We Go With Kids!

Category: five fun family activities

  • Italy With Kids: Five Fun Family Day Trips from Tuscany

    Italy With Kids: Five Fun Family Day Trips from Tuscany

    Guest Blogger: Jade and Ryan were busy planning a month long trip away from home when they found out Jade was expecting. They didn’t let that deter them – they just brought along their three month old… For more on the Davies family, from East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, follow them on Instagram.

    In April 2017, we spent six glorious days in Tuscany with our three month old infant, Henry. Our time in Tuscany was at the end of a month long vacation that began with five days in New York City and 14 days in the UK visiting family.

    Who spends a month living out of a suitcase with a three month old infant?

    We had just started planning our month long trip when we found out I was pregnant. Although we did pause, many times, and wonder whether we should just wait and take the trip when the baby was older, we really had no option to turn back or cancel the trip as we were traveling with family, and they had already booked their flights. So, we plowed on and continued making plans even though the trip would ultimately require us to live out of a suitcase for a month with a three month old infant!

    How did we prepare for a month long vacation?

    Prior to having kids, we had traveled extensively, but most of it was of the backpacking variety that did not require much prior planning or organization. Knowing that I would be traveling around the world with an infant, I thought maybe I should have more of a plan. So, I began first by researching transportation options to figure out the logistics of flying and traveling with an infant and all the items required. My biggest concern was how to transport our family while traveling with an infant – train? bus? taxi? car hire? We opted to rent a car and mostly used it to get around although buses and cars were our usual mode of transport before kids.

    How did we get to and get around in Italy?

    We flew from Bristol, UK to Pisa, Italy with Easyjet Airlines on an early morning direct flight that took just over two hours. This gave us a whole day of travel upon arrival. I happily grabbed the window seat, which I prefer as it tends to give us a little more room to stretch out, and Henry slept the whole way. I had already booked a car for pick up at the airport, and the rental car company provided a car seat, which we were able to install ourselves. Car seat laws differ by country and rental car companies don’t always provide car seats, so we inquired ahead of time.

    It was a one hour drive from the airport to where we were staying, and the car came equipped with a navigation system, which provided super easy instructions in English. Henry does not mind the car, so he slept most of the way.

    Where did we stay?

    We rented a gorgeous two-bedroom apartment on a hilltop overlooking Tuscany, located in Uzzano, a commune in the province of Pistoria. The apartment was truly amazing – it came equipped with a full kitchen, laundry, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. We had plenty of space, which was great, as my parents were also traveling with us. The only downside to the apartment was its location – about an hour long drive to Florence and an hour to Pisa, so while this would not have been ideal if we had only been in Tuscany for a short time and/or did not want to rent a car, this was a great location for us because of the space and the amenities. We also spent one day in Uzzano, exploring the small town that consists of about four streets and a big church on the top of the hill. Henry needed a rest day after our day trip to Venice, so Uzzano was a great place to have a relaxing, low key day.

    Our apartment complex

     

    View from our home base.
    Our rest day in Uzzano.

    What did we do?

    Given the location of our accommodations and our use of a rental car, we decided to break out trip up into small day trips. Over the course of six days, we took day trips to various destinations around Italy. Although we frequently found ourselves wishing we had more than one day to explore any particular city, it was a good overview and having a designated place to sleep was nice, given that we were traveling with an infant.

    1. Pisa

    Our first adventure was to visit Pisa, a small walled city. We literally followed the road signs saying “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and the paid parking signs…. which led us to a parking spot right across the road from the famous tower. We paid 15 € to park there for the day and just took our stroller with us. The city was flat and easy to get around with the pram. We wandered around the Leaning Tower and the surrounding buildings and took all the cheesy tourist photos that you would expect… it had to be done. There was a one hour wait to get into the building itself, so we just looked from the outside. We enjoyed a sumptuous lunch of pizza, pasta and breads, from a restaurant on the street leading away from the tower. After lunch, we strolled the streets and just enjoyed the beautiful architecture, before grabbing gelato and heading back to the car.

    We had to!

    On the way back to the house, we stopped at Villa Garzoni, the beautiful home where Pinocchio author Carlo Lorenzini spent his childhood. It was about 22 € per person to enter, but well worth it. Collodi, the town where Villa Garzoni is located, is roughly one hour driving distance from Florence, but would also be a great day trip, especially for those traveling to Italy with older kids as there is a Pinocchio gallery to visit as well.

    Villa Garzoni

    2. Florence

    The city center of Florence is a no drive zone, so we had to park outside the city and walk. We parked at a parking lot near the train station, which cost about 20 € for the day. Knowing we would be doing a significant amount of walking, we took the stroller and used it heavily, including on the 15-20 minute walk from the train station into the heart of the city

    Our first stop in Florence was the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, a city square that features Santa Maria Novella, a Gothic Renaissance basilica completed in the 14th century. We picked up a coffee before heading over to San Lorenzo Market. As we meandered along the winding streets, we stumbled across many beautiful buildings and churches.

    Once we arrived at San Lorenzo Market, we all enjoyed delicious pizza made from the fresh produce sold at the downstairs market. It was exciting to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the marketplace and we loved every minute of it. After lunch, we went on a mission to find the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a Renaissance Palace that I learned about in school and was eager to visit. The Palace is now the seat of the Metropolitan City of Florence as well as a museum, and I was thrilled when we spotted a local artist showing her work in the downstairs gallery.

    San Lorenzo Market

    From the Medici Palace, we went to Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly known as the Duomo), which unfortunately, was completely booked and had a 2.5 hour long wait to tour. Traveling with an infant, we did not think it would be wise to wait, so we just enjoyed the beauty of the Duomo and adjacent Florence Baptistry from the outside. We were also disappointed that we did not get to tour Uffizi Gallery, which was closed for renovations.

    The magnificent Duomo

    During our day in Florence, we also crossed the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. We loved walking along the river, getting lost in the beauty, architecture, and culture of Florence. We made sure to enjoy gelato from one of the many shops around the city.

    Ponte Vecchio
    Gelato – yum!

    We also saw the replica of Michelangelo’s David at the Palazzo Vecchio. The original was originally placed at the same location but moved indoors to the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia for conservation.

    A replica of Michelangelo’s David

    Photo credit We Go With Kids

    Pro-Tip: We visited the first week of April, and there were so many tourists that we got blocked out of visiting many locations, like the Duomo. Be sure to pre-book any items that are on your bucket list to ensure the opportunity to visit.

    3. Cinque Terre

    La Spezia is located in the Liguria region of Northern Italy, and is the start of the Cinque Terre, a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera that consists of five villages. It was a 90 minute drive from our house to La Spezia, which took a good chunk of time out of our day. Once we arrived in La Spezia, we took the train that departs from La Spezia station every 20-30 minutes and stops at every town along the Cinque Terre for those who don’t want to or can’t walk it. With an infant, we had no illusions of walking it and used the Ergo 360 on this day trip instead of the stroller for ease of maneuverability.

    Our first stop was at Monterosso al Mare, which happens to be the last town on the Cinque Terre line and the only town that has its own beach. We strolled the historic old town at our own leisurely place and enjoyed popping in to visit beautiful old churches.

    From Monterosso al Mare, we boarded the train to Vernazza, the quintessential Cinque Terre town. We enjoyed lunch at one of the restaurants leading down tot he waterfront and afterwards, walked up the cliff side overlooking the town.

    Unfortunately, by the time we stopped to check our watches, it was time to jump back on the train to La Spezia and drive back home for a late dinner. I wish we had one extra day to explore the other towns, but the distance from our home base was just too great. I was glad to use the carrier, rather than the stroller because most of the towns along the Cinque Terre were on the side of a cliff and maneuvering the stroller on/off the train would have been not only tricky, but exhausting.

    4. Venice

    Our day trip to Venice was long as it began with a one hour long drive from our house to Florence, and then a two-hour train ride to Venice. Henry hated the train and was very upset during the entire ride, which I spent walking him up and down the aisles to try and calm him down.

    We arrived in Venice at 10 am, which gave us plenty of time to explore and take our time strolling around the canals and taking in the stunning architecture. There were tons of restaurants and churches on every corner, so definitely take your time and enjoy the sights. One easy way to cover a lot of ground is to go on a gondola ride, but we found on a previous trip that it was beneficial to negotiate with a vendor instead of just using the first one that you see, as they will likely spot that you’re a tourist and charge you quite a bit more than if you just put in some leg work.

    Pro-Tip: Avoid taking your stroller to Venice, if possible. We brought our stroller because of forecasted rain and cold temperatures but had trouble managing with it over the bridges and stairs. It would have just been easier to use a baby carrier instead. It can be extremely expensive to stay in Venice, but take a look at main land options and consider catching a ferry/boat or train across to spend the day in Venice.

    5. Montecatini Terme and San Gimignano

    We spent our last day in Tuscany visiting the towns of Montecatini Terme and San Gimignano. Montecatini was close to our home base in Uzzano, so we thought this would be a great location to visit. The town was filled with stunning old bath houses and the landscape was gorgeous; unfortunately, they were still closed for the season. I would highly recommend visiting Montecatini and its bath houses in the summer.

    On a whim, we decided to drive to San Gimignano, because it was so close to Montecatini. WOW, am I glad we did! San Gimagnano is a small walled medieval town perched on top of a hill. We took advantage of the public parking (5-10€ for the day), but you can also just catch a bus into the city or walk. We arrived just in time for lunch and ate at a restaurant in the Sant’Agostino Square. The weather was absolutely brilliant, so we sat outside and had pizza and drank vino. Afterwards, we walked the streets and did some last minute shopping, while on the hunt for the world’s best gelato.

    Final Thoughts

    We ate a lot of pizza, wine, and gelato during our time in Italy, but we love Italian and the food was amazing. While we did eat a lot, we also felt like we did so much walking that we burned off quite a few calories. Because we visited touristy locations, we did not experience any language barriers. It was easy to buy diapers and wipes locally. If we went back, we would prefer to stay in metropolitan areas and spend more time exploring each city. The rental car was convenient, but we might try exclusively using trains next time. Although we did a lot of driving, we loved every minute of it and definitely recommend exploring Italy with kids.

  • Los Angeles With Kids: Five More Fun Family Activities

    Los Angeles With Kids: Five More Fun Family Activities

    With a population of 39.5 million, California is the most populous state in the country with three million residents more than all of Canada. Los Angeles is home to nearly four million residents and the greater metropolitan area (including Long Beach) boasts a population of 18.7 million people. It’s no surprise that there is tons of fun stuff to do in Los Angeles with kids!  In fact, earlier this year, Catherine, her mom, and her son shared Five Fun Family Activities in Los Angeles from a combined work/leisure trip. Here, I’d like to share with you Five More Fun Family Activities!

    #1: Long Beach 

    Long Beach is located roughly 25 miles south of Los Angeles proper and is the second largest city in the Los Angeles area (after Los Angeles, of course). As a child growing up in Southern California, I knew of Long Beach for only two reasons: (1) home of the Queen Mary, and (2) the large container ships that would come in to harbor as Long Beach is a major shipping port. I remember paying one visit to the Queen Mary when I was in high school, but otherwise, Long Beach was something of a no man’s land, with nary an attraction that would make the 45 minute drive worthwhile.

    In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, Long Beach experienced a revitalization of sorts and became a worthwhile destination of its own. The Aquarium of the Pacific, or, the Long Beach Aquarium, opened in 1998, and is a wonderful place to spend the day with kids. Located at Rainbow Harbor Marina, in the heart of downtown Long Beach, the Long Beach Aquarium offers not only wonderful viewing of sea life, but also abundant add on opportunities, such as ocean boat rides, play time on the beach, and even fine dining along the water front.

    Having visited Long Beach on a number of occasions now, I heartily endorse making plans to spend an afternoon at the Aquarium or, if you want to be really wild, plan to spend a night in Long Beach and take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. We did this on a more recent trip to Long Beach, purchasing both Aquarium tickets and a harbor tour as part of a package directly from the Aquarium, then spent the evening at hotel nearby so that we could enjoy dinner and a few hours of sand time on the beach before heading back to Los Angeles.

    #2: Huntington Library

    Another one of my top places to visit whenever we are in Los Angeles visiting family is the Huntington Library. The Huntington boasts an impressive library collection, with seven million manuscripts and 430,000 rare books, as well as an extensive art collection, focusing on European Art from the 15th – 20th centuries. But, the true beauty of the Huntington lies in its extensive gardens and grounds, which take up over 120 of the 207 acres owned by the Huntington.

    Strolling around the Japanese Gardens on his first visit to the Huntington.

    The entire garden is child friendly and my kids particularly love the Asian gardens, but note that the gardens can get extremely crowded and that food and picnicking are only permitted in designated areas and at the cafe and tea room. Advance purchase of tickets is not required and honestly, we have never found it to be necessary.

    #3: Hike the San Gabriel Mountains

    The high school I attended is conveniently located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. There are a number of hiking trails, but one of my favorite as a child is the Sturtevant Falls Trail which begins at Chantry Flat, a designated Recreation Area within the Angeles National Forest and a starting point for many historic trails up in the San Gabriel Mountains.

    The Sturtevant Falls Trail is a lovely 3.5 mile hike that is extremely kid friendly, with the exception of the last 0.6 miles back to the parking lot. You heard me – the hike begins with a steep 0.6 mile paved walk down to the beginning of the trail. The steep paved incline is glorious at the beginning of the hike, but believe me when I say it has been torture when we are tired and facing the incline at the end of the hike. I’ve seen many families bring umbrella strollers and use the strollers to push young children back up the hill after the hike, but I’ve also seen many parents carrying five year olds up the hill after the kids have given up. Definitely be prepared and know that it’s a rough walk back up to the parking lot.

    A look at the steep paved incline at the end of the trail!

    Pro Tip:

    • A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park at the trail head. These can be purchased at a small shop located near the official parking area, although you can also just pay either $5 or $10 (depending on availability) to park at the small shop, which is privately owned and managed.
    • Parking does fill up quickly in the mornings.
    • Pack plenty of water – there are no fountains or amenities available once you begin your hike.

    For those with older kids (teenager+), definitely consider using Chantry Flat as the base for a longer hike. My husband and I recently did the 16-mile round trip hike to the Mount Wilson Observatory, via Chantry Flat. It’s a steep climb (nearly 4,000 feet elevation gain) over 7-8 miles and the ledges are tight, so this is not something I would attempt with a toddler or even most elementary aged children. However, the views of Downtown Los Angeles are spectacular on a clear day.

    View of Downtown Los Angeles along the Upper Wilson Creek Trail

    #4: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

    The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is another fan favorite for my household. Unlike the Huntington, the Arboretum is greatly unsung and most people aren’t even aware that it is there. It is rarely ever crowded and there are a number of tour options, including docent led walking tours that are included in the price of admission.

    One of my favorite things about the Arboretum is the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of my favorite birds: the peacock! The city in which the Arboretum is located, Arcadia, has a number of free roaming peacocks and many of them have chosen to call the Arboretum home. My kids loved the opportunity to see these majestic and beautiful birds up close.

    #5: Travel Town located in Griffith Park

    Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, with over 4,200 acres right smack in the middle of Los Angeles. There are a number of attractions within the Park, some of which are free, but some do require admission (for example, the Gene Autry Museum or the L.A. Zoo).

    For those looking for something to do with young kids, Travel Town may be of particular interest. Travel Town is an outdoor museum dedicated to preserving the railroad history of the western United States. There are a number of locomotives on display, some of which are available for climbing and sitting, and both my sons absolutely adored this stop as young/old toddlers.

    source

    As an added bonus, there is no admission to Travel Town (although donations are gladly accepted), so this is truly one of the most budget friendly options for families with young children visiting Los Angeles!

    I hope you enjoyed my list of Five More Fun Family Activities in Los Angeles! Be sure to check out the original list of Five Fun Family Activities in Los Angeles and our entire category of posts on Los Angeles and California before your next trip to the Sunshine State with kids!

     

     

  • Southeast Ohio with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

    Southeast Ohio with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

    George Washington once said, “the settlement of southeastern Ohio was not accidental, but the result of the careful deliberation of wise, prudent, and patriotic men.”* For those traveling with kids, Southeast Ohio is an outdoor paradise! This corner of Ohio is home to 15 state parks, three nature preserves, seven state forests, and many hunting and fishing areas. For my children, Southeast Ohio also happens to be home to their very doting and loving grandparents, so it’s not surprise that this is hands down their favorite place on earth.

    Some good old fashioned outdoor fun in Grandma and Grandpa’s backyard!

    Located only 60 minutes from the Ohio State Capital, Columbus, Athens is the perfect destination for an overnight stop. Having spent many, many nights in Athens, these are our top five fun family activities in Southeast Ohio!

    #1: Bike Path / Brewery Tour

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    The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in Athens is one of my favorite places to bike ride with my kids. Unlike the Mount Vernon Bike Trail near my home, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is never crowded, does not cross any major roads or streets, and has a perfectly bucolic view as it meanders along the Hocking River before disappearing into the woods leading up to Nelsonville, Ohio. The Bikeway is 21 miles long and mostly built on an abandoned railroad grade and a great way to spend a few hours riding or, if traveling with older children, an entire day riding through Athens County.

    One of the most delightful developments in the past five years or so has been the introduction of microbreweries and cideries… along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway!

    These brochures (with maps!) are available for free at the micropubs and cideries.

    This past Thanksgiving, my husband, father-in-law, and eight-year-old son biked the trail and made three separate brewery stops where my mother-in-law, and I met them with my two year old in tow.

    If when visiting Athens, I highly recommend spending a few hours on the Bikeway and make a few pit stops along the way. For visitors not traveling with their own bikes, there are a number of local bike shops that have rentals available.

    #2: Burr Oak Lake

    Burr Oak Lake was built as a multiple-use reservoir for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources operates and maintains the parking lots, wells, bathrooms and launching areas in along the lake. There are also a number of outfitters offering boats available for rental, guided fishing trips, and even horseback riding!

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    A few years ago, my family spent a few hours on a pontoon boat in the lake and had a wonderful experience. After a few hours on the water, we enjoyed lunch at Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center. By no means would I consider this a fancy experience, but for those looking for some quality outdoor time, this is definitely something to consider. There are also numerous hiking trails, swimming beaches, geocaching, and camping sites available for those looking to spend more than just a few hours of outdoors time.

    #3: Experience the Country!

    The number one reason why we visit Southeast Ohio is to see family, but I personally love that my kids get to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh, country air. Two hidden gems in Southeast Ohio that we have come to love are:

    Libby’s Pumpkin Patch – Libby’s Pumpkin Patch is a u-pick pumpkin patch about 30 minutes from Athens.  Libby’s specializing in large carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, and outdoor fall decorations. Fall visitors to Southeast Ohio should definitely plan to visit. During the summer, the farm also offers assorted berry picking opportunities, so follow the farm on Facebook to check out what is available. When we were there a few years ago, my mother-in-law and I loaded up on pumpkins while the kids had a blast on the hayride, jumping on the outdoor decorations, and sampling the homemade pumpkin chili and ice cream available for purchase.

    The giant hay spider at Libby’s!
    Tractor rides are ALWAYS fun!

    White’s Mill – White’s Mill was built in 1809 along the Hocking River and was purchase by the White family in 1912. Over the years, as the needs of the community have changed, White’s Mill has adapted from what it was originally, a mill, to a local store that offers home/pet goods, gardening supplies, and now, locally made items that make great Christmas gifts or souvenirs. My family happens to love White’s Mill and my children have grown up visiting what they affectionately call “the Chicken store” with Grandpa. And yes, we have purchased chicks and continue to purchase chicken feed from White’s Mill pretty much every time we are in town!

    View of White’s Mill from across the Hocking River.
    Enjoying some outdoor time with the chickens back at the house.

    #4: Ohio University / Town of Athens

    Ohio University is the oldest university in Ohio with extremely loyal alumni and is located right in the heart of Athens, Ohio. The town of Athens is full of small, independent shops and funky retailers, so it’s a great way to spend a few hours window shopping before taking a walk on the beautiful campus grounds. My family’s current favorite lunch spot is Jackie O’s, a microbrewery and pub, with a great menu and beer sampler. I’m also partial to O’Betty’s Hot Dog Museum,  where my personal favorite menu item is not a hot dog, but the delicious chili cheese fries!

    A sampler of beer at Jackie O’s comes on an Ohio shaped board.

    #5: Hocking Hills State Park

    The Hocking Hills State Park is a smorgasbord of outdoor fun located about 45 minutes from Athens. The park contains seven separate sections and there is truly something for everyone there: hiking, exploring caves, canoeing, zip lining, camping and more. There are also rental cabins available, making this the perfect location for those, like me, who love the outdoors but prefer to sleep on a real bed at night.

    Ash Cave

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    Be sure to check out our Ohio posts for things to do when visiting the 17th State.

    *Howe, H. Howe’s History of Ohio, Volume 1. Page 133. 

  • Things to Do in Napa With Kids

    Things to Do in Napa With Kids

    Napa Valley is definitely not a typical family vacation destination, but my husband and I did not want to pass up the opportunity to enjoy a few wine tastings while in Northern California visiting San Francisco and Yosemite.  We tacked on two nights in Napa and hoped that the wineries would be as much fun for our two and four year old boys as wineries in Ohio’s Grand River Valley.  While we definitely all enjoyed our time in Napa, our experience visiting California wineries with children was not what we expected after our regular trips to Ohio’s wine country.  Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Napa with kids.

    Visiting Napa Valley With Kids

    We thought our kids would have the chance to drink grape juice served in wine glasses and eat delicious meals at wineries in Napa.  However, we discovered that Napa wineries do not make grape juice because their grapes are too expensive to “waste” on juice.  Only one winery we visited offered my boys juice, and it was served in Capri Sun pouches rather than fancy glasses.  Because it is expensive for wineries in Napa to obtain food permits, most stick to serving wine and the occasional free snack.  While my boys enjoyed frolicking in vineyards, touring wineries and watching some grape stomping, we did not find any vineyard in Napa where we could relax for an entire afternoon or fly a kite like we regularly do in Ohio.

    Where to Stay in Napa Valley With Kids

    We stayed at the Meritage Resort and Spa, a wonderful Napa family resort that offers both rooms and suites.  We booked a one bedroom suite with a full kitchen, living room with a pull-out couch for the boys, a whirlpool tub in the bathroom and a washer and dryer, which was so helpful after a weekend in San Francisco and a few days in Yosemite.

    This 2012 trip was before Airbnb had its reached its current widespread popularity, and we really had not yet stayed in many condo-style accommodations when traveling with kids.  It was so convenient to feed the boys breakfast at a full dining table as we were getting ready for the day and also have the option of watching television in the bedroom after they went to sleep.  When we found the weather a bit too chilly to enjoy the outdoor pool, adding shampoo to the whirlpool tub made a fabulous bubble bath alternative.  Our kids simply loved this hotel.


    We arrived in the late evening and ate dinner at the hotel.  When we decided to venture out the next morning, the concierge was helpful in directing us to more family friendly wineries, even though we honestly felt our kids were tolerated rather than welcomed wherever we went in Napa.  Of the more than 500 vineyards in Napa, the concierge recommended only a handful.

    Napa wineries are each unique but typically open from about 10 am to 5 pm daily.  Some offer simple tastings with some free snacks, others have tours of the facilities and vineyards.  While reservations are required at some wineries, we were able to drop in at each of the wineries we visited during our mid-week visit in October.  Obviously, drinking and driving is a concern in Napa, and so we took turns tasting wines and driving.

    Here are our five favorite Napa Valley kid-friendly wineries:

    #1:  Sterling Vineyard With Kids

    Sterling Vineyard has a beautiful setting.  It was our first stop in Napa, and the tree-lined approach was so spectacular that we stopped to take a picture.

    The main draw for kids at Sterling Vineyards is the aerial tram used to transport guests from the parking area to the hilltop winery located in a stucco building that looks like a monastery.  It is the only aerial tram in Napa and offers amazing views of the surrounding area.  Our family of four fit into one gondola and thoroughly enjoyed the ride up and down.

    Sterling’s aerial tram

    As part of our general admission package, we enjoyed a tasting and a self-guided tour of the lower portion of the winery.  Because we visited during the Fall harvest, humongous containers of grapes were arriving at the winery.  Our boys were at the height of their truck enthusiasm and were thoroughly mesmerized watching the carts move these containers around.

    After our tour, we sat on the terrace to sip some wine and soak in the scenic rolling hills surrounding the valley.  Even a quick call from a colleague couldn’t dampen this gorgeous day.

    We were surprised that bottled grape juice was not available for the kids and honestly a bit taken aback when the boys were offered CapriSun pouches, but it turned out that this was the only winery that had any sort of juice available.  If the aerial tram and grape vats were not enough to keep the boys happy, they created their own excitement by “decorating” their shoes with wine corks.

    #2:  V. Sattui With Kids

    V. Sattui Winery is a family owned winery that dates back to 1885.  It is unique because of its onsite Artisan Deli that offers amazing homemade food that is perfect for picnicking.  Unlike the Ohio wineries we frequent, very few Napa Valley wineries serve food.  We picked up some amazing paninis at the deli and found the perfect picnic spot in the shaded grounds.  The wine barrels were an appropriate choice for garbage cans.

    Outside food and wine are not permitted, but this was definitely our favorite meal in Napa.

    • Kid Facts:  V. Sattui was established by Vittorio Sattui, an Italian immigrant from Genoa in 1885.  The winery closed during Prohibition but was reopened by Sattui’s great-grandson in 1976.

     

    #3:  Andretti Winery With Kids

    Andretti Winery was established in 1996 by retired Kmart CEO Joe Antonini and retired race car driver, Mario Andretti.  The Tuscan architecture and exudes the feeling of Italy.  The grounds were superb, and the boys loved running in the vineyards and playing near the stunning fountain.

    • Kid Facts:  Mario Andretti is Vice Chairman.

     

    #4:  Grgich Hills Estates With Kids

    Grgich Hills Estate is distinctive because it does not use artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides in its vineyards and has relied on solar power since 2006.  Formerly known as Grgich Hills Cellars, the winery changed its name to Grgich Hills Estate in 2007 when it started producing only “estate grown” grapes grown at its own private vineyards.

    One of the draws of visiting Grgich was to witness grape stomping, a seasonal activity offered at the winery. Guests can stand in a barrel of grapes and stomp to make juice.  When completed, they step onto a new white t-shirt to imprint their grape juice footprints onto a very unique souvenir.  We neglected to take any pictures of videos of grape stomping, but this promotional YouTube video provides a great view.

    We did forego grape stomping in favor of a tour and a tasting but thoroughly enjoyed watching stomping in progress.

    • Kid Facts:  Owner Miljenko “Mike” Grgich surprised the wine world in 1976 when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was named as the world’s finest white wine.

     

    #5:  Beaulieu Vineyard With Kids

    Beaulieu Vineyard was our last stop in Napa Valley before heading back to San Francisco.  This winery was established by Georges and Fernande de Latour in 1900.  Fernande named the vineyard “beau lieu” meaning “beautiful place.” The de Latours were French immigrants who sold their crème de tartar business to enter the wine making business.  BV is the oldest continuously producing winery in Napa.

    We did a simple tasting, but our two year old was clearly done with wineries and literally fell asleep in my arms.  My husband couldn’t resist snapping a commemorative photo of the winery nap.  BV turned out to be our favorite wines of the trip and the one we most often purchase at home.

    • Kid Facts:  Prohibition did not wipe out BV’s wine making business; instead, the winery continued making wines to fulfill their contract for sacramental wines for the Catholic Church.

    While we definitely felt that our boys were tolerated rather than welcomed at Napa wineries, they still really enjoyed our two days.  I’ve heard rumors through the grapevine that Napa’s wineries have become more family friendly in recent years but have doubts after finding  that the website, NapaValleyKid.com, The Go-To Guide for Families in Napa Valley, has no posts in its listing of Family Friendly Wineries. Even if it is not a “must do” with kids, there is no reason to skip it during a family vacation to Northern California.  We’d certainly jump at the chance to go back to Napa with kids to check out wineries again to compare experiences.  To find out more about family trips to Northern California, see our posts on San Francisco, Yosemite and Monterey.

  • Cleveland With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Cleveland With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Thank you to the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for each providing complimentary tickets for my family.  All opinions are my own.

    Cleveland is typically not a city that comes to mind as a vacation spot but has been growing as a tourist destination in recent years.  While venturing out of my office for lunch at North Coast Harbor this summer, I was surprised to find myself surrounded by casually dressed visitors rather than the usual business crowd.  National Geographic Traveler‘s “2018 Best of the World” list recently named Cleveland as one of seven cities in its culture category.  Editor George Stone described Cleveland as a city “that you kind of thought you knew but you don’t,” and we agree. 

    If you look beyond its historically bad reputation and unfortunate football team, Cleveland really does have a lot to offer both its residents and visitors.  Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts center in the country, behind only New York City’s Lincoln Center, and now boasts the world’s largest outdoor chandelier.  The Cleveland Orchestra is world-renowned and considered one of the country’s “Big Five” symphony orchestras, and the hospital systems are consistently top-ranked.  Cleveland’s downtown has added a number of hotels and residential housing developments.  A variety of amazing museums around the city, including the world’s only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, offer something for everyone.  In 2016, the Cavs won the NBA finals, hosted the Republican National Convention, completed a $50 million renovation to Public Square, and the Indians played in the World Series.  LeBron James has led the Cavaliers to the last three NBA finals, and the Indians had a 22-game winning streak last season.  There also is definitely a Cleveland food scene with world-famous chefs Michael Symon, Jonathon Sawyer, Rocco Whalen  and Chris Hodgson each owning several hot spots in town.

    If any of that is convincing enough to persuade you to travel to Cleveland, be warned that winters here are admittedly long and chilly.  The weather has been so bad recently that various area schools have closed for extreme cold, ice or snow on five different days this month.  With that in mind, try to visit between April and October, if possible.  The absolute best time to plan a visit is during a championship parade. But, Cleveland sports teams have been notoriously cursed, so there has actually been only one during my lifetime.  I can assure you that my family was there to share the June 22, 2016 celebration with 1.3 million of our closest friends and family.  We had a spectacular view of the festivities right from my office window.

    With no championship parades in sight, we decided to make the most of our recent winter break staycation and truly become tourists in our own city and enjoy all it has to offer.   Our kids were thrilled to visit many of the city’s premier museums.  Here are our five fun family activities in alphabetical order:

    Fun Family Activities in Cleveland With Kids

    #1:  Children’s Museum of Cleveland With Kids

    The Children’s Museum of Cleveland reopened, in November 2017, in the former Stager-Beckwith Mansion, one of the four remaining mansions still standing on Millionaire’s Row.  We had been members of the Museum at its previous location in University Circle when my oldest son attended preschool nearby.  The Museum was housed in an old Howard Johnson’s restaurant.  Although our boys thoroughly enjoyed their visits, the space was choppy with a few stairs here, there and everywhere such that it was a stroller nightmare.  The Millionaire’s Row mansion in Midtown had most recently served as the main campus for Myers University and an elegant banquet hall.  One of my best friends had her wedding reception in the space that now houses Adventure City.  The new site and  $10 million renovation really puts the newly expanded and totally accessible Museum in a different ballpark.

    The Museum features these four permanent exhibits:

    • The Wonder Lab is an industrial science laboratory with water tables, whirlpools and jets that particularly fascinated my daughter. My sons spent most of their time building ball tracks on the magnetic wall.  This was my kids’ favorite exhibit.
    Moveable ball tracks on a magnetic wall
    • Adventure City offers an amazing indoor two-story climber with a construction site theme.  The space also recreates the much-loved grocery store, doctor’s office, nursery and kitchen that were featured in the Museum’s prior location and also adds an auto shop.  Building a car was a huge hit.
    This climber was enormous
    Serious grocery shopping
    • Making Miniatures features a collection of dollhouses created by local artist, Cathy Lincoln and completely entranced my daughter.  Each house was placed on a pedestal and enclosed with a plastic casing.  Children could get up close by standing on small step stools and carefully explore the houses with available flashlights.  My boys were less enthusiastic, but the Museum seemed prepared for them.  They placed a tiny CMC logo in each house for a “hide and go seek” challenge, which was right up their alley and occupied them while their sister carefully examined each dollhouse.
    She carefully examined each and every dollhouse
    My boys had fun finding the CMC logo in each dollhouse
    • Arts & Parts is a bright art studio with different prepared art projects for children to create.  My kids created paper lanterns and played with playdoh.
    Playdoh creation

    The Museum also features a Sensory Friendly Room for children who get overwhelmed in loud and crowded spaces.   While only vending machines are available on site, the Café offers tables and a microwave for families packing lunch.  There are also party rooms.

    We visited right after New Year’s Day when most schools were still on holiday, and the Museum was packed.  But the only real issue we had with the crowds was in the Coat Room.  Despite the fact that this was the best Coat Room, which included shelves with baskets to help store cold weather accessories and lunches and also a window into the Wonder Lab below, it was a challenge to find a spare hanger when we arrived.  The exhibits themselves were buzzing with activity but all accessible to my children.

    The Museum is geared for visitors aged birth to eight.  My nine year old enjoyed the Museum with his siblings – particularly the Wonder Lab and Adventure City and also joined their pleas for “five more minutes” when it was time to leave.  But, he did get a bit bored in the Making Miniatures and Art & Parts exhibits and inquired whether it was time to move on.  If the youngest child in your group is over eight, this may not be your ideal activity or, perhaps, only a short visit.  I really love that adults are not admitted unless accompanied by children and that children are similarly not admitted unless accompanied by adults.

    The former Stager-Beckwith Mansion is a huge improvement over the prior setting for the Cleveland Children’s Museum and definitely worth the wait.  My kids had so much fun in this ideal place for kids to explore, imagine and create.

    The new home of the Cleveland Children’s Museum
    • Kid Facts:  Anson Stager, who is known for creating the most effective secret code used during the Civil War, originally built this home in 1866.  Stager sold the home a few years later to Thomas Sterling Beckwith, the founder of Cleveland’s first carpet and interior store.  In the 19th century, this portion of Euclid Avenue was known as Millionaire’s Row and home to powerful industrialists, including John D. Rockefeller.

    #2:  Great Lakes Science Center With Kids

    The Great Lakes Science Center opened next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 to support STEM learning.  Its North Coast Harbor location on the shore of Lake Erie is picturesque setting, and the wind turbine, which was installed in 2006, provides about 7% of the building’s electrical needs.

    Great Lakes Science Center

    We met friends visiting from out-of-town at the Science Center a few days after Christmas.  Between our two families, we had five boys and one girl ages three to eleven.  Even though it was mid-week, it was a very popular day due to the holiday.  We started in the hands-on exhibits in the main exhibition space upstairs.  This area was a bit of a zoo with the number of families running around, but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all.  This exhibit checked all the right boxes for my oldest, who is a kinesthetic learner.  He could have easily spent all day trying out absolutely everything.

    Throw-back photo from a previous visit
    She wanted to watch and try out everything

    One of the kids’ favorite activities was building a catenary arch with a few other visitors.  Each cushion needed to be arranged in number order and carefully held in place until the entire arch is completed.  Due to the height, the final cushion required adult assistance, but the rest of the arch was predominately constructed by kids, who were very excited about the free-standing finished product.

    Catenary Arch

    After about an hour of intense scientific discovery, we took a break to watch the Rocky Mountain Express in the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater.  The film depicts the construction of the first transcontinental railway of Canada.  The IMAX photography really makes viewers feel like they have been transported to Canada.  The film not only had beautiful cinematography, but we learned a lot about the building of the Canadian railway.  Naturally, we straight to All Aboard!  The History of Trains after the film.

    The NASA Glenn Visitor Center has been housed at the Great Lakes Science Center since 2010.  The highlight of this exhibit is the 1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module.  Visitors can try out a nearby replica capsule, which, even with the door removed, was so small that it screamed claustrophobia and made me wonder how the astronauts handle such confined spaces.

    At another exhibit in the Visitor Center, kids can operate a remote control rover using a controller and video screen.  The rover itself is located across the room, and this simulation gives kids the chance to experience the challenges of remotely operating similar rovers exploring Mars.

    Operating the Rover

    We finished our time at the Science Center in the Cleveland Creates Zone, which offers various activities for kids to invent, design, tinker and create.  The five boys were particularly fascinated by the rocket pod and tried several different designs.

    We did not make it to the Polymer Funhouse, an area geared for scientists aged seven and under because half of our crew was too old.  However, my daughter would have a blast there, especially on a less crowded day.  We also couldn’t take the self-guided walk of the William G. Mather, which is closed November through April, but hope to come back in the Spring to check it out.

    • Kid Facts:  It cost about $120,000 to move the Apollo Command Module from the NASA’s Brook Park facility to the Science Center in 2010.  The move required a year of planning but took only about 30 minutes to complete the 13-mile journey.

    #3:  Greater Cleveland Aquarium With Kids

    The Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened in its current location in the Flats’ FirstEnergy Powerhouse in 2012 and remains Ohio’s only free-standing aquarium.  When we arrived, the diver presentation was just beginning in the shark tank, so we decided to head straight there.  Watching Matthew, the diver, feed the aquatic life was the highlight of our visit.  A special microphone allowed Matthew to talk directly to the audience.  We learned that most shark bites are really caused by mistaken identity.  Sharks explore the world with their mouths, and surfers often look like fish from below.

    Diver in the Shark Tank

    The 230,000 gallon Shark SeaTube includes four species of shark, stingrays, angelfish, a giant barracuda and a whole host of other ocean creatures.  You can literally walk under the tank to get a whole new perspective.  If you want to take a peek into the shark tank in real-time, check out the shark cam.

    Shark SeaTube

    The Aquarium has more than 50 exhibits, 250 species and 1,450 animals from Lake Erie and all across the globe.  Some of our favorite animals included the turtles, lion fish and clown fish with the stunning anemone.

    Turtle hanging out

     

    Beautiful lion fish
    Clown fish (aka Nemo fish) are always a favorite for our kids.

    My son particularly enjoyed the Invertebrate Touch Pool where he got the chance to feel a starfish with the official “two-finger” technique.  The Aquarium is an amazing place to learn about aquatic animals and get a glimpse of life under the sea.

    • Kid Facts:  The Aquarium has someone on site 24/7 to check on the tanks and make sure all the animals are safe.

    #4:  Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland With Kids

    The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) is one of 20 modern art museums in the US.  MOCA opened its new facility in 2012, and a video on its website shows the construction process in under three minutes.  A Poet*hical Wager, opened in October 2017 to celebrate its fifth anniversary in University Square.  In conjunction with its opening, MOCA announced that it would no longer charge entrance fees for guests under 18, which is a great benefit for families.

    The main exhibition space on the fourth floor is a wide-open space that is very different from the typical gallery in traditional art museums with paintings and sculptures.  The current exhibit also did not have any barriers.  While the exhibition featured in this space changes several times a year, it is probably best suited for children over five.

    Many of the installations in the current exhibition, A Poet*hical Wager, challenge the viewer’s preconceived notions about art.  Several docents were on hand to explain the background for this exhibition, which was inspired by the book of the same name by Joan Retallack.  Most featured artists in this exhibit come from low-income backgrounds and third world countries.  Mexico City artist Abraham Cruzvilleges contributed a black and red acrylic painting to cover up newspaper clippings, photographs, letters, tickets, napkins and other items.  He also created an installation from various found objects in Cleveland that my daughter likened to a space ship.

    Another memorable installation was Rashid Johnson’s Shea Butter, which was a cinderblock wall with shea butter used in place of mortar and sometimes in place of the cinderblocks themselves.

    The third floor features an exhibit by British artist Phil Collins (not to be confused with the popular musician) that consists of listening booths that contain vinyl recordings for guests to play on actual record players.  Collins anonymously recorded conversations from a homeless shelter phone booth in Cologne that offered free domestic and international calls.  A group of musicians used the recordings to create the musical works contained on the records.  The novelty of the record player was pretty exciting for my seven year old who had never used one before.

    The enclosed Yellow Staircase, which includes a sound installation was a fun way to travel between floors of MOCA.

    Yellow Staircase

    My kids’ favorite part of our visit to MOCA was the Marjorie + Anselm Talalay Classroom on the third floor where kids could create their own art.  To go along with the theme of the main exhibition, the Obfuscation Station encouraged kids to layer colored tape on top of magazine clippings.  My kids had so much fun creating works inspired by the exhibition that I’m seriously considering investing in a colored tape dispenser.

    Obfuscation Station

    MOCA offers monthly Pre-K Play Dates on Saturday mornings.  These events are free for kids.  On the first Saturday of each month, MOCA offers free admission and family friendly workshops and activities courtesy of PNC Bank.  MOCA is a great resource for Cleveland families and encourages children to use their imaginations to create art in non-traditional ways.

    • Kid Facts:  This $27.2 million building was designed by Farshid Moussavi, a world-famous architect.

    #5:  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame With Kids

    When the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established in 1983, Cleveland lobbied hard to be chosen as the site of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and won the honors in 1986.  As a Cleveland native, I remember the excitement when Cleveland scored the Rock Hall and was lucky to tour it shortly after its 1995 opening.  The Rock Hall is definitely a reason why some tourists decide to visit Cleveland.

    The lobby area is impressively large and has a car suspended from the ceiling above the Café (which we also enjoyed).  This was probably the first suspended car I’ve ever seen.

    The Rock Hall features both permanent and special exhibits.  The Legends of Rock is a permanent exhibit that includes artifacts such as handwritten drafts, instruments and costumes.  The recently renovated Beatles’ exhibit is the world’s largest artifact-based collection of the famous English rock band.  The Rock Hall also has always featured a standing Elvis exhibit that features different artifacts.  My husband and son watched the exclusive 14-minute Elvis video.

    The costume exhibits are really fun. It’s always surprising to see first-hand how small many of the musicians are in real life.   I did feel really old when my younger son asked if Michael Jackson was a basketball player and realized that the King of Pop actually died before he was born.

    Michael Jackson’s jacket

    The boys even found costumes of musicians they recognized like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.  We are all still amazed that Lady Gaga actually wore this contraption.

    We particularly enjoyed Rolling Stone:  50 Years, which includes celebrities’ letters and interviews and a stunning wall display of the magazine’s iconic cover images.  This exhibit encompassed floors 4-6 of the museum, and now the boys have some familiarity with the popular culture magazine.

    We noticed more families with young children touring the Rock Hall than we expected.  While our kids are not familiar with most of the featured musicians, they enjoyed the multi-media exhibits.  My husband and I could have easily spent a few more hours perusing the exhibits, but our shorter highlight tour was a perfect introduction for our kids.

    • Kid Facts:  Cleveland’s Alan Freed was the disc jockey who originated the term “rock ‘n’ roll.”

    Find Out More About Cleveland With Kids

    There are so many kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland, an up and coming destination.  These five amazing museums are just the tip of the iceberg.  Spending time in Northeast Ohio, check out our favorite activities in Cleveland with kids.

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  • Visiting Yosemite With Kids

    Visiting Yosemite With Kids

    Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning granite cliffs popularized by Ansel Adams, its waterfalls, giant sequoia trees and mountains.  Yosemite is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains about four hours from San Francisco and easily one of the country’s most impressive national parks.  We traveled to Yosemite when our boys were two and four, and really loved Yosemite with a toddler and a preschooler. Our family loved visiting Yosemite with kids.

    A print of one of Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photographs hung in my dorm room as a college student, and Yosemite was high on my bucket list.  I first visited in 2002 during my cross-country road trip.  My college roommate and I made a long day excursion from San Francisco and were not able to spend nearly enough time at Yosemite.  Our focus was hiking the 600 step trail to Vernal Fall.  When we planned a family trip to San Francisco in 2012, I was so excited to get the opportunity to more fully explore Yosemite.

    Two Days at Yosemite National Park With Kids

     

    Accommodations Near Yosemite With Children

    We booked too nights at Tenaya Lodge, which is a cozy resort near Yosemite’s South Entrance and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the area.  Yosemite National Park is quite large, and the driving distances within the Park are unusually long, but the scenery is extraordinary.

    View of Tenaya Lodge
    Tenaya Lodge

    We had one and a half days to explore Yosemite and found more than enough to do with our two and four year old boys.  Here is our top five list:

    Things to Do in Yosemite With Kids

    #1:  El Capitan and Half Dome With Kids

    El Capitan, a granite monolith, and Half Dome, a granite dome, are the most recognizable symbols of Yosemite.  There are some phenomenal views of El Capitan and Half Dome on the drive to Yosemite Village from the South Entrance, and these formations are visible throughout the Park.  The Tunnel View viewpoint just passed the Wawona Tunnel provided the most exquisite panorama.

    View of El Capitan and Half Dome
    El Capitan is on the left, and Half Dome is on the right

    El Capitan is a 3,000 foot monolith that is a favorite of daring rock climbers.  We even spotted one scaling the rock face.

    View of El Capitan up close
    El Capitan

    Half Dome is a granite dome with sheer and rounded faces.  The 14-mile hike up Half Dome is also not family-friendly.  It is extremely strenuous and requires advance permits.

    View of Half Dome from Glacier Point
    Half Dome
    • Half Dome Facts:  When Apple released their OS X Yosemite in 2014, Half Dome was the default wallpaper.

     

    #2:  Visiting Yosemite Valley

    Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley created in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  The scenic 30 mile drive from the South Entrance to Yosemite Valley takes about an hour.  We were all glad to be able to stretch our legs once we finally arrived at the visitor’s center in Yosemite Village.  We parked our car and used the shuttles to explore the area.

    We enjoyed a short stroller-accessible hike to Bridalveil Fall.  Spring is peak season for waterfalls, which are created mostly as the snow melts.  During our October visit, many of the falls were dry.  The 620 foot Bridalveil Fall was really just a trickle, but still beautiful.

    View of Bridalveil Falls at Yosemite National Park
    Bridalveil Fall

    We also enjoyed an easy hike to Mirror Lake, which reflects Yosemite’s peaks when it is full in the Spring and early Summer.  Even without the full mirror effect, we enjoyed a wonderful view and some time to check out the ducks.

    Watching ducks at Mirror Lake

    While the hike with 600 steps to Vernal Fall was not in the cards on this trip, we loved that we were able to find several trails that were doable with two young boys.  Our two year old even did quite a bit of walking on his own.

    Hiking in Yosemite
    • Yosemite Valley Facts:   While most visitors to Yosemite spend their time in Yosemite Valley, it is actually only 1% of the area of the Park.

     

    #3:  Junior Ranger Program With Kids

    Like most National Parks, Yosemite offers a Junior Ranger program for young visitors.   Our boys earned their first Junior Ranger badges by attending a guided program that we joined at the Happy Isles Nature Center. Our boys were the only kids at this program and received much attention from the ranger and other attendees. The program culminated with the two of them taking the Junior Ranger pledge and earning their badges.

    Junior Ranger Pledge

    Yosemite’s Junior Ranger program has changed slightly in the last few years.  There is now a Little Cub program for children aged 3-6 and Junior Ranger program for children aged 7-13.  To participate, you now need to purchase a booklet at the Park.

    • Junior Ranger Program Facts:  The Junior Ranger motto is “Explore, Learn, and Protect!”  The Junior Ranger Pledge is, “As a Junior Ranger, I promise to teach others about what I learned today, explore other parks and historic sites, and help preserve and protect those places so future generations can enjoy them.”

     

    #4:  Sunset at Glacier Point 

    Glacier Point is a one hour drive from Yosemite Valley up Glacier Point Road but worth the trip for unmatched views of the Yosemite Valley.  Glacier Point provides an eye-level vantage point for Half Dome.  We traveled to Glacier Point for sunset over the Valley.  The overlook is just a short, stroller-accessible walk from the parking area, and we loved watching the colors change as the sun disappeared over the horizon.

    The drive back to the South Entrance after sunset also took about an hour.  After a day of adventuring, both boys fell asleep quickly in the car.  We were not able to stay but hear that it is a phenomenal location for stargazing.

    • Glacier Point Facts:  The historical Glacier Point Hotel operated here from its opening in 1918 until it was severally by heavy snowfall 1968.  It was unoccupied when it was destroyed by a fire in 1969.

     

    #5:  Visiting Mariposa Grove 

    Giant sequoia trees are located in Mariposa Grove near Yosemite’s South Entrance.   Massive does not begin to describe these trees, and it’s not hard to see why John Muir nicknamed them “big trees” and called them “nature’s forest masterpiece.”  Giant sequoias can reach over 300 feet tall and 25 feet in diameter.

    The Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree are the two most famous trees in Mariposa.  The hike to these two landmarks is two miles round trip and easily doable with young kids.  The Grizzly Giant is the 25th largest living giant sequoia tree.

    Grizzly Giant

    The California Tunnel Tree was cut in 1895 so that people and carriages could pass through – possibly as a marketing scheme to draw visitors to the area.  This tree is now the only living giant sequoia with a tunnel.

    Mariposa Grove has been closed since July 2015 due to a major restoration project that includes even more accessible trails.  If you visit after the Spring 2018 reopening, please let us know about the restored facilities.

    • Mariposa Grove Facts:  The giant sequoias (Sequioadendron gigantem) are the largest living things in terms of volume.

     

    Why We Loved Visiting Yosemite National Park With Young Kids

    Yosemite National Park is definitely one of my favorite National Parks.  With its scenic cliffs, waterfalls and sequoias, its no surprise that Yosemite was one of the country’s first national parks. We avoided crowds by visiting in Fall and lucked out with great weather.  I’m so glad that I got to share Yosemite with our young kids years after my first visit.  We recommend Yosemite for kids!  Thinking about planning a family trip to Northern California, check out our posts on San Francisco, Napa Valley and Monterey.

  • A San Francisco Family Vacation

    A San Francisco Family Vacation

    San Francisco deserves its regular designation as one of America’s beautiful cities. It is the cultural and financial center of Northern California and known for consistently it scenic bay, cool weather, regular fog and rolling hills.  Nearby Silicon Valley is a major technology and social media hub where the headquarters of Apple, Google and Facebook are located.   We really enjoyed our San Francisco family vacation and can’t wait to go back.

    Planning a Trip to San Francisco

    We booked our 2012 trip to San Francisco on a whim after seeing a friend’s post on Facebook about $100 round trip flights to California.  We wanted to take a Fall vacation with our boys who were aged two and four but had not chosen a destination.  It was as if San Francisco chose us with that airfare deal.  My husband had never been to California, and I immediately got excited about also traveling from San Francisco to Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park.  As I started checking out flight availability online, my husband called his good friend who was living there to finalize dates.  We had four seats booked at a total cost of about $500 within about an hour.

     

    San Francisco is a relatively walkable city, but the hills are steep.  With two young boys and plans to travel to Napa and Yosemite, we rented a car for our time in California and used it to get around everywhere.  We stayed with friends while in San Francisco over the course of two separate weekends and had a particularly laid back visit.  We did not go to any of the children-focused attractions like the San Francisco Cable Cars, the Children’s Creativity Museum or the Aquarium of the Bay, but our boys spent a glorious morning collecting leaves in our friends’ back yard and also visited several local playgrounds, including Mission Playground.

    Yard clean up

    We did hit a few of the city’s main attractions and particularly enjoyed these five fun family activities in San Francisco.

    #1: Golden Gate Bridge

    The Golden Gate Bridge is virtually synonymous with San Francisco.  This art deco icon spans across the San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Marin County and is a huge draw for the city.  It is an impressive 1.7 miles long, and the two towers are each 750 feet tall.  From its 1937 completion until 1964, the Golden Gate Bridge had the world’s largest span.  It is currently ranked 14th.

    However, due to the high percentage of overcast days, visitors cannot necessarily be guaranteed a clear view of the Bridge.  On our drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods, very little of the Bridge’s specially formulated international orange hue was actually visible.

    View while driving on the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog

    Luckily, the fog cleared by the time we returned later in the day, and were able to see Bridge’s picture-perfect contrast against the blue sky, which we enjoyed even more because of the foggy view earlier in the day.

    Clear skies!
    This “international orange” bridge appears red

    We happened to visit the weekend that the Blue Angels were in town.  Watching the planes buzz the tower was definitely the highlight of our trip.

    Blue Angels buzzing the Bridge

    #2:  Japanese Tea Gardens

    The Japanese Tea Gardens are the country’s oldest public Japanese gardens and located inside Golden Gate State Park.  Our boys loved exploring the manicured paths and ponds, which are all arranged in a Japanese style.  These gardens are designed to highlight the natural landscape.  It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature.  We were fortunate to meet several friends here and wander through the gardens together.

    Serene garden

    The miniature pagodas originate from Buddhist tradition.

    The Treasure Tower

    The boys especially enjoyed checking out the enormous carp swimming in the ponds.  These stunning gardens were really a perfect place for our family to visit.

    Checking out the carp
    • Kid Facts:  The Japanese Tea Gardens were originally built to feature during the 1894 World’s Fair.

    #3:  Muir Woods

    Muir Woods National Monument is a magical redwood forest featuring the Sequoia sempervirens, the Earth’s tallest living things.  It is located in Marin County about 45 minutes from San Francisco assuming no traffic but totally worth the trip.  A walk through these woods is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  These trees are around 250 feet tall and hundreds of years old.

    Majestic redwoods
    Enormous tree trunks

    The forest canopy is nothing short of breathtaking.

    Stunning canopy so high up

    Muir Woods is a pedestrian park.  We were able to easily push our toddler in a stroller on the walkways.  When we visited in early October, we did not experience massive crowds or parking hassles.  However, these are common in high season.  Starting in January 2018, advance booking for parking and shuttles is necessary.

    Enjoying our hike
    • Kid Facts:  Muir Woods is named to honor conservationist John Muir who is known as the “Father of the National Parks.”

    #4:  Alcatraz

    Alcatraz was the first military prison in the US and later served as a federal penitentiary that housed maximum-security A-list criminals.  Famous inmates of “the Rock” include Al Capone.  The prison was closed in 1963 because of the exorbitant costs involved with transporting guards and supplies to the prison.

    We viewed Alcatraz from the mainland, but tours are extremely popular.  The 15-minute ferry ride to the island offers stunning city views but can often be quite chilly.

    Alcatraz Island
    Checking out the infamous prison
    • Kid Facts:  Of the 36 prisoners who attempted to escape Alcatraz, 23 were caught and returned to the prison, six were shot and killed, two drowned, and five are “missing and presumed drowned.” No known successful prison escapes have been verified.

    #5:  Eating Out

    As with most large metropolitan areas, there are many great restaurants in San Francisco.  Because we were visiting friends, we enjoyed some great food both eating out and carrying in.

    • Humphrey Slocum may be our favorite ice cream shop ever.  Our friend who took us is an ice cream aficionado and even makes his own.  This gourmet shop offers unexpected ice cream combinations like Salt + Pepper, Red Bean and Dr. Pepper and Kumquat Poppyseed.  But, you are welcome to sample everything and likely to be blown away by taste of the unusual flavors.  We ordered the signature flavor Secret Breakfast, which is bourbon ice cream with corn flakes.  It was so delicious that we made a return trip to purchase a pint.
    • Pi Bar is a craft beer bar and pizzeria in the hip Mission District.  It’s brilliant name comes from π/pi, a homophone of pie, and it is open daily from 3:14-6:28 PM.  Pi Bar specializes in pizza by the slice with a πr2 deal including a slice of pizza and a beer of the day for $8.50.  We ordered a few carry out pies that we enjoyed with our Secret Breakfast ice cream.
    • Burma Superstar offers Burmese cuisine, which I had never tried before but is heavily influenced by neighboring India, China, Laos and Thailand.  We had an amazing meal here with friends and would definitely plan another meal here next time I’m in San Francisco even if there is almost always a wait to get in.
      • Kid Facts:  San Francisco has one of the country’s largest Burmese communities.

    We also visited Lombard Street but couldn’t quite capture the beauty of the famous zigzag street.   San Francisco is an amazing city for a family vacation.  Now I can’t wait to go back and to try some of the things we missed!  What’s your favorite attraction in San Francisco with kids?

    To find out more about our Northern California trip check out our posts on Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley and Monterey.

  • 15 Top Attractions in London for Families

    15 Top Attractions in London for Families

    London has so many of the world’s most recognizable tourist landmarks, and many of our favorites are world-famous sights that scream “photo op” while others require the better part of a day to fully explore.  Here are our 15 top attractions in London for families:

     

    Things to Do in London With Kids

     

    #1:  Big Ben and Houses of Parliament With Kids

    Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are probably London’s most recognizable landmarks.  Big Ben was the #1 must-see on our seven year old son’s list.  We took the Underground to the Westminster Station on our first day in the city so that his very first view of central London upon emerging from the Tube would be Big Ben.  It was definitely a surreal experience that left him completely in awe.  He asked to re-visit Big Ben on our final day in London, and it remains his favorite London landmark.

    We have always enjoyed hearing Big Ben’s chimes regularly during our visits to London.  Renovation work began on the clock tower in 2017, and the bells will be silent until the early 2020s except for special occasions like New Years Eve and Remembrance Sunday.

    The House of Commons and House of Lords meet at the Houses of Parliament, which is also known as the Palace of Westminster.  The current Gothic Revival structure was designed by Charles Barry after the prior building complex was destroyed by fire in 1834.

    View from across the River Thames
    The Elizabeth Tower
    • Big Ben Facts:  Big Ben is actually the name of the bell and not the clock tower itself.  “Big Ben” honors Benjamin Hall, who was the commissioner of works when the tower was completed. The clock tower was officially designated as the Elizabeth Tower to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.  However, I’m pretty sure that even the Queen will have trouble getting people to refer to the clock tower as anything other than Big Ben.

     

    #2:  Tower of London With Kids

    The Tower of London is a historic castle with an infamously bloody past.  If the Beefeater tour guides, inner battlements and White Tower are not enough of a draw, the Crown Jewels and Royal Armouries collection are housed here.  This may be our favorite place ever for hands on history.  Check out our Spotlight for a comprehensive overview of our day visiting the Tower.

    The White Tower
    Exploring the walls of the Tower of London
    • Tower of London Facts:  Two of King Henry VIII’s wives were executed on Tower Green.  Also, based on a superstition from over 500 years ago that the British empire would fall if ravens ever left the Tower of London, seven ravens are kept on site at all times.

    #3:  Tower Bridge With Kids

    The Tower Bridge was built in the late 19th century and specifically designed to be raised when necessary to allow ships to pass.  Most visitors aim to take photos of this iconic bridge, but make sure to check the lift schedule if you want to see the Bridge in action.

    Tower Bridge
    View of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London
    • Tower Bridge Facts:  Tower Bridge is such an iconic image of London that it is often confused with London Bridge, which is famous because of the song and not its image.  London Bridge has actually been replaced several times – the current London Bridge was completed in 1973.

     

    #4:  London Eye With Kids

    The London Eye opened in 2000 as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel to commemorate the millennium.   Passengers ride in one of 32 egg-shaped capsules that hold up to 25 people each, and the wheel turns so slowly that a single revolution takes about 30 minutes.  The London Eye offers riders an amazing view of the River Thames, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

    It has been known as the Coca-Cola London Eye since 2015 when Coke paid an undisclosed sum for naming rights.   My husband and I rode in the London Eye in 2005 but have not yet taken the kids due to long lines and so many other attractions.

    The London Eye
    Our ride on the London Eye
    • London Eye Facts:  While three taller Ferris wheels have now surpassed the London Eye, it remains the tallest in Europe and the world’s tallest cantilevered Ferris wheel.

     

    #5:  Trafalgar Square With Kids

    Trafalgar Square is a large public space with Nelson’s Column at its center.  Nelson’s Column was constructed in the mid-19th century to honor Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar.

    The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery flank Trafalgar Square, and there is a view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament down Whitehall Street.  Trafalgar Square used to be overrun with pigeons fed by tourists.  However, in recent years, feeding was banned, and birds of prey were used to further discourage pigeons.  Honestly, it’s much more pleasant to visit Trafalgar Square without the nuisance of pigeons.  Our kids particularly enjoyed the street performers (aka buskers) and had a grand time posing with each of the four metal lions at the base of Nelson’s column.  The nearest Underground Station is Charing Cross, which is what this area was called before Trafalgar Square.

    Nelson’s Column and Big Ben
    The base of Nelson’s Column is a great place to pose
    • Trafalgar Square Facts:  This area has been a landmark since the 13th century.  Original plans for redevelopment were designed by John Nash in the 19th century but redesigned by Charles Barry after Nash’s death in 1830.

     

    #6:  St. Paul’s Cathedral With Kids

    St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Christopher Wren and constructed at the turn of the 18th century.  The Cathedral has one of the world’s largest and most famous church domes that is modeled after the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.  The English Baroque Cathedral is open at certain times of the day for sightseeing only and others for worship.  We really enjoyed Evensong.  Check the online schedule if you would like to attend a service.  Note photography is not permitted inside the Cathedral.

    View of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Tate Modern
    • St. Paul’s Cathedral Facts:  Prince Charles married Princess Diana at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1981.

     

    #7:  Buckingham Palace With Kids

    Buckingham Palace is Queen Elizabeth II’s official London residence.  During our last visit, we watched the Changing of the Guard, which occurs at 11:00 a.m. in the spring and summer months according to this schedule.  The Palace Guards dressed in scarlet tunics and black fury hats perform a musical military ceremony as they parade from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace.  It’s necessary to arrive early to stake out a good spot to watch the 30-minute ceremony.

    Completely coincidentally, my sister and her family also scheduled a trip to the UK that overlapped ours.  We were able to meet them at the Changing of the Guard.  It was a pretty amazing experience for the six cousins to spend a day exploring London together.

    Buckingham Palace
    Changing of the Guard
    Cousins taking a stroll from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square
    • Buckingham Palace Facts:  If Queen Elizabeth II is at home in Buckingham Palace, the Royal Standard flag flies on the roof.

     

    #8:  Westminster Abbey With Kids

    Westminster Abbey has been the site of all of England’s royal coronations since William the Conqueror back in 1066.  It is also the setting for royal weddings and funerals.  The current Gothic structure was completed in the 16th century.  The Abbey is open for worship and tours.

    Photo credit:  PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

    • Westminster Abbey Facts:  Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral took place in Westminster Abbey, loosely based on plans prepared in case of the Queen Mother’s death.  Prince William and Catherine Middleton were married here in 2011.

     

    #9:  Piccadilly Circus With Kids

    Piccadilly Circus is a traffic junction that has featured illuminated advertisements since 1908 – just a few years after Times Square debuted electronic signage.  While Times Square definitely dwarfs Piccadilly, this is still my favorite street corner in London.  After a major renovation in 2017, Piccadilly Circus now features a single 4K LED digital screen.

    LED signs at Piccadilly Circus
    • Piccadilly Circus Facts: Circus means circle, and the name remained after the intersection lost its circular shape in the late 19th century when Shaftesbury Avenue was constructed.

     

    #10:  Marble Arch With Kids

    This triumphal arch was designed by John Nash as a state entrance to Buckingham Palace but moved to its current location on a large traffic island at the intersection of Oxford Street, Park Lane and Edgware Road in the 1960s.

    • Marble Arch Facts: When the Marble Arch served as Buckingham Castle’s main entrance, only senior members of the Royal Family and members of the Royal Horse Artillery and King’s Troop could pass through.  Now, it is open to everyone, and “commoners” regularly pass through.

     

    #11:  Covent Garden With Kids

    Covent Garden was the first planned square in London and was modeled on a Tuscan piazza.  The Central Market was originally a fruit and vegetable market but has now been redeveloped into shops, cafes, stalls and restaurants.

    Outside on the cobbled street, we saw a performance by contortionist Kenneth Greenaway who is popularly known as Yogi Laser.  We also watched part of Laser’s mesmerizing performance next to the River Thames earlier in the trip.

     

    #12:  10 Downing Street With Kids

    10 Downing Street is the Prime Minister’s official residence.  This Georgian townhouse is conveniently located right off of Whitehall Street on the walk from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament.  The main entry is right off the street, so even when just passing by, you often can catch comings and goings of both presumably important people and lucky visitors.  The actual entrance is cordoned off with a large iron gate.

    • 10 Downing Street Facts:  The front door has no keyhole and cannot be opened from the outside.

     

    #13:  Millennium Bridge With Kids

    The Millennium Bridge is a steel suspension bridge for pedestrian use to cross the River Thames.  The Bridge opened in 2000 to commemorate the millennium.

    • Millennium Bridge Facts:  The Millennium Bridge was closed on its opening day and remained closed for two years to make modifications to eliminate its unexpected sway.

     

    #14:  Portobello Road Market With Kids

    My husband, daughter and I met friends for a Saturday afternoon of window shopping at the Portobello Road Market while the boys spent the day with their grandparents.  There are five main sections selling second-hand goods, clothing, household goods, produce and antiques.  Saturday is the only day that all sections are open.  We passed hundreds of stalls and shops selling wares of all sorts on our relaxing afternoon.  Despite the crowds, we had no issues with our stroller, which is commonly called a pushchair in England.

    • Portobello Road Market Facts:  Much of the filming of the 1999 movie Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant took place on Portobello Road.

     

    #15:  Hamleys With Kids

    Hamleys is the world’s oldest and largest toy store in the world.  If my boys were ordering this list, Hamleys might be at the top.  They visited the Regent Street store with their grandparents, who gave them each a budget to find the perfect toy souvenir.  It took them a few hours to make their selections as they explored every square inch of store’s seven floors.

    • Hamleys Facts:  William Hamley opened a toy shop called “Noah’s Ark” in 1760.

     

    London Family Attractions

    London has so much to offer family travelers!  We loved our visits to the best attractions for families in London, England.  Make sure to check out our blog posts on London, including Our First Family Trip Abroad, Five Fun Family Museums, Five Fun Family Parks and London Itineraries (coming soon).

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  • Things to Do in York, England

    Things to Do in York, England

    York is an unparalleled medieval city and one of the few places from all of my travels that I have called home.  I studied medieval history and sociology at the University of York as an exchange student during my junior year of college.  It was during that time many moons ago that my wanderlust began.  I explored literally every nook and cranny of the city – visited every museum, bought produce at the Shambles Market, watched Hamlet in the Yorkshire Museum’s theater, peeked inside York Minster several times each week and tried out dozens of pubs.  I met life-long friends while playing cards in the common room of my residence hall and also used York as my home base while traveling around the UK on weekends and to eight other European countries during my six-week Spring break.

    York is an easy two-hour train journey on England’s Northern line from Kings’ Cross station, and I have been back four times since my semester abroad.  When we planned our last trip to London in 2015, I was ecstatic that we would be able to fit in two days and one night in York.  We booked tickets a few weeks in advance online through Grand Central Railway.  Our kids (aged 11 months, 5 and 7) thoroughly enjoyed the lovely train journey, and we fit all of our things for the quick trip into two backpacks that we tucked in our daughter’s stroller.

    Traveling by train with a table is one of the most comfortable ways to go
    Baby and luggage on board

    When orienting yourself in York, it is important to remember that streets are called gates, gates are called bars, and bars are called pubs.   Most streets end in “gate” like Fishergate, Castlegate, Fossgate and Petergate.  The four main entries into the city are called Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Mickelgate Bar.  And, as is common throughout the UK, the corner establishments that sell beer by the pint are called pubs.

    We stayed at the Novotel York Centre, a modern hotel just outside the city walls between the city center and the University of York.  The only downside to our trip was that it was unseasonably hot.  The Novotel was not air conditioned but luckily did offer us a fan.

    I particularly enjoyed taking the kids to visit the University of York, the guesthouse where I lived and my favorite pub, the Rose & Crown.  We stopped by on the evening we were there and found that kids were not permitted after 8 p.m.  We returned the next afternoon when the pub was practically empty and were directed to a back room.  My husband and I enjoyed some beer, but it was clear that our kids were not really welcome.  Those stops would probably not be trip highlights for families with no connection to the University.

    The architecture of the University of York, which was established in 1963, starkly contrasts that of the medieval city
    My boys playing in my old back garden
    My favorite pub from my university days

    The city offers so many great things for any family, but these are our favorite things to do in York, England.

    #1:  Relax in Museum Gardens With Kids

    Museum Gardens is a very special place – this is where my husband literally got down on one knee and asked me to marry him while surreptitiously filming with my digital camera years ago. These Gardens are known for the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey as much as they are known for the luscious green space.  When I was a university student, I walked through the gardens practically every time I went into York’s city center.  I was always in awe of the Abbey ruins, especially when they were illuminated at night.

    On our first trip to York with our children, the Museum Gardens were definitely at the top of our list.  Even though it was a quick overnight trip, we spent at least an hour relaxing in the Gardens each day.  We showed them right where their Dad proposed to me, but the exact spot was unfortunately under construction at the time.  And, the peacocks that used to roam in the Gardens have been removed since my last visit.

    It’s an amazing place to sit and think

    While climbing on medieval ruins is pretty cool, the highlight of our time in Museum Gardens was definitely the Birds of Prey Show.  Admittedly, the Birds of Prey Show more than made up for the missing peacocks.  A falconer brought six birds of prey to showcase during the free seasonal show that we happened to catch.  And, our five-year old son was chosen to hold a white barn owl, which is something he will never forget.

    The Gardens also contain the remains of the west corner of the Roman fort of Eboracum, including the Multangular Tower and parts of the Roman walls.

    The Multangular Tower with Roman stones on the lower portion

    The Yorkshire Museum is also located on the grounds and features archeology, geology, paleontology and natural history collections.

    • York Museum Gardens Facts for Kids:  If the medieval abbey ruins are not ancient enough, Museum Gardens also include the remains of a portion of a Roman fort, including the Multangular Tower and a portion of Roman wall.
    • Kid Moment:  The owl show seems to be a free seasonal attraction and was an absolute highlight of our trip to York.  Distinguishing the small Roman stones from the larger medieval ones on the Multangular Tower and adjoining wall is also a great activity.

    #2:  Evensong at York Minster With Kids

    York Minster is the largest cathedral in Northern England.  I’ve been to dozens of cathedrals, but York Minster is my hands-down favorite.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked through its doors, and every time, I feel an overwhelming sense of awe at its enormity and beauty.

    The Minster’s West Window – the Heart of York
    York Minster has a way of making me feel quite small

    Because our trip was so short, and we had a baby with us, we did not take the guided tour.  Also, children must be at least eight to climb the narrow staircase to the top of the tower, so we had to save that for another trip.  We chose instead to visit during Evensong with Songmen and Choral Scholars.

    • York Minster Facts for Kids: Construction began on the Minster in the thirteenth century after at least three churches previously at this site had been destroyed.  Its classic Gothic architecture was modeled after Canterbury Cathedral (the archbishop of York is second in England only to the archbishop of Canterbury).  Its stained-glass windows are some of the best remaining examples from medieval times.  There was a disastrous fire in 1984 that badly damaged the south transept.
    • Kid Moment:  Make sure to request a free Explorer Backpack and the Blue Peter roof bosses in the south transept.  In 1986, the popular television show Blue Peter held the York Minster Contest and asked children to submit boss designs for the Minster’s vaulted ceiling.  They are the only cathedral designs I have ever seen created by children.
    Roof bosses, including those designed by winners of the Blue Peter Contest

    Downton Abbey fans will notice that the York Minster makes several cameo appearances in the series, which is set in Yorkshire.

    #3:  Climb Clifford’s Tower With Kids

    Clifford’s Tower is a tower that sits on top of a small hill and is reminiscent of Monty Python movies.  It is the largest remaining portion of the castle originally built on this site by William the Conqueror.  There isn’t much to see inside the Tower, but it does offer the best view of York.  We arrived after it closed, but the kids enjoyed running up the hill to get a closer view.

    Clifford’s Tower

     

    We reached the top

    Below Clifford’s Tower is the York Castle Museum that allows visitors to step back into time and experience everyday life in earlier centuries.  While it is named in honor of the castle that used to sit on this site, it is housed in prison buildings constructed in the 18th century.

    The Castle Museum
    • Clifford’s Tower Facts for Kids:  Clifford’s Tower is the only remaining portion of York Castle.  In 1190, about 150 Jews died inside the previous timber tower that stood on this hill – most from mass suicide to avoid being murdered.  The current stone tower dates from the 13th century.
    • Kid Moment:  My kids particularly enjoy towers in general, but the added excitement of the hill and stairs made Clifford’s Tower especially fun.
    • Kid Caution:  Clifford’s Tower is definitely not stroller accessible.

    #4:  Walk on the York City Walls With Kids

    Since Roman times, cities were walled as a defense mechanism.  York’s city walls are more intact than any other city in England and recently ranked by CNN as the third best medieval walled city in the world.  There are some remains of the Roman brickwork, as well as Norman and medieval portions with modern renovations.

    Visitors can access the remaining portions of the city walls by climbing the stairs at each of the four Bars.  The entire circuit is 4.5 miles, and the best stretch is between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar.

    Walmgate Bar is the only city gate in England with a working barbican, a fortified outpost of gateway.  Unfortunately, the 12th century stone archway did not contemplate the size of modern vehicles, and there are regularly accidents.  This is how it looked in 2015, and how I generally remember it.  I think a truck tried to drive through days after it was re-opened when I lived there.

    Walmgate Bar, the city gate closest to the University of York
    • York City Walls Facts for Kids:  Very little of the Roman walls remain, but the current 13th-century walls were built right on top of the Roman ones.
    • Kid Moment:  We imagined what it would be like to be a castle guard scanning the horizon for enemy forces as we walked along the walls.
    • Kid Caution:  Like Clifford’s Tower, the city walls are definitely not stroller accessible.

    #5:  Stroll Down the Shambles With Kids

    The Shambles is a very old and narrow street with overhanging timber buildings lining each side.  The architecture is classic 15th century Tudor.  Its name comes from “shamel,” meaning either slaughterhouse or the stalls or benches used to display meat.  In 1862, there were 26 different butcher shops on this small, cobbled pedestrian street.  The first-floor shops that used to be occupied by butchers are now predominately used as souvenir shops and cafes.  There are so many charming and irresistible shops in York’s city center.  Many people believe that the Shambles was an inspiration for Harry Potter‘s Diagon Alley.  Find out more about the Shambles and its recent wizarding shops.

    We caught the Shambles at a quiet moment, but it is usually crowded with tourists
    • Shambles Facts for Kids:  One advantage of the cantilevered buildings is that it maximizes available space without obstructing the street.
    • Kid Moment:  With the narrow street and the overhanging buildings, it is fun to stand in the middle of the street and look up.

    York is a great destination for families to get a chance to experience a bit of medieval times (and not the dinner theater variety).  Our trip was so short that we didn’t have a chance to make a day trip from York, but we hope to next time for sure.  Planning a family trip to England?  Check out all our posts on England and London.

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  • Chicago With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Chicago With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Chicago is a city of iconic architecture, stunning lake views, renowned museums and recent renovation practically everywhere.  With its metropolitan atmosphere and dash of Midwestern charm, Chicago is not surprisingly one of our favorite cities.  It is a quick flight away from Cleveland, so we are lucky to visit the Windy City almost every year and have taken children aged two months to five years.  We are definitely planning a long overdue Chicago trip with all three kids in 2018.

    When traveling to Chicago by plane, there is easy access to downtown on the “El” (elevated) train from Midway on the Orange Line or O’Hare on the Blue Line.  We usually arrive at Midway during morning rush hour and always take the El downtown.  Once downtown, we walk almost everywhere or occasionally take an Uber.

    We have stayed in many hotels in Chicago, but here are a few of our centrally-located favorites:

    • The Ritz Carlton, Chicago – This is probably my favorite hotel in the US.  It is located in the Water Tower Place right next to the John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile and has indoor access to the mall.  The rooms are impeccable, and the lobby is an absolute delight.  The hotel completed a $100 million renovation in July 2017, and its delightful lobby has been completely transformed.  The fountain was replaced with a floor to ceiling art installation.
    • Palmer House – A Hilton Hotel – We have stayed at this historic hotel several times.  It is located in the center of the Loop and was also recently renovated.  The lobby magnificently maintains its original splendor with a stunning mural on the ceiling and seems right out of Downton Abbey.
    • Hyatt Regency Chicago – This is Chicago’s largest hotel with comfortable guest rooms located in two towers.  Also recently renovated, the lobby features BIG Bar’s stunning liquor tower.

    There are so many fun family activities in Chicago, but here are our top five.

    #1: Navy Pier

    With about 9 million visitors each year, Navy Pier is a major Chicago tourist attraction.  It’s a bit of a hike to get there from downtown, so we hopped on one of the seasonal free trolleys after dinner on our last night in Chicago.

    The Pier was constructed in 1916 as a commercial-shipping pier and redesigned as a tourist attraction in 1995.   The Ferris wheel is the obvious centerpiece of the Pier.  We enjoyed a night ride in 2013 on the pictured Ferris wheel that was retired in 2015.  The new bigger and better $26.5 million DW60 opened in May 2016.

    The carousel on the Pier was a big hit with our kids.  We were lucky that there was almost no line, and we able to ride many times in a row.

    Navy Pier offers fun for all ages, including a mall, the IMAX Theatre, the Chicago Children’s Museum, a house-maze, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and an 18-hole minigolf course in the summer.  You’ll also find the expected souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.

    #2:  River Cruise

    Chicago architecture was world-famous long before the Trump International Hotel and Tower became the fourth tallest building in the world upon its completion in 2009.  The city practically had a blank slate after the Great Chicago Fires of 1871.  Chicago’s architectural icons include the skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower (the world’s tallest building from 1974-1998 and formerly known as the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower (home of the Chicago Tribune), Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rookery Building, the art deco Merchandise Mart and the mixed-use Marina City with an exposed parking ramp that has been likened to Sagrada Familia.

    With many of the landmark buildings located along the river, several tour companies offer architectural river boat tours.  The most popular is offered through a partnership between the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.  We planned to take that tour with our three and five year old sons but waffled after learning that children are discouraged and also require a full price ticket.  We opted for the more family-friendly Mercury Skyline Cruiseline, which offers a narrated architectural tour and a bit of cruising on Lake Michigan.

    Trump Tower
    Marina City Towers
    City view from Lake Michigan

    #3:  The Field Museum of Natural History

    The Field Museum is one of the world’s largest natural history museums.  It opened in 1893 and was named to honor its first major benefactor, Marshall Field, the founder of the Chicago-based department store who donated $1 million to the Museum in 1894.  It is located on Museum Campus along Lake Michigan.

    The Field Museum boasts one of the world’s best dinosaur collections.  Sue, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, has been prominently displayed in the main hall of the Museum since 2000.  However, Sue will be moved upstairs in early 2018 when a cast of the world’s largest dinosaur, which was found in 2014, moves in.

    With two young boys who were excited about prehistoric creatures, we definitely did not miss the dinosaur exhibit.

    We also explored an Egyptian tomb in the three-story Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit.  This exhibit includes one of the world’s largest collections of human mummies.  This was our boys’ first exposure to Egypt, but they were fascinated and have since enjoyed Egyptian exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

    As members of the ASTC Passport Program, we also enjoyed free admission with our reciprocal membership to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

    #4:  Adler Planetarium

    Our kids love space as much as they love dinosaurs.  My older son wanted to be an astronaut through pre-school and had a great time visiting the Adler Planetarium.  The Adler Planetarium was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere and named for philanthropist Max Adler, who donated funds after visiting a planetarium in Munich.  The beautiful stone building houses many interactive exhibits and three theaters, including the most technologically enhanced planetarium theater and a high-definition 3D theater.

    Our boys enjoyed the interactive exhibits focusing on the planets, solar system and space exploration, and, of course, the planetarium show.  As members of the Association of Science-Technology Center’s (ASTC) Passport Program, we also received free admission with our reciprocal membership to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  However, we did have to pay extra to attend the theater show.

    At the tip of Museum Campus, the Adler Planetarium boasts one of the best views of the Chicago skyline. 

    #5:  Millennium Park 

    Millennium Park was designed in the late 1990s to honor the third millennium.  Construction costs ballooned from $150 million to $475 million, and the opening was delayed until 2004. Today, the park is a widely popular destination for both Chicago residents and tourists and attracts over 25 million people each year.

    The centerpiece of Millennium Park is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a bandshell used for outdoor music performances.  The Pavilion was designed by Frank Gehry using his characteristic curved stainless steel plates and features a sound system designed to replicate the sound experience of an indoor concert hall.

    Cloud Gate is a public sculpture located at the center of AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park and nicknamed “the Bean” because its shape.  The Bean is created with stainless steel plates that have been welded together and highly polished so that there are no visible seams.  Sir Anish Kapoor designed the sculpture to resemble liquid mercury and the sculpture’s curved surface creates a distorted reflection of the city’s skyline. Construction costs escalated way above the original estimate of $6 million and ultimately cost almost four times that amount.  The Bean was privately funded through donations and unveiled in 2006.  This is a highly interactive sculpture that visitors are encouraged to touch, and it is so popular that we have never been able to get a picture without also capturing dozens of other visitors.

    Baby meets the Bean
    Skyline reflection
    Visitors can walk underneath the Bean

    Chicago is an amazing city to visit that definitely offers something for everyone.