Holiday Entertaining with Kids in Mind!

With holiday entertaining right around the corner, visions of festive table settings, recipes and holiday cocktails fill our head – but let’s not overlook the kids’ table! Our Friends at Juicy Juice have offered these great ideas!

Give little ones the opportunity to help set their own table, with kid-friendly decorating and menu ideas like these:

Make a kids-only menu item: A fun way to get kids involved and excited about the holiday season is to have them make a dish just for them. Try a low-stress, minimal ingredient recipe like Baked Apples (from Juicy Juice). End result: a seasonal and healthy dessert or side just for kids.

Serve festive drinks for the kids, too:
Let the little ones sip on a glass of Apple Cider (made with Juicy Juice), a warm Christmas Cheer punch or set up a DIY drink station so they can make something special for themselves. Help kids combine half juice such as Juicy Juice with no added sugar, half sparkling water and add an easy fruit garnish or a festive straw. For younger kids, you can put a colorful selection of Juicy Juice boxes in an open cooler or bucket of ice so they can serve themselves.


Kids-Table Chic: Whether they help pick the color scheme, set the table or craft the centerpiece, let kids have a say in what goes at their table. Work together to create a centerpiece where guests can write what they’re thankful for on a paper leaf or make a Juice Box Turkey place setting with supplies found around the house.

·         Endless Entertainment: For a rustic look (and a way to keep kids entertained during dinner) use brown craft paper in lieu of a tablecloth and set out some crayons and pencils for drawing and tic-tac-toe.

Thank you Juicy Juice!

Tactics for Discussing Childproofing with Grandparents!

image courtesy of imagerymajestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sadly,  often times, new parents are uneasy bringing their children to stay at grandparents' homes because the space lacks childproofing measures and may present numerous potential hazards.  So how do you tell your parents (or in-laws) that you hesitate to visit because you fear for your child(ren)'s safety?  Delicately, but firmly.

As kids, we all cringed when our parents delivered the "there comes a time..." talk to us.  No matter the topic (money, driving, sex, friends, etc.) it all came down to one simple lesson: accept personal responsibility for keeping yourself and those around you safe.  As parents, they had the benefit of the most up-to-date information on how to prevent the tragedies that could happen, so it truly was in our best interest to heed their advice (even if only grudgingly).

The same principle will apply when you have "The Talk" with your own parents (and in-laws) as a parent yourself.  In years past, young parents relied upon their own parents' experience almost exclusively to determine their parenting practices; however, the dawn of the information age has expanded the available knowledge base for new parents and has helped raise awareness of methods for keeping infants and young children safe (not to mention the medical and technological advances that have been made over the last 30 years!).

Heartbreaking statistics show that accidents remain the leading cause of serious and fatal injury to young children; changing everything from the way we select car seats to how we childproof our homes.  Sharing this information, along with your concerns for maximizing the enjoyment of visits by minimizing the stressors, can help ease the discussion's tension.  Below are two common scenarios you may encounter and suggestions for diplomatic responses.

Scenario:

• The "we raised you without all that stuff and you lived" mentality.  It's true, anyone reading this survived childhood, perhaps with just a few bumps and bruises, or perhaps with more serious injury; but why gamble with any child's safety? 

Tactics:

• Assure your parents that you are not attacking their parenting style or ability; share with them that by taking a few simple steps to childproof their home they would have more fun with their grandchildren because they would spend less time saying "no" and more time enjoying the visit.  Also (but only if its true!) let them know that childproofing would increase your comfort level during visits and may result in more frequent visits!
• For resistant parents, offer to bring your own childproofing supplies and take them with you when you go; it may be cumbersome, but it's worth it if it helps smooth familial tension. 
• If they are truly resistant, suggest visiting at a park or in your own home instead; not ideal, but you have to stand up for your child(ren)'s safety - you would never be able to forgive yourself if your child(ren) suffered injury or death because you acquiesced to save someone hurt feelings.

Scenario:

• Your parents or in-laws don't understand, don't have space for, or cannot afford "all those fancy gizmos."

Tactics:

• As mentioned above, you can transport and install your own safety items each time; or, consider offering to buy a childproofing kit, like the compact one developed by Travel-Tot, featuring an assortment of outlet covers, corner guards, pinch guards, and cabinet/door securing devices to be stored at grandma and grandpa's house for visits (minimizing what you need to carry along)! One of the nicest features of Travel-Tot's Travel Childproofing Kit is that the adhesive is temporary, so it goes on strong, but comes off clean without damage to finishes or furniture!

When you confront your parents or in-laws, firmly, but politely make it clear that while you do want to be able to share the joy of their grandchildren with them, your child(ren)'s safety is your priority.  Precious few bonds are as important as those between children and grandparents; and those bonds will only be strengthened by having open and honest lines of communication about important issues like safety.

