Hit the water

Courtesy of Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau

Given this area is home to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and St. Marys River, it’s not surprising Camden County overflows with activities on the water. Those who love to paddle will find the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and St. Marys River welcoming and and filled with wildlife. For a more challenging excursion, head to Cumberland Island, where you can paddle on the open waters along the Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Courtesy of Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau

If you prefer to leave the navigation to someone else, you can hop aboard the Cumberland island Ferry. The ferry travels 45 minutes from St. Marys to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, where you can then enjoy swimming, hiking, bird watching and relaxing in the sunshine. You also can bike and fish, but you must bring your own bicycle and fishing equipment plus have an active Georgia fishing license for anyone age 16 and older.

There also are free guided tours of the Dungeness Historic area, Plum Orchard, beach and other areas. Visitors also can opt for the motorized Land & Legacies Tour (ticket required) that includes the First African Baptist Church, Plum Orchard, Robert Stafford’s plantation and cemetery, and other highlights.

Please note Cumberland Island is a large island, so don’t expect to walk the entire island during your visit. It’s highly recommended that you plan out your visit before you go to the island to ensure you see the areas you want to explore. Also, there are no shops or restaurants on the island, so bring what you need with you.

Take a ride

Courtesy of Kingsland Convention and Visitors Bureau

Who doesn’t love a good train ride? In Kingsland, climb aboard the Georgia Coastal Railway for a journey through surrounding neighborhoods, commercial districts, Georgia marshlands and a working rail yard. You can choose between 60- or 90-minute excursions ranging from a traditional train ride to themed rides such as murder mystery trains, pirate trains, Wild West trains and holiday trains (Christmas, Easter, Halloween). No matter how old you are, taking a train ride will bring out the kid in all of us.

Courtesy of Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau

If two wheels are your ideal mode of transportation, you’re in luck. A perfect place to start is on the Coastal Georgia Greenway crosses through Camden County and Kingsland along the coastline. It’s the perfect place to be to feel the sea air or catch a sunrise. At Crooked River State Park, you can bike along the Intracoastal Waterway and through a maritime forest to spot wildlife such as gopher tortoises, herons, snakes and other native residents. Another fun bike ride is the Woodbine Waterfront Boardwalk, which travels over the Satilla River. As you travel south, you’ll see a change from wetlands to live oaks, cypress and other hardwoods. It’s a leisurely journey that allows you to soak up your surroundings.

Explore local history

Courtesy of Kingsland Convention and Visitors Bureau

The historic sites on Cumberland Island are just the start of the history in Kingsland and Camden County. At the Thiokol Memorial Museum, you will see where workers at the Woodbine Thiokol Chemical Plant created the world’s largest rocket engine at the time in 1965 for the U.S. Space Program and manufactured munitions for the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.

At the Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park, you can pay your respects to our military members who lost their lives in service to our country. The plaza features five memorial walls representing the different branches of the military. In St. Marys, stop by the McIntosh Sugarmill Ruins, where you view the ruins and hike the natural trail. For a more in-depth look at the area’s history, take the St. Marys History Walk, a self-guided tour along a 600-foot walking trail featuring 24 interpretive panels documenting the history of Native Americans to the Civil War.

When it comes to enjoying all that nature has to offer, Kingsland and Camden County provides a multitude of ways to get outside and explore. To start planning your visit, request a visitors guide today.

The post Best Things to Do Outdoors in Kingsland and Camden County appeared first on This Girl Travels.

Take a deep dive into history

From one of the most famous soft drinks in the world to African American history to aviation and military history, Monroe-West Monroe is home to some of the most significant events in history.

The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

While Dr. John Permberton first created Coca-Cola as tonic for common ailments, Joseph Biedenharn was the first person to put the soft drink in a bottle. And that took place in Monroe. At The Bidenharn Museum & Gardens, visitors can see a demonstration of the original bottling process. The museum also includes along a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia such as a Model T Coca-Cola delivery truck. In addition, they can peruse Emy-Lou Biedenharn’s Bible collections, including an original 1611 King James Bible.

Outside, take a turn in ElSong Gardens, a walled English garden featuring themed gardens including the Oriental Garden and Four Seasons Garden. And don’t forget a tour of the Biedenharn house, a 1914 home that reflects Emy-Lou’s passions: music, nature and family.

Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum

Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

At the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, you’ll see the work of world-renowned expressionist artist Don Cincone, artifacts of African American life in Northeast Louisiana, and traveling exhibits that further document and preserve the life, contribution and culture of African Americans.

Chennault Aviation & Military Museum

Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of the WWII Selman Army Airfield Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum highlights the navigation school that trained more than 15,000 navigators during World War II as well as native Gen. Claire Chennault, the leader of the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought the Japanese in Burma (Myanmar) and China in 1941 and 1942. The museum also showcases the history of Delta Air Lines, whose beginnings started as the world’s first aerial crop-dusting company under the name of Huff Daland Dusters.

Explore the great outdoors

Whether on the golf course, on the water or on the trails, Monroe-West Monroe welcomes you to take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Pick your tee time

Calvert Crossing Golf Club; Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

When you’re ready to practice your golf swing or take home bragging rights with your friends, head to one of Monroe-West Monroe’s many golf courses, including Calvert Crossing Golf Club, Chennault Park Golf Course, the Country Club at Frenchman’s Bend and Johnny Myers Golf Course. Each one contains its own set of unique challenges to keep you on your toes. If you prefer a disc to a club, head to Landry Vineyards Disc Golf, where you can play nine holes among the vines.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy of Monroe-West Monroe

Hit the water at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and see if you can spot herons, egrets, turtles, alligators and more as you paddle across the 1,600-acre lake. At the visitors center, you can learn more about the area and its inhabitants through a variety of interactive exhibits and at the nature shop. There’s also an arboretum, where you can see native Louisiana trees and woody shrubs. For exploring by foot or wheelchair, hit one of the many trails around the lake and among the photos. You can even hunt or fish, but make sure you have you adhere to all regulations.

Highland Park Wetland Trails

City of West Monroe

On the Highland Park Wetland Trails, you can walk, run or bike the 1.25-mile pathway as you try to spot various species of birds along the way. And thanks to the park’s large, open field, this is the perfect play to fly a kite, throw a frisbee or enjoy a picnic.

Go behind the scenes of “Duck Dynasty”

Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

If you tuned in to A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” you got to know the Robertsons, the family behind Duck Commander duck calls who hails from Monroe-West Monroe. Now you can go beyond the TV screen to learn more about the family at Duck Commander The Museum. Through a self-guided walk-through of 10,000 square feet of galleries, you’ll discover more about the family through artifacts, pictures, set recreations and costumes from the show. After you finish at the museum, head out into Monroe-West Monroe to see some of the many “Duck Dynasty” filming locations.

Find your best things to do in Monroe-West Monroe

Courtesy of Discover Monroe-West Monroe

While this is quite a list of the best things to do in Monroe-West Monroe, it barely scratches the surface of all there is to see and do in this Louisiana destination. To start planning your visit or to get more information, contact the Discover Monroe-West Monroe team.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Family-friendly New Orleans

Delving Into Mississippi Delta History

Enjoying the Fruits of Grapevine, Texas

The post Best Things to Do in Monroe & West Monroe, La. appeared first on This Girl Travels.

There are many reasons why actual space travel for civilians is quickly gaining momentum. Corporate ventures, like Mars One, Virginia Galactic and Elon Musk’s space-bound Tesla, have made such voyages closer to being a real possibility. Celebrities like Beyonce have reportedly put deposits on being one of the first on a commercial flight. Turmoil and pollution on this planet often makes escaping it a tempting option. Also, there is wide interest in STEM programs: Phones and video games have created a universal audience and brought awareness to people of science aptitude they didn’t even know they had.

Now, thanks to NASA and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, students can train like an astronaut with hands-on training to go to Mars! The Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) is a special simulation of space walks, landing a capsule and more, to give a physical experience to complement the science they’ve been studying. After all, there’s so much more to exploring space than what’s on the page of a book. This gives students a real incentive to be able to achieve the exciting pinnacles of being an astronaut. Participants will take part in a Space Launch System rocket. They’ll also spend the day working on simulated Mars: collaborating with each other, doing engineering work and botany-gardening to supply food. So thought-provoking, and the hands-on experience gives you and your children a whole new perspective, and experience, to space and what astronauts deal with during their work.

So, what is it like to be an astronaut for a living? You can find out for yourself by attending the Heroes & Legends Astronaut Encounter. Every single day at Kennedy Space Center, you can meet an actual astronaut who has lived and worked in space. You can ask questions, shake hands and even pose together for an unforgettable photo. This is usually over a buffet-style lunch, where the astronaut talks, shows photos and gives examples as well as answers questions while you and your family eat. Afterward, queue up for a photo with the space hero (take your own, or the professional will take one for you and you can pick it up later).

Kennedy Space Center is just 45 minutes from Orlando. They open daily at 9 a.m., but with so many exhibits, activities, IMAX movies and people to meet, you just might want to invest in one of their annual passes. They are also about 40 minutes from Cocoa Beach, another lovely option, and a good one for those looking to spend time outdoors and at the beaches of Florida.

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It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us again, but soon we’ll see tinsel on trees and decorated front yards, as we drive down the road listening to our favorite Christmas carols on the radio. The smell of hot chocolate mingled with candy canes will warm our insides, as we bundle up and head out to enjoy the scenic beauty of a wintery landscape.

Southern Lights Holiday Festival

One of the loveliest towns I’ve visited lately, Georgetown, Ky., is a small hamlet located just up the road from Lexington. The small-town charm is in full swing during the holiday season, as the city works hard to put the happy in your holidays and merry in your Christmas.

One of the first events to light up for the holiday season started Nov. 16 and runs through New Year’s Eve, Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park is an easy 10-minute drive to nearby Lexington. It’s so close to Georgetown, you don’t want to miss the chance to drive through one of the state’s top attractions during this magical season.

This annual event includes 3 miles of drive-through holiday displays, local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa, pony and camel rides, and an exotic petting zoo. From 5:30 to 10 p.m. each night, the Kentucky skies light up as more than 120,000 seasonal visitors line the park to enjoy the festive light displays.

Tickets:

• Monday-Thursday: $15 per car (up to seven people per passenger vehicle)
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: $25 per car (up to seven people per passenger vehicle)
• Extended van or RV: $35 (up to 15 people)
• There is an additional cost for photos with Santa, pony and camel rides, and festival food.
• You can use a debit/credit card to pay for tickets, but photos with Santa and pony and camel rides are cash only. There is an ATM in the Visitors Center just in case you forget.
• Open rain or shine, but the event does close on occasion due to ice or snow. Our tour group found this out first hand!

Home for the Holidays

Another great way to kick off the holiday season is with Georgetown’s annual “Home for the Holidays” event. If you’ve never been to a small-town tree lighting and parade, you’re missing out! Georgetown does Christmas in a big way, with a huge tree by the courthouse and a holiday parade filled with festive floats and cheery town elves. More than 200 buildings in Georgetown are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and this is the perfect time to glimpse them when they’re all decked out for Christmas.

During the “Home for the Holidays” open house, you’ll definitely want to stop at the downtown shops and score some deals on special event-related sales and promotions. And for anyone looking for Santa, you’ll find him at the end of the parade, officially welcoming in the holiday season. This year’s “Home for the Holidays” event takes place on Dec 1. You don’t want to miss it!

Tickets:

• This event is free, and no tickets are required.
• There is a small fee if you want to have a photo made with Santa.
• Bring some extra spending money because you’re sure to find some steals and deals at the downtown shops.

The Polar Express

Also located in the Georgetown area is another small town with big holiday spirit. On Dec. 7-8, Sadieville will host its most popular event, the Polar Express in the Sadieville Train Car. Start the night off with cookies and hot chocolate as you visit with Santa and tell him all about your Christmas list. He’s a pretty great guy and takes wish lists no matter what your age! (I might have whispered a few wishes to him myself….)

After your customary photo with Santa, walk across the street and climb aboard the stationary red caboose for a magical reading of the famed book, “The Polar Express.” Cozy up with your family, and get comfy as the narrator brings the story to life. When the adventure is over and you have even more Christmas spirit, Santa himself will greet you and give you your very own Christmas bell. You’ll find yourself whispering “I believe” and ringing your bell long after the night is over. Do you believe?

Tickets:

• Tickets are free, but they are limited and go fast.
• You can pick up tickets on Nov. 26 at the Scott County Public Library.

Candlelight Tour of Ward Hall

The final gem in the lineup of holiday events in the Georgetown area takes place in one of the country’s finest Greek Revival-style mansions. Ward Hall was built for $50,000, all paid in gold. Completed in 1857, this masterpiece of wood and stone will be trimmed for the holidays and illuminated with dozens of candles. Adorned in the 1850s holiday period style, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the halls of this 12,000-square-foot villa.

During these special candlelight tours, which will take place Dec. 7-9 and 14-19, you’ll also hear all about one of Kentucky’s sauciest Southern belles, Sallie Ward. Sallie once hosted lavish balls at Ward Hall, while marrying four millionaires and amassing a fortune while she scandalized polite society.

Tickets:

• Tickets are the same price as regular admission: $7 adults, $5 children 12 and older, free for children younger than 12 years of age.

During our visit to Georgetown last holiday season, we were fortunate to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. After spending the day driving along snow-covered roads, we were grateful for a nice room and cozy bed. Before we tucked all the kids in bed, though, we enjoyed some time splashing around in the indoor swimming pool. There is also a small bar in the lobby as well as a lovely Christmas tree, perfect for photo ops.

There are plenty of dining options in the area, but we found Josie’s in Georgetown to be a great option for our family. You can build your own salad, build your own pasta, or pick from one of the many other menu items such as a Kentucky Hot Brown or Fried Shrimp Basket. Everything was reasonably priced, and the service was great.

As you can see, the Georgetown area is a perfect destination for a holiday getaway. In fact, it could be the start of a great new tradition for you and your family.

Looking for more to do in Kentucky? Then check out the following:

Shake It Off at Shaker Village

Horsing Around in Shelbyville, Ky.

Bourbon and Barrels in the Kentucky Bluegrass

The post Get in the Holiday Spirit in Georgetown, Kentucky appeared first on This Girl Travels.

When watching a NASCAR race on TV, naturally the cameras stay focused on what’s happening on the track, in the pits and back in the garage. After all, that’s what the fans came to see, right? Of course. But for fans who actually attend a NASCAR race, there is so much more going on before and after the race. And, perhaps even more surprising for many, much of the activities surrounding NASCAR is family-friendly so there’s no reason to leave the kids at home.

Head for the Fan Zone

At just about every NASCAR track on the circuit, visitors will find a “Fan Zone.” Located somewhere outside the track gates, the Fan Zone features a variety of entertainment, ranging from interactive games and inflatables for the kids to merchandise trailers (sometimes with scheduled appearances and autograph sessions with NASCAR drivers) and giveaways. On occasion, you’ll also find live musical performances or roaming bands. In addition, many food and beverage concessions can be found in and near the Fan Zone.

Photo courtesy of CMS Photo/HHP/Harold Hinson

Enjoy a Live Concert

In conjunction with many NASCAR races, many NASCAR race tracks will host a fan concert during race weekend. For instance, when I attended the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., last October, anyone with a ticket to the Bank of America 500 on Sunday could get into the Brad Paisley concert on Saturday for free. At this year’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla., in February, Rascal Flatts performed for race ticket holders prior to the race. These concerts offer fans a fantastic value for attending two top-tier events for the cost of just one ticket.

Take a Tour

At many NASCAR tracks, there are opportunities for racing-related tours that are of great interest to race fans of all ages. For example, during my visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the October race, my family enjoyed a NASCAR shop tour that included visits to Hendrick Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing, the Curb Motorsports Museum for Music and Motorsports, and the Dale Earnhardt statue in downtown Kannapolis. It was a great mix of history and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the race cars and what it takes to build them.

At Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., visitors can head across the street to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame where they can dive into the history of a variety of motorsports, including NASCAR, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), IRL (Indy Racing League), and Formula One, among others.

When attending your chosen NASCAR race, be sure to find out what tours are available at and near the racetrack.

Get Up Close and Personal

For fans who want to be close to the action, consider upgrading your race tickets for additional experiences such as visiting the infield, walking down pit road, see what’s taking place in the race garages, walk the track or visit Victory Lane. Now, unlike drag racing, which includes these activities in every ticket purchase, these extra experiences can be very expensive. That being said, many racetracks will offer these extras for free or reduced costs for children age 12 and younger. In fact, for many NASCAR race events, kids age 12 and younger can attend for free or at substantial savings with the purchase of an adult ticket. This can make attending a NASCAR race much more affordable for families.

As you can see, watching a NASCAR race provides a look at just one aspect of a race weekend. Why limit you and your family to a one-dimensional experience when you can see and do so much more at an actual race?

Have you attended a NASCAR race with your family? Tell us what you loved about it in the comments.

If you loved this story, check out “Drag Racing: High-Speed Action for All.”

Thank you to Charlotte Motor Speedway and Visit Cabarrus for hosting Karon and her family for this story. All opinions are those of the author.

The post NASCAR: Family-Friendly Fun Beyond the Track appeared first on This Girl Travels.

Sponsored By: Offices.Net

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

At Offices.net we appreciate that choosing the right office space can hugely effect the success and prosperity of your business.

With this is mind, our area specific consultants will want to know more than just your budget. They will take the time to establish what makes your business tick. What amenities are essential for your company’s success, what infrastructure is necessary for you to run at full capacity and what style of office space will help you attract the best players in your field.

As a brokerage, we can provide you with cost comparisons, translate any industry jargon, arrange viewings and even assist with negotiations. We aren’t happy with putting a round peg in a square hole, we strive to find that perfect fit.

1 Lucky Winner Will Receive:

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This is a foldable wireless keyboard (pocket size) with aluminum alloy housing and a carrying pouch! Great for iPad, iPhone, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. $32.99 RV

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The post On-The-Go & Camera-Ready Giveaway! appeared first on This Girl Travels.

Sponsored By: Obersee

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

3 WINNERS will receive: 

Their choice of Obersee Kids Luggage with Integrated Cooler!
A $240 TRV Giveaway!

Open to US entrants only and must be 18+ to enter.

Giveaway Dates ~ 12/19 9:00 AM EST through 1/12 11:59PM EST

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winners will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

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*This is a sponsored post with Cars.com.*

In my line of work, I take a lot of road trips, so it’s critical that I keep my car maintained on a regular basis. However, even with the best-maintained car, things can still happen. A tire may go flat, a hose can bust or the battery can die. That’s why I always carry a safety kit with several key items, things that can help get me back on the road long enough to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic. In fact, I never leave home without making sure these top five items are always in my car.

1. Jumper Cables

It’s never fun to turn the key in the ignition and get no response. While this could be an indicator of a more serious problem, more often than not, it’s the sign of a dead or dying battery. Having jumper cables on hand means you can get power to your battery by drawing off the battery power of another car. Whether traveling out of state or down the street, it’s always a good idea to have jumper cables in the car.

2. Portable Air Pump

Nothing is more aggravating than walking out to your car and seeing a flat tire. But don’t grab the tire iron and spare just yet. By keeping a portable air pump in the car, you can pump the tire back up to its recommended PSI, and then head to your local tire shop for a repair or replacement. Portable air pumps are small and plug right into the power outlet on the car. They make take a few extra minutes to pump up the tire, but it’s better than being stranded on the side of the road.

3. Gallon of Water

In hot temperatures, it can be easy for a car to overheat, draining much needed fluids from the radiator. In the event this happens, wait for the car to cool off completely, and then remove the radiator cap. DO NOT try to remove the radiator cap before the engine has completely cooled off; otherwise, you may sustain injuries from red-hot water and fluids. Add water to the radiator until it is full. This should provide enough fluids to get the car to a mechanic, who can properly drain and replace the necessary fluids in the motor.

4. Electrical Tape

This may sound unnecessary, but electrical tape is good for much more than just electrical systems. If you have a busted hose under the hood, you can temporarily seal it using electrical tape. It should hold long enough for you to drive the car to a mechanic for repair or replacement.

5. Bottled Water, Snacks, Blankets

Sometimes, you do get stranded on the side of the road, awaiting a tow, roadside assistance or a family member coming to pick you up. The best-case scenario features help arriving in short order, but that’s not always reality. Therefore, it’s important to keep some bottled water, snacks and blankets in the car. These necessities could be invaluable items during a long wait, especially with kids or during cold weather.

No one likes having car trouble or breaking down on the side of the road. However, with these top five items in your car, you can help eliminate the amount of time your car is out of commission — at least long enough for you to get your car to a mechanic. If you’re looking for more tips on taking care of your car, check out the expert tips from Cars.com.

The post Top Five Items to Always Have in Your Car appeared first on This Girl Travels.

Courtesy of Visit Milwaukee

Although Milwaukee has a reputation for business and sports, it’s also quite the family destination. In fact, the city was rated as the top destination for family travel in 2014 by the ABC Travel Guide for Kids. And why not? There are numerous family-friendly Milwaukee hotels, restaurants, and attractions that appeal to kids and adults of all ages. Therefore, on your next visit to Milwaukee, bring the kids and check out these family-friendly attractions.

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

For many parents, getting kids interested in learning can be a struggle. At the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, kids have such a great time playing that they don’t even realize they’re learning. For instance, kids can learn all about the people and places that make a community function in Home Town, where they can work at a bank, shop at the grocery, or work in an animal hospital. In Kohl’s Healthy Kids: It’s Your Move! kids will see how important personal health is while exploring a variety of activity stations or studying the effects of germs found in daily life.

Milwaukee County Zoo

What kid doesn’t love animals? The Milwaukee County Zoo has more than 2,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles on more than 200 acres. Although families certainly can enjoy checking out the animals in their respective habitats, there are many more ways to experience the zoo. For instance, visitors can feed a variety of animals throughout the day and learn more about the animals at one of the Animals in Action presentations held each day. If the kids need to run off some energy, head to the Sky Trail Ropes Courses and Zip Line.

Harley-Davidson Museum

A motorcycle museum may not be the first attraction that comes to mind for families, but the Harley-Davidson Museum is far from ordinary. Families will find many activities to keep the kids engaged. For example, let the kids become a part of history by posing for a photo with the company founders in the lobby. Or have them dig through the Discovery Drawers to find a selection of vintage toys and collectibles. For a really fun family photo, head to the Imagination Station, where the kids can don Harley gear and take their place on a Harley Knucklehead motorcycle.

Courtesy of Visit Milwaukee

Milwaukee Art Museum

Art is for everyone, including children. At the Milwaukee Art Museum, families will find many ways to include kids in their visit. Start by visiting on Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays. Held five times a year, these events include hands-on art activities, tours, celebrations of special occasions, and more. Visitors also can download the Kohl’s Art Generation at the Milwaukee Art Museum app, which features games, videos, and scavenger hunts. Create your own family experience by engaging kids in conversation while touring the museum. Find out what artworks they like or dislike or which ones they think they could create themselves.

Discovery World

When visiting Discovery World Science + Technology Center, the question isn’t “What can you do?” Instead, it’s “What can’t you do?” Dive deep into aquatic life at the Reiman Aquarium and see if you’re brave enough to touch a shark. At the Innovation Station, learn how to send a message in Morse Code or find out how batteries work. You can also head outside to study the Wind Leaves. This outdoor exhibit features aluminum columns that rotate with the wind. Covered with stainless steel disks, the leaves create a kaleidoscope of reflections that change every second. You’ll also find musical benches where the kids can create their own songs.

To learn more about these and many other family-friendly attractions, check out Visit Milwaukee. It’s a fantastic resource for planning a family vacation to this Wisconsin city.

This post was written as part of an IHG/CopyPress campaign. All thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author. 

The post Top 5 Things to Do with Kids in Milwaukee appeared first on This Girl Travels.

Money Matters

When we purchased our tickets to Walt Disney World and SeaWorld those many years ago, we didn’t have to worry about “park hopper” or “fast pass” tickets, too. You wanted to go to SeaWorld? Buy a ticket to SeaWorld. Today, though, you can do that, but it can be costly. Therefore, I began reviewing those “save big on your next Disney trip” and “how to cut costs at Universal” stories that are a dime a dozen online. In fact, I read so many I started to get overwhelmed with the amount of information, tips and tricks that were swimming in my head. Hotel deals, ticket savings, free dining plans – there was just so much to review and digest.

Finally, I had to take a step back and breathe. When I did, I discovered that, no matter how much you research, you will still have to pay for your trip, so it’s important to create a budget for your trip and work within those parameters. When you do look for deals, start with the parks’ own websites to see what specials are offered for the time period you want to visit. You may find that you can score free meal plans or free hotel nights.

Also, check with the local official visitors center to see what savings they can offer you. For instance, at the Visit Central Florida Visitor Information center you can buy discounted theme park tickets, including those with “park hopper” and “fast pass” options. The key here is multi-day tickets. The more you plan to stay and play, the more you will save. I found that one-day tickets are the most expensive ticket you will purchase. In addition, many of the parks will allow you to upgrade your tickets if you decide you want to do so.

All About Time

Because there were far fewer theme parks to visit when I originally visited Central Florida’s theme parks, we had more time to visit each park. Therefore, we never felt rushed to “see and do it all” during our time there. Today, though, there is much more competing for your attention, and it can be daunting. Unless you plan to spend a couple of weeks in the area, make a plan before you go regarding which parks you want to visit and for how long. And, perhaps more importantly, be ready to make adjustments to that plan as needed.

For example, we planned to spend one day at LEGOLAND, one day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and one day at Universal Studios (although we didn’t know which park yet). LEGOLAND went off without a hitch (the benefits of being a single park at the time), but we quickly encountered a problem at the Magic Kingdom. It turns out that most of the characters our children wanted to see were at Disney Hollywood Studios. Thus, we spent quite a bit of time waiting for the shuttle between the Magic Kingdom to Disney Hollywood Studios.

Yes, if seeing characters for pictures and autographs are important to your children, find out ahead of time where they are scheduled to appear so you are in the right place at the right time. One way to do this is with the park’s app; for example, the My Disney Experience mobile app lists the times and locations for character appearances. This same principle holds true for any special ride or attraction your kids want to see. For instance, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure, so be sure to buy tickets for this park instead of the original Universal Studios.

Plan for Your Kids

Again, when I first visited Central Florida’s theme parks, I had my ticket and we walked in. That’s it. Today, according to the planning articles online, you have to bring strollers and backpacks filled with snacks and water and sunscreen and extra clothes and so on. While I agree with the snacks, water and sunscreen, I leave the others up to each individual family.

For instance, everyone said I needed to bring a stroller for my then 4-year-old; I balked because he’s big enough to walk by himself; he’d been doing just that for almost three years. “He’ll get tired,” they said. Perhaps, I thought, but until then he can walk. And walk he did. In fact, he never paused until it was time for bed. So don’t be overwhelmed by the suggested packing lists you’ll find online. Instead, pack according to your individual family’s needs. After all, you know each member of your family better than anyone else.

Yes, a lot has changed at Central Florida’s theme parks, but their true essence remained. My family had an awesome time, and we created wonderful family memories we’ll cherish forever. And that’s exactly what I wanted.

If you enjoyed this post, you also may enjoy the following: 

Central Florida: Beyond the Theme Parks

LEGOLAND: Built for Fun

Exploring Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Stay in New England Style at Walt Disney World Resort

A Trip to Kissimmee, Florida

The post Visiting Central Florida’s Theme Parks: Then and Now appeared first on This Girl Travels.