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  • Boston With Kids: Fun Family Winter Break Activities

    Boston With Kids: Fun Family Winter Break Activities

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

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

    Our Fun Family Boston Weekend

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

    Top Recommended Winter Activities in Boston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Restaurants

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

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

    Accommodations

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

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

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

    The Hotel’s dome was a sight to see.

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

    Final Thoughts

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

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

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

    Pin it to Pinterest!

     

     

     

  • Visiting Yosemite With Kids

    Visiting Yosemite With Kids

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

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

    Two Days at Yosemite National Park With Kids

     

    Accommodations Near Yosemite With Children

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

    View of Tenaya Lodge
    Tenaya Lodge

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

    Things to Do in Yosemite With Kids

    #1:  El Capitan and Half Dome With Kids

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

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

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

    View of El Capitan up close
    El Capitan

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

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

     

    #2:  Visiting Yosemite Valley

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

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

    View of Bridalveil Falls at Yosemite National Park
    Bridalveil Fall

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

    Watching ducks at Mirror Lake

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

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

     

    #3:  Junior Ranger Program With Kids

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

    Junior Ranger Pledge

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

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

     

    #4:  Sunset at Glacier Point 

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

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

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

     

    #5:  Visiting Mariposa Grove 

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

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

    Grizzly Giant

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

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

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

     

    Why We Loved Visiting Yosemite National Park With Young Kids

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

  • A San Francisco Family Vacation

    A San Francisco Family Vacation

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

    Planning a Trip to San Francisco

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

     

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

    Yard clean up

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

    #1: Golden Gate Bridge

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

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

    View while driving on the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog

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

    Clear skies!
    This “international orange” bridge appears red

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

    Blue Angels buzzing the Bridge

    #2:  Japanese Tea Gardens

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

    Serene garden

    The miniature pagodas originate from Buddhist tradition.

    The Treasure Tower

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

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

    #3:  Muir Woods

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

    Majestic redwoods
    Enormous tree trunks

    The forest canopy is nothing short of breathtaking.

    Stunning canopy so high up

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

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

    #4:  Alcatraz

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

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

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

    #5:  Eating Out

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

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

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

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

  • Six Weeks in Vietnam, With Kids!

    Six Weeks in Vietnam, With Kids!

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

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

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

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

    #1: Cao Bang Province

    Buddhist Temple overlooking Ban Gioc.

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

    Ban Gioc Waterfall

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

    #2: Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay

    Lanha Bay

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

    Monkey Island

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

    #3: Sapa and Mt. Fansipan

    Sapa: mountains, magic, music and mud.

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

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

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

    #4: Ninh Binh

    Exploring Galaxy Grotto by boat.

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

    Bai Dinh Temple

    #5: Hoi An

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

    Tips for Traveling in Vietnam with Kids:

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

    Preparation:

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

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

    Additional Tips:

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

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

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

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  • Fall Getaway: Long Weekend in Connecticut With Kids!

    Fall Getaway: Long Weekend in Connecticut With Kids!

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

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

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

    Having fun at the New England Air Museum

    Where to Stay:

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

    Where to Eat:

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

    Note the upside M’s – Yankee ingenuity!

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

    What to Do:

    Connecticut Trolley Museum:

    source

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

    New England Air Museum:

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

    Mystic Seaport:

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

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

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

    The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss:

    source

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

    The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:

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

    Brown’s Harvest:

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

    Drive!:

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

    Final Thoughts: 

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

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

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  • Spotlight: Silver Springs State Park (Ocala, FL) With Kids!

    Spotlight: Silver Springs State Park (Ocala, FL) With Kids!

    Everyone the world over knows Orlando, Florida, home to Disney World & Universal Studios. Most people are vaguely aware of Legoland, located about an hour outside of Orlando. And, if you’re a baseball fan, you’re familiar with Winter Haven, home of Major League Baseball’s spring training facility for years. But, few have heard of Ocala, a mid-sized city located just 90 minutes north of Orlando International Airport. If you’re looking to get away from major amusement parks and explore some of the more natural side of things, Ocala is an easy drive from Orlando and Silver Springs State Park is a wonderful way to get outside in ‘gator country!

    Silver Spring State Park, gateway to the Ocala National Forest, is home to a number of activities for adventure goers. A portion of the Park used to comprise the Silver Springs Zoological Park, which my family visited in February 2011 when my oldest was not quite two, but the Zoo has now closed and the Park is fully managed by the state.

    waiting for our boat ride
    checking out the ‘gators (note the plexiglass barrier!)