Safe and happy travels.

-Destination Mom

Fall: The Perfect Season for Family Fun!

Fall is one of the best seasons to have fun as a family: not only because of the beautiful scenery in areas where the leaves are changing, but because of the myriad of fun, inexpensive, old-fashioned, family activities that abound! Add to that how beneficial it can be to take a little escape from the stresses of a new school year and you have the perfect recipe for fall family fun!

1. The Fall "Staycation"

This kind of get-away doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. With fall colors at their peak, a scenic drive, hike, camping trip or visit to a farm can be a real treat! Consider checking your local area for seasonal carnivals or festivals which generally have something fun for everyone!

2. Festive Decorations

image courtesy of Aduldej/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

No time for a get-away? A day of crafty activities to decorate your home for the season can be tons of fun (some great craft ideas can be found at the All Kids Network)!  Visit local farms (or other retailers) and grab some hay bails, pumpkins, apples, gourds, and flowers. Collect leaves for various crafts, make a scarecrow as a family, paint or carve some pumpkins, create stamps, bake something delicious! Serve seasonal snacks; drink cider, snack on pumpkin seeds, and enjoy the crisp fall air. Let the kids get messy and run around; it's a great chance to let them flex their creative muscles and burn off some energy!

3. Dining Al Fresco

Another great day activity can be a local fall food tour!  Check out local farm stands, wineries, and festivals to savor some great fall favorites: festive cupcakes, apple pie, pumpkin pie, cider donuts, pumpkin ravioli, apple cider, pumpkin seeds, jams, etc..  Consider bringing home some fresh produce to try a new recipe!

A little planning can help ensure everyone enjoys themselves no matter how you choose to spend time together! Have older children make a list of places they'd like to visit and activities they'd like to try. Stay flexible, but try to have a plan in place to keep the fun going!  Most of all relax and enjoy your time together making memories.

Safe and happy fall fun!

-Destination Mom

Apps We Love: Queen Bee in Paris!

image used with permission from Happy Dandelion

If you've ever dreamed of taking your kids on a European adventure, but just haven't managed to make it a financial reality, we have a great way to prepare their minds, hearts, and spirits for all that awaits them when they get there! From the creative minds at Happy Dandelion, comes the next installment in their captivating Tiny Tourist series: the Queen Bee in Paris app (don't miss their Little Lamb in Amsterdam app for an equally beautiful overview of that city!). This interactive, extraordinarily executed e-book provides little minds with a spectacular overview of the iconic images, culture, and history of France. At 26 pages, this e-book is an engrossing collection of adorable, animated illustrations, with snippets of some of the most famous masterpieces featured in the city's famed museums. 

While the app is perfect for children of any age, it bears mentioning that even adults will find it entertaining (look for nods to such historical figures as Marie Antoinette and the more contemporary Je Suis Charlie). Be sure to take advantage of the brief historical lessons available by swiping on each of the pages, and consider setting the app to the French language option to share the joy of a foreign tongue with your curious little learner! 

We just love this app, and can't recommend it highly enough!  So do yourself (and your child!) a favor and check it out today! You can download Queen Bee in Paris (iOS or Android) for only $4.99 - a total steal for this masterpiece in it's own right!

Destination: Plymouth, MA!

This past week, my family was fortunate to spend a long weekend visiting relatives up near Cape Cod. We try to visit at least once a year and always enjoy spending time with cousins, swimming, playing, eating and just catching up! This year, we were able to stay a little longer than normal and decided to check out some of the local historical and natural sights in the area, and with so many to choose from, that was no small feat!

Mayflower II, Plymouth Harbor

After much discussion, we decided to explore the Plimoth Plantation, a living museum boasting a re-creation of a Native American Homesite as well as a 17th century English Village and Craft House. The homesite featured actual Native persons demonstrating everyday tasks such as: canoe making, cooking, and weaving, all while fielding visitors' questions. Similarly, the village had costumed role-players who showed the tasks of everyday life in the 17th century and answered questions all while conducting their chores, which included everything from grinding grain to repairing perimeter fences to protect the village,  In the Craft House, artists demonstrated English lottery making, wood working and baking.  There is also normally a tour of a re-creation of the ship which brought the Pilgrims to the area, the Mayflower (called the Mayflower II); however, this particular weekend the ship was out for repairs. The whole experience was a delightful walking tour with something for everyone!

Humpback Whale

We also decided to go on our very first Whale Watch! We took a four-hour trip out of Plymouth Harbor on the Tails of the Sea; the ship was operated by Captain John's Whale Watching and Fishing Tours and offered two trips daily. We went in the afternoon and were astonished when we encountered a humpback mother and calf who were curious about the boat and who played and swam just off the bow for an hour! It was a truly beautiful experience, and one I know my daughter will never forget.  After the whale watch we were rushing to meet family for dinner, so we did not get to see the famed Plymouth Rock; but it is located right in Plymouth Harbor.

