We Go With Kids!

Tag: exotic eats

  • Visiting New Orleans With Kids

    Visiting New Orleans With Kids

     Thank you to Oak Alley Plantation, the Presbytère and the New Orleans Botanical Gardens for hosting our visits and to the Cajun Pride Swamp Tours for providing our family a discounted rate. 

    My husband and I have enjoyed several trips to New Orleans without our kids – both for Jazz Fest and for a weekend getaway several years ago.  When we decided to attempt flying for the first time since the pandemic and take a domestic family trip this summer, Mark immediately suggested New Orleans.  His parents had never been to New Orleans and decided to join us to celebrate their recent milestone anniversary, and his sister came too.  It was a great opportunity for us to play tour guide in a familiar city, return to our favorite restaurants, galleries and landmarks and also explore new sites – with both our kids and extended family.

    As the birthplace of jazz and known for Mardi Gras celebrations and Bourbon Street revelry, New Orleans may not seem like an ideal family destination.  But, the city offers a number of exciting opportunities for young ones.  Even though Bourbon Street can get rowdy, and guests under 21 are not welcome at most live jazz venues and a number of bars and restaurants, New Orleans has much more to offer for visitors of all ages.  We found many great activities for families visiting New Orleans with kids.  Here are our favorites:

    French Quarter With Kids

    Visiting Jackson Square With Kids

    Jackson Square

    Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter.  St. Louis Cathedral, one of the most recognizable landmarks in New Orleans, towers over the north side of Jackson Square and is the country’s oldest active cathedral.   Construction of the Cathedral began after the previous cathedral was destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788.  We attend Sunday Mass here every time we visit.

    A statue of Andrew Jackson riding a horse stands in the center of Jackson Square.  Before he became the country’s seventh President, Jackson was the U.S. commander in the Battle of New Orleans that ended the War of 1812.

    St. Louis Cathedral

    Jackson Square is a great family destination because it is a lively area in the city where the excitement does not involve either jazz or drinking.  Especially on weekends, local artists line the sidewalk outside the park’s fence selling their works while creating new ones.  We spoke with an artist painting St. Louis Cathedral who explained to us that she painted a man sitting at a nearby table even though she believed he specifically turned away from her so she would not capture his face.

    Especially on a hot summer day, we really appreciated the ice cream vendor parked right in front Saint Louis Cathedral.  Fortunately, the Cathedral is also air conditioned and offered a much needed reprieve from the heat.

    • Jackson Square Address:  701 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
    • Jackson Square Hours:  Daily – 8 am to 6 pm

    Presbytère

    The Presbytère is part of the Louisiana State Museum and is housed in a building adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral that was completed in 1813 to serve as the monastery.  There are two permanent exhibits focusing on hurricanes and Mardi Gras.  Both multimedia exhibits are informative and enjoyable for the whole family.

    We started with Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond.  I remember watching and reading news coverage of the disastrous hurricane in August 2005, just two years after my first visit to the city.  By the time of my next visit in April 2007, it was hard to imagine that so much of the city was under water less than two years before.  The interactive exhibit detailed the days leading up to Katrina, the evacuations, the flooding and immediate aftermath and the conditions within the Superdome for evacuees.  My 12 year old son recently competed in the Meteorology event at Science Olympiad and was particularly interested in the portions of the exhibit related to the formation of hurricanes.  The exhibit reminded me of the 911 Museum, which also documented a recent historic tragedy and made me wonder what COVID-19 pandemic exhibits may look like in future museums.

    Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond Exhibit

    Of course, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, and while we were visiting months after all the parades had ended, Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time was a perfect glimpse into annual celebrations throughout the years.  The crown jewels and virtual float exhibit were my daughter’s favorite parts, and she was fascinated by the intricate costumes.

    Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time Exhibit
    • Presbytère Address:  751 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
    • Presbytère Hours:  Tuesday through Sunday – 9:00 am through 4:00 pm
    • Presbytère Admission:  Adults – $7, students, senior citizens and active military – $6, children 6 and under – free

    Art and Antiques

    There are innumerable galleries in New Orleans selling pieces that soar into the five, six and even seven digits in spaces that can become more crowded than your typical art museum.  When we visited in July with our three kids, we were often the only visitors in each gallery, and we were all excited to learn about each artist.  The galleries all have video camera surveillance, but our children are all familiar with art gallery behavior and were welcome in each gallery.

    My husband’s favorite is Michalopoulos Gallery.  James Michalopoulos captures New Orleans architecture in his expressive paintings that evoke Van Gogh’s style and has also branched out to landscapes since he began spending part of each year in France.  We visited the Michalopoulos’ Gallery on Bienville Street twice during this trip.  My oldest thought his paintings were a nice mix of realism and abstract art, and my youngest was enamored with how the colors popped.

    Michalopoulos Gallery
    • Michalopoulos Gallery Address:  617 Bienville St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
    • Michalopoulos Gallery Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday 11 am to 6 pm

    My favorite was Delancey Art Gallery.  Danny Delancey used to paint his surrealist works behind St. Louis Cathedral until he opened a gallery on Royal Street in 2020.  Delancey’s motto is, “As you stroll through life, be positive, have a sense of humor, and hold on to what’s dear to you.”  He was painting as we walked in and was happy to chat with us and tell us about his thoughts about all of his available paintings and works in progress.  Even though surrealism isn’t one of my favorite genres, it’s so unique to have seen such a talented artist painting on several occasions.  I hear his voice narrating the story of his paintings and love how they ooze positivism.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ChktSNjJLlE/?hl=en

    • Delancey Art Gallery Address:  829 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisana 70116
    • Delancey Art Gallery Hours:  Tuesday through Thursday  and Sunday to Monday – 10 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday – 10 am to 10 pm

    We discovered M.S. Rau during this visit.  M.S. Rau is a 40,000 square foot fine art and antique dealer.   Our kids were fascinated by the reverspective painting by Patrick Hughes in the window, and we initially went in to get a closer look at The Scottish Museum of Modern Art.  We found dozens of museum-quality paintings, including those painted by Monet, Renoir and Pisarro to view and compare prices.  The prices on every painting added a new element to our art appreciation as we could compare paintings not only by style and preference but also cost.  One of the most impressive was Monet’s Nympheas, which was available for $5.5 million.  That is certainly substantially above our budget, but we now know how much it costs to display Monet in our own home.

    Monet’s Nympheas

    Patrick Hughes’ reverspectives are part painting and part sculpture, and the 3D construction creates the illusion of movement.  These unique pieces attracted interest and intrigue from all members of our group.  Acqua Alta Again took us right back to Venice’s Grand Canal and is available for a mere $139,500.

    Patrick Hughes’ Acqua Alta Again
    • M.S. Rau Address: 622 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
    • M.S. Rau Hours:  Monday through Saturday:  9 am to 5:15 pm

    Modernist Cuisine Gallery is a gallery that focuses on Nathan Myrhrvold’s photography.  We spent a long time examining his works and learning about Myrhrvold’s techniques from the gallerist.

    There are galleries outside of the French Quarter as well.  We have visited Frenchy Gallery in Uptown.  Frenchy is known for his live paintings at music concerts.  A few years ago, we met Frenchy when stopping into his gallery before drinks at Maple Leaf Bar and dinner at Jacques’Imos.

    • Modernist Cuisine Address:  305 Royal St New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
    • Modernist Cuisine Hours:  Sunday through Wednesday – 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday through Saturday – 10 am to 8 pm

    Eat Beignets at Cafe Du Monde With Kids    

    Cafe Du Monde is a famous open-air coffee shop that is located on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square.  It is known for beignets – square French-style doughnuts liberally covered with powdered sugar and cafe au laits.  The limited menu is printed on the napkin holders.  The delicious beignets are the only food offering, but you can also order an assortment of beverages, including coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, milk, soft drinks, spring water, iced coffee and frozen cafe au lait.  I’ve never seen so much powdered sugar.

    Beignets and coffee

    Especially on weekends, there is often a line outside of people waiting to be seated, but tables turn over frequently in this large cafe, and the line moves quickly.  Before the pandemic, it was open 24/7 except for Christmas and the “occasional hurricane”, but its hours are now limited.   Make sure to bring cash because credit cards are not accepted.

    • Cafe Du Monde Address: 848 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
    • Cafe Du Monde Hours: Daily – 7:30 am to 11:00 pm

    Other New Orleans Activities for Families

    Ride the Streetcar With Kids

    Streetcar on Canal Street

    The Streetcar is a fun way to travel in New Orleans.  The classic trolley is a hit with kids, especially those familiar with Mr. Rogers or Daniel Tiger.  We’ve taken the St. Charles Line through the Garden District to Audubon Park, Magazine Street and also the landmark diner, Camellia Grill.   We learned that it is the oldest continuously operated street railway line in the world.

    The cost to ride the New Orleans streetcar just $1.25 each ride for one trip or an unlimited one-day “jazzy pass” costs $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children and $.80 for seniors.  You need exact change if buying onboard and can also purchase in advance online.

