Happy Friday Eve! The weekend is NEAR. And to get you through these last couple of days, we’ve got some fresh, family-friendly inspiration.

The theme of our second issue is: Near and Far Favorites. To start, we’re dishing on Portugal and what makes it our most-recommended European destination for first-time overseas travel with children. (Beaches! History! And… affordability!)

And then, we’re sharing details on a (near-to-us) multi-gen trip to Ohio’s Hocking Hills, where we stayed in an adorable and eclectic A-frame that’s perfect for kids and teens. We’re also rounding up our most used road trip essentials to help ensure smooth sailing in this last stretch of summer.

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Our family favorite European destination

History. Vibrant cities. Stunning beaches. And affordability. Pair all these perks with a kid-friendly culture and you’ve found yourself Portugal—one of the nearest European countries and a direct flight from many U.S. cities.

This small stretch of a country hugs Spain’s western edge and runs along the Atlantic Ocean, boasting iconic cities like Lisbon and Porto, and within a few hours’ drive, the gorgeous cliff-encased beaches of the Algarve region.  

Between the diversity of setting and ease in getting around via rental car, Portugal makes a particularly family-friendly escape. We recommend splitting a springtime or summer stay between big city and coastal bluffs, and detail our recommendations in this article:

We’re going on a bear hunt…

Just kidding. But this design-forward A-frame, tucked in a wooded lot near Ohio’s geological gem, Hocking Hills State Park, may have your littles thinking otherwise.

Our favorite feature is the mini A-frame playhouse that sits in the front yard, where parents can watch kids romp around from the patio rocking chairs. (You’ll find a bonfire pit and hot tub outdoors, too!) Inside, a sunken conversation pit steals the show as soon as you walk in the door. A separate lowest-level living space and bunk room create a designated “teen zone,” but all ages will adore the hanging swing lounger, found up a ladder and in a cozy nook near the very top of the A-frame ceiling.

Four bedrooms sleep up to eight adults, which means that you may be able to invite a friend or two! You can read up on all the details as well as our recommended, fam-friendly hikes at the below link.

Road trips aren’t for the faint of heart. Especially if you’ve got little ones in the car with you, squirming in car seats and always one bumpy road away from needing a barf bag. (Sorry, we had to say it.) These must-haves - including a clever spinning snack tray - have helped in a pinch.

• Snack Spinner | $30

• Dress Up Travel Tins | $10
  These tins pull double-duty when used for Magnatile builds!

• Magnatile 15-Piece Kit | $29

• Dramamine | $5

• LCD Doodle Board | $13

• Flexible Rubber Sunnies | $10

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