In all, the trip was a ton of fun, and while the Whale Watch might be tough with children under age 5, I would highly recommend it for those traveling with school-aged children. For both excursions, we brought a lot of sunscreen and water, and were glad to have both.  Also, unless it is the peak of summer, a light jacket will help keep passengers (particularly children) warm on the boat, which can get cool and breezy as you head out of the harbor. 

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

The Comprehensive Campsite: Courtesy of Fix.com

It's summer and, for many families, that means camping time!!! Whether you're a veteran camper or planning your first family adventure, preparation is key and we have just the resource for you! The article below is reprinted with permission from Fix.com and was written by Amy Whitley - we simply love the thoroughness of the lists and the fantastic infographic featured at the end! So get camping and make some magical memories!

Camping Packing Lists and Tips

Everything You Need to Bring to the Campsite

Family camping trips are an excellent way to spend time together in the outdoors and enjoy a vacation on a budget, provided you have some camping tips and hacks up your sleeve. Otherwise, it can take as long to prepare and pack for a camping trip as the trip itself! To ensure that you’re ready for that next weekend trip to the woods, use the following camping packing lists and tips.

The Camp Kitchen

Organizing and packing your camp kitchen is often the most complicated part of preparing for a camping trip. The workaround is having dedicated camping pots and pans, utensils, and kitchen gadgets stored apart from your home kitchen, which will save you time and effort in packing and unpacking daily supplies. Here’s what you need:

Kitchen Packing List:

• Camp stove: Opt for a lightweight backpacking stove or traditional car camping stove.
• Fuel: Make sure you have the correct propane fuel for your stove.
• Plates, cups, and eating utensils (1 per family member): Use paper products or opt for reusable mess kits, which are available in outdoor stores.
• Tablecloth: Buy a cheap one at a dollar store.
• Dishwashing tub: Opt for a plastic tub or nylon, sealed, collapsible tub.
• Dishwashing supplies: Paper or cloth towels or dishrags; dish soap; and sponge.
• Matches
• Fire starter
• Ice
• Cooler
• Tarp
• Grill (optional): Most campsites provide a grill over the fire pit.
• Camp table (optional): Helpful for organization, but not necessary.
• Kitchen tools/utensils: Spatula, all-purpose knife, potholders, serving ladle, butter knife, tongs, long skewers for s'mores or meat-on-a-stick, and tin foil.

Try this kitchen packing hack: Store your kitchen tools and utensils in a toiletry bag or other small bag to keep them organized and clean between uses at a dusty campground. It will be easy to hang them from a tree branch for easy use when you’re at your site.

The Camp Sleeping Quarters

Everyone wants to be warm and cozy at night! Whether you’re camping in warm or colder climates, everyone in your family will need the essentials to ensure that they’re safe at night. Store tents and sleeping pads in a second large tote, making it easy to pack up the car and head to the campsite at any time.

Sleeping Packing List:

• Tent(s): Opt for one large family tent or 2–3 smaller tents. Larger tents have the advantage of space, but small tents fit in cozier campsites.
• Sleeping bags: Buy sleeping bags rated at 20 degrees F, unless you know you’ll be camping in colder climates. A 20–40 degrees F bag works for most camping experiences. Down or down-alternative bags pack down smaller and are lighter and warmer than cotton or nylon/polyester bags.
• Sleeping pads: Opt for thick blow-up mattresses for car camping, or save space with backpacking pads that inflate with just a few breaths of air.
• Ground tarp: Don’t skip the ground tarps. They protect your tent floor and keep the dew and cold at bay.
• Towels and personal hygiene items: One per family member!
• Flashlights or headlamps: One per family member. Everyone should have their own light source for safety and convenience.
• Lantern: One per family will do. Ideally, your lantern can transition from kitchen area to tent and back.

Try this sleeping quarters hack: Buy a ground tarp one size larger than your tent, and use the overhanging space as a place to take off shoes and wipe off feet before entering the tent.

The Campfire Area

Camping just isn’t camping without a comforting campfire, right? The campfire area is important, but there’s good news: it’s easy to pack for!

Campfire area packing list:

• Firewood: Buy on-site, or save money by buying it at a local grocery store.
• Matches and fire starter: You’ll already have these in your camp kitchen supplies. The type of fire starter you use is up to you; we like fire disks or fire cubes.
• Axe or hatchet: Useful for breaking down firewood. Store away from children.
• Camp chairs: Some campsites include a bench around the fire ring, but for most, you’ll want collapsible camp chairs. To save space in the car, opt for the smaller, lighter versions sold in backpacking stores.
• S’mores: Be sure to bring the ingredients for this tasty campfire treat!
• Deck of cards or board game: Everyone enjoys playing a game around the fire.
• Lantern: This item is already with your sleeping supplies!

Try this campfire area hack: Never bring firewood all the way from home. It takes up lots of room in your car or truck, which could otherwise be used for other items, and it could be banned from your campground if you’re driving any distance. Campgrounds often require local wood to be burned in an effort to reduce foreign insect species from invading new areas.

Miscellaneous Items Campers Love

Think you have everything you need? Probably not! Read the list of extras below and decide what you can’t live without!

• Insect repellent or wristbands
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper and shovel (if you don’t have a campground restroom)
• Inflatable wading pool for small children to play in
• Playpen for babies to stay off the dirt (sometimes)
• Clothespins and a clothesline to hang wet clothing
• Extra sheet or towel to hang in the tent to create “rooms”
• Hammock
• Baby wipes to clean hands and faces
• Camera
• Water/wading shoes
• Small net and bucket to use in streams
• Small toys for kids to use in camp
• Bikes or scooters for larger campgrounds

When you get settled in at the campsite, don't forget to pack a list of camp rules and games for kids. Kids and campgrounds go together perfectly, as long as a few safety rules are in place. Make sure kids know the following in the camp kitchen, sleeping, and campfire areas:

1. Never run around the campfire.
2. Ask before using any kitchen knives or hatchets.
3. Turn off flashlights and headlamps after using to save batteries.
4. Ask a parent before exploring a campground.

Once you’re set up at your campground, entertain kids at the campsite by encouraging them to collect natural objects like sticks, moss, leaves, or bark to make into art pieces. Kids also love having scavenger hunts around the campground (bring a list of items to collect) or riding bikes or scooters around the camp loops. If you have a cell phone with you, encourage kids to look for geocache treasures. There are caches at almost every campground across the United States.

Source: Fix.com

Tips for Successfully Traveling with a Group!

Thinking of travelling with another family or other adults? Before you go, take some time to discuss these important details together:

• 

  Image courtesy of photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

  what each person wants to get out of the trip (i.e., activities, sites  to visit, cuisines enjoyed, etc.)
• how chores and childcare will be divided
• how you'd like to balance spending time, together and apart
• how you'll split the bills (best to discuss this way before the trip is finalized so that everyone's financial situation is accommodated and no one feels like they need to overspend!)

A simple discussion beforehand can help ensure that your trip is enjoyable and that everyone knows what to expect up front!

Family Summer Bucket List!

image courtesy of photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The school year is rapidly drawing to a close, and many families are starting to get "summer fever!" Maybe a fun family getaway is even already booked; but do you really know what your family wants to do this summer? Try asking!  

Take a day to try and schedule an informal family meeting (you could even discuss it over a meal!), to ask for input for summer fun from each of your family members. Then use that feedback to create a "Family Summer Bucket List!" 

Here are a few tips to make your list making experience fun and feasible:

• All family members should be respectful and take turns speaking
• No mocking or ridiculing other family members' ideas or suggestions
• Though each idea may not appeal to everyone, all activities must be family-friendly
• All activities must fit within the family-determined budget
• All activities must be safe and legal
• All suggestions should be open for discussion unless they do not conform to safety or other considerations

Ideas can be as complex as planning a family trip abroad or as simple as proposing a family picnic, use your imagination! Bucket-listing can help a family discern which interests or activities the family members share, and by including the kids in the list-making process they will be more invested in the activities you ultimately select! So grab a tablet, laptop, or pen and paper and have at it!

Destination: Safari West - Santa Rosa, CA!

SAFARI WEST DECLARED  “BEST FAMILY FUN” IN THE WEST BY SUNSET MAGAZINE

Santa 

Rosa’s Acclaimed Animal Sanctuary and Wildlife Preserve 

Recognized in the 

First-Ever Sunset Travel Awards

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (May 26, 2015) Garnering national attention for Santa Rosa, Safari West has been declared the “Best Family Fun” destination in the West by Sunset magazine. The acclaimed Santa Rosa attraction is one of 30 award recipients of the first-ever Sunset Travel Awards, which honor the West’s top destinations in lodging, dining, cultural tourism, outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship and other categories.

“To be a finalist for a Sunset Travel Award puts you in extremely good company; to be a winner puts you among a group of elite A-list destinations and experiences,” note the editors at Sunset. “This destination represents an unparalleled experience for any Western traveler.”

Safari West is an accredited zoo, a premier resort and, most importantly, a wildlife preserve committed to conservation through education. Home to 900 birds and mammals and more than 90 unique species, this “Sonoma Serengeti” offers the unique opportunity to see giraffes, cheetahs, wildebeests, flamingos and many other species on three-hour guided safari tours. Today, 10,000 of the 60,000 annual guests are students who visit the Santa Rosa preserve to participate in one of its many educational programs, with subjects that include veterinary, osteology, animal husbandry, physiology, anatomy, and ethnology.

