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October 7, 2011
The bonds that are made at family reunions last a lifetime. But someone has to create a plan, share the plan, and make things happen so that the opportunities for memory making can occur. And just about everything worth doing takes time – more time than expected. It will be true for your family reunion.
Togethering for the fun of it - being silly, laughing, and dining in Pigeon Forge.
Unless your next family reunion is going to be at grandma’s house or at the county park down the road, selecting a destination makes all the difference. While a family reunion is important so is family vacation time and combining the two may take negotiating. Location will make the difference and three spots come to mind
Here’s the scoop. This month we are featuring new ideas about family reunions and togethering as well as destinations with the support tools available to make the planning and subsequent doing, if not easy then at least easier than planning it alone.
The Orlando area is potentially the perfect family reunion spot because the number of activity and entertainment choices ideal for all for all ages. Good news because Kissimmee CVB has just launched a new micro website - ReunionsInKissimmee.com - dedicated to the planning and support of reunions. In addition to the online tools available, the planning services staff is available to help with the details of family group travel.
Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is home to Dollywood – a spot with great family gathering potential. Plus The Forge offers do-nothing, rock-on-the- porch experiences as well as high-energy hiking, rafting, biking, zorbing, and ziplining adventures. Add nightly entertainment and terrific shopping to the list and you will need more vacation days. To assist in the family reunion planning process the CVB employs a reunion specialist who takes care of the details and makes the idea of togethering in the mountains easy and fun.
Virginia Beach - A family beach party with a purpose.
Virginia Beach also maintains a planning staff to create the best family reunion possible. They even have suggested itineraries that range from “It’s All About the Grandkids” to “Green Getaway,” the perfect rubric for making memories together. They know what it takes to make three, maybe four generations happy in one place at one time. While senior family members engage in the customary “remember when” dialog, they know younger family members would rather connect or reconnect with siblings and cousins and live in the moment.
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September 23, 2011
This blog entry’s intro comes to us courtesy of my eldest daughter:
When I look back on my childhood, some of my most vivid memories are of attending fall festivals and events with my family. I can still remember the edge of frost in the air, the tang of the hot apple cider, and running breathlessly through a seemingly endless corn maze. There’s something magical about Fall – when the leaves change, seemingly overnight, to a symphony of fire tones, before drifting down to coat the ground like a magic carpet.
Few things capture the magic of the season like fall festivals. You can find them across the country – in numerous small towns, and family owned farms. They’re a slice of American life, truly as American as apple pie (yes, even in Canada!). No where else can you find that certain delightful combination of corn mazes, apple treats, pumpkins and Halloween festivities that you do in North America.
So this year, take your kids along and make your own wonderful fall memories.
Make it Happen:
Because hectic schedules sustain the daily rhythm of most households mini breaks make a world of difference and we know that pint-sized fun is better than no fun at all.
Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend escape, enjoying time together and making family memories matters. Fun, quick, and easy is the magic phrase for families. A special thanks to those who took time to “Tell Mom” labout the best corn maze or fall festival because we have included those suggestions on the list for this year.
Check out our best-rated fall festivals and corn mazes from all over the USA here.
We are thrilled with the feedback from Canadians who love their corn mazes and pumpkin patches and took time to “Tell Mom” where to find the best. Find out what they recommended by check out the roundup here!
