What do Wonder Woman, Gilligan’s Island, James Bond, and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies all have in common? Parts were filmed in the Bahamas where you can explore and expand on the usual tropical beach vacation.

The chain of islands known as the Bahamas is hardly a hidden gem or off-the-beaten-path vacation destination. For decades, it’s been the go-to spot for both Hollywood and even “real” royalty, as well as for sports and music stars and high rollers from around the world.

But we common folk can rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Nassau’s Straw Market or along Paradise Island’s miles of white sand beaches. And with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, the place practically guarantees you a warm respite from our impending cold and snow. It’s no wonder the Bahamas is a movie and TV location favourite.

Lots of celebrities call the Bahamas home, at least part time anyway. And we’re not talking a time-share or even a vacation villa. The Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands and 30 are inhabited. A handful are private islands owned by superstars. Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy, and Nicolas Cage all own private islands. Johnny Depp bought one (and married Amber Heard there) after filming the Pirates of the Caribbean movies nearby.

But if a private island is not in the budget this year, a trip to Paradise Island might be. What was once known as the original home of Wonder Woman and her sister Drusilla (from the ’70s TV show, of course) is actually where some of the Bahamas’ most exclusive resorts are. There are also some affordable, family-friendly hotels as well.

Paradise Island Hotels:

The most famous guest of the Ocean Club is likely Daniel Craig as James Bond (in Casino Royale). Frankly, I’m not certain an officer in the British Secret Service could swing the $7,950 (and up) per night for Villa #108 (#1085 in the movie). Just west of Ocean Club is the mecca known as Atlantis, with six hotels, 21 restaurants, two beaches, 141-acre waterpark, and marine habitat and adventures.

Aficionados of ’90s TV will recognize Atlantis as the honeymoon destination of Monica and Chandler on Friends. The resort also features prominently in Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s big-screen adventure Holiday in the Sun, as well as in After the Sunset with Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek.

Just across the way from Atlantis is the Comfort Suites Paradise Island. Here, guests enjoy complimentary full access to Atlantis facilities. Saving on accommodation could mean splurging on a meal at Nassau’s five-star Graycliff Hotel, where many Hollywood hotshots plus British aristocracy like the former King Edward VIII and Sir Winston Churchill have enjoyed dinner and cigars. Or perhaps plan a snorkel trip to the Rose Island Reefs. Swim alongside tropical fish and a stunning array of elkhorn coral and have a great view of Sandy Cay, which you might recognize as the “real” Gilligan’s Island.

Don’t Miss in The Bahamas:

Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum
No Captain Jack Sparrow here! This museum features displays and collections of tableaux that tell (in some cases, quite brutally) the real stories of piracy and famous pirates of the Caribbean. It was a thriving community built around stolen goods and pirates’ treasure. The museum’s mix of history and entertainment allows for a fun couple of hours of learning.

Heritage Museum of the Bahamas
Located in Nassau’s historic Mountbatten House, on display here are more than 1,000 artifacts that tell the story of the Bahamas — beginning with the indigenous Lucayans and on to slavery and piracy, colonialism, whaling, race car driving, and clippings from when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (the former King Edward and Wallis Simpson) were “banished” to Nassau during World War II. Hope for Miss Morris as your tour guide; she is lovely.

See Also:

• Disney Cruise Stop: Castaway Cay, Bahamas
• Best Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• Theme Park Guide for Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
• Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler
• Can You Enjoy a Disney Vacation if You Hate Theme Parks?
• North Carolina Travel Guide for Parents
• North Carolina with Kids: Charlotte Motor Speedway Tours
• Cuba: Fast Facts for Families
• Baby Travel Destinations

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

The post The Bahamas is Paradise Found for Movie-Loving Families appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

How to Gate Check a Stroller

Looking for gate checking stroller tips?

Maybe you’ve bit the bullet and bought a travel stroller. Or perhaps you’re schlepping along your trusty old jogging stroller. If you’re bringing your stroller when you’re flying with baby, you’ll need to gate check it.

This seemed really complicated to me before I actually did it. But honestly, it’s nothing. Depending on your airline, your stroller simply needs to fold.

**CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF THE DIFFERENT AIRLINE GATE CHECKING STROLLER POLICIES**

When you check in with your luggage, tell the counter person that you want to gate check your stroller. They’ll either give you a tag to affix, or they’ll put it on your stroller themselves. If your stroller needs to be folded in two pieces (I’m looking at you, Bugaboo) you’ll get two tags – one for each part.

I don’t necessarily believe you need to purchase a lighter stroller specifically for travel. However, some airlines (like American Airlines, for example) have re-jigged their gate-checking policies so that only light ones may be gate checked.

With our jogging stroller, I was concerned we’d have to deflate the tires. We didn’t, but I had a small pump and a patch kit in our carry-on anyway, just in case we got a flat on our trip. In most cases the stroller was waiting for us as we deplaned, but in smaller Caribbean destinations like Cuba, we retrieved it at the baggage claim. I have heard horror stories about having to retrieve your stroller at baggage claim at big airports like Heathrow. It doesn’t hurt to have a lightweight carrier or sling in your carry-on just in case you have to trek a ways to pick up your wheels.

Gate Checking Stroller Info: Before You Board

Buckle all straps and empty the basket completely before folding your stroller. Chances are anything attached to the stroller like Mommy Hooks or drink holders won’t stay put, so you may want to detach those as well.

Our UPPAbaby Vista had a travel bag you can purchase, and most stroller brands have accompanying travel bags, but we’ve never used one. I have considered it, though. We had a shiny new UPPAbaby G-Luxe and I didn’t want it to get damaged. Our Uppababy Vista suffered some slight damage on one of its trips, but not on any subsequent ones.

Gate Checking Stroller Info: Boarding

If you’re lucky, your airline will still offer pre-boarding for families with young children. When the time comes, simply push or carry your stroller toward the entrance to the plane. Fold it, and leave it with the tags showing for the baggage handlers. Put it just off to the side at the end of the jetway. Depending on your destination, this is where you should find it when you arrive.

Easy, right?

Below is a list of most airline’s gate checking stroller policies, and any notes that I can add from personal experience…

Airline Gate Checking Stroller Policies:

Air Canada Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

Air Canada strongly recommends the use of small collapsible umbrella type strollers… A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.

Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in. They will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.

**NOTE** We’ve taken two round-trip flights with Air Canada and a stroller, once with our Peg Perego, once with our UppaBaby Vista. For either flight, no one asked about the dimensions of our stroller, nor the weight, only that it folded.

Air France:

You can transport a foldable stroller and car seat in the hold at no extra charge. Some strollers may be accepted in the cabin, subject to space availability. Depending on the type of stroller, the following size limits apply.

• Small foldable stroller:* dimensions cannot exceed 15 cm x 30 cm x 100 cm / 5.9 in x 11.8 in x 39.4 in

• Other foldable stroller: this replaces your child’s hand baggage allowance and once folded, its dimensions cannot exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm / 21.7 in x 13.8 in x 9.8 in.

Please note: strollers must be packed in a carrying case that covers the stroller fully. In addition, for security reasons, some airports may have to deny access to strollers inside the boarding areas.

Air Transat:

One stroller and one car seat accepted free of charge

Compact, foldable strollers that do not exceed our standard carry-on dimensions (23 x 40 x 51 cm / 9 x 16 x 20 inches) may be taken into the passenger cabin in lieu of a regular carry-on bag

Please ensure that checked equipment is properly wrapped/secured for transport to prevent loss or damage.

At most airports, passengers can use strollers up to the boarding gate. Upon arrival, strollers are delivered to the baggage arrivals area (except in Orlando, where they are delivered to the gate).

Alitalia:

Remember to attach a label to the stroller with your full name, address, and telephone number. Strollers are sent free of charge to all destinations and for all travel classes when traveling with a child up to 11 years of age.

