Stay N Abroad

My Packing List for a Family of 7

2012-05-11T22:09:00.002-07:00

With 5 kids, packing for vacation requires a checklist otherwise someone forgets a swimsuit and someone else forgets their phone charger and did I mention that someone (okay it was me) once forgot to pack diapers?

For the first time, our entire family is flying (and not on Southwest) so the packing list has become even trickier--we have to fit everything into carry-on luggage. That is going to be quite a sight at the airport--2 adults, 5 kids, a double stroller, 2 car seats, 5 carry-on suitcases, 4 backpacks, 1 diaper bag, 1 laptop/camera bag, and a playpen (really hoping not to have to bring the playpen).

Usually my motto is less is more when packing. But less still has to cover all the bases (like remembering the diapers). So for our 11 day trip, we are each taking 5 outfits (plus the 1 each of us is wearing expect for the baby who gets a full 11 outfits but that is a different post). Each person also gets a pair of pjs (2 pairs for kids under 5), a swimsuit, a jacket, a hat, and a pair of sneakers (we will be wearing sandals). Don't forget socks and underwear (including diapers, wipes, and pull-ups).

Next is toiletries. This is where less is more is important. Because of the sheer volume of shampoo and sunblock our family will use, I will simply buy those items upon arrival as well as razors and a few other sundries like beach towels and beach toys. So the short list includes 4 combs, 2 brushes, 2 small make-up kits (1 lipstick, 1 compact eyeshadow, foundation, blush, and mascara), deodorants, electric razor, 7 toothbrushes, 2 toothpastes, floss, chapstick, perfume, 5 pairs of sunglasses, and 1 stress relief lotion.

The Other Necessities. I always bring a small first aid kit including nail clippers, band-aids, Neosporin, and Advil. A few dollar-store-ponchos, hand sanitizer, 4 cameras with extra batteries or plugs, my fitbit, laptop, nintendo ds, 4 ds games (including a "new" one purchased from a second hand store), 2 iPod touches (with 3 new downloaded apps), 2 iPhones (with chargers), an iPad (with 10 movies including a new movie), 5 reading books, 5 stuffed animals, money (including several quarters and single dollar bills for vending machines), 2 backseat books, 1 coloring book, crayons, pencils, 1 color wonder book with markers, a few small toys including matchbox cars, as many snacks as the kid's backpacks will allow, bibs, kleenex, 3 pacifiers, a baby sling, 2 sippee cups, a couple of necklaces, pairs of earrings, ponytail holders, 1 autograph book, and don't forget the Disney trading pins. Thanks to technology, I store all my reservations on my phone as well as a money tracker for expenses (each child gets a souvenir allowance) so I don't have to pack a small notebook like my parents did.

The other question I get asked is how long does it take to pack. That is harder to answer. Packing begins a few weeks in advance by making the list and gathering the right suitcases (in this case I am borrowing a few carry-ons). It also includes arranging for a ride to airport. The day before the trip, I will do all the laundry (that way everyone's favorite shirt is clean). Consequently, everyone wears their worst clothes that day including stained and mismatched outfits. With clean clothes, we then pack systematically starting with shirts, pants, etc working our way down the list. I call out an item and all the kids bring it me. They love this part, especially picking out their favorites clothes and proudly telling me which day they plan on wearing it. So, how did I miss diapers? I only wrote underwear on my list and in the mayhem of each child bringing me clothes I simply forgot to grab the baby's "underwear." This process usually only takes an hour. Electronics get charged and then packed. Lastly, we grab toothbrushes minutes before walking out the door.

Think this is nuts--you should see what we pack for car trips where space isn't quite so limited.

5 Apps Your Kids will Love on Vacation

2012-05-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

Virtual Diaper Bag

A decade ago, I would buy a few, cheap toys for vacation and throw them in my bag. Something new to entertain little ones on a long road trip, plane ride, or in a motel room (we didn't even have dvd players in cars then). Now, for the same price (or even less), I can buy a few new apps and keep everyone happy. Though some apps require internet access (save those for the motel), most do not. My smart phone is slowly replacing most of my diaper bag. Here are my children's top 5 list.

#1--Age 3-10: Where's My Water

In the Disney game Where's My Water, you dig tunnels to connect a water source so the alligator can shower (a "good guy alligator" as my son calls it). This is a maze type game with obstacles in creating the tunnels including bombs, switches, plants, etc. Easier levels are perfect for younger children and the more advanced levels are challenging for older kids. Let your children explore on the free version and then upgrade for $1.00 when they love it. This game is really a physics lesson in disguise for budding engineers.

#2--Age 6-12: Tap Zoo 2
In this imaginative game you begin by building your own zoo (what kid doesn't want to do that?). Then, you trade and cross breed animals collecting coins and experiences. Add bathrooms, sell an animal to pay for another one, and grow your zoo. This game teaches following directions, interacting with the zoo map, and a basic understanding of earning and spending "money."

#3--Age 0-2 1/2: Sort Sliders

This cute baby app shows an object in the middle of the screen and then has you tilt the object left or right to match between the two choices. If you are correct, a dog appears and gives a friendly bark. If you are wrong, nothing happens until you tilt to the correct answer (at which point the dog appears). Young children go crazy for the dog. With only 2 choices and simple objects, this app is perfect for the littlest ones. It also teaches hand eye coordination, shapes, and matching. Emerging talkers will enjoy naming the objects and colors.

#4--Age 8-Adult: The Moron Test
The name kind of says it all. Tweens love challenging adults hoping to watch them fail. The puzzles appear simple enough, but are actually deceptively difficult. Pass them all and become a genius; fail, and well, you might be a moron. Can you pass the moron test?

#5--Ages 6-Adult: Cut the Rope
As the name implies, the simple levels require a perfectly timed cut of the rope but as the puzzle levels progress it becomes increasingly more difficult to get the candy into the mouth of the Om Nom monster. Though this game becomes somewhat repetitive, many players find it happily addictive. This game provides a happy alternative to Angry Birds.

Endless Choices

With thousands of apps, there is something for everyone (including an an e-book for mom). So next time you are headed off, skip the dollar store and surf the app store instead. A few new apps will be well worth the money.

Huntington Beach--My 3-year-old's Alternative to Disneyland

2012-04-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

I love going to the beach--playing in the sand, feeling the waves on my feet, looking into the horizon. During our December trip when the sand was cold (the high temperature was around 58) and the water was very chilly, we had a blast.

Huntington Beach is a hidden gem. Despite being off-season, the local surf shop was open with cheap wetsuits for rent and a large bag of sand toys to borrow. Many shops are friendly and accommodating. This quieter beach has reasonably priced parking and a few shops to browse without being an overcrowded tourist trap. Known for wind and surfing, Huntington Beach hosts many surf competitions and usually is a great place for kites. Additionally, the large pier, filled with local fisherman, is fun to stroll along ending with Ruby's diner (be sure to grab a snack while taking in the view).

For our younger children, this was the first time they had seen the ocean and were delighted as the waves rolled in and out. Our older children were not deterred by the cooler temperatures and dived right in (renting wetsuits helped). Everyone loved hunting for seashells, burying each other in the sand, and watching the crabs. My three-year-old enjoyed driving his monster truck through the sand. My nine-year-old built a sand castle. The seven-year-old chased crabs into temporary traps. My eleven-year-old never left the ocean. The baby explored the texture of the sand (and even tasted it). I was enamored by the sound of the ocean and practically hypnotized by the waves.

After playing for a few hours, we packed up and walked along the pier to Ruby's www.rubys.com. This diner offers unique burgers (my husband's favorite is the cobb burger), milkshakes, fries (regular or sweet potato), and other diner staples. Our kids enjoy sitting upstairs, ordering off the relatively large kid's menu, and being occupied by the cardboard menus which turn into cars and surfboards with decorative stickers. Meanwhile, the views of the ocean are unparalleled and the price is reasonable (though you may want to consider splitting a meal, especially at lunch, or just ordering fries and a milkshake). This is one of those places our kids still talk about it.

When vacation was over, our three-year-old named Huntington Beach as his favorite part of vacation (not Disneyland or the motel swimming pool). Many guide books will tell you the same. That is why, even off-season in cooler weather, I still recommend spending a day at the beach. I also think children (and adults) need a break from the amusement parks and have a slower day to explore and play. Ideally, families will plan a beach day mid-vacation to allow everyone to reenergize. My only caution, be sure to use plenty of sunscreen so that the rest of your vacation will not be spoiled by sunburn!

John Adams Tour--A Boston Must See

2012-04-05T10:39:00.001-07:00

One of the hidden treasures of the Boston area is the John Adams Tour known officially as the Adams National Historical Park. Just as the Kennedys (there is also a museum for that) dominated the American scene for the twentieth century, the Adams family was a powerhouse from the Colonial era through the Civil War. Presidents, Ambassadors, Congressmen, Constitutional Framers, the lawyers behind the Boston Massacre and Amistad, this family did it all.

The tour begins at the visitor's center in Quincy. Validation for parking is offered and the tour is $5 per person over age 16. Tickets for the tour are first come, first serve (large groups are allowed to make reservations), so usually there is an hour or two wait giving guests time to explore the visitor's center and browse the store. Having a history degree, I had read David McCullough's book John Adams as well as seen the HBO mini-series. I thought I knew plenty and was simply there to see the sites in person. I did not realize how little I knew about this family. My knowledge of John Quincy in particular was incomplete. He began working for the federal government at the age of 14 and practically died on the steps of the Capitol. He was the brilliant lawyer that successfully argued the Amistad case before the Supreme Court, all or whom were slave owners. His tenure in the US Congress after being a President ended at the time of Lincoln's Congressional election. His son, Charles, was ambassador during the Civil War, successfully arguing that England not support the Confederacy. His wife was the charming lady that opened doors in Europe and America. And then there was the store. . .