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April 22, 2011
Stargazing is the perfect activity to share with kids of all ages - seven to 87. Sharing the heavens with a child makes memories that will last forever. I have my favorite spots and with summer on its way – I am just saying…
Search the heavens from LA.The classic Griffith Observatory
Free stargazing night at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
has a modest display of astronomy exhibits, an innovative planetarium theater, and a telescope to view the moon and planets at night. The punch line – they host monthly free star party nights. (Griffith Observatory www.GriffithObs.org)
Plan ahead and visit the big one. From classic and comfy to WOW!, Palomar Observatory near San Diego is the location of the largest telescope in the United States. Because this observatory is a working research center it is tough to get inside however The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center conducts a limited number of night-guided tours appropriate for ages 10 and older. If you love star gazing this is a must but plan ahead – way ahead. (Palomar Observatory www.rhfleet.org/site/astronomy/Palomar.html)
The stars at night are big and bright. McDonald Observatory – I love this place because of the exceptional ways to share science with children. Located atop Mt. Locke in the heart of the Davis Mountains, McDonald Observatory is definitely fun, magical, and inspiring. The Solar Viewing, Star Parties, and Twilight Programs, are all geared to relate to all ages. Make sure to take sweaters and ear muffs because the nights can be chilly. (McDonald Observatory Frank N. Bash Visitors Center http://mcdonaldobservatory.org)
A star party on the rim. This year the annual Grand Canyon Star Party (GCSP) will be held from June 18th through 25th on both the North Rim and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Bring your own telescope but you don’t have one there will be plenty to share. Organized by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and anything they do is terrific not just because of the Arizona skies but because the atmosphere they create is always professional yet fun, friendly, and educational.
Summer stargazing with family, friends, and experts.
Our family has logged more than a dozen star parties with this group. www.tucsonastronomy.org/gcsp.html
Kitt Peak is the perfect place to share the stars. In the early 90s we made our first star party on the peak. It was a novelty then and we were new to star parties. I am thrilled to say they have expanded the night viewing program to include viewing everything from planets to distant galaxies
using state-of the-art telescopes (16 & 20 inch) – yes the real thing! They have viewing every night except during monsoon season but this is a popular program so advance reservations are essential. www.noao.edu/outreach/nop/
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April 18, 2011
It’s no secret I look for amazing family vacation experiences that are not homogenized and mainstream. For that reason I can’t resist mentioning a couple of family trips with the potential for bragging rights.
Vancouver Island looking for oracs.
Whale Watching along Vancouver Island. During select weeks in the summer Sea Kayak Adventures offers an amazing four-day “Orca Quick Adventure” ideal for families seeking to share a sea adventure. This new four-day tour is in addition a repertoire of six-day kayak tours in the area. This narrow sheltered orca freeway is world renowned for its summer population of “killer whales” following the salmon runs funneled from the sea into this specific area. Why this trip? Because it’s a chance to visit the first and only orca preserve in the world; paddle among salmon-eating orcas; enjoy sheltered waters and quick tour perfect for novice paddlers. Best of all seeing orcas is guaranteed in August or you get a free orca-watching day cruise. Make it happen. For further information contact Sea Kayak Adventures www.seakayakadventures.com
Go Ziplining with Your Kids in Warren County, Ohio. I have written about zipline adventures in West Virginia, Hawaii, Colorado, Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Ontario. (I am waiting for news on Georgia.) Now I am including Ozone Zipline Adventures, a company that operates the largest zipline in the Midwest offering a high-adventure canopy (tree-top) tour well-suited for families who want to fly. This energizing treetop zip combines education, thrills, and fun making it a smart choice for any active family. Why this trip? In addition to ziplining the area also offers miles of hiking or cycling trails, canoeing on the Little Miami, and Kings Island one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest. The destination is definitely a family friendly, affordable vacation destination. Make it happen. To learn more about ziplining or to find the latest family vacation package deals checkout www.ohioslargestplayground.com
Tiptoe along the Catwalk Under the New River Bridge.
Whitewater rafters under New River Gorge Bridge
Southern West Virginia always has exciting things for active families to enjoy. Scenic and wild, the area contains the spectacular New River Gorge, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and now daring vacationers can walk under the bridge that is over the river – REALLY! The bridge is the largest single span steel arch in the Western Hemisphere, and the highest vehicle carrying bridge in the United States. Until now the 24-inch wide catwalk is an existing part of the structure but has always been restricted. Why this trip? The area offers enough for seven vacations. Activity choices include hiking, biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, live theatre, antiques, golf, fishing, sporting clays, horseback riding, caving, and spa experiences. And it is the home of ACE Adventure Resort one of my family’s favorites spots. Make it happen. Get more details about the area by going to www.visitwv.com
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March 5, 2011
Ireland for families? It makes perfect sense to me. Take the kids and go for the music, art, and shopping; stay for the hiking (so many), beaches (oh the tide pools), and ruins.
Goofing off on island time in Kilkenny.
The country offers a uniquely European “island” experience complete with a pace in the countryside that matches a Sunday afternoon from 1952. Ireland is an excellent choice for families with children of any age but is ideal for travel with young adults because the country has a youthful energy. I think caused by the availability of rain.
The respect and support for art and artists is obvious. And while they export plenty it is just possible that the best is saved for the homeland. We did not find Craig Ashurst and Chloey Turner with the cast of Riverdance at the airport but we did find plenty of live music interspersed with laughter. For music the list of artists is long and includes both traditional folk music not just Celtic Thunder as well as contemporary bands including The Script, more suited to teens and young adults.
For art my favorite spots include the remarkable sculpture field at Lough Boora Parklands and the inspiring National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny. The carved crosses at Clonmacnoise are of stone rubbing quality and the stained glass windows at St. Canice Cathedral need no endorsements.
For shopping I love All Saints and fortunately there is a smaller version of Spitalfields in Dublin. And of course there’s a tempting H&M not far away both dare I say in Temple Bar. The National Craft Centre in Kilkenny has tempting, high quality items including delightful children’s clothing, woolens, and beautiful contemporary jewelry. Plus we found an array of clever shops not far from the castle in the city centre. Galway has the Claddagh ring and Connemara’s Sheep & Wool Centre near Leenane has amazing yarn.
The bottom line for families, Ireland is safe, friendly, and fun. For parents or grandparents’ with wee ones there’s delightful folklore to be shared plus plenty of parks, playgrounds, tide pools, and pony trekking. For teens and young adults the list spans castles, cathedrals, ruins, hiking, biking, and surfing to music, falconry, shopping, and pubs. Ireland is the perfect European island experience.
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September 10, 2010
I have just posted sixty ways to have fun with your kids in corn around, corn, and with corn. 
Mini breaks make a world of difference and I know that pint-sized fun is better than no fun at all whether it’s a daytrip or a weekend escape, enjoying time together and making family memories matters. For adults it is a good excuse to behave like a kid again if only for a few hours. I love our family custom of selecting the perfect pumpkin (pumpkins because we always adopt extras).
Here’s the scoop. The 2010 regional lists of reveal a plethora of chances to have fun with kids. It spans seven distinct geographic regions in the USA plus three regions within Canada. The collection of festivals and events spans the gamut from barnyard mini golf in Vermont and pumpkin bowling in Kansas to pig races, hayrides, living history, and most American of all corn mazes.
Mini breaks in Canada include plenty of pumpkin patches, scarecrows, hay rides, corn piles, and apple picking plus corn quests in Nova Scotia and a cranberry bog encounter in British Columbia. For night owls there’s also maze adventures by moonlight or flashlight.
Our expanded list of family friendly Fall Festivals & Corn Mazes may be viewed at www.theFamilyTravelFiles.com by clicking on the special green and yellow folder labeled “aMAZEing Fun” or by selecting a region of the country and viewing the relevant feature. To expand the list for the future readers are encouraged to “Tell Mom” about their favorite family corn maze or fall festival.
aMAZEing fun for everyone
Please tell mom! If you have favorite fall festival or corn maze please let us know. In other words “Tell Mom!” Make sure to include the name of the festival or event and its location on the planet as well as why you like it or what makes it worth the trip. Our next round up will include family-friendly winter celebrations, enchanting holiday lights, and Santa Trains. We are building the list right now and would love to have your feedback. So just “Tell Mom!”
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August 18, 2010
There is something magical about discovering a dinosaur.
Checkout August Double Dino Days. Dinosaur World in Plant City (not far from Kissimmee) is a small child’s delight. Take a walk in the woods and discover more than 150 life size dinosaur replicas. The walkways are well suited for strollers, wheelchairs, or wagons. Perhaps the highlight of the park is the Fossil Dig where children ages 3-12 are invited to sift through sand in a paleontological setting in search of authentic fossils including shark’s teeth, sea urchins, and dinosaur bone fragments. Bonus points: If you decide you want a stroller when you arrive, Dinosaur World provides complimentary use of strollers on request. Here’s the deal. Visit Dinosaur World in August and receive a free ticket to come back any day in December. And planning ahead – kids ages 3-12 in costume receive free admission on Halloween Day when accompanied by an adult. (Dinosaur World 5145 Harvey Tew Road Plant City, FL 33565 (813) 717-9865)
Taste magical ice cream anyone? Pure Magic Ice Cream Parlor in Kissimmee features scrumptious, tempting and unique ice cream made to order on the spot! Choose as many flavors from among dozens of add-ins, then watch as it is added to a vanilla base and flash frozen with liquid nitrogen, creating a rich and creamy ice cream under a beautiful cloud of vapor within seconds and mixed by a friendly staffer. Bonus points: If it is essential to eat a meal before having dessert, the parlor also offers pizza and hot dogs. The family-friendly atmosphere nurtures free-form thinking. Guests are encouraged to create chalk masterpieces on the concrete floors and kids may run off some of the sugar on the playground equipment.
Area Get all wet with an “After 2 p.m. Pass.” SeaWorld’s acclaimed waterpark, Aquatica, launched Omaka Rocka, which means “rocking river.” The new ride features half-pipe maneuvers through three funnels and provide near weightlessness for riders aboard the two-seater floats. Riders in the two-person rafts must be at least 48 inches tall. The park also has introduced the “After 2 p.m. Pass,” which allows admission for the rest of 2010 in the afternoon for $49.99 (just $2 more than the regular cost for a one-day pass).
Make it happen. The Kissimmee website frequently posts special vacation offers ideal for families. To stay in the information loop sign up for the free e-newsletter, checkout Kissimmee/St. Cloud on Facebook or follow the latest news on Twitter for more deals. To explore all of the options log on to www.VisitKissimmee.com.
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May 12, 2010
Because I lived in Wisconsin as a child I thought a family vacations were taken in Canada – Manitoba or Ontario to be precise. Our family has carried on the “vacation in Canada tradition” having expanded our destinations to include PEI, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC.
The obvious benefits, aside from the pure “fun” value, Canada offers parents a safe friendly way to introduce another culture. The exchange rate is favorable; there is no jet lag involved – well unless you need to cross the Atlantic.
Here’s the deal. It’s Canada (not the excited states) and while there are many similarities, there are plenty of differences worth sharing. For kids the differences will be obvious. The coins look different; the ice cream is better; bi- lingual means English/French; Canadians have a different view of the Revolutionary War. When pressed to name a favorite province we cannot agree. Our youngest stands by Saskatchewan; my husband names New Brunswick; our oldest daughter splits her vote between Quebec and PEI; I love British Columbia and Ontario – think wine. For us every vacation seemed better than the last. But as we look at years of great family vacations, really anywhere in Canada will be terrific. My short “not-to-be-missed” list of family adventures includes truly awesome experiences meant to be shared with kids.
- Attend the Charlottetown Festival and enjoy the fun of being on the island that made Anne of Green Gables a legend. Make sure to have potato fries.
- Walk on the ocean floor – no kidding. The Bay of Fundy cannot be explained unless you go there and touch and feel. Spend a day (or a week) at Kings Landing where living history is not exactly like Williamsburg, VA.
- Even though it is a bit touristy Niagara Falls is a splendid spot for families. Ride the Maid of the Mist and checkout the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.
- Walk the streets of Quebec City and practice your guidebook French.
- Enjoy Montreal’s museums and then ride VIARail from Montreal to the Maritimes.
- Walk the tunnels of M
oose Jaw, and hear stories at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, or dig for old bones at Eastend in Saskatchewan.
- Eat cowboy pancakes and do the two-step at Calgary Stampede.
- Dig for old bones at the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller.
- Kayak God’s Pocket and go ziplining in Whistler.
- Spend a day in Vancouver’s Stanley Park – all the cool stuff in one place.
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April 17, 2010
Lawnby Beach, Naples Beach Hotel
I am annoyed at the propensity of family vacation choices which emphasize kids only. We all know family vacation planning is not rocket science – it’s a juggling act with a little sleight of hand to make it happen. The point woman (person) who is charged with making it happen – the family vacation that is – should get some extra benefit. So, I am basically tired of hearing if the kids are happy then everyone will be happy – NO! How about if mom isn’t happy then the vacation will not go well? How about if mom and dad don’t get vacation time fun the whole year could tank?
Do you need a reality check? Most kids are more flexible and given boundaries, and rules they know how to fit into the flow. Family vacations are for parents who wish to share their well deserved, precious free days with their children not the other way around. The keyword phrase – precious vacation days. How does standing in line for an hour to hop on a three minute ride make sense at all? Often parents would rather be somewhere else and the kids more than likely would rather be back at the resort/hotel pool – waterpark, or lazy river. There may be lines for the waterslide but there is water, a deck chair and hopefully a refreshing drink. Make mine a Cuba Libre – lite.
Where can mom be happy? It really depends on what mom wants, right? I personally like whitewater rafting because I burn calories all day; the meals will be great; someone else does both the cooking and the cleaning up; there will be no cell phone connection; meaning I have more time with my family. A couple of folks in the travel industry have turned the focus to making mom comfortable and dare I say happy.
Space Coast, Florida
FDR Resort & Spa as well as Pebbles Resort in Jamaica offer mom benefits from free stays during select weeks each year to a vacation nanny for the family. There are plenty of family camps worth considering because they allow everyone – including mom- to share in the fun and be like a kid again. Several resorts now offer family spa time – keywords here: spa and happy mom. And all inclusive vacations for example in the Catskills or the Caribbean make it easy for every family member to actually vacation. Cruises have a similar benefit because onboard there will be plenty do for everyone; meals are effortless; entertainment including dancing can occur nightly. If mom and dad are happy the kids will be happy.
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April 9, 2010
For years I have heard this comment from parents – directly and indirectly but in my attempt to be politically correct and socially sensitive, I dodge the issue with a question, no several questions – age of kids, family interests, and how much time and money to you want to spend? When are you going and are you flying or driving (no one ever says they are taking the train even though it may be the perfect idea).
Drawing from two decades of traveling with kids, I always have suggestions but through experience I have learned to stop providing 10 ideas. While it is just the right number for a list, it is too much for a busy parent.
This year almost everyone is looking for a more affordable getaway. Really who doesn’t want to have more fun and spend less? We have begun compiling “Free or Almost Free” lists for select family vacation destinations.
Southern West Virginia -This area includes nine counties spanning the unspoiled wilderness of Allegheny Ridge along with the natural beauty of New River Gorge and the energy of New, Bluestone, and Gauley Rivers. This is the spot where you will find chill time, friendly people, and affordable fun.
Virginia Beach – A family beach vacation needs little more than sun, sand and water – all free. Spend long days on the sun-drenched beaches, boogie boarding, building sandcastles and splashing through the waves. Sit on the sand and watch the magical transition of colors as the sun sets; count millions of stars over the Atlantic or listen to music under the stars all free.
San Diego North – Southern California has awesome beaches, delightful climate and plenty of great family vacation activities including SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Wild Animal Park, and Scripps. Fun right? But we found a slew of fun and free family friendly things to do that may not be on your family vacation radar screen. Our list includes guided nature walks, puppet making, culture quests, stargazing, owl prowls and art encounters. 
Kissimmee – Nestled next door to Orlando’s mega theme parks, Kissimmee offers a quieter vacation base within a few minute’s drive from all the action. From weekly activities at Old Town and awesome nature trails to fishing spots and free museum days, everyone can use a free day once in a while and on vacation what could be better? Take a hike or walk above the marsh; grab your binoculars and count the birds; experience life in a cow camp; go fishing for free.
Washington DC – From pandas at the National Zoo and stars at Rock Creek Park’s planetarium, to soul food at Oohhs and Aahhs and historic landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery, DC offers activities for free and on the cheap for any visitor. With all of its fun family freebies Washington, DC is definitely a fantastic destination for families, now more than ever!
