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  • WGWK’s Fun Family Beach Wrap Up

    WGWK’s Fun Family Beach Wrap Up

    Our series on Fun Family Beaches gave us the chance to live vicariously through our contributors and their idyllic beach destinations but also reminded us of some of our favorite beach visits.  Even if visits to any of those stunning Australian or South Pacific beaches have been only in our dreams, we have been fortunate to visit quite a few amazing beaches around the world and look forward to our next beach vacation.  Putting together our list of beaches reminds us that some beaches we visited pre-kids are not necessarily ideal family vacation destinations, and so we haven’t planned recent return trips.  While not all the beaches we’ve visited with kids are picturesque sand beaches, our boys have a lot of fun skipping rocks.

    Some of our favorite beaches, both close to home and far away:

     

    Alleppey Beach – Kerala, India

    After a day on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala, we stopped at a beach to dip our toes into the Arabian Sea.  Our driver did not understand my need to take the kids to this practically empty beach with no amenities, but I admittedly have a thing about dipping my toes in a new body of water and didn’t want to miss this chance for my kids to experience the Arabian Sea.  Years ago, I arrived in San Diego close to midnight and practically skipped down to the beach for my first touch of the Pacific Ocean.  The salt water even stained my pants in the process.  The boys are always up for a visit to a beach – new or old, and we were all glad we made the stop on the way back to our hotel. – CMD

     

    Boulders Beach – South Africa

    As part of our tour of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, we stopped at Boulders Beach, which is definitely one of my favorite beaches on earth. Definitely not your typical beach experience, Boulders Beach is an enclosed, protected penguin habitat. We enjoyed walking along the newly constructed enclosed boardwalk, which provided great views of the penguins and were in awe of just how amazing it was to see these beautiful birds in their “natural” habitat. – NKC

     

    Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida

    We recently spent an afternoon at Clearwater Beach during a long weekend escape from the cold Ohio winter.  Clearwater Beach, which received the Traveler’s Choice Award for the best beach in the US by Trip Advisor in  2016 and 2018, had beautiful powdery sand and gentle Gulf Coast waves.  After a delicious lunch at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, we rented two lounge chairs and an umbrella.  The water was a bit too chilly to fully enjoy during our February visit, but the kids had a blast in playing in the sand and kicking around a beach ball.   We grabbed milk shakes from Ice & Cream on our way back to our hotel. – CMD

     

    Conneaut Beach – Conneaut, Ohio

    We make a day trip to Conneaut, Ohio each summer with my parents.  We always eat a picnic lunch at White Turkey and grab ice cream at Heavenly Creamery, which is housed in a former church.  However, the highlight of Conneaut is spending the afternoon at the beach.  Honestly, the safety of the water quality in Lake Erie is something that concerns me, but the numbers looked good on the day of our visit last year, so the kids enjoyed some time in the water with their seven cousins and also found some sea glass. – CMD

     

    Geneva Beach – Geneva, Ohio

    One of our favorite weekend day trip destinations is the Grand River Valley wine country in nearby Northeast Ohio.  After lunch at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante, we often visit the beach at Geneva State Park.  While this can be much rockier than a typical sand beach, our boys have a great deal of fun skipping (or throwing) them into Lake Erie. – CMD

     

    Kaanapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii

    Once named America’s Best Beach, Kaanapali Beach in Maui offers three miles of pristine white sand and blue waters. Even with a large number of resorts lining the shore, we never felt crowded and some of our favorite memories are of kite flying at dusk. – NKC

     

    Naples Beach – Naples, Florida

    I spent a weekend in Naples with a friend years ago.  We stayed at her parent’s beach-front condo and split our days between the beach in front of their condo and the pool behind.  The Gulf water was warm during our March visit, and the white sand was particularly soft.  I’ve been dreaming about retiring to beach front property ever since this trip. – CMD

     

    Playa Bavaro – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    The first all-inclusive my husband and I visited together was Punta Cana’s Iberostar Bávaro, which has recently been renovated and rebranded as Iberostar Bávaro Suites.   The Iberostar Bávaro included the preferred club rooms of three affiliated resorts.  So, we had access to the facilities on the other two resorts, but guests of those resorts could not use the Bavaro’s facilities.  The Caribbean Sea water was a crystal clear blue, and the sand was pristine white.  I thoroughly enjoyed the week of rest and relaxation bouncing from the beach to the pool and read a record four books during the trip. – CMD

     

    Playa Nacascolo – Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

    Located just a few minutes away from the Andaz Papagayo Peninsula Resort, the Andaz Beach House located on Playa Nacascolo offers beautiful white sand beaches and stunningly clear, blue water. It’s truly the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two while watching your children splash safely in the mild waters. – NKC

     

    Puerto Morelos Beach – Riviera Maya, Mexico

    We so enjoyed our visit to Riviera Maya during my maternity leave with our second child that we repeated it when our third was born.  The all-inclusive Now Jade and Now Sapphire were ideal resorts for our family.  Between meals, we spent most of our days lounging at the pool or the beach.  The Caribbean Sea was warm, and the waves were calm.  The Now Sapphire had sailboats available for guests to use, and my husband took our oldest on an extremely memorable snorkeling trip.  These resorts also offered nighttime family entertainment and on-site local marketplaces so that it was not necessary to leave the resort to purchase handmade souvenirs. – CMD

     

    Reynisfjara Beach – Southwest Iceland

    Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most stunning beaches we have ever visited, even though it is not one where visitors spend the day lounging in the sun.  We didn’t actually see the sun when we were there during a typical June day, which was cold, wet, gray and windy.  Nevertheless, this a black sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, which featured the stunning Reynisdrangur sea stacks and phenomenal basalt sea cave, Halsanefshellir, was breathtakingly beautiful.

    It’s important to note that Reynisfjara was also the most dangerous beach we ever visited.   We took note of the cautionary signs regarding recent tourist deaths that occurred in 2016 and 2017 due to the dangerously unpredictable waves and strong undertow.  We thought we were keeping more than a safe distance from the water’s edge, but our nine-year-old tripped and fell running away from a sneaker wave that came inland much further than previous ones and was immediately covered by the water. My husband was able to safely pull him out before the wave retreated, but it was a very scary experience for all of us.  Luckily, the only casualty was the pair of shoes he was wearing that had to be discarded due to the overwhelming stench of sea water. – CMD

     

    Santa Monica State Beach, Santa Monica, California

    The Santa Monica Pier was my favorite spot in Los Angeles.  The Pier adds a great deal of excitement to the otherwise typical Pacific Ocean beach.  Pacific Park, the amusement park, features the world’s first and only solar paneled ferris wheel and eleven other rides, including a roller coaster.  I particularly loved how the bright colors of Pacific Park popped against the ocean and sky.  On our stroll down the pier, we passed musicians, artists, magicians, souvenir shops, carnival games and various food stalls.  My son was particularly intrigued by a magician doing tricks for a crowd and a painter who was painting the pier on a piece of slate.  As the sun began to set, we headed off the Pier and onto the beach.  It was a pretty amazing end of a quick trip to feel the sand between our toes while we stood at the water’s edge and listened to the waves ebb and flow.  We really savored those moments as we waded into the Pacific. – CMD

     

    Treasure Island Beach – Treasure Island, Florida

    During our recent visit to Treasure Island, we stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort, a new beach front property.  The sand is not quite as pristine as it is at the nearby Clearwater Beach, it was still great for sand play and also much better for collecting shells.  The Gulf Coast waters are relatively calm but were still pretty chilly in February.  We spent time on the beach each of our days in Florida but only rented an umbrella and chairs on the one day that we really dedicated to Treasure Island beach.  We definitely enjoy the quieter beach as our home base, especially with the amenities of a resort nearby. – CMD

     

    Vieques Beach – Vieques, Puerto Rico

    My husband and I honeymooned on Puerto Rico’s Vieques Island years ago.  Vieques’ Mosquito Bay is the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay and a remarkable nighttime experience.   We recently saw Mosquito Bay featured in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s recent special exhibit, Creatures of Light.  While we would love to take our kids to Mosquito Bay, we have not prioritized Vieques as a family travel destination because of the challenges associated with its remoteness.  We rented a Jeep so we would could travel on the unpaved roads that lead to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the Caribbean.  These beaches were certainly pristine and breathtaking, but ultimately, we decided that we prefer beaches with nearby services, particularly when traveling with kids. – CMD

     

    Villa Caletas Beach – Jaco, Costa Rica

    My husband and I traveled to Costa Rica pre-kids and spent a lovely few days at Hotel Villa Caletas, which is probably our favorite hotel ever.  Hotel Villa Caletas is a small resort, and we saw the most fantastic spider webs, macaws and other exotic birds during our stay.  The beach is extremely secluded and accessible by an hourly hotel shuttle or rented 4×4 vehicles.   While we were often the only guests at the beach, services were available.  I enjoyed relaxing on a sun bed while my husband explored the wildlife in the rock pools, including the crabs.  Even though the beach was rocky, our kids would absolutely love the animal sightings on this luxurious property.  Unfortunately, Hotel Villa Caletas does not offer rooms that accommodate families with three children. – CMD

     

    White Sand Beach – Paia, Hawaii

    One of our favorite ways to to travel is to rent a vacation home and stay for a few days. It’s a great option when traveling with kids as you generally have more space and can cook some meals at home, without always having to rely on restaurants or take out. One of the most unexpected surprises of our vacation rental in Maui was access to a private beach. My son’s favorite memories of Maui are of running from the ocean in his pajamas every morning.  – NKC

    Now, we really wish we were headed to a beach vacation.

  • Costa Rica With Kids (Part VII): Easter Sunday and Our Visit to Escuela Pacifica Garcia Fernandez

    Costa Rica With Kids (Part VII): Easter Sunday and Our Visit to Escuela Pacifica Garcia Fernandez

    For Spring Break 2018, my family of four traveled to Costa Rica and spent one full week at the Andaz Papagayo. To read about why we chose Costa Rica with kids and booking logistics, visit Costa Rica With Kids (Part I): Why Costa Rica and Booking Logistics. 

    As Catherine has posted before, attending Mass on vacation is one way in which we regularly immerse ourselves in the local culture when traveling. When traveling, I also jump at any opportunity to visit local schools or villages, such as our visit to the Ndebele homestead in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. During our recent visit to Costa Rica, I was thrilled to celebrate Easter at the local Catholic church and also to participate in a service project in conjunction with Crescendo Juntos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to education and training in the Guanacaste district.

    Easter Mass at San Antonio Padua

    One of our first orders of business upon arriving in Costa Rica was to check with the Concierge regarding the nearest Catholic church and times for Easter Mass. As I mentioned in my review of the Andaz, the Concierge was extremely helpful. Not only did they have this information readily available, but they gave us advance warning that it would be an open air service.

    On Easter Sunday, we got dressed and drove to San Antonio de Padua in Playa Hermosa. Located approximately 30 minutes from the hotel, it was an easy drive and we arrived with plenty of time. I was delighted to see that the church was truly “open” – no closed walls. Although we’ve attended Mass in many different cities and even countries, I’ve never attended what was intended to be an open air mass (my unintended open air mass was Easter 2017, when I ended up outside the Carmel Mission with an angry toddler).

    The service was conducted primarily in Spanish and the Priest and servers were extremely friendly and welcoming, although it was clear that very little, if any, English was spoken. My favorite thing about the Mass was that they chose Easter Sunday to be a baptism day for infants and young children. Typically, the 40 days spanning Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday are very somber and the only celebration is the welcoming of catechumens into the Church. I’ve never, in all my years, participated in an infant baptism on Easter Sunday, but I really appreciated welcoming these young babies into the Church. My children, having seen many infant baptisms, were also familiar with the service and I was glad for the opportunity to be part of the larger Church.  Pro-Tip: Although the service was supposed to start at 10AM, it did not actually start until 10:15AM as one of the families who were participating in the baptism arrived late. Nobody seemed flustered or concerned, except for those of us who were clearly foreigners used to a rigid Mass start time.

    Our Service Visit to Escuela Pacifica Garcia Fernandez

    Prior to our stay at the Andaz, I learned that guests were welcome to bring backpacks filled with school supplies to donate to a local school. I immediately jumped at the opportunity and reached out to the Concierge at the hotel to schedule our visit.

    The night before our scheduled visit, I received an email with directions to the school. The Concierge also delivered a printed copy to our room, complete with full color map, which was greatly appreciated. We were told that we would be met by an individual from Creciendo Juntos, who would help facilitate the visit.

    The morning of our visit, we loaded up the kids (and our filled backpacks!) and drove the 30 minutes to the school. The individual from Creciendo Juntos met us at the front of the school and, unfortunately, she did not speak much, if any, English. The first 5 minutes or so of the visit did not go well, I’ll admit. My preschooler had fallen asleep on the drive over to the school so he was rather cranky at having been woken up, and my older son was mostly just shy and feeling awkward and unsure of why we were there. And, the language barrier was really preventing us from communicating in any meaningful fashion.

    After a few harrowing minutes of trying to communicate, the volunteer took us straight to the English teacher’s classroom – hallelujah! The English teacher took over and introduced us to the group of fourth graders she had in her classroom and had us exchange introductions with the students. We played a rousing game of hot potato and then the teacher suggested that we take the kids outside for some soccer. The soccer game really broke the ice and my son had a great time. The kids played soccer for about 20 minutes and my son was quickly red-faced from the heat and humidity. While my oldest played soccer, the Creciendo Juntos coordinator took my youngest to the kindergarten classroom, where he enjoyed playing with the classroom toys. When the kindergarten kids came back, we moved to the playground, which my son also enjoyed.

    At some point, the bell rang and I realized that recess was over. Not wanting to further disrupt the kids from their school day, we signaled that it was time to leave. The English teacher brought us back to the classroom where my kids had the opportunity to present their filled backpacks to two children who had been selected by the teachers to receive the backpacks. Check out this PDF on the Creciendo Juntos Volunteer Program for more information.

    We really enjoyed our visit with the school and my older son said, on a number of occasions, that he had a great time playing soccer with the kids. I wish we had been given more information prior to our visit. I learned, after the fact, that we could have prepared a short lesson or project to do with the kids. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have loved to have done a little presentation on Washington, DC and come prepared with photos or mementos to share with the children. It was awkward to just show up with our backpacks, but we really had no idea what to expect. Overall, the experience was a positive one and I am glad we did it. The Creciendo Juntos coordinator was extremely friendly, despite our language issues, and the school children and faculty were all welcoming and open to our visit.

    For the final installation of our trip to Costa Rica, check out Costa Rica With Kids (Part VIII): Diamante Eco Adventure Park…

  • Costa Rica With Kids (Part VI): Rincón de la Vieja National Park with Kids

    Costa Rica With Kids (Part VI): Rincón de la Vieja National Park with Kids

    For Spring Break 2018, my family of four traveled to Costa Rica and spent one full week at the Andaz Papagayo. To read about why we chose Costa Rica with kids and booking logistics, visit Costa Rica With Kids (Part I): Why Costa Rica and Booking Logistics. 

    Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano located just 15 miles from Liberia. As one of six active volcanoes in Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja last erupted in 2017 and forms the highest point in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a large conservation area.  The Park also has a number of fumaroles and hot springs, which we gladly explored on our day trip to the Park.

    Getting to Rincón de la Vieja National Park:

    The Park has two entrances, one at Santa Maria and one in Las Pailas. We drove our rental car from the Andaz Papagayo to the Las Pailas park entrance, which we knew in advance would take about 90 minutes. Although we had purchased the GPS map of Costa Rica for our Garmin, the map kept directing us through windy back roads in Liberia. At one point, we were clearly in a residential area, and the road transitioned from paved-but-in-rough-shape to dirt. I quickly decided at that point that we should turn around and head back to the main intersection in Liberia. Luckily for me, I had just enough cell reception to google “getting to rincon de la vieja,” and I was able to find this website, which provided us with the following set of instructions:

    To Las Pailas sector: Coming from Liberia International Airport, drive to Liberia city (turn left out onto the main road from the airport). At the main intersection into Liberia (Santa Rosa plaza on your right, Burger King on your left, McDonalds in front of you), turn left. Drive about 3.5 kilometers and you will see many signs for “Rincon de la Vieja National Park Las Pailas sector.” Turn right into the entrance after the Ebais clinic on your left and continue on this road for about 20 kilometers to the national park entrance and the trail heads.

    There is a parking lot where the administration office is, which is where you’ll buy the entrance tickets.

    The website is dated March 2016, but I can tell you that the Ebais clinic no longer exists and there are not “many signs…” There may have been one sign directing us to the Park, but it certainly was not at the intersection where we were supposed to turn right. Pro Tip: I wish I had looked up the GPS coordinates as others report having more success using that method than simply entering the destination. The approximate GPS map coordinates of Rincón Las Pailas are latitude 10.773, longitude -85.3499.

    Prior to entering the Park itself, we encountered a private road with an individual collecting toll to access. I was instantly thankful that my husband stopped at an ATM while we were trying to find proper instructions in Liberia because there is no way we would have been able to pay the private access toll to the gentlemen collecting the fee. Not only did he not speak English, but he also seemed a bit peeved that all we had were large bills (thanks to the ATM). The toll fee was 700 CR or approximately $1.25 USD per person. Note: he did not charge an access fee for the kids.

    Private road toll collector.
    I paid this 700 colon entrance fee with a 20 MILLION colon bill. I’m pretty sure the guy wasn’t happy with me.

    Once we were granted access on the private road, we continued the main road up to Park. Along the way, we passed a number of hotels and adventure outfitters, as well as quite a few podiums, which I quickly learned were for skydiving. We also passed a few groups of people clearly on a horseback riding tour.

    What to do at Rincón de la Vieja National Park?

    When we arrived at the Park, I was surprised to see this completely modern and beautiful building surrounded by a dirt parking lot with rather haphazardly parked vehicles everywhere. As we entered the building, I was pleased to learn that we could pay the fee via credit card in USD (which is what I did).

    Be sure to bring your passport!

    After paying the fee, I showed our tickets to a woman sitting at the desk, who wrote down our ticket numbers and time of entry. We also had to show these tickets when we left, which leads me to believe that this is how they track visitors to make sure they leave the Park.

    Once inside, we used the modern facilities (which we sincerely appreciated) and my youngest took the opportunity to gawk at the snakes displayed in jars of formaldehyde.

    There were fountains for filling water bottles and also hoses for rinsing off feet.

    My husband and I took a quick inventory of the hikes available. There are a number of hiking trails in the Park, and there are quite a few that are accessible from the Las Pailas, which is why we chose Las Pailas. One of the hikes is an 8 km hike to the summit of the volcano, which was closed due to recent volcano activity.

    Without any idea of what the hike to the La Canegra waterfall would be like, we decided that while 4.3 km (or 2.67 miles) might be a tad ambitious with our 3.5 year old, we should still give it a try and see how far we could get. Spoiler alert: we didn’t get very far.

    The deceptively mild beginning of the waterfall hike…

    The hike starts off easy enough with a wide open grassy path. Along the way, we passed the closed trail to the crater. Unfortunately, the path quickly turned hazardous and became not only rocky, but extremely steep and filled with branches. We were probably just 1/2 a mile in before I realized there was no way we were going to get down from the hike with our 3.5 year old intact, so we turned around.

    This was probably the fourth or fifth climb of its kind … and the point at which I decided we needed to turn back.

    Back at our original starting point, we decided to go on the third available hike: a 3 km (or 1.86 mile) loop around boiling mud pots. Having visited Yellowstone, my husband and I weren’t all too impressed by the boiling mud pots, but it was a first time experience for our kids and our 8 year old particularly loved seeing all the different fumaroles and volcanitos. Much of the path is paved and there are no steep climbs, so this was an easy walk for our family of four. Some portions of the path are shaded, which we appreciated, because it was very hot being out in the direct sunlight, especially whilst surrounded by active volcanoes.

    Final Thoughts and Tips:

    Our experience at the Park itself was slightly underwhelming, but I blame that largely on the fact that we could not hike to the waterfall or visit any of the hot springs due to having a 3.5 year old in our party. It was a nice way to spend the day, however, and my kids loved seeing the volcanic activity up close. Personally, I was thankful we had rented a car and were driving ourselves to Rincón instead of participating in one of the many shared tours offered through the hotel. The hotel’s prices for a trip to Rincon would have cost us $288 total ($98/adult and $46/child ages 3-10). While the tour includes roundtrip transportation, lunch, admission fee, and a bilingual guide, we would not have been able to do the hiking portion of the tour or would have had to split up because there’s no way my 3.5 year old could have lasted the entire hike. In fact, while on our less than 2 mile loop around the hot pots, we saw numerous family groups that were clearly on some kind of private tour similar to the tour offered through the hotel. Long story short, I was thrilled that our day trip to Rincón set us back only $37.50 out of pocket ($2.50 in private toll access and $35 for two adults and one child to enter the Park as children under 6 are free) and would recommend anyone traveling to Rincón consider renting a car and making the trip yourself as it is perfectly safe and manageable.

    If you’re traveling to Rincon de la Vieja with kids, be sure to:

    • pack plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent,
    • wear breathable clothing as it can be very hot (it was in the high 90s when we visited and we were all boiling by the end of our walk around the fumaroles),
    • bring your passport as it is required to purchase your admission ticket to the National Park,
    • use the facilities located at the entrance as there are no facilities later on, and
    • be prepared for anything. As we finished our walk around the fumaroles, we saw that the trail to La Canegra was closed without warning or explanation. It would be a huge disappointment to head up there hoping to climb La Canegra only to find the path closed.

    For more on our trip to Costa Rica, read about our Easter Sunday open air mass and our service visit to Escuela Pacifica, and our day trip to Diamante Eco Adventure Park. 

     

  • Best Beaches in Central America and South America With Kids

    Best Beaches in Central America and South America With Kids

    With so many miles of coastline, there are so many breathtaking Central America beaches and South America beaches to visit with kids.  As an added bonus, they are pretty accessible for US travelers.  We have traveled to Costa Rica but desperately need to explore the region more.  Here are some of our fellow family travel bloggers’ recommendations for best beaches in Central America and South America with kids.

    Best Beaches in Central America With Kids

    #1:  Ambergris Caye, Belize 

    Ambergris Caye is lined with white fine sand beaches. Now slowly being developed, there are some small hotels and residences, rather than a row of large, high-rise hotels and condominiums.  The beaches are less crowded and most times, we found only a couple of people relaxing in the shade of the coconut trees.  The water is aqua green and filled with sea life. Protected by the world’s second-largest reef, the calm, warm waters are great for kids to wade in and snorkel right off the shoreline.  Local vendors sell local hand-made goods, and the general pace of life is very laid back.

    Visitors are able to snorkel among nurse sharks, eels, rays, and a variety of tropical fish while appreciating the structures and sights of the coral. Searious Adventures offers packages from half day snorkeling to full day excursions both at sea and on the mainland.  A single road that is not well maintained connects the Caye. Visitors can travel around by golf cart, water taxi, or hotel boats. The town of San Pedro, while a bit grimy (but safe), has some solid restaurants and shops, including handmade chocolates and soaps.

    Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.

     

    #2:  Mal Pais Beach – Costa Rica

    When it comes to traveling with our young family, the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica have been one of our favorite spots. We loved our adventure in Mal Pais, Costa Rica, which is known as a surf destination on the Costa Rican Pacific coast. The beaches are expansive and great for little ones to wander and play in the sand. Although perhaps not known as a “family destination,” Mal Pais and neighboring Santa Teresa were so welcoming to our little family!  This area boasts lot of fun outdoor adventure and has seriously some of the best restaurants I have ever been to!

    Of course, as a surf destination, the water is rough, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with kids. We traveled with a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old, so they weren’t doing much ocean swimming. We rented a Villa with a pool to get our water fix. If you have older kids, surfing is a blast! Definitely check out some beginning lessons, which are fun for the whole family.

    Recommended by Kate from Tear Free Travel.  Find out more from Kate about Mal Pais.

     

    #3:  Playa El Coco – San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

    San Juan Del Sur is the most popular beach destination in Nicaragua. It’s a short drive from the Costa Rica border, and conveniently connected to Ometepe Island and Granada. The tourist numbers mean that it is well suited to families, with many cafes and restaurants that line the beachfront.  It’s a very wide beach, so there is plenty of space for the kids to run around.  There is also a range of affordable accommodation options.  Famous for its sunsets, make sure to dine on the beach at least once during your stay.

    The best family beach for a day out is a short drive from San Juan Del Sur – Playa El Coco. This beautiful and secluded beach is situated in a U-shape, which means that the waves are much calmer than other nearby beaches. Being a little away from San Juan Del Sur, the beach is not crowded and the wide sand area makes it a perfect family day out, where visitors can enjoy activities such as horse rides, soccer, and beach volleyball.

    Recommended by Riki Cribb from Kiwis in Barefeet.

     

    #4:  Playa Samara – Costa Rica

    Playa Samara is an idyllic, off the beaten path little beach town on the Western side of Costa Rica.  It is sheltered by a bay and a large coral reef. Situated where the Pacific Ocean water deepens very gradually, the waves are small and friendly for the littlest swimmers.  The sand at Playa Samara is soft and not rocky at all. There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants on and near the beach for convenient access for naps and other mid day breaks (and for a beachy cocktail every now and again for mom or dad!).  For visitors who want to get out and about, there are a number of tour companies in Playa Samara that can easily arrange family tours. There are suitable tours for all ages, ranging from adventurous to tame. The town itself is small and there really are no big resorts, so it has a very laid back feel to it.  Its small size also makes it easy to get around with  kids.

    Recommended by Shanna from There and Back Again Travel.

     

    #5:  South Water Caye – Belize

    There are few places in the world where visitors can feel like they have a pristine beach all to themselves.  Those who visit South Water Caye in Belize, a teeny island in the Caribbean Sea dotted with palm trees and soft white sand that a five-year old can circumnavigate in about 20 minutes, will feel like they are the only human beings in the world.  The water is clear and shallow near the beach, and it’s easy to sit back and relax and let the kids splash in the cool water and look for crabs in the sand.  Those who tire of being in the water can kayak around the island and spot rays and fish.  My kids loved the beach at South Water Caye, and it’s high on their list of places they want to revisit one day.

     Recommended by Terumi Pong from An Emerald City Life.  Find out more from Terumi about South Water Caye With Kids.

     

    Best Beaches in South America With Kdis

    #1:  Bendita Beach – Cartagena, Colombia

    On our last visit to Colombia, we went to Cartagena. Located on the Caribbean coast and hot year-round, the beaches there aren’t the prettiest. But, the Rosario Islands are just a short boat trip away and they boast  pristine, warm, and calm water beaches.

    We visited Bendita Beach, which is a bit far from the others and still in need of development – but that meant that it was just as it should be: clean, clear, and perfect!   It’s a perfect beach for families with kids!  There are almost no waves and super calm clear blue waters, filled with little fishes. For newbies at snorkeling, it was just great!  When we were there, we were the only ones on the whole island: a paradise!

    Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries.

     

    #2:  Ilha Grande – Brazil

    Ilha Grande in the South of Brazil was a pleasant surprise for us. From the very beginning we fell in love with the island.  There are no cars on the island, and boats are the main method of transportation.  The many Atlantic Ocean beaches are beautiful and sandy with crystal clear warm water and very friendly people.  The lush jungle has butterflies and birds flying around.

    Unlike some places in Brazil, Ilha Grande is a safe place. Its very clean beaches are great for children as it is covered in soft sand and surrounded by calm warm water.  It’s almost like swimming in a pool.  There are small fish swimming around, and no dangerous animals. We enjoyed several walking trails on Ilha Grande, both through the jungle and along the beaches.  There are several hikes that are short and easy for children, who will enjoy watching small cute monkeys and squirrels in the forest. The island doesn’t have a party vibe, but there are many restaurants and cafes that serve local and European food.

    Recommended by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads.  Find out more from Campbell and Alya about Ilha Grande.

     

    Visiting Fun Family Beaches With Kids

    We’d love to visit these best beaches in South America and Central America with our kids. Ready to hit the beach right now?  Check out our Fun Family Beaches in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

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  • Best Beaches in Australia With Kids

    Best Beaches in Australia With Kids

    Australian beaches are ideal to visit with kids.  There are thousands of beautiful beaches in the Australian continent, which borders the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean.  We can’t believe we have yet to visit one of these stunning beaches and can’t wait for our first trip there.  We asked some of our fellow family travel bloggers to nominate the best beaches in Australia with kids and came up with this amazing list.  (Note that while we realize that New Zealand may not technically be part of the Australian continent, it fit here best.)

    Best Australian Beaches With Kids

     

    #1:  Barwon Heads Beach – Victoria, Australia

    Barwon Heads has always been a very popular place for beach goers in Melbourne. It’s about a 90 minute drive and is located just before the start of the world famous Great Ocean Road. One of the reasons I love it is because the Barwon River connects with ocean and has created a beautiful, safe beach that is perfect to take the kids.

    Beaches off the coast of Victoria can get a bit wild and are often rough.   The water is generally freezing until February, but the Barwon River beach is protected and thus, does not have waves and is really shallow. When the tide is low visitors can almost walk to the other side of the river.

    The local council has done a great job of making this area is all about kids. They have put in an amazing kids’ playground, public bathrooms and a number of barbecues that visitors can use. We spent Easter Sunday down at the Barwon Heads River beach, and the kids played and we put the kayaks in and did a bit of fishing. As per usual, that one nibble got away!

    Recommended by Sally Lucas of Our 3 Kids v the World.  Find out more from Sally about Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

     

    #2:  Emily Bay Beach, Norfolk Island

    When it comes to beaches, Norfolk Island boasts one of the most beautiful in the world. The Island’s Emily Bay features a protected lagoon with a double reef, making it perfect for a family beach adventure. It is safe, gloriously warm in summer and has the squishiest, golden sand to walk upon.

    The reef itself is home to a wonderful array of fish and corals. Lucky visitors may even spot a resident sea turtle on a snorkel excursion or a trip out on the glass bottom boat. Throughout the year, this sheltered reef lagoon offers incredible visibility, warm water and an opportunity to enjoy a glorious natural spot with the kids.

    Free from nasty stingers, and with such spectacular water to swim in, it is no wonder Emily Bay was named one of Australia’s top ten beaches!

    Recommended by Leah Smileski from The Kid Bucket List.

     

    #3:  Fatumafuti Beach – American Samoa

    American Samoa is full of picturesque beaches, some more well-suited for kids than others; Fatumafuti is one of those ideal kid beaches. The beach has soft sand and scurrying hermit crabs, perfect for building sand-castles and crab villages. There are two small islands and a barrier reef, just off the coast, that are teeming with colorful, tropical sea-life. With shallower areas, ready for budding swimmers, and deeper holes adjacent to large boulders, just right for jumping from, there’s something for everyone. Fatumafuti is just off the main road and one of the few beaches on the island that you don’t need to ask permission to use. Also, there are never crowds, so you’re sure to enjoy your day, with plenty of room to stretch out. Just jump out of the car, grab your buckets and snorkels and discover a piece of the South Pacific that most people have only dreamed of.

    Recommended by Melinda Clayville from Traveling Outside-the-Box.

     

    #4:  Green’s Pool, William Bay National Park, Denmark Western Australia 

    Un-touristed and with naturally clear waters, the entire Southern Coast of Western Australia is a traveller’s dream.  For those with kids, there are literally miles of unspoiled pure white sand beaches to explore and really connect with nature.  The naturally protected swimming area at Green’s Pool, in the William Bay National Park ticks all the boxes and makes it a top contender for one of the World’s Best Beaches.   The turquoise waters are naturally clear year round, the beach is protected with no waves, making it easy for small children to paddle and swim, and the sand powdery white sand is completely clean of debris. Perfect for endless sandcastle building! Nearby the stunning Green’s Pool are other coves for beachcombing and exploring, including a mammoth rock formation, which closely resembles a herd of elephants dipping their toes in the ocean.  We’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending more than a whole day at this extremely kid friendly, yet stunning beach.

    Recommended by Ariana of World from Travels With Kids.  Find out more from Ariana about the Southern Coast of Western Australia.

     

    #5:  Little Beach – Two Peoples Bay, Western Australia

    Little Beach is one of the most stunning hidden gems along the southern Western Australia coast, about 30 minutes drive east of Albany.  It’s remoteness is where it’s beauty lies.  So far from a capital city or major airport, only the most ardent of travellers make it this far along the coast, but they are rewarded with some of the most pristine white sand in the world.

    Sitting in a small bay, the waves from the Southern Ocean are gentle, but big enough for jumping and in warmer weather, swimming (no life guard).  Conditions are perfect for sandcastle building or taking kids off exploring in the rock pools nearby – just be careful, the cliffs to the ocean below are sheer! It’s BYO food and supplies, and it’s in a state park, so remember to take everything away.  Other than the peak of summer, visitors can pretty much secure this little slice of paradise all for themselves. 

    Recommended by Keri from Our Globetrotters.  Find out more from Keri about Albany Beaches. (ask about preview picture)

     

    #6:  Mount Maunganui Beach – Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

    Nestled in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island, Mount Maunganui beach is my all time favourite beach with kids. The town of Mount Maunganui stretches along a peninsula, Tauranga Harbour on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. At the tip and overlooking the harbour entrance is Mauao (The Mount), a 262 meter high lush green mountain, an iconic landmark.

    On the ocean side is a long white sand beach starting under The Mount that stretches as far as the eye can see. A strip of cafes serving delicious food, great coffee, smoothies and ice creams are across the road from “Main Beach”. There is also a boardwalk, which leads in one direction to the fantastic Mount Drury playground and in the other to the stroller friendly walk around the base of The Mount.

    Confident kids can body surf and boogie board on Main Beach.  Lifeguards are on duty here. Toddlers can safely paddle in the shallows or head further down the beach where Moturiki (Leisure) Island shelters the beach and tames the waves.

    To avoid waves, walk a few hundred meters across to Pilot Bay. The calm waters of the harbour are perfect for babies to splash and play while the rest of the family can try paddle boarding, kayaking, wind surfing or optimist sailing.

    For visitors who aren’t lucky enough to visit in the warmer months between November and March, head to the Mount Hot Pools, where natural thermal energy heats the salt water in these stylish outdoor pools, keeping them the perfect temperature year round.

    Recommended by Kaylie Lewell from Happiness Travels Here.

     

    #7:  Noosa Main Beach – Australia

    The Noosa Main Beach is one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast and absolutely perfect for kids.  Located along the famous shopping strip of Hastings Street and just outside the entrance to the Noosa National Park, Noosa Main Beach offers soft gentle waves perfect for swimming, boogie boarding as well as a great place to learn to surf.  Being just off Hastings Street there are various places to grab something to eat and drink for the kids as well as plenty of places to hire beach equipment like boogie boards and stand up paddleboards.

    In addition to the popular Noosa Main Beach, there are so many other great beaches to explore in the area.  There are numerous beaches in the Noosa National Park such as Tea Tree Bay, Winch Cove, Granite Bay and Little Cove.  The calm crystal-clear waters of the Noosa River are also the perfect place for little ones and an ideal location for getting out and exploring in a kayak.

    Recommended by Melissa of Thrifty Family Travels.  Find out more from Melissa about Noosa.

     

    #8:  Tamarama Beach, Sydney, Australia

    Next to crowded Bondi Beach is Tamarama Beach,  conveniently close while giving the feel of being more quaint and less frequented. We found it to be kid approved with its soft pristine sand that made it easy to move around and play in.  Our kids spent hours building sand castles and taking turns burying each other.  Nearby shallow tide pools made for a convenient way for the kids to get in and out of the water without getting overwhelmed by crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Bathrooms were nearby, which is always a plus when traveling with little ones. The stunning cliff views with charming homes above made it all the more memorable.  As parents, we spent our time playing with the kids and also relaxing while they enjoyed the safe environment.  Definitely a great beach spot for a family getaway.

    Recommended by Anabel Newell from Amor for Travel.

     

    #9:  Torakina Beach – Brunswick Heads, New South Wales, Australia

    The quirky riverside town of Brunswick Heads has been a family favourite for 50 years, but never more so than today. There are so many things to do here with kids, but top of the list is a visit to the safe swimming spot of Torakina Beach.  Torakina Beach is a delightful family beach near the entrance to the river’s mouth.  Protected by giant boulder groins, the cute beach has gentle waves and is the ideal place for beginner swimmers and those who are not so fond of open water.

    The water is crystal clear, as good as any tropical island, except after big storms when the river takes the deluge and debris out to sea. Visitors can see tiny fish swimming around their toes, pelicans above, and the odd dolphin that drops by to say hi.  Visitors can access Torakina by crossing the car bridge and walking through the parklands on the left. There’s a designated car park, but it fills up quickly, so go early.  There’s plenty of shade up along the dunes, or bring your own beach umbrella to set up camp.  Make sure to bring buckets and spades, boogie boards and a picnic to stay all day.

    Recommended by Amber Greene from Roam the Gnome.  Find out more from Amber about things to do in Brunswick Heads.

     

    #10:  Whale Beach – Sydney, Australia

    Visitors looking for a kid friendly beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches can’t go past Whale Beach. More secluded than the main beaches such as Avalon or Palm Beach, Whale Beach on the Southern Ocean is a kids’ delight. There is a small park and BBQ facilities for families, but the rock platform and rock pools are where the best fun lies. The rock pool at the south end is relatively shallow and small, and on either side, there are natural rock pools. The ones before the pool are perfect for babies and toddlers to wade and play in. On the other side, at the base of the rock platform, is a larger rock pool that gets quite full at high tide.  Bigger kids can play for hours as the waves rush in and out.

    The rock platform at the northern end is also a great place to visit. It is accessible either along the beach or down a set of steep stairs, but it has a lot of rock pools where visitors can see a variety of sea creatures, up close and personal (once we even saw a baby shark waiting for the tide to come back in!). At low tide we like to walk around the headland to Palm Beach on the rock platform and pass the car grave yard, where cars went over the cliff (before they made it safe).  Whale Beach has so many areas to explore, visitors could spend days there while visiting the Northern Beaches. 

    Recommended by Maraya, a Northern Beaches local, from Stuff Mums Like.

    Find Out More About Fun Family Beaches With Kids

    Ready to hit the beach right now?  Check out our Fun Family Beaches in North America, Asia, Europe and Central and South America.

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  • Best Beaches in Europe With Kids

    Best Beaches in Europe With Kids

    Europe’s capital cities may attract more attention than its beaches, but sun and sand makes for an ideal vacation with kids.  Travelers in search of picturesque beaches often focus more on the Caribbean or South Pacific.  However, it is possible to combine both beach and city visits into the same European vacation.  Most importantly, these are kid-tested and recommended by other traveling families.  If that sounds appealing, here are some of the best beaches in Europe to visit with kids(including one technically in Africa) from some of our fellow family travel bloggers.

    Fun Family Beaches in Europe With Kids

    #1:  Barceloneta Beach – Barcelona, Spain

    It can get crazy hot in Barcelona during the day, so we decided to take a day off and head to the beach! Once we arrived we realised that it was just about everyone else’s plan as well. There were so many families around that I knew we had made the right choice in coming to this Mediterranean Sea beach. There are nice calm waters that just lap up onto the beach, which was great for the girls to paddle in. Unlike a lot of beaches at home there wasn’t a huge drop, it just gradually got deeper as we went out but it was still not very deep. One of the best bits is that because there were so many kids, everyone looked out for each other, and all the kids played nicely together building castles and splashing. It made for a great day as the kids got to play with other kids…even if they didn’t speak the same language! It is a bit of a hike to get supplies if you need ice cream as we decided we did, but there was lots to choose from once you got back onto the street. And just a heads up, there was lots of topless sunbathing going on!

    Recommended by Bec Wyld from Wyld Family Travel.  Find out more from Bec about Barcelona.

     

    #2:  Derrynane Beach – County Kerry, Ireland

    The scenic route along the Ring of Kerry boasts some of the best beaches in Ireland. Our favourite was Derrynane Beach, 2 miles from the village of Caherdaniel, in the Iveragh Peninsula and along the Derrynane Bay. On a long white powdery stretch of sand dotted with giant stone, our children happily splashed away for hours in the shallow pools of this natural playground, safely sheltered from deeper waters by the smooth rock formation.

    Thanks also to the mild summer climate, we did not have to worry about +50 SPF suncream and summer caps, and thus, this beach immediately turned out to be a winner with us.  We parked at the nearby Derrynane house, ideally located nearby, which helped us avoid the weekend traffic due to the main car park, which was more likely created by the narrow roads than by number of vehicles. Derrynane house is also a good place to stop for ice cream, water and coffee as there is no coffee shop along the beach. But there are toilets located near the main parking area, and during the summer months there is a lifeguard on duty.

    Recommended by Cris from Kids in Travels.

     

    #3:  Durdle Door Beach – Dorset, England

    The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site and one of England’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.   The best part of it has to be the beautiful Durdle Door beach along the English Channel.  Durdle Door is most famous for its incredible arch that frames one end of the beach, and it draws photographers from far and wide.

    But, the beach itself is a great place to spend the day with kids.  While it’s a pebble beach, the pebbles are small enough to be really comfortable.  Children can paddle and swim as the sheltered cove is usually calm and the sea is clear and clean (although I can’t promise it will be warm!).  Visitors might also be lucky enough to find fossils in the pebbles.

    Just next to Durdle Door is another beautiful sheltered cove, Man O’War Bay; so it really is two beaches for one here!   The clifftop walks are also stunning.  Just make sure to pack a picnic as there aren’t any shops nearby, and wear good shoes to walk down the cliffs to the beach itself.

    Recommended by Emily Cole from Kids and Compass.  Find out more from Emily about Durdle Door.

     

    #4:  Isle of Harris and Lewis – Outer Hebrides, Scotland

    When travelers think of stunning white sandy beaches, there are many places around the world that come to mind.  Interestingly, Scotland is not normally one of them.  The Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides in the North West of Scotland have some of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches I’ve ever seen.  The islands are fairly remote, and the biggest town, Stornoway, has a population of only 8,000 people.

    The remoteness and peacefulness of the island and its beaches make it the perfect place to visit with children.  The weather isn’t too hot for children and there is probably nowhere else in the world where visitors can have miles of golden sand all to themselves.  We never worry about losing sight of our children as we are often the only people there.  One of the things I love so much about the beaches on these islands is the way they really help children understand nature.  My daughters and I once sat and watch an Oxbow Lake (of geography lesson fame) form right in front of us as water ran off the hills behind the beach and out into the sea.

    Recommended by John Franklin of From Real People.

     

    #5:  Manta Rota Beach – Portugal

    Manta Rota beach in the Eastern Algarve is probably one not many people will have heard of. But it is a great beach for families. It is one of few beaches in the East Algarve on the Ria Formosa natural reserve that is accessible by foot rather than by boat. There is a boardwalk from the square next to the car park which leads visitors to a beautiful sandy beach. During summer, there are sunbeds and parasols for rent. What makes it family-friendly is that it has toilets on the boardwalk, next to a great restaurant. There are foot showers for cleaning feet of sand after a visit and even a playground, too. Although it gets busy during summer, it’s a beach where parents can easily keep an eye on children, and the water is lovely and warm for little ones to happily play in for hours. It is a little gem of a beach with easy access and great facilities around it.

    Recommended by Catherine from Passports and Adventures.

     

    #6:  Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, Greece

    The Greek Island of Corfu has so many amazing beaches for families. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea with calm little waves and stunning clear water, it is just a little paradise to spend all day in the sun and swim, snorkel and play. We have visited many beaches together, and even though it is hard to pick one we think that Paleokastritsa beach in Corfu is the best child friendly beach around. It is stunning and very easily accessible, perfectly for families with young kids. There is a parking space just on the opposite side of the road and a few restaurants and shop to get souvenir or beach products. Visitors can also take boat tours from this beach and explore the island coast further. One thing to keep in mind though is that water shoes may be necessary as the beach has a mix of sand and pebbles, like many other Greek beaches.

     

    Recommended by Thassia from Family off Duty.  Find out more from Thassia about Corfu.

     

    #7:  Playa de Maspalomas – Canary Islands, Spain

    Our favourite beach in the Canary Islands (and perhaps in the world) has to be Playa de Maspalomas. The sand is fine and soft, perfect for little feet. The water is warm. The beach stretches for 3.5 kilometres and is divided into sections. The first 1.5 kilometres on the west side is where most families choose to spend their time. Restaurants and amenities are all close by.  But the reason why we fell head over heels for this magical place is that it is not a typical beach. What is special about Maspalomas is that visitors can check these items off their bucket list in one day:

    • Play in the Maspalomas Dunes:  These dunes, a nature reserve, under protection since 1897, are located right behind the beach, and are a perfect playground for the entire family. Just avoid the midday heat. Our 9-year old literally spent hours playing in the dunes.
    • Visit an African island … in Europe. That’s right, Canary Islands, even though politically part of Spain, are geographically an African archipelago.
    • Ride a camel. After all, Gran Canaria is an African island with its own miniature dessert! This is another fabulous way to see the dunes with the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop and the volcanic mountains in the distance.

    Recommended by Bea from Pack Your Bags.

     

    #8:  Playa Pollensa Beach – Mallorca, Spain

    Anyone who sees the beautiful turquoise waters of Mallorca, Spain won’t want to vacation anywhere else again! Mallorca is a popular beach destination for many European families. The whole island in the Mediterranean Sea is welcoming to kids, and the beaches are no exception.  Known as an ideal spot for young families, Playa Pollensa is perfect for little kids. With epic views of the coastline, the beach is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view. The water is calm, which is perfect for kids to splash and enjoy a swim. There are even paddle boats (with built-in slides!) available to rent right from the beach.  Kids hungry?  Grab a quick bite from the restaurants right on the beach.  It’s not uncommon to see a row of strollers walking the famous ‘pine walk’ in this charming town.

    Recommended by Kate from Tear Free Travel.

     

    #9:  Rock Beach – Cornwall, England

    Rock Beach, on the north Cornwall coast along the Celtic Sea, is a beautiful stretch of sand on the Camel Estuary, adjacent to the more well known harbour town of Padstow. The sand stretches for miles, right around to Daymer Bay, further along the coastline. Rock is a perfect ‘bucket and spade’ type beach. Take a picnic, deckchairs and beach toys, and spend the day. Golden sand, great for sandcastles, and a calm sea for splashing about makes Rock Beach a perfect beach for children. The beach never gets crowded due to it’s vast expanse and the relatively small carpark available. There’s always plenty of space for a game of cricket or football.

    For the more adventurous, there is a popular watersports centre, offering sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. Behind the beach, sand dunes stretch for miles, perfect for a walk or some sand boarding (usually on a piece of cardboard!).

    Recommended by Nicky of Go Live Young.  Find out more from Nicky about Cornwall.

     

    #10:  Zavial Beach – Portugal

    We are a full time traveling family and while RVing in Portugal, we loved to go to Praia do Zavial on the Atlantic Ocean. This little beach in the Algarve has stolen our hearts! It is perfect for kids as the beach is very broad. Children can play freely on the sand without getting near to the water. Our three year old especially liked climbing on the rocks at the edge of the beach. While taking a break from climbing, he loved watching the surfers doing their tricks. The beach has a restaurant with a few facilities; however, it was closed when we visited in the winter. We didn’t mind, though, as we had everything with us in our RV. The parking area is small, but perfect for boon docking. We stayed a total of seven nights at Zavial, and we always felt safe.

    Recommended by Nanouk from Digital Nomad with Kids.  Find out more from Nanouk about RVing in Portugal.

    Visiting Fun Family Beaches With Kids

    Does a beach vacation with kids sound perfect?  Check out our Fun Family Beaches in North America, Asia, Australia and Central and South America.

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  • Best Beaches in Asia With Kids

    Best Beaches in Asia With Kids

    Asian beaches are world-renowned for seemingly endless coastlines, and many of Asia’s impeccable beaches are particularly affordable for tourists.  We asked fellow family travelers to share the best beaches in Asia with kids and now have to restrain ourselves from booking one way tickets to any one of these unbelievable beaches.

     

    Agonda Beach – Goa, India
    The palm-fringed Arabian Sea beaches of Goa are an eclectic mix catering to the raver, the yogi, the package sun-seeker and everything in between. So it can be a bit tricky finding the best one for families. After a year living in India, we decided that our favourite was Agonda in South Goa, which features a golden crescent of powder soft sand, dotted with colourful fishing boats and patrolled by meandering cows that congregate in the same spot for sunset every day. It’s a quiet beach, and the sea has  just the right amount of gentle surf for a good boogie-board session  (Sea Star Resort where we stayed, lent the boys theirs). There are also a handful of restaurants serving kid-friendly food (e.g. pancakes, omelettes and chips). But, the best thing is that these restaurants are right on the beach, so visitors can enjoy a Kingfisher whilst the little ones play in the sand. And, those who fancy peeling themselves away from the beach can take a fishing boat out to see the dolphins.

    Recommended by Jenny from Travelynn Family.  Find out more from Jenny about Agonda With Kids.

     

    Choeng Mon Beach – Koh Samui, Thailand

    In choosing a place to stay on Koh Samui, we wanted a swimmable, kid-friendly beach, away from the backpacking and party scenes of Thailand. Choeng Mon Beach is the quintessential horseshoe shaped beach for a tropical getaway. Less crowded and tranquil, Choeng Mon is perfect for families with children of all ages as the Gulf of Thailand waters are shallow, warm, and there are plenty of tide pools to hunt for sea creatures. Kids can spend all day in the bathtub-warm waters.

    Locals sell sliced mango and corn and ice-cream to cool off visitors. At thatched huts along the beach, an hour-long massage costs $8.00USD. Put toes in sand and watch the sunset while eating dinner at Honey Seafood.  A short strip of restaurants also line the road. Walk over in flip-flops for seafood at Garland Samui or enjoy surprisingly authentic Indian at Akbar.  Also, we enjoyed the highly professional 100 Degrees East tour for a day trip to see the Angthom Marine Park and the coral and fish-filled shores of Koh Tao.  Choeng Mon Beach is a great destination for families!

    Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.

     

    Dahican Beach – Philippines 

    Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental is a relatively unknown and unspoiled beach in the southeastern portion of the Philippines.  Our stay there was short-lived as the mosquitoes were notorious at night, but it is an extremely beautiful place to be. It’s most popular among skimboarders and even surfers so it’s not an obvious “kid” destination. One of the reasons we love it as a family is that it isn’t crowded, and there’s plenty of beach – as in, actual sand, to play in. I has been compared to Boracay, maybe better, though I haven’t been to Boracay. Haha!

    Kids can play in the sand or in the water (with some adult supervision, as the Pacific Ocean waves can be rough at times). Lucky visitors may be able to see turtle eggs hatch! We came a few weeks too late, sadly. There are plenty of local kids for visiting kiddos to play with (and they are pros at skimboarding). Plus, camping is free (or only a minimal fee), which we absolutely loved.  Another way to see the beauty of Dahican Beach is to go flying in an ultra light plane. Children must be at least seven to do this, though.

    Recommended by Pam from Hey, Miss Adventures.  Find out more from Pam about Dahican Beach.

     

    Double 66 Beach – Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia 

    Seminyak is one of Bali’s most well-known tourist spots. It offers plenty of opportunities to go shopping, grab a coffee or to get a taste traditional Balinese food. Above all, it has a prime beach spot for anyone who would like to sunbathe, enjoy the picturesque sunsets or to try out for the very first time: Double 66 Beach. Even kids will have fun here: whether it’s playing in the sand, joining the locals with their daily match of sunset footie or just jumping through the water – with or without a bodyboard or a surfboard. Double 66 beach is home of Bali’s famous beachboys, who do not only rent out sunbeds, but also love taking care of kids. They are the perfect buddy for the day and will keep the kids entertained, promise!

    Recommended by Anne Steinbach and Clemens Sehi from Travellers Archive.  Find out more from Ann and Clemens about Indonesia.

     

    Juara Beach – Malaysia

    The most beautiful beach we visited in South East Asia was on an island off peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. We stayed in Juara Bay on Tioman Island, to volunteer on the turtle conservation project with our children. Juara Beach is on the South China Sea and is perfect for kids: it is protected by the bay so the water is always calm, there are no harmful predators around, and there are several snorkeling areas close to the shore. It is also absolutely stunning and still quite
    un-spoilt too.

    School groups come regularly to stay near the turtle project, but when they weren’t there, we often had the beach all to ourselves! Further along there are hotels and resorts, but it still isn’t a crowded beach by any means. We felt incredibly lucky to experience such a beautiful part of the world together.

    Recommend by Emma Walmsley from small footprints, big adventures.  Find out more from Emma and her family’s Volunteering Experience at the Juara Turtle Project.

     

    Kamala Beach – Thailand

    Kamala Beach in Phuket, Thailand is just a 10-15 minute drive north of infamous party-beach, Patong, but a world away in atmosphere.  It is one of our favourite beaches for families in Phuket. This beautiful two-kilometre stretch of white sand on the Gulf of Thailand has a laid-back vibe, with shallow waters perfect for kids to splash around in, and sunloungers for parents to kick back on. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants lining Kamala Beach that serve up well-priced local Thai and western food, and there are also several beach stalls where visitors can order fresh juices, coconuts, cocktails and beers and have them served directly to their sunlounger. Sunsets are particularly amazing at Kamala Beach!

    Recommended by Marianne from Mum on the Move.  Find out more from Marianne about Kamala Beach.

     

    Koh Rong Samloem – Cambodia

    Koh Rong Samloem, an island off the coast of Cambodia, offers pure white sand and picturesque vistas of the Golf of Thailand.  It’s beauty is comparable to Thailand’s beaches but without the heaving crowds, and although its infrastructure is now well on its way to supporting the tourism of Thailand’s busy beaches, it’s still relatively quiet in comparison and undiscovered by the masses.  It makes a great add on after visiting Angkor Wat. Pro-Tip: I highly recommend taking the sleeper bus to Sihanoukville from Siem Reap by Giant Ibis so you can get the boat over to the island… my two children aged four and seven months slept comfortably on the floor beds.  

    While the island is more expensive than the majority of Cambodia, it’s still inexpensive in terms of western prices, so visitors can get a great hotel that leads straight out onto the pristine white sands.  What makes Koh Rong Samloem particularly kid friendly is the shallow waters.  It is possible to walk a fair way out to sea before it starts to get deep, which means that toddlers can safely play by the water’s edge.  We stayed at Moonlight Resort on Paradise beach, which was a great stretch of beach.  And, with rooms right on the beach front, nap time becomes a breeze.  A bucket and spade were all we needed.

    Recommended by Donna from Mamas Travel Tribe.

     

    Palawan Beach – Singapore

    When locals and travelers want to escape the city, they head to Sentosa Island, which is only a 10 minute drive by taxi from downtown. Sentosa is also reachable by cable car, bus and even a colorful monorail that’s free for kids under three. Sentosa, which is built on reclaimed land is home to multi-million dollar mansions, beautiful beaches as well as Universal Studios and a casino. The three beaches on Sentosa: Tanjung, Palawan and Siloso have soft, powdery sand brought in from nearby Indonesia and Malaysia. All of them are located in protected lagoons so the water is clear and gentle, which is perfect for young kids.

    Each beach has a slightly different feel, but Palawan Beach is definitely the preferred one for families. Palawan has the largest beach, yet it’s not as crowded so you’ll usually be able to find a quiet spot in the shade. When kids tire of playing in the sand or swimming, check out the fantastic free water park called Palawan Pirate Ship or walk across the rope suspension bridge to the islet, which claims to be the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. Definitely drop by the Palawan Amphitheater for it’s free afternoon animal shows where kids can see and pet animals and birds. The presenters are knowledgeable and make the 20 minute show fun and educational for the kids.

    Recommended by Scott & Nori Brixen of Two Twins Twavel.

     

    Sunday’s Beach Club, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

    Arriving at Sunday’s Beach Club in Bali can be quite confusing for the kids. Visitors arrive at the flash 5 star clifftop resort with a pool. The only way to the Indian Ocean beach is down the cliffs, and the adventure starts with a ride down the inclinator. Finding a bean bag on the sand is a lot of fun, and there is great service for all food and drink needs throughout. Swimming, playing with provided beach buckets, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking are sure to the keep the kids entertained all day. The kids’ menu is a huge hit, and for the younger ones, high chairs are available. Once the sun starts to set, there are bonfires and regular live music. It’s like being on a deserted island but with all the comforts of home.

    Recommended by Kate Comer from Rolling Along With Kids.

    This list of best beaches of Asia makes us want to hit the beach right now.  Check out our Fun Family Beaches in North America, Europe,  Australia and Central and South America blog posts.

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  • Best Beaches in North America With Kids

    Best Beaches in North America With Kids

    We spend way too much time looking at other people’s beach vacations on Instagram and wishing we had sand stuck between our toes.  While some of the best beaches in the world are known for surf and parties, families generally look for more low key beaches with calmer waves.  Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, there are so many great beaches for families in North America.  We asked some fellow family travelers to share with us their recommendations for the best beaches in North America with kids and came up with this amazing list:

     

    Akumal Bay Beach – Mexico

    One of the most kid friendly beaches in all of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera might be the beach on Akumal Bay. Known as one of the best places in all of Mexico to easily swim with sea turtles right from the shore, Akumal Bay Beach is also great for kids of all ages. As an added bonus, it is fairly easy to reach as it is located between the major tourist centers of Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    With silky, fine white sand and almost no waves due to the natural reef protecting the area, Akumal is a great place for turtles and also your little ones. With many palm trees and places to throw down a towel, it’s a fun beach to spread out water toys and let the little ones enjoy the calm waters.

    There are also a few restaurants, plus washrooms just off the beach, so it is easy to grab something to snack on while enjoying a day at the beach.

    Recommended by Micki and Charles Kosman from The Barefoot Nomad.  Find out more from Micki and Charles about Akumal.

     

    Destin Beach – Florida

    Destin, Florida is home to an amazing white sand beach with emerald colored ocean water on the Gulf of Mexico. It is the perfect beach for kids since the sand is super soft and the water is crystal clear. Families can spend all day at the beach building sandcastles and playing in the gentle water and then finish the night off with a beautiful sunset over the ocean. Beach life at it’s best!

    For some non-beach action, Destin is filled with great family friendly restaurants, pirate cruises and dolphin cruises, fishing expeditions, go-carts and arcades – Destin has it all!

    Recommended by Bryanna from Crazy Family Adventure.  Find out more from Bryanna about Destin.

     

    Fort Myers Beach – Florida

    Fort Myers Beach is fun for all ages! The northern end of the island is home to numerous bars and restaurants that let visitors dine or drink beachside.  The southern end of the island is mostly home to condos and quiet beaches.  North or south, a sunset view is on the horizon (literally), and anyone will be glad to pull up a chair.  While nearby Sanibel Island is known for being a sheller’s dream, we found numerous sand dollars on Fort Myers Beach that were just washed up on the shore.  Beach access points are throughout the island but they do contain metered parking and it’s $2/hour.

    Fort Myers Beach is family-friendly because the sand is spacious with no major drop-offs.  Being on the Gulf of Mexico, the calmer water makes it easier to watch small children!  In perfect weather conditions, it can be as smooth as a warm bathtub.  We traveled in November, and there were few tourists, but do note that November is hurricane season.

    Recommended by Leah Yoder from Yoder Toter Blog.  Find out more from Leah about Fort Myers.

     

    Ko Olina Beach – Hawaii 

    Ko Olina beach on O’ahu does kid friendly better than any other beach on the island. What sets Ko Olina apart from the other Pacific Ocean beaches are the four manmade lagoons. Instead of waves crashing right on top of swimmers, they crash into a rock wall before gently moving to the shore. This calm water makes Ko Olina the ideal beach for kids of all ages.

    For a short trip to the beach or an all day excursion, Ko Olina is set up to accommodate the whole family. Each lagoon comes equipped with showers, restrooms, and changing rooms. If visitors happen to forget sunscreen or sand toys, there are convenience stores within walking distance of each lagoon.

    Ko Olina also offers a wide range of kid friendly entertainment. For an authentic Hawaiian experience, head over to the Paradise Cove Luau for arts and crafts, dinner, and a wonderful show. For a more laid back experience, stick around Lagoon 1 for Ko Olina’s Disney Movie Night under the stars.

    With everything this beach has to offer, kids and parents of all ages are sure to have an excellent experience at the wonderful Ko Olina.

    Recommended by Casey Harkleroad from Our Happy Place.

     

    Lewes Beach – Delaware

    Lewes is a Mid-Atlantic beach on the bay; the sand is coarse and the water cool. Houses line up right along the beach and the local Dairy Queen has been the only place to buy food on that beach for 30 years. Everyday, a sand bar pops up at low tide.

    Nearby family-friendly activities include:

    • Grab an ice cream at Kings Ice Cream and stroll to the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, which features tombstones dating back to the early 1700s.
    • Let the kids pretend to be pirates and head out to the Pirates of Lewes Expeditions.
    • Fisherman’s Wharf provides head and charter boats for fishing excursions, including gear, bait and fishing assistance.
    • Cape Henelopen State Park has a surf-filled public beach. Hike the World War II bunkers, climb the observation towers, and pretend to search for enemy submarines. Buy gear, bait, and a fishing license from the store at the end of the pier, and then drop bait.
    • Walk Rehoboth’s boardwalk to Funland, a family-owned carousel. Enjoy its original rides and a few thrill ride for older kids. Afterwards, head for a walk and dinner on the boardwalk.

    Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.  Find out more from Alison about Lewes.

     

    Martha’s Vineyard – Massachusetts

    The Island of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of the Cape Cod peninsula offers a beach for every type of taste and family. From calm waters and big waves, to beaches only accessible by hiking, families will find a different beach experience to fill their days and nights while on The Vineyard. The cliffs and lighthouse of Aquinnah (aka Gay Head) is an experience unique to The Vineyard. No trip to Martha’s Vineyard would be complete without heading out to the fishing village of Menemsha to eat fresh lobster and watch the sunset.  Lastly, families can incorporate history by taking their kids to swim at The Inkwell Beach and watch the famous Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard as they engage in their ocean exercise (daily at 7:00 a.m. early July until Labor Day) which is deep in history, community and culture.  The Polar Bears are a group of African American men and women who swim and pray each morning in the waters of The Inkwell Beach. Once families experience what the regulars call being on vineyard time, the kids will be asking to make an annual pilgrimage to the island.

    Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel.

     

    South Beach, Miami, Florida

    Even though many may not consider South Beach somewhere to bring children, it is an amazing, kid-friendly beach.  At South Point Park, parking, playground, bathrooms, splash pad and a snack stand are available before even hitting the sand! The beach isn’t as large, so pulling a stroller is just a small workout. There are a lot of locals on the weekends, so come early for a good spot or consider visiting on weekdays. Because there are no chair or umbrella rentals on this section of the beach, it’s necessary to come prepared.

    A few more things to do with kids in the South Beach area include:

    • Flamingo park with an amazing water park area for the kids
    • Bike path following the whole stretch of Ocean Drive
    • Lincoln Road shopping, dining and street performers
    • Parrot Jungle shows and snacks
    • Miami Children’s Museum for a break from the sun or a rainy day activity

    Have fun, and pop into Mangos for a salsa show and mojito!

    Recommended by Izzy Rixon from New York Nomadic Project.

     

    Outer Banks, North Carolina

    The Outer Banks of North Carolina (or OBX as locals call it) is super kid friendly because there is literally something for everyone. With over 100 miles of coastline, kids can surf, skim board, boogie board, and swim to their heart’s content. If they’re not into waves, they can play in the sand or head over to the sound side where adults can fish, crab, kayak, paddleboard, or rent a boat or jet ski. For families looking for a more rustic experience, there are areas to drive a 4×4 onto the beach, camp, or look for wild horses. And when the children get tired of the sun and sand, there is also the aquarium, water park, lighthouse, or the local historical sites.  The possibilities are endless!

    Recommended by Julie from More than Main Street.  Find out more about why Julie’s family loves this area in her kid friendly Outer Banks guide.

     

    Vanderbilt Beach, Naples, Florida

    We are lucky enough to travel to southwest Florida every year, and our favorite beach in the region is Vanderbilt Beach.  Located in North Naples, at the end of Vanderbilt Beach road, this beach, known as “Vandy” by the locals is such a great family spot! Access to the beach is free, and there is a parking garage adjacent – with only a $7 parking charge. From the garage, it’s a short walk to the sand. The beach is beautiful and clean, with warm, calm and clear Gulf of Mexico water. It’s a great spot to rent a Stand Up Paddle Board, a kayak, or as we always do – a jet ski!

    This beach has clamshells and chairs for rent, life jackets for use (free), bathrooms and a little snack bar. It does get crowded, but go early and/or walk down the beach a bit for a more empty spot to lay your blanket. Also, plan to spend the day – Vanderbilt Beach is a very popular place to watch a beautiful, southwest Florida over water sunset!

    By Harmony Skillman from Momma To Go.  Find out more from Harmony about Naples.

     

    Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

    Few beaches carry a cachet the way Waikiki does. Mention the name, and the listener immediately pictures hula dancers, royal Hawaiian surfers, and a mile long silky stretch of golden sand slowly melting into the warm embrace of the Pacific Ocean.  Hawaii, and the island of Oahu where Waikiki is located, does not need any introduction. This is where people go to enjoy the sun and the sea, to see and feel the tropics and the legendary hospitality of the islands. This is the land of Moana and Lilo, of play and plenty.

    It is almost true, at least the part of the silky sand and the warm ocean. Since Waikiki beach literally is located in front of several great hotels – and condo complexes behind them – it is easily accessible for people who want to enjoy the ocean.  The beach is accessible with a stroller, but there are not too many public restrooms available on the beach itself.

    Although the big surfing waves are not suitable for small kids, a toddler will run and laugh an entire day, trying to avoid the waves (or catch them). There are also several wavebreaks along the beach, creating calm pools where smaller kids can play. The water is shallow, and the sand is silky and smooth.

    Those mild breezes rustle palm trees and banyans behind you. The tropical sun illuminates the holiday landscape, coating everything golden. Just remember sunscreen on the kids. The sun is a lot stronger than it seems.

    Recommended by Wisterian from Wisterian Watertree.

     

    Xpu-Ha Beach – Mexico

    There’s no question that the Mayan Riviera is littered with stunning white sand beaches with turquoise water; however, it was Xpu-Ha Beach that impressed us the most. What we loved most about Xpu-Ha Beach was how shallow the water was for a long time and how small the waves typically were. It was also pretty quiet, with only one major resort and a few other boutique hotels along the beach. As parents of two young children, we enjoyed having the space to let them run and also being able to let them play in the water without worrying they would be knocked over by the waves. With the calm water, it was also a great spot to try stand-up paddleboarding for the first time and letting the kids get out on the board for a ride.

    Xpu-Ha beach is located approximately 35 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The beach is public and free, but there is a small fee to drive on the access road to get to the beach.

    Recommended by Celine Brewer from Baby Can Travel.  Find out more from Celine about the Mayan Riviera.

     

    We definitely can’t wait to visit more of these top beaches in North America.  Ready to hit the beach right now?  Check out our Fun Family Beaches in Asia, Europe,  Australia and Central and South America .

    Pin it to Pinterest!

     

  • Things to Do in Gaithersburg With Kids

    Things to Do in Gaithersburg With Kids

    Our family visits the Washington, DC area almost annually and always stays in Gaithersburg, Maryland near my husband’s uncle.  From there, we usually take the Metro or drive into DC to explore museums and monuments for at least one day. But, we always spend much of our time hanging out in and around Gaithersburg.  We have explored restaurants and shops at the RIO Washingtonian Center and Clarksburg Premium Outlets.  There are so many fun things to do in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

    Gaithersburg With Kids

     

    Visiting Gaithersburg With Kids

    On our recent visit to DC over Spring Break, we spent a glorious day with Nancy and her boys visiting the national monuments. Due to a busy week of travel for both of our families, we didn’t attempt back to back days on the Mall and decided to see what fun family activities Gaithersburg had for us to explore.  I thought maybe there was a museum or a great spot for families that we had overlooked on all of our previous visits and posted a question on one of my favorite family travel groups on Facebook.  Similar requests for destination advice for Africa, Granada and Croatia receive over a dozen helpful responses from this group of over 3,200.  To my surprise, no one responded to my request.  So, I was on a mission to make our own fun in Gaithersburg.

    Due to different hotel reward programs, we booked separate Gaithersburg hotels that were conveniently located around the corner from each other.  Of course, all five kids wanted to head straight to the pool after leaving the National Mall.  Because the pool was an indoor/outdoor pool, the indoor pool temperature was a bit chillier than ideal. As a result, the kids spent more time in the hot tub than the main pool. We did catch this adorable moment between our three year olds before a “discussion” about plastic fish ensued.

    Pool time

     

    Gaithersburg Restaurants

    Nancy and I decided what we really needed was to order in and have a pizza and wine party in our hotel room. Nancy placed a Grubhub order from Manhattan Pizza & Pasta for pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza and antipasto, and they delivered with paper plates.  We jerry-rigged the desk to function as a table and all enjoyed dinner.  Nancy and I did some We Go With Kids strategizing and reminisced about the firm where we met ions ago while the kids vegged out and watched television.  There may or may not have been a “discussion” about stickers before the night ended, but that’s par for the course when traveling with three year olds, especially those who really did not get proper naps….  It was a perfect end to the day regardless, even though we have no photographic evidence to prove it.

    I don’t think we’ve ever visited Gaithersburg with kids without a lunch at our favorite Indian buffet, Minerva and regularly enjoy dim sum at New Fortune.

    Minerva buffet in Gaithersburg

     

    Lake Whetstone Park in Gaithersburg

    After a good night of sleep, we met at the nearby Lake Whetstone Park the next morning.  We visit Lake Whetstone every time we are in town and even brought bikes with us at least one time when the boys (and their bikes) were much smaller, but Nancy’s family had never been.  The kids always have fun at the play area, even though there isn’t any of the typical metal and plastic structures to be found.  Nancy brought balls (quintessential park necessities), which could probably keep them occupied for hours.  Hats and gloves were certainly helpful as it was substantially more chilly than the previous day, but the kids warmed up after a bit.  Nancy and I enjoyed the view, particularly the blossoming trees.

    Lake Whetstone Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland
    Lake Whetstone Park

    Whetstone Lake visitors can rent canoes, rowboats and paddle boats by the hour from May to September.  Boats appeared ready to go, but it was definitely far too cold on the day of our visit.  We also did not stroll along the walking paths around the Lake, but that is a perfect summer activity.

    Boats available for hourly rental

     

    Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg

    After we all had a fresh dose of fresh air, we headed to the nearest Starbucks for some hot chocolate.  My GPS directed us to the main entrance to the Gaithersburg shopping center, Lakeforest Mall, and we wandered down the main concourse until we ran into the Starbucks in the middle.  We found some tables that just so happened to be next to the Mall’s kiddie rides.  Guess who was immediately more interested in the kiddie rides than their kids’ temp hot chocolate?

    Unavoidable mall kiddie rides

    Honestly, I avoided these kiddie rides that seem to have sprouted up at most malls like the plague for years.  I didn’t want it to become a “thing” and really don’t regularly carry cash or change and am not all that comfortable feeding my credit card into one of these things.  I have to admit, though, that my third child kind of broke me, and I manage to find a quarter or two at the end of most shopping trips and let her pick her favorite ride.  What came as a bit of surprise to me at Lakeforest Mall was that the roller coaster simulator featured the Gemini and the Blue Streak, two wooden roller coasters from Cedar Point, the amusement park we visit each summer in Sandusky, Ohio.  The Gemini just happens to be my favorite roller coaster, and my second grade son recently wrote an essay about his ride on the Blue Streak at the end of our day at Cedar Point last summer.  Clearly, my kids were not even going to have to beg for a ride this time.  I just fed the machine my dollar bill and could almost feel the wind in my hair myself as I watched from behind them.

    Riding the Gemini

     

    Why We Love Gaithersburg With Kids

    So, we followed up a day of seeing five of the top 12 landmarks on the List of America’s Favorite Architecture at the National Mall and peak cherry blossoms with a hotel pizza party, some time at a lake and a mall.  There was absolutely nothing novel, historical or educational about any of it, especially for a pair of travel bloggers.  Our kids weren’t always perfect, but they had fun getting to know each other.  Considering it has been ten years since Nancy and I last met in person, we have no idea when the next time we’ll get our two busy families together.  But, I hope it’s sooner rather than later and that there’s some adventure and some low-key fun involved because that’s really what we go with kids is all about….

  • Pittsburgh With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Pittsburgh With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Thank you to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Duquesne Incline for providing complimentary tickets and a tour for my family.  All opinions are my own. 

    Pittsburgh is known for its steel production, bridges and sports teams.  It’s only about two hours from our home in Cleveland and where my college roommate lives, so we often get the chance to visit. In the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie became one of the richest people in the world by modernizing steel production in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River joins the Ohio River.  Now affectively called the “Steel City,” Pittsburgh used to be known as the “Smoky City” because of so much pollution from the mills. Very little of its industrial past remains in this city now known for its hills, bridges, parks and biking and jogging trails.

    Accommodations in Pittsburgh With Kids

    My husband often travels to Pittsburgh for business, so I took a few days off over our kids’ recent Spring Break, and the rest of the family tagged along for a two day trip.  We stayed at the Fairmont Pittsburgh and were very fortunate that our room was available when we checked in at 9 am.  It was great to drop off our bags and freshen up before heading off to explore some museums.  The Fairmont offers well-appointed guest rooms and luxurious and bright bathrooms, complete with a bathtub and separate shower area.  There is no pool, but we have never found a hotel in downtown Pittsburgh that offers a pool.  My kids’ only complaint was that the room didn’t have two bathrooms like our suite at the Treasure Island Beach Resort.  Sorry, kids, a hotel room with two bathrooms is not the norm….

    Our room at the Fairmont
    Our bright and beautiful bathroom

    Our trip happened to coincide with the Pirates‘ Opening Day, and we were lucky to have a view of PNC Park from our window.  Our boys enjoyed checking out the festivities while their sister attempted to nap in the afternoon.  Strangely, we couldn’t find the game on television, but score updates from Siri sufficed, and a single firework signaled the Pirates first home win of the season.

    A room with a view of Opening Day

    Food in Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Fairmont is centrally located downtown, but it was pretty cold during our visit, so we didn’t do as much exploring as we would have liked.  We did met my college roommate and a friend around the corner at NOLA on the Square for happy hour.  NOLA nailed the New Orleans vibe, both in its architecture and the art work displayed on the walls.  Because it was a relatively quiet Monday night, our group of seven was seated in the dining area but permitted to order from the pretty amazing happy hour menu.  With $4 cocktails, $4 appetizers and $1 gumbo ya-ya, we’ll definitely be back the next time we are in town.

    After happy hour, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner at Nicky’s Thai Kitchen.  My husband regularly frequents Nicky’s and knows that their 1-5 rating is spicier than most.  Our family often orders our food in the hot category, but three was plenty spicy for us.  My husband once ordered a four and totally regretted it.

    We really enjoyed our quick trip to Pittsburgh with kids and recommend these five fun family activities to other family travelers:

    #1: Carnegie Science Center With Kids

    It’s no secret that my kids love museums.  Of the dozens of museums my 10 year old has visited, the Carnegie Science Center is his favorite.  He’s probably not alone, as this is Pittsburgh’s most popular museum. The “science” portion of the museum is pretty cool, but the real draw for him is Highmark SportsWorks®, which is housed in an adjacent building and uses more than 30 interactive sports exhibits to show how physics, anatomy, biology and chemistry control sports.  The Carnegie Science Center is part of the Carnegie Museums, and members can visit all four on the same membership, but we use our ASTC Travel Passport Program membership for free entry.

    When we visited the Science Center on the day after Thanksgiving, the line for the new Ropes Challenge was too long.  So, on this visit, my sons went straight for the Ropes Challenge line when we arrived.  The Ropes Challenge consists of a series of challenges, including a rope bridge, rolling logs and a horizontal net that culminate in a zip line.  This is probably my boys’ favorite “exhibit” ever, especially the zip line.

    My daughter was pretty excited to try the SkyTykes Ropes Course, located under the Ropes Challenge, while her brothers waited for their turn.

    My little explorer

    Other highlights of the sports complex include a 24-foot rock climbing wall (which even my daughter tried out), a batting cage, a 10-meter dash and various challenges for endurance and balance.

    Father-son climb
    Race against Olympic sprint times

    My kids may not have left the Highmark SportsWorks® with a deeper understanding of center of mass and inertia or reciting facts about physics or biology, but the interactive exhibits are certainly fun and provide some basic exposure to the concept that science is everywhere.  This bright complex is also a perfect place for kids to burn energy, especially on cold or rainy days.

    Inside the Carnegie Science Center, my boys’ favorite exhibit is Roboworld, which is considered the world’s largest permanent robotics exhibition.  Roboworld features more than 30 interactive displays, including a robot who shoots baskets with impressive precision and another who challenges visitors in air hockey.  My kids could spend hours playing air hockey with a robot or comparing basketball precision.

    We also checked out the Little Learner Clubhouse for the first time on our last visit.  Because many exhibits focused on a younger audience have an age limit for participation, we often avoid them even when we have two adults.  However, I was glad that this exhibit is designed for children six and under and their families.  So, my older sons were able to accompany their younger sister, who absolutely loved the water table.   Even though this exhibit was clearly geared for younger children, my boys had fun with the tomato stand.

    The Miniature Railroad & Village is a fun but unexpected exhibit at the Science Center.  This enormous village provides a tour of western Pennsylvania and includes over 250,000 trees.  Of course, our favorite miniature was Fallingwater.

    We’ve had lunch at Center’s River View Café several times.  The Café is currently under renovation and open with only a limited menu, but its convenience is key as there really does not seem to be any other lunch options within walking distance.  My  kids thoroughly enjoyed their hot dog kids’ meals and cheese steak sandwich.  A new wing is also currently under construction, but the exhibits are all open during the renovations.

    E-motion cone
    • Kid Facts:  The E-motion cone, which is a large inverted cone on top of the Science Center was installed in 2000.  It is lit up at night with colored lights that signal the weather forecast for the next day.  Red means warmer, blue means cooler, and green means no change.  The cone flashes when precipitation is expected, and the color yellow indicates severe weather.
    • Pro Tip:  Because of its proximity to the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Carnegie Science Center is closed when the Steelers have home games with 1 pm or 4 pm kickoff times and may close early for evening games.

    #2: Carnegie Museum of Natural History With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History was founded in 1896 by Pittsburgh industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, and gained notoriety in 1899 when its scientists found the fossils of the Diplodocus carnegii.  Carnegie gifted a cast of its diplodocus skeleton  to England at the request of Edward VII, and “Dippy” was featured in  Hitze Hall of London’s Natural History Museum for many years before being replaced by Hope, a blue whale skeleton, in July 2017.  Dippy is currently on tour across the United Kingdom for the next two years.   The original diplodocus skeleton was admittedly a major draw for us to visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  It is housed in a space that oddly resembles a hotel lobby, but the exhibit is still a dream for any young paleontologist.

    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History maintains one of the world’s most prominent dinosaur collections. The Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit is the world’s largest collection of Jurassic dinosaurs and the third largest collection of mounted dinosaurs in the US and includes two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons and a triceratops skeleton.

    One of two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons

    My kids are fascinated by gemstones, so the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems was a big hit.  Over 1,300 specimens are artistically displayed throughout several rooms.

    I see a few that I’d like

    The Bone Hunters’ Quarry gives kids 10 and under a chance to dig for bones with brushes and chisels.  This interactive exhibit occupied my children for a solid 10-15 minutes until the 10 year old started getting bored.

    • Kid Facts:  The diplodocus skeleton was found on an expedition to the Morrison Formation sponsored by Carnegie. The Morrison Formation in Utah is the most fertile source of North American dinosaur fossils.

    #3: Carnegie Museum of Art With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895 and is housed in the same building in Oakland as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  One of the most unique features of the Carnegie Art Museum is the Hall of Architecture, which includes the world’s third-largest collection of plaster architectural casts.  Andrew Carnegie financed a tinted cast of the West Portal of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, which may be the world’s largest architectural cast.  Saint-Gilles-du-Gard is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque portals.  The Hall also includes almost 140 other full-size plaster casts.

    We were also pretty excited to find the special exhibit, Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō Road, had opened just a few days before our visit.  This series of woodblock prints depicts landscapes and people that master printmaker, Utagawa Hiroshige, encountered when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.  We enjoy Hiroshige’s art so much that we have one of his prints at home, but our print is not one of this series.  This special exhibit includes a complete set of 55 prints from the first (Hōeidō) edition of Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō.  Vincent Van Gogh collected ukiyo-e with his brother, and their collection included Hiroshige’s works.   Van Gogh incorporated similar bright colors, natural details and unconventional perspectives into his own works.

    Like most major art museums, its impressionist gallery includes paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.  Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields at Auvers Under Clouded Sky was one of his famous series of wheat field paintings.  While Van Gogh and Monet are our favorites, we didn’t make it here until well past nap time for my three year old, who found the large bench very comfortable.

    Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields at Auvers Under Clouded Sky
    Monet’s Water Lilies (Nymphéas)

    I love the convenience of two museums in one, which made it logistically possible to visit two museums on the same day we drove to Pittsburgh and still spend most of the afternoon relaxing in our hotel room.  While we did not have a chance to explore all the galleries, the collection was impressive, and we look forward to future visits.

    #4:  Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is an interactive museum for kids that is also a member of the ASTC Travel Passport Program.  We visited twice previously before our recent trip, and this is the only museum where I have spent an entire day back when my boys were 1.5 and 3.5.  While most families likely visit for only 2-3 hours at a time, there is definitely enough to occupy kids all day.  We had a wonderful day thoroughly exploring each and every exhibit in detail and spending hours in the Studio creating works of art.

    Our recent visit was during our second afternoon in Pittsburgh and took place after a morning at the Carnegie Science Center.  My daughter didn’t get a nap until we were in the car headed back to Cleveland but was so excited about all the exhibits that she forgot to be cranky.  As soon as we arrived, she headed straight for the two-story climber that thankfully has entrance and exit openings only at the bottom.  Her brothers followed her in but quickly came out, indicating that the climber had a strong odor of feet.  Nevertheless, this climber attracted my daughter like a magnet.  She probably spent a solid 20 minutes climbing all the way to the top and then back down while my boys worked on draw bots in the MAKESHOP®.  She did get a bit stuck at one point, but she got a bit of a boost from a slightly bigger kid and kept moving.  At the very top, kids are out of sight for a few minutes, which was a bit disconcerting at first, but the other parents milling around at the bottom assured me that the same thing happened with their kids.

    A dream climber for kids

    My boys happily worked in the MAKESHOP® just opposite the climber while I hung out at the wall dividing the two areas to keep an eye on all of them.  The kids used household boxes to anchor markers in place and then attached motors to make them move on their own.  The project involved tape, hot glue and a lot of trial and error, and this was my boys’ favorite exhibit at the Museum.  My daughter was too young to create one on her own, but she enjoyed spectating and working on a draw bot with one of the Museum guides (who did most of the heavy lifting).

    The Museum’s Studio offers hands-on creating opportunities for kids of all ages.  Because we were short on time and stayed for a long time at the MAKESHOP®, we did not make it to the Studio this time, but it’s a beautiful multimedia space with wonderful supplies that allow kids to create paint, sculpt and silkscreen.  The Studio is housed in a former planetarium and is a beautiful and bright space to inspire creative juices, and smocks are available.  Because I am not crafty by nature, I really appreciate prepared craft projects.

    The Studio’s ceiling
    Creating in the Studio

    My boys really enjoyed the Waterplay exhibit on our previous visits.  Honestly, I judged other museum waterplay exhibits against this one for years.  Previously, full length rain ponchos and crocs were available for kids to use while exploring in the water.  This time, only smocks were available, and almost all the other kids had changed into swimming attire or had stripped down to their underwear, and it seemed more like a spray park than it had been before.  An ideal day at the museum for me does not involve hauling swimsuits and towels, and even my three year old would not be comfortable wearing only panties in public.  My kids were hesitant because they did not want to get soaked, so this exhibit definitely lost some of its luster this time around.  While the snow table was unique, we all agreed that the Wonder Lab at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland is now our waterplay gold standard.

    All geared up during a prior visit to the Waterplay area

    My daughter was pretty excited to find a puppet of her friend, Daniel Tiger, in the Museum’s Nursery.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and will definitely be back.  While some of the exhibits are more age appropriate for my daughter, her brothers had fun accompanying her as she explored those areas and particularly enjoyed the MAKESHOP®.  I think it’s been offseason or rainy on each of our three visits, but we hope next time, we can check out the Backyard.

    • Kid Facts:  Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood was filmed in Pittsburgh from 1968 to 2001, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh maintains some great memorabilia.
    • Pro Tip:  Try to visit the Studio first so that art masterpieces dry before it’s time to leave.  The Studio is housed in a former planetarium and is a beautiful and bright space to inspire kids’ creative juices.

    #5:  Duquesne Incline With Kids

    The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh is an amazing example of living history that combines a trolley ride up Mount Washington, engineering genius and an amazing city view.  We visited on Thanksgiving before our turkey feast with friends.  The beautifully detailed original trolley cars sit on platforms that keep them level while transporting Pittsburghers and visitors up and down Mount Washington without a driver.  The 794-foot wooden track was both an engineering masterpiece and a work of art.

    Interior of the trolley car

     

    Wooden track

    At the station at the top, there are historical exhibits that provide an overview of the history of Pittsburgh, its many inclines and the engineering challenges that the engineers had to overcome to build and operate the Incline.

    Trolley car traveling down the Incline

    Tom Reinheimer’s tour of the Upper Station gave us an overview of the history of Pittsburgh, its many inclines and the engineering challenges that the engineers had to overcome to build and operate the Incline.  Tom then took us to the David H. Miller Working Museum to tour of the Incline’s hoisting machinery.  The Incline still uses its original hoisting equipment that features giant cogs with wooden gear teeth.

    Hoisting equipment

    The highlight of the Incline is the magnificent view of Pittsburgh’s “Three Rivers” – the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which together form the Ohio River and the city’s “Golden Triangle” central business district.  Other highlights include views of the outline of Fort Duquesne, the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Pirates’ PNC Park, the Carnegie Science Center and many bridges (up to 18 can be visible).  For more details, check out our Spotlight feature on the Duquesne Incline.

    Find Out More About Pittsburgh With Kids

    Interested in finding out more about visiting Pittsburgh with kids?  Check out our other blog posts about Pittsburgh and nearby Fallingwater.