Kid-Friendly Travel

Holidazzle Parade in Minneapolis

2008-12-16T23:15:00.005-06:00

One of our preschool moms, Edie, has generously given us some GREAT advice for watching the Holidazzle Parade in downtown Minneapolis. It's a little short notice for this year... it only last another week or s0, but the tips are good for next year, too.

The Holidazzle Parade is every Thursday-Sunday evening, from Thanksgiving to just before Christmas, at 6:30 p.m.

-I suggest going early, head for downtown around 4-4:30 p.m. Find a parking ramp with a green 'Do The Town' sign and park for just $4 for the entire night by entering after 4pm. If you spend $20 or more at a variety of stores or restaurants, they will validate your parking ticket for free parking. Check online for a list of participating locations.

-Go to Macys 8th floor Holiday display before, rather than after the parade to avoid some of the crowds. (remember it's free!) Catch dinner at a number of family friendly places near Nicollet or Hennepin before the parade or pack a 'picnic'. Lots of open spaces in the first floor of the IDS building on Nicollet.

-Head to save a spot along Nicollet by 6pm, earlier if you want a warm skyway spot. Take a blanket with you if watching outside, to either sit on or cover up with.

-Just before the parade starts, volunteers will walk the route with shopping carts to collect donations for local food shelves. There will also be vendors selling glow and light up souvenirs. I wasn't going to splurge for the $5 light-up wands, but 2 years later they still work and my kids are still playing with them. We reuse them each year!

-If you want to see the very beginning of the parade, go down to 12th Avenue & Nicollet. They'll have the parade floats sitting there before parade time. You can see the 'actors' get their lights turned on and load the floats. It's not for everyone, but I thought it was neat.

-I suggest Sunday or Thursday nights for the smallest crowds. Tickets can be purchased in advance for warm seats in heated tents along the parade route. These go fast and you need to plan well in advance. If you don't mind the Minnesota cold just go for free!
Hope these help. Have a great time!

Thanks again, Edie!!!

And here's a video from YouTube to show you what all the fuss is about!!

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Inauguration Ceremony Kid-Unfriendly, Organizers Say

2008-12-07T22:53:00.005-06:00

According to The Houston Chronicle, organizers for the Barack Obama inauguration ceremony don't recommend bringing the kids. In fact, they're banning strollers and large bags from the event.

Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said: "An event where you will have 1 million people is inherently kid-unfriendly. They are shorter than everyone else; they can be stepped on. Parents should think long and hard about bringing a small kid to an event with 1 million people."

Y'know? I'd have to agree. Couple that with the fact that you'd be standing (in one place) outside, in January, for at least 4 hours; and it doesn't sound like something any small child would enjoy.

That doesn't mean you can't take the kids to Washington DC during this historic time. The DC area in general is very kid friendly. While you're there, kids can explore so many facets of our history in settings that are made just for them. Check out our articles on taking the kids to Washington DC.

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Tip for Getting Cheaper Airfare

2008-12-02T21:59:00.009-06:00

If there's one thing that gets me through the brutal cold of a Minnesota January, it's a trip in February to look forward to. We booked our flights to Orlando today. Ahh, I feel warmer already!

Now, I normally recommend trying to fly during the child's naptime. But this time the price was too high. Plus, now that our son is 4, he doesn't nap. The flights during normal day hours were close to $1200. each! We checked early morning flights, (since the boy is an early riser anyway, and we're going to Disney -so who can sleep the night before that?) and they were $253! Um, yeah, I'll get on the plane at 7am to save nearly a thousand dollars.

So, check those off-times for flights. It could just make a trip affordable after all.

If you're headed somewhere warm, check out this link from Travelocity:
Book a 3+ Night Hotel Stay with your MasterCard in Participating Cities and Save $75!! > PROMOCODE: BONUS75
Hurry tho', this offer ends Dec. 31st.

Holiday Shopping Destinations

2008-12-01T11:02:00.004-06:00

The Mall of America in Minnesota is a huge shopping mecca for people all over the US... scratch that, the world. Part of the appeal, beyond having hundreds of stores under one roof, is that in Minnesota, we don't charge sales tax on clothing. So depending on the sales tax rates in your city, that could be a savings up up to 10% right off the bat. Many non-US residents are taking advantage of the weak dollar by coming here with empty suitcases and filling them up with goodies! (Better hurry, though, our dollar is coming back!)

If you do come to Minneapolis/St. Paul for your holiday shopping, turn it into a shopping vacation and bring the kids. There's plenty to do in our great city for the rest of the family while you shop till you drop! Click here for a list of our favorite local activities.

Of course, everyone is looking to save money this year, so here's a limited time offer from Travelocity to help you take advantage of a holiday shopping vacation... wherever you choose to go.

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

I've been quoted on Milk & Cookies!

2008-10-31T11:35:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Linda, writes on Milk and Cookies. She recently invited her readers to share our feelings about our strollers for a stroller review post.
Here's my quote under Graco:

"I LOVE my Graco Metrolite. I have the travel system one, in purple. I’ve had it since Cooper was born and he just turned 4. I love it because it’s lightweight, but sturdy. It has a snack tray for him and cup holders for me, large underbasket to carry LOTS of stuff, the seat reclines (which was handy when he napped, almost a traveling bed), it folds up pretty flat — flat enough to fit on the parking lot tram at Disney, the handlebar is adjustable, the seat is padded and comfortable for him. I’ve taken that thing all over this country and it takes a licking, makes a great luggage cart, and handles pretty well, even on cobblestone streets." — Steph

And my quote under Peg Perego:
"I’ve tried the Peg Perego, but I nearly lost a finger folding that one up." — Steph

If you're shopping for a stroller, this is a great article spotlighting several of the top brands by the moms who use them.

Shop for strollers on Amazon.com

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Save $150 on a Disney Vacation through Orbitz

2008-10-21T18:25:00.003-05:00

Leave it to Disney to create a fun way to win an instant vacation. Leave it to Orbitz to give you $150 off your trip if you don't win.

Log onto www.Orbitz.com/Disney and create your dream trip storybook. Choose from a variety of Orbitz Insider experiences like a night in Cinderella's castle, or a cruise dinner hosted by Captain Hook, or a VIP guided tour of the parks, to name a few. When you are finished creating your unique pop-up storybook dream vacation, your are automatically entered to win that vacation, or one of 55 secondary prizes that include 15 complete Disney vacations and 40 pairs of roundtrip airfare vouchers.

If you're not an instant winner, you can still get a great discount on a Disney vacation through Orbitz!

(Fine Print: Minimum 5 day stay. Trips must be booked between 10/20/2008 thru 11/23/2008, for five or more nights for travel between now and 1/31/2009.)

If you win, let me know!! Good Luck!!!

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Disney Travel Secrets

2008-10-11T15:30:00.004-05:00

Many families make a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World an annual vacation. Some go every few years. If you're a Disney fan like we are, here's a few Disney travel secrets on how to save money and beat the lines on your next Disney vacation.

Disneyland Tips for Little Ones

Walt Disney World with Little Ones

More Walt Disney World tips

Disney Cruise

Disney Tips from Readers

Disney Vacation Test Drive

Disney's Animal Kingdom Parade Video

Disneyland's Grand Californian Resort

Another resource I like: Mousesavers

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Downtown Chicago with Kids

2008-08-31T14:16:00.003-05:00

The biggest city in the Midwest has a surprising number of kid-friendly attractions right downtown. For starters, there is so much green park space, lots of shade and the city is very stroller-friendly.

Navy Pier and its boardwalk is a wonderful, high-energy place to shop & eat, catch a boat tour, ride the ferris wheel, and best of all, it’s free! Visit the Chicago Children’s Museum while you’re there and experience the kid’s block party… a replica of a neighborhood block party – kid-sized.

Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium is one of the best aquariums in the country. It has a Beluga whale exhibit, adorable otters, and a cool reef area with sharks. If you’re a family of 5 or more, check the family membership prices, it may be cheaper to buy the membership rather than 5 individual tickets.

Chicagoans are very proud of Sue the T-Rex in the Field Museum. Of course you’ll find many more wonderful surprises at this science and nature museum, but don’t miss Sue.

I love Millennium Park for many reasons. It’s home to “the Bean” the coolest outdoor sculpture my husband and I have ever seen. At the Crown Fountain, dozens of kids in swimsuits were splashing in the fountain puddles. Be sure to have yours wear water shoes, as it gets pretty slippery. Large, clean restrooms are a major plus. And, it’s also free! Love that!

Summertime is one festival after another in Grant Park. Check ahead to see which one suits you. Buckingham Fountain is beautiful, if not a fun reminder of the TV show “Married… with Children”.

The Sears Tower Skydeck offers an amazing view of the city. Older kids will appreciate it more than littles, but worth it, for sure.

If you have a daughter, you may already know there’s an American Girl Place here. Plan to have lunch, (make reservations as many weeks in advance as you can!) then get her picture on the cover of a souvenir American Girl Magazine at the Photo Studio.

Take ‘the el’ (elevated train) at least once. A subway ride is a memory that lasts if you don’t have one where you live.

When it comes time to eat, there’s 2 things you gotta try. 1. A Chicago-style hot dog. And 2. A Chicago-style pizza. For the hot dog, the local favorites are Superdawg Drive-in, and Portillos for Chicago Dog and Italian Beef. For pizza, the local favorites are Bella Bacino’s and “Lou’s” Lou Malnati’s Pizzaria. Joan, my Chicago-native neighbor prefers Portillos and Lou’s.

When looking for a place to stay, I’m once again recommending a Residence Inn: The Residence Inn Marriott Downtown. Residence Inns save you so much money on food by providing a full, hot breakfast in the lobby area every morning, kitchens in the room to store and reheat leftovers or cook meals from scratch, and a grocery service- often with no delivery charge. They also have many rooms with a separate bedroom, so if your child has an early bedtime or a nap, you don’t have to be so quiet.

A little insider tip: Buy City Pass for admission to: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry, Adler Planetarium, & Hancock Observatory or Sears Tower Skydeck.

What are your favorite things to do downtown Chicago with the family? There’s no way I could have covered them all!!!

Day-Tripping Downtown Minneapolis, MN

2008-07-13T12:02:00.002-05:00

Early in my childhood, I lived very near downtown St. Paul. After moving to a small Iowa town, I realized how much I missed going to the museums, seeing a play or live stage show, and just being a part of a diverse and eclectic culture. Small towns have their advantages, to be sure. But spending the day downtown in any city can be a cultural boost to the ego, even for kids. Here are some of my favorite things to do with kids downtown Minneapolis.

If you can, plan your timing around a live stage show like Sesame Street Live, or Playhouse Disney Live, etc. We saw the Backyardigans Live on Stage at the ornate State Theatre and my 3 year old even commented on the ‘fancy building’.

There are plenty ways to take in a ball game. Vikings Football, Twins Baseball, Timberwolves Basketball, all have stadiums downtown. What kid doesn’t like a ball game, or at least the hot dogs?

If you’re coming in from out of town, stay at the Depot, a Marriott Residence Inn, and admission to the attached water park is included. In the winter, the adjacent building houses an indoor skating rink. The Depot is on the light rail line for an additional day at the Mall of America or Minnehaha Falls.

The new Minneapolis Central Library has a wonderful children’s area on the ground floor and a very cool area just for teens upstairs.

Minneapolis is a river town, so visit the Mill City Museum for a bit of fun and history. On Thursday nights in the summer they have outdoor live music for all ages. Take a walk on the Stone Arch Bridge to cross the mighty Mississippi river. A few blocks north is an area called St. Anthony Main, which happens to be Minneapolis’ oldest street. Here, you’ll find the oldest restaurant in the city called Pracna on Main. They serve kid-friendly food with a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline.

Walk through the skyways or down the pedestrian-only Nicollet Mall to Macy’s candy counter for a fancy treat. Kids always seem to remember the candy counter at Macy’s.

This list is far from comprehensive! What are your favorite things about downtown Minneapolis?

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Keeping Kids Occupied en Route

2008-06-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

They say getting there is half the fun. Yet, I remember the hours of travel time droning on and on as a kid. Maybe that was when I was a teen. Anything with my parents was boring (add eye roll here). A good balance between diversions and together time can make the journey more memorable. Since I have a preschooler, I’ve enlisted the advice of all of my friends, family, and internet. Here are my favorites.

Diversions:

DVD player w/ headphones
Activity books: sticker, coloring, dot-to-dot, word find, etc.
Favorite toy or blanket
Travel size toys: Magna Doodle, Etch a Sketch, Play-doh. Make games out of this like, “Guess what this is?” Or “you have 1 minute to make a…”
Dolls or action figures (avoid things with small pieces that can drop and get lost)
Age appropriate snacks and beverages

Family together time:

Sing rounds of songs, make up new lyrics: “the radar detector goes, ‘beep, beep, beep’”
I Spy
Bingo: license plate or scenery
Books on CD for the whole family to listen. Get something with a little drama or juice to it in hopes that they’ll shush each other to hear. Ideally, something with a similar theme as your trip.
Travel by train. Not only a memorable experience in itself, but everyone gets to relax and walk around.

Keeping the peace:

Separating the kids (one in front, one in back) helps.
Dramamine (Ooo. Was that out loud?)
The “Let’s see who can go the longest without talking?” game.
Travel at night.

What are your favorite ways to keep the kids occupied on the way to your destination?

Washington DC – Virginia area

2008-06-24T08:34:00.000-05:00

These tips are from reader Kim T. who visited the DC area, staying in Virginia, with her 2-1/2 year old.

“We went to the National Zoo one day & met friends of ours from Maryland there. Loved it! Because of my son's age, he doesn't last as long as most of us when we go site seeing...I'm sure you can relate. About 4 hours, including travel time there, is about it. He fell asleep in the car on the way back to the hotel. Stroller is a must!!! We saw a few animal exhibits & ate lunch we brought.

We also visited The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151, http://www.nasm.si.edu/, Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000. This is supposed to be bigger than the Air & Space museum in DC. The Space Shuttle Enterprise was huge & definitely his favorite (& mine too). There is also a huge tower similar to the one they use at the airport. Visitors can go up in the tower & you can see the airport & what air traffic controllers see when they are at work. My son was busy playing with his new $6 Space Shuttle Replica, so I don’t think he would have cared where he was…We got a sandwich @ Panera Bread which adjoined our hotel. The hotel was actually in Virginia. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800 Presidents Street, Reston, Virginia, USA 20190, http://reston.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp, Tel: +1 703 709 1234 Fax: +1 703 925 8295”

Thanks, Kim, for sharing these great tips!!

Feel free to share tips from your own town or travels; and yours could be featured on this site, too!

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, Denver, CO

2008-06-23T14:25:00.001-05:00

Now this is a hot dog even a foodie/chef family can love!

Experience the Wild West in Colorado with a wild game hot dog from Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs. (Located on the corner of 16th (pedestrian mall) and Arapahoe.)

Check out the menu offerings. Reindeer, Buffalo, Elk, Wild Boar. They do have regular beef for the traditionalists out there.

I love the cream cheese in a giant caulk gun! And the carmalized onions are divine. Can you tell we liked this place? Hot dog streetcarts are such a fun way to eat lunch in a city's downtown. This one really kicks up the fun factor.

I got the Elk and we got the traditional beef for my 2 year old, but he tells everyone he ate buffalo. (both were delicious, by the way)

What's the most interesting hot dog you've had and where was it?

Easing Ear Pressure and Other Ways to Keep Kids Comfortable on a Plane

2008-06-10T13:19:00.001-05:00

The real trick to not being the parent with the screaming child is to keep the child comfortable. Little ears are very sensitive to ear pressure. Little personalities are very sensitive to parents' anxieties. If you're a nervous flier (like me), don't let it show. "Fake it till you make it!" Keep a cool head, and your child will find it easier to relax, too. Our preschool actually enjoys flying. Here's a few things we do to keep ours comfortable.

-Try to choose a flight time near nap or bedtime. Our little guy has time for a snack, we pop a movie into the DVD and he's out like a light until we land. For shorter flights (2 hours or less) he doesn't sleep, but from Minneapolis, just about everywhere in the US is about 3 hours away.

-They keep changing the rules about what you can and can't bring on the plane with you. The first week of a new rule is the worst. After that, it gets more realistic. If the rules allow that day, bring a snack and a beverage with you. Never try to sneak it, just show it to them and put on your best doe-eyes. You can always buy some after you pass security if all else fails. Besides, a fast food treat is more guaranteed to get eaten by some kids.

-You want them to eat or drink as soon as the engine starts up and you are taxiing down the runway. Take-off and landings are really hard on little ears. Chewing and swallowing help tremendously. If you have a sippy cup, that's ideal because it not only prevents spills, but the sucking action helps with relieving ear pressure.

-Budget minded travelers have a hard time justifying getting a child under 2 their own seat, but do this. Put your child on your lap at home for the same amount of time as your flight (2 or 3 hours), then decide. Remember to put another chair crammed up against your knees for this exercise. Check with your airline to see if they have discount seats for kids under age 12, many do.

-Keeping them in their seat is another challenge that I can't stress enough. Treat the airplane like any other moving vehicle and teach them that they must be in their seat at all times. Little kids can get very hurt if they're not restrained and the plane hits even mild turbulence. Some people advocate bringing your car seat on the plane. I, however, do not. (click here for the now-funny story why). I do recommend the CARES restraint. It is approved by the FAA, and fits easily in your carry-on allowing you to check that bulky car seat. With the child restrained in their own seat, they actually have quite a bit of room, and hopefully cannot reach the kick-tempting seat in front of them.

-Bring as many diversions as your child needs, but bring the minimum amount of diversions. For us, snacks, a new sticker book, and a movie are all we need. I'm sure the GameBoy or modern equivalent is in our near future. We also talk a lot about where we're going and what we'll do when we get there to build a bit of anticipation.

Getting there is half the fun if you let it be. Treat the flight as part of the vacation and your child will do just fine.

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Mutigenerational Travel Can be Fun!

2008-06-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

Multigenerational travel

Robert DiGiacomo of the Boston Globe wrote a very helpful article for multigenerational travel.
More and more people are Traveling with grandparents can make for a wonderfully memorable family vacation. I’ve listed out my favorite points below:

-Have a loose itinerary. Have a few scheduled activities or meals, and leave room for people to go off on their own. Let everyone have a say. A pushy cruise-director is an invitation for rebellion.

-Keep the pace comfortable for all. Know in advance if you’re having a mellow, relaxing beach trip, or an on-the-go trip to the theme park, to an educational historic adventure. Make sure it’s the right fit for everyone going.

-Rent a house. A house or villa will allow common areas for impromptu gathering, and private spaces for down time. If you can’t, a multi-room hotel like at a Residence Inn by Marriott or similar. At the very least, get rooms near each other

-Know the limitations. If someone has a physical challenge, or if there are small kids, staying on-site or going on a cruise might be best to limit how much walking and driving to and from the attractions. It also allows those who need it to take a break to get it quickly.

Read Robert’s article.

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Washington DC With Kids

2008-05-26T21:43:00.000-05:00

A summer vacation in Washington DC is ideal for school aged kids, but there is something for every age group here. After a visit to our nation's capital and its monuments, history class makes so much more sense.

DC is a great walking city full of parks and green space. Most of the attractions appeal to all ages. Here are a few to check out if you have a preschooler in your group.

National Zoo
This zoo, located in the Rock Creek National Park, is home to over 400 species of animals. Admission, as with all Smithsonian museums, is free.
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Planes, spaceships, and story times. Get your own dog-tags, then grab some lunch.
National Museum of Natural History
From Dinosaurs to the Hope Diamond. "Dedicated to the natural world and our place in it" is their motto.
Mount Vernon
A visit to the home of George Washington is a great day trip. During seasonal events, witness a recreation of 18th century life.
Washington Monument
Take the elevator up the 550 foot monument for a bird's eye view of the National Mall.
Discovery Theater
Live shows for kids. Puppet shows, musicians, dancers, and more connect kids with cultures throughout history.
Insider tips:
Skip the National Aquarium. It's mainly a series of home-sized aquarium tanks, very disappointing.
If you have a young foodie, check out the food court offerings in the American Indian Museum.

I know you'll discover more things as you stroll through the parks on the National Mall. Watching ducks on the pond, have a picnic lunch...

Click here for Virginia Area Tips

Speaking of lunch, here's a few of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the DC area:
Union Station Great variety of inexpensive meals from food court to full-service restaurants.
Old Glory BBQ In Georgetown. Great for a family friendly lunch or dinner.
Old Ebbitt Grill For breakfast downtown near the White House. Good history and atmosphere. At night it's mostly a bar.
Legal Sea Foods Downtown DC. Has won awards for its kid's menu.
ESPN Zone Downtown DC. Fun for the sports fans.

A few kid-friendly hotels in Washington DC to check out:
Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown
Courtyard Marriott Downtown
Hotel Monoco: luxury hotel downtown
Hilton Washington: luxury hotel downtown with a resort feel
Check Top Hotel Deals in Washington D.C. .

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Kid Friendly San Diego, CA

2008-05-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

If you're planning a family vacation to Southern California, you've chosen one of my favorite kid-friendly destinations. Perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, tons of kid friendly attractions.. this is a great city for kids.

Insider Tip: Get the Southern California City Pass IF: You'll be in the area for at least 6 days, AND Disneyland is your first stop.

Some highlights for San Diego and Southern California:

San Diego is only 90 minutes from Disneyland. This can be a side-trip, or a destination on its own.

Tide Pools at Newport Beach. North of San Diego and very near Anaheim (Disneyland) is a town called Newport Beach. The beach here has tide pools where local kids love to watch the sea life that thrives here.

San Diego Zoo. Great zoo for kids. The animals are easy to see, the paths are very stroller friendly. This is the zoo that other zoos strive to be.

Wild Animal Park. The animals have spacious enclosures here... translation: lots of walking. Beautiful parks and picnic areas. Located near Balboa Park.

Coronado Island: Gorgeous, historic Hotel Del Coronado (or, Hotel Del) is right on the beach. There's a wonderful little ice cream shop in the hotel. Eclectic shops and restaurants nearby. This could be a great base camp for your trip.

Gaslamp Quarter. Very cool and eclectic shops and restaurants... something for every taste and budget. The Cheese Shop deli is one of my favorites for lunch. Horton Plaza is an outdoor mall near the Westin that's fun for a stroll. Westins are very kid friendly hotels, by the way, providing cribs and fridges upon request.

Check Top Hotel Deals in San Diego.

What fun things for kids have you found here?

Kid-Friendly Miami, FL

2008-05-17T21:52:00.001-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun my toddler son and I had while tagging along on my husband's business trip to Miami. I mean, I knew Miami is super fun for grown-ups, but I wasn't so sure about kids. Weighing the options: January in Miami, or January in Minnesota? Hmmm. Yeah we'll give it a shot!

If you're thinking of a family vacation in Miami, here are a few ideas:

We stayed at the Doubletree Grand Hotel. They have regular rooms, and condos by the week. It's in a quiet part of downtown, near the Venetian and MacArthur Causeways. They have a grocery store/deli, restaurants, pool, and is on a marina (pictured above). If you get a condo, make sure to get a pool key to get back in the building... they're separate from your room key. We didn't, and got locked out in the pool area.

Things to do:
Miami Children's Museum is off MacArthur Causeway, as is Parrot Jungle (now called Jungle Island). The Children's Museum is crazy fun for little ones. Our membership at our home state got us in free, so bring your membership card if you have one.
Miami Seaquarium is a bit like SeaWorld with a dolphin and orca show. The manatee tank and crocodile / alligator exhibit were a hit. Located on Biscayne Bay
Miami Metrozoo. The petting zoo offers elephant rides... cool! Animals are in spacious habitats, so, lots of walking. Or, take the monorail. The Wildlife Show is big cats doing cool tricks.
Spend the day in Key Biscayne. More neighborhood-y. Is that a word? Anyway, very relaxing. Stop to pick up shells, or head to Crandon Park for beach, palm trees and picnic.
We found a great Cuban restaurant/deli/stand called Oasis Cafe on Key Biscayne. (Address: 19 Harbor Drive). We discovered that toddler likes croquetas (chicken croquettes) and plantain chips. 2 bags!
South Beach is nice during the day. Play at Lummus Park and Public Beach. It gets very adult and very loud after 11 pm. So, probably wise to avoid getting a hotel there if you plan on sleeping at night.
Bayside Marketplace is a great indoor/outdoor mall. Eclectic shops and restaurants and often live entertainment.
Mary Brickell Village is a neighborhood with a high concentration of moderate to upscale restaurants. Publix grocery store is also nearby.

Anything else I missed?

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Is It Cheaper To Drive?

2008-05-12T23:09:00.000-05:00

Planning a family vacation this summer? With gas prices going up, and no end in sight, you may ask, "Is it cheaper to drive?" I've found an excellent tool by AAA to answer that question: www.fuelcostcalculator.com

Simply type in your starting point and destination and 'calculate'. By entering your car's make, model and year, you get a really good estimate of how much to allot for gas. It also shows average gas prices by region. If you have an older car, why not rent a newer, more fuel efficient car? AAA members get discounts at several rental car agencies.

P.S. AAA members get discounts on many hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott.

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Johnson Space Center Houston

2008-05-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

Johnson Space Center Houston

View Larger Map

About 25 miles south of Houston is an aerospace playground for kids and adults alike. Once you make it through security, you are surrounded by all things space.

Let the kids work out some pent up energy in the Kids Space Place playground. This kiddie habitrail is full of ball launchers, climbing, slides, and non-stop action. Houston, we have a ‘go’. There’s a separate tots area so the little ones don’t get trampled. I saw mostly dads in there with the kids, and they were having just as much fun!

photo from http://www.spacecenter.org/

The most fascinating feature to me was an actual space shuttle cockpit! Walking around through the multi-level structure, you really get a sense of what it’s like for the astronauts.

For more interaction, visit the Feel of Space exhibit. Here an officer presents an amusing show to demonstrate life on the space station. Take a look at the spacesuits through history in the Astronaut Gallery before taking in a few movies at Blast off Theater , “like IMAX in 10D!”, and Destiny Theater in the Starship Gallery.

Also in the main area are several hands-on science stations that are fun for all ages. My 2-yr-old had fun with the magnets and static electricity. We didn’t do the tram ride, but most people recommend the Level 9 tour if you have older kids or space buffs.

For food, the Zero-G Diner cafeteria is expensive, but diverse.

A very pleasant surprise was the Space Trader gift shop. Here you can buy, among other things, astronaut food packs, flight suits, and NASA logo stuff with sassy sayings like “failure is not an option”. My husband insisted the sayings were written just for me. He could be right.

Have you been there? Did you ride the tram? What did you think?

Related Articles: Kid-Friendly Houston, TX

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

Kid-Friendly Houston, TX

2008-05-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

Lots of parks, great weather, and the fact that most attractions either have kid-friendly areas, or are designed specifically for kids make Houston a great kid-friendly city. Here's a list of some of our favorites:

Houston Zoo: Great zoo for small kids. Separate children's area with splash fountains is nice on a hot day.
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Near the zoo in the museum district.
Hermann Park: Handicapped accessible playground with splash fountains near the zoo in the museum district.
Childrens Museum of Houston: Indoor and outdoor exhibits, arts and crafts, crazy fun for kids!
Nottingham Park: Neighborhood park on the west side of town with free spash fountains.
Downtown Aquarium: Fun way to spend a couple of hours if you're in the theatre district.
Galleria Mall: Great shopping and restaurants. Ice rink inside is fun for skating or just watching.
Minute Maid Park: Catch a ball game!

Day trips:
Johnson Space Center Houston / NASA: Learn all about space exploration in this hands-on destination.
Kemah: Just a few minutes further down the road from NASA, stroll the boardwalk and check out the shops.
Galveston: The nearest major beach. Also home to Moody Gardens, the Strand, and Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Where to stay:
We like to stay near the Galleria. The Residence Inn by Marriott near the Galleria is converted apartments, so they are quite spacious. As with all Residence Inns, they have a full breakfast selection, kitchens in the room, and they have kid-friendly meals every weeknight included in the rate. There are plenty of other dining options in and near the Galleria as well.
Another highly recommended hotel is the Houstonian. They have a great pool!

Know before you go:
You should know that Houston is hot. In the summer it's also humid. We were there for a couple of weeks in November and most days wore tank tops and shorts. Bring sunscreen, sun hat, stroller shade (and a misting fan in the summer).
You should know that you'll have to drive everywhere. Allow time for traffic as there doesn't seem to be a discernable 'rush hour' to avoid... it's all the time. Renting a car is definately a good idea. Luckily, the roads are laid out well, so it's easy to find your way around.
There's so much more to do... what did I miss?

Copyright Stephany Wiestling 2006-2008. All rights reserved. www.kid-friendlytravel.blogspot.com

See Where I've Been!

2008-05-03T16:22:00.000-05:00

See where I've been with this fun map feature from TripAdvisor! The list below is of my personal favorite destinations... not just the kid-friendly ones.
Feel free to request tips on a destination that I haven't posted on yet.

Seville, Spain

Minneapolis, MN, USA

New York City, NY, USA

Calistoga, CA, USA

San Francisco, CA, USA

San Diego, CA, USA

Key West, FL, USA

View my profile

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Visit TripAdvisor.com

Travel With the Family to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

2008-05-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

(Here's a Press Release for a kid-friendly resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)

Kids' Club, Family Spa Treatments and Kitchens En Suite Offered at the New Casa Dorada Resort.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico (PRWEB) April 30, 2008 -- CasaKidz, ice cream pedicures, teen spa treatments and kitchens en suite make traveling with children seamless this summer to Casa Dorada Los Cabos, Resort & Spa. Located on popular Playa Médano within walking distance of its renowned dining, shopping and nightlife, Casa Dorada brings a new level of service, style and amenities for families to the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

From Pedicures for Kids to Facials for Teens
To cool the feet from the summer heat, adults and kids alike can opt for a delicious and fun Ice Cream Pedicure at the Saltwater Spa that includes a cool marshmallow, chocolate or caramel mask and finishes with a delicious favorite ice cream flavor lotion. For teens looking for a little relaxation time away from the parents, a Teen Facial offers exfoliation, steaming and mask that leave the skin clean and fresh.

CasaKidz Playzone Daily Program
From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the hotel's supervised CasaKidz Club offers children ages 4 to 11 the opportunity to play with kids their own age during several activities such as treasure hunts, painting ceramics and other arts & crafts, sports activities, movies, and video games. A kids' pool is also offered at the resort.

Comfortable yet Stylish Accommodations for Families
Casa Dorada has lavish suites and penthouses facing Cabo's iconic Land's End Rock that are perfect for families traveling together. Ranging from 900 to 4,500 sq ft and some with multiple bedrooms that can accommodate a family of six, the rooms offer kitchens, living and dining areas and furnished terraces and balconies. If the family decides to forgo cooking or dining at one of the hotel's restaurant, a resort chef can prepare a private meal in the comfort of their suite.

Activities for the family, such as the swimming with dolphins, golf, snorkeling, fishing, horseback riding and more, can also be arranged through Casa Dorada's concierge.

Rates start at $190 USD for a deluxe room and up to $1,620 USD for three-bedroom penthouse suite from June 1st to October 10, 2008.

Casa Dorada, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has 186 deluxe ocean-view rooms and suites situated on 5 acres of beachfront property. East meets West in the 7,000-square-foot Saltwater Spa that features unusual offerings such as a Chinese Balls Stimulating massage, a saltwater ritual and the Couleur de Vie, a treatment that combines color therapy, aromatherapy and thalassotherapy (salt water). 12 Tribes restaurant at Casa Dorada is inspired by the legendary 12 Tribes of Israel. Executive Chef Fabian Rios has sourced close to 400 ingredients from 30 countries to craft an irresistible selection of dishes inspired by the cuisines of Spain, Romania, Israel, Yemen, Ethiopia, Russia, France and more. Entertainment is in the offing at B lounge, which also features 50 different beers, including a custom mango-flavored brew. Casa Dorada also features an air-conditioned beachfront restaurant, private Beach Club and three swimming pools. For reservations, please call 1-(866) 448-0151 or visit www.casadorada.com.

Contact:
Aimet Arill or Megan Sterritt
KWE Group
305-476-5424
arill @ kwegroup.com
Sterritt @ kwegroup.com

Or, your favorite travel agent or online booking engine.

Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

2008-04-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

Heading to the Twin Cities? Any time of year is a great time to visit Minnesota, but the summer is when we really come out to play! As a local, it's hard to boil it down to just a few highlights, but I'll try.

Some of our favorite places to play:

Mall of America: 3 floors of shopping and eating, a LegoLand, indoor theme park, aquarium... you could easily make a weekend of just this mall.

Underwater Adventures: In the Mall of America, an amazing walk-through aquarium with more sharks than I ever hope to see outside a controlled environment.

Nickelodeon Universe: The indoor theme park in Mall of America. Rides all feature favorite Nickelodeon characters. Year-round crazy fun!

Water Park of America: Near Mall of America. Indoor water park connected to the Radisson hotel, this could round out your visit to the Mall.

Minnesota Children's Museum: Hands-on crazy fun for ages 0-10. Fair warning, kid's don't want to leave this place.

Science Museum of Minnesota: Across from the Excel Center in St. Paul. Dinosaur skeletons, hands-on science projects, and Imax theater are fun for all ages.

Como Zoo: Very kid-friendly FREE zoo. My personal childhood favorite. Did I mention it's free? Of course, donations are highly appreciated.

Minnesota Zoo: Dolphin show, petting farm, indoor rainforest, and now bears make this a great zoo rain or shine. You'll get some exercise, but the food is good and the exhibits are great.

Valleyfair: Summer-only theme park with wild rollercoasters and big fun!

Add your favorites to the comment section! Check back as we add more of our favorites.

More resources:

Family Friendly Orlando, FL

2008-04-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

For many people, Orlando equals Walt Disney World. Yes, Disney is a destination on it's own, but Orlando has so much more to offer, and the offerings just keep coming! We spent 3 weeks there with our 2-1/2 year old, and there was no shortage of things for us to do!

An overview of our favorite offerings in Orlando...

Walt Disney World: The House of Mouse will never dissapoint. There is truly something for everyone here.

Downtown Disney: Free admission and free parking! Enjoy the shopping and dining delights, along with live performances that get the kids groovin'. There's even a few kiddie rides and 2 splash pads.

Universal Studios Orlando: This could also be a destination in itself. 2 theme parks, a City Walk and lots of overhead misting fans to beat the heat.

Sea World: An absolute must for the animal lovers in your group.

Wet 'N Wild: Huge water park with separate area for kids 48" and under.

Monkey Joes: When your wallet needs a vacation, this inflatable playground is where locals go to beat the heat on the cheap.

I-Ride Trolley: Great way to get around Orlando, or just ride it for fun.

Trainland International Trolley and Train Museum: If you have a rabid train fan, this is worth a visit.

We're always adding more, so check back often. Keep us updated, add your favorite to the comment sections!

Check Top Hotel Deals in Orlando .

Kid-Friendly Denver, CO

2008-04-26T14:38:00.001-05:00

The Mile High city is a wonderful family vacation destination. Loaded with historical offerings from dinosaurs to wild west, modern fun theme parks and museums, and breathtaking mountain views, Denver will keep you busy for days!

We couldn't fit it all in and we stayed downtown for 10 days. I'll have to admit, some places we visited more than once. ;)

Here's a quick overview of our favorite of Denver's many offerings:

16th Street Mall: A tree-lined shopping and dining bonanza with trolleys and horse-drawn carriages.

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs: Unique wild-game hotdog experience with kosher beef for the rest of us. Get it with cream cheese... yum!

Children's Museum of Denver: We went here every day, practically. Huge hit with the preschoolers and toddlers!

Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Science museum with dinosaur fossils, planetarium, and super-fun Discovery Zone.

Denver Zoo: Very kid-friendly zoo, located next to the Museum of Nature and Science and across from a very nice park.

Dinosaur Ridge: A must for the dinosaur fan! Actual footprints and fossils to explore.

Downtown Aquarium Denver: Complete water cycle experience. Watch out for the waterfall...

Lariat Loop: Beautiful way to get out into the mountains for the day.

Red Rocks Ampitheater and Park: Must-see on the Lariat Loop, or a destination all its own.

Six Flags, Denver: Located near the Children's Museum. Who doesn't love a theme park?

Tattered Cover Bookstore: Historic independent bookstore with an eclectic kid's section. My toddler loved it, even without a train table.

We keep adding more, so check back often. Better yet, add your favorites to the comments section!