Guests can also embark on private beer or wine tasting safaris, indulge in the gourmet Savannah Grill BBQ, and experience “glamping” with an overnight stay in one of 31 luxurious tents, imported directly from South Africa. Built on high wooden platforms with spacious decks overlooking the animal enclosures, the tents feature plush beds, rustic but elegant decor, hot showers with gleaming copper basins in the private bathrooms and one-of-a kind hand hewn furniture.

Brad Calkins, Executive Director of Visit Santa Rosa, notes: “Safari West truly represents the best of Santa Rosa, bringing together unparalleled natural beauty, adventure, education about the environment, and wine country-inspired food and drink.”

Safari West is among the 30 winners of the 2015 Sunset Travel Awards currently featured in the June issue of Sunset magazine and on Sunset.com, reaching six million consumers per month. A full list of winners from the 2015 Sunset Travel Awards can be found online at www.sunset.com/travelawards.

More information on family-friendly activities, dining and lodging in Santa Rosa is available online at www.visitsantarosa.com. For press inquiries, high resolution photos, or interview requests, contact Marcella Thompkins at 213-985-1011 or marcella@mccuecommunications.com.

About Visit Santa Rosa

Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa, California has an abundance of recreational activities, epicurean delights and scenic vistas for visitors to enjoy. Situated in the heart of Northern California’s world-famous Wine Country and just 30 minutes from the stunning coast, it is Sonoma County’s largest city, with a small-town feel. Home to superb wineries and craft breweries, some of the country’s best bicycling routes, and the Charles M. Schulz Museum – along with many other attractions – this warm and friendly city is a blend of art and culture, food, wine and recreation.

“Visit Santa Rosa” is the tourism brand administered by the Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau, a division of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. The bureau provides assistance to visitors and groups seeking information about lodging, dining and entertainment opportunities in Santa Rosa. It also operates an Official State of California Welcome Center and helps to bring major events to Santa Rosa, such as the Amgen Tour of California. For more information, call (800) 404-7673 or (707) 577-8674 or see www.VisitSantaRosa.com.

About Sunset

Sunset (www.sunset.com) is the leading lifestyle brand in the West. Through magazines and books, events and experiences, and digital and social media, Sunset covers the West's best flavors, destinations, design trends, and innovations. Sunset engages and inspires an audience of over six million educated, active and affluent consumers every month through its five regional print editions—Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, Southwest and Mountain—as well as via all tablet devices and its website. In addition to its print and digital publication, Sunset showcases the region’s unique lifestyle and noteworthy destinations through its flagship events, established home programs, licensing partners, books and International Wine Competition. Sunset is produced by Time Inc., one of the largest media companies in the world.

How To Get Your Child Excited For The Trip!

image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Travel can be exciting, and sharing the adventure with your child(ren) can make it that much more fun!  But while adults generally have some idea of what will happen on a journey, to many young children travel may be a bit intimidating.  Preparing young travellers for an upcoming adventure can go a long way toward helping them get excited for the journey and enjoying the experience!

Air, water, or rail travel can be unnerving to a child who has never experienced the sounds, vibrations, and motions that adults can take for granted.  Take some time to show your child a model (or the real thing if it is locally available for viewing!) of whatever mode of transportation you will be using.  Discuss what they can expect, keeping things simple and offering them reassurance that you will be with them at all times and that there is nothing they need to be fearful of.

A few weeks before you hit the road, try to get your little adventurers excited about the place you're about to visit. Check out documentaries, maps, books, newspapers, folk tales, advertisements, music; whatever is appropriate. Try not to make it seem like a chore, but rather a journey of it's own that will give them a chance to determine what they'd like to see or do when they actually arrive! 

Picture books or videos can offer a world of information about your vacation destination, as can magazine or Internet photos of local sights they may see! If your children are old enough you can even make a game of looking at the images - asking questions such as "what do you think you can hear (or see or smell) from this spot?" If you can acquire images of actual places you are visiting, it can be great fun to bring them and try to navigate to the exact spot to experience it as a family!

Finally, the journey doesn't have to end when the trip comes to its inevitable conclusion - memories and impressions from the adventure can last a lifetime!  Encourage older children to keep or create a travel journal chronicling their impressions of the places they visited - it doesn't have to be more than a sentence here or there, just something that will remind them of what they saw and experienced.  Young children can do likewise by capturing a favorite spot or activity in a drawing!

A little planning can truly make a big difference when it comes to travelling with children. The few extra minutes you devote to introducing them to what they will be experiencing can help prevent meltdowns, panic, and worry, and the time spent exploring your vacation destination beforehand can enrich the exploration upon arrival! Bonus for Mom and Dad: here's a great little resource for other tips that can help smooth the path for Baby's First Vacation!