For flights served by Alitalia, arriving and transiting passengers can request at check-in to have their strollers returned to them at under the aircraft or at the gate.

American Airlines:

-Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge

-If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate

-Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter

British Airways:

When it comes to pushchairs, the size is all important if you want to be able to collect your pushchair at the aircraft door on arrival.

If you have a small, fully collapsible and lightweight pushchair/stroller (with maximum dimensions of 117cm x 38cm x 38cm/46in x 15in x 15in when the pushchair is collapsed), you will qualify to take this right to the aircraft door and collect at the aircraft door at most airports.

Please arrive at your departure gate no later than 45 minutes before departure time, and prepare to pre-board the aircraft.

The staff will put your pushchair into the hold and will do all possible to return it to you at the aircraft door.

All other, larger pushchairs, including double and multi-piece pushchairs can be taken to the departure gate, however, on arrival you must pick up these larger pushchairs at the baggage carousel in the baggage hall.

Please be aware that walking distances at airports can be long, and if you bring a pushchair that does not fit within the criteria to be collected at the aircraft door, you should be prepared to transport your child to the baggage carousel by another method. Many parents find slings useful to carry their baby whilst keeping hands free for baggage.

Delta:

Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage. Therefore, they can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.

Emirates:

Passengers traveling with infants are permitted one fully collapsible stroller or carry-cot as a carry-on item if cabin space is available. otherwise, it must be transported as checked baggage in the hold.

PLUS! “Pick up a complimentary stroller in departures and connections in Emirates Terminal 3 and make your way through the airport with ease. You’ll find our strollers once you’ve passed through security. When it’s time to board, just drop it at the stroller park at the boarding gate or on arrival. Our strollers are regularly sanitised with a long-lasting disinfectant spray to keep your little ones safe.”

Jet Blue:

JetBlue will courtesy gate-check any of the following: strollers, car seats, child carriers/backpack carriers, booster seats, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. If you chose to check any of these items (at the check-in counter or gate-check), it will not count as one of your checked bags. There is no fee assessed. There is no limit to the number of assistive devices a customer may transport as carry-on or checked baggage, within reason.

Additionally, this courtesy is extended regardless of whether the customer is traveling with the infant/child or is meeting the infant/child at their destination.

KLM:

On all KLM flights, you can take one collapsible stroller/buggy per child. You can check in the stroller/buggy as hold baggage at no extra charge or hand it in at the gate so it can be put in the hold. The stroller must have a protective cover, but it may not contain any additional baggage.

Lufthansa:

You can keep your buggy or pram with you until just before boarding; it will be handed back to you immediately after landing.

Porter Airlines:

When travelling with infants and small children, a collapsible stroller and a car seat are accepted at no charge in addition to your checked bag allowance. You can choose to check these items at the check-in counter.  Or bring them with you to the gate where they can be accepted as GatePorter items. Porter will Gate Check them for you. For your convenience, GatePorter items will be returned to you at your arrival gate.

Your stroller must be checked if it is:

• Non-collapsible

• Weighs over 50 lbs

We have flown Porter with a baby, and it is a very baby- and toddler-friendly airline.

Qantas:

To make your time on the ground easier, most mainline Australian ports have strollers. They are available for you to use once you have checked-in your own personal stroller. Staff will be on hand at the boarding gate ready to collect the stroller and to further assist you with pre-boarding the aircraft.

Qatar Airways:

Qatar Airways permits one stroller per child, which can be used up to the boarding gate.

Ryanair:

You can carry 2 items of baby equipment free of charge per child. This can be 1 pushchair plus one of the following items: car seat or booster seat or travelcot.

On arrival at the airport the 2 free items of baby equipment can be tagged for travel at a Bag Drop Desk. They close 40 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time

Children’s pushchairs can be used up to the aircraft steps and after landing the pushchair will be available at the aircraft steps (provided local conditions permit this).

Singapore Airlines:

Singapore Airlines allows passengers to carry a compact, foldable lightweight stroller on board, provided it meets their cabin baggage dimensions and can be stored in the overhead compartment.

Southwest Airlines:

Customers traveling with children will be allowed to check one stroller and one Child Restraint System (CRS) or car seat per child without charge. This is in addition to the regular free baggage allowance.

The stroller and CRS or car seat allowance applies to any type of stroller (umbrella, full size, jogging stroller, etc.) and CRS or car seat.

The Customer may check the stroller and CRS or car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. Southwest Airlines will not assume liability for damage to strollers, CRSs or car seats.

An optional Southwest-branded reusable car seat/stroller bag is available. Purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for a $17 onetime fee. Bag dimensions are 42”X20.5X12.5”.

We have flown Southwest with a baby and stroller and gate checked our Uppababy Vista without issue… Well, except that it got damaged on its first SW flight but not the second…

Spirit Airlines:

We will happily check one stroller and one car seat per child for no extra cost at the ticket counter. If you are traveling with two children, you are more than welcome to check a double stroller instead. You may also check these items at the gate. We’ll have them waiting for you in your arrival city when you get off the aircraft.

**NOTE – This is most surprising to me since Spirit charges for pretty much everything, including carry-ons!

Sunwing Airlines:

Parents are allowed one courtesy item such as a stroller, playpen, or car seat. This is in addition to their own luggage allowances.

**NOTE – We’ve flown Sunwing with a baby several times, with no issues with gate checking a stroller…

Thomas Cook UK:

A child younger than two years of age on arrival back into the UK, who will be travelling on your lap, may bring three of the following items free of charge: 10kg baggage allowance, a stroller/pushchair, a travel cot or a car seat (checked in to the hold). If all four are required, one item would be part of any pre-purchased hold baggage weight allowance on the same booking. Please remember that an infant does not have a hand baggage allowance. However, the accompanying parent/guardian is able to take infant food for consumption alongside their own hand baggage allowance.

If an Infant has been booked in a seat, the 10kgs baggage allowance no longer applies. A stroller or pushchair and car seat are still available for carriage free of charge. All other items would need to be part of any pre-purchased weight allowance on the same booking. A hand baggage allowance of 6kgs would apply if a seat has been booked.

A stroller or buggy can be taken to the boarding gate. It will then be taken to load into the hold. It must be completely collapsible and we would recommend having a protective cover, but may not contain any other items.

United Airlines:

United accepts one stroller and one car seat free of charge for each child, including children under the age of two traveling on an adult’s lap and infants traveling internationally on 10 percent of an adult fare, charged at the time of infant ticketing (it is usually less expensive to purchase the infant ticket in advance).

If requested by the customer, United can check strollers at the departure gate. United is not liable for damage to strollers. Customers cannot purchase excess valuation for strollers.

Note: Wagons and similar products are not considered strollers. Customers who bring them to the airport will need to check them as part of their checked baggage allowance before passing through security.

Virgin:

You’re welcome to bring one fully collapsible pushchair and a car seat, in addition to your free checked baggage allowance.

Car seats can be used onboard (in Economy only) if they meet the necessary requirements.

Pushchairs can be checked in or used up until the boarding gate, after which they will be put in the hold. Once we land we’ll have your pushchair ready outside the aircraft doors, whenever possible. However, at some destinations you may have to reclaim it at the baggage hall, due to local customs restrictions.

WestJet Gate Checking Stroller Policy:

When travelling with an infant, you may check in a car seat and stroller at no additional charge. A playpen may be substituted for either a car seat or stroller.

**NOTE – We’ve flown WestJet with baby several times, and other than the fact they don’t have milk on board, have had really great experiences with them – our strollers too!

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Best Airlines for Families
• Flying with Baby: The Ultimate Tip List
• Best Travel Strollers
• Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• The Complete Guide to Buying & Using Travel Car Seats
• The Complete Guide to Booking and Using Airplane Bassinets
• The Story of Our First Family Vacation
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Harder…

The post Gate Checking Your Stroller When Flying with Baby appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

Air travel is expensive. And as additional fees are added and added, families bear the brunt since flying with children often comes with additional luggage and extra gear. Charging families extra for assigned seating with their minor children feels like salt in the wound.