    The Park is open from 8:00 am to sundown, 365 days a year and admission is only $8 per vehicle. There are rental pavilions, if you want to throw a party or a family reunion, along with campsites and rental cabins. Activities include glass bottom boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, and you can even arrange for a guided horseback trail ride via Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides. Although we have enjoyed canoeing the Silver River, my personal favorite activity is the glass bottom boat tour, which is free for children under six years of age. Visit the Park’s website for full information, including hours and updated fees and check our Silver River State Park if you want to get up close and personal with the ‘gators!

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

  • 15 Top Attractions in London for Families

    15 Top Attractions in London for Families

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

     

    Things to Do in London With Kids

     

    #1:  Big Ben and Houses of Parliament With Kids

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

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

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

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

     

    #2:  Tower of London With Kids

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

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

    #3:  Tower Bridge With Kids

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

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

     

    #4:  London Eye With Kids

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

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

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

     

    #5:  Trafalgar Square With Kids

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

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

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

     

    #6:  St. Paul’s Cathedral With Kids

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

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

     

    #7:  Buckingham Palace With Kids

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

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

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

     

    #8:  Westminster Abbey With Kids

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

    Photo credit:  PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

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

     

    #9:  Piccadilly Circus With Kids

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

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

     

    #10:  Marble Arch With Kids

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

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

     

    #11:  Covent Garden With Kids

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

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

     

    #12:  10 Downing Street With Kids

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

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

     

    #13:  Millennium Bridge With Kids

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

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

     

    #14:  Portobello Road Market With Kids

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

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

     

    #15:  Hamleys With Kids

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

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

     

    London Family Attractions

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

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  • Tokyo Disney Resort

    Tokyo Disney Resort

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

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

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

    Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

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

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

    Pricing and Accommodations:

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

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

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

    Dining:

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

    A Happy Chef Mickey Experience!

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

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

    Day #2: Full Day at Tokyo Disneyland

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

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

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

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

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    Day #3: Full Day at Tokyo DisneySea

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

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

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

    To maximize time at DisneySea, I recommend:

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

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    The Whirlpool ride at the Mermaid Lagoon.

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

    Day #4: Half Day at Disneyland

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

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

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

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

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  • Visiting Niagara Falls With Kids

    Visiting Niagara Falls With Kids

    Niagara Falls are probably the most well-known of all waterfalls in North America.  Niagara Falls consist of three falls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls that all straddle the border between US and Canada.  Horseshoe Falls has the largest flow rate of any waterfall in North America and is predominately in Canada, although a small portion is considered to be part of the US.  The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are completely on the American side.  The falls are so popular that there are cities named Niagara Falls on either side trying to capitalize on tourism from this natural wonder – Niagara Falls Canada and Niagara Falls USA.  Family travelers should definitely consider visiting Niagara Falls with kids of all ages.

    While there are fantastic views of Niagara Falls from both New York and Ontario, I have only been to Canadian side, which offers panoramic views of each of the falls.  It is also known for its casinos and tourist attractions available in the city built up on the west bank of the Niagara River.  Niagara Falls Canada was successful in its marketing efforts to become the self-proclaimed “honeymoon capital of the world.”  It was one of parents’ post-wedding destinations, along with many of their peers and continues to be a popular tourist destination.

    In 2015, we booked a direct flights to London via Toronto at substantial savings and decided to break our four and a half hour car journey at Niagara Falls to take advantage of one of the world’s best pit stops.  We found a parking lot just across the street from the falls and headed to the observation area to take a look at this natural spectacle.  This trip was two years before our visit to Iceland where the kids became waterfall aficionados, so this was the first major waterfall that they had ever seen.  Not surprisingly, they were totally amazed by the beauty and power of the falls.  We were also lucky to visit on a sunny day and see many rainbows.  This Niagara Fall view was stunning.

    Niagara Falls Rainbow
    Rainbow!

    My husband viewed from the American side when his relatives were in town a few weeks before our family visit.  From Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the US, there is a phenomenal close up view of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

    American Falls

    From the American side, there is also a great view of the you can see the city of Niagara Falls Canada and also a partially obstructed view of Horseshoe Falls.  For a complete panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls from the American side, it is necessary to take a trip on the Maid of the Mist.  The Maid of the Mist has been a major tourist attraction since the mid-19th century and departs from both he US and Canadian sides of the Niagara River.  The boat ride is only 20 minutes but provides a very close up view of Horseshoe Falls.  The hooded rain ponchos are not merely for show.  This is not a dry experience.

    View from Niagara Falls State Park
    Maid of the Mist

    • Kid Facts:  Niagara Falls were created by glaciers about 10,000 years ago.  An estimated 90% of the fish that travel over Niagara Falls are believed to survive.
    • Kid Caution:  While kids of all ages are welcome on the Maid of the Mist, strollers are not recommended.

    Niagara Falls is definitely a natural wonder that kids of all ages enjoy, even just for a stop on the way to Toronto.  If you have stayed for more than an hour or two, please let us know in the comments what activities you’ve enjoyed in Niagara Falls Canada or Niagara Falls USA!  Looking for inspiration to travel to the Great White North, check out 12 reasons why we love Canada.

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

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  • Visiting the Tower of London With Kids

    Visiting the Tower of London With Kids

    The Tower of London is a historic castle with an infamously bloody past. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this complex includes several buildings including the Royal Armouries collection and the Crown Jewels, defensive walls and even a moat.  It’s not surprising that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.  On our last trip to London, our children were 10 months, five and seven and thoroughly enjoyed the Tower.  Visiting the Tower of London with kids was a wonderful family outing.

    Getting to the Tower of London

    We traveled to the Tower of London by Underground to the Tower Hill station.  From the station, the Tower of London was a short walk.  The London Underground is an efficient way for families to travel, and kids under 11 ride free.

    How to Tour the Tower of London

    We booked our Tower of London tickets online and showed our receipt for at the ticket booth.  After entering the Tower, we were greeted by one of the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as the Beefeaters, who began our extremely informative tour that focused on Tower of London history.  Among other things, the tour highlighted the execution of two of Henry VIII’s six wives on Tower Green – Anne Boleyn in 1536 and Catherine Howard in 1542 – and the history of the ravens in the Tower of London.  Over 500 years ago, King Charles II declared, “If the ravens leave the tower, the kingdom will fall…” and ruled that at least six ravens must be kept onsite at all times. Our whole family enjoyed our Tower of London guided tour.

    Our tour guide
    One of the Tower’s ravens
    • Kid Facts:  King Charles II’s superstition is not one to be tested.  Seven ravens are always kept at the Tower – six plus one spare.  The ravens are cared for by the Tower’s Ravenmaster, and their wings are clipped so they can’t fly away.

    Visiting the White Tower With Kids

    The 11th century White Tower was the keep of the castle and is the most iconic image of the complex.   The White Tower now holds the collection of the Royal Armouries and St. John’s Chapel, which was built for William the Conqueror.  Expert warders provide guided tours of the White Tower.

    The White Tower

    • Kid Facts:  St. John’s Chapel is the oldest church in London.  The White Tower was almost destroyed in 1940 during a World War II bombing.

    Visiting the Crown Jewels

    The Crown Jewels of England have been displayed in the Tower of London since the 17th century and are protected by armed guards.  No photography of the jewels is permitted.

    Guarding the Crown Jewels
    • Kid Facts:  The Crown Jewels are owned by Queen Elizabeth II and not the government.

    During our wall walk, our boys enjoyed exploring the inner battlements that served as protection for the castle.

    The Tower of London is also a fantastic place to view the Tower Bridge.

    View of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London

    Why We Loved the Tower of London

    We regularly tour a museum or historic site in less than two hours, but we spent the better part of a day on our tour of the Tower of London.  We arrived close to noon and ate ice cream (possibly twice!) but did not stop to sit down for lunch until about 4:00 p.m. because there was so much to do and see.  There was a good deal of standing and listening the whole afternoon, our boys were fascinated and did not complain.  While we brought a stroller for our daughter, we parked it for much of the day and predominately used the carrier instead.  A visit to the Tower of London definitely requires a few hours but is a site not to miss when visiting London.

    London has so many fun family museums, and we can’t wait to go back and check out more!  Make sure to check out our blog posts on London, including Our First Family Trip Abroad, Five(teen) Fun Family Attractions, Five Fun Family Museums, Five Fun Family Parks and Sample Itineraries (to come).

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

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