Happy Travels!

- Destination Mom

Light Up the Night!

One of the items in my travel bag-of-tricks is a small assortment of "glow" bracelets, necklaces, sticks, etc..  I try to pick them up whenever I see them on sale at Target or 5 Below because we have found them infinitely useful and entertaining when we travel (and even for stay-cations!).  Perfect for nightlights or playing games in the dark (in the hotel, camping, on the beach, in the backyard, in the car, etc.); for many years they have been one of my daughter's favorite parts of our family getaways!  They are also fantastic to have in case of emergencies (i.e. blackouts, breakdowns where visibility is important, etc.)!

Warning: Glow sticks are not designed for use by children under age 5.  Glow sticks contain toxic chemicals and should only be used in accordance with packaging directions (consult manufacturer's directions for instructions and warnings).

Destination: National Parks - Five of Our Faves!

Some of the most memorable trips of my youth were the simplest, yet most extraordinary, and what could fit that description better than a visit to one of our country's beautiful National Parks?  We are so fortunate to live in a country with such a diversity of natural wonders; lush forests, geysers, astounding rock formations, even volcanoes! Below is just a sampling of what our National Parks have to offer to visitors of all ages - from coast to coast, whether desert or tropical climate, there are memories waiting to be made in one of our nation's greatest treasures!

South Rim

1. Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Grand Canyon is one of the most celebrated National Parks in the U.S.; but it's easy to make the mistake of driving to one of its many overlooks, gazing out upon its majestic scenery, and then leaving. Why not etch the grandeur of the park into your family's collective memory by truly experiencing the Grand Canyon? Consider taking a hike or even a guided tour (by land, water, or air!) to get a closer look at the canyon; there's the family friendly Bright Angel Trail for hikers or the pricier, but truly extraordinary, "flightseeing" option!  Quick word of warning, because of excessively high temperatures in the summer months, autumn is the best season to visit; also, visitors should always pack adequate water.

2. Arches (Utah)

Arches is one of the smallest and most inviting National Parks; as well as one of the most breathtaking. Along a variety of trails you’ll find astounding stone arches and rock formations, each more spectacular than the last (it is estimated that the park contains upwards of 1,500 arches!). Families travelling with young children should take the easy walks along Balanced Rock path or stop and wander at the overlook point for Delicate Arch.  The park also plays host to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and many trails are paved for accessibility!  Added bonus: Arches National Park is conveniently situated only five miles from Moab, one of the nation’s premier camping, hiking, and mountain biking destinations.

3. Hawaii Volcanoes (Hawaii)

The Big Island offers visitors a chance to experience active volcanoes close-up at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This hot spot finds fiery lava flowing from the mouth of one of the world’s most active volcanoes; Kilauea regularly spews molten lava that reshapes the landscape as it flows down into the Pacific. Mauna Loa (the world's largest volcano) is also found here. The parks are accessible by car or foot and feature a multitude of some of the greatest sights volcanism has to offer, including the Thurston Lava Tube! The park also offers several don't-miss favorites for kids, including: Echo Crater and Pu'uloa Petroglyphs!

4. Yellowstone (Wyoming and Montana)

Located on the border of Wyoming and Montana, Yellowstone is the country's first, and arguably best, National Park. Visitors of all ages marvel at the eruption of Old Faithful's towering geyser, the prolific wildlife, and the majestic scenery. With guided tours via bike or horseback, hiking, boating, and fishing, Yellowstone offers plenty of activities for families with children of any age!  Don't miss The National Geographic Society's map that highlights historical, environmental, and cultural points of interest in the region!

5. Acadia (Maine)

Rock Formations
at Thunder Hole

Situated just outside of Bar Harbor on the eastern seaboard of Maine, Acadia National Park is considered the jewel of the northeast. From the mystifying forests of Mount Desert Island to the amazing views of the Atlantic from the peak of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia is an outdoor adventure to be savored!  With miles of hiking trails, beautiful overlooks, and tidepool-laden beaches, Acadia has something to offer visitors of any age!  Best in the autumn (when blackflies and mosquitoes are absent and the foliage is spectacular!), Acadia offers a number of activities for kids of all ages, including: Ranger-Narrated Boat Tours and a variety of Children's Programs. After a day outdoors, be sure to recharge with some fantastic local cuisine (our fave: the Maine lobster-bake at Stewman's Lobster Pound complete with  lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, New England clam chowder, and fresh blueberry pie to top it all off!).

From coast to coast, America's National Parks offer a chance to share the phenomenal natural gifts of our country with its next generation of caretakers!  So get on out into the open air and enjoy all the National Parks have to offer!  Happy Travels!