Here a list of airlines that let families sit together for free. This is close to being legally required. Until then, maybe support the airlines that aren’t gouging parents.

Airlines That Let Families Sit Together for Free:

Air Canada

Policy: Air Canada provides complimentary seat assignments for parents/guardians with children under 14 traveling together.​

Details: Families are automatically seated together when booking. If adjacent seating isn’t possible, Air Canada offers alternative flight options or a full refund.

Air Transat

Policy: Air Transat assigns adjacent standard seats for free to children aged 2–13 and their parents/guardians on the same booking.​

Details: Seats are grouped together and assigned by the system 14 days prior to departure.

Alaska Airlines

Policy: Alaska guarantees adjacent seats for children 13 or under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost for all fare types.

Details: Alaska uses technology during booking to seat families together. If seats aren’t available during the online process, customers are encouraged to contact reservations, and Alaska will manually assign seats together at no additional cost. Applies even on Saver fares.

EVA Air

Policy: Strives to seat children under 14 near their parent or guardian at no extra charge on flights to and from Canada.​

Details: Proximity depends on the child’s age, with specific seating arrangements outlined by the airline.

Frontier Airlines

Policy: Frontier automatically assigns seats to ensure children 13 and under are seated with an accompanying adult at no extra cost.

Details: Frontier’s system blocks specific seats to reserve for family seating. When a reservation includes a child, the system assigns adjacent seats automatically 24 hours before check-in. Customers do not need to pay for seat selection to sit together.

JetBlue Airways

Policy: Guarantees adjacent seating for children 13 and under traveling with an adult, applicable to all fare classes, including Blue Basic.

Details: JetBlue uses automated seat mapping to ensure family seating during booking. If a suitable arrangement isn’t available, JetBlue invites customers to contact support and will assign seats manually—without added fees. Applies to all fare types.

Singapore Airlines

Policy: Offers free standard seat selection for families traveling with young children on the same booking.​

Details: Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, excluding emergency exit rows.

WestJet

Policy: WestJet guarantees that children under 14 will be seated with an adult at no extra charge.​

Details: If seats aren’t available at booking, WestJet will assign seats to ensure children sit next to at least one adult in the travel group.

Airlines with Limited or No Guarantees for Family Seating

Some airlines may attempt to seat families together but do not guarantee it without potential extra charges:​

Delta Air Lines:

Delta strives to seat family members together upon request but does not guarantee it, especially on Basic Economy fares.

United Airlines:

The first adult listed on the reservation can sit next to up to two children in their party for free.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Airlines operates on an open seating policy; families with children aged six or younger are allowed to board during Family Boarding, but specific seats are not guaranteed. ​

Tips for Ensuring Families Can Sit Together on a Plane:

• Book Early: The earlier you book, the more seating options are available.​
• Single Reservation: Ensure all family members are on the same booking to facilitate seating together.​
• Check Airline Policies: Review the specific airline’s family seating policy during the booking process.​
• Contact the Airline: If you’re unable to select seats together online, call the airline’s customer service for assistance.​
• Arrive Early: Early check-in increases the chances of securing seats together.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Baby Travel Destinations
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a Newborn Baby
• Information & Tips for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
• Tips for Road Trips with a Baby or Toddler
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller

Photo by Kirill Pershin on Unsplash

The post Airlines That Let Families Sit Together for Free appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

I’m delighted to publish this story by my dear friend and former co-worker Andrea Chrysanthou. Andrea works full-time and has two big kids and a little. She is definitely a busy mom who needs and wants a proper vacation for the whole family! Check out her other articles on Have Baby Will Travel: Surviving Paris with a Toddler and A Review of the Nickelodeon Punta Cana

Panama City Beach: Our Laid Back Florida Vacation

If you haven’t heard of Panama City Beach, Florida, you’re likely not alone. Families who flock to Florida tend to head to Orlando, or one of the bigger coastal cities like Cocoa Beach, but Panama City Beach is off the beaten path. And that’s what makes it so great.

Unlike the crowded beaches I’ve visited elsewhere in Florida, the seashore here is practically deserted, with the white sand stretching as far as the eye can see. But while I can spend an entire vacation sitting on a beach chair, my five-year-old needs more action, and Panama City Beach did not disappoint.

There’s lots and lots of kid-friendly Panama City Beach attractions. Here’s a sample (and a taste! ) of what we did…

Things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida with Kids

SkyWheel

There is a lot for the little ones to do, especially near Pier Park, the main tourism destination. The newly opened SkyWheel is a big draw, taking riders 200 feet into the sky.

The views of the Gulf coast are stunning, especially if you can time it so that you’re on the ferris wheel during sunset.

Cubby Caboose

Pier Park also has a cute little train called the Cubby Caboose that will take you and your little ones around the local shops. My little guy had the most fun on the bungee ride, where he jumped until his stomach was in knots.

St. Andrews Park

Despite being a tourist town, Panama City Beach is remarkably unspoilt. You can still walk along the shore and find hundreds shells and sand dollars (it’s the sand dollar capital of the world). St. Andrews Park has a gorgeous dune beach, marshes and several hiking trails.

Panama City Beach is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. When we visited, we saw pelicans, herons, and ibis.

We were told we could also see alligators at the edges of the park’s man-made lake. While we took a quick look, I can’t pretend I wasn’t a little relieved we didn’t see any creatures poking out of the murky water.

Boat Cruise to Shell Island

The best part of our trip was undoubtedly watching a wild school of dolphins chase its prey. We spotted the dozen or so dolphins while on a boat cruise to Shell Island. We chose the Island Time Sailing cruise, but there are several other tour companies that operate out of the marina including the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, which includes pirate-style games and dance parties for the kids.

Shell Island

Speaking of Shell Island, it’s definitely worth a visit. The 7-mile island is a short boat ride from the coast and gets its name because the white sand is littered with thousands of shell and sand dollar fragments. You can take a ferry from St. Andrews Park or rent your own pontoon boat from nearby vendors.

Panama City Beach Shopping

Pier Park is the heart of Panama City Beach. You’ll find everything here, from big box stores like Target, JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Marshalls to smaller charming boutique shops that line the promenade.

Footprints Coastal Décor offers a wide array of beach themed home décor. It made me happy just to be inside the shop.  The Ron Jon Surf Shop is also a one-stop shop for everything you need to be beach and surf ready.

About 15 minutes away is an unassuming store that is quite famous for its seashells. While it’s called Daniel’s Shells, there are no markings outside, apart from a sign that reads “I sell seashells by the sea shore.” There are probably over a hundred types of shells to choose from and Daniel is always there to describe the significance of each one. He even explained the very interesting mythology of the sand dollar to my son, taking the time to saw apart the sand dollar to give us a better look inside.

If you’re looking for bargains, the Silver Sands Premium Outlets are about 45 minutes away by car. The outdoor mall includes several regular-priced stores but there are outlets for Disney, Gymboree, The Children’s Place, The Gap, and more. To be honest, I didn’t find the deals to be fantastic, especially given the exchange rate, but a lot of shoppers around me were carrying multiple bags, so maybe I was missing something.

Kid-Friendly Food in Panama City Beach, Florida

Grand Marlin

The food choices in Panama City Beach are pretty extensive. You can get anything from world-class dining to homey local diners.

The highlight was definitely our dinner at the Grand Marlin. The upscale restaurant is on the marina so you can watch the sun set over the water as you enjoy your meal. The seafood is the main draw and I loved the crispy lobster fingers and crab cakes.