After wandering through the visitor's center, guests ride a shuttle bus to three different homes owned by the Adams family as well as the Stone Library (built as a fire proof sanctuary for the vast collection and original documents that literally founded this nation). The first stop is the original farmhouse and birthplace of John Adams. This "country" lawyer, who was considered too poor to be a proper suitor for Abigail, was born in a respectable sized farmhouse with a handful of artifacts reminding visitors how primitive 1735 really was. As an adult, John lived in the farmhouse next door where his law desk (still standing in the front room) was the place he stood (not sat) and penned some of the most important documents in history. Seeing the farm that Abigail had to manage as soldiers wandered down the road directly next to the house is poignant.

The bus than whisks visitors to Peacefield--the manor house of the Adams post-Revolution. The house is filled with original furnishings belonging to the Adams family--lamps, chairs, linens, paintings, vases. Each room is a powerful museum where tour guides tell stories about key artifacts and the four generations of Adams that lived there. After a tour of the house and gardens, the Stone Library contains one of the oldest American collections including the famous Treaty of Paris painting.

At the end of this two hour tour, the bus returns visitors to the center. The experience is incredible in teaching about the lives of two of our presidents and the legacy of their family. It also demonstrates life in the 1700s and 1800s and the hardships endured by families. The reality that John Adams' legal services was not sufficient income and was supplemented by the farm. As a mother of 5, the colonial kitchen, bathroom, and laundry seemed particularly primitive especially when paired with a New England winter.

The tour does not include the final resting place of John, Abigail, John Quincy, and Louisa. Their burial is at a neighboring church with separate operating times and fees.

Though I love bringing children to historic places and museums, this tour is more suited for school aged children. The length of the tour and the inability to touch any artifacts within each house make this tour difficult for preschoolers and almost impossible for toddlers.

Be sure to add this powerful tour to your next trip in Boston.

The Stone Library

Legoland's Top 10 Attractions

2012-03-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Legos are a big part of my family--they appear on Christmas wish lists, completed kits decorate the mantle, the kitchen table is covered in them every Saturday morning. I have often joked that we could build our own mini-land in the backyard and charge admission.

So when our family was planning a trip to California, a stop at Legoland was high on the must-do list. At a fraction of the cost of Disneyland (discounts are always available and occasionally are as good as 5 days for the price of 1), our family had an amazing time. And like all good amusement parks, our favorites include both rides and other types of attractions. Here is our top 10:

#1--Dragon Coaster--this ride has a few opening scenes made entirely out of legos. You will want to ride it twice to catch all of the incredible detail. After that, hang on as the coaster shoots out of the castle and twists along a track. This intermediate size coaster only requires you to be 40" to ride.

#2--Knight's Tournament (Claw ride)--this one-of-a-kind ride allows you to set your own intensity. I rode it with my son on the second lowest setting and thought it was powerful and still fun. My oldest tried to wildest setting and it was her favorite ride (you can't pay me to go on that setting). Loading is incredibly slow, but younger ones can build in the nearby duplo gazebo.

#3--Hideaways Playground--my children love playgrounds and enjoy exploring at their own pace. With lots of hidden lego displays, winding tunnels, and slides, this playground is a perfect break in the day. Staffers also can turn park maps into crowns delighting younger guests. This playground is much larger than the duplo version so it is more enjoyable to school aged children.

#4--Miniland and Coast Cruise--the best way to begin miniland is with the family boat cruise where the pilot provides information about these creations as you travel incredibly close (the dinosaurs are built from hundreds of thousands of lego bricks). And don't forget the sense of humor as little lego men clean the ears on Mt. Rushmore. After the ride, slowly walk through miniland (it takes at least an hour). The cars move through the city streets, jokes abound on the buildings (we saw plenty of Santas crashed in unusual places), and Star Wars had incredible detail (be sure to peek in the trees for hidden Ewoks).

#5--Mindstorms--first stop of the day should be to sign your older kids up for a Mindstorms class. Here they will put their programming skills to the test as they program their robot to do a series of tasks. Teachers carefully instruct but allow plenty of exploration. The class is free but be careful, at $300, the temptation to buy a kit at the end could make this an expensive experience (the kit is cheaper at amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001USHRYI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=stnal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001USHRYI

#6--Duplo play stations-throughout the park and in some ride lines, there are duplo play areas with plenty of bricks to keep young hands building. Combined with the traditional building area, a lot of the fun is in building with practically unlimited pieces. My motto about Legoland is it is more about experiences and less about rides.

#7--Kid Powered Sky Cruiser--this unique ride is powered by you--put those feet on the pedals (or hands on the crank as there are a few versions of this ride). Like old fashioned paddle boats, kids light up as they make it go.

#8--Volvo Driving School--these cars are not on tracks which is why kids go wild to drive, making turns, stopping at lights, and avoiding running into each other. They are really just power wheels in a mini city, but my kids talked about it for weeks.

#9--Adventurer's Club--this easy-to-miss exhibit takes you on an indoor walk where you have to find the hidden key in each scene. Lego kids love puzzles and find this activity irresistible as they search each scene trying to collect all 7 keys. A nice indoor break.

#10--Lost Kingdom Adventure--Mixing video games with rides, your goal is to shoot as many targets as possible. Of course, everyone is vying for top score.

Please note, we went on a very COLD day and did not participate in any activities that would get us wet. I would assume that some of our favorite activities would have been in the Pirate Shores area if we had vacationed in the heat. Also, this list is for Legoland only and does not include attractions from the water park or aquarium.

If you have lego builders in your family, this affordable destination has plenty to offer. What will you build today?

4 Favorite Products when Traveling with Baby

2012-03-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

How can a baby this small need so much stuff?

Over the last decade, the number and quality of baby products has exploded--Moby wraps, Bumbos, Baby Einstein. Because I like to pack as light as possible, including my diaper bag, I keep my must-have list to a minimum. Obviously baby will need extra clothes, diapers, perhaps baby spoons, bibs, and a blanket. Beyond those common diaper bag items, here are my 4 favorite products when traveling with a baby.

#1--Umbrella Stroller. A stroller is always necessary, but why do I like the $20 version the best? It takes up practically no room in the car, shuttle, or subway. It is so lightweight you can pick it up with baby inside and carry it up a flight of stairs (you would be surprised how often that happens). Many come with a basket and sunshade (which can also be purchased separately). They are cheap enough that a rainstorm or a muddy camping trip are not a big deal (not to mention that you do not have to worry about someone taking it). They are also surprisingly strong--we have frequently had a preschooler hold a toddler on his lap during day trips to the zoo or amusement park. Of course, for certain trips or with two very young children, a double stroller may be necessary.

#2--Baby Sling. I prefer a sling to any other carrier for babies between 5-12 months. The sling is essentially a double folded durable piece of fabric that securely holds a baby in an upright position on your hip. I have worn one for hours and was less sore than with any other carrier (I have to use one longer than 3 hours before I even begin to feel sore). I own two from sevenslings.com. They are inexpensive if you use a sales code such as valpack. They also fold flat so you can slip it into your diaper bag (unlike most other carriers which are too bulky). For younger babies I prefer Baby Bjorn. Baby carriers allow you to be hands free and take a baby where strollers cannot go (such as hiking, the beach, restaurants, or crowded locations). They also are great for babies that tire of the stroller or has an older sibling that is monopolizing the stroller.

#3--Snack Trap. This is a miracle idea that keeps baby entertained for hours (6+ months). This prevents cereal pieces from being broken into crumbs, prevents spilling, and provides your baby with a puzzle box. Toddlers love trying to fit toys into the cup and exploring how the lid works.

#4--Pacifier (and be sure to pack a few extras). I will never forget watching my baby's pacifier slip through the mesh on a sky ride. I had an extra one back at the motel, but none in my diaper bag. Never made that mistake again. I also keep an extra in case one needs to be washed. Even if your baby does not usually take a pacifier, you may want to consider one for plane rides (it helps with ear pressure) or as a teether. And the styles now available are almost endless--cute sayings, buck teeth, animal prints, sport themes, you name it.

What is your must-have baby item?

5 Things You MUST Know before you go to DisneyWorld

2012-03-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

With many of my friends planning trips to the happiest place on earth during spring break or later this summer, I wanted to share 5 things you MUST know before you go.

1--Fastpass--This is a system that is tricky to understand but saves an amazing amount of time once you get the hang of it. Popular rides have a ticket kiosk that will give you a fastpass ticket available later that day with a time frame to use the ticket. Do not be fooled. The ticket is valid for the rest of the day beginning at the time stated on the ticket. Example: Splash Mountain fastpass time 12:05-1:05 means that you can get a fastpass ticket for a different attraction at 12:05 and you can use the Splash Mountain ticket any time that day starting at 12:05. The best way to utilities fastpass is to have one person take all the tickets to the kiosk to redeem passes and continue to do so throughout the day as your times become available. During my last trip to Disneyland, I collected passes while waiting for other activities (like before the parade started and then another one after it ended, while my older kids and husband were on a roller coaster and I was with the baby in stroller parking, and during lunch). The result--at 5:00 p.m. I had fastpasses to Star Tours, Space Mountain, Autotopia, and Indiana Jones. I also got fastpasses for everyone in my family, even the children too short to ride, so I actually had enough fastpasses for two sets of Star Tours. Be sure to collect them as early as possible and collect a new ride as soon as you are allowed. Just have one member of your party (the one with the most energy that is old enough to handle the job) get the passes while the rest of your party continues doing what you were doing. My family did not even realize I had collected them during our day. As this advice became more popular, Disney began enforcing the ending time frame starting in March 2012. It is still a good strategy to have one member of the party collect fastpass tickets for everyone but timing is now far more complicated.

