Archive for April, 2008

Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations

Sunday, April 27th, 2008

Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations


Ideas for Very Unique Family Vacations

When families start to ponder how they are going to spend their family vacation, some feel as if they want a unique family retreat this year and one which is different from all of the prior ones. There are many unique family vacations which will entertain and delight the entire family. Some are located in the surrounding areas whereas others may be in an entirely different country. The ones which follow are examples of family retreats which are unusual and unique.

Environmentally Friendly Vacations

Environmentally Friendly Vacations

For those who are environmentally conscious and wish to remain so on their vacation, there are environmentally friendly vacations to go on. One vacation resort which offers an environmental option for a vacation destination is the Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt in Austria. Although it may be costly for some, if a green destination is what you desire and luxury is a key component then this resort is sure to please. Another environmentally friendly vacation resort is the Tiamo Resorts in the Bahamas. At this resort families will enjoy solar power energy which allows them to enjoy comfort while being environmentally sound.

Family Vacation at a Working Farm

Vacation at a Working Farm

Another unique family vacation option is to visit and stay at a working farm. This is a way to not only have a great time with family members but also provide insight into how a farm truly operates. At these types of vacation destinations, families can help out with feeding the animals, cooking and working at various farm-related tasks. Some farm vacation destinations include the Weatherbury Farm in Avella, Pennsylvania, Berkson Farms in Enosburg Falls, Vermont and Apple Pond Farm in Callicoon Center, New York.

Teaching Family Vacations

Teaching Family Vacations

There are also family vacations which center around teaching family members a certain trade or skill while they enjoy their vacation. Skills such as cooking, music and art appreciation are just a few different types of teaching vacations which are available to families. The individuals will stay at the location and each day they will embark on a different aspect of the trade or skill all the while having a great time with each other. When you come home from your vacation not only can you say you had a wonderful time but you may have acquired a new trade or skill in the long run.

River Rafting Family Vacations

River Rafting Family Vacations

For the outdoor enthusiasts, a vacation centered around whitewater rafting might be the perfect getaway. There are various vacation offerings with this activity at the center thereof where family members can spend the day braving the water and the nights camping under the stars. For the adventuresome families, a whitewater river rafting vacation might be the perfect thing to enjoy. One river rafting company which offers family vacations is Western River Expeditions which has its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. This company offers many different river adventures in states such as Utah, Idaho and Colorado, to name just a few.

Bike Tour Family Vacations

Bike Tour Family Vacations

Another outdoor activity which will provide great times and good exercise is a bike tour vacation. Bike tour vacations come in a variety of forms and families can choose the one which best suits their tastes. The bike tours can be based on a beginner bike route or advanced one and the individuals may be able to stay in hotels at night or campgrounds, depending on the type of vacation that they choose.

Volunteer Family Vacations

Family Volunteer Vacations

For the families who like to help others while vacationing in a different location, volunteer vacations provide a good option. There are certain tour providers which prepare a vacation for the individuals where they volunteer during the course of their stay at their vacation destination. This way the family members can mix relaxation with helping others while away on their trip.

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Places to Travel When You Have Kids and Dogs - Family Vacations with Pets

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Places to Travel When You Have Kids and Dogs - Family Vacations with Pets


Places to Travel When You Have Kids and Dogs - Family Vacations with Pets

Traveling with children and dogs can be challenging at times due to the availability of places which are both child-friendly and animal-friendly in nature. The good news is that more and more establishments are offering accommodations for people who have children and pets which makes planning your vacation a bit easier than it used to be in the past. The following will list some places where you can take your children and dogs where all will not only be allowed but welcomed as well.

Hotels and Motels Which Cater to Children and Pets

Hotels and Motels Which Cater to Children and Pets

Certain lodging establishments will advertise their accommodations in relation to being child-friendly and pet-friendly. These types of motels and hotels will often provide free lodging and even food for kids as well as allow pets in their establishments. With regard to taking your dog with you on vacation, the lodging establishment may require a pet deposit but having the option of bringing your furry family member along is well worth the deposit money.

Campgrounds Are Great for Kids and Dogs

Campgrounds Are Great for Kids and Dogs

If you and your family like to camp, campgrounds are the perfect spot for kids and animals. Although not all campgrounds will be pet-friendly, many of them are which is a great option for vacations when it comes to bringing along the kids and the dogs. This way the dogs have room to run and play which will not be disturbing to other guests and one will not have to worry about keeping their dog restricted to a hotel room.