    New Orleans Botanical Garden

    New Orleans Botanical Garden is located within the City Park and features more than 2,000 plants.  The gardens opened in 1936 but were devastated during Hurricane Katrina when they were submerged for several weeks, and staff could not water indoor container plants due to the power outages.  Nonetheless, the Botanical Garden re-opened in March 2006.

    We visited on a Wednesday when admission is free for Louisiana residents, but it wasn’t too crowded.  The gardens in the botanical gardens are lush and colorful and had all of Mark’s favorite plants, including orchids and ferns.

    Botanical Gardens

    Storyland was definitely my seven-year old daughter’s favorite.  She is old enough to know all the stories and young enough to find the life-sized sculptures exhilarating.  She ran from display to display and wanted to come back after we explored the gardens.

    Storyland
    • New Orleans Botanical Garden Address:  5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
    • New Orleans Botanical Garden Hours:  Wednesday through Sunday – 10 am through 4:30 pm
    • New Orleans Botanical Garden Admission:  Adults – $10, children 3-12: $5 and children under 3:  free

    Spend an Afternoon in Audubon Park With Kids

    Audubon Park is a city park located in the Uptown neighborhood that borders the Mississippi River.  We were amazed by the Tree of Life.  This knobby oak tree is believed to be about 275 years old, and some of its long branches actually reach the ground.  It was so serene to stand in its vast shade.

    Tree of Life

    Audubon Park features many other giant oak trees and several playgrounds.  The largest play structure is near St. Charles Avenue, across from Loyola University.  Due to the excessive heat on the day we visited, we didn’t venture further into the Park, but the kids enjoyed the updated playground and the ice cream available nearby.

    Audubon Par Playground

    Day Trips from New Orleans With Kids

    We had never traveled out of New Orleans on our previous trips.  On this trip, we definitely wanted to explore the region.  We rented a large SUV for our entire group so that we could finally visit an area plantation and take a swamp boat tour.

    Oak Alley Plantation With Kids

    The Oak Alley Plantation offered the opportunity to step back in time to the mid-nineteenth century.   Oak Alley is named for the 28 oak trees that span from the front façade of the manor to the road.  The trees may have been planted as full-grown trees in the early 1800s, and the original trees all remain.  Their branches stretch out to the ground and create a beautiful web and perfectly frame the estate, which features Greek Revival architecture and has 28 columns lining the outdoor porch that correspond to the oak trees.  I have seen some magnificent trees, including the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, which is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, but this canopied path is unparalleled.

    Oak Alley

    We came to Oak Alley after spending the morning on the Cajun Swamp Boat Tour and collected our tickets and the enjoyed lunch at the Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant before our tour.  During our tour of the manor, we learned that the home was built by Jacques and Celina Roman.  Jacques Roman’s brother, Andre served as the Louisiana Governor from 1831 to 1835, and the Roman’s bought the sugar plantation in 1836 and began constructing their home, which was constructed with 16 inch clay bricks and is surrounded by an outdoor balcony that wraps around the second floor.  While this home was considered a mansion at its time, it is not massive by current standards.  Due to its thick walls and balcony, the rooms themselves are not large, and the family likely used hallways as living space.

    Jacques Roman died in 1848 after contracting tuberculosis.  His wife, Celina, was not adept at management, and the plantation was near bankruptcy when her son, Henri took over management in 1859 and eventually sold the plantation in 1866.  Several owners struggled to afford the maintenance costs of the property until Andrew Stewart bought Oak Alley in 1925 and began extensive renovations.  Josephine Stewart donated the house and grounds to the Oak Alley Foundation upon her death in 1972.

    Oak Alley Manor

    Of course, plantation life was so much more than beautiful oak trees and the nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture.  Behind the “Big House” was a second set of oak trees leading to the slave quarters.  The Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit focused on the 220 men, women and children who were enslaved at Oak Alley between 1836 and Emancipation.  These individuals included field slaves who lived on the plantation at the time that the Roman family acquired the property, the slaves who were subsequently purchased by the Roman family and the children of those slaves.

    Replica Slave Cabin

    In addition to the harsh living conditions, enslaved children could be separated from their parents at the age of 10.  The names of all of the men and women enslaved at Oak Alley are engraved in the wall of one of the replica cabins, which each typically housed two families.

    Names of all people enslaved at Oak Alley

    We appreciated that Oak Alley did not gloss over the true history of the plantation.  While little is known about many of the people who built and sustained Oak Alley for the several decades, we learned about their challenging lives of the field slaves, the house slaves, the cooks and the gardeners.  Slaves tended their own crops after working long days on the plantation so that they could supplement their meager rations.  Antoine, the Roman’s gardener, was the first person to graft a pecan tree and was able to produce premium nuts as a result.   His methods were widely copied, and Antoine’s last name is not even known.

    • Oak Alley Address:  3645 LA-18, Vacherie, Louisiana 70090
    • Oak Alley Hours:  8:30 am to 5:00 p.m. daily except New Year’s, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving and Christmas
    • Oak Alley Site and Big House Admission:  Adults – $30, children 6-12: $10, and children under 6:  free
    • Oak Alley Site Admission:  Adults – $27, children 6-17: $8 and children under 6:  free
    • Oak Alley Tips:  Purchase tickets in advance on the website for discounted rates

    Cajun Pride Swamp Tour With Kids

    Our entire group thoroughly enjoyed the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour.   We saw dozens of alligators and learned all about the history of the area through Captain Danny’s constant and fascinating narration.  We had the chance to see Honey Bun, the 500 pound alligator up close and also had a show and tell time where we saw a baby turtle named Stinky, crawfish named Bonny and Clyde and a grasshopper named Hopper.  We also each had the chance to hold a baby alligator named Bruce.

    Honey Bun

    We learned that National Geographic named the area is one of the most haunted, creepiest places in America.  I particularly enjoyed Captain Danny’s ghost story about Julia Brown, a voodoo queen who died in 1915.  A category 4 hurricane hit during her funeral and killed most of the residents.  We also learned that much of the area had been destroyed by Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in August 2021, exactly 15 years after Hurricane Katrina.  The boats survived, but the rest of the structures on the wildlife refuge were destroyed.

    The whole family enjoyed the swamp tour, and I felt like I had jumped into Where the Crawdads Sing.  After some research, I discovered that while the book is actually set in North Carolina, the movie was filmed outside of New Orleans.

    View of the Swamp
    • Cajun Pride Swamp Tour Address:  110 Frenier Rd, Laplace, Louisiana 70068
    • Cajun Pride Swamp Tour Hours:  Tours run daily
    • Cajun Pride Swamp Tour Admission:  Adults (13+) – $27; children (4-12) – $16

    Eat Out in New Orleans With Kids

    New Orleans is known for amazing Cajun and Creole food.  The main difference between the two is that Creole food uses tomato.  Even though kids limited our restaurant choices as many options prohibit any diner under 21 (including Coop’s Place, which my husband and I have enjoyed a few times), there are still a number of amazing restaurants for families.  Our group was happy to eat traditional New Orleans cuisine for the majority of our meals and definitely found some great gems.

    Our first recommendation for family-friendly dining is Gumbo Shop.   Gumbo Shop is known for its award-winning gumbo and has won Best Gumbo of New Orleans every year since 1999.  However, the crawfish etouffe and the crawfish and pasta in tasso cream were also our family’s favorites.  We had our first lunch of the trip at Gumbo Shop and ended up returning for a lunch a few days later and also our final dinner.

    Superior Grill is located on the St. Charles streetcar line and was an easy stop on the way back to the French Quarter from Audubon Park.  We all love Mexican cuisine, and Superior Grill did not disappoint.

    Another family-friendly restaurant is Emeril Lagasse’s Meril.  Meril, a contemporary American restaurant, is Emeril’s fourth restaurant in New Orleans that offers amazing small plates that are designed for sharing but also perfect for kids.

    Meril

    Camellia Grill is a landmark diner right across from the final St. Charles streetcar stop, about 20 minutes from the city center.  There is often a line to get in, and that line continues on benches at the side of the restaurant after you finally make it through the doors.  Guests are served diner favorites such as omelets, cheeseburgers, “freezes” and pecan pie.

    We also have enjoyed several fabulous breakfasts at Ruby Slipper Cafe, an award-winner that offers New Orleans flair to the southern breakfast standards and also offers a Kids’ Menu.  The buttermilk biscuits are truly a treat.

    Where to Stay in New Orleans With Kids

    Location is key when visiting New Orleans.  We always stay in or very near the French Quarter so that most sites and restaurants are easily within walking distance.  For this trip, we absolutely wanted a pool, and my husband booked the Royal Sonesta.  When I realized that we would be staying on Bourbon Street with our kids and extended family, I was more than a little skeptical.  The last time we were on Bourbon Street during Jazz Fest, the only kids we saw were buskers.  We discovered that there were many more families strolling down Bourbon this time, and while there was some rowdiness, walking to and from the hotel was not an issue.