2--Time--If you are going during a busy time then take advantage of the early morning and late nights. Off season travelers will have fewer crowds but also shorter hours that the parks are open (sometimes as short as 10-6). Peak travelers may see parks open from 8-midnight or even earlier on the busiest days. During peak times, be sure to be at the park when it opens (preferably 10 minutes earlier). Then leave after lunch and come back in the evening for fireworks, Fantasmic, and shorter lines. By spending 4-5 hours in the morning (say 8-1) and then another 4-5 in the evening (say 7-midnight) you will still get 10 hours of Disney magic without the burnout. Besides, ever see the sunrise over the castle?

3--Pins (and other souvenirs) We haven't done the pin trading, yet. But we are going to try this year. The answer--Ebay. You can get pins for less than $1on Ebay. Afraid of mystery pins? Don't be. Your children (or your) are just going to trade them anyway--that is the whole point of it. Disney employees are trained to trade with children any pin so take the money out of it and let your kids have some fun. Some souvenirs are best bought outside the park including your first set of pins, costumes, and stuffed animals. But other items are better bought at the park--like the iconic ears. Try to find the bargains rather the money holes. Balloons are absurdly overpriced but a mouse lightsaber (which also lights up with 2 C batteries--hint, hint) is priced the same as Walmart. For $30 you can buy ears or a shirt, a princess or star wars toy, an autograph book or kids plate or earrings (or something pre-bought like pins or a stuffed animal), and a treat from the candy shop. We bought our three-year-old a set of Toy Story matchbox cars. Priced at least 3x a normal set, I consider it money well spent. It was his only souvenir and he plays with those cars practically every day and they make me smile when I see them.

4--Character Dining Stop reading and make a reservation now. It is an amazing experience for kids--a major highlight. The majority are buffets which means if strategically planned, they can be less expensive than they seem at first glance. They take 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly. I prefer dining in the resorts on a day I am not in a major park such as a day spent at the water park or beach so I am not choosing between character time and ride time. Also, the dining allows you skip many of the character meet and greets within the parks that can have very long lines. So you are really getting a lot of bang for your buck. The exception to this is some of the princess dining is only available within the parks especially eating in Cinderella's castle which is magical in and of itself. Dining there at breakfast allows you early admittance to the Magic Kingdom (if you eat and greet fast enough) so it still does not significantly cut into your park touring time. If you have little girls, think of it as the same price as Disney on Ice and go make that reservation.

5--Think twice before you buy Hopper tickets--Hopper tickets are more confusing than fastpass. So let me try to explain the costs and benefits. If you are staying at a DisneyWorld resort, you will want to take advantage of the extra magic hours. Consequently, you may want hoppers, especially if you are going when parks will be open until 1 a.m. on those magic hours. Otherwise the cost may not be worth it. For a trip I am planning, the Animal Park closes at 7, so I wanted to hopper to Epcot or Universal, both of which close at 9. The cost of upgrading to a hopper is roughly $50 a person. Between travel time and dinner, $50 a person for at the most 2 hours doesn't make sense to me (others would argue you spend $50 a person for a 2 hour Disney Broadway Play or for Disney on Ice tickets). For $10 a person, we can get an extra day at Epcot of Hollywood (plus motel and food), but for the size of my family, that is the better deal. Another option is the water park option (same price as the hopper) but allows you to hopper from water park to main park or go to a water park on a bonus day (for example a 4 day ticket with water park option means you can go to each major park--Magic Kingdom, Hollywood, Epcot, and Animal, one day each and spend a fifth day at Typhoon Lagoon, and a sixth day at Blizzard Beach, and a seventh day at Typhoon Lagoon with a character dinner since the watermark closes at 5, and an eighth day golfing or at DisneyQuest while mom shops Downtown Disney). A 4 day hopper gives you 4 days at the 4 main parks spending time going back and forth with no bonus days at the water park. But if you only have 4 days to spend, are not a water park fan, and are eligible for magic hours, you might find the hopper money well spent. So, it all depends on your time frame and preference.

Have a Disney MUST know tip? Please let me know.

Top 5 Family Vacations Every Child Should Experience--in the USA

2012-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Beyond Having Fun

Vacations are a special time when children are allowed to experience new things. They can be some of the greatest moments of their childhood, some of their happiest memories. They do not have to be expensive and you do not need a passport. Here is my list of 5 family vacations that will change your child's life.

#1--The Grand Canyon or any National Park--I have visited several and am always amazed at the number of international visitors, especially from Europe. These families have traded some of the greatest man made works to see America's intense beauty. The Grand Canyon in particular, but other parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Smokies, Niagara Falls (technically a state park), and many more are nothing short of miraculous. Add a camping trip to one of these sites for a truly magical experience. Having your children unplug and watch the stars, eat over a campfire, see amazing wildlife, and hike to stunning vistas (many parks offer easy 1/2 mile hikes for families with young children) is priceless. There is something soul filling in these vacations.

#2--DisneyWorld or Disneyland (or another major amusement park if you refuse the Disney brand)--Completely opposite of national parks is Disney Magic. Probably the most expensive domestic family vacation, there is a reason Disney continues to make top lists--their parks are some of the happiest places on earth. Watching beloved characters come alive, going on magical rides and roller coasters, watching high quality shows, and fighting Darth Vader is like stepping into a dream come true. Here is where imagination becomes reality.

#3--San Diego, Myrtle Beach, or any beach destination--San Diego and Myrtle Beach in particular are good locations for families because they offer miles of beach in addition to a variety of other entertainment. Little ones love to play on the sand for hours while older ones enjoy the ocean, collecting seashells, and perhaps trying a little boogie boarding. Many beach towns also offer amusement parks, museums, aquariums, shopping, golf, and other attractions to round out a vacation. Seeing the ocean for the first time can be unforgettable.

#4--Winter Vacation. Because of school in particular, Americans often vacation only in the Summer or during Spring Break. A winter vacation one year, especially for tween aged children, can be a stunning experience. A snow vacation with skiing, ice skating, snowball fights, tubing, and hot chocolate can provide children with a new view on the outdoors. Salt Lake City brags of the best snow on earth with Olympic venues to experience at a reasonable price. But a long weekend at a snow filled destination closer to home can still provide a lot of Winter magic at an affordable price.

#5--Mt. Rushmore, Washington D.C. or other major historical site. Mt. Rushmore provides the beauty of the Black Hills, the opportunity to experience some of America's greatest caves, and is a profoundly patriotic site. A couple thousand miles away is Washington D.C. with the Presidential monuments and Smithsonian impressively teaching about the great legacy of American freedom. Other sites which might be closer to where you live include Boston's Freedom Trail, New York's Statue of Liberty, the Alamo in Texas, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Alcatraz in San Francisco, Space Center in Houston or Florida, Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, Hoover Dam outside Las Vegas, and the list could go on. These places make history come alive and give children a sense of America's greatness and their own place in continuing that freedom for future generations.

Deeper Experiences

In addition to relaxing and having fun on your next vacation, try one of these ideas to broaden your child's experiences, feed their imagination, and create powerful memories that will last a lifetime. Let your child connect with nature, appreciate America's history and beauty, or realize that dreams really can come true. It might be some of the best money you ever spent.

5 Tips to make Special Memories on Vacation with your Kids

2012-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

We really do not go on vacations with young children to relax. We go to build MEMORIES. With that goal in mind, here are my favorite 5 tips to create those special moments that will last long after the vacation is over.

#1--Plan a little special time with each child. We all want to feel special and be the center of attention, even if it is only for a few minutes. While using the baby swap passes at Disneyland, I quickly realized my older children were all vying for the extra ride with Mom (or Dad). So they had to take turns carefully thinking through which ride they most wanted. Having my 7-year-old drag me onto Tower of Terror was priceless. On a cross country trip, I spent time with one child each evening. One got extra alone time with me at the motel pool. Another wanted an ice cream from the fast food restaurant adjacent to our motel. Camping is especially rewarding because their is plentiful time to spend with each child--hiking, playing a game, swinging in the hammock under the stars. Amid all the chaos, be sure to spend a few magical one-on-one time.

#2--Take pictures and actually print them out. With digital cameras we can now inexpensively takes tons of pictures. Children love cameras, so be sure to let them take a few as well (it will surprise you what they want to photograph). When vacation is over, be sure to print a few pictures out. Perhaps your child would like to make a small scrapbook or hang a collage on his wall. These make the memories last. Most of our children have a Chuck-E-Cheese picture of themselves with a relative hanging by their beds (their choice). We also hang a picture of each child in our kitchen from a recent vacation. They love looking on the computer at pictures of themselves and then choosing one that captures their special moment.

#3--Buying the right souvenir. This turns a memory into a physical object. One of my sons has an entire stuffed animal collection and he can proudly tell you where each one was acquired--the New England Aquarium, the Amana Colonies gift shop, the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, etc. My daughter has charms from various locations. My other son a stretch penny collection (notice that most of these are inexpensive). As a child I collected postcards because they were cheaper and in focus compared to a film camera's pictures. I then wrote a memory on the back, often misspelled. Probably the best quarters I ever spent. As for amusement parks, we usually let the kids play a no-lose midway game. One time my then two-year-old won a grand prize that became the focal point of the toy room for three years and is still a family favorite story.