Beach Resorts Where Pets and Kids Are Welcomed

Beach Resorts Where Pets and Kids Are Welcomed

When it comes to beach vacations, kids are always welcome at beach resorts however dogs may not be as much so. With that said, there are beach resorts where bringing your dog along is a fine thing to do. Check not only with the place that you will be staying to see if dogs are allowed but also determine if dogs are allowed on the beach. There are certain beach resorts where dogs are allowed to go onto the beach and they too can enjoy the sand and surf along with the entire family.

Mountain Retreats Where Kids and Dogs Can Roam Around Happily

Mountain Retreats Where Kids and Dogs Can Roam Around Happily

No matter which mountain range you decide to vacation around, mountain retreats are great places for kids and dogs. Everyone can spend time outside in the fresh air and families can take their dogs with them if they are outside. In addition, certain lodging facilities in mountain areas, such as motels or private home rentals, will allow dogs which is a great way for the whole family to get away on vacation.

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Good Aquariums for Families with Young Children

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

Good Aquariums for Families with Young Children


Family Travel Ideas - Great Aquariums to Take Your Young Children and Toddlers - These Aquariums Make a Great Family Vacation

Good Aquariums for Families with Young Children

When searching for a nice family friendly activity, there are quite a few options to consider. One wonderful activity for families to take part in is visiting an aquarium. This is an especially good choice for families with young children. The following will list some of the more popular choices of aquariums for those individuals who have small children.



Sea World

Good Aquariums for Families with Young Children



Known as the aquarium of all aquariums, Sea World is a great place to visit, especially for those families with small children. This aquarium is in a few different states including Florida, Texas and California. From dolphins to whales and every aquatic animal in between young children will absolutely love all that Sea World has to offer. Since this is such a well-known and longstanding aquarium, it is no wonder that families with children keep coming back for more.



New England Aquarium

Good Aquariums for Families with Young Children

The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts is another great aquarium for small children. This aquarium has a section called the Curious George Discovery Corner which is suited for younger visitors. Within this section kids can look at toys, videos and take part in hands-on demonstrations. In addition to this area, children of all ages will love the penguins, harbor seals and the multitude of fish which swim through the areas of the New England Aquarium.



National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD

New England Aquarium - Family Friendly Aquariums

Another famous aquarium which is perfect for kids of all ages but especially the little ones is the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Two of the newer exhibits at the aquarium which young children will especially love are Frogs! A Chorus of Colors and Play! The Dolphin Show. These shows bring children close to favored animals like frogs and dolphins and provide educational fun. In addition, the normal exhibits of a vast array of fish and water mammals are perfect to delight the little ones.



Monterey Bay Aquarium on the West Coast

National Aquarium in Baltimore Maryland for Good Aquariums for Families with Young Kids

For those who are on the West Coast the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see for families with young children. The kids will really love the Splash Zone exhibit which features a wide array of fish and animals ranging anywhere from sea anemone to penguins. The daily sea otter program will also provide so much fun and entertainment for kids big and small.



Texas State Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium on the West Coast is a good aquarium for young kids and toddlers

In the South one of the larger aquariums is the Texas State Aquarium. Perfect for families of any size and children of all ages, the Texas State Aquarium has fun exhibits for the young kids including Dolphin Bay, Otter Creek and Living Shores. In the Living Shores exhibit the young ones can interact with sea creatures in the touch pools and have interactive fun on the computers.



Shedd Aquarium

Texas State Aquarium Great Aquariums for families with young children

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago provides a great day for young children. This aquarium has all of the usual exhibits seen at other aquariums such as dolphins and sharks but also has a really neat lizard exhibit. The little ones will love seeing the lizards climb around and learning all about their habitat.







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Top Educational Family Trips in the US by Region

Monday, April 14th, 2008

Top Educational Family Trips in the US by Region


Top Educational Family Trips by Region

When families plan vacations perhaps the number one goal is to make them fun in nature. A close runner up to the fun aspect is education since many parents would like their children to get something out of the vacation besides a good tan and fond memories. The following will list some of the top educational family trips by region.

