ROOM and LOBBY

Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Lodge

The porter unloaded our car and escorted us to our room.  He told us about the resort and made us feel right at home.  Our cozy fourth floor room had a small balcony with tables and chairs overlooking Lake Oconee.  Wrapped in comfy bathrobes (even one just the right size for our six year old) we enjoyed breakfast as the sun came up and evening coffee under the stars.

The lodge lobby was like a warm, welcoming handshake from a dear friend.  We kicked back in comfy seating areas set up alongside tables with board games.  Each evening we played checkers and shared our favorite memories of the day while we listened to local musicians play and enjoyed a variety of yummy menu treats served by the sweetest hosts.  The guys played pool and watched sports on TV in the lobby bar while the ladies relaxed by the large fireplace and the kiddos went on a Treasure Hunt with maps in hand.  Internet access and those comfy lobby couches were not enticing enough to keep us indoors- we ventured outside to make s’mores every night!  The staff had everything ready for us to create our fireside treats including hot cocoa or cider.

DINING

For dinner, our six year old rolled down the hill towards Gaby’s by the Lake where the motto is “No shoes, no shirt, our pleasure.”  Since it was chilly, we decided to keep our shoes on.  The chef has crafted an impressive collection of regional dishes mixed with his unique experiences from Kansas City and New Orleans.  He uses fresh, local ingredients including his award winning Coca-Cola Ribs entree.  The shrimp and grits were melt in my mouth delicious and the ribs…ah…I’m still dreaming about the combination of Thai flavors!  Everything looked just as amazing as it tasted which pleased my six year old to pieces.  I’d plan another stay at this resort just to try everything on this chef’s menu which happens to change with the seasons.

SPA and POOLS

I leisurely strolled along a covered paved pathway to The Reynolds Plantation Spa next to the main lodge.  The sunshine and beautiful landscaping made an ideal transition into the two-story stone front spa.   The staff delightfully spoiled me from the moment I was greeted at the welcome desk.  Spa slippers and robe, citrus infused water, tasty snacks and lots of magazines and books about the area kept me comfy during my spa visit.  In addition to the sauna, steam room, and hot tub, I got to experience one of the spa’s most popular and unique services, the Oconee Rain Treatment.  Incorporating local Creek medicine of the Four Elements of healing: fire, water, air, and earth, my combination lavender dry brush, massage with hot and cold stones and luxurious Vichy rain shower was by far one of the best spa services I’ve ever had!  I felt energized and relaxed, ready to hike in the woods or kick back by the indoor pool.   Since the spa’s indoor pool was only steps away from the locker rooms, the pool won.  Every afternoon, the indoor pool is open for family swim and has plenty of towels, pool noodles and kick boards readily available.  The pool area’s large windows, hot tub, comfy lounge chairs and high ceilings made me feel like I was in my own personal sanctuary.  I felt completely relaxed and daydreamed about how I could make this visit to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge last longer.

RITZ KIDS and GROUNDS

Our six year old had the chance to participate in the half-day Ritz Kids program while I retreated to the spa.  She loved everything about her Ritz Kids adventure, especially the Mad Hatters Tea Party.  They made party hats, decorated cupcakes, crafted jewelry boxes and bracelets.  They went on outdoor adventures where they learned about the natural habitat, met Jerry the bullfrog and giggled on tree swings.  They even made up their own play in the outdoor Pollywog Theater!  The ladies working with the kids were amazing.  They worked so well to make the experience fabulous for each child and really enjoyed their role as party hosts.  Our daughter wanted to visit the staff at the Ritz Kids throughout our stay and planned to invite them to her birthday party as well as play dates back home.

Even though it was a bit chilly outside, we found the outdoors irresistible!  We wandered along hiking trails, played in the sand at the lake front beach, shot horseshoes and basketballs, splashed in the heated outdoor infinity pool then hopped in the hot tub to unwind.  The kids made friends quickly and played on the playground while the grownups relaxed in full view of their games.  They resort has canoes and bikes for rent but we opted to enjoy the ice skating rink which is complimentary for resort guests.  After strapping on our skates, our six year old gleefully taught herself to skate while holding onto one of the helpful sleds.  It was absolutely wonderful!

We also had the privilege of riding the Linger Longer Express, a tiny 26 passenger train, that toured the beautiful grounds. Our six year old was thrilled with the attention she received as she waved to guests passing by so we rode the train more than a few times.  We spotted eagles, deer and even a fox strolling in the forest surrounding the beautiful resort and took in the amazing mixture of natural beauty, great service and incredible luxury that The Ritz-Carlton Lodge provides.

Read my full review of The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation.  Been there? Share your scoop!

Disclosure: Special thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation for hosting me on this adventure. As always, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Lisa-Marie Leihy is Trekaroo’s Florida Destination Guroo.  She loves to travel and blog about her Sunshine State adventures at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

10. Walk amongst the dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park

Photo by: Trekaroo/familiarycerz

Okay so there are not really dinosaurs here, but there are 200 million year old tracks which were discovered in 1966. At Dinosaur State Park, kids (and dino enthusiasts in particular) can imagine the dinosaurs tromping around these parts so many years ago. There are trails here to search for tracks as well as fabulous specimens in an indoor interactive exhibit. In season you can even cast you own tracks!!

Explore the city of Rocky Hill for all it has to offer.

 9. Pick a bushel of apples

Photo by: Flickr/bradnoble

Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is a classic Connecticut orchard. Since 1741 and for eight generations this family farm has been giving us their best–my how they have grown.  All the bells and whistles are available here. There are apples to pick, pumpkins to choose, corn mazes to puzzle and festivals to be had during harvest season in the fall. Take your kids and spend a half day frolicking in the orchards and wandering your way through the maze. In the winter they host a Winterfest with dog sled pulling, ice carving competitions, and horse drawn sleigh or wagon rides depending on snow cover and food!!!  Baked goods such as Apple pie are always a tasty treat.

Share your favorite Orchard or Farm with other Trekaroo users, write a review.

8. Duck your head into a submarine

Photo by: uss.nautilus.org

Connecticut is home to the first (and still active) Naval Submarine Base, New London. Take inspiration and visit The Submarine Force Library and Museum operated by the US Navy.  The museum is home to the Nautilus, the first nuclear powered vessel and the first to go 20,000 leagues under the sea.  Parking and admission are FREE. Tours of the Nautilus are self-guided, but you are provided an audio wand to help understand the exhibit. From here you can continue your armed forces history tour into Fort Trumbull. Built between 1839 and 1852, this elaborate stone fort on the shores of New London was erected to protect US shores. It’s construction and use is fabulously outlined in the Visitors Center which features cannons, artillery and restored living quarters and laboratories.

Book a hotel in Groton to get ready for your adventure.

7. ’It’s Elementary’ at Gillette Castle

Photo by: Trekaroo/familiarycerz

Perched high atop the Connecticut River sits the elaborately designed Gillette Castle. Designed by William Gillette, the actor who coined the term ‘ it’s elementary’ in his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, you can tour this castle now operated by the Connecticut State Park system. Built from 1914-1919 on 184 acres the castle grounds are now home to picnic sites and trails overlooking the river. This odd, intricately modeled castle has secret mirrors, glass mosaic walls and crazy locks for the doors. You can drive to this destination or for an extra adventure take the Chester-Hadlyme ferry  across the Connecticut River which operates seasonall ( April 1st-November 30th)y. To extend your visit in the Connecticut River Valley check out the Essex Steam Train and River boat ride. These two attractions are run by the same company and give family’s the ability to tour the scenic Connecticut River valley by boat and/or by train.

As part of the fantastic Connecticut State Park system, buy the heritage pass and get access to Fort Trumbull, Dinosaur and Gillette Castle state parks for $67/family of 6.

6. Get a thrill at Lake Compounce Amusement Park

Photo by: Flickr/jstudts

America’s oldest operating amusement park, Lake Compounce is named after Chief John Compound a Mattatuck/Tunxis Native, referencing the states native heritage. Since 1864 when it was first opened as a lake park, families from all over New England and the tri-state area come to the park for chills and thrills.  The lake hosts the largest outdoor water park in the state with attractions for kids of all ages. The shipwreck at Clipper Cove has water slides and cannons to cool you off. In the park are the Zoomerang for big kids providing up ended thrills and a large Kiddie land with rides modeled after the big-kid rides to while away the whole day. Although there are thoroughly modern and thrilling rides at the park, there are also nods to the park’s history with a trolley car ride and an exciting wooden roller coaster named Boulderdash which is built into the side of Southington Mountain. For a more relaxed visit, your family can also spend the day at the lake swimming and sunning.

Been to Lake Compounce?  Share your scoop.

5. Play Lacrosse like a Native American

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is located in eastern Connecticut on the Pequot reservation. The museum is native owned and operated and is considered world class in exhibits and education and tells the story of the Peqout people who established a reservation in 1666 making it one of the oldest in the states. From dioramas of ancient times and walking tours where you become part of the exhibit, your family learns of the both the ancient life and trials and how they live and function in today’s modern world. During certain times of the year they offer programming included with admission that allows kids to play a native game like lacrosse, which was initially a war game, or they can create a native instrument.  Plan on spending the whole day and still not seeing everything, especially if there are storytelling, dancing or other events happening. Save the vivid depiction of the Native American extermination for the older kids, but soak in the rest of the exhibits with kids of all ages. You can also sample some Native American fare along with typical American dishes at the Museum Restaurant.

Find lodging near Mashantucket to extend your museum visit.

4.  Broaden minds by enjoying literary history

Photo by: Trekaroo/Lyndie

Samuel Clemons (aka “Mark Twain”), the author of American classics like The Adventures of  Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, lived right here in Connecticut. Visit Mark Twain’s home to learn about his life, work, antics and influence on American Literature. Most kids have or will read these classics. Designed and built in 1873 -1874, the house is a masterpiece and constantly undergoing historically appropriate renovations. An onsite museum houses artifacts relevant to Twain’s work as well as rotating exhibits such as puppets modeled after characters in Twains own ‘A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court’. You may also wish to continue this literary journey in Hartford by visiting the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Famous for her book about slavery, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, children will learn that she was a role model capable of invoking change at a time when women had difficulty being heard. A visit to these two sites will broaden your child’s mind and be an enjoyable lesson in history.

Hartford is full of family activities, hotels and restaurants.

3. Be a Leaf Peeper during foliage season

Photo by: Flickr/j neuberger

the mountains of Connecticut would be considered hills by many standards but the scenery here is fabulous and Mount Frissel at Mount Riga State Park, our highest peak at 2300ft, is attainable even by kids, albeit by a tough hike. Mount Frissel is at the northwest corner of the state and borders New York and Massachusetts which means you can be in all three sates in one hike!!! The wildlife spotting is great and this area of Connecticut is unspoiled and unpopulated. The area is especially beautiful during foliage season. Leaf peepers, tourists heading to New England just for the leaves, are out in full force during autumn. Drives in these parts can bring you to some iconic covered bridges, historic homes and tasty roadside restaurants. On the way north check out the West Cornwall Covered Bridge that passes over the Housatonic River. If you are up for an adventure, camp at the rustic Housatonic Meadows State Park late spring through the beginning of October.

Plan ahead with Trekaroo’s list on the best Fall foliage spots in New England.

2. Ask for cheese on your pizza

Photo by: Flickr/joebeone

If plain cheese pizza is what your kids like make sure you ask for cheese at the landmark New Haven pizza joint Frank Pepe’s Pizzaria Napolatana.  In 1925 Frank Pepe invented the now famous New Haven style pizza and Pepe’s considers cheese a topping. This is an experience in itself. If you want to sample the pies get there early. There is always a line at the door of people waiting for tables. Sally’s Apizza established in 1935 is a true competitor, and you will find lines as well. While you are in New Haven, walk the grounds of Yale University and check out the Peabody Natural History museum. Paleontologists of all ages will enjoy the T-Rex skeleton on display in the grand hall along with other artifacts. Kids will delight in hands on area with the ever busy leaf cutter ants building their nest. At times professors from the prestigious university are on site to answer questions. Our budding entomologist has met with scientists here and enjoyed talking bugs.

Explore activites and lodging in New Haven.

1. Feed the Belugas in Mystic

Mystic Aquarium is located in the quaint seaside town of Mystic, full of charming shop lined streets and several restaurants including the famed Mystic Pizza from the movie of the same title starring Julia Roberts. Mystic Aquarium provides a glimpse into the undersea world with tanks containing sharks, eels and other marine life. You can also take in a sea lion show and meet Surfer, their youngest and boldest. Programs involving feeding the belugas, caring for the penguins and for the less brave, touch pools of sea life and cow nose ray feeding.  Additionally in town is home to Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest museum of its type in the USA, where the sea-life history of Connecticut is brought to life. Whaling exhibits, ship-building displays, boats to board and stories of the slave trade are just a few of the exhibits you can check out here. For an even more fantastic ship experience check out Project Oceanology offered at the nearby UCONN campus at Groton on Longpoint. A charismatic and educated marine biologist will be your guide as you cast nets and check out your catch. You will also complete experiments on board, a great combination of a fun and educational adventure. Remember the sunscreen!!!

Check out this trip planner for the fabulous small town, Mystic!

Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah

Top Ten Things for Families to do in New Mexico

Michelle Brennan is Trekaroo’s New England Destination Guroo

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

She also shared her love of the Omni Berkshire Place which is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan and  it’s special  touches just for kids which include “a backpack full of goodies given at check in, cookies and milk delivered to rooms at turn down, and a kids club where children can “decompress” by making crafts and snacking on gummy bears”. Parents, not to be forgotten, will love the friendly staff and luxurious attention to detail found throughout the property.

With all these rave reviews about these two New York City businesses we figured, why not do a giveaway? Luckily, both the Omni and New York  Pass company agreed and, well, here we are! While we hope that our winner will want to head to the Omni Berkshire Place for they free stay, Omni was gracious enough to offer a free night at ANY of their properties to one lucky winner.

The Steal: Win a night at any Omni Hotel and 4 New York Passes!

Details: One lucky winner will receive one (1) night stay at any Omni property across the brand good through the end of the 2012. The winner will also receive four (4) New York Passes, 2 adult and 2 child two day passes (child is age 4-12). Normal restrictions such as availability and blackout dates will apply. Prize value approximately $800.

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

In an effort to make easier to enter, we are now using Rafflecopter. Simply click on the box below and follow the directions. The more you do, the more entries you will receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only

Deadline to enter: Sunday, March, 4 2012 at 11:59PM PST

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

Thanks to  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor in Chief.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

Where to Stay

Why am I discussing where to stay before anything else?  Because that is how I plan a vacation.  We pick a hotel prior to planning the rest of our itinerary, looking for something that can accommodate us comfortably, is central to many points of interest and is within our budget.

Read reviews of New York City hotels and which ones Trekaroo families recommend.

After a recent stay in the city, my pick is the Omni Berkshire Place.  Located at 52nd and Madison, the hotel is just blocks from Rockefeller Center and the shopping of Madison Avenue, a short walk to Times Square, and a short cab ride to dozens of other attractions. If you are unsure of where you should take your family, a short chat with one of the concierge or doorman will point you in the right direction.  For a hotel that boasts luxury, I wasn’t sure how my kids would be received.  I shouldn’t have worried!  The Omni features some wonderful touches just for kids, including a backpack full of goodies given at check in, cookies and milk delivered to your room at turn down, and a kids club where children can “decompress” by making crafts and snacking on gummy bears.

What to Do

One spot every first timer must see while in New York City is Times Square. It is one of those places that New Yorkers avoid and tourists love.  The energy is palpable and the sites are spectacular, especially at night when everything is lit up, making Times Square a perfect place to people watch. Kids will especially love popping into Toys R Us where they can ride the Ferris Wheel or meeting an M&M in M&M World.

Central Park is must-visit for families. It is a quiet spot away from the chaos of the city where kids can run free, take a spin on a carousel, visit a zoo, take a carriage ride, ice skate or take in a free outdoor concert.  The kids are sure to be surprised and delighted to find a castle in the park as well.

Be sure not overlook all the culture the city has to offer and make time to take in a museum.  There are dozens of museums in New York City so you are sure to find one that appeals to your family. Your kids may recognize the American Museum of Natural History from the movie Night at the Museum, but even if they don’t, the dinosaurs, blue whale, and various other treasures are sure to draw them in.  You may be surprised to hear that the Metropolitan Museum of Art has also been known to captivate kids.

Photo via Trekaroo user NewYorkSandy

If you have time, take in a Broadway show.  The earlier you introduce your children to theater, the earlier their love for the theater can flourish!  Some great family oriented shows include Lion King, Mary Poppins, and Stomp.

For some other great tips and insight check out 13 things I learned visiting NYC with 2 young kids which was put together by a Trekaroo dad. 

 Where to Eat

I’m not sure you can go wrong while eating in New York.  Keep in mind, eating in the city isn’t necessarily for the budget conscious.  For some fun themed dining that the kids will enjoy, you might want to give Hard Rock Café, Mars 2112, or ESPN  Zone a try.  For some family-style Italian specialties Carmine’s is a must (you’ll want to make reservations) and if you want a little something different than you’d expect in the city, head to Virgil’s Barbeque where they serve up some authentic Southern BBQ and some of the best wings I’ve ever had.  After dinner, be sure to pop into Dylan’s Candy Bar where you can find sweet treats from decades past.

Simplify and Save

If you plan on being in the city for a few days, your family might want to consider purchasing The New York Pass.  For one price you gain admission to over 70 sites.  When you purchase your pass it comes with a guide book to help you decide what to see.  There is even a kid guide that points out the best kid attractions.  The more you use your pass, the more you save.  On a recent trip into the city I had the chance to give New York Pass a try.  It was great being able to choose from so many attractions, some of which have a fast track line so you don’t have to wait on the long general admission lines.  We used our pass to hit Madame Tussauds and Top of the Rock

Stay tuned for a fabulous NYC giveaway on Monday!!!!

Disclosure: The author recently attended the Family Travel Conference in New York City and as an attendee was provided with a one night stay at the Omni Berkshire and two New York Passes.  All opinions are the author’s own.

Beth Keklak is the Destination Guroo for PA, NJ, DE and loves to travel and explore with her husband and three kids whenever time permits. 

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

10. Play Cowboy and Cowgirl at a Ranch

New Mexico Dude Ranches and Resorts offer guests a chance to experience the cowboy life. Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa offers daily  rides for children 7 and under; little Buckaroos receive a bandanna, cowboy hat and sheriff’s badge as a keepsake. Roadrunner Tours offer family overnight trips with dinner, breakfast and camping gear included. Hyatt Regency Tamaya helps families get the most out of their visits through its Srai-Wi (My Children) family program. Children ages four through eight will have great fun riding a horse while friendly handlers guide them safely around the stables corral.

Read Trekaroo’s list of New Mexico Chuckwagon Suppers & Western Shows

9. Become an amateur UFOligist

Photo by Flickr user Dgroth

Celebrate the intrigue of the 1947 Roswell incident with UFOlogists, an alien costume contest, a motorcycle rally, fireworks, and an air show at the Roswell UFO Festival. If you get tired of all the aliens encounters, you might want to appreciate Earth’s creatures at Roswell Spring River Zoo. Located in beautiful Spring River Park, this zoo features both native and exotic animals, a miniature train, and an antique wooden horse carousel (this rare treasure is one of about a hundred left in the country.) Best of all, admission is free and rides are only a quarter each! The Robert H. Goddard Planetarium presents a variety of free shows for both children and adults featuring the constellations, planets, and other celestial sights on a regular basis.

Read more about New Mexico’s National History, Science & Space Museums

8. Trek with Yo Mama and a Llama

About 75 miles north of Santa Fe, the city of Taos has plenty to offer families. Wild Earth Llama Adventures offers “Take a Llama to Lunch” one-day hikes or three-day special Family Wilderness Adventure llama camping trips. Each family adventure is custom designed both prior to the trek and in the field. Wild Earth Llama Adventures wants young people’s early hiking and camping experiences to be fun and educational, not traumatic. They will even work with you to plan a menu that your whole family will love! For my family this means one of the llamas will carry a McDonald’s on his back during our trek. Kids, camping, and llamas are a winning combination.  Afterwards, swing by Twirl Toystore and Playspace, a magical children’s activity center and toy store. The free outdoor play area is amazing. There are multiple slides and climbing objects, musical instruments, a sandbox, a tree house, rolling toys, and much more!

Find a spot to rest your head in Taos, New Mexico.

7. Not to Miss Albuquerque

Photo by: Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

Albuquerque is a town full of “not to miss sights.”  Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum combines the best of science and pure kid’s museum fun.  The ABQ BioPark is comprised of Rio Grande Zoo, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and the Aquarium.  At Aquarium Overnight, parents and children sleep next to the sharks!!  Do not miss First Friday Fractals at the beginning of the month at The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.  First Friday Fractals is the spectacular, award-winning full dome planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature. Petroglyph National Monument is Albuquerque’s not to miss outdoor activity. Take a hike, enjoy the beautiful sunset, and examine the estimated 24,000 carved images residing here.

Read reviews of The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.

6. Plank (or stand!) over Four States

Photo by: Trekaroo/fernswife

Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. It’s the only point in the United States shared by four states. I love planking, I love state lines, nuff said. New Mexico’s other natural wonders include tent rocks at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, and Clayton Lake State Park. Tent Rocks National Monument includes a recreational trail which provides opportunities for kid friendly hiking and great views. Bandelier National Monument offers up close views to ancient cliff dwellings and 11,000 year old petroglyphs. In the northeastern corner of New Mexico, a bonanza of dinosaur tracks are preserved in sandstones dated at about 100 million years old. Today, the tracksite, with over five hundred preserved dinosaur footprints, is one of the main attractions at Clayton Lake State Park and one of the best-preserved and most extensive dinosaur tracksites in the United States.

Read Trekaroo reviews of Bandelier National Monument.

 5. Visit Santa Fe, the Second-Oldest City in America

Photo by: Flickr/dbpeterson723s

 What’s a visit to New Mexico without a rodeo? In early summer, kids can join in on the crazy fun at Rodeo de Santa Fe. This traditional old-time rodeo features a parade and kids’ events such as “mutton busting” (little ones ride a sheep) and a hilarious calf scramble (kids try to catch a calf for a prize.) At the Santa Fe Childrens Museum kids learn water conservation and ecosystems through interactive exhibits. El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), is a ranch turned living museum that recreates 18th Century Spanish colonial ranch life. Guides are dressed in period clothing and demonstrate how people once lived. Live music and street performers at the Santa Fe Farmers Market will keep your kids dancing in the streets and begging for treats. Consider a stay at Rosewood Inn of The Anasazi which offers Rose Buds for Children, a program designed just for kids.

Sante Fe is full of fun!  Head here for the best of Sante Fe’s activities.

4. Ascend to New Heights in New Mexico

Photo by: Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

Take to the sky for the ride of your life. With all of the ballooning activity in New Mexico you have several balloon ride companies to choose from; Santa Fe Balloons picks up passengers at local Santa Fe hotels about 30 minutes before sunrise. From Albuquerque, Rainbow Ryders offers families the chance to drift over the Rio Grande Gorge. Afterwards, enjoy a champagne breakfast. What could be more exciting than that? How about 600 hot air balloon rides launching all at once? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages. For more than three decades, the first week in October brings once in a lifetime photo opportunities as hundreds of hot air balloons sail silently through the crisp fall air. Besides the balloons, there are bands, children’s acts, fireworks shows, and interactive education at the Balloon Discovery Center.

Been hot air ballooning with your kids?  Share your scoop!

3. Tour Carlsbad Caverns

Photo by: Flickr/marcomorain

Set in limestone that predates the dinosaurs, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is full of archeological treasures, from fossilized prehistoric plant and animal life to Ice Age native artifacts. The caverns are a full day’s drive from any other major attractions, but are well worth the long journey. All visitors should tour the main section of the cave, the Big Room. Carlsbad Caverns offers 6 guided tours. Minimum age requirements differ for each tour. Good times to visit are either spring or fall, when the desert is in bloom. From May through October, you’ll see more than a quarter million Brazilian bats spiral up from the sky at sunset to hunt for dinner each night. (That’s a lot of bat poop people, carry an umbrella!)

Read Trekaroo reviews of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

2. Get Nutty in Alamogordo

Photo by: Flickr/pamramsey

The fun never ends when you’re striking poses for the camera in front of the world’s largest pistachio! Whether you’re a lover of pistachios or just a lover of large, man-made oddities, a pit stop at McGinn’s Pistachio Tree Ranch will have the whole family chuckling. Alamogordo is also famous for the world’s largest deposit of white gypsum sand; 145,000 acres worth! At White Sands National Monument you can climb to the top of the dunes for a photograph and then sled down on a plastic snow saucer purchased from the park gift shop. The Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was tested, and McDonald Ranch can be found a mere 80 miles to the north. If you visit the site, keep your eyes open for blue-green pebbles underfoot: this rock is known as Trinitite and is still mildly radioactive. As of 2005, the amount of radioactive exposure received during a one-hour visit to the site is about half of what a U.S. adult receives on an average day. Sally, if you don’t stop pinching your brother by golly I swear I’ll turn this car around and take you on that Radioactive McDonald Ranch Tour!

Feeling nutty for snow? Read where to go sledding/tubing in New Mexico

 1. Party like it’s 2012 at Albuquerque Centennial Summerfest

Photo by: Flickr/dgroth

2012 is a huge year for New Mexico, it’s the state’s centennial! On Saturday June 16, 2012, Albuquerque will close down Central Avenue for this free celebration. Get your family party on in downtown Albuquerque as they celebrate Centennial Summerfest with dancing, food, music, car shows, art, and free children’s activities. This block party will depict many of the important aspects of New Mexico’s history–and future–so that in one day you will get a taste of New Mexico’s past and what lies ahead. The day-long event will end with a free concert by the popular group, Los Lobos; this crowd-pleasing band will rock the night in celebration of 100 years of New Mexico Statehood. Now that’s what I call a party!

Looking for more fun in Albuquerque?  Read tips & reviews from other Trekaroo families.

_____________________________________________________________________________

 Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA