California

  Carsland | Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure

Get ready for the opening of Carsland at Disney California Adventure.  Radiator Springs comes alive with three new rides, two restaurants and much more.  Buena Vista Street will welcome visitors to the park via 1920s Los Angeles. Sneak Peak: Carsland | Buena Vista Street.  More details to come! Opens June 15^, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks.

Manta at SeaWorld

Ride a brand new roller coaster through the California Bat Ray exhibit at this new attraction in SeaWorld, San Diego.  With a newly designed exhibit seamlessly merging with a thrilling roller coaster shaped like a manta, kids of all ages can take delight.  Opens May 26, 2012. Photo Courtesy of SeaWorld.

  Night Zip Line Eco Tour in Avalon, CA

Catalina Island’s Zipline Eco Tour is offering a nighttime zip line tour under the moonlight and stars. Children must be ten years old to participate in this special zip line tour.  Now open. Photo Courtesy of Zipline Eco Tours.

Pirate Reef at Legoland 

Step aboard Pirate Reef at Legoland, California for a wet and wild, buccaneering adventure.  Take a 25 foot plunge in a pirate boat, engage in a water cannon battle, or stand on the main bridge for the chance to get soaked!  Opens May 25, 2012. Image Courtesy of Legoland.

  LEX LUTHER: Drop of Doom at Six Flags Magic Mountain

The world’s tallest vertical drop is about to make its appearance at Six Flags Magic Mountain lifting (brave) riders 400 feet in the air to plummet at 85 miles per hour towards the ground.  Opens Summer 2012. Photo by Flickr/Roller Coaster Philosophy.

Transformers: The Ride 3D at Universal Studios Hollywood

Prepare to be immersed in the blockbuster phenomenon of the Transformers as you get the chance to fight along with Optimus Prime to save the world from the Decipticons.  Opens May 25, 2012. Photo by Flickr/doug_wertman.

Mountains

History Colorado Center in Denver, CO

Explore Colorado history in the brand new History Colorado Center as you walk on a gigantic map of Colorado, “travel” in a time machine, explore a rock mine, and interact with locals at the train station & trading mission. Now open. Photo Courtesy of History Colorado Center.

Mile into the Wild Walkway at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, CO

The largest carnivore sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere, the Wild Animal Sanctuary, is about to unveil a 5,000 foot walkway above and through the wild animal exhibits giving guests amazing views at their 290 lions, tigers & bears. Opening in phases this spring. Photo Courtesy of the Wild Animal Sanctuary.

Toyota Elephant Passage at the Denver Zoo

At 10 acres, the brand new Toyota Elephant Passage will be the largest at the Denver Zoo.  Clever design will put the elephants extremely close to guests and will host Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malaysian tapirs. Opens June 1, 2012.  Photo courtesy of Denver Zoo.

Cliffhanger Roller Coaster at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, CO

The highest-elevation full-sized coaster in the US will open this June at Glenwood Caverns.  In addition, the Mine Wheel (Ferris wheel) and Wild West Express Coaster (for the younger set) will add to the park’s expanding repertoire. Open early June, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Glenwood Caverns.

Rocky Shores at the Hogle Zoo

Hit North America’s western shores while visiting Utah’s Hogle Zoo where kids can witness bears, sea lions, seals and otters in the zoo’s new state of the art Rocky Shores exhibit.  Opens June 1, 2012.  Photo by Flickr/makelessnoise.

Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY

After millions of dollars in renovations, the Buffalo Bill Museum will reopen including a life-size projection of Buffalo Bill.  The center also is offering a new daily program, the Greater Yellowstone Raptor Experience, showcasing varieties birds of prey.  Opens May 19, 2012. Photograph, ca. 1895. Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming. P.6.168

Midwest

Dinosaurs Alive | Luminosity at Cedar Point Amusement Park, OH

At Cedar Point, Dinosaurs Alive! on Adventure Island includes 50 life-size dinos,  and an excavation & fossil site.  At night, enjoy “Luminosity: Ignite the Night”, a mix of singers, dancers, drummers, acrobats, lights, lasers, and fireworks. Opens June, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Cedar Point.

A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale at the Lincoln Amphitheater, IN

Experience history in a fun and exciting way.  A brand new, family friendly musical will tell the tale of Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood life in the famous Lincoln Amphitheater.  June 8-July 1, 2012. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Amphitheater.

X Flight Rollercoaster at Six Flags Great America, IL

The brand new, large scale ride, X Flight, will give riders the experience of riding on the wings of an aircraft at Six Flags Great America.  It touts itself as an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.  Opens May 16, 2012.  Photo Courtesy of Six Flags Great America.

River Tour Zipline Adventures at Ozone Zipline Adventures, OH

Two new 1,500-foot ziplines & the addition of the Full Moon Night Zipping tours are now being offered at Ozone Zipline Adventures. Now open. Photo Courtesy of Ozone Zipline Adventures.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd at the Shedd Aquarium, IL

Enjoy an outdoor summer concert series on the lake to the fun sounds of a live jazz band.  Inside the Shedd Aquarium, be sure to drop in for a look at their pregnant beluga whale & pregnant dolphin!  Concert series begins June 27, 2012.  Photo by Flickr/cnewtoncom.

Mammoth Water Coaster at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, IN

Texas & Gulf Coast

Pleasure Pier in Galveston, TX

This brand new amusement park reckons back to the original pleasure pier built on the island in the 1940s. Pleasure Pier will include 16 rides, a full-service restaurant, midway games, shopping and live entertainment. Opens May 26, 2012.  Photo Courtesy of Pleasure Pier.

Aquatica Waterpark at SeaWorld, TX

SeaWorld’s Aquatica Waterpark will offer exciting water slides, pools and lagoons, 42,000 square feet of beach, a wave machine, lazy rivers, and racing rides, including a one-of-a-kind weightless zero-gravity wall ride.  Opens May 19, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Aquatica Waterpark.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Come visit dolphins, sea lions, seals, sharks, stingrays and sea turtles at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, an upgraded and remodeled interactive aquarium in Destin, Florida. Opens May 25, 2012. Photo Courtesy of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

The South

 WhirlyDome in Orlando, FL

WhirlyDome offers families a wide variety of entertainment from an F1 Racing simulator, laser tag & bowling, to playing an exciting game of WhirlyBall, which combines driving a bumper car with the sports of basketball, hockey & jai-alai.  (Must be over 12 to play)  Opening late May, 2012.  Photo Courtesy of WhirlyDome.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Orlando

A brand new 3D ride experience at Universal Orlando throws riders into the Despicable Me storyline as they explore Gru’s secret lab, get transformed into a minion and perform in an interactive 3D dance party! Opens Summer 2012. Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando.

Legoland Florida Waterpark in Winter Haven, FL

Legoland Florida will open their latest addition, LEGOLAND Water Park , which will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure – DUPLO® Safari. Opens May 26th, 2012. Photo Courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland.

Nature Science Center at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

83,000 square feet of hands on science fun have just been added to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.  Kids can explore through exhibits, and even talk to the real scientists!  Now open.  Photo by Flickr/USGS Landsat.

 Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park in Chimney Rock, NC

Recent capitol improvements at Chimney Rock State Park, one of North Carolina’s must-see attractions with kids, have been completed including reopening the Outcroppings Trail.  A modernized elevator and renovated Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli will add to the park’s activities and perks.  Opening early June, 2012.  Photo Courtesy of Chimney Rock State Park Management LLC.

Mid Atlantic

Field Station Dinosaurs in Secaucus, NJ

Allegheny Springs at The Homestead, VA

A children’s pool, sandy beach, restaurant, three giant waterslides and a 400-foot lazy river are set to open this summer at the luxurious Homestead Resort. The water park will offer year-round family friendly activities and fun. Final phase opens July 2012. Image Courtesy of the Homestead.

Butterflies at the Bridge at The Natural Bridge of Virginia

This beautiful indoor butterfly garden is re-opened for the season and gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies. Overnight packages to the Natural Bridge and included butterfly exhibit start at $89. Now open.  Photo Courtesy of The Natural Bridge of Virginia.

TimberTrek at the New River Gorge, WV.

Visitors seven and up can jump, climb and fly through the aerial adventure park, TimberTrek, located on the rim of the beautiful New River Gorge .  Five courses of difficulty are available.  Now open.  Photo Courtesy of TimberTrek.

SkyScreamer (and more) at Six Flags Great Adventure, NJ

New England

Hasbro’s Big Backyard at Roger Williams Park Zoo, RI

Goliath at Six Flags New England

National

Summer with Shrek & Friends at Gaylord Hotels Nationwide 

Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.

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

Pang Family at Angkor Wat

Like many of our friends who gasped with surprise at the idea of taking three young kids to this developing country, we were under the impression that Cambodia was more of a destination for foolhardy adventure travelers.

Prior to having children, Brennan and I would definitely have categorized ourselves as independent and adventurous travelers.  We were likely to jump on a plane with our Lonely Planet guidebook and not much of a plan.  However, as we all know children change many things, including how we travel.  Since we now pick our destinations more carefully, how did Cambodia make our list of spots to take our young kids?  Well, first of all we picked Siem Reap, Cambodia because it is home to Angkor Wat, a place we have been eager to visit.  We wanted to see it bad enough that we were willing to put up with quite a bit with the kids.  Surprisingly, after a few hours of poking around on the web, we got the sense that tourism in the town of Siem Reap had developed considerably in recent years.  There was a good range of accommodation from $10-15/night dives to a couple of $400/night 5 star hotels.  With a 3 month old, it was important for us to have a comfortable place to retire to after a long day of exploring in the heat.

Ceramics Class

We also came across other activities that looked interesting to young kids – visiting floating villages, ceramics classes, cooking classes, tuk tuk rides, elephant rides and more.  We also found out that December to February is the best time of the year to visit Siem Reap which worked perfectly with our schedule.  While hotels are more expensive and attractions are generally more crowded during high season, being able to travel when the weather is cool and dry seemed important when one has kids who aren’t used to heat in tow.  Mind you, they aren’t the only ones who get grumpy when it’s hot.

While looking for family-friendly accommodation in Siem Reap, we found Journey’s Within Boutique Hotel, one of the few properties that explicitly described themselves as having family-friendly accommodations.

Family-friendly Villas at Journey's Within Boutique Hotel

We were delighted to discover that not only did they have a family-friendly hotel, owners Andrea and Brandon Ross live in Siem Reap with their young kids and run a tour company. Journey’s Within plans custom tours for families looking to discover Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.  Right from the get go, Andrea was a wealth of suggestions for kid-friendly things to do around Siem Reap.  It’s no wonder that she knew exactly what we would find interesting. Being Americans themselves they totally understood what would be intriguing and what would be challenging for a family coming from the west.  At the same time having lived in Cambodia for the past 8 years with their young kids, they really had the inside scoop on what’s kid-friendly.  After just a few email exchanges, we had a wonderful itinerary planned, packed with lots adventures beyond the temples. I would probably not have considered many of the adventures for lack of information about whether they were kid-friendly or not.

Fascinating Tour of a Silk Farm

I couldn’t have possibly anticipated how much it would reduce my stress as the default trip planner in our family to have Journey’s Within take care of all the logistics.  I think it was worth every extra penny we paid even before we stepped foot on the plane.  We started each day being greeted by our smiling driver and English speaking guide, Santu, ready to show us their wonderful country.  Andrea had handpicked our guide because other families had reported back that he was great with kids and indeed he was.  Our usually shy boys quickly warmed up to him and loved listening to the stories he told. Since we were the only ones in our tour group (yes, it is a fully customized tour), it never mattered whether we were late to start the day.  Instead of spending 45 minutes each morning figuring out the logistics of moving our family of 5 around for the day and arguing about the itinerary, we were able to focus on getting our kids ready for the day’s adventures and immersing ourselves in the experiences of the day.  I never realized how distracted I often am during our trips because, I’m multitasking between attending to the needs of children and thinking about where we’re heading to next.

Much to our delight, our well-planned itinerary allowed us to take in more experiences during our 5 day trip then what we could have planned for on our own.  After we nailed down the list of activities we thought looked interesting to us, Andrea planned out the itinerary with thoughtful attention to our children’s need for a few restful afternoons to kick back by the pool.

Elephant Ride Around Angkor Thom

She also knew that visiting multiple temples a day would be rough on the kids, so the itinerary always included an activity the kids would find fun like a ride in a helium balloon or an elephant ride. If you’re thinking of visiting Southeast Asia, here is my BIG two thumbs up for getting Journey’s Within to help plan your trip.

Santu our guide and willing babysitter

Much to our delight, another reason that Cambodia is such a great place to visit with kids is that the people of Cambodia have an extraordinary love for children.   Not only were they incredibly patient with our kids, we found a slew of willing babysitters wherever we went.  That meant that as parents we didn’t have to do the usual tag teaming we’ve been accustomed to.  Instead, we were both able to participate fully in each activity.  Whether our hands were covered in clay at a ceramics class, or we were just settling down for a nice meal, the moment baby let out the smallest whimper, there was someone eager to entertain or hold her.  We also stayed at family-friendly hotels that offered a kid’s club or babysitting for a nominal fee of $5/hour.  The babysitters we hired at both the Journey’s Within Boutique Hotel and Victoria Hotel spoke English very well and had been well trained to work with western families.  We never felt uncomfortable leaving our baby with them because they had been trained and vetted by the hotel.  This allowed us to enjoy a few dinners without kids in the evenings at a very reasonable cost.

Our family’s trip to Cambodia was not just wonderful because of what we got to see and do, but because of the lovely people we met along the way.  The graciousness of the Cambodian people and the care of the wonderful staff at Journey’s Within who welcomed us to their country, made for an unforgettable trip.  Our 8 year old will remember our pottery class with fondness, our 5 year old beams into a smile at the memory of riding in a Tuk Tuk, while our 3 month old was a champ and won the hearts of many.  As for me, I will remember Cambodia for her lovely people and her tense but fascinating history.  Thanks to Journey’s Within, our trip planning was a breeze and our adventure a fascinating one for our whole family.

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LiLing Pang is Trekaroo’s Founder, a wife, & a mom to two active boys and a 8 month old baby girl.

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

I actually enjoyed the yelling for the first time when I cheered on the Red Knight at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament with my 3 loud boys.  I didn’t mind picking up my half of a chicken with my fingers either, it’s a medieval feast at my house every night so I am used to it!

What I didn’t expect was how amazingly talented the horses and knights are who train for hours to perfect dressage techniques and complicated battle scenes.  It was breathtaking and awe-inspiring.  Even though our Red Knight didn’t win, we came home feeling like kings and queens with stuffed bellies and with hearts full of pride for our brave knight.

Read my full review of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Buena Park, CA

If you’re itching to cheer on your very own brave knight, enter to win our fabulous Medieval Times ticket pack today!

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Deadline to enter: Sunday, May 27, 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.

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Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam at mmccoy@trekaroo.com) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 3 to 11.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

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

As a new parent, I couldn’t wait to help my child reach the milestone of learning to ride a “2-wheeler.” My daughter was about 6 years old when we went to the local bike shop and purchased her first bicycle equipped with training wheels. Unfortunately, I was more excited about the experience than my daughter was. A couple of minor spills caused by those training wheels was all it took for my daughter to abandon the bike and return to her battery-powered Barbie Jeep.

I finally convinced my daughter to ride a trailer bike (no front wheel or brakes), which attached to my bike. This allowed her to get the feel of a bike without the possibility of taking a spill. It also was a way to get our daughter to join us on bike outings.

As my daughter reached the maximum weight capacity of the trailer bike, I began to research different methods for teaching a child how to ride a 2-wheeler. Thanks to Google and YouTube, I found a method that was simple, painless and successful. Here’s how it works:

1. Remove the pedals from the child’s bicycle.
2. Set the seat low enough so the child can touch the ground with enough force to stop.
3. Locate a safe place to practice that has a very slight slope. We used a local church’s parking lot during the week when it was empty of cars.
4. Have the child get seated on the bike and begin “walking” it with their feet. Once they’re comfortable on the bike, encourage them to build up a little speed (this is where the slope comes in) and have them lift their feet off the ground. With practice, they’ll be balancing without touching the ground.

On our third trip to the parking lot, my daughter asked me to put the pedals back on the bike. She gave herself a push and began pedaling like she had been riding a bike for years. My wife and I were ecstatic, and my daughter was grinning from ear to ear.

For more information, check out Bike New York’s “Learn to Ride” video on YouTube.

A personal note on buying that first bicycle- I recommend going with hand brakes versus a pedal brake. If you’re concerned about your child going over the handlebars because they panicked and squeezed the brakes too quick, keep the front wheel brake (usually the left one) slack enough to it only helps slow them down. Let the rear brake do all the work and teach them, “The right brake is the right one to use”.

PCDoctorNC is a 2012 Superoo.

For children, bicycles represent their first taste of sweet freedom; a means to go far and go fast. For adults, riding a bike is an exhilarating and inexpensive way to reconnect to a long forgotten childhood; a quick sip from the fountain of youth. Regardless of the generation gap, one thing remains constant. Family bike rides are about starting together and ending together; about being together.

photo by CarlCostas.com

May is National Bike Month but don’t let the calendar dictate when your family should ride; that’s the weather’s job. In places such as sunny California, families can get their ride on almost year round! You don’t need lycra and an expensive bicycle to enjoy a family bike ride, but you do need a bike. Classic brands like Schwinn have been capturing the hearts of children and adults for over 100 years. When I was a little girl, my parents would go for walks after dinner and I would ride my Schwinn alongside them. Occasionally, we’d even visit a nearby Baskin Robbins for ice cream. Now, as luck would have it, my neighborhood has a bike trail that leads almost directly to a Baskin Robbins. Sometimes after dinner, my son and I carry on the family tradition.

Read Tina’s review of the Schwinn Meridian bike.

Read Tina’s review of the Schwinn Del Mar Cruiser bike

Read Tina’s review of the Schwinn Boys Burnout bike.

photo by CarlCostas.com

If your neighborhood lacks a bike trail, Northern California is chock full of recreation trails sure to keep your families grinning from ear to ear. Some of my favorites include:

Half Moon Bay’s Coastside Trail

PIcture via Flickr user Solsken

Enjoy a ride along the 6-mile paved trail from Pillar Point Harbor to Poplar Avenue in Half Moon Bay. All along the trail, paths lead to inviting state beaches and remarkable coastal views. For a true escape, stay at the nearby Ritz- Carlton or reserve a room just a few miles away at Half Moon Bay Inn. The Coastal trail is free to use, but it can get congested. Best times to visit are spring, fall and winter, as it’s less crowded, and you’re more likely to get sunny days. Bring your camera, and plan to stop at Cameron’s Pub for lunch or Sam’s Chowder House for dinner. You’ll be glad you did.

Wilder Ranch State Park

Photo via Flickr user Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious

Two miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 is Wilder Ranch State Park. This unique 4,500 acre park is one of the most diverse in California. Wilder Ranch offers great trails for family bike rides featuring ocean vistas, rolling grasslands, redwood forests, and wildlife. Amenities include restrooms and picnic areas.  If you’re looking for nearby family-friendly accommodations, you can’t go wrong with Beach Street Inn and Suites. Beach Street Inn is located almost directly in front of the Santa Cruz Wharf with a spectacular view of the entire Santa Cruz coastline.

The Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail

Photo via Flickr user Robert Schlie Imagery

The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches 18 miles, from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. This popular paved path hugs the coast, following the same route as the old Southern Pacific Railway. The recreation trail is a great way for families to reach the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, the Museum of Monterey, and Fisherman’s Wharf— avoiding busy roads all the way!

Angel Island State Park

Bikes are welcome on the ferry from San Francisco to Angel Island State Park, a former immigration station known as the Ellis Island of the West. Adult and kid-size bikes are available on the island, but for trailers or tandems, stop by Blazing Saddles at Pier 41 before boarding the ferry. A five-mile lane rings the car-free island, where clifftop overlooks beckon for snack breaks and photo ops of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

American River Bike Trail

flickr: rysac1

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail (or American River Bike Trail) is a paved multi-use pathway and is considered one of the longest paved purpose-built bike trails in the country. The trail is maintained by the County of Sacramento and is painted with mile markers placed at every half-mile increment. The area follows the course of the American River and is rich in wildlife. The trail passes several places of interest between Sacramento and Folsom.

Disclosure: To facilitate this review Schwinn provided me with a Schwinn Meridian, a Women’s Schwinn Del Mar, and a Schwinn Boy’s Burnout. Schwinn did not request that I express any particular point of view and my reviews always reflect my honest opinion.

Tina Buell is Trekaroo’s Northern California Destination Specialist, single mom, and mother to a constant ray of SONshine
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT |VA | WA