    The rooftop pool was definitely appreciated, and the kids visited the pool almost every day we were there.  We typically did some sightseeing in the morning and then headed to the pool after lunch.  The summer heat could be sweltering, and the pool was the perfect reprieve.  The Royal Sonesta hosts a pool party every Sunday afternoon for its guests with a DJ and outdoor barbecue in addition to the daily bar service.  The pool was absolutely packed during the party, but our kids were still welcome.  Most of the adults were drinking, but the vibe was laid back and relaxed.

    Royal Sonesta rooftop pool

    The property was recently renovated, and we loved the art deco vibe in the lobby and the enormous bouquet of roses.

    Royal Sonesta lobby

    We were assigned a room that overlooked an interior courtyard, so we were completely shielded from the noise on Bourbon Street.  Our room was very functional and had plenty of storage and a refrigerator, which was perfect for left overs.

    Royal Sonesta guest room

     

    Visiting New Orleans With Kids

    If you are willing to forego an evening listening to live jazz or the excitement of Bourbon Street, New Orleans can be a great family destination.  But, there is still so much to do in this amazing city filled with French and Spanish influences, and parents can find quieter places to sip on a a classic hurricane as well.

    Originally posted October 17, 2017

    Updated September 6, 2022

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  • Things to Do in Kauai with Kids

    Things to Do in Kauai with Kids

    Kauai has long been high on my list of destinations to visit. Having just moved from the East Coast to the West Coast last summer, a trip to Kauai suddenly became much more feasible for our family of four when it was no longer a 12+ hour journey. When time came to plan our spring break, I did some quick research and within hours had my family of four booked (flights + hotel) for a week long stay in Kauai for next to zero dollars out of pocket.  A busy work schedule coupled with two kids in different schools prevented me from doing as much research as I would have liked, prior to our trip to Kauai. Thus, we ended up embarking on a relatively unscheduled and unplanned week in Kauai, with just broad notions as to what we would like to do, but not actually having activities scheduled in prior to departure. We ended up having a ast in Kauai and I would say it is one of my Top 5 Family Vacations – perhaps even Top 3!  Here’s my list of things to do in Kauai with kids!

    1. Shaka Guide North Shore Kauai Driving Tour

    Shaka Guide offers guided GPS tours on four Hawaiian Islands: Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. In 2013, my family visited Maui with our then 4 year old and did purchase a guided CD tour of the Road to Hana. I don’t believe Shaka Guide was available at the time, but given the rave reviews online, I decided to download the Shaka Guide prior to our trip to Kauai and it turned out to be a great decision. The Shaka Guide North Shore Kauai Driving Tour provides three hours of audio guidance and although my husband was skeptical at first, it ended up introducing us to some of the highlights of our trip, including the “Gilligan’s Island” Beach and our hike down to “Secret Beach,” all of which we likely would not have found had it not been for the Shaka Guide.

    Gilligan’s Island Beach; likely my favorite beach on the planet.

     

    The walk down to Secret Beach; we followed a woman carrying a surfboard on her head because, of course we did.
    Secret Beach

    The beaches we experienced as part of the Shaka Guide were so great that we ended up planning a whole day around a return trip to one of the featured beaches, Gilligan’s Island Beach. Our Shaka Guide tour ended up being approximately 3.5 hours, including numerous stops and hikes down to various places, like Secret Beach, so for $10, it was money well spent. Our kids enjoyed it as we were definitely off the beaten path in Kauai.

    2. Kayak Hanalei Bay

    One of the fun memories I have of my pre-college years is kayaking with my brothers. When I was in high school, we had some crazy kayaking adventures in Catalina Island and San Diego. Suffice it to say, kayaking is high on my list of things to do, anywhere we are, and my husband and kids have become accustomed to my building in kayaking time wherever we are.

    Kayaking Hanalei Bay was one of the kayaking adventures I was really hoping to experience in Kauai. Although my four year old has kayaked with us before (usually as the middle person on a two person kayak), I didn’t know if he’d be able to go the distance as part of a larger kayaking excursion. Kayak Hanalei offer double kayak rentals at $60/day for pre-1pm rentals and at a reduced price of $45 for post-1pm rentals.  After a morning spent exploring the North Shore, I decided that we might as well see how my four year old would do on the kayak. Given that it was after 1pm, we paid $90 for two, double kayak rentals, which came complete with wet bags.

    He was so comfy, he fell asleep on the ride down to the confluence and had to be shaken awake

    To my surprise, we had a fabulous time! We barely made it back by closing time, 5pm, as we decided to extend our little kayaking excursion from the bay to the confluence; but long story short, we saw sea turtles, disembarked to enjoy a snack (and beer for the adults),  and just overall enjoyed being out on the water. I highly recommend this adventure with kids.

    3. Spend the Day at the Beach

    My husband and I are busy people who like to be on the go when we are on vacation. Our kids, however, can happily spend the day at the beach. We made sure to build in plenty of beach time and Kauai’s unspoiled beaches were the perfect backdrop.

    To get the most of our beach days, we actually spent a few dedicated beach days going from beach to beach. Some beaches offered protected areas for snorkeling and others were just good for general lounging.  We simply packed a picnic lunch, stocked up on towels from the hotel, and took off for the day. Apply sunscreen as I definitely got a bit singed one day!

    4. Coffee Plantation

    Lyndgate Farms chocolate farm on Kauai offers a three hour “branch to bar” tour and tasting. Knowing full well that tour wouldn’t hold my kids’ attention, we skipped right to the important part: the chocolate tasting. Lyndgate Farms offers free tasting of all its chocolates and my kids each got to pick their favorite.  We purchased a number of bars and I was glad to see they came with complimentary cooler bags to keep them from melting. My kids also enjoyed swinging on the giant swing in the parking lot, before getting back in the car.

    5. Attend a Luau

    Although I’ve been to Hawaii a handful of times, I never attended a luau until this trip. Although hokey and probably not worth the money to experience again, I’m glad we did it this time. As an added bonus, my kids loved the fire dance.

    6. Take a hike!

    There are a number of great hiking opportunities in Kauai and we took full advantage of these great adventures. On a rainy morning, we took a short hike near our hotel in Kapaa, and the boys not only managed the whole thing on their own two legs, but had a great time as well.

    Anyone else hearing the Jurassic Park theme song here?

    7. Hawaii Shave Ice

    No trip to Hawaii is complete without Hawaii Shave Ice. We happened to stumble across Jo Jo’s, a Kauai classic, after a long hike up Waimea Canyon, and were happy to partake.

    8. Miniature Golf

    Mini-golfing at Kauai Mini Golf, located at Anaina Hou Park is a wonderful way to spend a few hours with kids. Not only is the course littered with native plants, but my kids really enjoy mini golfing, something that we rarely get to do in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

    9. Visit Waimea Canyon

    We spent a full day hiking Waimea Canyon and absolutely loved the experience even with our four year old in tow. But, for those who aren’t up for the day long hike, know that there are plenty of ways to experience Waimea by car. There’s not only a great lookout near the main parking area, but we took a tour down a road (that ended up leading to a restricted military base) and climbed a random hill (yes! all four of us) where we were treated to some amazing views. Do it. You won’t regret it.

    10. Sunset Cruise of the Napali Coast

    Experiencing the Napali Coast was a non-negotiable item on my list of things to do in Kauai. I’m glad we were able to find a vehicle in which to do it — Captain Andy’s Na Pali Sunset Cruise.   Click here for my review of Captain Andy’s Na Pali Sunset Cruise.

     

    Our family trip to Kauai was such an amazing experience that I really think I’ll be hard pressed to ever be persuaded to go on a beach vacation somewhere else. I hope our list of things to do in Kauai with kids will help inform your trip to Kauai!

  • South Korea with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

    South Korea with Kids: Five Fun Family Activities!

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

     

    South Korea Family Trip Blog

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

    Row of shops in Sokcho, South Korea

     

    Getting Around in South Korea With A Toddler

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

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

     

    Shopping in South Korea

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

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

     

    Restaurants in South Korea

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

     

    Things to Do in Korea with Kids

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

     

    #1: Theme Parks in South Korea

    Photo credit:  Image by Yoj Rasaili from Pixabay 

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

     

    #2: Stay in a Traditional Korean Homestay

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

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

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

     

    #3: Seoul Children’s Museum

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

     

    #4: Enjoy the Outdoors in South Korea

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

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

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

     

    View of the city from Seoul Tower

     

    #5: Visit the DMZ with Kids

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

    South Korea soldiers marching alongside the Freedom Bridge

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

     

    Final Thoughts About Traveling With Kids in Korea

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

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

  • 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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  • Tropical North Queensland With Kids!

    Tropical North Queensland With Kids!

    Guest Blogger: Cris, her husband “J,” and their four kids live in Europe, but have spent the last year traveling the world and have visited over 21 countries. They can be found on Instagram.

    “Hey honey, we’re going to Australia for five weeks!” – J

    When my husband first told me we were going to Australia for five weeks in October, I began researching the best places to visit with our four children, ages 8, 7 (twins), and 6. J had appointments in Noosa, Sydney, and Melbourne on specific dates, but the rest of the time would be dedicated family holiday time. As I started researching Noosa, I realized quickly that it would be a sin not to visit Tropical North Queensland.