-Destination Mom

Surviving Travel Delays WIth Kids: Making the Journey Fun!

image courtesy of Feelart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We've all been there; stuck at the airport or bus terminal or train station, or just plain trapped in traffic... waiting.  I'll be the first to admit that patience is not my strong suit, so I can hardly blame agitated or cranky little travelers for fits of frustration or boredom.  That said, when we travel with my (now school-age) daughter, we like to be ready for whatever we may encounter... including delays.  We created what we call the "Busy Bag;" and we NEVER go on a trip without it!  Here are our favorite items/ideas for killing time while waiting in terminals or traffic:

Bag contents:

• Books - Every child has a favorite, just try and avoid hardcover as they can be heavy to tote around!
• Travel sized games - Connect Four, Sorry, a deck of cards, Checkers, Chess, Memory, etc. think compact and fun (magnetic versions are the best for preventing lost pieces)!
• Coloring/sketch books and crayons/colored pencils - 'nuff said.
• Brainquest Cards - Education disguised as fun - the best of both worlds!
• Snacks - Individually wrapped granola or energy bars, small water pods, single serve size chips, raisins, etc.
• Riddles - Whether from a book or just from memory, solving riddles is fun and helps strengthen developing cognitive skills!
• Mad Libs - Again, edu-taining... and timeless!  A fun way to  enhance vocabulary, spelling, penmanship, and creativity, and laugh yourselves silly!

Other fun ideas that you don't need to pack anything for:

• I-Spy - Have your children guess what you are looking at by using deductive reasoning (and clues!) to identify the object.
• Build a Story game - Start with one person beginning with a single sentence and passing it on to the next person to add to; its endless fun and, as an added bonus, it fosters creativity and storytelling ability!
• Sing-long - Stop cringing, this doesn't have to be Raffi or some PBS-show theme song; teach your child a lullaby, a silly song, or a song about your heritage.  If that isn't your style, just throw on the radio and sing together!

School-aged kids can usually communicate basic needs, but toddlers and infants can sometimes prove a little more challenging to accommodate, so here are a few additional ideas for the younger set (birth to 1 year old):

• Pacifier - Not good for all the time, but sometimes its just the perfect soother.
• Stuffed toys/blankies - Comfort items are key - never leave home without them!
• Plastic keys - Fun, minimally noisy, great for teething; these were a big favorite when our daughter was an infant!
• Unbreakable plastic mirror - Again, fascinating as s short term distraction; try games with the mirror like Peekaboo from a location that she can only see in the mirror (i.e. behind her or off to the side).
• Fresh Food Feeders (6 months +) - A great snacking option that can do double duty as a teether!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom

Planning Your Next Family Getaway: 3 Great Tools!

Where to go?

Looking for a comprehensive site that features travel information for just about anywhere you can imagine going?  Lonely Planet has got you covered!  With an easily navigable site packed with comprehensive information on locations worldwide, Lonely Planet will prove helpful in planning your next trip and may even provide ideas for future trips!

Price tracking:

Airline, lodging, and car rental fares fluctuate daily... heck sometimes hourly!  That's why we love Kayak.com; available online or as a free app, Kayak helps your travel dollars go the distance by allowing you to search for the best prices on everything from airfares to hotel rooms and more!

Cruisin':

Looking to experience the amazing world of cruising but not sure where to start? Cruise Critic offers a multitude of information on destinations, ports of departure, a wide variety of cruise lines, and even cruise reviews.  They even provide basic "cruise culture" tips and hints!

*All images are coprighted logos and are the property of the companies which they identify.

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has finally arrived in most parts of the country, and, after the long winter many of us had, it can be tempting to get caught up in all the outdoor chores that await! But this year, why not take some time to celebrate the arrival of spring with your family? It doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive - just simple family playtime! Strapped for ideas? Well look no further, here are three of our faves:

Pack a picnic and escape for the day! Throw some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks in the cooler, grab a blanket, frisbee, or ball, and find a cozy spot where you and your kids can enjoy one another's company. A picnic is a great opportunity to get some fresh air and play together!

Hit a new playground or park! Nothing is as fun as an adventure; and any adventure that ends in a fantastic playground or park is bound to be a hit! Do a little research ahead of time and learn about new and fun play areas near you; maybe even do a quick drive-by before you make your plan!

image courtesy of xedos4/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Indulge a little; it is a celebration, after all!   Whether it means giving in to the siren song of the ice cream truck, a quick visit to a local ice cream shop, or even just popsicles in the backyard, enjoy a little treat with your kids while they still think you are the coolest thing since sliced bread!

Wishing you a safe and happy spring!

Destination: Universal Orlando!