#4--Do something new. The highlight of our Yellowstone trip for one of our children was eating at a tempanyaki restaurant. Meanwhile my other son thought Old Faithful was more extraordinary than Niagara Falls. Often I am surprised at what is a favorite, so I intentionally try to offer my kids a wide variety of experiences. The beach on a very cold day was amazing for my then three-year-old who had never seen the ocean and loved the unending "sandbox"; how about camping, a museum, or historic site (their eyes were popping at Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon).

#5--Break the rules. Everyone likes to let their hair down and children love it when mom lets them break the rules. Perhaps it is having ice cream for lunch or spending an hour at the motel pool past bedtime (think of it as good exercise to compensate for that ice cream lunch). One of my friends always has a crazy hair day on vacation or a mismatched clothing day (especially on a car trip day). Just be smart about which rules to keep and which rules to break.

As you can see from my list, making special memories are often NOT the expensive part of vacation but are the most rewarding. So take some time to create memories that will last long after the vacation is over.

Christmas Magic at Disneyland--5 Holiday Extras

2012-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

There really is no wrong time to go to Disneyland, but there are some better times to go. Any time when lines are low and crowds are small is a good time. Mild weather compared to July heat is another good time. How about some added holiday magic? Try mid-October when Disney villains come to life during the Halloween season complete with stunning Fall decor. Combining all three--short lines, mild weather, and extreme holiday magic--are possible in early December, when Christmas magic adds a new dimension to the already impressive Disney landscape.

Because of the number of guests during Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks of December (Christmas to New Years in particular), Disney takes the holiday season to new heights in their park. They have very few rides closed for refurbishment (sometimes only one or none) and an impressive number of shows even on the slower early December weeks. So what is different at Disneyland during the holidays?

#1--Its a Small World--The outside is strung with thousands of lights while winter scenes are projected onto the outside building walls during certain times. The inside has a complete renovation as native holiday decorations are added to each scene and primarily "Jingle Bells" is sung repeatedly during the ride. The outside is stunning after dark and is a must see. (Also the area outside this ride is the best place to catch the Christmas Parade).

#2--Haunted Mansion becomes the Nightmare Before Christmas--for lovers of the movie, this ride will not disappoint. Characters from the movie also frequent New Orleans Square if you want a rare Jack Skellington autograph or photo. For those not as enthusiastic about the movie, this is still an amazing experience--a Haunted Mansion with spooky holiday decor--monster wreaths, snakes popping out of presents, holiday jack-o-lanterns piled into Christmas tree shapes. Truly an eye-popping one-of-a-kind haunted house.

#3--The Christmas Parade--Disney is known for their parades and the Christmas one adds to the magic--in addition to the numerous characters and floating movie scenes are several holiday exclusives including toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, a toy factory complete with wrapping machine, and Santa in his sleigh; (two great viewing areas are by Its a Small World or the steps of the Main Street Railroad). Also do not miss the nightly firework show (be aware that Fantasyland is closed for several hours during both parade and firework shows). As a finale, SNOW falls onto Main Street.

#4--Decor, Disney Style--Main street begins with a gigantic Christmas tree (approximately 60 feet tall) fully decorated are the shops and arches. Catch Mickey and other characters wearing their Christmas sweaters or grab some Christmas mouse ears for yourself. Impossible to miss is Sleeping Beauty's Castle transformed with snow capped turrets and strands of lights.

#5--Santa--What would be Christmas without Santa as well as some live reindeer at Big Thunder Ranch's petting zoo. By going early in December, you may also find a few unique presents--Mickey earrings, Disney's version of Candyland, the entire Star Wars store, etc.

For a truly memorable trip, Disneyland during the holiday season is unforgettable. Perhaps you should add some pixie dust to your next Christmas.

12 Sanity Saving Ideas When Traveling with In-Laws

2012-02-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

Both my husband and I come from large families and we have been fortunate enough to vacation repeatedly with our respective in-laws. Our children consider some of these trips to be their most magical because they had cousins to play with, doting grandparents, and loving aunts and uncles. Who doesn't want to have a sister-in-law to laugh with while watching toddlers at the beach, to stay up late playing cards, or split the cost of a condo rental? What about bonding with your niece over an ice cream, listening to Grandpa tell a story, or swapping children at the pool. But once in awhile, even the most loving families can challenge your sanity--a poor choice of words, a fight between two cousins, not enough sleep, sibling rivalry (and I am not talking about the kids). Here are 10 tips to help you next time you have a long weekend planned with the in-laws:

1--Repeat the phrase "inner peace." Repeat the phrase "inner peace." Take a breath. Strike a yoga pose. Absolutely try not to lose your temper. Remember your happy place and go there in your mind (my daughter pictures herself petting our cat). Count to 10.

2--Exercise. This is especially helpful if you are angry. Go for a run, swim a few laps, lift some weights, do pilates. After 30 minutes sweating to your favorite music, you will feel like a different person.

3--Pack Emergency Chocolate. My friend prefers Dove because the wrapper also have a positive message that lifts her mood. I prefer peanut butter m&ms for a little emergency and fudge for larger ones. You may also want to pack some emergency foods for your kids--I consider a few dum-dum suckers essential for traveling with my three-year-old.

4--Nod and Smile (a lot). Seriously, be the bigger person. Try not to take a comment the wrong way or too personally (even if it was meant that way). Instead, think of this as a learning experience. Instead of a comment on your parenting, think of it as a tip on something to try in the future. Give the other person the benefit of the doubt (they are likely under a lot of stress as well). Be kind and patient with each other--after all you are family.

5--Repeat "I am a good parent; I am a good person." When your kids are misbehaving and you seem to be unable to please a critical in-law, you may get your ego bruised and feel like a failure. Then you become unhappy and defensive. Reminding yourself that we all have bad moments and bad days (even on vacation) can give you some perspective. Trust yourself, think about the "suggestions" from your family members, and remember, you are a good person.

6--Watch "Everybody Loves Raymond" episodes. Laughter is the best medicine.

7--Keep your sense of humor. Take events in stride. Things will go wrong. Plans will change. Staying up late to play those family games will cost you the next day. Kids get sick. Laugh when you want to cry or shout and lighten everyone's mood. You will teach your children a profound lesson and have good memories instead of regrets.

8--Bring an escape hobby. Perhaps it is a good book or an app (mine is Tetris). Maybe you need a craft, write a blog, or be a shutter bug. Go shopping, collect seashells, text your best friend. The list is endless.

9--Two Words--Passive Aggressive

10--Keep expectations low (especially for your kids). With extended families, plans often change quickly or misunderstanding over schedules can jeopardize your most anticipated event. With low expectations, a sick baby, a cancelled event, an attraction you can't participate in, too much time or too little time with extended family is not a problem. You simply roll with the punches. Try not to spend too much money on these type of vacations so your expectations can remain low.

11--Decide on a reward for when the vacation is. Perhaps you deserve a manicure, a facial, or a new shirt. Plan a lunch with your friends a few days after you get back (the ones that will give you tons of compliments). Week long vacations may entitle you to a new pair of shoes or a massage.

12--Gratitude. A little gratitude can change your perception. Write a thank-you and mention a special moment that happened; bring a small goodwill gift for the other families and distribute them during an opportune moment.

Extended family vacations can be some of the happiest memories in your and your children's lives. But remember a few tips if you find yourself losing your mind during these memorable vacations.

Disclaimer: This list is meant to be generic and should not be considered a list based exclusively on my or my husband's in-laws.

5 Favorite Dates for Valentine's Day

2012-01-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

With 5 kids, Valentine's Day has become a major holiday at our house. Between school parties, candy and flowers, and a romantic evening between the adults, Valentine's is one of the most memorable days of the year. Here are some of my favorite Valentine locations:

#5 A Train Ride--Its the perfect do-nothing-but-enjoy-each-other's-company date with plenty of romantic charm. Look out the window at the passing scenery and star gaze together. Snuggle and dream to the lull of the swaying train. Eat a few snacks, but mostly enjoy the ride. We did this for our first Valentine's and I still have the stuffed animal my husband won at the station's crane game.

#4 The Date before the Date--Getting my hair or nails done on Valentine's makes me feel happy, relaxed, and very feminine for whatever we have planned for the evening. Even better is going to the spa together and indulging in a couple's massage or a soak in the hot tub. I also like shopping for the right gift and love when my husband unwraps it. Meanwhile, he enjoys seeing the look on my face when he gives me chocolates and flowers. Especially for a night in, you might want to enjoy the other parts of the day.

#3 A Special Restaurant--With little ones, we have not always been able to have a large or long evening. A special restaurant (sometimes a few days before or after February 14) has still made the occasion memorable. We make sure to go someone unusual and festive--fondue, Brazilian churrasco, teppanyaki, or a city landmark, just to name a few. One year we went to Richmond, Virginia's landmark, www.thetobaccocompany.com--amazing and very different from your ordinary steakhouse.

#2 Sleigh Ride--If you live near one, it really is spectacular. Bundled next to the one I love, my absolute favorite ride was up a ski slope to a restaurant--an impressive feat for the horses and a world class view.

#1 Themed Hotel--These hotels cater to couples for a memorable night with each room decorated with a unique style. From the jungle to a palace to a Phantom of the Opera room, you can indulge in a night of fantasy. One of the best is www.anniversaryinn.com.