Schooners: The Last Local Beach Club

Also on the beach but with a completely different vibe is Schooners Last Local Beach Club. The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere but the seafood is just as fresh and (the best part is) they set off a cannon every night at sunset.

A word to the wise: cover your ears. It’s loud!

Thomas Donuts & Snack Shop

We also loved the donuts at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop. My little guy couldn’t resist the chocolate maple bacon donut!

The Yard Milkshake Bar

I saved the best for last, and while I already noted the food selections above, milkshakes deserve their own mention. When I Googled Panama City Beach and read about the milkshake bars, it sealed the deal. I made it my mission to try at least a few different shops out to find out for myself which was the best. In the end, the competition wasn’t even close. The rightly Insta-famous The Yard Milkshake Bar blew me away.

Did I mention I went back twice? The milkshakes are not cheap – $22 CAD for a shake, but it was a inevitable treat and, if I lived nearby, I can see how The Yard could become a habit.

Andrea Chrysanthou is a mom, avid traveller, and freelance blogger.

You can reach her on Twitter @CallMeAndreaC

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• Water & Sun Safety + What to Pack for the Beach
• Baby & Toddler Road Trip Tips
• Tips & Advice for Road Trips with Baby
• Our First Family Road Trip: We Did the Drive to Florida
• Lessons Learned from Driving to Florida
• Driving Baby: Safety Tips for the Car
• Tips & Information for Traveling with Babies & Toddlers
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Legal and Safe Car Seat & Stroller Alternatives
• Printable Baby Travel Packing Lists

The post Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida appeared first on Have Baby Will Travel.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler

Considering visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby or toddler? Children under the age of three do not have to pay for park admission. So, why not bring them along for some fun?

When it opened in 1981, Canada’s Wonderland was the first major theme park in Canada. And it remains the largest amusement park in Canada. 

I’ve been a gazillion times! So, if you’re thinking of visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby or toddler, I can help plan your day and make the most of your trip.

Baby Care Centres:

Like visiting Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler, Canada’s Wonderland has taken Mickey’s cue and created Baby Care Centres for their small guests and their parents. For the one park there are two centres, one in KidZville and the other in Medieval Faire. There is also a baby care centre in Splash Works water park. While there are change tables in the washrooms and most restaurants in the park can warm bottles, Canada’s Wonderland’s baby care centres offer a little respite for baby and for parent to chill out, recharge, and head back out to the park.

The Basics:

• Stroller

Since a day at Canada’s Wonderland involves lots of walking, bring your stroller or a wagon. But, if you’re past full-time stroller use and/or you have a toddler or preschooler along who tires easily, you can rent a stroller for the day. The strollers at Canada’s Wonderland are the molded plastic ones that you’ll find at Disney World or the Toronto Zoo. The rental fee for a single stroller is $17 plus tax (+$5 refundable deposit) and for a double stroller is $26 plus tax (+$5 refundable deposit). Your deposit is refunded when the stroller is returned in good condition.

Canada’s Wonderland stroller rental is located on the far left as you enter the park.

• Outside Food

You are not allowed to bring outside food, beverages, or coolers into Canada’s Wonderland. However, baby food and formula are permitted, as well as plastic bottled water. Although, if food allergies are a concern, they have a detailed page on their website outlining safe food options at the park that cover most dietary requirements. So if you or a member of your group has a severe food allergy, please contact Canada’s Wonderland before your visit for more information,

• Other Essentials

You don’t need to go crazy and follow a list like our carry-on packing list. But, you want to make sure you’re not purchasing necessities if you don’t have to:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat(s)
• Permitted baby food, snacks, and/or formula
• Bottles/drinking cups
• Pacifier and clip
• Swimwear and towels if visiting Splash Works
• Soft infant carrier or sling for naps/comfort

Our Guide to Eating, Sleeping, Playing & Getting Around Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler…

Eating at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

You are allowed to bring in baby food and formula when visiting Wonderland with a baby or toddler. This is pretty much the only outside food permitted in the park. However, if you need or want to supplement what you’ve packed, there are lots of healthy (and not so healthy, because Wonderland) options available to purchase.

Your best bet would be either the MarketPlace International Buffet, which offers a salad bar and a fresh fruit bar, and KidZville Snacks, which sells fresh fruit and fruit cups alongside its fast-food options.

Like most major theme parks in Canada and beyond, eating at Canada’s Wonderland is not inexpensive. However, they have a number of dining and drink plans available that offer great value for the money.              

I am probably not the best one to seek answers about the healthiest food options at Wonderland, simply because I could not wait to celebrate “Baby’s First Funnel Cake” when my son was a toddler.

Literally that’s all I would eat there if I could get away with it.

Sleeping at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Unlike, say, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there really aren’t many (or even any) cool and/or quiet places to take baby for a stroller walk. Canada’s Wonderland is hopping! If there’s no chance of a nap simply by the sheer act of riding around in the stroller on a hot afternoon, you may consider dropping the nap for the day.

Or you could try heading out to the parking lot and picnic area for a quieter place to wander with baby.

Playing at Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Best Rides at Canada’s Wonderland for Babies and Toddlers:

Canada’s Wonderland has two family-friendly areas within the park, KidZville and Planet Snoopy. And there are more than 25 kids attractions suitable for most little kids. However, unlike the vast number of rides for babies and toddlers at Disney World, a number of these rides are not suitable for lap or “handheld” infants.

From their guest accessibility guide, Wonderland’s definition of a lap or handheld infant is:

Hand-Held Infants: Hand-held infants are children who are unable to independently walk or maintain seated postural control.

The rides at Wonderland that do permit lap or handheld infants are: Antique Carousel, Character Carousel, and the ground level of the Maple Park Treehouse.

KidZville

KidZville rides skew older than those at Planet Snoopy. But don’t despair if you want to ride the latest monster coaster, Yukon Striker while visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby… They have a “Parent Swap” program. Wait in line as a family and tell the ride attendant when it’s your turn. Then, one will ride and the other will hold the child. When the first rider returns, they swap out.

Measure your child when you arrive at the park. Have them wristbanded so there will be no confusion (or tears) as to whether or not your child is allowed to go on a ride. My daughter was 36″ on her 2nd birthday and my son reached that height well before. And that is the absolute minimum height for some Wonderland kids rides. 

KidZville Rides for Babies & Toddlers:

Blast Off

Blast Off is like a mini Drop Zone. Riders must be at least 36″ to go on. You do not have to accompany your child but if you are over five feet tall you must ride with  a child.

Flying Eagles

In the Flying Eagles‘ unique carriages, the ride starts with spinning at a high speed, that increases so as to rise above the ground. Once in the air, you can control your carriage’s flight by heading up or down. Guests must be 44″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall if with a companion.

Frequent Flyers

This is a cute combo of miniature hot air ballons and a Ferris wheel. Guests must be less than 60″ tall to ride. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Jokey’s Jalopies

These old-fashioned cars are a classic. Like the ones at Centreville, I used to imagine I could manouvre it off the track and drive around in it. You can’t actually do that, BTW. Each car sits four people and guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Jumpin’ Jet

This airplane that zooms up and down, both clockwise and counter-clockwise, will prep your kids for future swoopy rides. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per row.

KidZville Station

This very cute miniature train ride fits four people per car. It slowly chugs its way around the track set up in  alightly wooded area. Riders must be 40″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Maple Park Treehouse

The Maple Park Treehouse is a large play structure with bridges, slides, and climbing structures to explore. Guests over 54″ tall must be accompanied by a child. Hand-held infants are permitted on the ground level. The ground level is also wheelchair accessible.

Sugar Shack

Similar to the Mad Tea Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, these maple syrup buckets will spin you while you spin yourself–as fast or as slow as you can manage. Riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child and there is a maximum of one adult per car.

Swing Time

A miniature version of the classic rotating swing ride, Swing Time features a child-size chair swing with free hanging seats suspended from a gently rotating tower. An individual lap bar and a between-the-leg safety belt secures each rider. Guests must be between 36″ and 54″ tall to ride.

Taxi Jam

Taxi Jam is a small, steel roller coaster for kids. It’s designed to be a child’s first roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland. Guests must be 40″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall with a parent or guardian. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child.

Treetop Adventure

These very cute small helicopters make their way slowly around an elevated track. You can make it go a bit faster by pedaling! Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Planet Snoopy Rides for Babies & Toddlers

Boo Blasters on Boo Hill

This ride is similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. You aim and shoot targets with a laser gun, and you compete for high score with your seatmate. It’s dark and noisy. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Character Carousel

Wonderland’s Character Carousel is a child-sized version of a traditional carousel. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and all of the Peanuts characters spin with 20 beautiful horses and two chariots. Guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or be accompanied by an adult. Handheld infants are permitted in chariot seating. Guests over 60″ tall must be accompanied by a child and are not permitted to ride on a jumper horse.

Ghoster Coaster

The Ghoster Coaster is most Toronto kids’ first real roller coaster experience. It’s still a great ride for adults! Riders must be 46″ tall to go on alone or 40″ tall with a parent or guardian.

Joe Cool’s Dodgem School

If your toddler is 36″ and up and is of a sturdy sort, they might enjoy Joe Cool’s Dodgem School. This classic bumper car ride promises strong side to side movement and rapidly changing forces and direction. Guests must be between 36″ and 54″ tall to ride.

Lucy’s Tugboat

This is a mini version for the classic midway swinging pirate ship ride. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ tall must be with a child and there is a maximum of one adult per row.

Peanuts 500

This little race car ride doesn’t look like much, but every parent I know loves it. The spin around the corners is really fast and fun. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Sally’s Love Buggies

Sally’s Love Buggies are little cars that go round and round and up and down and you control how high with a handle. Riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Snoopy’s Revolution

This is Snoopy’s version of a mini Ferris wheel. Riders must be 42″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ tall must be with a child.

Snoopy’s Space Race

These are little rocket ships that gently spin and go up in the air. Riders must be shorter than 60″ to ride. Handheld infants are not permitted.

Snoopy Vs. Red Baron

Ah yes, that pesky Red Baron that Snoopy has up against since time immemorial. The miniature fighter planes go up and down as the ride rotates around in a circle. Riders use a joystick to control the elevation of their unit. Guests must be between 36″ and 60″ tall to ride. Lap infants are not permitted.

Snoopy’s Space Race

Miniature rockets (featuring Astronaut Snoopy and his assistant Woodstock) gently spin and raise riders up in the air. Guests must be less than 60″ tall to ride. Hand-held infants are not permitted.

Swan Lake

These classic swan boats are similar to the ones at Centre Island. It’s a great little break to paddle around the little pond whild surrounded by all the busy-ness. Riders must be 48″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over 60″ must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per boat.

The Pumpkin Patch

This ride is kind of like a horizontal Ferris wheel. The little pumpkins spin independently as the ride goes around and around. Each pumpkin seats four and riders must be 44″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ must be with a child.

Woodstock Whirlybirds

This ride is similar to The Pumpkin Patch except you can spin your nest as it goes around and it also rocks a bit up and down. Riders must be 40″ tall to go on alone or be with a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Guests over 60″ must be with a child. There is a maximum of one adult per car.

Main Park Rides for Babies & Toddlers

Antique Carousel

Wonderland’s Antique Carousel is almost 100-years-old and features 64 original hand-carved horses (24 stationary and 42 jumpers) and two chariots. Guests must be 46″ tall to ride alone or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Handheld infants are permitted in the chariot seating. Service animals are welcome.

Flying Canoes

The Flying Canoes is a family ride where guests go up, down, and around in a big canoe. Riders can control how high tto fly by the press of a button. Guests must be 48″ tall to ride alone or 36″ tall if with a parent or guardian. Lap infants are not permitted.

Shows and Attractions at Canada’s Wonderland for Babies and Toddlers:

Since there isn’t too many rides for very small guests, visiting Wonderland with a baby or toddler is more about the shows. All of the performances at Canada’s Wonderland are family-friendly. The Victoria Falls High Divers leap off Wonder Mountain four times daily. Every day at 5:00pm,the Peanuts Block Party takes over Planet Snoopy. Five times per day, Snoopy’s Dog Days of Summer show features singing and dancing at the Playhouse Theatre. And Snoopy’s Symphony of Water takes place four times per day. Snoopy conducts the fountains in front of Wonder Mountain to dance along to music.

In the summer months, don’t miss KidZfest, with live entertainment and dance parties, and visits from your favourite TV characters such as Thomas & Friends, Toopy & Binoo, ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks, Bob the Builder, Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer, and MARVEL© Superheroes!

Visit the Canada’s Wonderland website for a complete list of shows and showtimes.

Canada’s Wonderland’s Splash Works with a Baby or Toddler:

Of course you know that there’s a whole other park inside Canada’s Wonderland. The Splash Works water park has been open since 1992. Entrance is free with your park admission or Season Pass.

Life jackets are available and free to use, and please take measures for pool and sun safety. 

The Lakeside Lagoon, as well as the Pumphouse and Sprayground, can be busy but can also be lots of fun for mobile toddlers. Handheld infants must have direct adult supervision. If your toddler is over 36″ they’ll love the water slides at Lakeside Lagoon. Lap infants are not permitted down the slides.

The Supersoaker, The Plunge, Riptide Racer, and Whirlwinds waterslides all have a minimum height requirement of 40″ for a child who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Lazy River

All children under 48″ must wear a life jacket in the Lazy River. You float with inner tubes through the quarter mile-long track. Children under 42″ may ride with their parent or guardian in the same inner tube. 

Waterways

These smaller water slides allow children 36″ and over to ride down alone or choose to go with their parent or guardian. Handheld infants are not permitted. Those over five feet must be with a child.

White Water Bay

White Water Bay is one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools. The waves come fast and furious for five minutes and then there’s a five-minute break. Eveyone under 48″ must wear a life jacket. Wave pools are super fun but please watch your children closely and stick to the shallower end with your small children.

Getting Around Canada’s Wonderland with a Baby or Toddler:

Compared to Disney World or Universal, Canada’s Wonderland is not that big. However, it’s totally possible to spend the entire day here–from opening to closing–without running out of things to do. Prepare for LOTS of walking. We mentioned this previously, but don’t even think about visiting Canada’s Wonderland with a baby without a stroller.  Make sure you and your chldren are wearing comfortable shoes. 

Also, you may also wish to bring along a soft carrier or sling. Sometimes, for a nap or just for comfort, being able to wear baby is an option if they’re fussing.

Lastly, if you don’t want to spend your entire day in KidZville and Planet Snoopy, when you enter the park, head to the left of the fountains and start your day with the Antique Carousel. Then, make your way around the park clockwise.

Visiting Wonderland with Children with Autism or Special Needs:

Canada’s Wonderland is accessible and inclusive. In addition to their Baby Care Centres, they offer a Quiet Room located at Guest Services for those with sensory processing concerns. Ride accommodations can be made. Consult their downloadable guest accessibility guide for their complete policies and for further information you can consult Wonderland’s Guest Services team prior to your visit, or check in with them upon arrival at the park.

See Also:

• Visiting the Theme Parks at Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
• Tips & Tricks for Visiting Walt Disney World with Three Kids
• Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Destinations
• Best Resorts for Babies & Toddlers
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby

My family received complimentary admission to Canada’s Wonderland. All opinions remain my own.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

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It was finally time to have our first family holiday since 2019!

We decided to throw our bags in the car and head out on a road trip to Ohio. Ohio has a word-of-mouth reputation for being a great family destination… But who would’ve known it would surpass all of our family of five’s expectations?

We filled our days with slipping down water slides, riding ponies, playing pinball, rocking out in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, touring the National Air Force Museum, visiting the lower basement of a famous prison, hitting a tattoo parlour for piercings, and screaming our faces off on some intense roller coasters!

Slip & Slide in Sandusky

Our first destination was Sandusky, Ohio, where we had booked three nights and four days of fun. From our house in Toronto, it was only a five-and-a-half-hour drive, and the drive itself was very smooth. Our youngest had never crossed the border between Canada and the U.S. She was thrilled to see the United States flag officially flying at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo/Fort Erie.

We played the license plate game (keeping a running list of all the different States license plates as they were spotted). And we pit-stopped once at one of the numerous washroom/information exits.

Ohio’s Kalahari Waterpark

By the time we rolled into the parking lot of the Kalahari (the largest indoor water park in Ohio) we were ready to get slipping and sliding.

The theme of the hotel and water park is African. Exotic statues and murals of animals and rainforests are all over the property, including the lobby and the water park. The indoor water park itself is 174,000 square feet. Plus there’s an additional three acres of waters slides, pools, and more outside. Our hope was that the indoor water park would satisfy our thirteen-year-old thrill seeker, eleven-year-old, and our youngest, who at eight had yet to go down a big water slide due to COVID-19.

We could not have chosen a better park. Kalahari has been open since 2005 and has a long history of super splashing fun. The rides have names in keeping with the theme. There’s the Cheetah Racer, the Tanzanian Twister, and the Zimbabwe Zipper. They do not disappoint.

Our kids’ top three favourites were the Swahili Swirl, the Victoria Falls raft ride, and the Crocodile Cove’s 3000 square feet of water basketball. We didn’t pay the extra money for the surf ride. There was more than enough to do. The kids spent lots of time in the wave pool and on the lazy river.

Kalahari Waterpark tip:

FYI, we found the lineups to be significantly shorter, or non-existent, later in the day. We planned accordingly by leaving early for our day trips, returning after an early dinner to enjoy the water park.

Sadly, we just missed the unveiling of the massive new renovations, which include a 15,000 square foot pool, the re-opening of the seventy-foot zipline, a petting zoo, and mini putt area. But there was more than enough to do inside.

And since we missed trying all of that out, we’ve made plans to return. Another trip to Ohio is definitely in the cards

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

No trip to Ohio is complete without a stop in Cleveland for this legendary attraction. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the atmosphere and the love of music and musicians is absolutely palpable. If you love music, and you love rock and roll, you have just got to go. With ever changing exhibits, there is no wrong time to go celebrate your favourite inductees and discover new loves.

The Beatles’ exhibit in the basement was bigger and better than any of us expected. The pictures, instruments, the videos playing, the music, it immerses you in that time period and encapsulates Beatlemania on so many levels. It’s not just about the fans then, but also the fans now. The exhibit shows the genius of their songwriting and the sense of excitement about their music. Its effects are instantly contagious.

On each level of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the floor to ceiling displays seem endless at times, weaving us through decades of music, from Aretha to Elvis, from Prince to Tom Morello. The exhibits have photos, posters, instruments, sheet- music, concert experiences, the joys of music, and big personalities on display alongside quiet heroes.

The R&R Hall of Fame Garage

And then we found the Garage.

Huge kudos to the designer who set up this entire floor of awesomeness! It looks just like someone’s garage. Visitors are encouraged to grab an instrument and play or learn to play. They have electric guitars, basses, and drum sets.

Alternatively, punk out and play some pinball (my favourite was Aerosmith) or check out the sticker making machine.

Be sure to give yourself extra time to visit the room where the inductees are listed alphabetically. By popping on a headset and choosing one of your faves, you can watch their acceptance speech. Believe me, Dolly Parton’s was oh so awesome!

On the way out, hit the gift shop to browse the racks of t-shirts, music merch, gifts, and the impressive range of vinyl. Then grab a selfie with the giant rock ‘n’ roll sign, and pause to imagine living on Johnny Cash’s tour bus parked out front.

What road trips that bus must’ve seen!

Roller Coasters

From rock and roll to roller coasters, we headed to Cedar Point the following day to ride on its legendary eighteen roller coasters. Cedar Point began as a swimming and sunbathing destination on the shores of Lake Erie in the late 1800s, but in 1892, they installed its first roller coaster called the Switchback Railway. The coaster stood 25 feet tall and reached a top speed of 10 mph.

Compare those stats with the popular roller coaster Steel Vengeance, which has a 200-foot drop at 90 degrees, a top speed of 74 mph, and a ridiculous amount of airtime. Or experience the Millennium Force, which has a fierce speed of 93 mph and drops of up to 182 feet. Then race over to the Corkscrew coaster, which speeds you through three inversions and flips its screaming passengers upside down at 38mph. The Corkscrew opened in 1976, but it still draws big crowds daily, including my fourteen- and eleven-year-old, who ran off at full tilt to ride it again.

More than just roller coasters…

We went to Cedar Point for the roller coasters but there was a full day of fun for our eight-year-old, who, even though she was tall enough to go on the coasters, decided there was NO WAY she was getting on any of those.

So instead, she stuck to the Cedar Creek Mine Ride, the carousel, the coal-fired locomotive ride, and the spinning octopus ride. She loved the Matterhorn, the Ferris wheel (what an incredible view of Lake Erie and the whole park), and the Cedar Downs Racing Derby. She rode a real pony in the Frontier section of the park, which has some unique experiences, like the Fort Sandusky and its mining company where you can pan for gemstones, the Barnyard petting and feeding area, and glass blowing demonstrations.

The National Museum of the US Air Force

Airplane lovers will delight in The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. And it only just keeps getting better and better, and bigger and bigger. What started in 1923 in the corner of an aircraft hangar near downtown Dayton has grown to over 360 aircraft. It’s now overflowing a whopping five airplane hangars at its forever home on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The museum chronicles the entire history of aviation, from the early days of hot air ballooning to the first planes ever built and flown, to space travel. There are aircraft and artifacts everywhere. Many are hanging from the ceiling and arranged throughout the floors, effectively filling every bit of space they have. Everywhere you look there are pictures, models, interactive exhibits, full sized planes, and helicopters. All with such attention to detail. You can sense the pride the museum takes in getting everything just right.

For airplane enthusiasts, there is a lot to look at and read. Amazingly, the cost to enter and park at the museum is FREE. It is open from nine to five, seven days a week. Totally worth a trip to Ohio!

Air Force Museum Collections

The galleries house collections for World Wars, Space, and more, including Women in the Air Force, the Presidential Gallery, and the impressive Eugene W. Kettering Model Aircraft Collection. There are free tours offered by passionate volunteers, although we did retrace our steps so we could go more slowly through each hangar.

A small café inside the museum lets you refuel and rest your feet, while outside the grounds have monuments, plaques, planes, and a picnic area. They also have the most awesome gift shop. From novelty gifts to t-shirts, hoodies, models, and toys. Anyone who loves airplanes could get lost in the aisles. They literally had to kick us out.

Near the museum there are other sites to visit, like the Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright Brothers experimented with flight, the Wright Cycle Company, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum, the Aviation Trail, and more. Proving Ohio really is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts.

The Ohio Reformatory

One of the things I love about road trips is how much freedom, flexibility, convenience, and affordability they offer. And best of all, I love how road trips can offer something most holidays cannot. Spontaneity.

Which is how we ended up in the basement of the Ohio Reformatory.

Movie-Inspired Family Travel

While on the road, my husband mentioned that the movie Shawshank Redemption was filmed in Ohio. And guess what? As we drove, we realised Mansfield, Ohio, was close enough for us to go visit! We had little idea of what to expect, but the moment we saw the Ohio Reformatory, we were blown away by its architecture. Levi Scofield, the architect who designed the prison, took ten years to build it. He utilised much of the prison population to construct it. It continues to have the largest free-standing cell block in the world, at six tiers high.

In the over one hundred years it was in operation not a single prisoner escaped from its cells.

“If you’ve come this far, maybe you’re willing to come a little further.”

The design of the grounds included a school, a hospital, and a working farm, and was considered self- sufficient. The prison started out as the Intermediate Penitentiary which accepted inmates who had committed lesser crimes, and who were hoped to be reformed by the end of their term. Their ages ranged between sixteen and twenty-four and they had a ninety percent reformation rate. Much of the time served was dedicated to hard labour. Prisoners were taught a vocation or trade, so that upon their release they could support themselves.

Unfortunately, the mixing of maximum-security prisoners—transferred due to a lack of space—with minimum-security prisoners turned the reformatory into a brutal place known for its inhumane conditions.

Family-Friendly Prison Tour

The Ohio Reformatory was closed in 1990, and after almost being torn down, the prison became a non- profit overseen by a volunteer board. Every dollar of every tour and donation goes to the maintenance and restoration of the reformatory buildings and grounds.

We took two tours back-to-back. One called “History and Hollywood,” and the other “Behind the Bars.” Both were suitable for all ages, and the guide took us throughout the entire prison, including the roof and the basement, with many personal stories about his time spent in the buildings.

For those interested in the paranormal, the Ohio Reformatory has reduced visiting areas during the month leading up to Halloween because of Blood Prison, an interactive spooky tour. There are other events hosted at the Ohio Reformatory throughout the year, such as concerts and paranormal tours.

The gift shop sells t-shirts, mugs, and a range of other products to commemorate your visit. Detailing both the Ohio Reformatory and Shawshank, there are unique holiday ornaments, brewed coffee, key chain handcuffs, and more. While you’re there, don’t forget to ask about the ghost cat who haunts the prison.

Pizza and Piercings

Drive through Dayton directly to the Pizza Factory on Wayne Avenue and get ready for some pretty serious custom pizzas. With the catchphrase “Liberate yourself from Chain Pizza” be sure to try some of the local favourites like the Auzzie Supreme, the Quebec Poutine pizza (yes!) and the much sought after Seafood Blanc pizza.

We had the Ultimate Meat and an Ultimate Cheese, and I would drive back to Dayton tomorrow for more. The pop in the fridge was pretty epic as well—glass bottled, cold, and pretty cool flavour combinations. Pumpkin, root beer, and vanilla. Yum.

Oh, and hey, while you’re waiting for the pizza, if you feel the need for a piercing or tattoo, slip into the Blue Byrd tattoo parlour down the block. It doesn’t get much more authentically cool than this place. From the decor to the colourful people who work there, their artistic talents are proudly displayed and provided. Blue Byrd also has impeccably clean work stations, a long history of custom work, and some pretty epic cartoons on the big screen.

Both of our daughters got their ears pierced. The artist was not only extremely gentle and kind, but he also worked fast. Before we knew it, we were out the door and back on the road, ready for our next destination.

Wrap Up

Whether you head out on a trip to Ohio for the water parks, the roller coasters, the opportunity to do some rocking out, to visit a few airplane museums, or simply to be spontaneous, the hype, and the word-of-mouth reputation of being a great family trip is oh-so-deserved.

Joanne Taylor is a make-up artist, artist, and underwater photographer. 
(Ed. note: She is also a hockey mom extraordinaire!)

Follow her blog at Underwater Photography for Kids.

See Also:

• North Carolina with Kids
• Chicago with Kids: A Quickie Family Vacation
• Panama City Beach, Florida with Kids

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

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Headphones for Toddlers? Yes!

When I first became a parent, I was certain I was going to limit my daughter’s screen time to an hour a week of highly educational programming that would stimulate and instruct. Then I remembered that I was television producer with a great love of garbage reality television. Truthfully, the TV is on A LOT in our house.

But even though my kids were and are no stranger to screens, when we would fly were immediately attracted to the seat-back entertainment. In the olden days we lugged along our portable DVD player and new DVDs, as well as a few old favourites.

Nowadays, tablets make our lives easier (and lighter) in terms of keeping our kids’ attention. And this bodes well for those of you who actually do rigorously limit your kids’ screen time. You’ll likely have a captive audience (pun intended) to whatever app you let them play with or show you let them watch.

Toddler tech has come a long way!

Paw Patrol should be seen and not heard

When my kids were really little, they were happy enough to just watch the screen. But the time soon comes where they want to listen as well. And not everyone, including yourself, wants to listen to Dora. Or Paw Patrol. Or Mickey. (Actually, I don’t mind Mickey, but I’m not certain my fellow passengers want to listen to the “Hot Dawg” song for the trillionth time). So you need headphones for toddlers.

THE Cutest Headphones for Toddlers

We have two pairs of these adorable headphones from Califone: Panda ones and Tiger ones. They also come in Bear. They fit little heads and have a separate volume adjustment on the cord, so you can be certain the noise levels aren’t too loud for their ears. And they adjust to fit grown-up heads to watch a real movie if your kids fall asleep on the plane. (A girl can dream, can’t she?)

You can order these adorable (and inexpensive!) headphones via Amazon

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• A Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Baby Travel Gear Essentials
• Toddler Tech, Baby Headphones & Travel Accessories
• What to Bring to the Beach with Babies & Toddlers
• Baby Beach Tents & Portable Sun Shelters
• Portable Toddler Beds for Travel
• Best Travel Cribs & Sleep Accessories
• Potty Training Travel Tips
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage

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All About Baby Club Med…

Baby Club Med is an optional program for babies and toddlers ages four to 23 months that is available at select Club Med locations around the world. Our daughter was two when we visited Club Med Ixtapa Pacific (RIP), and the G.O.s that run the baby program there at the time were international Early Childhood Education students.

We were first-time helicopter parents who had never left their baby with anyone other than family before. And we were able to hang out and use the facilities with our daughter so we could spy on observe the G.O.s in action. Ultimately we were confident enough to leave our daughter in their care and enjoy some grown-up time that may or may not have included hiding behind palm trees to spy on them see what they were up to.

Children two and under are welcome and always free to stay at most Club Meds. Using the baby services is completely optional. You can sign up your baby once you arrive at your resort and pay per use. Unlike some other resorts with baby clubs, Baby Club Med services are an additional fee.

Baby Club Med: Locations

Baby Club Med services are available at 11 Club Med resorts around the world: Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon,Valmorel, Les Arcs Panorama, and Opio en Provence in France, Da Balaia in Portugal, Albion Plantation in Mauritius, Bali (Indonesia), Cherating Beach in Malaysia, and Phuket in Thailand.

Valmorel is a ski destination, but Valmorel offers summer programs for your holiday with baby as well. 

Baby Club Med: Amenities 

Baby Club Med G.O.s offer complete baby and toddler supervision and activities for children as young as four-months-old and up to 23-months. The activities are age-appropriate and fun. They include outdoor walks, sing-a-longs, playing dress-up, and chasing bubbles. There is usually a shaded, shallow splash pool, as well as an area for sand play. 

It is up to you if you want to leave your child for naps and meals. There is a napping area with cots and cribs that is quiet and cool. The kids have their own eating area, and you are welcome to join them for lunch and snacks if you like.

But even if you choose not to leave your baby, all resorts that offer it also supply a number of baby and toddler amenities. Baby gear like cribs, change tables, high chairs, and bath tubs are available for your room. 

For additional supervision and care, Baby Club Med organizes the nightly “Pyjamas Club” with quiet activities and bedtime. You pick up your (hopefully already asleep) bundle of joy after a grown-up evening of amazing food and drinks. Alternately, you can arrange for private babysitting in your room with one of the G.O.s.

Baby Club Med: Food

Food-wise, “The Baby Corner”of the main restaurant features a baby-friendly buffet and a selection of baby food jars, as well as a bottle warmer and microwave. There is also the aforementioned “Baby Restaurant” where babies and toddlers enjoy balanced (and yummy!) meals prepared just for them, with you or as part of Baby Club Med. The resorts also offer bottle rooms or “Biberonneries” that are open 24/7 and offer a sterilizer, bottle warmer, microwave, bottled water, and a small selection of prepared baby food jars.

Baby Club Med: Fees

The Baby Club Med resort amenities like the cribs food and bottle rooms are included in your stay. The supervision services, the Pyjamas Club, and private babysitting can be reserved in advance or once you’ve arrived. The fees for these services are not included in your stay and can be paid onsite.

The fees vary from location to location but the cost is usually around US $100/day with a half-day rate available. You can save some money if you decide to book these services in advance. 

Additional Information:

In order to use Baby Club Med facilities and services, you must show proof that your baby’s scheduled vaccinations are up-to-date. Check to see if your chosen destination requires additional travel vaccinations for babies and toddlers.

See Also:

• Best Resorts for Babies and Toddlers
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in the Caribbean and Mexico
• Dominican Republic Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Jamaica Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Cuba Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Mexico Resorts with Baby Clubs
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age and Stage
• Tips for Sun Safety for Babies & Toddlers + What to Bring to the Beach
• Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…

*Additional photos courtesy Club Med

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Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo Vacations in Cuba

Before I booked, I didn’t realize that Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are essentially just hotel strips. No town, no shops, and no Cubans… Except, of course, for those working at the resorts. There were plenty of excursions. But, with a baby in tow, I prefer to do our own thing on our own time. I don’t want the worry of throwing a busload of people off schedule. Plus, it’s enough to stay put in a resort for a week, we want to do at least a little exploring by ourselves.

So I’m glad I read about Playa Pilar, or Pilar Beach, before we went.

Getting to Playa Pilar

There’s a public bus that goes from resort to resort along Cayo Coco and then Cayo Guillermo, ending up at Playa Pilar. The fare is $5 CAD or USD or 5 Euro return, and kids are free. We expected a large coach, which all the tourists are carted around on. When a 16-passenger van pulled up, I gulped at our large beach bag and stroller. Somehow it all fit and we were on our (very bumpy) way.

*Note* the public relations person at our hotel mentioned that if the bus fills up at the resorts previous to yours, they simply won’t stop at your resort. You have no way of knowing if this will happen! Ours was 4th from the top so we took our chances. The ride from Cayo Coco to Playa Pilar took about an hour.

Arriving at Playa Pilar

Once you leave the bus, you walk along a wooden bridge for a fair bit, and when you come to the end, this is what you see:

Playa Pilar Is Worth the Trip

The sand is so very soft. And even though it was quite windy on the day we went, the slope into the water is so extensive that by the time the waves hit the shore they’re very gentle.

Apparently, on calmer days, small catamarans and glass bottom boats are there to take you out to the reef. Unfortunately we brought our lifejackets and snorkel gear for nothing.

The wind was cool, but that made the water seem warmer.

Facilities and Food at Playa Pilar

Lounge chairs are $10 for the day, which includes three drinks.

The washrooms and showers are very clean. Bring your own TP or tip the lovely lady for some toilet paper.

My then almost-9-month-old found the sand quite delicious (in spite of my best efforts!). There’s a restaurant there in case you fancy a snack, a beer, an ice cream, or a coffee.

Note that there is very little to no natural shade at Playa Pilar. You will want to bring a baby beach tent or travel beach umbrella.

Returning back to the hotel…

You’re given a schedule for the return bus trips to the resorts.

I was a little concerned about what would happen if there were too many people to fit on the bus back, but the woman assured me that we’d be fine. Sure enough, a large coach came for the final departure at 5pm, and we returned back at our hotel by 6.

The beach at our resort was lovely, but Playa Pilar was a great little escape for the day.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

See Also:

• A Month in Cuba with a Baby and Toddler
• Cuba Vacations with Kids: Fast Facts for Families
• Is it Safe for My Toddler to Drink the Milk in Cuba?
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Tips for Visiting Mexico and the Caribbean with a Baby or Toddler
• Travel Vaccinations for Babies & Toddlers

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I have never been to Las Vegas. It’s probably the last place I would think of visiting with my kids. At least it was until I was surprised by a Vegas hotel’s reaction to complaints about a breastfeeding mom. I want a grown-up getaway there with days filled with cocktails instead of sippy cups and high heels instead of flip flops. Reader Helene Vece grew up and has lived in Las Vegas for the last 35 years, and she’s sharing top tips for Las Vegas with kids. Thanks, Helene! 

Las Vegas for Toddlers

Las Vegas and toddlers normally aren’t associated as two things that go together. But, they really are! Parents with young children shouldn’t miss out on visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip because of travel concerns. In reality, Sin City has tons of activities for toddlers!

The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, the Fountains of Bellagio, the Coney Island Emporium, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat are just a few of the baby and toddler-friendly attractions in Las Vegas. The best part? They are all affordable and located on glitzy Las Vegas Boulevard! Parents can see the sights while children delight in engaging and educational attractions.

The Bellagio

First, let’s address the main concern for most moms: bathroom breaks while walking the Strip. Baby-friendly bathrooms in Las Vegas are hit and miss, except for The Bellagio! The bathrooms inside this beautiful resort are extra-large! Moms with young children don’t have to cram into a single stall with their child. The Bellagio has plenty of room for mom, a few toddlers, and a stroller.

The separate sitting (nursing) areas built into the lobby bathrooms are an appreciated comfort. The Bellagio is a wonderful place for families to visit because the resort is clean and the attractions are free. Little children are always fond of the dancing fountains out front of the hotel, which go off every 15 minutes. The Bellagio also hosts an indoor flower conservatory that is free.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Another great activity for those traveling with children is the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The tickets prices are very reasonable. Parents can take children in strollers to the bottom level of the Habitat for an up close and personal view of the dolphins. Large glass windows allow children to press their hands and faces against the glass as dolphins swim about. Sometimes they even come face-to-face with the children! The Habitat has a large cat section filled with lions and tigers, but no bears-oh my! The lions do brag about with furious growls, so use your discretion when it comes to visiting this section of the Habitat.

Coney Island Emporium

The Coney Island Emporium located within the New York New York Hotel is fun for parents looking to stroll around, grab a quick bite and keep the younger ones entertained. The carnival games may be for school-aged children, but the lights and sounds will make toddlers “ooh” and “awe”.

Plus, the Coney Island Emporium has great ice cream. The hotel’s bathrooms do offer changing stations that will do the trick, but they are nowhere in comparison to those at The Bellagio.

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

About ten minutes from all the glitz and glitter of the hotels is the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum. The Museum is on Las Vegas Blvd. but families will have to take a cab to get to the location and back. Everything in Las Vegas looks close, but the Museum really isn’t. General admission tickets are $17 and local resident tickets are $13.50. There is no charge for babies who a year old or younger.

The Museum has lots to offer toddlers and the building was designed to accommodate parents traveling with several bags and multi-child strollers. Every exhibit, and there are over a hundred, incorporates an educational component.

Las Vegas has many fun (often free) activities for toddlers. And, there are several hotels that offer daycare or in-room babysitting in their concierge office.

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store.

Many thanks to Vanessa at Desumama.com for the picture of her daughters at the Children’s Museum. Check out her original review here.

See Also:

• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
• Tips for Sun Safety for Babies & Toddlers + What to Bring to the Beach
• Resorts with Baby Clubs in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Tips for Visiting Mexico & the Caribbean with Babies and Toddlers
• Is Beaches Turks & Caicos Worth the Money?
• Walt Disney World with a Baby or Toddler

Las Vegas photo courtesy Bob Townsend

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