    The Itinerary:

    During our five weeks in Australia, we spent one week exploring Tropical North Queensland. Our itinerary was as follows:

    Day 1 – Fly into Cairns and hire rental car

    Day 2 – Tour of Green Island National Park

    Day 3 – Four hour drive, overnight in Townsville

    Day 4-7 – Airlie Beach, including tour of Whitehaven Island

    Day 7 – Depart via Proserpine Airport (also known as Whitesunday Coast Airport)

    What We Did:

    Tropical North Queensland is home to several world heritage sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. Queensland itself is a land of white sandy beaches, boasting year round summer temperatures and incredible wildlife. Home to crocodiles, sharks, deadly snakes, kangaroos, cockatoos, and sweet wallabies, my biggest concern was whether I would be able to keep my four children safe! We all know children have selective hearing when it comes to “dos and don’ts” and my worries haunted me even as we landed in Cairns.

    The Cairns Esplanade has been a focal point for locals and visitors in Cairns city since the region was founded in the late 1800s.

    Upon landing in Cairns, I immediately fell in love with the warm breeze, tropical vegetation, and the sweet sound of song birds. After checking into our hotel in Cairns, we took a walk around town in an effort to stay awake until an acceptable time for dinner, thus helping us adjust quickly to jet lag. Beaches are off-limits in Cairns and there are crocodile warnings everywhere, but the town compensates with the most family friendly promenade we’ve ever visited. The boardwalk is elevated above the beach and a perfect place for children to run along and play. There is plenty of free entertainment and, within walking distance from the town center, we found a skate park, BBQ areas, and the Cairns public swimming pool, which is a fantastic amenity for locals and tourists alike.

    The crocodile warnings!
    Walking along the beach in Cairns.

    During our visit, we loved stopping for snacks at Muddy’s café, a nice beach front coffee shop with great food and an incredible playground, complete with a splash area for children. J and I sat outside and enjoyed coffee, while watching our children play on the gigantic hamster wheel!

    My husband and I joked that we need one of these for our yard at home!

    Our stay in Cairns was sadly shortened by a flight mix-up in Bali, so we only had one full day to explore. To maximize our time, we decided to take a boat tour to Green Island National Park.

    Green Island National Park

    Green Island National Park consists of powdery white beaches and tropical trees, thus making it the perfect castaway vacation destination. After being assured by no less than five different people that there was no danger of crocodiles, we set off to explore the deserted white sand beaches. We enjoyed a packed picnic lunch on the beach and also enjoyed a glass bottom boat excursion to the coral reef that my children absolutely loved. They went wild looking at corals, different species of fish, giant starfish, and even a turtle – all without getting wet!

    Glass bottom boat ride.

    Back in Cairns that evening, we did what we always do when traveling abroad: sample the local cuisine! The excitement was sky high when we ordered kangaroo and crocodile skewers – so yummy we had to order more!

    Early the next morning, we headed off to our next destination, Townsville. To get there, we drove for four hours along the infamous “Bruce Highway,” which was lined with mango and avocado trees and banana plantations. Along the way, we pulled into one of the many farm stalls to sample some fresh melon. It was delicious, but also a little expensive! Our decision to spend the night in Townsville was entirely motivated by our desire to give the children a break from being stuck in the car. We spent the night at the Mercure Townsville, after receiving an offer from Emirates and Rocketmiles that would earn me 3,000 miles for a one night stay.

    After our overnight in Townsville, we headed off to our next destination, Airlie Beach. I had tried to get a cabin at the BIG4 Resort, which has water slides and great reviews, but because late September is a popular holiday time for Australians, the resort was fully booked and we ended up staying at the Airlie Beach Eco Cabins nearby, which was an ideal location for my family. Because we had our own transportation, it did not matter that we were located in the middle of an Australian forest/bush as we could get anywhere we needed. The cabins were well-equipped, and included washing machines, WiFi, and small torches that we used to see wild animals at night. The only thing missing was a dishwasher, but we remedied that by purchasing paper cups and dishes when we got tired of washing dishes by hand.

    Our first night at the cabin, as I was unpacking our bags, the owner knocked on our door and asked if the children wanted to see the wallabies! We all wanted to see the wallabies, so we grabbed the torches and dashed out into the gardens. It was pitch dark and we had to be silent so as not to scare the animals away. The owner instructed us to direct our lights towards the bushes, where the wallabies were hidden. The light caused the wallabies to freeze momentarily, so we were able to see them up close before they unfroze and disappeared into the woods.

    Airlie Beach night outing.
    Airlie Beach Wallabies!

    The Airlie Beach Lagoon is located in the town center. The Lagoon is an immense public swimming pool surrounded by sand and patches of grass that are perfect for laying down and sunbathing. What started as a splash break for the kids quickly turned into a whole day of lounging and swimming. The Lagoon has a shallow end, a shaded children’s area, and public toilets and water fountains at every corner. Our children could not get enough of it and J and I took the opportunity to relax and read a book under a tree!

    Airlie Beach Lagoon

    During our stay in Airlie Beach, one activity we signed up for was a guided trip to Whitehaven Beach. If you have older children in their teens, an ideal trip would be an overnight sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach. Our children were too young for an overnight stay, so we booked a day trip on a tour boat instead. The tour company collected us in the morning from the BIG4 resort and drove us to the port. Our tour boat then took us through the Whitesunday group of islands, a collection of continental islands located off the central coast of Queensland. The islands are in varying states of habitation, with Daydream Island still undergoing construction following a hurricane and Hamilton Island being a VIP island where you can stay in a villa that comes equipped with a four person golf cart that you can use to explore the island.

    Whitehaven Beach

    Our tour stopped on Whitesunday Island, the main island around which the Whitesunday group of islands are centered. There is no resort on the island, but Whitehaven Beach will make you blink twice in disbelief. The white sand stretches as far as the eye can see and words cannot describe the way the sand twists into the turquoise sea. While I was hypnotized by the magic of the beach, my children ran along the infinite stretch of white beach. We learned that because the sand is so full of silica, it makes a squeaking noise as you walk!

    Our children playing on Whitehaven Beach.

     

    Picnic lunch on Whitehaven Beach.

     

    The tour boat provided a picnic lunch, which we enjoyed on the beach. There was a bit of friction between the children and the free-roaming iguanas, which resulted in my children choosing to have lunch on the table/bench instead of on the actual beach! We also encountered a small group of starving backpackers who had spent the night sleeping in tents on the island and our guide was kind enough to share food with them. No one is really prepared for how deserted Whitesunday Island can be with no fresh water, no coffee shops – nothing. I guess sleeping under the starry sky on this unspoiled piece of paradise requires sacrifice!

    After lunch, our tour boat took us snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef. All snorkeling gear was provided, including flotation tubes. Unfortunately, my children found the water to be too cold and were nervous about snorkeling in open sea. Luckily, the guide was prepared and took the children on a smaller boat to look for stingray. Although I also found the water to be cold, it’s not every day that you get to snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, so I held my breath and braved the frigid waters.

    Looking for stingray.

    Whenever I think of North Tropical Queensland, a heart will always appear next to its name. It truly was an ideal family destination. The towns we stayed in had great facilities for children (including toddlers!), and the tour companies are able to accommodate all ages. Because it is summer all year round, the beaches are simply stunning and listed as the best in the world. What makes North Tropical Queensland truly special, though, is how man and nature coexist.

    Travel Tips:

    • The island trips get booked up very quickly, so book in advance, especially if you are traveling during Australian school holidays.
    • We purchased a mobile SIM card for one of our phones and for $50 AUD, we had 3 GB of internet and free local calls for two months. This allowed us to use our phone’s map app instead of paying for an expensive GPS rental.
    • Although there are many islands to visit in North Tropical Queensland and options range from expensive villas and luxury resorts to camping, we chose to stay on the mainland and visit the islands as part of day tours. This was not only a logistical lifesaver, but it was also lighter on the budget.
    • Sailing is an ideal way to explore the Whitesunday islands.

    We hoped you enjoyed the beautiful white sand beaches as much as we did!

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  • Breckenridge With Kids: Five Fun Family Winter Activities

    Breckenridge With Kids: Five Fun Family Winter Activities

    Guest Blogger: Leslie Stranathan is an educator from Windsor, Colorado. After teaching public school for 10 years, she began homeschooling her two children and has written an activity guide for families interested in exploring and learning about Colorado. Leslie’s family recently began a traveling adventure and they are on a mission to explore all 50 states in their RV. You can find them on YouTube and Instagram.

    Nestled in the mountains at 9,600 feet is Breckenridge, a small town with big charm. With beautiful ski slopes covered with snow, a quaint main street draped in holiday lights, and plenty of spots to stay warm, Breckenridge is the perfect winter destination for families. Located just an hour and a half west of Denver, Breckenridge is easily accessible to locals and those traveling to Colorado from out of town. Our extended family has met up in mountains for a week every winter after Thanksgiving for many years. My husband and I have skied for over 20 years and enjoy all of the amazing ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, but this year was the first time my kids got on skis!

    Here are five fun family activities for all ages to enjoy in Breckenridge!

    #1: Explore the Mountains!

    My family, exploring the mountains by snow shoe!

    Even if you’ve never stepped on snow, the experts here can teach anyone, of any age, to get down the hill safely. Lessons are available daily, with options for private or group instruction at the Ski and Snowboard School. For kids, the Kids’ Castles provides ski rentals, drop off care, meals and fun activities to make the experience that much more special. My kids (aged 5 & 9) loved meeting new friends and learning to ski with other children their age. By the end of the first day, they could control their turns and stop using their “pizza” wedge. Most importantly, they were excited to come back the next day. The EPIC SchoolKids Pass provides up to 4 days of lift tickets in Breckenridge and includes one full day of lessons with ski or snowboard rental all for free if your child is in Kindergarten – 5th grade (not limited to Colorado residents).

    #2: Ride the Gondola

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    Breckenridge is known for its excellent transit system. Free shuttle buses get you almost anywhere you’d like to go and are accessible from most lodging locations. The Breckenridge transit center acts as a hub for the shuttle system and is also home to the BreckConnect Gondola. This completely free 10-minute ride will whisk you from the town of Breckenridge to the bases of Peaks 7 and 8. At the top you can enjoy watching the skiers on the slopes, warm up with hot chocolate, or enjoy lunch in the lodge. On the days we skied, we took the shuttle from the door of our condo to the gondola, which carried us right up the mountain, all while in our ski gear. It was the perfect way to travel. The ride and beautiful views make this a fun activity for any age.

    #3: Play at the Children’s Museum

    Kids aged 0-10 will be entertained for hours with all there is to explore at the Mountain Top Children’s Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, the exhibits  include a Wonder Lab, Creation Station, Kidstruction Zone, Tot area, Medical Center, and a Rocky Mountain wildlife section. The museum is packed with hands on toys and games, and encourages imaginative play. Several evenings a week parents can choose to drop off their children and enjoy a night out on the town while the kids are supervised and entertained by the incredible staff at the museum.

    #4: Savor a Crepe!

    Breckenridge is home to so many amazing restaurants! Family friendly and full of character, your biggest dilemma will be trying to choose just one place to eat each evening. There is one spot you can’t miss though. Crepes A La Cart has two locations in town. The main street food truck stand nearly always has a line – and it is well worth the wait. Crepes A La Cart has a huge menu of both sweet and savory options that will satisfy everyone in your family. It is always fun to watch the friendly staff members cook delicious fresh crepes while you wait. Ask ahead, and they’ll cut your crepe so it’s easier for hungry kids to share.

    #5: Glide on the Ice

    There are a few winter activities that always pop into my mind when I picture a mountain vacation. Ice skating is always at the top of the list. Fun for all ages and great exercise, the indoor and outdoor public ice arenas at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena are easily accessible from town. The facility has a variety of skates available to rent, and provides helmets free of charge. There are also support slides in both child and adult sizes for those that aren’t comfortable yet on the ice to use to stay upright. If skating isn’t for you, try hockey, curling or broomball!

    We hope you enjoyed Leslie’s list of Five Fun Family Activities in Breckenridge!

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  • Kids’ Blog: Cuba Time, Fun Time

    Kids’ Blog: Cuba Time, Fun Time

    Guest Blogger: Our kid blogger, TJ, is a cool, high energy, fun loving nine year old actor and artist! TJ’s adventures and exploits can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

    When my mom told me that we were going to Cuba I was excited, but I didn’t want to be too excited because I have never been.  I was also nervous because I was not always listening in Spanish class, and I was afraid that I would not be able to talk to many people or make friends, but I did! Cuba definitely beat my expectations!  It was different than usual – from experiencing a taxi that is shaped like a coconut to even playing in the streets, which I don’t get to do in Miami.  We had some plans, but even the things we didn’t plan were super fun, and we met a lot of nice people.

    Cuba is colorful and full of great art.

    So, you basically have a summary of Cuba, but here are the details.

    A cool view of the neighborhood.

    Day One:

    On day one, we got to the AirBnB, which was really cool because we had never actually stayed in an AirBnB before. The neighborhood was colorful, bold and unique.  The buildings were old, but they were fresh in color and they looked like they told a story.

    TJ, Samuel and David playing Simon Says.

    The owner of the place was really nice because she had someone meet us to give us a full tour of the apartment.  She also introduced me to my new friend, Samuel.  I was so relieved because he spoke English.  We got to play lots of games like red light, green light.  We also played hide and seek extreme with Samuel’s friends.  Samuel had to translate what I was saying to his friends who eventually became my friends. It was fun because we could play without getting in trouble for playing in the streets because it is normal in the neighborhood.

    When we were roaming around Central Havana, we unexpectedly saw a bouncy house, trampoline and more. The bouncy house was fun because I got to play and get some energy out – I was really hyper about Cuba and just had some mango juice that I think had a lot of sugar in it.

    The funniest thing is that my mom did not know how to use the money so the lady at the bouncy house thought she was crazy.  And that’s we learned a new thing – there’s two types of money in Cuba.  I recommend before you go on the trip, you learn more about the two types of money in Cuba.

    El Biky was delicious.

    The end of day one was delicious because we ate at a restaurant called El Biky, and we got the yummiest deserts. The line was long but worth the wait.

    Day Two:

    We loved El Biky so much that we went there for breakfast on day two.  We went to the beach at Santa Maria, and I made a village with coconuts, water bottles, sand and all that jazz.  Then, I climbed this big slanted palm tree, and it was a challenge.  I was scared to go all the way up, but my mom inspired me so I could do it.

    When we got back, we took a bike taxi to old Havana. Being on it was kind of like a tour of old Havana because the bike was not that fast, and I could see a lot of things on the ride. After roaming in Old Havana for a little while, we took this crazy coco taxi, which was cool because it has no sides and I like that it is the shape of a helmet.

    The Coco Taxi was fun, awesome, great and breathtaking.

    Day Three:

    On day three, we went to the mountains.  It was great because I got to jump of a water fall! Our driver said it was low because there was a drought, but it didn’t make a difference to me because I still had fun.  At first, the water was really cold, but I got used to it.  Did I mention that there were a lot of fish in there?  When I was in the water it was kind of like school (wink wink).  After playing on the waterfall for a little bit, I got to ride a beautiful horse.

    Taking in the mountain view.
    My horse ride.

    Day Four:

    Day four was the hardest day because we did not want to leave Cuba.  We moped around about having to leave.  But, I played with Samuel, and we found this cool stick that we used as a baseball bat and a microphone – we are thinking about going on tour!  The good thing about having an imagination is that we can do fun things without electronics and not get bored of it.

    This is not everything we did, but most of the best parts.  You should definitely go to Cuba no matter what time of year it is.

  • Best Things to Do in Barcelona With Kids

    Best Things to Do in Barcelona With Kids

    Barcelona is Spain’s “second city” and a mesmerizing blend of Gothic and Modernism styles.  In contrast with the Gothic Quarter, many of Barcelona’s monuments were brilliantly designed by master architect, Antoni Gaudi, who is best known for Catalan Modernism.  As the capital of Catalonia, this vibrant and beautiful city has unique language, history and culture and was an amazing city to explore for a few days with our infant son.

    We traveled to Barcelona as a side trip from London, where we had been visiting family.  My husband and I chose Barcelona because neither of us had been to Spain or visited the Mediterranean.  Barcelona was particularly alluring because of its distinctive architecture, particularly Sagrada Familia. Because there are always a plethora of flight deals to major European cities from London, we were able to book a flight and hotel package through lastminute.com.  Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

    Accommodations in Barcelona

    We stayed for three nights at the Hotel Villa Emilia, a boutique hotel with modern touches.  Hotel Villa Emilia is located just outside the city center in Barcelona’s most famous residential neighborhood, the Eixample.  The Eixample is a late 19th century development that means “the expansion” in Catalan.  We loved the quieter, residential atmosphere of this upscale area and didn’t mind that we needed to jump on the nearby Metro for a stop or two to get to the main tourist areas.

    Eating in Barcelona

    The thing to remember about traveling to Barcelona with kids is that everyone eats dinner late.  Dinner before 8 pm is challenging, at best.  Most restaurants do not start serving dinner before 9 pm, and 10 pm is definitely more of the typical dinner time.  Before dinner, many people enjoy tapas – small savory plates served with drinks – at bars.   Our newborn rarely slept for more than a few hours at a time, so even though he did not have a “bedtime”, my husband and I were definitely sleep-deprived and ate at Chinese restaurants two nights of our trip simply because that was all we could find open early.

    While evening dining may have challenges if you are traveling with kids, we had several amazing fixed price lunches that were delicious and extremely reasonable. Our favorite was 4Gats, a historic restaurant meaning “four cats” that Picasso frequented around 1900.  My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous fixed-price lunch that included a bottle of wine.  Our son enjoyed a “cat nap” in his stroller while we ate.