My other advice is to take turns planning Valentine's Day and try to do something different than the year before (though feel free to repeat past favorites). We often have a special dinner at home on February 14, and celebrate Valentine's Day the weekend before or after when the pressures of school and work do not affect our plans as much. So what will you do this year?

5 Things You Don't Want to Miss at Disneyland (and none of them are rides)

2012-01-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

When people mention Disneyland, everyone begins naming their favorite rides--Pirates, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones. Dumbo has become so popular that entire guide books are based around it. In fact, most guide books are based exclusively around the rides--how to beat the lines, effectively using fastpass, sequence of the rides, etc.

Now don't get me wrong. Rides are important, very important. But some of our favorite parts of Disneyland were not rides at all. If you are planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth, you will not want to miss these 5 non-ride attractions.

#5--Jedi Training (or Fantasy Faire) Our boys still brag about fighting Darth Vader and Darth Maul to all their friends. Their training certificates proudly hang on their bedroom wall. We have even caught them practicing their lightsaber moves. Friends have told me the princess equivalent is just as magical for little girls. Be sure to skip a few rides and participate in the show--when else are you going to be trained by a Jedi Master and defeat the world's greatest villain.

#4--Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (Disney California Adventure) After standing in lines and going on rides, children welcome a break at a playground and this is far more than a playground. Older children can complete a set of challenges including a zipline, rock wall climb, rope net climbs, and more with a prize at the end for completing all the challenges. Younger guests can enjoy exploring and going on the slides. Our three-year-old kept asking when he could stop going on rides and go back to the slides.

#3--Fantasmic--Disneyland's nighttime show is all the magic of Disney with modern special effects. Several scenes from Disney classics are depicted on giant floats with music, fireworks, and animatronics bringing them to life. Watch Pan and Hook fly through the rigging as they battle on a life-size pirate ship; see the lake become a fountain show as pink elephants dance across a screen of water; gasp as a gigantic snake floats along the water's surface and twists among the Jungle Book characters; delight in the firework finale. The show is almost 30 minutes long and rivals a Broadway play.

#2--Meeting Mickey--What Disney vacation would be complete without getting a picture and a hug from the big mouse. Many little children refuse to go on a ride until they have seen their beloved Mickey come to life. Our three-year-old preferred seeing Mickey in his house. He was delighted to explore every room of "Mickey's house" and touch all of "Mickey's things." Then when he got to give Mickey at a hug at the end, it was amazing.

#1--Character Dining--This was one of our favorite parts of the trip and well worth the extra money. Because of our schedule, we chose to eat dinner at Goofy's Kitchen. We were there for almost 3 hours and saw 7 characters. Our seven-year-old came to life. He bought an autograph book (I highly recommend this) and then drew a picture of each character after they signed. He also plans on adding pictures we took of him with each character. The actors were amazing and very friendly. Minnie started a dance party and our seven-year-old proudly showed off his break dancing moves. The buffet dinner was good with several choices for children like pb&j pizza as well as adult food like fresh salmon. Highly memorable, relaxing, indoors, and fun.

So when you plan your schedule, make sure you save plenty of room for no-riding times and take advantage of the shows, characters, and experiences that Disneyland offers.

Top 10 Rides of Disneyland 2011

2011-12-29T23:51:00.000-08:00

Disneyland (and Disney California Adventure) cannot be experienced in a single day. The industry standard is at least 3 days, 3 long days. Between rides, shows, parades, and shopping, it is hard to know where to begin and what to skip when time starts running short. Choosing a top 10 list was almost impossible. After three fun-filled but long days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventures, I had each member of our family name their favorite two rides (with no repeats). Here is our list of the best of the best:

The Three-Year-Old: Mickey's Fun Wheel (the giant Ferris Wheel in DCA)
Peter Pan's Flight

The Seven-Year-Old: Splash Mountain
Space Mountain

The Nine-Year-Old: Star Tours
Indiana Jones Adventure

The Eleven-Year-Old: California Screamin'
Tower of Terror

Dad's Pick: Pirates of the Caribbean
Its a Small World

Mom's Pick: Toy Story Mania
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (but I could be talked into changing to Big Thunder Railroad depending on which kids are with me)

And these were only our favorite rides. Some of our favorite attractions included--Jedi Training, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, World of Color, Fantasmic, Its Tough to be a Bug movie, and of course, meeting Mickey in his house (just to name a few). Frankly, it would be difficult to do all 10 rides, a couple of 4D movies, a couple of character meets, a break at a playground, the parade, and the evening show (either fireworks or Fantasmics) in a single day, especially if you plan on shopping, eating, and taking little ones to the bathroom.

The big surprise was that 4 of the 10 rides on our list were for rides in DCA. Certainly something to keep in mind when planning future vacations. I assume when Cars land opens, my almost 4-year-old will not even want to go to Disneyland but insist he spend all his time in DCA.

So what is your favorite ride? Which ones will you pick and which ones will you skip? Time will run short (even in the slower season), so have a plan that includes a few favorites and don't worry when you have to skip some of the attractions.

3 Common Sense Tips for Holiday Travel

2011-12-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

With many of us hitting the road and the skies during the next week, here are a few common sense tips to make traveling a little easier.

Tip #1--Check the Weather

This should be obvious, but many of us get so locked into our plans we forget to take the weather into consideration. One memorable year, an uncle of mine insisted on leaving as scheduled despite a severe storm. The consequence--he was stranded on a shutdown 1-80 in Wyoming. He ultimately made it home a day late--same as if he had waited until the storm was over before leaving. If flying, make sure to check before you leave for the airport and keep in mind that layovers can be problematic because of weather delays.

Tip #2--Be Prepared

Because of weather, traffic, or other delays, you need to be prepared for extra hours on the road (or in the plane). Nothing is more miserable that running out of diapers while hours from landing or wading through slow snowy traffic with hungry little ones. One Christmas, our direct flight was re-routed through a midwest city adding a layover to our trip. We were lucky it only cost us a few hours and nothing more serious (especially since we were flying with a toddler).

Tip #3--Keep Your Sense of Humor

I have posted this tip before, but it is worth repeating (especially for myself). As a big planner, schedule maker, type A personality, I often have to tell myself that someday it will be funny. Someday, it will make a good story. Find your inner peace. From delays, to breakdowns (car or children), to the item you forgot to pack, a sense of humor can help you avoid a lot of problems while traveling this season.

Happy Holidays and Happy Travels

Legoland--It is Not about the Rides

2011-12-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

It is Not about the Rides

In case you didn't read the title--Legoland is NOT about the rides. Though Legoland does have enough rides to fill an entire day (and then some), the rides are not unique (with a couple of exceptions), aimed almost exclusively at the 4-9 age group, and frankly your child would be equally happy going to a local amusement park--at least as far as rides go. Also, the ride policy on kiddie rides is borderline absurd. On some rides, children under 48 inches must ride with a guest over 55 inches (that means an adult or teen must ride with a 6-year-old on kiddie rides). This policy is not just for roller coasters (which would make sense), it is for rides like the Safari Trek, a simple jeep car ride along a track. Babies are not allowed to ride in laps on many rides making it particularly difficult for families with multiple young children (we have 3 children under 48 inches). Ironically, our under-48-inches 7-year-old who could not ride Safari Trek without an adult could drive the Volvo Cars by himself on a course that does not have a track. Uh. . .
What it is About

But it really doesn't matter. Why? Legoland is NOT about the rides. So what is it about? The legos, of course.

Mindstorms

The first thing you should do is sign up for a Mindstorms Class (first come, first serve) for children 9 and up with an adult. Despite signing up in the morning, the classes are usually taught mid-afternoon. This was by far the best hour my oldest children spent on vacation. They worked as a team with my 9-year-old programming, my 11-year-old building the robot, and Dad could not have been prouder. Such a robotics class was unimaginable a couple decades ago.

Miniland

Be sure to spend plenty of time in miniland including the boat tour where the drivers offer fascinating facts about the models and the hundreds of thousands of legos it took to create them. Lego builders have quite a sense of humor. I could not stop laughing when I saw mini figs cleaning out the ears on the Mt. Rushmore statue or the number of Santa figures crashed in various positions subtly throughout the displays. The number of legos used is overwhelming as is the sheer number of scenes from famous cities to Star Wars to full sized statues throughout the park. Some are even intwined with the trees, bushes, and buildings. The Dragon Coaster is a must see attraction as it has a few all-lego scenes in the beginning of the ride before shooting off on a small coaster track. Also keep your eyes open as you move through the park. Lego displays are around most corners and some are not highly visible.

Building, Creating, Playing

The third thing you should do is plan enough time to build with legos (or duplos). Building stations are located throughout the park, built into some of the ride lines, and a major feature at the duplo playground area. Across the park is another large lego, duplo, hero factory, and mindstorms creation area. With thousands of pieces available, you and your child will have the opportunity to build something you may not have enough pieces for at home.

Playgrounds

For our children, a few minutes at the playground is always a must. For little ones 3 and younger, the duplo village is enchanting and time well spent. Older ones may like a brief time to run through the wolf themed playground by Castle Hill especially if lines are long, though this playground is similar to any large park. While there, be sure to ask the attendant for a crown made from park maps. Also, on hot days, there are two interactive water areas, one in the Duplo village for little ones and another at Pirate Shores for school aged kids (11 and under).

Planning Your Time Wisely

A mindstorms class, exploration of miniland, and building time should take at least three hours. Add lunch, potty breaks, a little shopping, and a few minutes at either or both playgrounds, and you only have a few hours for rides and shows. So please plan carefully, especially off season when the park is only open for 7 hours.