Educational Trips to Northeast

Educational Trips in the Northeast

Known for its scenic areas and historical value, the New England region is a wealth of educational family trips as well. Boston, Massachusetts is a great place to visit for those families who want to learn about the American Revolution. The Battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill were important parts of the Revolution and there are many wonderful historic sites throughout the Boston area which families can tour and learn more about this historic event.

Touring lighthouses throughout the New England region is another educational trip for families to take. Throughout states such as Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, a multitude of lighthouses are present and offer families some insight into coastal issues and marine life. For lighthouse lovers, a family trip based around lighthouse tours is a wonderful idea to consider.

Further south in the Northeast region of the United States lies New York City. This popular city is home to wonderful forms of entertainment and fun as well as a vast array of educational hot spots. Places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island, Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum are just a few of the many educational tourist attractions which New York City offers its visitors.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also offers a wide array of educational tourist spots for vacationing families to enjoy. This city is filled to the brim with education and enlightenment opportunities sure to please the whole family. Historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’ House and a number of fabulous museums are all great spots to visit while staying in Philadelphia.

Educational Trips to South

Educational Trips in the South US Civil War Reenactments

The southern region of the United States also has so much to offer families who are searching for educational family vacation spots. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a great vacation destination for those who are yearning for education as well as fun. View the various reenactments, tour the colonial town and see how things were in years past. This is a great history lesson for individuals of all ages.

Various locations throughout the South also provide insight into the Civil War. From South Carolina to Alabama and surrounding states, there are a number of famous Civil War battlefields which history buffs can visit. Planning a family vacation with Civil War battlefields as the focal point is an educational trip all around.

Educational Trips to Midwest

Educational Trips in the Midwest a lot o great museums for kids and family

For families who wish to travel to vacation destinations in cities throughout the Midwest region, there are so many great options which will provide the family members with educational fun. Most of the larger cities throughout the Midwest such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Detroit will offer so many different cultural attractions such as art museums to hold one’s interest. In addition to art museums, families can visit the historical attractions located within each city such as those pertaining to how the city got started and various landmarks within city limits.

Educational Trips to West

Family educational trips to the west including native indian reservations

If you are planning a family trip to one of the states in the West, you too will have numerous options with regard to educational activities. Depending on the state which you are visiting you may be able to tour national parks, American Indian reservations and other historical landmarks. No matter what type of educational activity you desire, there is certain to be one to your liking in the western United States.

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List of Things to Keep Your Child Busy and Quiet on an Airplane Trip

Saturday, April 12th, 2008

List of Things to Keep Your Child Busy and Quiet on an Airplane Trip

List of Things to Keep Your Child Busy and Quiet on an Airplane Trip

Traveling with children can be challenging at times, especially when flying on an airplane in order to get to your destination. The good news is that one will find plenty of things available to occupy the child’s time from start to finish and keep them as quiet as possible on the airplane. Some of the following items will be better than others, depending on the age of the child.

MP3 Player

Give Your Child a MP3 Player to keep them satisfied and quite and happy on plane trips

MP3 players are everywhere these days. They provide a way for kids to download their favorite music and take it everywhere with them. For older kids, this is a great thing to bring along on the airplane. An MP3 player can occupy a child from the time they walk onto that plane to the time that they exit it, minus the taking off and landing periods where electronic devices have to be stowed away.

Handheld Video Games

Let your kids play handheld video games such as gameboy, nintendo ds, and leapfrog during long airplane trips

Even if you aren’t a huge fan of kids playing video games in public, it is a good way to keep your kids happy during a long car trip or plane trip. My children are allowed to play Game Boy (for us old people, they are now called Nintendo DS or Nintendo SP) during long trips and it makes things a lot easier for everyone. It is well worth the investment. If you despise this idea, maybe you should consider purchasing an educational game system instead such as Leapfrog Leapster handheld system or a child’s pretend laptop system. There are many electronic toys that you can buy that can be both educational and entertaining to children.

Books

Read books or have your child read a book to keep them happy, quiet, and behaved on airplane trips

Books provide another great type of entertainment for children to have on an airplane. Reading is a quiet form of entertainment which is often educational as well. If you can get your child to take a book or two on the airplane with them, this will often go over well with not only your child but the other passengers as well.