This Spring Break, my husband, daughter and I spent a long weekend at Universal Orlando and it was simply amazing!  My 10-year-old is a huge Harry Potter fan (as am I!), and we were all excited to check out the re-creations of Hogsmead Village and Diagon Alley; but we could never have anticipated how much we would enjoy all the other amazing rides and shows in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure!

We scored a great package deal through Universal Orlando's website that included: a 4-night stay on-property at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, two breakfasts (one each in the Harry Potter establishments of Three Broomsticks and The Leaky Cauldron), 3 days of dual-park passes for each of us (with Early Park Admission for all 3 days allowing us to enter the park an hour before visitors who did not stay on-property), an Express Pass each (gives you priority seating on almost every ride and can be used an unlimited number of times), City Walk passes (entitling us to entry to a variety of clubs and venues at the City Walk complex immediately outside the Universal theme parks), and a "welcome package" that featured an adorable stuffed owl that my daughter fell in love with.  

The hotel was magnificent!  Boasting a Hawaiian/Polynesian Island vibe, the resort featured extremely attentive staff, a variety of eateries, an amazing pool with entertainment (movies, pool games, free snacks for the kids, a DJ, poolside service of adult beverages and food, etc.), beautiful lush grounds, and a free ferry that delivered you directly to the gates of the Universal theme parks (though there was also a walking path for land-lubbers)!  The ferry was about 5 minutes away from the parks, and the path was about a 10 minute walk - both fantastic options for reaching the parks.

The Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks left me breathless!  Both were immaculately maintained and beautifully arranged.  In both parks, Harry Potter world is at the rear-most section of the park, so there was a good deal of walking (which gave us a chance to get through and see everything so that we could plan out what we wanted to hit once we abandoned the magical world of Harry Potter!).  All three days saw us bolting to the back of the parks to hit the Gringotts and Forbidden Journey rides early (Express Passes do not work on these rides and lines quickly build to upward of 2 hours), and then meandering around to take in the shops, shows, and rides.  Then (because we had a dual-park pass), we would hop onto the Hogwarts Express (also does not accept the Express pass, but lines move very quickly) to ride over to the other park, where we would spend the balance of the day split between the Harry Potter section and the remainder of the park.  I could write a book about the amazing rides, shows, and exhibits, but I'll just share a few highlights:

In Harry Potter sections:

• Gringotts was the winner, hands-downs.  It's a virtual reality ride that simulates a roller coaster ride through the vaults of the Wizard bank.  As amazing as the ride portion is, the intricacy of the actual bank itself (where you line up) is staggering - there is so much to see, hear and experience before you ever even get on the ride itself!
• The Dragon Challenge was a close second, and a pleasant surprise for all of us!  We didn't know if we were coaster people or not until we took a few trips on this twisty, turny, loopy, scream-tastic adventure, but once we rode it, we were hooked!
• The Hogwarts Express is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and magic!  Not only is the train itself a perfect replica of the one from the movies, but while you are in transit in your own little compartment you are treated to an elaborate show both through the "window" and on the translucent door way.

Non-Harry Potter sections:

• Despicable Me and Men In Black are tied for first.  The Minions ride is a simul-coaster with an awesome storyline, thrilling action, and hilarious exploits!  Men in Black is a seated whirly ride where you have to shoot the aliens.  Both were so much fun we went back more than once!
• A close second, the Jurassic Park River Ride (read flume!) offers a terrific adventure through the prehistoric world of dinosaurs with a dramatic ending that will leave you soaked and smiling!

Tips and Recommendations:

• We spent a few minutes upon arrival on our first day putting together a plan that allowed us to hit the few rides that the Express Pass did NOT work for so we could minimize our wait time and maximize the number of rides and shows we could cover in a day.  It's definitely worth putting together a plan, though being able to be flexible gave us a few memorable experiences as well!
• The parks both features lockers so that you can stow your belongings while you go on the rides; some are free for 25 minutes, some have a nominal fee - it was easily some of the best money we spent as it enabled us all to ride together without worrying about who would hold our stuff.
• In Harry Potter world, Olivander's (where a wand chooses a Wizard or Witch), only one child (usually the first in the line) gets to have a wand choose them.  It's a cute show and they do a good job in both parks (there's an Olivander's in Hogsmead and Diagon Alley), but I wish we had known that only one child got to do it (we were second in line, so we kinda found out the hard way!).
• Also in the Harry Potter section, there are interactive places where your child can use his or her wand to cast a spell.  Be forewarned, it's not as easy as it looks... if you can't get it to work, see if a wandering Witch or Wizard can give you some pointers (otherwise it can get frustrating, especially for the little ones).
• Take breaks!  Our days started at the park, then we came back to the hotel late in the afternoon, hit the pool and relaxed a bit, showered, changed and headed back to the parks/City Walk for dinner and more fun!  It was the perfect way to break up the day!
• Try a Butterbeer!  Warm was our favorite!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom