We Go With Kids!

Author: wegowithkidsguest

  • South Korea with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

    South Korea with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

    Guest Blogger: Melanie, her husband, and their spunky toddler, Miss C, are American ex-pats who live most of the year in Thailand. Like We Go With Kids, they recognize that having children doesn’t mean you lose your desire to travel and have reimagined traveling with kids to include destinations around the globe! Melanie’s journeys can be found on her blog, Adventure Family Life, and on Instagram.

     

    South Korea Family Trip Blog

    South Korea is a vibrant, modern country with plenty to offer any traveler. This is no less true for those traveling to South Korea with kids. Last October, we traveled to South Korea with our 21 month old Miss C, accompanied by friends and their nine-month old baby.  Our group of six traveled by bus from city to city and used the city train and bus system within Seoul. For those who have never been to South Korea with kids, we were pleasantly surprised by how child-friendly South Korea is and encourage you to put it on your list of places to visit with kids! Here are my top tips for a South Korea family trip.

    Row of shops in Sokcho, South Korea

     

    Getting Around in South Korea With A Toddler

    South Korea’s train system is one of the most affordable and comfortable ways to travel the country. Children under four travel free on trains when accompanied by an adult and children, and children ages four to 13, travel at half price. The train stations in larger cities such as Seoul, Yongsan, and Busan, have fabulous nursing rooms and the high-speed KTX train even has baby-changing and nursing rooms right on board. Most of South Korea is stroller-friendly, and subway stations have escalators and/or elevators that allow stroller users to easily navigate the station.

    Buses are plentiful within major cities and, as an added bonus, children under age 7 can ride the bus and subways for free. This really helps makes a Korea family trip affordable!

     

    Shopping in South Korea

    Shops and department stores are extremely child-friendly. Many department stores and mega stores, like E-Mart and Lotte Mart, provide strollers for guests to borrow for free. Many stores also have children’s play areas for when children to use to burn off some energy.

    Children’s items, especially clothing, can be very expensive in department stores. However, I found some great deals on some super-stylish children’s clothes the last time I was at Namdaemun Market, so it never hurts to look.

     

    Restaurants in South Korea

    Most restaurants have high chairs, but you will need to ask for them when you are being seated as they are not brought out automatically. If your child is not proficient at chopsticks, you can ask for a fork. More and more restaurants offer play areas for children, making dining out even more enjoyable for parents!

     

    Things to Do in Korea with Kids

    Throughout the country, you will find many different attractions that are geared towards children. Most of the popular attractions in Korea welcome children to come and play and learn.  Here are a few of our favorite things to do in South Korea with kids:

     

    #1: Theme Parks in South Korea

    Photo credit:  Image by Yoj Rasaili from Pixabay 

    There are a number of theme parks across South Korea that are perfectly suited for children of all ages. We visited Everland, one of the largest theme parks in the world, located about 25 miles away from Seoul in Yangin. The park is fun for the whole family, and there is plenty of tasty food for everyone to enjoy. There are activities for even the youngest visitors. As an added bonus, Korea’s theme parks have nursing rooms that are often even stocked with baby wipes and diapers just in case an emergency arises! My friend was able to nurse her nine-month old in public throughout our trip without any issues.

     

    #2: Stay in a Traditional Korean Homestay

    One of the most memorable experiences we had in South Korea was staying in a traditional Korean homestay, a hanok. There are many homestay options available in the older section of Seoul, and the some homes can be hundreds of years old! Most of the homes that are available for booking have been renovated to include indoor plumbing, but you can expect to find paper pasted walls, old-style furniture, and traditional decor (most homes do offer television and WiFi!). We originally booked our homestay online via booking.com. I simply read reviews and booked the one with the best reviews. We arrived at our original booking at around 9pm and the owner told us that our room was “broken,” but that his cousin had room for us, so we took a quick ride over to Gongsimga, which is where we ended up staying.

    At Gongsimga, each room had private, en suite bathrooms and there were five or six separate bedrooms with private baths that each family could stay in. The rooms had WiFi and a small tv, but there was no furniture other than the bed on the floor. The family we stayed with absolutely adored our daughter. It was cold when we were there, but the rooms are heated via the traditional ondol method of floor heaters, and we slept on a mat on the floor, which kept us nice and toasty. While it may not be an option for everyone, if you happen to co-sleep already at home or when you travel, this may be an ideal set up for you because the rooms are designed for all guests to seep together in one bed on the floor.

    Each morning, we had breakfast together with the hosts and other guests. Our hostess was very kind and prepared a special meal for Miss C every morning and made sure she had a comfortable place to sleep. They also helped us locate an open restaurant when we arrived late, without having eaten dinner. The homestay experience is definitely rustic and not for everyone, but we had fun. The only draw backs that I can think of are that the plugs were all Korean plugs (versus a modern hotel which would have traditional plugs) and although there was a small courtyard on property, it was not really a great place to relax. Also, the kitchen is not really open for use as the family lives/sleeps in the kitchen, so you definitely felt like you were invading their private space if you needed something from the kitchen. Luckily, we did not spend a ton of time there as we are pretty active travelers. For sleeping and breakfast, the homestay suited us just fine.

     

    #3: Seoul Children’s Museum

    The Seoul Children’s Museum is located within the National Museum of Korea and offers various cultural activities and programming for children. There are more than 100 interactive displays spread over three floors where kids can have so much fun that they won’t even know they are learning! As an added bonus, children under three are free. As a government-owned museum, the Seoul Children’s Museum an amazing experience offered by the government of South Korea for kids!

     

    #4: Enjoy the Outdoors in South Korea

    The Korean countryside is incredibly beautiful and has a lot to offer visitors by way of scenery. The time of year greatly affects where you will want to go and what outdoor activities you will want to engage in.

    During the summer, head to the beaches. In the wintertime, check out the ski resorts. During the fall (when we visited), head to Sokcho, where you can visit Seoroksan National Park and catch some of the most incredible fall foliage in Asia.

    If you plan to spend all of your time in Seoul, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience nature as there is plenty of green space right in the city. One of the best views of the city can be enjoyed by taking a cable car to the top of Namsan mountain, also known as Seoul Tower.

     

    View of the city from Seoul Tower

     

    #5: Visit the DMZ with Kids

    Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (“DMZ”) is a popular tourist attraction, but only children over age 10 are allowed to visit the Joint Security Area.

    South Korea soldiers marching alongside the Freedom Bridge

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    Although we were not able to visit the JSA because we were traveling with a toddler, there are numerous attractions in the DMZ area that you can visit with kids, such as observatories and infiltration tunnels. In an effort to save money, we tried to take a public city bus to the Mount Ohdu Unification Observatory, but ended up getting lost. It was pouring rain outside and we ended up at a random shopping mall, the Paju Outlets, which is located ridiculously close to the DMZ. Unfortunately, we were too tired and wet to continue trying to get to the Observatory and, by that time, my toddler was DONE!  We did see some guard towers and barbed wires and, at one point, even glance into North Korea for a split second. In retrospect, I wish we had booked a tour instead of trying to save money and do it ourselves. Regardless, the point is that there are ways to experience the South Korea DMZ with kids and those on a family trip to Korea should make plans ahead of time to ensure success.

     

    Final Thoughts About Traveling With Kids in Korea

    All things considered, visiting South Korea with kids is a no-brainer as you would be hard pressed to find a destination anywhere on the planet that is more child-friendly. Koreans loved our daughter and spoiled her everywhere we went, thus giving her ample opportunities to experience Korean culture. As an added bonus, we were able to relax and enjoy the experience as it was so easy to get around and incredibly friendly to those of us traveling with young children. We spent a total of 10 days in South Korea, three in Seoul, four near Sokcho, then another three in Seoul. The language barrier in Seoul was not bad, and although bus drivers either did not speak English or were not willing to speak English, we had no difficulty getting around. I purchase a SIM card at the airport so I could use Google Maps to figure out the bus routes. There was less English spoken in Sokcho, but it did not prove to be that much of a problem as I had the SIM card.

    Thanks to Melanie for sharing her South Korea family trip blog about South Korea with a toddler!

  • France: Alsace With Kids!

    France: Alsace With Kids!

    Guest Blogger:  Ophélie is originally from France but moved to Belgium from McLean, Virginia five years ago.  She and her husband have found that kids didn’t have to stop them from doing what they love.  Instead, they shared their passion for travel and the outdoors with their young son and daughter. Ophélie can be found on Instragram and Facebook. 

    Located only five hours by car (or two hours by train) from Paris, Alsace is a cultural region in eastern France, which, since 2014, has been part of the of the Grand-Est administrative region. Due to its location along the French/German border, Alsace has been the center of a centuries long tug-of-war.  Our visit to Alsace in winter was a lovely family vacation.

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    Today, when you visit the region, you can see how the influence of the two empires has affected the area in all aspects, including architecture, language, and gastronomy. Alsace is a land of transition, overflowing with history and half-timbered houses and ruins of medieval castles abound. While Strasbourg (the largest city in Alsace) and Colmar (the third largest commune in Alsace) may seem like obvious and attractive places to visit, there is so much that Alsace has to offer, and I highly encourage you to explore the entire area. Indeed, the Alsace Wine Route is located between Strasbourg and Colmar and offers a mosaic of landscapes, including vineyards, forests, picturesque villages, and old castles. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, we decided to explore the region. With a mix of many of our family’s favorite activities, including hiking, small towns, gastronomy, and wineries, this was the perfect destination for a family trip.

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    THINGS TO DO IN ALSACE, FRANCE

    #1: Places to Visit in Alsace With Kids

    Many villages along the Alsace Wine Route are part of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), a small association dedicated to promoting tourist appeal of small rural villages with rich cultural heritages. These charming and colorful villages definitely deserve to have their own title and the Alsace Tourism Center lists 18 iconic villages along the Wine Route. Because we were only there for a few days, we could not visit every single village. Instead, we visited fewer places but took the time to get lost in the small streets to immerse ourselves in the magical atmosphere of those small villages.

    Although the Christmas market season had ended, the Christmassy vibe of cheerful songs, festive decorations, and seasonal food was still present. We particularly loved Ribeauvillé, a medieval village steeped in history, Kayserberg, a fairytale village surrounded by vineyards with forested hills rising above the town, and Riquewihr, the must-see fortified wine-making village. From mid-November to mid-January, these villages offer treasure hunts with game booklets that are available at the Office of Tourism, which has an office in each village. This was such a fun, interactive, and entertaining way to visit these stunning villages as we were able to roam the illuminated streets of Riquewihr and Kayserberg on the trail of a Christmas treasure while also unraveling several riddles. Our quest brought us away from the main tourist streets and into small narrow streets, where we learned about the history of the place. After a 1-1.5 hour sightseeing walk, we had gathered all the clues and returned to the Office of Tourism with our “mystery word.” All “winners” were offered a reward, which included an Alsatian seven family game, an artisanal Christmas decoration, a wine glass, a local story book, and much more. It was so hard to choose! My kids loved the whole process from finding the clues to picking out a gift, and the treasure hunts are one of their favorite memories of the trip! We did not do the treasure hunt in Ribeauvillé because we were there for less time. Overall, I highly recommend you look into this as an activity if you find yourself visiting around the holidays.

    Pro Tips:

    • Most of the towns are closed to traffic, unless you are a resident. Luckily, there is paid parking outside of the villages and the parking is less than a five minute walk to the village.
    • The treasure hunts were FREE!
    • I highly recommend that you visit the tourist office website to check out the calendar of activities in each village as they tend to offer different activities and events through the year. You can also visit the tourist office desk when you arrive at the village. As a bonus, the tourist office is staffed with friendly people with handy tips to share and free public restrooms (my kids always need to go at the worst possible moment, so I thought this was worth mentioning!).

    #2: Vineyards and Wineries in Alsace With Kids

    The best way to discover the countryside is to hike it. We followed the “Grand-Crus” Wine Trail, which crosses several villages and is punctuated by signboards, explaining the work happening in the vineyards and the wine making process. Hiking through the Pays de Riquewihr, we were immersed in the heart of the vineyards and, along the way, we discovered the three castles of Ribeauvillé (the Saint-Ulrich, the Ribeaupierre, and the Girsberg) and witnessed the medieval way of life. The old castles truly are a great way to keep the kids motivated and excited while hiking!

    If we enjoy very much walking in the vineyards, it’s almost a certainly we will love the final product even more! Raised in a family of wine-producers, I adore traveling to wine regions to discover small producers and taste their wines, while learning about region specific wine making processes. Appellation d’Origine Contrellé (AOC) laws govern French vineyards to ensure consistent and highest-quality winemaking and Alsace has been designated four grape varieties that meet the Grand-Cru AOC designation: reisling, gewürztraminer, pinor gris, and muscat. Along the Alsace Wine Route, many small producers offer degustation (wine tasting) menus and, after trying the amazing Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Reisling at one dinner, we opted to try the Fux-Fuchs GAEC in Zellenberg, a small-family owned production. The tasting room happened to be located next  door from our hotel (the Au Riesling Hotel).  Although it is tempting to try out the region’s amazing wines at every pit stop, we don’t drink and drive so finding a wine tasting spot within walking distance of our hotel was great – a win-win situation all around.

    Pro Tips:

    • Most wineries are open for visiting and tasting Monday through Saturday (9am – 12pm, 2pm – 6pm) without prior reservation.
    • Access to vineyards is restricted during harvest season and the month beforehand. Check with the local Tourist Office before planning a visit during the harvesting months (August to October).
    • For the wine lovers among you, I highly recommend you check out the Winefolly page on Alsation wines.
    • Fux-Fuchs is a family-run wine producing company, with nine hectares (or 22 acres) of vines. They don’t have a website, but you can find their contact information on the Alsace tourism website. I highly recommend you try the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg Riesling!

    #3: The Haut Koenigsbourg Castle in Alsace With Kids

    The Haut Koenigsbourg Castle cannot be missed during any trip to Alsace. Built in the 12th century, this incredible monument has witnessed the course of European history – constant rivalry between lords, kings and emperors. At the beginning of the 20th century, the German Emperor Wilhelm II (Alsace was controlled by Germany back then!) decided to renovate the castle that had been besieged and destroyed during successive battles. From 1900 to 1908, the Château du Haut Koenigsbourg was restored to its original glory.

    Up on the heights of the village of Orschwiller, located a short 25-minute drive from Ribeauvillé, the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle is just a small detour from the Alsatian Wine Route. Perched on a rocky hill at an altitude of 757 meters, the Castle offers incredible views of the vineyards along the Alsatian Plains. A must see if you are in Alsace!

    Pro Tip:

    • Free parking is available along the road leading to the castle. There is then a two to 15 minute walk before you reach the castle.
    • Plan to spend at least 90 minutes visiting and exploring the Castle.
    • Because of stairs (and the terrible freezing air flow in the winter), I recommend you use a baby carrier rather than a stroller.
    • Entrance fees are: Adult 9 € (~$11USD), Child 5 € (~$6USD), Student 7 € (~$8.50USD). Kids under six are free.

    #4: Gastronomy in Alsace With Kids

    Alsace is a foodie heaven with countless culinary specialties. The symbol of Alsatian cuisine probably is the delicious choucroute: sauerkraut accompanied with pork meat. While my kids (who are usually not picky eaters) are not big fans of choucroute, they appreciated the flammenkuche (or tarte flambée), a thin tart covered with cream, fried onions, and bacon. Tradition Alsatian specialties also include street foods such as bretzels (fresh baked and soft pretzels, sometimes found with melted cheese on top or accompanied by smoked salmon or ham), and kougelhopf (a sort of brioche and leading symbol of Alsace), to name a few. We sampled as many specialties as physically possible after two days of Christmas family meals. Alsatian food is delicious, but definitely not light!

    WHERE TO STAY & WHEN TO VISIT ALSACE WITH KIDS

    We stayed at the Hotel Au Riesling, in the heart of Alsace’s vineyards, and we loved it. Au Riesling is a family-owned and run hotel located in the traditional village of Zellenberg along the Alsace Wine Route. Situated between Ribauvillé and Riquewihr, the hotel is ideally located to visit everything in the area. From the terrace, the hotel provides an unrestricted view of the vineyards and a glimpse of the faraway Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. The staff is very friendly and you can feel the warmth that is typical of family-owned and run hotels. The Hotel’s restaurant offers both classical French cuisine and Alsatian specialties, with a selection of local wines. We love our children to try new food and be sensitive to fine food, so we were really pleased that Au Riesling offers a “Children’s Menu,” which is actually half-portions of the regular menu! The time between courses was a bit long, but that is the French way and next door to the restaurant is a room with board games, books, and a television where kids can relax in between meal service.

    The Christmas season is really magical in Alsace and therefore is one of the busiest periods of the year in terms of tourism. Consider booking your stay during the week to avoid overcrowding. Between May and October, Alsace’s natural landscape is simply stunning. During this time, the vineyards display shimmering colors, from tender green to deep orange. Apart from the enchanting postcard villages, the Alsatian vineyards really are the charm of the Alsace Wine Route.

    Ophélie travels to some stunning locations and this post on Alsace has us wishing we could tag along on their next family adventure! If you find yourself similarly inspired, be sure to check out Ophélie’s other posts on WGWK!

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  • Philadelphia With Kids: A Long Weekend Getaway!

    Philadelphia With Kids: A Long Weekend Getaway!

    Guest Blogger: Karen loves to travel the world with Piper, her seven year old daughter. They have a shared passion for finding the very best family friendly days out, places to stay, and things to eat. You can find a journal of their adventures on their website, Are We There Yet Kids.

    Historic, charming and, some might say, the birthplace of the United States, the beautiful city of Philadelphia is packed full of child friendly things to see and do. My daughter and I visited Philadelphia last summer and totally fell in love with the city. Although we only had three days to explore, we managed to cram plenty in, leaving us exhausted by the end of our long weekend. Here are our top tips on where to go, eat, and stay!

    THINGS TO DO

    #1: Please Touch Museum

    When planning our adventure, I knew I had to include the Please Touch Museum on our list of things to do because I had heard so many great things about this child friendly museum. As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to teaching children through play, and the museum totally follows through on this promise. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend a full day here. We only had a morning to devote to this museum, but we managed to visit most of the exhibits, even if I did find myself hurrying Piper along a few times.

    Being big fans of the book, we loved the Alice in Wonderland themed Wonderland area, where you can have tea with the Mad Hatter, get lost in the hedge maze, and even paint some roses red. Piper’s favorite part of the visit was the Woodside Park Dentzel carousel, which was an additional $3 on top of admission, but well worth the charge.

    Other hits include the River Adventures water area, where kids can learn all about water flow, City Capers, where children can really indulge their imaginations and try out various grown up jobs in venues such as a hospital, restaurant, and shopping center, and Roadside Attractions, which gives children the opportunity to explore a real car, pretend to be mechanics, and drive a trolley.

    Please Touch Museum is geared towards younger children and preschoolers, but Piper is seven and still loved the exhibits. Some of the exhibits are starting to show a little wear and tear, but the kids don’t seem to mind, so it did not diminish our enjoyment.

    #2: The Rocky Steps and Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

    This is good fun to visit even if your kids haven’t seen the movies, and it makes for a fabulous photo opportunity. The famous Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps aren’t too much a challenge to run up, even in the heat of summer, and if you have time to visit the Museum of Art while you’re there, even better!

    #3: Sister Cities Park

    We loved Sister Cities Park, a cute little park located just a few minutes from our hotel. When we visited, the famous “LOVE”  sculpture was closed for maintenance, but we found the replacement “AMOR” sculpture here. Make sure you get a quick photo with the sign and take a breather in this park, which has a lovely little café, a children’s discovery garden, and a 10 geyser splash fountain in the summer, perfect for cooling down after a hot day of exploring.

    #4: The Franklin Institute

    The Franklin Institute was built to honor one of America’s most famous scientists, Benjamin Franklin. The Institute is one of the oldest and best centers for science education and development in the United States and it is my absolute favorite place to visit in Philly. It’s a hands on and totally interactive science museum with plenty to learn for both kids and grown-ups.

    The Franklin Institute is home to the famous heart exhibit, where kids can explore the workings of a heart by walking through it, following the journey a blood cell would take. But the fun doesn’t end there – the newest exhibit, dedicated to the workings of the human brain, includes an 18 foot tall climbing structure called the neural climb, which kids can safely climb all the way to the top. Active kids will love the Sportszone, where they can test their reactions against the ping-pong wall, perfect their baseball throw, see how far they can jump from a running or standing start, and race virtual athletes along a 40 foot track.

    There is also the Franklin Air Show, which introduces visitors to the history and technology of flight, Sir Isaac’s Loft, which brings Newton’s theories to life, and Changing Earth, which is guaranteed to get little brains thinking about the impact we all have on this planet.

    Although some exhibits dedicated to the physiology of the human body are a bit gory, my seven year old loved it all. If your child is sensitive, I suggest checking ahead and perhaps bypassing some more graphic areas.

    #5: The Liberty Bell

    No visit to Philadelphia is complete without taking a trip to see the iconic liberty bell. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids a little American history, but it is best to visit out of season or later in the day to avoid the lines. We arrived at around 4pm on a hot July day and had to wait around 30 minutes to get through security. We then struggled to get a clear picture with the bell itself. Once inside the exhibit, you walk through a small section of informational exhibits, which are all interesting, but probably won’t hold the attention of little ones for too long. The bell itself is located at the end of the exhibit, in front of a huge glass wall overlooking Independence Hall and the bell tower where the bell was originally housed. The exhibit is free (managed by the National Park Service), and timed tickets are not required.

    #6: Independence Hall

    Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was conceived, drafted, and signed, is also managed by the National Park Service and although free to visit, you will need a timed ticket. These can be found at the Visitor Center desk on the day you want to visit, but please be sure to plan ahead as your desired time slot may be unavailable during busy tourist season. Tours last between 30 to 40 minutes and you can view original printed versions of the Constitution, Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence. All the rangers were extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions, from the simple to the complex. This was yet another great opportunity to get a little bit of American history and learn about the founding fathers.

    Pro Tip: I highly recommend using the Phlash Bus to navigate around the city. It runs every five minutes to most places mentioned above and is just $5 for a full day pass. Make sure you have cash to purchase your pass on the bus as it will save you the $1.50 online fee.

    WHAT TO EAT

    It goes without saying that when in Philly, you must eat a Philly cheesesteak. A Philly cheesesteak is a soft (or sometime crusty) bread roll stuffed with shredded beef and stringy cheese. I wasn’t a massive fan, to be honest, but as you know, when in Philly…

    You can find a Philly cheesesteak almost anywhere, but the two arguably most famous locations are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, conveniently located across the street from one another, so if you plan your visit, it’s possible to sample both in one meal!

    If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. Inside you fill find a huge food court full of gorgeous treats and places to dine and you are almost certainly guaranteed to find something that will please everyone in the family. The Market does get quite busy, so be sure to keep the little ones close so they don’t get overwhelmed.

    WHERE TO STAY

    We chose to spend our weekend at the lovely Windsor Suites in Downtown Philadelphia, conveniently located within walking distance to most of Philadelphia’s main attractions, with plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby as well. Happily, the hotel was located away from the bulk of the downtown Philadelphia nightlife, so it was a peaceful place to be with kids.

    After a recent cramped stay in Boston, we were absolutely blown away by the apartment style rooms. We had a small but perfectly outfitted kitchen, heaps of storage space, and a large cozy bed. The hotel has a rooftop pool, which is open in the summer months, a laundry room, and some of the friendliest staff members we have encountered.

    The hotel offers an onsite pub/restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although we did dine at the restaurant and experience the friendly atmosphere and tasty food, we elected to eat in our room most of the time, in order to take full advantage of the superbly equipped kitchen.

    Karen and her daughter’s action packed stay in Philadelphia has us thinking we need to plan a trip sooner rather than later. What are your favorite places to visit in the City of Brotherly Love?

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  • Fall Getaway: A Fall Tour of Burlington, Vermont With Kids!

    Fall Getaway: A Fall Tour of Burlington, Vermont With Kids!

    Guest Blogger:  David, his wife, and their five year old son, B, have lived all around the United States, but are currently stationed in Okinawa where David enjoys producing movies and eating pancakes in his spare time. You can find David’s videos of their Okinawa adventures on YouTube. 

    New England weather is tricky, and it can get cold very quickly, but fall leaf peeping is truly something to see. I took my wife and then four-year-old to Burlington, Vermont to experience something other than Florida’s seasons, which range from hot to hotter, to extremely hot.  We flew into Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, which is a small and relatively inexpensive airport to fly through and, as an added bonus, it is only a short three hour drive up Interstate-91 North to Burlington. The plan was to journey along the back country roads and enjoy the fall leaves, while snaking our way back down to Connecticut for our flight home.

    Enjoying fall foliage in Burlington

    Where to Stay:

    Hotel Vermont Lobby

    If you’re coming from a place like New York City where open spaces and grass is a luxury, Vermont will blow you away. We chose to stay at the Hotel Vermont, located smack down in the middle of Burlington and offering a small boutique hotel experience for not a lot of money. The rooms are spacious with views of the lake and they also support the local economy, using only locally made blankets, coffees, food, and soaps. It’s a really comfy modern hotel with a throwback to the luxurious lodges of yesteryear. The hotel also supplied a few toys for kids and really seemed to celebrate our choice to bring our family to stay with them. I can think of no other boutique hotel I have stayed at that offered this much luxury for such little money.

    Where to Eat:

    Everywhere! If there is a chain restaurant in Burlington, I didn’t find it. In fact, there was a really great culinary scene, all of which take into consideration the smaller guests in town. Vermont is a real “farm-to-table” state, with most restaurants serving local fare and ingredients that are seemingly sourced from the nearest farm. A few notable places we dined at:

    Penny Cluse Cafe – The Hotel Vermont has a great restaurant, but we decided to venture out one morning for a more “local breakfast,” and we scored big time! We had to wait a few minutes to be seated at this amazing place, but the Penny Cluse Cafe was definitely a hidden gem among the other eateries located in Burlington’s main drag. Once we were seated, I glanced over the menu, looked at my four year old and said, “buddy, we are lucky to be here.” Gingerbread pancakes were staring me in the face and daring me to order them and boy, they were amazing! My son and I wasted little time scarfing them down. My wife enjoyed the sourdough french toast with strawberry jam, again all made fresh with ingredients from local farms. Although the cafe was a little bit noisy, it had a great busy New England vibe and we enjoyed our experience.

    The Farmhouse Tap & Grill – The long wait for a table at Farmhouse Tap & Grill and the dropping temperatures were a bit harsh for our Florida blood, making us wonder whether it was worth the wait. But the aroma that was coming out of this restaurant was like a siren song for us! It smelled delicious! A server saw that we were there, waiting with our young son, and pointed to a slightly hidden side entrance that I had spotted, but just assumed was a shortcut to the restroom or a side alley selling black market moose antlers. It was not! We walked over to the side entrance and ended up in the back of the restaurant, which had an enclosed “Beer & Wine Garden.” Complete with old school games, wooden tables and chairs, sofas, and heat lamps, this was the perfect cozy space for my family to hang out while we waited for a table. My wife and I enjoyed a few local beers, and my son was given farm fresh apple juice. After about 20 minutes, we were seated in a gorgeous dining room where I shared the meatloaf with my son. The food was amazing, and I also enjoyed a local root beer. For dessert, we had pumpkin cheesecake. We walked the two blocks back to the hotel that night, fat and happy.

    Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery – Our drive back to Bradley airport had us cutting through small new England towns. Along the way, we stopped at the Whetsone, which borders Vermont and New Hampshire. I’m not kidding: the border goes right through the restaurant.

    We sat on the Vermont side!

    What to Do With Kids:

    Admittedly, leaf peeping is probably not the best thing for keeping a toddler entertained, and it was a four hour long drive from Burlington back to the airport in Connecticut, albeit with amazing scenery. Along the way, my wife and I decided to stop at Shelburne Farms, which I like to think of as Disney in Vermont except that instead of rides, you have animals. The brochure describes Shelburne Farms as:

    a nonprofit education center for sustainability, 1,400 acres working farm, and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont.

    My personal description is:

    Sherburne Farms is the most beautiful farm I have seen, it goes on for-e-ver! My son did not want to leave, and I don’t blame him. They had animals; all kinds that you could pet, play with, feed etc. They had food, and they showed you how that food was made, on their farm! (Except the steaks, c’mon there are kids here).

    The Children’s Farmyard is the place to be and you get there from the main entrance via tractor, of course! Just some of the wonderful things to see and do: goat milking, sheep brushing, horse grooming, milking a cow, feeding various animals, and there is even a chicken parade. A. Chicken. Parade. Forget the four year old, I want to see a chicken parade! Admittedly, Shelburne Falls is only really worth visiting between May and mid-October. Once old man winter hits, the animals are tucked away inside weatherproof barns. If you happen to be in the area, definitely take advantage of this farm and visit with your children. I still gaze at the pictures and am amazed at the memories that come flooding back…especially the chicken parade. Note: There is an Inn at Shelburne Falls, so you can stay on property too.

    You can’t go wrong visiting Vermont in the fall, just be sure to plan ahead as the Hotel Vermont gets booked up quickly. Also, plan on stopping to take pictures as I did. You never know what you’re going to find, like a gorilla holding a Volkswagen!

    A New England native, David feels strongly about leaf peeping and has written previously about fall getaway activities in Connecticut.  If you enjoy reading this post, please be sure to check out David’s other posts on WGWK! Fall also happens to be our favorite season here at WGWK, so be sure to check out our more expansive Fall Getaway series.

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  • Spotlight: Okinawa Bull Fight With Kids

    Spotlight: Okinawa Bull Fight With Kids

    Guest Blogger:  David, his wife, and their five year old son, B, have lived all around the United States, but are currently stationed in Okinawa where David enjoys producing movies and eating pancakes in his spare time. You can find David’s videos of their Okinawa adventures on YouTube.

    I am sure that by now, you’ve read my travel posts featuring places in the United States as well as Tokyo. But, I live in Okinawa, you say, so where are the Okinawa posts? Well, fasten your seat belts and secure your tray tables, because today, I’m all about the Okinawa bullfights – cue the Rocky theme song!

    Before we start, let’s talk about the bull…err, elephant in the room. I have traveled to Spain and have seen bullfights. Bullfights are a cultural event that also takes place in Mexico and while gory and inhumane to some, in my opinion, it’s a cultural event that people can either choose to embrace or not participate in. I happen to choose the latter because I love animals and typically abstain from bullfights and bullfighting events. But, it turns out the Okinawans feel exactly like I do! They love animals and these giant bulls are like pets to them! The Okinawans house the bulls in elaborate pens, feed them, and walk them down the street on a leash just like you would walk Fido!

    My friend, Cody, lives in Okinawa, and suggested that we meet him at the Ishikawa Dome, the only domed bullring in Okinawa, which plays host to some 20 bullfighting events each year, including the All-Island Bullfighting Tournament, the biggest such event on the island. Conveniently, the Ishikawa Dome is located just 15 minutes from my house, so I decided it would be a good opportunity for my wife and my five year old.

    Okinawan Bullfighting Rules, In a Nutshell:

    Prior to our visit, I did some research about Okinawan bullfighting rules, which turn out to be quite simple. Two bulls walk into the ring, they meet and butt heads. The first bull to run away, be pushed out of the ring area, or not want to re-engage with the other bull is declared the loser. As you can imagine, Okinawan bullfights vary in duration. The first fight we saw lasted 45 minutes. But, we also saw one fight in which both bulls met in the middle, neither wanted to fight, and one ran immediately back to the entry gate. That fight did not even last one full minute.

    Our Experience:

    Parking at the Ishikawa Dome was a snap – just find a space anywhere and leave your car. Since the main parking area is small, we found a great spot along the back of the dome on a side street.

    Admission was approximately $60USD for my family of three and upon entry, we found ourselves walking past various food vendors selling Japanese eats: Yakisoba, Okinawa soba, yakitori (grilled chicken on a stick), and even a small bar with local drinks. There were also vendors selling bullfight hats, t-shirts, and stickers — things you would find at just about any festival! Cody met us at the top of the stairs and led us down close to the ring. As I glanced around, I was amazed at how many families were there. Children were busy eating snacks and running up and down the stairs, and Cody’s neighbor was coaching a bull that was preparing to fight that day. The owner’s son (probably 6 or 7 years old), was running round waving his “team towel” and carrying a small trumpet in anticipation of his bullfight. There was definitely a family friendly atmosphere, which I appreciated. Music was playing in the background and soon the eisa performance (traditional folk dance originating on the island of Okinawa) began as the welcoming entertainment. As people filed into the stadium, we enjoyed a few performance before the bullfighting began.

    There were a total of nine fights, each of which were exciting and unique! Prior to a number of the fights, a group of supporters enter, wave colorful flags, and throw salt on the dirt arena floor for good luck. Each bull has its own team of supporters, managers, and owners, all of whom come out to wish the bull luck and to watch. The bulls then square off, pushing and trying to gain traction on one another in order to win. While the event is technically called a bull “fight,” it is really more of a bull sumo match, with team members taking turns shouting encouragement at the bull. One funny thing we noticed was that as a team member got tired of shouting, another would take over and begin yelling. The original, “tired” team member would then retire to a corner, where he would drink water from a metal ladle, to refresh himself, before returning at some point to continue shouting encouragement at the bull. This might seem crazy, but of course, the craziest thing is that these team members were each within inches of sharp horns and positioned such that they could theoretically get trampled!

    As I mentioned before, the Okinawans love their animals and many of the trainers even sleep in the pen with their bulls the night before the big day. Although the bulls are technically fighting, if one bull gets cut or wounded, the fighting stops immediately. This makes sense because if your pet got hurt, wouldn’t you stop doing what you were doing immediately? On the day we attended, one bull was cut above the shoulder from another horn, and the fighting stopped immediately. When I told people we attended a bullfight, many commented saying they would not ever attend a bullfight, having seen one in Spain. I can assure you, an Okinawan bullfight is nothing like that.

    Once the fighting is over and a winner is declared, the losing bull leaves the ring and the winner is draped with a glorious banner. The children of the team members then get to climb the bull and wave to the crowd! It was truly amazing to see how gentle and still the bulls were while this was happening. Indeed, the last match featured the largest bull, weighing in at 2000 pounds. As I made my way down towards the winning bull, Cody told me to grab my son B and get a photo! I was initially hesitant, but B was all for it and the locals held the bull as B smiled and perched on the biggest bull of the day!

    On our way out of the area, we visited the area behind the ring where the bulls are kept, rather lavishly, if I may say so! After each fight, the bulls get fed and bathed. They are checked for any wounds and the owners and team members pet the bull, thanking him for a great day of fighting. The bull is then loaded onto the family’s truck, where each bull has a single open-aired truck that is used for that bull only! It’s like a bull limo or bull party bus…no bull! The bulls and team members will even continue to pose for photos with visitors, who are still in awe from what they saw earlier.

    If you happen to find yourself in Okinawa, be sure to check out a bullfight. These gentle giants really know how to put on a show, while getting pampered like rock stars in the process!

    Could it be that Okinawans have such high life expectancy because of their love for bulls? Who knows?! If you loved David’s review of bullfighting in Okinawa as much as we do, be sure to check out his other posts on WGWK!

    Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fabulous locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!

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  • Boston With Kids: Fun Family Winter Break Activities

    Boston With Kids: Fun Family Winter Break Activities

    Guest Blogger: Ruth Mendes is a wife and mami of 4 active and globe-trotting kids (ages 12, 9, 6 and 4). She’s always loved a good adventure and truly believes that it’s possible to not only travel with, but actually enjoy exploring with children. Join her as she shares her family’s adventures and inspires you to get out of the house with your kiddos. Find Ruth’s blog at Have Kiddos Will Travel.

    Thank you to the New England Aquarium, Boston Winter and Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for providing four complementary passes for our family and to American Girl Boston for providing lunch for our family.  All opinions are my own.

    Our Fun Family Boston Weekend

    Winters in New England can result in a certain amount of cabin fever, which can only be exacerbated by a house full of young children. Our family’s solution is to bundle up and take advantage of the marvelous variety of fun family activities in the Boston area, which we did recently over our children’s winter break. Our trip ended up being the perfect opportunity to enjoy fewer crowds and unique outings in a quintessential New England city. With a mix of history, culture, restaurants, free and budget friendly activities, sports teams and museums, Boston is truly an amazing family travel destination.

    Top Recommended Winter Activities in Boston

    • Attend a Theater Performance: Boston is known for a variety of cultural theater experiences. During our trip, our family watched Urban Nutcracker which is just one of many family friendly theater experiences available. Check out this detailed list of family friendly theater options.
    • Visit the Sea Life at the New England Aquarium: Boston’s New England Aquarium is located on the wharf, which is an ideal location for taking in many kid friendly Boston sites, including the Boston Children’s Museum, Legal Seafood and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. In other words, the New England Aquarium is truly a great starting point for exploring Boston with kids! Plan on arriving early if you wish to avoid crowds and take advantage of several of the hands-on exhibits and staffed educational tables. The aquarium docents proactively went out of their way to interact with our children and, while this aquarium is not the largest in the New England area, I highly recommend it due to its location and the quality of the information provided by the staff.
    • Step Back in Time at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: From the moment that you walk up to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, you will be transported back in time to the event that escalated the American Revolution.

    • Experience Boston Winter: Boston Winter’s unique winter outdoor marketplace, located in the City Hall Plaza, offers an outdoor shopping market, ice skating loop and a wine tent. It’s conveniently located near many of the Boston attractions.  We enjoyed a Christmas Eve visit.

    Christmas Eve visit with Santa at Boston Winter
    • Boston Children’s Museum:  Boston truly offers one of the best children’s museums and it’s a must see for families visiting the city.
      • Pro Tip: The museum offers discounted admission on Fridays between 5-9 PM when it’s $1 for everyone to enter.
    Enjoying one of the many hands-on exhibits at the amazing Boston Children’s Museum.

    Boston has many historic sites, including the Massachusetts State House, and as an added bonus, many of these historical stops are free! Be sure to:

    • Explore Boston’s Public Garden:  Boston’s Public Garden is the first botanical garden in the United States. While you can ride the swan boats during the warmer months, ice skating is the main attraction in the winter.  This is a great place to enjoy the weeping willows and views of the Boston State House. No family trip to Boston would be complete without stopping by the statues honoring the Make Way for Ducklings book.
    • Take a walk on the Freedom Trail: Some of our family’s favorite stops on the Freedom Trail include The Boston Common, The Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.
    The Union Bar in Boston with the Freedom Trail right up front
    Beautiful brownstones
    • Explore the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel:  The Omni Parker House Hotel is a historical landmark. The Hotel’s Parker Restaurant was where the Boston Cream Pie originated. Malcolm X was a busboy at the restaurant and President John F. Kennedy frequented the restaurant and hotel. This brochure provides information about the historical significance of this Boston Gem.
    • Experience Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace: The Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace may be too touristy for some, but when visiting Boston during the holiday season with kids, you will want to stop by and enjoy the Blink light show and street dancers. Our kids braved the cold to watch the Blink light show, which runs from November 29th until January 1st every 1/2 hour from 4:30 – 10 PM.
    Watching dancers in front of the Quincy Market

    • Explore the USS Constitution and Museum: The USS Constitution, which was nicknamed Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world and a real treat for families to explore. It is located at the Charleston Navy Yard.  Free admission is an added treat for those traveling with children.
    • Eat and Shop at American Girl Boston:  While not located in Boston proper, those traveling into the city may consider adding a pit stop at American Girl Boston, a one of a kind store and restaurant, when traveling to Boston.

    If you find yourself with extra time, there’s always more to explore in Boston! Check out Downtown Crossing, Boston’s Chinatown, Boston’s Harbor and Wharf, Harborwalk, Copley Square, Museum of African American History, Museum of Science, Charles River Esplanade, President JFK’s Library and Museum, Cambridge and Harvard Square.

    Restaurants

    I don’t believe in breaking the bank when traveling with four children. My dining recommendations include a variety of budget friendly eateries as well as restaurants.  This would not be my restaurant list for an adults only trip to Boston.

    • Chau Chow City offers dim sum in Chinatown.
    • Merengue Restaurant is a one of a kind cultural dining experience with its Dominican cuisine and is a must do if you have a car or are headed to the zoo.
    • Barking Crab, with it’s convenient location near the Boston’s Children’s Museum, is a favorite for those times when your children need to eat now. While this Boston dive doesn’t offer a children’s menu, the selections are New England specialties that are favorites for kids of all ages. Our kids love the clam chowder and fish and chips while we adults indulge in lobster rolls.
    • Maggiano’s Little Italy. On this particular trip to Boston, we experienced one of those family crisis moments when our kids were just “starving,” at 2 pm on Christmas Eve and we had originally planned on heading home to Connecticut for dinner. We decided to risk walking in to Maggiano’s without a reservation. The hostess laughed to my face, but I noticed an open 6 top at the bar area. Lesson learned, Bostonians don’t play with their Christmas Eve Italian dinner, and the restaurant is fully booked weeks prior to Christmas. We ended up enjoying an amazing family style Italian dinner prior to heading home to open our Christmas pajamas and tuck our kiddos to bed on Christmas Eve. Pro tip: they did have a kid’s menu, but we also recommend ordering family style as the portions are humongous which ensures that you will have leftovers for lunch the next day.
    • Union Oyster House, a historical icon located just steps from City House Plaza and Faneuil Hall, with the Freedom Trail literally on it’s front steps. Where else can you combine history and delicious food while breaking bread with your kids at a restaurant where President Kennedy dined? Pro tip: go in between meal times to avoid huge crowds and stick to appetizers, like the clam chowder and calamari, to avoid sticker shock. You are truly there for the history and memorabilia, so no need to feed children 3-course meals while visiting.
    • South Street Diner, an old school diner, is one of those experiences your children will talk about for years to come. It’s a typical American diner and local favorite, so take advantage of the fact that kids don’t know how to sleep in while on vacation and head early to ensure a table. You will love watching your kids experience folks sitting at stools and telling stories like family. The food is great and the value can’t be beat.
    • Boston Chowda Co. We are complete foodies and thus our children have sophisticated palates and by the time they can sit up, absolutely love a good cup on New England Clam Chowder on a cold day. The Boston Chowda’s location in Faneuil Hall provides convenient access for a quick snack or pick me up in order to ensure that are kids have the energy to explore the city.
    • Cask ‘N Flagon is a real treat for baseball fans.
    • P.F. Chang’s is located in the theater district near Chinatown and the Boston Common. This chain restaurant provides consistent family friendly options when you need to feed a large family ten minutes ago.
    • Abigail’s Tea Room is a budget friendly option for tea and light lunch.
    • Yard House. With its proximity to Fenway Park, Yard House provides  great food, ambiance and a typical Boston experience for families. Take advantage of their weekday (3-6 PM) half price appetizer offerings.

    Accommodations

    Our favorite Boston area hotel for large families is Marriott’s Custom House. This Marriott timeshare hotel offers larger rooms and a prime walking location for families looking to explore Boston on foot.  Our room offered our family space to spread out with a king-sized bed in the main bedroom and a separate living room with a pull-out couch, table and kitchenette.

    From the living room portion or our room, our view included Boston Wharf, Logan International Airport, the New England Aquarium and many more Boston sites.

    We also enjoyed the amazing view of Boston from the Hotel’s 26th floor observation deck.

    The Hotel’s dome was a sight to see.

    The one-of-a-kind clock tower makes the Marriott Custom House identifiable from a distance.

    Final Thoughts

    Our winter break in Boston was fabulous.  We are glad we were not dissuaded from traveling by the cold temperatures.  If you have additional time and access to a car, we also enjoy visiting the nearby New Bedford Whaling Museum, Plymouth Plantation, Gloucester, Cape Cod and the Islands,  Old Sturbridge Village and the Decordova Museum and Sculpture Park. The towns near Boston offer a playground environment for families and thus if you have more than a weekend to explore, I highly recommend spending time in these nearby areas.

    Boston is one of those great American cities we haven’t visited yet with our kids, but Ruth’s post was inspiring and now we can’t wait to plan our trip to visit this historic city!

    Visit Ruth’s blog for additional details on their experience, including their visit to the New England Aquarium, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, the American Girl Natick Bistro, and their stay at the Marriot Custom House.

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  • Six Weeks in Vietnam, With Kids!

    Six Weeks in Vietnam, With Kids!

    Guest Blogger: Goldie, a New Zealand native, lives in Australia with his wife where they are busy raising their two kids through adventure and travel. You can follow along with their journey on Instagram and at GoldieRutherford.com!

    In mid-2017, as I approached my 40th birthday, my wife and I decided it was time for a real family adventure. Even though we would be bringing along our children, ages two and six, we did not want to take the safe road.  After tossing all sorts of ideas around, we eventually settled on spending six weeks in Vietnam. Kate had been there before 15 years prior and had loved her experiences, and I have always wanted to go but hadn’t had the opportunity.

    We decided to limit our trip to North Vietnam, as we did not want to lose a lot of time traveling from one place to the next. After a bit of research, we discovered that getting from any one place in North Vietnam to another would require traveling through Hanoi. That worked great for us, as we liked the idea of having a “home” base where we could spend a good portion of our time, getting to know local people and culture at a slightly deeper level.

    Our trip began with five days in Hanoi. It was crazy, busy, hot, and sticky, but it was also a fantastically colorful and vibrant place to be. We stayed at a great homestay, the Hanoi Homestay in the Old Quarter, which was walking distance to everything. The hosts were fantastic and also ran a travel agency, so we were able to book everything through them and with their assistance. We spent almost two of the six weeks in Hanoi and really came to love the city. The food, the people, the busy and ramshackle nature of everything. During our combined two week stay in Hanoi, we visited the Bat Triang Pottery Village, the Museum of Ethnology, Times City Play Area, and much more. Here, I’m going to tell you about the side trips we took during our six weeks in Vietnam, using Hanoi as our home base.

    #1: Cao Bang Province

    Buddhist Temple overlooking Ban Gioc.

    Cao Bang, a province in the northeast region of Vietnam, is about six hours north of Hanoi. We hired a driver to take us the six hours up to the Cao Bang, from Hanoi, and then two hours further north to Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the Vietnam/Chinese border. From there, we spent a few nights at Ba Be National Park, before returning to Hanoi. This was a magical trip through stunning terraced areas covered in rice paddies, soaring peaks covered in jungle, ramshackle country towns, and windy roads that seemingly went on forever. Our driver, Tuan, did not speak a word of English, but was perfectly pleasant, and we were glad to have hired a driver as we weren’t game to take on Vietnamese traffic. This allowed the kids to sleep along the way. Note, however, there were no car seats for the kids at all during our time in Vietnam (which they loved and we adjusted to), so they just used the regular seat belts.

    Ban Gioc Waterfall

    Ban Gioc is simply breathtaking. When we arrived, it was raining heavily, but the glimpses of the waterfall from the parking lot were so tempting that we could not wait and donned raincoats, bought tickets, and traipsed down the muddy track, past the trinket and food vendors, to emerge at one of the most magnificent views I have ever seen. Ban Gioc straddles the China border and is the fourth largest waterfall in the world marking a national border, after Iguazo, Victoria, and Niagara Falls.

    #2: Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay

    Lanha Bay

    Cat Ba Island is the largest of 367 islands that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage Site. We stayed on Cat Ba Island for a few nights, in a cheap but decent hotel in the main town. Cat Ba is nice, but it was the least favorite part of our entire trip. It was extremely hot and humid and the power went out for significant periods at least five times in our three day visit. Our stay was also marred by the fact that Archie, our six year old, was bitten by a monkey when our boat tour at Ha Long Bay stopped on Monkey Island. We tried to rush back to Hanoi for rabies treatment the next day, but the boats were cancelled due to a tropical typhoon that blew through as we were trying to board the boat. We stood in the rain and wind for an hour or so, before we got back onto the bus and went back to our hotel for the night.

    Monkey Island

    The next morning was clear, so were able to get back to Hanoi and get Archie to Raffles Medical, where they started day zero of the two week treatment. The treatment plan required injections on day zero, three, seven, and 14, as well as seven different medications, thus requiring us to rethink our itinerary somewhat. Fortunately, we were able to rebook all of the trips we had planned, just on different dates.

    #3: Sapa and Mt. Fansipan

    Sapa: mountains, magic, music and mud.

    Sapa is beautiful mountainous town, located in North Vietnam along the Chinese border. On day three of Archie’s rabies treatment, we took the overnight train to Sapa. The beds were rock hard, and Kate and I did not get much sleep, but the kids slept fairly well. Sapa was lovely, the two highlights being a night at Lazy Crazy Homestay in Ta Van Village and a trip to the top of Mt. Fansipan, which was well worth blowing our daily budget for.

    The Lazycrazy Homestay, located up a mountainside in Ta Van, is a fantastic place to get away from it all.
    The Sapa Hills

    For $80 for the four of us, we took a cable car that holds the words record for being the longest non-stop three-rope cable car, up to the top of Mt. Fansipan. We enjoyed magnificent views as we traveled up the valley to the station at the top of Fansipan. At the top, there is a fancy, modern building, with shops and restaurants, and further up, there is a pagoda. The last part of the trip, to the pagoda, can be done by foot (approximately 600 steps) or Funicular. Even with clouds blowing over us, the view from the peak was amazing.

    #4: Ninh Binh

    Exploring Galaxy Grotto by boat.

    Ninh Binh is a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. Although we briefly considered cancelling this portion of our trip, due to the monkey incident, but I’m so glad we didn’t as this was one of th highlights of our journey. The city of Ninh Binh wasn’t much, but the surrounding area was simply stunning. We stayed at the Ninh Binh Family Homestay, located near the Bai Dinh Temple and used the free bikes they provided to explore the local area. Exploring the pagoda at Bai Dinh was at least a half day experience and our host took us on an amazing tour through Van Long Nature Reserve. We also enjoyed a boat trip through Galaxy Grotto, a series of caves under one of the local mountains.

    Bai Dinh Temple

    #5: Hoi An

    We spent the final week of our trip in Hoi An, a city we absolutely adored. We reserved two rooms at a hotel about 20 minutes biking distance from Hoi An. The hotel had a swimming pool, which the kids spent a lot of time in. We all struggled with the heat in Vietnam, the kids in particular, so the pool was a welcome respite. We cycled into the Ancient City a few times, took a boat ride to a coconut village, road the round boats, purchased tailored clothes, climbed the Marble Mountains, hiked through My Son Sanctuary, walked on the beach, took a cooking class, and much more. Yet, it still felt like a relaxing place to be.

    Tips for Traveling in Vietnam with Kids:

    Traveling in Vietnam with small children was not always (or ever, to be honest) easy, and at times it was a bit overwhelming. With some forethought and preparation, though, we managed well and had an amazing, unforgettable adventure. We made sure to plan our days around our two year old’s nap wherever possible, although she quickly became quite adept at sleeping almost anywhere (a skill she has sadly lost now that we are back at home). The kids both struggled with the constant attention, touches, requests for photos… and we had to help them learn to say a firm “no thank you” in these situations. We researched what activities to do with children wherever we went and generally managed to find a few fun activities for them in every place we stayed.

    Preparation:

    Our pre-trip research led us to make the following pre-journey purchases which proved indispensable:

    • wheeled backpacks, gave us the flexibility to drag or carry our luggage, in case our two year old needed to be held. We settled on two Caribee Fast Track 85’s, which have detachable daypacks, and also used an Ergo Sport baby carrier, which was excellent and put to good use.
    • water filter bottles, so we could avoid having to buy bottled water, which is a major cause of pollution in Vietnam. We opted for Lifestraw bottles, which worked well, but there are many other options available.
    • packing cubes and cable organizers, a fantastic investment as we really appreciated being able to pack and unpack so easily and quickly.

    Additional Tips:

    • Vietnam has an amazing AirBnB network, which we used for almost all of our accommodations. Make sure you read the reviews, though. We did not on one occasion and ended up in a hotel with rock hard beds.
    • Uber, and its local counterpart, Grab, are the easiest and cheapest ways to get around bigger cities in Vietnam.
    • If flying with Vietnam Airlines, check out Option Town, where you can put your name down for cheap upgrades or other flight bonuses. We were able to get three extra seats for $60 for the flight from Ho Chi Minh back to Sydney, so the kids could stretch out and sleep.
    • Don’t book your tours or train tickets from your home country. You can get exactly the same tour for a lot cheaper within Vietnam.
    • Google docs and sheets are a great way to share itineraries and budgets and keep changes up to date.
    • Most people spoke passable English and the Google translate app was extremely helpful, even allowing us to have full conversations with non-English speakers.
    • There is free WiFi everywhere you go in Vietnam, even in the mountains, and phone data is also cheap, with great coverage. Buy a SIM card upon arrival – most tourist shops sell them for cheap.
    • We spent about AU$65 (USD$50) per day on food and activities, and our accommodations cost about AU$30 (USD$24) on average. A blank copy of the Google Sheets spreadsheet, which I used to track spending, can be found here.
    • Don’t expect luxury, and be prepared for a few uncomfortable nights.  Expect an adventure, and don’t eat the street food. Vietnam is beautiful, and I know we will be back.

    Goldie’s adventures in Vietnam are absolutely intoxicating! Northern Vietnam is definitely topping our list of places to go!

    For more details on Goldie’s family adventures in Vietnam, visit A Whirlwind Tour of North Eastern Vietnam; Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay; Sapa – Mountains, Magic, Music, and Mud; Ninh Binh – adventures in a magical world of temples, caves, and mountains; Hoi An – a magic city.

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  • Fall Getaway: Long Weekend in Connecticut With Kids!

    Fall Getaway: Long Weekend in Connecticut With Kids!

    Guest Blogger:  David, his wife, and their five year old son, B, have lived all around the United States, but are currently stationed in Okinawa where David enjoys producing movies and eating pancakes in his spare time. You can find David’s videos of their Okinawa adventures on YouTube.

    Some say that the best thing to see in Connecticut is either New York City or Boston. Having grown up in Hartford, Connecticut, I can tell you they are wrong – sort of.  As a child, fall in New England meant raking up leaves and slipping on those said leaves – not fun. Although the foliage was always bright and colorful, I just never paid much attention to it, taking it for granted as just part of regular life. After eight years living in Tampa, however, I started getting homesick. Palm trees are nice and all, but it’s just way too green all the time. Green and hot.

    A few years ago, after having lived in Florida for many years, I decided to take my Miami born and raised son “leaf peeping” and join the annual pilgrimage of thousands of people who visit New England every year for a glimpse of its magnificent fall foliage. I booked my family on a flight to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, which is centrally located to everything in New England and also, conveniently, close to my family.

    Having fun at the New England Air Museum

    Where to Stay:

    I will get some grief for this, but the Hartford area is full of outdated hotels, or absurdly expensive hotels. There is no need to sacrifice your wallet for a lame place to hang your hat. I always choose the Hyatt House in Windsor, which is only a short drive from the airport, recently built, and quiet. The location is great for exploring the state with your family, the rooms are big and clean, and they offer free breakfast in their cafeteria style eating area. Windsor is Connecticut’s first town, with many small shops and a fountain on the town green.

    Where to Eat:

    There are two places near the Hyatt that are great options for a quick bite to eat. For breakfast or lunch, Dom’s Broad Street Eatery, located in the heart of Windsor, has wonderful food, huge portions, and is where the locals like to eat.  Wilson Pizza Palace, is another place I would recommend and is located at the north end of the town of Windsor. The state of Connecticut has wonderful pizza and while New Haven gets the southern Connecticut glory, I think Greek owned Wilson Pizza Palace holds its own in representing the northern part of the state. Grab a meatball grinder or a large Wilson Special Pizza to go! The Hyatt House has a kitchen, dinnerware, and flatware in every room, so you can lounge in the comfort of your pajamas while eating the most memorable pizza of your life. Wilson is cash only and resides in an old McDonald’s. When you visit, tell them the Cuban sent you – it will make them smile and give you Wilson Pizza Palace street cred.

    Note the upside M’s – Yankee ingenuity!

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    Aside from Dom’s and Wilson Pizza Palace, I recommend checking out the local culinary scene near whatever activity you have planned.

    What to Do:

    Connecticut Trolley Museum:

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    The Connecticut Trolley Museum is just a 15 minute drive from the Hyatt (see Connecticut IS small) and is the oldest incorporated museum dedicated to electric railroading in the United States, founded in 1940. My five year old loves trains and riding on trains, so this was a must visit for us. In the fall, the Museum has offers a pumpkin patch and also an after dark spooky ride called “Rails to the Dark Side,” which is rated PG-13 and not recommended for young children. Just be sure to bundle up as it does get cold and have your cameras ready as the rides offer nice scenery and foliage views.

    New England Air Museum:

    The New England Air Museum has over 100 aircrafts located in a huge heated warehouse. There are numerous cool exhibits, including opportunities for your kids to sit in the cockpit of an actual fighter jet or an old helicopter. There is plenty of room for the kids to run around and explore, while learning a little bit of history and science. My son loved getting in and out of helicopters and jets and also exploring the toys in the gift shop. Volunteers are friendly and helpful and this is just an all out wonderful destination especially on a rainy day.

    Mystic Seaport:

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    In a town made famous in the 1980s by Julia Robert’s performance in the movie Mystic Pizza (yes, Mystic Pizza really does exist although the pizza is meh), Mystic Seaport or the Museum of America and The Sea is one of the nation’s oldest maritime museums and has a lot to offer. Per the website,

    The Museum’s grounds cover 19 acres on the Mystic River in Mystic, CT and include a recreated New England coastal village, a working shipyard, formal exhibit halls, and state-of-the-art artifact storage facilities. The Museum is home to more than 500 historic watercraft, including four National Historic Landmark vessels, most notably the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, America’s oldest commercial ship still in existence.

    Full disclosure: I hate this place. Growing up in Connecticut meant dozens of field trips here to learn about how the early settlers churned butter – just what a teenager with raging hormones want to spend the day seeing. Although I am jaded,  I can now appreciate what Mystic Seaport has to offer. In addition to the old New England exhibits, recent more modern exhibits have also been added. And, Mystic Aquarium is also just down the street. You can pre-purchase tickets to both the Seaport and the Aquarium online and save yourself the hassle of waiting in line.

    The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss:

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    The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is a 30 minute drive from the Hyatt. Although technically located in Massachusetts, this museum is not to be missed if you grew up reading Dr. Seuss books or if your kids adore them. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is a small park outside with sculptures of his most famous characters and is a must visit, no matter what the weather is. The museum has been recently renovated so make sure to check the website for hours and tickets, which can also be purchased online.

    The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

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    While in Springfield visiting the Dr. Seuss museum, pop over to the Basketball Hall of Fame, where children under four are free. Basketball fans will enjoy the interactive exhibits and enjoy the court for shooting hoops. The museum is conveniently located in an area that houses some amazing restaurants, including Plan B Burger Bar and Max’s Tavern.

    Brown’s Harvest:

    Brown’s Harvest in Windsor is a special place for me, as this is where my parents took me as a child for our pumpkins and Christmas trees. Back then, it was just a stand, but Brown’s Harvest has evolved and now boasts a corn maze, haunted hay ride, and a small shop where you can buy cider and apple doughnuts. Apple doughnuts! If you have not tried them, book your trip now! Brown’s Harvest is only a 10 minute drive from the Hyatt and is located on the northern end of Windsor, headed towards the airport. I was thrilled to share the experience with my son, who had a blast running around the pumpkin patch and washing down apple doughnuts with hot apple cider.

    Drive!:

    One of the best things about Connecticut is that it is a small state. A drive through the lower Connecticut River Valley has a lot to offer. I always recommend that people consider taking the Ultimate Foliage Tour of Central Connecticut. I’ve done it and it was amazing. The foliage is constantly changing and varies depending on where you are. Make sure to consult the foliage tracker and remember to explore and drive as much as you can. There are numerous small towns off the beaten path, some great history to be experienced, and pumpkin patches galore!

    Final Thoughts: 

    As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Connecticut! If you absolutely must, New York City and Boston are easy day trips and are each only about a two hour drive in opposite directions from Windsor.

    We hope you enjoyed David’s thorough review of things to do in and around Hartford, Connecticut!If you find yourself inspired to visit New England, be sure to visit Catherine’s Fall Getaway: New England for more ideas. Fall also happens to be our favorite season here at WGWK, so be sure to check out our more expansive Fall Getaway series.

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  • Tokyo Disney Resort

    Tokyo Disney Resort

    Guest Blogger:  David, his wife, and their five year old son, B, have lived all around the United States, but are currently stationed in Okinawa where David enjoys producing movies and eating pancakes in his spare time. You can find David’s videos of their Okinawa adventures on YouTube.

    Tokyo Disney Resort is a theme park and vacation resort located just east of Tokyo, Japan.  My family and I currently live in Okinawa and when winter break rolled around, we decided to plan a trip to Tokyo Disney. Although it is a short 2 hour domestic flight from Okinawa to Tokyo, I’m assuming most of you won’t be starting off in Okinawa and will instead be making your own personal journey half way around the world. Spoiler alert: it’s worth it.

    We planned our trip to take place over four days, three nights from Monday – Thursday, so we could take advantage of shorter lines. In reality, this left us with 2.5 days to actually spend at the parks, which was sufficient considering our focus was not to go on “grown up rides,” but to make our five year old son happy, while stuffing our faces with Disney treats along the way.

    Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

    There are plenty of options in terms of places to stay in and around the park, from Disney owned hotels on property to lesser ones just blocks away. We chose the Disney Ambassador Hotel, which was described as a “budget” option outside the park, but it would not be classified as a budget hotel based on our experiences in the USA! When I think of budget hotels, I think of run down, bare bones accommodations, with rooms out of a really bad Quentin Tarantino movie (cue seedy police or gunmen outside your motel room door!). The Disney Ambassador Hotel could not be further from what I had in mind.

    From the moment we stepped off the airport shuttle bus, we were greeted by smiling Japanese staff, willing to help us with every step of the check in process until we reached our room. Smiles abound and the staff was always ready to pose with you for photos, or hand your child a hotel sticker featuring Mickey Mouse. The lobby was palatial with a large sitting area, a walk down cafe with coffee and desserts, and a lounge complete with televisions playing Disney classics (in Japanese) on a loop. This was a genius component to keeping the kids entertained so the parents could complete the check in process!

    Pricing and Accommodations:

    We booked a standard room at the Disney Ambassador Hotel, but were upgraded to a superior room. We did not ask for the upgrade and, in fact, the regular rooms seemed more Mickey themed with Mickey comforters and such, but we took the upgrade because, well, upgrade. Although I am not a hotel snob by any means, I could be after this stay. The room was very spacious, with two slightly smaller than full sized beds. The bathroom came with a tub and a separate shower area. The water pressure was phenomenal – I could have power washed my home with the shower head, so that was a big plus in my book. There’s also a separate room for the toilet, complete with numerous buttons and options for your use and entertainment. Although we did not use any of the options, the seat was heated and stayed heated, which was a nice bonus.

    The rooms also came with small refrigerators, a safe, and included Disney themed pajamas for the adult guests. Yes! Free Pajamas! And I wore them! Because, Free Pajamas!

    The Disney Ambassador Hotel offers a lot for its money, if you’re willing to explore a bit. The hotel has the usual Disney gift shop, small mini Japanese grocery store and restaurants, but the biggest advantage is the location – just an 8 minute shuttle bus ride from the hotel to the parks. The hidden gem of the hotel is that it is connected to the Ikspiari Town Mall, which is a must see if you stay here. The mall has everything: a full grocery store, over 35 restaurants, a movie theater, a Disney store (of course), and many shops that are local only to Japan.

    Dining:

    The Ambassador Hotel has a Chef Mickey character restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with Chef Mickey. We had breakfast there on the second day of our stay. The buffet breakfast is divided into two sections: (1) traditional American breakfast of pancakes, toast, eggs, etc and (2) Japanese style breakfast area. I never ventured into the Japanese style breakfast area because the traditional American breakfast of pancakes comes in Mickey shapes! Chef Mickey is a character restaurant so the prices were high, costing the three of us about $80 USD for breakfast. But, the food was delicious, and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy came to our table and were happy and willing to take as many photos as we wanted. The staff also helped us take family photos, so no one was left out. Unlike the character breakfast in Orlando at Walt Disney World where I felt rushed, the food was terrible, and the characters did not engage, the Chef Mickey experience at the Ambassador Hotel is a must do if you have children (and in particular, if you want to erase any previously horrible character breakfast meal experiences).

    A Happy Chef Mickey Experience!

    Pro Tip: Check into your room and, if time allows, visit the Ikspiari Town Mall and stock up on needed supplies. Just eating dinner at the Ikspiari will save you money from the higher priced Disney hotel/resort options.  I spotted three restaurants in the Hotel (Hana Hana, The Grill, Tick Tock Diner), which all looked appetizing, but the Ikspiari Town Mall was not only cheaper but allowed us to sample local cuisine at a much more reasonable price.

    Pro Tip 2: We have been told that tipping is not necessary or expected in Japan, so we have not tipped. Feel free to google and determine whether you’re comfortable with not tipping, but our experience is that it is not expected.

    Day #2: Full Day at Tokyo Disneyland

    Tokyo Disneyland is one of two parks that make up the Tokyo Disney Resort. Disneyland opened in 1983 and was the first Disney park to be build outside the United States.

    Since we were staying at a Disney resort, we were allowed to enter Disneyland 15 minutes prior to the general public. The Park opened at 8 AM, so we woke up bright and early to take advantage of the early entry. After our Chef Mickey breakfast buffet, we boarded the hotel provided shuttle bus to the Park. The shuttle bus was very retro, but way modern with wonderful hidden Mickeys from the outside taillights to the handrails on the inside. The ride to the Park took only 8 minutes and although Tokyo Disneyland is an extremely popular vacation destination for the Japanese, you won’t find people pushing or cutting in line to enter. Everyone is extremely polite and courteous, but I would still plan on arriving at least 30 minutes prior to opening, depending on where you are staying to avoid the rush and also to grab fast passes.

    Here are a few things we did to maximize our time at the Park:

    • Breakfast at the Park its terrible. Eat before you go, because otherwise, you won’t find anything other than coffee and pastries. Most food options open at 10AM, and we found ourselves freezing outside a coffee and pastry shop across from the Monster’s Inc ride, after discovering there was no indoor seating.
    • Stop dragging around all the stuff you brought into the Park and make use of the lockers! This came in handy as we stored our heavy winter jackets during the daytime hours and came back for them towards the evening when the temperatures dropped. This also came in handy for storing purchases.
    • Once you get past the security checkpoints, hang a right just before the Magic Castle and grab a fast pass for Pooh’s Honey Hut Ride. The ride fills up quickly and fast passes run out fast, so get them early on to ensure the opportunity to ride. Once you get the fast passes, circle back to the Monster’s Inc Ride, which should still be short.
    • We enjoyed great shows which had the added bonus of giving our feet a break, but make sure you check in advance which ones are Japanese only or you will end up sitting through a show without understanding anything that is going on.
    • Tokyo Disney has some amazing snacks, and the best one is popcorn. Buy the souvenir popcorn container (there are many themed varieties, including Star Wars and Cars 3!), because then you can get the container refilled throughout the day at a discount. Flavors we sampled include: curry, tomato basil, and honey. Flavors we did not get to sample include: blueberry, chocolate, caramel, and plain old salt and butter.
    • The Electric Parade lives on at Tokyo Disney, complete with original soundtrack! Be sure to bring a blanket, though. We noticed empty blankets along the parade route about 30 minutes prior to the start. The blankets turned out to be people staking out their spot of land to watch the parade. The staff will make you sit so others behind you can see, so don’t expect to put your kids on your shoulders either. Bring a blanket to reserve your spot and also to keep your bum protected from the freezing cold sidewalk!
    • Shockingly, we found the prices to be extremely reasonable – not a mortgage for snacks and water! Definitely try the Tokyo Disney snacks offered throughout the Park!
    • Food at the Park is plentiful, and one nice thing is that people tend to eat and leave, instead of lingering for a long time. The staff only let you order your food when there is a free table, which means that you will have a place to sit once you get your food! This is such a great system that I wish Orlando had something similar.

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    Day #3: Full Day at Tokyo DisneySea

    DisneySea is the companion park to Tokyo Disneyland and was opened in September 2001.  DisneySea and Disneyland are the only two Disney parks that are not wholly owned and managed by the Walt Disney Company (although Disney does have creative control).

    I had no idea what to expect from DisneySea, although we did know that it is more geared towards adults than kids. However, there are many hidden gems for young kids, and we were amazed by how much was squeezed into a relatively small piece of real estate.

    First, I must mention the Toy Story Mania ride, which locals go crazy for. Upon entering the park, there is literally a stampede to the Toy Story Ride. It’s so crazy that there are staff members with “please walk” signs, again with a smile!  Although many blogs that I read prior to our trip suggested skipping this ride, I personally had just as much fun as my son did.

    To maximize time at DisneySea, I recommend:

    • Snag a fast pass when you enter the park, or else you will end up waiting to ride at 10pm!
    • Once you get your fast pass, head over to Mysterious Island, where there are short lines for numerous rides, including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth. Note that Journey to the Center of the Earth is not appropriate for children, “expectant mothers,” or “persons of advanced age.”
    • After Mysterious Island, walk over to Port Discovery, where you can ride the Nemo & Friends ride, which was one of our favorite rides there – a cross between the old Star Wars ride and Soarin. The line was short enough that we got to ride it twice. Port Discovery also has bumper boats and the line was so short that we also rode it twice.
    • A friend recommended that we dine at Vulcania in Mysterious Island, saying the food was amazing. We dined there for lunch, and it was great. The food was counter cafeteria style, but because they only let us in once a table was open, we had no trouble getting our food and sampling the delicious local fare, along with some American style options. If you brought your popcorn souvenir tub, now is a good time to get some popcorn!
    • When we visited in December, temperatures hovered in the mid-40’s during the daytime. It got breezy and we wanted a break, so we stumbled into Mermaid Lagoon. Mermaid Lagoon is all indoors so it is a perfect place to relax whether it’s warm or cold outside! A true hidden gem away from the outside world with rides that kids ages 4-10 will enjoy. There was also soft carpeting, pirate rope bridges to cross, and tons of seating for tired parents to relax and sleep (yep! We saw that!). This is the place to go when the outdoors is too much or your kids need to burn off energy while you relax. There are also shops, as well as a counter service cafeteria style restaurant.

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    The Whirlpool ride at the Mermaid Lagoon.

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    • Although we did not stay at the Disney Miracosta Hotel ($$$$), which is located onsite at DisneySea, we did enjoy the dining area and walked the lobbies. It is beautiful and I really recommend you do it. The hotel has been called the most beautiful Disney property in the world and if you can afford it, you should consider staying there.
    • Since DisneySea is geared towards adults, shows fill up quickly so if you want to see a show, make it a priority and check out times in advance.

    Day #4: Half Day at Disneyland

    On our final day, we had only a half-day to spend, which we choose to spend at Disneyland. We went back to buy gifts and ride Pooh’s Honey Hut (which was out of fast passes on our first day). We got our fast passes at 8AM that morning and rode it at 10AM – definitely worthwhile. Then we went back to the Ambassador Hotel, where our luggage was being held, and started our journey back to Okinawa.

    Although your trip will undoubtedly differ from ours, I recommend that you stick to the weekdays, avoiding weekends and festivals. Your kids will have a great time and so will you, especially if you keep an open mind and try out some of the local dishes! I promise you they are delicious!

    Our family of three had a great trip to Tokyo Disney and will be back to visit again. But, I must admit, that after spending four days in 40 degree weather, we were thrilled to land in Okinawa where it is 65 and sunny all the time!

    We can’t wait to make our own trip to Tokyo Disney and experience that amazing water pressure and stuff our faces! 

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  • Lauritzen Gardens With Kids, a Hidden Gem in Omaha, NE

    Lauritzen Gardens With Kids, a Hidden Gem in Omaha, NE

    Guest Blogger: Joshua and his family live in Nebraska and like to travel on the cheap and keep costs as low as possible. They’re saving up to buy a travel trailer so they can be even more mobile. Follow along on Instagram!

    Omaha, Nebraska is a city many people have been through but not many have been to. Situated on the Nebraska-Iowa border with I-80 running through, Omaha has seen its share of cross-country travelers heading anywhere but there. The city is home to the College World Series, the ever-growing Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, world-class hospitals, and numerous colleges and universities. Restaurants are everywhere and serve everything. There are shopping malls abound.

    But what if you find yourself in town for the day with a little time to kill? We recently had to take our two-year-old to the wonderful Children’s Hospital and Medical Center for a specialist visit. Children’s is an amazing place that you hate to need but love to have. They saved our little girl’s life, and we will be forever grateful! We had to make the 4-5 hour drive from our home, so we spent the night and had some free time after the appointment. You guys know how hard it can be to spend the whole day in the car with a two-year-old, but we also  have an eight-month-old tagging along. Yep, we definitely needed to stay the night!

    Omaha has been around for a while and hasn’t stopped growing. Since it is bordered by the Missouri River on the east, all of the city’s growth is to the west. Downtown is where we are heading today. Heading east on I-80, you can see the big glass Desert Dome at the zoo off to the south. Let’s exit there, but we are going to head north into a neighborhood. We’ll save the zoo for another day when it’s a little warmer outside. Down through the neighborhood on Bancroft Street is our destination. Several people on the street have RVs parked in the driveways, so you can probably get down there with yours. It’s so well hidden that we lived in Omaha for several years before having kids and never knew it was there.

    Parking at Lauritzen Gardens

    Lauritzen Gardens is a hidden gem that makes a perfect afternoon stop. For starters, parking is free and actually near the entrance. There’s even space for buses, so folks with RVs should be fine. You can stop at the park on the grounds to have a picnic before heading in, or you can eat in the café next to a fireplace with a nice view of a seasonal indoor display. This winter, it’s a huge poinsettia tree and model train sets weaving in and out of a winter wonderland.

    close up of beautiful poinsettia tree

    Admission is only $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for kids under age 6. We’ve found that prices for everything seem to be going up these days, so we thought $20 was a pretty good deal to get our family in.

    One of the best things about Lauritzen is the enormous greenhouses. If you’re in Nebraska in December and need something warm to do, a greenhouse is the place to be! They have a couple of buildings with different climates, but everything is connected. There are elevators and paved paths through the buildings, but be warned of the slight incline. We would recommend leaving strollers at the entrance if possible. Kids big enough to walk will love stretching their legs and getting up close with all the unusual plants. After all, that’s why you came to a botanical garden, right?! We put the little guy in our baby backpack so even he could sit up to look out and touch. However, the building is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs for those who need them.

    ramps for accessibility
    rest area located throughout

    While the greenhouses at Lauritzen are big, they are very densely packed. This is a great place to spend as much or as little time as you want. You can stop and admire each plant and its unique characteristics, or you can quickly stroll through each building and still see everything. We spent about 90 minutes to 2 hours and found that to be sufficient. Little kids won’t last much longer than that, but you could spend longer with older kids and make quite a learning experience out of it. Keep in mind that I’m writing this in December, so there isn’t a lot to see outside at this time of year. I saw signs for an outdoor walking path and gardens, which must be fantastic in the spring and summer. A narrated tram tour runs in the summer and is only $3 extra. We can’t wait to go back in the summer and try that out!

    Speaking of going back…the multitude of special events convinced us to buy a membership! For $55 (today’s admission counts) you can upgrade to the yearly membership. Omaha is a sister city with Shizuoka, Japan, where we lived in a previous life, and Lauritzen has a couple of Japanese events every year in the spring and summer that we are really looking forward to. There’s also a photographer who hosts a couple of workshops for various skill levels throughout the year. The “Lil Sprouts” programs are specially designed for ages 3-5 and run August-May. Flower arrangement classes for adults are held during the winter. There’s a Mother’s Day Brunch in May with a menu that includes roast beef, coffee cake, and French toast casserole. Can’t go wrong there! Oh, and you get a free subscription to Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living with your membership fee. Who doesn’t like a free bonus gift?

    The employees and volunteers were very helpful and courteous and did a great job interacting with our little ones. We found the building very easy to get around. The restrooms were clean. The visitor center provided plenty of brochures on all the activities available. Parking was convenient. Lauritzen Gardens is really a fantastic spot for the whole family and will make a great pit stop for you on your way through Omaha. And if you’re coming through town in the evening during the winter, be sure to head downtown to see some beautiful lights on the Gene Leahy Mall!

    Gene Leahy Mall

    We hope you enjoyed experiencing one of Omaha’s hidden gems! I know we’ll be stopping by on our cross-country drive next summer!

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