water bottle, one for a cell phone. A key leash is a nice bonus, but a zippered interior pocket is great for holding your keys and wallet.' On the other hand, I was prepared for my beach day with a tote, but after one minute of trudging under the blazing sun, I was kicking myself for not having brought my Hulken. Hulken, wagon, your repurposed grocery cart: Trust me, you'll be happy you brought it when the sun is blazing down and you think your shoulder is going to fall off hauling all those frozen grapes. 16 Random-But-Useful Finds to Take Pool and Beach Days to the Next Level
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 6 Best Steak Delivery Services for Grilling and Spicing Up Your Weeknight Dinner
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Nothing tops an expertly cooked steak dinner. But you can raise the bar even higher with a shipment of steak from a specialty butcher, since the meat tends to be better quality than what you can find at the supermarket. With that in mind, I scoured the internet for the best steak delivery services and mail-order meat subscriptions to order any time. (FYI, my favorite of the lot is Chicago Steak Company, but more on that later.) Whether you prefer hand-cut filet mignon, (yes, please) or a curated monthly collection (see ya, dinner rut), there's an online steak delivery service that fits the bill. The best part is that most of them offer one-time orders and monthly subscription deliveries, meaning you don't need to run to the local butcher every time you're craving beef or a specific cut. After vetting 15 top brands—and testing the highest-reviewed and most frequently recommended ones—here are the six best online steak delivery services that ship top-tier meat directly to your door. All you have to do is prepare it—and wait for your guests' rave reviews. (Oh, and while you're at it, take a gander at our list of the best cookies to order online to round out dinner with dessert.) Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds. The 59 Best Food Gifts You Can Order Online Right This Minute First, I scoured the internet (and tons of customer reviews) for the highest-reviewed steak delivery services and subscription boxes. I asked PureWow editors for their recommendations and had them test and photograph some brands' offerings at home. After doing more research with quality, pricing and shipping availability in mind, I narrowed down the list to the following six steak deliveries. Candace Davison Chicago Steak Company is a purveyor of hand-selected, Midwest-raised Premium Angus USDA Prime beef. Each steak—from the filet mignon to the dry-aged tomahawk to the Kobe Wagyu ribeye—is hand-cut by Chicago butchers with an impressive five generations of experience. Standard shipping is five to seven days, but express and overnight options are also available. (P.S.: You can't go wrong with the Best Seller, which boasts filet mignon, boneless strips, top sirloin and ribeye.) "The filet mignon was outrageously tender," PureWow VP of editorial Candace Davison says. "It rivaled some of the best steakhouses I've ever been to, making me truly understand the appeal of special-ordering a steak over going to your local butcher. The marbling, the quality—I was blown away." This steak delivery service is just right for special occasions, an impromptu fancy dinner and beginner-led barbecues. "This was clearly a very high-quality set; something you'd spring for when you really want to celebrate," Davison adds. "With two small kids, going out is a very rare occasion, so this allowed us to bring the date night home. The delivery came with a basic guide to cooking and doneness, though if you're used to grilling, you won't need them (or if you have a smart meat thermometer, which makes getting a perfect sear and juicy interior practically foolproof)." Marissa Wu This subscription box is every grill master's dream. You can choose from four different boxes, some of which contain pork, fish and chicken. But since we're talking steak, I have my eye on ButcherBox's Custom Box, which comes with 20 percent more meat than the curated boxes and can include everything from New York strip steak to chuck roast. All of ButcherBox's meat is grass-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-free and humanely pasture-raised by trusted farmers. "I got my husband a subscription to ButcherBox a few years ago as a gift, but it ended up kind of being a present for me," PureWow editor-in-chief Jillian Quint says. "We loved the quality of the steaks, the fact that they were designed to feed a family of four and the bonus of usually getting a little extra bacon thrown in as a nice surprise from the ButcherBox team." "I was skeptical at first," SEO editor Marissa Wu adds. "I'm more of a flexitarian at home and the wildest I get in the meat department is chicken; I hate touching raw meat. Also, I have beef (sorry) with texture of proteins and hate fat/cartilage/gristle/tendon, etc. I didn't once hit any of those things when I made my tacos, which was impressive. Like, I actually would buy that ground beef, just for the guarantee that it'll be so good." As for the steaks, she raved about their texture. "Sounds unreal, but the filet mignon was The top sirloin was juicy. Both were very flavorful and excellent with dabs of garlic butter. I also appreciated that all cuts had the bones removed." Stephanie Maida This family-owned company is world-famous for a reason. Omaha Steaks was founded more than 100 years ago in Nebraska, the cattle capital of the U.S., and that's where the steaks are still sourced today. All of them are grass-fed, grain-finished and aged for at least 21 days for tenderness. "Each type of steak came in its own box, and each piece was individually vacuum sealed, which was perfect for portioning and reducing waste," PureWow senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida explains. "I could defrost and cook as much or as little as I needed without opening the whole batch. The steak itself was excellent quality; they were all so fresh and beautifully marbled, and stood up well in the freezer. Upon cooking—and eating—they were perfection; tender, juicy and flavorful." Even better, the kit came with a booklet that explained each type of steak, so newbies may have an easier time with this steak delivery service than others on the market. "I found all the instructions and explainers very helpful, and felt super confident whipping these up," Maida adds. "This is great for a smaller family that wants to stretch it; just note that you get a lot of meat (at least I did in this delivery), and it does take a while to get through it if you're not eating steak every single night for dinner." If you want to see what all the hype is about, you can't go wrong with the Omaha Steaks Sampler. (Maida was also especially fond of the private reserve ribeye crown steaks and the New York strips.) If you order with standard delivery, expect it in eight to nine business days or fewer. Candace Davison Crowd Cow sources its grass-fed meat from independent, sustainable producers, including a mix of family farms and co-ops. While you have a ton to choose from (like an impressive range of American and Japanese Wagyu), I'd opt for the boneless ribeye for entertaining and gifting alike. It's prized for its marbling and tenderness without being too pricy. Shipping times vary based on your location, but many customers receive their meat in as little as two days. You also have the option of making your order a recurring delivery, so you can set it and forget it. "Crowd Cow's Wagyu steaks made me realize just how little I knew about true Wagyu," Davison admits. "I'd heard that many steaks are mislabeled, but wow—Crowd Cow's A5 Wagyu is buttery and so tender that I could practically cut it with a fork. I've been so conditioned to think thin steaks are tough that I was truly blown away by these. It's the ultimate treat for an anniversary, milestone birthday or special occasion." PureWow executive editor Alexia Dellner also tried the Wagyu (ground in beef patties), along with New York strip steaks, cowboy steak and a beef tri-tip roast. "The cuts were substantial in size, certainly enough for me and my spouse," she says, "but we also always had leftovers (except for the burgers), so each cut could easily have fed my family of four. I liked that the meat came from multiple farms, which makes me think they source the best meat from the best places." The only downside is how much space it takes up in your freezer, but Dellner advises making space nonetheless. "We typically walk a few blocks to our local butcher to get our meat from there. That meat does taste better than Crowd Cow's, however it's much more expensive, so we eat it less. It's been great having some protein in the freezer, ready to go, without having to go to the store, so the convenience factor is huge." Candace Davison Make this your one-stop shop for beef, lamb, chicken and pork, all pasture-raised on family-owned farms. (The meat is also free of hormones and antibiotics.) The steaks are dry-aged and hand-cut at Porter Road's own facilities, and unlike many other steak delivery services, most of the meat is never frozen. Instead, it's vacuum-sealed and wrapped in biodegradable insulation, which is super effective at keeping it cold. "You can't go wrong with any of Porter Road's meats," Davison claims. "The chorizo is my all-time fave—the flavor has just the right amount of spice without you having to season it at all—and the breakfast sausage makes for some of the best biscuits and gravy you'll ever know. But obviously, don't sleep on the steaks or thick-cut pork chops. Both grill up beautifully, and the cuts are superb. If you want to impress someone at dinner, this the way to do it." (P.S.: The skirt steak is a great choice, because it's quick-cooking and dry-aged, so it's incredibly tender and flavorful.) But don't just take our word for it. Customer reviews, like this one, initially piqued our interest: "This was a gift for our son's birthday. He grilled the steaks for he and his wife and said it was the best he has ever had! This is the second year we have sent them a gift box of meat from Porter Road. The quality of their meat is the best we have ever tried." Stephanie Meraz Ever met a butcher who invented a whole new breed of cattle? I didn't think so. That's what makes family-owned Snake River Farms so special. They first bred Wagyu with high-quality cattle in the '80s and have been perfecting their meat's unique marbling and deep flavor ever since. (Try the American Wagyu top sirloin on for size.) The best part? You get to choose your delivery date. PureWow's former associate fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz tried four American Wagyu steaks from the brand. "I don't cook if I can help it, and since I was visiting my mom's place, I managed to convinced her to cook it for us one night," she explains. "Following the instructions, she used salt, pepper and butter on the steaks and couldn't stop talking about how they were the best steaks she's ever cooked and the best steaks that she's tasted. The beef was so tender and bursting with flavor. What I liked most was that they were thick and didn't have a lot of fat. As for the steaks, I really appreciated that you didn't have to do much for them to taste amazing." In case you aren't sure which cut to buy, take this customer review: "This company has the best steaks I have EVER had. For Father's Day, my husband barbecued a cowboy steak that I bought him a while is the best, it just melts in your mouth. I would give this company 20 stars if I could, customer for life!" What Are the Best Steak Cuts for Grilling? From Ribeye to Tri-Tip, Here Are 10 We Love PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
I'm a Miami Native and Suggest You Book These Kid-Friendly Airbnbs in Florida ASAP
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. The right home base when traveling with your family can make or break your trip. As a Florida native (I was born in Miami and over the years have lived all over the state from the Gulf Coast to Jacksonville to Gainesville), I am conscious of how different communities, landscapes and attractions can really bond a family in fun or leave them cold. The state has so much to offer, in addition to its inarguable theme park domination and sunny disposition—I set out to determine which rental homes could claim being the best kid-friendly Airbnbs in Florida; I wanted people staying there, to see the Sunshine State's most beautiful places in the best light. I asked colleagues for intel about what they look for when traveling with kids. 'I zoom in on the pictures and look for soft-sided furniture and minimal breakable decor. Some are so heavily decorated that you spend half your stay on edge, trying to keep things out of reach or worrying about what kids will get into,' VP of editorial content and mom-of-two, Candace Davison says. 'After having a friend whose kid rolled over in the middle of the night and cracked her forehead on the corner of a mirrored nightstand, bleeding everywhere, I became much more aware of the types of furniture in a bedroom and living room, especially.' Additionally, I was schooled to note cleanliness, and check the ratings: 'I love a SuperHost,' says editor Dara Katz. While proximity to attractions is a plus, one friend swears by nabbing a home a little further away because 'you get more of a house that way.' Additionally, I perused reviews to see exactly what joys and pain points other families reported—it takes a village, even when you're booking your Airbnb. Finally, I edited the list to include properties that are available beginning in late April 2025—but book now, because these places are so rave-worthy, they're destined to sell out soon. 'My two biggest priorities are location and number of bedrooms,' says PureWow executive editor Alexia Dellner. 'It's all well and good being in the middle of downtown, but I don't have any use for cool art galleries and hip bars when I'm on a family vacation with young kids. I need access to kid-friendly museums and restaurants, and preferably some type of outdoor area where they can run around every day (my kids are like dogs in that way).' Dellner maintains that she's learned, after many years of trial and error, that 'as a family, we can really only handle max one big activity per day (museum, theme park, etc.) and that the rest of the day needs to be spent by the Airbnb/hotel doing something fun but low-key (like hitting the beach or going to a playground or watching a movie). As for bedrooms, we can all snuggle up together if necessary (not preferable—I swear my kids run marathons in their sleep!).' Dellner says she insists on booking a property that has some other type of space that her husband and she can unwind in while her little kids are in bed: 'Honestly, that's when the real vacation happens for us!' she laughs. 'Also for location, proximity to the airport is ideal. After traveling on an airplane with a toddler, my nerves can't handle a 90-minute car me to the Airbnb (and a glass of wine!) stat,' the mom-of-three says. Experts Tell Us the Best Time to Visit Disney World in 2025 (as Well as The Absolute Worst) Airbnb This very clean, very close to the beach Airbnb is a great crash pad for small, active families who want to be close to the surf and don't need extra amenities. Since the pools, gym and hot tubs are closed at the moment, the rate has been discounted, which is a boon for value-minded guests who look forward to waking up with an ocean view. From $127/night Airbnb A screen-in pool patio and expansive game room threaten to keep you home bound at this Crystal River-adjacent home with three bedrooms that give one or two sets of parents their own rooms, with two single beds in the third bedroom and a comfy couch in the main room, along with a portable crib for whichever room you're in. Have a teen that wants gaming time? The game room has a games console, 60-inch TV with Roku and also a pool table. And there's a roomy backyard to throw kid-safe darts and just run little legs off. But still, make time or whatever deals with the littles necessary