If You Do Go on Rides

Okay, time to catch a few rides--it is an amusement park after all. Unique to Legoland is a claw ride called King's Tournament where guests can pick the intensity of the ride on a scale from 1-5. Riding with my middle children, I only experienced a 2 which was an enjoyable and wild enough ride but completely unlike a coaster. Legoland also offers kid powered rides (like modern paddle boats). Sky Cruiser with its view and whimsical feel is the most popular. Another ride favorite is the Volvo Driving School where children control their own vehicles on a classic driving course--no track, no bumping, where children actually negotiate turns, stop at red lights, and signal. A surprise favorite was the Adventurer's Club where children walk through scenes trying to find hidden keys (more of an attraction than a ride). As you can see from this list, even the best rides at Legoland are more about exploration than entertainment. Because the emphasis is on exploration, this is the only amusement park I intentionally refuse to rush around frantically trying to go on every ride.

The Aquarium

If you are staying for multiple days are have aquarium loving children, check out the very small Sea Life Aquarium located practically within the park. In addition to all the animals you would expect to see in the tanks, the lego builders have added clever lego creations for the fish to explore. Indoors and easily seen in an hour or two, this might be perfect for your family especially if you have the misfortune of touring the park on a busy or hot day. The Aquarium is an additional cost and our family found we did not have enough time to visit it anyway.

The Water Park

The water park is small and often crowded. So unless you are staying for multiple days, I recommend you spend your time elsewhere, especially around Pirate Shores or the Duplo splash area where children can cool off and get wet without the added cost (the water park is not included in the general admission price) or time visiting the water park requires.

Word of Caution

Because Legoland is more about learning and exploring than going on rides, it should cost less than your local amusement park. Be sure to find significant discounts such as free children tickets with purchase of adult tickets, 2 days for the price of 1, online discounts including 5 days for the price of 1 on rare occasion, etc. Our tickets averaged around $35 a person for one day admission. Most of the complaints I have seen about Legoland are when people have paid full priced, have more adults, teens, or toddlers rather than elementary aged children (ages 4-9) in their group, and only slightly enjoy all things Lego. Conversely, if you are a Lego enthusiast, this just might be the happiest place on earth.

For the Lego Geek

If Legos are always under your Christmas tree and building is more fun than roller coasters, then don't miss Legoland next time you visit Southern California but be sure to find a discount.

5 Different Ways to Tour Disneyland

2011-12-15T23:28:00.000-08:00

One Place--Multiple Vacations

It has become an American icon--Disneyland (or Disney World). Even budget conscious large families often plan at least one trip to a Disney property. It's magical. It's memorable. Parades, Fireworks, Rides, Characters that come to life. It is also long lines, long days, and quite a blow to the bank account. Entire books are devoted on how to beat the lines, the heat, a cranky toddler, etc. And I recommend you read one before going on your trip. But to get you started, here are my 5 ideas on picking the right the tour for your family.

Idea #1--Its All About the RIDES

For some families, Disney is all about the rides. And lets face it, some of the rides are pretty spectacular and unique filled with the latest in Disney technology and magic. If your family's primary goal is the rides, then you need to follow a few simple steps. Tour off season and in the middle of the week. Get to the park before it opens so you can park and go through security. Take advantage of fast pass. Did I mention you need to take advantage of fast pass. Eat before normal meal times. Ride lines go down during the parade, so be sure to hit major attractions then. Consider touring during slow holiday times when few if any rides are closed and some rides like Its a Small World and Haunted Mansion are in unique holiday splendor. For the left side of the park, go straight to Splash Mountain and work your way back to the main gate. For the right side of the park, go to Star Tours first and then collect fast passes for the other major attractions while enjoying Fantasy Land. Then use the fast passes in the afternoon. As new attractions open each year, be sure to read the current year edition to ride beating books. Also, you will want to download an app that lists wait times. Expect a very rushed day and long hours but multiple rides (maybe even your favorites more than once).

Idea #2--Its All About the Characters

If you child is there primarily to meet their favorite Disney characters, here are a few tips. Characters hang out in the main square frequently at the beginning and ending of each day (at Disneyland) and throughout the day next to the Bug'a Life theater in DCA. Feel free to hop the train first thing and go to Toon Town to meet Mickey and any other characters who might be about (often Pluto, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale). Other characters have scheduled locations--most notably the latest princess is stationed in Fantasy Land (often an hour wait so get there early) and Mickey in his house in Toon Town (wait times vary by season and day). Be sure to check out the flyer at the beginning of your day to see if any other characters are scheduled for a meet and greet.

The real bang for your buck is the character dining. I have written entire blog posts on how to eat for less on vacation, so when I saw the price for character dining, I almost passed. I am so glad we didn't. It was money well spent. Because we get free breakfast at our motel, we did Goofy's Kitchen for dinner. The cost for my family of 7 was $175 including tax and tip (Costco occasionally offers discounts) and that provided us a complete buffet with both adult and kid friendly food (pb&j pizza). We leisurely got to meet 7 characters including photos and autographs during our 2 hours of dining. They had two mini-dance parties where are 7-year-old entertained the restaurant by break dancing. If your child wants to meet a specific character, feel free to ask your waiter. If you have little girls, the princess lunch at DCA is a must.

Be sure to have your autograph books and cameras ready. We found buying our 7-year-old an official book to be a good idea. He drew each character next to their autograph and plans on turning it into a scrapbook. Fortunately, he had the characters sign every other page. His prized autograph--one of the army men from Toy Story 3 that was performing a drum number in the street.

Idea #3--Its All About the Shopping

Disney has changed significantly in the last few years. Downtown Disney now offers more variety of merchandise then the parks. Consequently, after hunting through the parks for a few items, we ended up finding them easily at 11:00 pm on our last night in the downtown district. Serious shoppers should still check out the Star Wars store and New Orleans Square within the park. Don't forget to check your receipt for coupons often good during morning hours only. Meanwhile, the Downtown district offers an impressive Lego store, crystal shop, large emporium, build your own remote control race car, Build-a-Bear, Disney 365 (for tweens including make-overs), beignet shops, and so much more. Be sure to plan at least a couple hours here for the casual shopper and a whole day for the serious shopper. My husband's favorite part was the Best Buy kiosk that sold all sorts of electronic products including a juice pack for the iPhone.

Idea #4--Sampling it All

It is impossible (or nearly impossible) to do and see everything. The restaurants, rides, shows, playgrounds, and parades are very diverse. During our trip, lines were short to nonexistent (often less than 5 minutes) and we were at the parks for three days for a total of 37 hours plus another 6 hours in the downtown district. We still did not go on every ride and we certainly did not get to sample all the cuisine Disney offers. For families that want to balance the attractions, dining, character greets, shopping, fireworks, etc, my best suggestion is to get a map and let each person in the family circle two rides (three if you have a small family) for a total of around 10 rides. Then do the rides in order (clockwise or counter clockwise), give yourself time to watch a show or parade, shop, meet Mickey, and catch the evening fireworks and Fantasmic or World of Color shows (the evening shows are worth your admission ticket alone). Include a character dining experience and you have a good 2-day Disney trip planned with a little of everything without too long of days or too rushed of a feeling.

Idea #5--Splitting Up

Especially if you have a large family, you may want to split up for all or part of the day. A tween may find two hours in Fantasy Land to feel like a jail sentence. Similarly, a toddler that spends hours in his/her stroller while older ones ride roller coasters will be equally bored. Splitting up can make everyone happy and then you can meet back together for parades, shows, family rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, or to switch the parents. Similarly, groups can split up briefly. For example, older kids can go on Splash Mountain while the little ones ride adjacent Winnie the Pooh or older kids can go on Star Tours while younger ones ride neighboring Buzz Lightyear.

What Disney Tour is Right for You?

One of the reasons that Disney is so enduring and magical is that it offers something for almost everyone. Just spend five minutes looking at all the famous mouse ears to choose from--R2D2 ears, wedding ears, pirate ears, classic black ears, holiday ears, princess ears, baseball hat ears, mad hatter hats, and on and on. So figure out what type of Disney experience is right for you and then plan your vacation with that in mind.

5 Electronics for Happier Road Trips

2011-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Beyond the Calculator

Back in the old days, my family use to pack a small game suitcase that contained a few dice games and some travel versions of classics like Connect 4, Chess, or Trouble. Most of these games were for down time at the motel. We mostly read in the car or played car games like the abc street sign game. The closest thing we had to electronics was when my oldest brother brought a scientific calculator along to do his algebra homework. Oh, how times have changed. Now we would never travel without our favorite gadgets.

#1--The iPad

The favorite electronic device among the children (and probably the adults) is the iPad. Before leaving, we carefully decide which movies to store on the device and always download a few new free game apps to explore. The screen size is large enough for two kids to share while watching a movie or playing a game. It is also lightweight with no game or dvd cases to worry about. Long battery life, earphone plugs, music, games, movies--what more could you want from one device?

#2--Nintendo DS

When our children were little we bought Leapster. Though a good product and a fraction of the price of the DS, we found our children quickly outgrew it (we prefer the DS for children 5 and up and for younger siblings who have watched DS play). For a long time we owned two. A little Mario went a long way during our Yellowstone vacation when the kids felt like they had reached their elk enjoyment quota. It also works well on road trips and is fairly compact. The only downside is we constantly have to look for the stylus.

#3--The iPod Touch

Somewhere around 10, our children outgrow the DS and move into the iPod Touch phase. The endless apps expands the device beyond a DS. Many classic games are available for $2 which is much cheaper than the travel versions with a lot less hassle. Many games are free. Our older children are good at finding wifi locations (McDonalds and the motel in particular) to connect with the web (music, Netflix, email). It also doubles as a camera which can save you money if you add the price of a DS with a point-and-click digital camera.

#4--The iPhone (or other Smart Phones)

In the olden days (5 years ago), we actually packed a portable DVD player and bought a new DVD to entertain the kids. Now, we just download a new one onto the iPhone. The advantage is that you do not want to take an entire iPad into amusement park but you always have your phone with you. We find a tired 3-year-old will watch a movie in a pinch. The trick is to use the iPhone as a rare treat. For adults, the iPhone is invaluable--specific apps like the iGuide for Disneyland, GPS, calling road side assistance, email confirmation of your motel reservation, etc.

#5--Audiobook and Music

Maybe it was the way I was raised, but I love hearing a good book read aloud. It passes the time during long road trips--especially road trips that provide such scenery as never ending sagebrush or cornfields. It also brings our family together as we listen to the same book on the car speakers--often a Harry Potter book. For our younger children, music is highly requested and the right songs can make everyone laugh and relax.

Add to your Packing List

Road trips are a time to embrace technology. So let everyone plug in a for awhile and enjoy.

Disneyland Tip--Watch Classic Disney Movies Before You Go

2011-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Expectation

My friend went to Disneyland a few years ago with her kids who were then 7, 6, and 3. They were so excited. But when they got to Disneyland, they realized their kids had never seen Peter Pan, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, or Dumbo, much less Mr. Toad or Sword in the Stone. Not only did their kids not really understand the rides in Fantasyland, but the children had been expecting rides from their favorite movies--Beauty and the Beast, Cars, and the Incredibles. They still had a wonderful, even magical time, but my friend badly wished she had a few well planned movie nights before they left.

The Reality

Disneyland (and California Adventures) have tried to incorporate more recent movies into their their parks by either creating new rides or revamping old ones including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Tarzan, Monsters Inc, It's a Bug's Life, Brother Bear, as well as have character appearances from recent shows. Most notably, DCA is scheduled to open an entire Cars land in 2012. But you should prepare your children if their favorite Disney movie does not have a ride.

The Tip

To prepare for our trip, we watched a different Disneyland movie each Saturday night for a couple of months. We usually made popcorn and sometimes even had candy (Halloween helped with that). Watching my youngest kids see Dumbo for the first time was amazing. During the lullaby, my three-year-old climbed into my lap and started swaying back and forth. The older kids loved Sword and the Stone (wizards are popular) and Tarzan. Hands down, the family favorite was Peter Pan. My oldest two kids also read a simplified version of Tom Sawyer (they are now eagerly awaiting a trip to the island playground) and Wind in the Willows (Mr. Toad's Wild Ride). They could not believe they got credit at school for reading what they considered Disneyland fun. Depending on the age of your children you will definitely want to see the Toy Story series, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, It's a Bug's Life (there are several rides associated with this one movie), Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, the Little Mermaid (multiple rides), any Winnie the Pooh, and something Mickey Mouse. Other movies you might want to watch (and this list is not complete) are Sword in the Stone, Star Wars, Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tom and Huck, Brother Bear, Inspector Gadget, the Muppets, Monsters Inc, and Indiana Jones (we did not watch all the movies on this list).

Certainly Disneyland can be enjoyed without seeing every movie associated with each ride. Splash Mountain continues to be the most (or second most) popular ride in the park and it is virtually impossible to find a copy of Song of the South. Similarly, my children love the Pirates of the Caribbean ride even though they are too young to watch that movie series. Other popular rides are not associated with any movie like Matterhorn, It's A Small World, and Space Mountain. So, do not feel like you must see every movie.

Win-Win

So go ahead and let yourself have some family fun with a movie night and you just might have a better Disneyland experience as well.

Mayflower II--Climb Aboard the Most Famous Ship in America

2011-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we think of the Pilgrims. Hats with buckles, Squanto, baskets of maize, and, of course, the Mayflower. One of the best historic sites in America is the Mayflower II and Plimouth Plantation (located a few miles apart) in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Thanksgiving story depicted in elementary school textbooks and portrayed commercially is often quite different from what historic texts reveal about this famous story. A more accurate representation found at these sites is both humbling and enlightening and will change the way you look at the founding of our country.

The Mayflower

Many Americans (including myself) often imagine colonial America closer to how it was in 1776 and fail to realize how truly primitive the original colonists lived in the early 1600s. A common reaction when people first see the Mayflower II (an exact replica of the original ship) is how small the ship actually was. How could it possibly cross the Atlantic or hold well over 100 people (roughly 102 passengers and another 25 or so in crew)? Entire families travelled then lived for months in spaces smaller than an office cubicle. We herded our family of then 4 kids into a flimsy three sided space and realized that everyone could not lay down simultaneously because it was so small. While changing a simple diaper on the tour, I realized how horrific the sanitary conditions would have been, how quickly germs would spread, and the abundance of mice and bugs. Because the ship landed in November, crew and passengers lived on the tiny ship during the long winter spreading disease among each other until half had died.

1600 Technology

Another amazing part of the tour is the scientific instruments and maps of the era. The crude compass that failed briefly in the middle of the ocean. Maps developed largely by fisherman that depict somewhat accurately most of the American coastline and almost nothing of the interior. The intricate pulley systems used in the sails and to transport cargo. Historians often debate whether the ship intentionally sailed "off-course" to Cape Cod rather than its original destination of Virginia or did the ship truly get lost in the storms. After seeing such crude instruments, the latter seems highly probable (though this historian is still a little skeptical).

The People

You begin to wonder why anyone would have actually signed up for such a voyage. The textbooks tell us of religious freedom but less than half the passengers were actually Pilgrims seeking religious freedom and none of the crew were. Actors depict actual people from the time and often site adventure and lack of opportunities in Europe as reasons for going on such a perilous voyage. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about period clothing, diet, perils of the first winter, weapons of the era, the varied occupations of the passengers, etc. There are also plenty of hands-on activities for the children with period costumes to try on, corners of the ship to explore, and interactive exhibits.

The Rock

The Plymouth Rock is also located next to the ship with the date 1620 clearly carved to symbolize where the Mayflower landed. This rock, which is largely legend, has been iconic in America since the mid-1700s and has been protected and displayed on the beach for almost 100 years. The area is a coastal park with picnic tables and is a great place for your children to play after their extensive history lesson.

Tip about children

School aged and younger children will be unable to comprehend how small this ship actually is, how primitive the maps are, what it means to half the population die, to imagine living with 100 people. To them, the ship is an exciting adventure to explore, like camping. Don't be surprised if your sons shouts pirate command while standing on deck or your daughter talks endless about the costumes. Having fun at historical places and at museums is fabulous. And though they may not fully understand everything now, this can be extremely educational to adults and teens and makes history come alive to younger children.

History Comes Alive

If you have a chance to visit the Mayflower, you will leave with a profound wonder of how any of the early colonists could have successfully navigated the ocean and survived aboard for eight long months. And if you are lucky enough to have a Mayflower ancestor, you will be even more inspired by the trip.

One Rule for Stress Free Traveling

2011-11-14T13:00:00.001-08:00

The Holidays

Holiday traveling is an exciting time filled with family, food, presents, and perhaps a little stress? As a type A personality, I love to plan. I compare motels, make packing lists, pick clothes, make reservations, and write daily itineraries. I love getting the kids involved. What do they most want to do? What snacks do they want to pack? I try to include their favorites and give them a general idea of what to expect--the first day will be a long car ride, Grandma is taking everyone to the movies on Christmas Eve, no whining during family pictures.

When Plans Fail

Though proper planning generally gives me happy, successful vacations including bargain prices and attention to everyone's preferences (whether that is more motel swimming time or an extra ride on Dumbo), planning can only go so far. Children get sick. The weather changes. The car breaks down. The motel pool is closed because of a bad heater pump. By the end of vacation, you may be well past any plans and heavily improvising.

The Rule

So, what is my rule for a stress free holiday vacation? Keep your sense of humor. There are very few situations that cannot be fixed with a box of wipes and a good sense of humor. Little children in particular will look to you to assess how they should feel when the unexpected happens. If you are relaxed and laughing, they will be too. Most mishaps result in a good story to tell later--our honeymoon plane broke down so we spent most of the night at the airport and had no luggage for the first three days of our honeymoon. Some end up less consequential then they first appeared. For example, my little brother came down with a terrible case of heat stroke one year so we didn't leave the motel room until the evening. At first, it looked like we were going to be missing all day at the amusement park. In reality, when we got there around 5 p.m., lines were significantly shorter, we stayed almost until midnight, slept late the next day and had a wonderful time. Now, many guide books actually encourage families to take breaks in the afternoon and return to their motels. Guess my family was just ahead of the curve. Another time, one of my children bumped his plate at a restaurant causing a domino effect ending when my plate splattered onto my shirt. My shirt was ruined. The sauce would never come out. The absurdity of the situation made me laugh which made all the kids giggle. Later, when they were asleep in the motel bed and I realized that my shirt, soaking in the bathtub, was beyond hope, I was a tad bummed. It was a cute little shirt. Then my husband reminded me that this meant I got to go to shopping. Oh, I love happy accidents.

Lighten Up

So during this holiday season, lighten up. Planning can make vacations go smoother, but bumps will still happen. Laugh it off. It usually isn't that important and you will laugh about it later.

Disneyland Success Tip--The Timing

2011-11-12T16:15:00.001-08:00

Its the Happiest Place on Earth. Its magical. The name alone puts a smile on your face. Its Disneyland. For many families, Disneyland is the BIG vacation they dream about, plan, and save for. Our family has been planning a Disneyland trip for about two years. So you can imagine the squeals of delight when we presented each child with a printed ticket at the dinner table last night. So, when are we going?

Timing a Disneyland vacation is very important, very important. Summer months can be hot with long lines. Holiday weeks are similarly crowded, at times reaching maximum capacity (!). Throughout the year, various rides are closed for maintenance. So if you have a favorite, be sure to check before you book. Ticket prices fluctuate, but are often cheaper at the beginning of the year and most expensive in the summer.

Want a miserable time? Be sure to go the first Saturday in July (4th of July weekend) during a heat wave, paying maximum price for maximum lines.

We are planning on going early December. Disneyland is decorated for the holidays in quality Disney style complete with parades, fireworks, and specialty shows (like Fantasmic). And though Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks of December are more crowded than even the summer months, the first two weeks of December are fairly quiet. As for ride closures, usually none are scheduled between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Motel rates are reasonable with plenty of vacancies. The weather should be mild (though you always risk a cold front or storm). The catch? We are pulling the kids out of school.

Other good times to go are during October when the park is decorated for Halloween, mid-September which is usually the least crowded time of the year, and any time in the Spring except the two weeks around Easter and Spring Break. Have to go in the summer because of school or work schedules? Go the first week of June or the last week of August and make sure to take advantage of any early morning admittance, stay until closing, and rest during the insane afternoons.

I also recommend you go for more than one day. There is just too much to see or do and trying to pick among your favorites will be almost impossible. Going during a weekday (preferably Tuesday or Wednesday) as well as a weekend day (preferably Friday) allows you to take advantage of more shows and later weekend hours one day as well as the short lines and smaller crowds on your weekday.

So enjoy the happiest place on Earth during the happiest time of the year!

Motels for Less

2011-11-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

Budget Motels

With a large family, motels are always expensive and we always have to get a family suite. Because we are often traveling on a shoestring budget, I have learned which brands are usually good deal and which ones just don't make the cut. We all like to stay in posh accommodations, but here is my top pick for budget motels (less than $125/night in most cities for a family sized room).

My Favorite

Comfort Inn is usually the best bang for the buck. When I am planning a vacation, I always check their website first and use it as a baseline. They usually offer a higher quality breakfast than other discount motels (some even offer eggs, bacon, and sausage) in addition to large selection of carb classics (cereal, toast, bagels, pastries, waffles, muffins, juice, milk, etc). By not having to buy breakfast, especially one that offers protein, I save significantly. I have also always found Comfort Inn to be clean (as far as motels go) with reasonable customer service. Because each one is different, you may find a few bad apples or one that is having an off day (we stayed in one where the swimming pool was too cold to use). But in general we have been very satisfied with quality and price. I also like many of their sister properties, most notably Comfort Suites.

My Tricks

I definitely recommend checking yelp.com before booking any motel. After skimming through several reviews, you will know exactly what a motel is like. Also, negotiate the price. Call the motel directly (not a 1-800 number) or watch for internet specials. Most motels will negotiate and you can save a lot (a few will be hostile in which case, hang up, and book online or take your business elsewhere).

When You are Willing to Chance It

Some of our best bargains have come when we didn't have a reservation and we started calling around 4 as we continued driving. Some motels were willing to deal and deal big. A water park motel located in Amana, Iowa was grossly under booked when we driving through. We stopped in and were able to get a family suite including water park admission for under $100. I don't expect that to happen again, but it will be great if it does. If you are traveling in the Midwest or Old Northwest or Western Pennsylvania, the number of motels that offer water parks is incredible. So, you might want to call around and see who if offering a deal. There is a risk, however. Sometimes smaller towns will be booked (regional softball tournament, a business retreat, etc). In which case, you may be driving to the next town and not checking in until 10 or 11 at night. That is why I recommend you start calling around 4 so you can generally avoid that problem.

Why are You Staying in a Motel

You should also book a motel based on why you need one. If you are checking in at 10:00 pm and will be leaving after an early breakfast (which we have done when on a cross country drive), than you just need a basic, clean room preferably with a free breakfast. If you will be spending a good part of the day at the pool (or water park), will be using the room to nap children (you will want fast internet and a decent tv), and want to relax (perhaps at a hot tub, exercise room, or game center), then you need to make your reservations accordingly.

Happier Stay, Happier budget

Motels are expensive but do not have to be budget breakers. Spend just enough to get the amenities you are looking for, be sure to negotiate the price when you book a room, and don't try to be too cheap--you don't want to end up in a dirty room that ruins your whole vacation.

5 Secrets for Happier Family Road Trips

2011-10-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

Road Trip

Just saying those two words, road trip, can conjure up images of flat tires, screaming babies, and car sick kids. Add to that a constant stream of "Are we there yet?" and "I have to go to the bathroom" and most parents shudder at the thought of family vacation. Exactly when does the vacation part happen?

With the cost of airfare, road trips are often the only option for families trips. But they do not have to be dreaded events. Some of our precious times have been on the road. Here are some secrets to a happier road trip.

1--During road trips, you can never have too many snacks (or wipes) in the car. Our favorite snacks include licorice (chocolate tends to melt), granola bars, nuts, goldfish, grapes, and fruit snacks. If we are bringing a cooler, we also pack frozen gogurts and string cheese.

2--Get everyone on the same schedule. Nothing makes road trips more miserable than constantly stopping. Though some unscheduled stops will happen, try to keep them to a minimum. When you have to stop for gas or a meal, everyone should go to the bathroom and run around a little. Also, limit drinks in the car to prevent extra stops.

3--Use electronics wisely. One of our best memories is listening to a Harry Potter audiobook while driving cross country. It made miles of corn fields go much faster. Individual electronic time can also be a good thing especially if you have a wide age range. A portable dvd player for an afternoon movie can be a life saver with little ones. So can an hour of kid music. The multiple iPhone/iPad apps and the Nintendo DS provide endless game and educational options. But keep it in balance.

4--Pack high quality books, toys, and games. My absolute favorite is the Rand McNalley Road Trip series. Those books provide hours of endless entertainment (and are highly educational). We find a stuffed animal for smaller children, matchbox cars, and little ponies to fit easily into small backpacks and provide hours of fun. Many books recommend buying dollar store toys as surprises to open along the way. I have never found this to work with the exception of a puzzle for the motel or a matchbox car for my younger boys. Quality over quantity is the trick with car toys.

5--Play family games in the car. Nothing beats the license plate game. Every year it becomes a contest to see if you can see more than last year and finding the elusive states. Another great family car game is naming all the states, presidents, or countries. Got smarty-pants-kids, make them learn the presidents in order. Littler ones will love to guess an animal based on a few clues--it has no arms and legs and Mommy is afraid of it. Have a few minutes of silliness, sing a few camp songs. Can't do that on a plane.

So grab the kids and head out. Road trips can be a happy part of the vacation.

Niagara Falls--Add it to your Bucket List

2011-10-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Expectation

There is a reason that Niagara Falls is featured in several tv shows and movies--it really is that spectacular. Our tour of the falls actually began an night when the falls are lighted with pastel colors. After arriving in the evening, checking in, and letting the kids swim in the pool for an hour, we went to look at this natural wonder. It was impressive, but a little cheesy with the pastel lights (meant to mimic the perpetual rainbow at the base of the falls during the daytime). I thought maybe I was tired or having an off day. It was cool, very cool, but not spectacular.

The American Falls

The big deal came the next day. I didn't realize that I had only seen a small portion of the falls at night--the American falls. In the daylight, the American falls are impressive and large. They can be viewed from the a lookout bridge, explored through the Cave of the Winds Tour (where you can touch the falls), and viewed from above from both the state park and goat island. As promised, a rainbow is almost always visible at the base of these falls.

The Horseshoe

The really big deal is the horseshoe falls. Numerous gallons of water flow at a rate up to 68 miles per hour with such ferocity it is impossible to believe that anyone has survived going over the falls. The view of the horseshoe is as magnificent as any I have seen including the Grand Canyon and perhaps the most amazing view in the United States.

Goat Island

Goat Island is really where you will spend the bulk of your time. It has the larger parking facility and is home to the Top of the Falls Restaurant as well as the best view of the horseshoe falls and the top of the American falls. You will want to leisurely walk along the path and enjoy the immensity of the sight.

Maid of the Mist

For families with young children and a budget, I recommend Maid of the Mist boat tour instead of Cave of the Wind (if you have to pick only one). Maid of the Mist includes access to the bridge lookout and some viewpoints at the base of the American falls. The real tour is the boat ride which passes the American Falls (have your camera ready) and takes you as close to the base of the horseshoe as possible without being sucked into the Devil's whirlpool. The noise is deafening as is the immense power of the falls. Water sprays the passengers who are wearing tour issued ponchos. Absolutely breathtaking.

New York vs Canada

The New York side of Niagara is very small and has an industrial feel. A few restaurants, a few shops, a few street vendors. The Canadian side has a Vegas feel with amusement rides, neon lights, and plenty of casinos, nightlife, food, and fun. Niagara Falls is also a state park not a federal park with only a small museum and gift shop compared to the larger ones that you see at federal sites such as Yellowstone.

Bucket List

If you haven't seen the falls, you need to add it to your bucket list. Be sure to include a meal at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, go on one of the tours, snap tons of pictures, visit Canada, stop by the visitor's center museum to discover who has survived a trip down these enormous falls. It is truly an amazing view and natural wonder.