Word Puzzles

Give Your Child Word Puzzles, Crossword Puzzles, and Sodoku to keep them behaved and quiet

Many airports sell crossword puzzle books and Sudoku books which provide wonderful entertainment for older kids. Again, as with books, this type of entertainment will keep the kids quiet and educate them as well. Therefore, if you forget to buy some word puzzle books before you head to the airport, simply stop over at the convenience store within the terminal and buy one there. It will pay off in the long run by keeping your child busy and quiet during the flight.

Snacks

Give Your Child Snacks on the Airplane to Keep Them Quiet and Behaved

Eating is another way to pass the time quietly on an airplane. Although many airlines make passengers pay for their food these days, opting to have a drink and a snack or purchase a meal on the plane might be worth it. This will take up perhaps 20 minutes or so of the flight time and the kids will be quiet while having a snack.

Look at Travel Guides

Child Looking at Travel Guides on the Airplane

For older children who can read, having a travel guide on hand for them to peruse is another great travel entertainment idea. If you have never been to the travel destination, allowing your kids to look through the travel guide will not only keep them entertained and quiet on the plane but will help to build excitement about the vacation as well. They can look through the book at the various activities which they can engage in once they get to their designated location.

Drawing

Child Drawing on Airplane

For younger kids, drawing and coloring is a good way to pass the time and make the plane ride go faster. This is usually a quiet activity which will entertain them for a good amount of the trip. If you don’t have any paper or crayons with you try asking the flight attendants if they have any on the plane which your children can borrow during the flight.

Fun Travel Games

 Fun Travel Games for Kids to Play on Airplane and Keep them busy and quiet

There are tons of great travel games that the toy manufacturers have been selling lately. I have put together tons of links of the best travel toys that I could find. Take a look here … Best Airplane Travel Games for Your Kids.

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Top 10 Most Unusual Children’s Activities at Vacation Resorts and Family Resorts

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

Top 10 Most Unusual Children's Activities at Vacation Resorts - Silly Children

 

Vacation resorts are fun for the whole family although some cater to activities for certain age groups. For kids, there are a variety of activities which they can get involved with at various resorts, some more unusual than others. There are ten activities which stand out from amongst the rest due to their unique qualities.

Become a Mouseketeer in Training

Become a Mouseketeer in Training at Disney World with Mickey Mouse Ears and All

One of the more popular vacation resorts where children are catered to left and right is the floating vacation mecca known as Disney Cruise Lines. These cruise lines offer a variety of activities tailored to the children and one which stands out in particular is the Mouseketeer in Training activity. This allows children ages 3-4 to don their Mickey Mouse ears and learn how to be a Mouseketeer. This is a great option for kids who love Mickey Mouse and all the other Disney characters.

Crayola Art Camp

Crayola Art Camp Family Resorts - Scavenger Hunts, Mosaics and More

Beaches Resorts is perhaps one of the most well known family resorts throughout the world. This vacation resort, no matter which location you go to, is known for its top-notch staff and fantastic activities for the whole family, especially the kids. One of the popular resort activities is Crayola Art Camp. Those kids who attend this camp will be guided by Beaches staff members who have received training from the Crayola company and will complete crafts such as scavenger hunt collage frames, island medallions, mosaic butterflies and lizards and more. This unique activity allows kids to get creative while having a great time.

Poolside Tye Dye

Poolside Tie Dye kids activity at family ranch resort

Another resort which allows children to tap into their creative abilities is The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This resort offers a variety of kid’s activities including arts & craft classes such as the poolside tye dye. At this craft session, kids can make tye dye t-shirts so they not only get to enjoy engaging in the craft but also have a souvenir to take home with them.

KidSpa

Kids Spa at Pinehurt Family Resort with Massages Facials Pedicures and Manicures

For the children who like to get pampered, the KidSpa at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina is the place to go. At this resort, kids can get spa treatments such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. Although they must be accompanied by an adult, this is a great place to go if your little one likes spa treats just like the rest of the family.

Worm Races

Little Cedars Kids' Club is worm races. Kids can choose their worm and see who wins the race.

For the little ones who are nature lovers, Big Cedar Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri provides quite a bit of options for kids. One unique activity which this resort sponsors for children in their Little Cedars Kids’ Club is worm races. Kids can choose their worm and see who wins the race. This concept is quite unique and something which those who love the outdoors will most definitely delight in.