to take in some sightseeing at nearly Crystal River, the spring-fed Gulf water oasis that lets you float with manatees, take in wildlife via an airboat or other aquatic adventure. From $245/night Airbnb Take the gang to the beaches (Flagler, Daytona, Matanzas) or even Disney World from home base at this airy home with double-height living room and heated saltwater pool. The kitchen has an attached breakfast room, while the screened-in patio with a saltwater pool has its own separate grilling kitchen—great for making a mess of burgers and hot dogs for the crew. Days can be spent here interspersed with trips to historic St. Augustine where besides crawling over an old fort, the family can beachcomb and sunbathe on the long beautiful flat stretch of sand. From $241/night Airbnb Does your family enjoy boating and all manner of water sports? Welcome to the sweet little village of Bradford, halfway from Gainesville to Tallahassee on the Suwannee River. Pickett Lake is quiet and unspoiled and this home has access to a boat ramp 100 yards down the road; the house itself has four kayaks, a canoe and a paddle board to launch right from the property, where you can also fish from the dock. There's an outdoor grill and backyard fire pit with firewood set aside for you to enjoy s'mores with the kids after a long day on the water. From $129/night Airbnb Fifteen minutes from Siesta Key Beach, this home has something for everyone: a regulation-size pickleball court right in the front yard, a screened lanai with a cute couch and comfy bean bag chairs and more than 100 board games accessible on a digital game table. Close by is the world-renowned beauty, Siesta Key Beach. This barrier island beach is special because unlike most beaches, which are made of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's powdery white sand is 99 percent quartz, most of which is millions of years old and comes from the Appalachian Mountains. (And the little town of Siesta Key itself made the PureWow list of best beach towns in Florida.) From $257/night Airbnb Want a vacation home that feels and looks baller? This sleek home right on the Intracoastal Waterway with a heated pool has an open plan, so the chef's kitchen flows right into the dining room and living room, all overlooking the pool deck. Older kids will enjoy watching boats float by as they're playing Marco Polo in the pool. Beach towels, umbrella, beach blanket, snorkeling gear are all ready to take to the beach just 15 minutes away, and there are two beach cruisers to enjoy during your stay. From $784/night Airbnb Just southwest of the center of Orlando and 15 minutes from Disney World, this house in a gated community is a great option if you're getting families or multiple generations together to vacation near the theme park, but want something for everyone to enjoy. The Champions Gate community includes a restaurant, swimming pools, water slides, kids pool, arcades, cinema, sand volleyball court as well as a game room right inside the gates, and at your own home there's a pool with Jacuzzi. And for convenience, there's a babies kit with a crib, high chair and pram that's available for $49 for your entire stay. From $304/night Airbnb Fido is welcome in this tile-floor Old Florida style bungalow, and he's equally welcome on nearby Ormond and Daytona beaches. That live-and-let-live ease is a hallmark of this area, a short distance from shopping and dining, and a less than two-minute walk to kayak launch and fishing dock. The king-sized bed, dog beaches and fenced-in, tree-shaded back yard are going to add up to your pet's best vacay ever. From $148/night Clean and stylishly decorated, this home gets high marks for not only its 10-minute proximity to Disney but also its preponderance of toys: a pool table, table tennis, mini golf and a play area for the kids. The pool can be heated for $30/day (a standard fee) but that's only necessary during the coldest months. Parents appreciate the nearby Walmart for last-minute supplies, as well as the open-plan kitchen that lets you keep an eye on the kids while you're prepping meals. From $256/night Airbnb Disney superfans will delight in this little gated retreat of three log cabins originally used by Disney that have been updated for guest use. You're just 20 minutes away from the parks, but in a quiet wooded area. Each cabin can be rented separately or as a group, which is perfect for families who are traveling together. Best of all, the furnishings are vintage Disney frontier-type design: chairs fastened from tree limbs, leather ottomans and wooden décor carved in wildlife shapes. From $235/night Airbnb Every year from May to October, this little gulf coast community hosts scores of sea turtles who nest on its beaches to lay eggs that later hatch, freeing tiny little turtles that find their way alone into the waves. Staying at this home less than 10 minute's walk from the beach gives your family access to this spectacle as well as a launching point to explore Florida's Everglades National Park, a 50-minute drive away. Or drive just 10 minutes east to Goodland, a tiny fishing village where you can charter a day of fishing to create some family lore, if not dinner. (And for all you shoulder season travel aficionados, the Everglades is among the best fall getaways in Florida.) From $579/night Book It: The 21 Best Resorts with Kids Clubs in the U.S., Caribbean & Mexico