    Transportation in Barcelona

    We mostly traveled by the Metro, which is one of Europe’s best.  It was fast and efficient but not built to be stroller accessible.  We quickly became experts at handling the stroller with stairs and escalators – so much so that I have admittedly taken strollers on escalators in the US when there was not an obvious alternative – despite all those signs indicating not to do so.

    We saw bikes for rent all over the city, which have now become popular in the US as well, but at the time, it was pretty novel, and something we had never seen before.

    Language

    The official languages of Catalonia are both Spanish and Catalan.  It is surprising to learn that Catalan is the first language of most Barcelonans, and schools are required to conduct classes in Catalan.  However, all adults speak Spanish as well.  We have some limited Spanish skills but never had language barrier issues.  Everyone in the tourist industry spoke fluent English, and English menus were available in restaurants.

    Things to See in Barcelona

    Basilica de la Sagrada Familia

    Basilica de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church) is Antoni Gaudi’s still unfinished masterpiece of Catalan Modernism architecture and the icon of Barcelona.  Sagrada Familia was never intended to serve as the seat of a bishop but definitely constructed in the scope and proportion typical of cathedrals and has been rated as the world’s most famous church.

    Francisco Paula de Villar was the initial architect when construction began in 1883.  Antoni Gaudi took over as architect in 1891 and worked on Sagrada Familia until his death in 1926.  Gaudi intended for Sagrada Familia to have a major impact on Barcelona’s skyline, and his masterpiece is one of the tallest religious buildings in the world with 18 spires planned to represent the 12 Apostles, Mary, the four Evangelists and Jesus (the tallest).

    Sagrada Familia is dedicated to the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  There are three façades – the Nativity Façade that depicts the birth of Jesus, and the Passion Façade that shows the crucifixion of Jesus have been completed.  The Glory Façade, which will show the path to God, has not yet been completed.

    The Nativity Façade was the only part of Sagrada Familia completed during Gaudi’s life.  The Passion Façade was built according to Gaudi’s design, but does seem to vary in style from the original façade.  The only part of the church that was completed while Gaudi was alive is the Nativity Façade.  So, while Gaudi gets all the glory for this masterpiece, most of the church was actually designed by others.

    Nativity Façade
    Nativity Façade Detail
    Passion Façade

    While we did not purchase tickets in advance, it is highly recommended now that you buy your tickets online with a specific entry time to avoid the long lines.  We entered through the Nativity Façade, which will be a side entrance after the Glory Façade is completed.  Construction was very much ongoing on both the interior and exterior when we visited.  It is very common for cathedrals and monuments to require restoration work, and scaffolding has obscured the perfect picture of many cathedrals I’ve visited over the years.  However, it is quite exciting to witness the initial construction of a historic monument.  The only other time I had a similar experience was when I visited the Crazy Horse Memorial in 2002 and got to witness a rare blast first-hand.  I am always fascinated to see the progress of both monuments.

    The interior was very much under construction during our visit

    The colors of the stained glass are so brilliant and interesting.

    Modern technology and the funds from entrance fees have drastically helped construction.  The main nave was completed a few years after our visit, and the Pope held a consecration Mass in 2010.  The goal is to complete construction by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death, but estimates show that it is likely to take a few years longer than that.

    I have visited literally dozens of cathedrals around Europe, but Sagrada Familia is truly distinctive.  It is really surreal to visit this vast and awe-inspiring church.  After the York Minster, which will forever hold a special place in my heart, it is probably my second favorite church in the world and definitely one not to miss.  After our tour, we relaxed at a nearby park  to enjoy the view of the completed spires away from the crowds.

    La Rambla

    La Rambla is a colorful, tree-lined pedestrian mall between Plaça de Catalunya and Port Vell, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.  There are lots of shops and baskers lining the road, which was once under water.

    La Boqueria Market (Mercat de Sant Josep) is Barcelona’s food market located just off La Rambla.  It is also known as Mercat de Sant Joseph and is visually stunning.  since 1200, main entry is beautiful.  The market is colorful and visually stunning.  Because the stands near the front pay the highest rent, they also have the highest prices.

    The Columbus Monument is the 200 foot column honoring Christopher Columbus at the end of La Rambla.  This monument recognizes Columbus’ journey to Barcelona to report to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V after returning from North America in 1493.  The style of this pedestal, column and statue reminded me of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, which we also visited on this European vacation.

    Columbus Statue on the Top of the Monument
    View of the Columbus Monument from the Barcelona Cathedral

    Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

    The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city with narrow, cobblestone streets.  These pedestrian-only streets are the perfect location for an afternoon stroll.  Picasso lived in this neighborhood around the turn of the 20th century.

    Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia/Barcelona Cathedral

    The Barcelona Cathedral was constructed between 1298 and 1450.  However, the front façade was ornately recreated around the turn of the 20th century to add an interesting blend of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture.  This Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia of Barcelona who was martyred here in the fourth century.  We enjoyed the view from the Cathedral’s roof, which is widely known for gargoyles.

    Church of Santa Maria del Mar is a 14th century Catalan Gothic church whose name means meaning “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea”.

    Beaches

    We were not prepared with beach gear on this trip but did stop by at a beach briefly so that all three of us could dip our toes in the Mediterranean Sea.  Beaches are so close to the city center and well-loved by the locals.  Hop off the Metro, and you feel like you have arrived at a resort!

    Tibidabo

    We often go to the highest point of a city we are visiting to get the bird’s-eye view of an area.  So, we took a ride on the Tibidabo Funicular to the summit of Mount Tibidabo.  The view of the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the city was definitely worth the trip.  The Tibidabo Amusement Park opened in 1889, but many of the rides are originals with unparalleled scenery.  It was our son’s first amusement park and something definitely to add to your list if you are traveling with kids.

    View of Tibidabo Amusement Park and Barcelona from the summit of Mount Tibidabo
    Amusement park in the sky

     

    The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) stands on the summit of Mount Tibidabo.  It was completed in 1961 in the neo-Gothic style with a statue of Jesus on top of the central spire.

    Why visit Barcelona With Kids?

    I was more nervous about this trip than any others because it was our first time abroad as parents.  Nonetheless, our infant son was a great travel companion during the four spectacular days we spent in Barcelona.  My son was exclusively nursed at the time, and we were pleasantly surprised that nursing in public was much more common-place and accepted than is was in the US at the time.  So many people on the streets stopped us to inquire about our son, often utilizing limited English skills or hand gestures to communicate with us.  There may have been occasional stroller challenges on the cobblestone streets, but nothing too challenging for us to overcome for families with young ones.

    Next time we go, we definitely won’t miss the Picasso Museum.  I have no idea why we didn’t put this on our list and wonder if we avoided it as newbie parents simply because we were traveling with our infant.  Now, I firmly believe that kids of any age are not too young for the art museum.

    Our son may have no memories of the trip, but FC Barcelona is his favorite soccer team.  Mere coincidence?

  • Why You Should Visit Copenhagen With Kids!

    Why You Should Visit Copenhagen With Kids!

    Guest Blogger:  Lisa, the mom behind TwoTravelingTots, is an American expat living in Copenhagen, Denmark and traveling the world with her husband and two young kids.  From far off wanderlust destinations like Australia, Thailand and Philippines to more local jaunts like Luxembourg, Finland and Italy, Lisa has traveled to 30 countries and 49 cities with her little ones in tow. Having lived in Copenhagen for over 5 years, Lisa is here to tell us Why You Should Visit Copenhagen with Kids and share her Top 10 Things to Do  while there – with some Insider Tips sprinkled throughout. Follow her adventures, tips and tales on Instagram and Facebook. For her detailed tips on Copenhagen, check out #TwoTravelingTotsCPH on Instagram.

    Traveling with kids and babies is not easy! Trust me, I know. My family and I travel the world with our 4 and 1.5 year olds.  There are certain cities that make the experience enjoyable and magical for both parents and children alike.  Copenhagen, Denmark is one of those cities!  Denmark was ranked by the UN World Happiness Report as the happiest country in the world in 2016.  In recent years Copenhagen, has received world-wide recognition for its New Nordic food scene, Danish design, and hygglig (cozy) lifestyle; however, what isn’t widely known is how child-friendly this city is.  It almost feels like every aspect is geared to the reality that people have kids and they travel with them. These things make this city the perfect place for a family visit.  From the free strollers found throughout Copenhagen Airport and the Lego play areas at the luggage carousel, to the ease of using public transport with strollers to the countless kids’ activities and green spaces found throughout the city; life in Copenhagen with children is AMAZING!

    Copenhagen is in Scandinavia, so the weather isn’t always the best. Summer is by far the best time of the year to visit, with warmer and longer days (sun sets around 9:30 pm).  December is also a very special time of year to visit because of the Christmas markets, street decorations and festive moods. However, the days are shorter, darker, and colder (sun sets around 4pm).

    This post highlights our Top 10 Things to Do with Children while also including Insider Tips that we’ve learned throughout the 5 years we have lived here. You’ll also find section called “Good to Know Tips” for some general pointers about what kind of clothes to pack, the Copenhagen Card (which provides free entrances to many of the attractions), and public transport tips.

    Stroget, the Walking Street, dressed up for Christmas.

    10 THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN WITH KIDS

    #1: TIVOLI GARDENS

    No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens, a fairytale-like amusement park located in the heart of the city said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Disneyland. It’s the second oldest amusement park in the world – second only to Bakken, another Danish amusement park located on the outskirts of Copenhagen. Tivoli is only open four seasons a year – the summer period (mid-March – mid-September), the Halloween period (mid-October to November), the Christmas season (Mid-November – December) and the winter season (February) (Please check exact opening times before you go). It is beautiful and magical all times of the year. The Copenhagen Card provides you free entrance, and children under the age of 8 enter for free.

    Halloween at the Nimb Hotel in Tivoli Gardens.

    #2: CANAL TOUR

    Another favorite activity for parents and kids alike is the Canal Tour.  Copenhagen is located on a harbor, so on a beautiful sunny day there is nothing nicer than seeing the city by water.  This is also a good way to see the bronze statute of the Little Mermaid from the back (in my humble opinion, it is not worth your time to make a trip to see her as she is underwhelming small). You can catch the canal Tour at Nyhavn or Gammel Strand.  The Copenhagen Card provides you free entrance to the Canal Tour but only at the Gammel Strand location.

    Insider Tip: Strollers are not allowed on the canal boats, so I recommend you leave them by the ticket counters.  I suggest investing in a simple flexible bike lock for your stroller so you can just lock it up wherever, and put your mind at ease.

    Nyhavn, originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock, is now the perfect place to enjoy a canal ride.

    #3: ROSENBORG CASTLE

    A Royal Hermitage set in the middle of the City Center and the King’s Garden. It was built by Christian IV in the early 17th Century.  Not to be missed is the Crown Jewels Exhibit – my kids’ favorite.

    I recommend this castle because it’s not too big, easy to do with children and also in the heart of the King’s Garden. So, after a quick tour of the castle, you can set up a picnic in the King’s Garden, let the kids run around or visit the playground in the park.

    Insider Tip: If you visit mid-summer, you may be able to catch a free puppet show (currently Tuesday-Sunday at 2pm and 3pm located near the restaurant Orangeriet.

    #4: PLAYGROUNDS – INDOOR AND OUTDOORS

    Copenhagen can be an expensive city, so a visit to one of the many amazing parks located around town is a good free way for the kids to let off steam.

    Outdoor Parks

    The biggest open space park is Fælledparken located in Østebro. There are several different playgrounds located in this massive park:

    • “Mini Copenhagen,” just as it sounds, it’s a playground designed after iconic Danish buildings
    • A cycling park where kids can rent bicycles for free and practice riding on fake streets
    • Trampolines and swings
    • A skateboarding area
    • An outdoor gym both for kids and parents.
    • A free waterpark (open in the summers)
    “Mini Copenhagen”

    Superkilen, is another massive park located in the Nørrebro district.

    Superkilen

    Indoor Parks/Play Areas

    On a rainy day, which is quite often, try the FREE indoor playground called Remisen, located in Østebro, a short 10-minute bike ride or bus ride from the City Center.

    Remisen

    Ku.Be is another great indoor play area located in Frederiksberg; however, it is not free. There’s a climbing area and a café – great place for kids to get energy out.

    #5: COPENHAGEN ZOO

    The Copenhagen Zoo is a great zoo with elephants, hippos, polar bears, monkeys, giraffes and tons of other exciting animals. Also, there is free entrance with the Copenhagen Card. If you don’t take your stroller, you can rent a wagon for the kiddos. There are also two different playgrounds, a petting zoo and designated picnic areas (you can bring in your own food!).

    Copenhagen Zoo

    Insider Tip: If a day at the Zoo seems too overwhelming or you’re short on time, try the Free Petting Zoo, ByOasen, in the Nørrebro district.

    ByOasen

    #6: EXPERIMENTARIUM

    Copenhagen’s new Science Center is fun for all ages, from little toddlers to parents! Two floors with 16 interactive exhibits from soap bubbles to a Labyrinth of Light to a Tunnel of Senses.  There is free entrance with the Copenhagen Card. It’s located in Hellerup – a 15-minute bus ride from the city center.

    Experimentarium

    Insider Tip: It gets crowded on weekends, so go early. Also, if the café is too crowded, the Waterfront shopping center, located next door, has tons of eating options.

    #7: THE LAKES

    Another favorite is to walk or bike around the lakes that surround the city center. I love to pick up a coffee from Lagkagehuset and a free bread bun (boller) for the kids (see my tips below on “Where to Eat”) and take a nice stroll around the lakes. On a sunny summer day, we like to rent swans at Kaffesalonen and ride them in the lakes. They also have a great food menu!

    Rented Swans from Kaffesalonen

    #8: SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark

    This museum provides more than 700 years of Danish Art. Plus, every weekend there are special art workshops for children, with tips and information on how your family can get creative at home.

    Insider Tip: SMK is located near the King’s Garden and can easily be combined with a trip to the Rosenberg Castle.

    #9: KLAMPENBORG – Dyrehave and Bakken

    Take a 20-minute train ride out of the city center to Klampenborg station to visit Jægersborg Dyrehave and the Bakken amusement park. Jægersborg Dyrehave, the deer park, is a huge forest where approximately 2100 deer live among the woods. Also, located within the forest is Bakken, the oldest amusement park in the world!

    Insider Tip: The entrance to Dyrehave is located right near Klampenborg station.  When you reach the train station, go up the hill (over the over-pass) and make a left. Also, you can take a horse carriage ride through the park. Final tip, beware of tics.

    Horse and Carriage Ride in Dryehave

    #10: BABY-BIO

    Bring your baby to the movies! As a new parent, the one thing I missed was going to the movies because let’s be realistic you can’t take a crying baby to the movies. However, in Copenhagen there is something called Baby-Bio – a couple of different films showings on specific days where you can bring your baby into the movie theater with you. The lights are not dimmed all the way so you can still see, and if the baby cries it’s no big deal. Also, if your baby is sleeping, you can leave him in his stroller by the movie attendant. Once your baby wakes up, the movie attendant will come get you. Win, Win! Google “BabyBio Copenhagen” for participating theaters near you.

    WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS

    There are tons of great restaurants and cafes located everywhere in the city, and pretty much all of them have great children’s menus and high chairs. I’ve highlighted only a couple of our favorite places.

    Torvehallerne

    A food hall located within the city center near Rosenberg Castle. My kids’ favorites include the Fish and Chips and Oatmeal #2 from Grød. I would suggest visiting Torvehallerne in the morning to grab your lunch for a picnic, then head over to the Rosenberg Castle where you can have your picnic in the King’s Garden. After, you can even wander over to SMK, which is close by.

    Inside Torvhallen

    Boller (Bread Bun)

    A favorite treat or after school snack for my kids is a Danish bread bun called boller (pronounced bo-lla). They can be found at different pastry shops throughout the city – try the ones from Lagkagehuset, Emmery’s and Myers. They come in different flavors – plain, with raisins or with chocolate.

    Insider Tip: If you get yourself a treat or a coffee from Lagkagehuset, you may be able to get a free boller for your child – just ask!

    Laundromat Café

    This café offers a small play area right in the middle of the café, so parents can enjoy a relaxed meal while the kids play. They have three different locations – Nørrebro; Østebro and Frederiksberg C. The food is delicious!

    Café Norden

    Located right in the middle of the pedestrian walking street, Stroget, Café Norden is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. You can bring your stroller inside, and there’s great seating options upstairs with views of the walking street. The brunch plate is a must-try.

    GOOD TO KNOW TIPS

    After living in this wonderful city for over 5 years and raising our two kids here, I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks. Here are some of my essential “Good to Know” tips.

    Copenhagen Airport

    In my opinion, it is one of the best airports in Europe because it’s not too big and overwhelming, there is a kids play area in terminal 2; there are fantastic eating options and best of all there are FREE STROLLERS to use throughout the airport. So, feel free to gate check your stroller as you can just pick one up at the airport – they are around everywhere. They also lay flat, so they are suitable for all ages.

    Free Strollers in Copenhagen Airport

    Nursing and Diaper Changing Area

    I’ve nursed my two little ones almost everywhere in Copenhagen with no issues whatsoever as it is very common here. However, if you’re in the City Center and would like some privacy and a break from shopping and sightseeing, stop by either Illums or Magasin. The rooftops of both department stores offer a special nursing area and diaper changing area – a nice break for parents and kids.

    The nursing area at Illums Rooftop.

    Strollers and Public Transport

    Copenhagen is a very stroller friendly city in the sense that all the roads and sidewalks are paved (aside from a couple cobblestone streets), it’s flat with no hills so it’s a very walkable city, and strollers are allowed in most stores. There is a maximum allowance of two strollers per bus, and the entrance for the strollers is in the middle of the bus. The metro and trains also have special stroller sections.