Hawaiian Cultural Activities

Hawaiian cultural activities

Visitors to any of the various Hawaiian Islands are sure to delight in partaking in some Hawaiian cultural activities, especially the kids. At various vacation resorts kids are able to take part in various cultural activities. Some of these resorts include J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina Resort in Oahu and the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island.

Dolphin Meet & Greet

kids and other family members Meet & Greet Dolphins at family resort

Another Hawaiian resort which offers a unique children’s activity is the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. The Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon at the resort provides various programs which bring kids and other family members face to face with these beautiful creatures.

Pueblo Bread Baking

Pueblo Bread Baking at Kids Camp Hyatt at various Hyatt Resorts with Family Activities

If kids are looking for unique activities, Camp Hyatt at various Hyatt Resorts will have the answer. The Camp Hyatt at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico offers the unique children’s activity of traditional Pueblo bread making. Here kids can learn how this traditional bread making activity was performed and get to help with the process. This is educational and fun all at the same time.

Broom Hockey

Grand Kids program and one of the unique activities that it offers is the sport of broom hockey

For those who may be traveling to the Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico, the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico is a great option for families with kids. This resort has the Grand Kids program and one of the unique activities that it offers is the sport of broom hockey. This provides a unique way for kids to have fun and get exercise all at the same time.

Junior Chef

Junior Chef activity at the Almond Beach Village - Your Kids can be Chef and Cooking for the day

For kids who love everything culinary, the Junior Chef activity at the Almond Beach Village in Barbados is sure to please. Here kids can express their culinary creativity and this is quite a unique activity when viewed alongside the usual favorites of dance activities and water sports.

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Inexpensive Family Travel Suggestions or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Inexpensive or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids and Family Travel

Budget Family Travel Suggestions - Inexpensive or Free Vacation Ideas for You and Your Kids

With most individuals living with a set budget in mind these days, finding vacation ideas which are inexpensive or even free in cost is a wonderful concept. Although some may not feel as if this is likely, the truth of the matter is that there are many options with regard to inexpensive travel options for families to take advantage of when planning a trip. The following will provide some ideas to peruse and see if these are options for you and your family when it comes to traveling.

Family Camping Trips with Your Kids

Family Camping Trips with Your Kids

For those families who love the outdoors, a great inexpensive and sometimes free way to spend a vacation is on a camping trip. Some campgrounds will charge money to stay there whereas others are free for those who bring their own camping equipment and food. While on the camping trip, families can enjoy stories by the campfire, fishing, hiking, playing sports and more.

Take RV Road Trips with Your Kids

Take RV Road Trips with Your Kids

If your family owns an RV, planning an RV road trip for your vacation will provide an inexpensive vacation idea to consider. Although you will have to pay for gas and food along the way, there are places where those traveling in RVs can park for free and spend the night. A great road trip idea to consider if you own an RV is to map out historical landmarks in various states and then plan your trip so that you can stop at these various landmarks. Not only will this provide family fun but it will be educational as well.

Go on City Vacations with Your Kids

Go on City Vacations with Your Kids

Another inexpensive vacation option for families to think about is to plan a trip to a nearby city for a couple of nights. This will not be free but it can be inexpensive by planning in the following ways. You can peruse your hotel options ahead of time and find a reasonably priced hotel where kids can stay and even eat for free. Also, try to go to a city where there are free things to do. For example, Washington, DC is a city which has a wealth of options with regard to free activities such as the National Zoo, art museums, multitude of historical landmarks and more. Lastly, you can eat for a reasonable amount of money if you budget accordingly, take advantage of lunch specials and early bird specials and not eat at extremely pricey establishments.

Family Travel / Vacation Packages with Reduced Rates for Families on a Budget

Family Travel / Vacation Packages with Reduced Rates for Families on a Budget

Another option for inexpensive vacations for you and the family to enjoy relates to vacation packages. There is a wide array of vacation packages which are extremely reasonable in price. When vacation options are bundled together, this can save you a good amount of money. Try to find vacation packages which include lodging and food if you are driving to your vacation destination. For those who need to fly to their vacation area, see if you can select a vacation package which includes airfare, car rental and lodging and obtain a great deal in the process.

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Ideas for Free Family Road Trips and Free Last Minute Family Day Trips

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Ideas for Free Family Road Trips and Free Last Minute Family Day Trips
Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Massachusetts with your Kids

With the weather slowly getting warmer, parents are becoming more and more interested in planning day trips for themselves and the kids to enjoy. What is even better than a day trip is a free day trip and there are quite a few ideas with regard to day trips on a budget. Not all of the following free day trips may be available to you depending on where you live however many individuals can take advantage of at least a good portion of the free day trip options which follow.

Free Day at the Zoo

Free family day trips to the zoo with your kids

Depending on the city, some zoos will offer free day admission to those who visit. This is often in honor of a special holiday or on a certain day of the month. If interested in visiting the zoo for free and spending the day at this great family-friendly location, try calling your local city zoo or viewing their website to see if free zoo days are available.

Historical Landmarks

Visit Historical Landmarks with your kids for free family day trips

For those families who love history, visiting historical landmarks in your local area may be a great way to spend the day for free. Many parks where historical landmarks are present or historical landmarks along certain roadways and in various towns are usually free to view. Before setting out on your day of free history, look up various landmarks online and map out a few set destinations so that you know exactly where you are going and what you are going to see.

Free Museum Days

Visit the Museum with your kids on Free Museum Days for a great last minute family road trip idea

In addition to free zoo days, some cities which have art museums and historical museums will offer free admission days. This is a wonderful chance to take advantage of visiting museums for free and viewing all of the wonderful displays they have there, whether they be art, historical or cultural in nature.

Picnic and Outdoor Fun at a Park

Picnic and Outdoor Fun at a Park

If the weather is nice, another suggestion for those who want to embark on a free day trip with the kids is a picnic and outdoor fun at a local park or national park within driving distance. Depending on where you live, you are almost always likely to have a local park and some individuals are even fortunate enough to have a national park within their local vicinity. Pack a picnic lunch and load up the car with some outdoor fun items such as Frisbees, bikes, baseball equipment and more.

Biking Expedition

Family Biking - Take a Biking Trip Outside with Your Kids on a Biking Expedition

Another wonderful day trip idea for those who love good, free fun is a planned biking expedition. This can be carried out by leaving from your house on bike if you live in a bike-friendly area or you can drive to a local park where biking is allowed. Take a lunch along and stop somewhere in the midst of your biking expedition to enjoy the sights and the company of your family.

Trip to the Outlet Mall

Take a trip to the outlet mall with your family and kids for a free fun day trip idea

For those who love to window-shop and stroll along enjoying each other’s company, a trip to an outlet mall is another option for a free day of fun. Even though it will cost money to buy items, if you are a window shopper and simply like to look through stores without having to buy anything then outlet malls are a nice way to browse around, get some exercise and enjoy your family time together.

Fun Day at the Beach

Take a road trip or day trip to the beach with your kids for a fun free trip idea

 

If you are within driving distance from the beach and the weather is suitable, why not enjoy a fun day at the beach. This free activity provides a lot of options for you and the kids such as swimming, soaking in the sun, playing in the sand, Frisbee and more. In keeping with the free part of the day trip, bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy.

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Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Massachusetts with your Kids

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Massachusetts with your Kids


Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Massachusetts with your Kids

The activities of Boston, the beaches of Cape Cod and the unique tourist attractions of Central and Western Massachusetts are just a few of the reasons that families frequently plan to spend their summer vacations in the state. If you know that you want to be one of these families but aren’t sure where in Massachusetts you want to spend the summer, here is a closer look at those three basic regions to help you get started on your trip planning.

Boston:

Boston and the surrounding area offer so much for family travelers that it’s possible to plan almost any kind of itinerary that you want. If you have a multi-age family with older kids who are getting near to the college age, you might want to spend some time in Cambridge on the campuses of Harvard and MIT. But that doesn’t mean that the little kids will get left out of a trip to the city. The Boston Children’s Museum, The Boston Children’s Theatre, The Franklin Park Zoo and The New England Aquarium are just a few of the best kid-friendly spots in the area. You can also explore areas of the city that will appeal to the entire family, such as The Esplanade Park area along the Charles River, the outdoor festival at Faneuil Marketplace and the sporting fun at Fenway. Families who enjoy tours provided by local guides should check out the short-trip on Swan Boats of Boston, the hour-and-a-half tour of the Boston Harbor provided by Boston by Sea and The Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston.