    Insider Tip: If there are already two strollers on a bus and you have an umbrella stroller, just fold up your stroller and get on the bus.

    Yes, even our big double stroller fits on the bus!

    Copenhagen Card

    Invest in a Copenhagen Card: it provides entrance to over 70 museums and attractions plus offers free public transport.

    Bring along two children under the age of 10 for free. You can purchase different cards depending on how many days you intend to spend in the city.  You can pick one up at the CPH Airport Service Center or throughout the city.

    Rain Gear

    “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.”

    I love this old Scandinavian saying!! Depending on what time of year you visit, it is important to pack accordingly – think lots of layers for both yourselves and the kids. In the summer, even though your the weather may reach 65 degrees, in the sun it gets very hot and in the shade it might be too cool. Also, it’s very important to bring a rain jacket and rain boots. I know luggage space is precious – but it tends to rain often, and having the right gear will only make your stay more memorable.

    I hope this is helpful! Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!

    Pin it to Pinterest!

     

  • Visiting Bangalore With Kids

    Visiting Bangalore With Kids

    Bangalore may be known more as an IT mecca than for tourism, but this “Garden City of India” is a great place to experience India. With a population of 8.4 million, it is the country’s third largest city and the capital of Karnataka.  We spent two weeks visiting family in Bangalore when our kids were 20 months, 5 and 8 and had an unforgettable trip.  We can’t wait to return to Bangalore with kids.

    When I first traveled to Bangalore over the 2007 New Year, I saw no more than three other blondes during our five-day visit.  That trip was the first time that I had ever been a minority.  I definitely attracted attention and a fair number of double-takes, but no one ever approached me on the street.  Minorities in the US have historically been treated with suspicion or viewed negatively, but that was definitely not my experience in India.  Indians seemed to be merely intrigued or interested in my uniqueness but not viewed in a negative light.  I was clearly identified as a tourist and constantly encouraged to enter stores.  When we visited again in 2016 with our three kids, we saw far more tourists in Bangalore and “blended in” a bit more.  Here are our favorite five family activities for visits to Bangalore with kids:

    #1:  Eating Out in Bangalore With Kids

    We ate like royalty in India.  Our family’s favorite cuisine is Indian, and all of our kids enjoy some spice in their food. With many meals, my husband and I enjoyed Kingfisher, the most popular Indian beer.  Kingfisher is available in the US, but only a version that is also manufactured in the States and does not taste like the Indian Kingfisher.

    Kingfisher, our favorite Indian beverage, complete with never-ending bubbles

    We ate lunch out daily and enjoyed some phenomenal restaurants, including:

    • Tandoor features palatial decor and traditional tandoori cooking and is located on MG Road.  The butter chicken, milai chicken and roti are our favorites  We loved Tandoor so much that we ate here twice.
    • Chutney Chang is a buffet offering Indian and Chinese dishes where we ate Easter lunch.  The buffet is so large that you have to do a quick preview before you start serving yourself.  And, save room for the delicious desserts.  Our kids particularly enjoyed the cotton candy.
    • Le Brassierie at Le Meridien was another unbelievable buffet where we dined for lunch on our last day in India.  La Brassierie’s buffet offers North Indian, South Indian, Japanese, Chinese and continental food.  When the server heard that we were celebrating our son’s birthday, they brought out an entire cake inscribed with Happy Birthday.  My little dimpled guy has never smiled so big.

    #2:  Bangalore’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden

    After a few hours in Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, it will be clear why Bangalore is known as the “Garden City” in this outdoor oasis located within a crowded city.  We hired a guide to take us around the gardens in an expanded golf cart and thoroughly enjoyed a few hours away from the hustle and bustle (and honking) of the city.

    We particularly enjoyed the 300 year old silk cotton tree, bird watching and generally exploring the foliage.

    #3:  Shopping in Bangalore With Kids

    Shopping was one of our favorite activities in Bangalore.  Almost everything available in India is offered at a fraction of the price you would find in the US.  Additionally, handicrafts made in India and jewelry are so much more unique and interesting.  We made a number of purchases, including a tailor-made suit made to measure for my older son’s First Communion, prescription glasses, jewelry, shoes and clothes.  While I never had trouble with substandard products, shopping at a government emporium is a good way to ensure quality at a reasonable price.

    Some of our favorite shopping areas include:

    • Brigade Road/Mahatma Gandhi Road (aka MG Road) is a popular tourist shopping area with a wide variety of popular international stores including Nike and Adidas.  Both Brigade Road and MG Road are very busy streets, and you have to be careful when crossing, but there are sufficient sidewalks for pedestrians.  Make sure to cross when the locals do.  There are often stalls set up on MG Road, and we purchased belts personally fit to each of us and a Panama hat for our younger son at one of these stalls.  Bargaining at all stores except emporiums and international chain stores is common.  Fast food chains McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Dominos are all available, but we definitely did not waste any of our meals on fast food and didn’t choose “Western food” once.
      • Cauvery Emporium at the intersection of Brigade and MG Road is a can’t miss for authentic handicrafts, including textiles and sandalwood and rosewood products.
      • Cottage Industries Emporium is another government  emporium located a short drive away where we always find amazing Indian handicrafts.
      • PN RAO is a tailor that specializes in made to measure suits.  After picking out your material and pattern, your custom-made suit is ready for a first fitting about a week later.  We had a suit made for our eight-year old who was about to make his First Communion.

        Brigade Road at night
    Handcrafted wooden toys that you can sometimes see being made outside of Cauvery Emporium
    • Commercial Street is one of the oldest shopping areas in Bangalore.  It is extremely busy shopping street known for sale of clothes, shoes, jewelry and electronics.  Sidewalks are not consistently available, and the main street is shared by parked cars, moving cars and a fair share of pedestrians, so you need to use extra caution with kids here.  Soch (my favorite Indian clothes store) and Mex both have large stores here.  I was thrilled that Soch shortened my  kurti to my desired length for no additional charge and had it ready in about an hour.
    • The Forum in Koramangala was India’s first shopping mall development that includes five stories of shops and a multiplex movie theater and a food court.  Soch also has a store here.

    #4:  Religious Celebrations in Bangalore With Kids

    Spending Holy Week in Bangalore was a truly unique experience.  While Hinduism is the most common religion in India, there are almost 20 million Catholics.  My husband’s ancestors come from Goa and Mangalore, which are areas with large Catholic populations.  While some Indians were converted to Christianity at the time of Christ, most were converted during the Portuguese and British colonial periods.  In Goa, it was common for Indians to change their names to Christian names after conversion.  They often adopted the Portugese surname of the missionary who converted them.  As a result, there are about 50 very common Indian Catholic surnames.

    Holy Thursday and Good Friday services at our church at home are well attended but there are always plenty of seats.  If you arrive 20 minutes early on Easter Sunday, you are pretty much guaranteed a seat.  The services we attended in India gave “standing room only” a new meaning.  Multiple services are held almost hourly in different languages, and hundreds of chairs are set up outside with large screens live video streaming the Mass.  We arrived at least 30 minutes before each service began to park and then wait outside the doors for the prior service to finish.  As soon as the prior Mass ended, people would rush in to find a seat.  Everyone was dressed up and reverent and patient with the large crowds.

    Easter 2016 coincided with Holi, a Hindu Spring festival known as the “festival of colors” that is popular with non-Hindus as well.  People cover each other with brilliant colors and spray each other with water guns and water balloons.  We enjoyed watching this joy-filled celebration.  We worried about the color getting in the kids’ eyes and didn’t participate in the bright celebration, but found a great list of tips for celebrating Holi in India.

    Waiting for Mass
    Throwing color to celebrate Holi

    #5:  Sporting Events in Bangalore With Kids

    With two boys, sporting events are always high on their list.  Our trip occurred during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament, and we watched cricked almost every night.  It was amazing to see my boys fall in love with the sport that their dad grew up with.  Cricket is an extremely complicated game, but they started picking up the rules and the lingo.  My husband purchased tickets to a match held in Bangalore between West Indies and Sri Lanka, and the boys couldn’t wait.  Unfortunately, our oldest spiked a  high fever on the day after we arrived in India, which was the day of match and was crushed to watch from home while his brother had an experience of a lifetime.  West Indies went on to win the tournament in a heart wrenching game against England.  Admittedly, even I enjoyed watching that.

    The boys also had unique experiences playing soccer in the school yard of their dad’s school, St. Joseph’s.

    Our older son also played soccer every night he could with neighbor children in the complex we stayed in.  His brother opted for swimming in the pool where he made a few friends himself and taught himself to swim during our stay.

    We were lucky to have about two weeks in Bangalore and explore at a slow pace.  To make the most of a short visit, check out this ultimate Bangalore itinerary.

    While both boys note that visiting family was the best part of our time in Bangalore, we really enjoyed exploring the city, which was so different than our everyday lives.  Visiting India with kids, check out our posts on planning and Kerala.

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