Cape Cod:

For some families, Boston is a great city to see for a day or two but the chance to spend a longer vacation at the beach is the true desire. And for others, a longer trip to Boston that includes a day trip to the water is the way to go. Cape Cod and the other beachfront areas of Massachusetts are located close enough to the city to make it possible for your family to experience both. There are many miles of public beaches all along Cape Cod and the neighboring towns of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The kids can build sandcastles (and there’s an annual sandcastle competition each year to check out), go swimming and enjoy other beach activities. If you want to get a little bit more adventure during your stay in the area without going all the way to Boston, check out Pirate Adventures Theme Park, Water Wizz Waterpark and The Children’s Museum of Cape Cod.

Central and Western Massachusetts:

Boston and the beaches aren’t the only parts of Massachusetts that are worth visiting with your family. There’s a whole half of the state west of there that offers much adventure of its own. Visit Old Strubridge Village in Central Massachusetts to show your kids what an early nineteenth century town looked like. Show them modern farm life (and get lost in eight acre corn maze) at Davis Farmland and MegaMaze. Other must-sees are the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, the Basketball Hall of Fame, the indoor/outdoor museum called EcoTarium and� the Herbert Candy Mansion.

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Family Travel Ideas for Family Vacations to Nebraska with your Kids

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Ideas for Family Vacations in Nebraska with your Kids

Ideas for Family Vacations to Nebraska with your Kids

 

 

A summer vacation to Nebraska is filled with fun from A-Z (well, okay, it’s A-Y for the cities from Ashland to York). You might opt to spend your vacation in a small rural town, in one of the larger cities of Nebraska or traveling throughout the state. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to find enough to keep you occupied if you start by considering some of the following travel spots and ideas for a Nebraska summer family vacation.

 

Ashland

Ashland is a small town in Nebraska and one that often gets overlooked by people who aren’t familiar with the state. But its friendly community, proximity to state parks and low-cost accommodations make it a great place for families seeking a summer getaway. Within Ashland itself, you can enjoy unique attractions like Willow Point Gallery where 30 stuffed big game animals are set against a backdrop of materials natural to the area. You can also go enjoy that nature yourself since Ashland is located next to three great state parks: Mahoney, Memphis and Platte River. Mahoney is one of the most popular summer getaways in Nebraska, offering lakeside camping and a recreation activity center.

 

Omaha and Lincoln

 

If your family wants to spend the summer in one of the more urban areas of Nebraska, then you should plan a trip to either Omaha or Lincoln. Better yet, check out both cities. Omaha is the largest city in the state and, of course, Lincoln is the capital so both offer plenty of activities. They each have large zoos, children’s museums, and family fun centers. Lincoln has more in the way of interesting museums (such as the National Museum of Roller Skating) but Omaha is located right off of the Platte River so it’s hard to pick which is the better spot for urban travelers.

 

Nebraska Road Trip

 

Why spend your family summer vacation in just one Nebraska city when you could take a tour of the entire state (or at least make your way through one or two of Nebraska’s major regions)? It’s possible to enjoy many different scenic drives throughout the state, many of which are filled with the potential to experience a bit of history during the drive. For example, take Highway 385 which is also known as The Gold Rush Byway and see the strange rock formations that makeup “The Courthouse and Jail Rocks”. On this same highway, you can check out the manmade semi-reconstruction of Stonehenge known as “Carhenge”. For more information on this byway and the other scenic routes throughout the state, visit the Nebraska travel website.

 

The Panhandle

 

Highway 385 runs through part of The Panhandle of Nebraska but it doesn’t cover all of it. If you’re taking a road trip in this area, or if you’re just looking for a general region of Nebraska to explore more thoroughly on your family summer vacation, then you should think about checking out what The Panhandle has to offer. In the city of Alliance, you’ll find such potential stops as Dobby’s Frontier Town historic area and The Sandhills Drive-in Movie Theatre. Other stops in The Panhandle may include historic sites associated with The Oregon Trail, outdoor fun at spots like the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and modern fun at places like The Great Escape family fun center.

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