Travel

Over the River
       and through the Dunes

Whenever I tell people that I’ve lived in Yuma, Arizona for 11 years after growing up in Alaska, they look at me in shock. Talk about trading one extreme for another. Yuma certainly is unpleasant in the summer but this town of nearly 100,000 people is a vibrant, growing community that I’m proud to call home. Once the heat breaks in early fall, November is the perfect time to visit for a long weekend.

Less than three hours east of San Diego, Yuma lies just over the Colorado River separating California and Arizona. The areas along the river have been revitalized over the past few years creating a several mile spread of parks and bike trails, hummingbird habitats and historic sites.

For a weekend trip to Yuma, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Yuma in downtown, overlooking Gateway Park and the Colorado. The Ocean to Ocean Bridge, historically enabling cross-country travel, is nearby. The park includes a beach area and playground for little ones. 

Walk a few blocks to Main Street to eat at Da Boyz Italian Cuisine, which features fantastic pizza and other Italian dishes. After many years of success on the outskirts of town, this new location is a beautiful dining experience that is still family friendly. I have a hard time eating anything new here since I became addicted to the barbecue chicken pizza topped with fresh cilantro. Try the family feast deal including a pizza, family order of pasta and bread sticks, for around $20.

Since 1991, the Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival has been held the weekend before Thanksgiving (November 19–21). The Saturday balloon launch starts early with gates opening at 6 a.m. and balloons going up at 7. Sunrise and giant colorful balloons—this is the perfect way to get your kids outside to start the day off right. The price for admission is just a food donation for the mission, and vendors are available onsite at West Wetlands Park selling food. Otherwise, grab a huge breakfast burrito at Arizona Donut. Frequently voted the best in town, what the restaurant lacks in ambience it makes up for in freshness. Grab a dozen donut holes to happily tide you over while your burrito is being made.

After enjoying the balloons and rising sun, stick around West Wetlands for a while. The Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground here is a perennial favorite; it was designed by thousands of local children and built in 2007 by community volunteers. Separate areas for little guys and older ones make it easier to keep track of the kids, and the giant castle slide can fit an adult if you are daring. There’s a hummingbird habitat across the parking lot and a stocked pond for fishing. 

A morning outside should get you hungry, so head over to Las Palapas Taco Grill for some easy, authentic Baja-style tacos. Get the fish tacos on corn tortillas or a carne asada quesadilla. Enjoy the smoky chipotle salsa but be prepared for a little burn. Eat outside under the woven grass huts the restaurant is named for or at tables inside.

A trip to Yuma wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the infamous Territorial Prison. Home to both prisoners and later the public high school, seeing the tiny cells and imagining it during 120 degree summer days should be a deterrent for any misbehaving kids in the family. Last year Arizona cut funding to most state parks, including the prison, so it is now run with support from the City of Yuma. There’s a Junior Ranger activity booklet available for kids to do, and you can see the cemetery where the many prisoners who didn’t survive their stay are buried.

Head away from old Yuma into the citrus groves to explore a rather unusual farm featuring more than 100 camels. At the Sahaiti Camel Farm you can feed the camels if you are brave, but their slimy lips and drool have always been too much for me to overcome. There are other animals including our family favorites the four-horned sheep, ostriches and miniature donkeys. 

Stop at the Peanut Patch for a snack and tour. A Yuma icon, started by homesteaders, the Peanut Patch is an old fashioned store on lush grounds, perfect for a relaxing wander. It’s famous for its fudge or you can try some of the dates grown in the area. Of course, they specialize in peanuts and peanut products so if you have a nut sensitivity this isn’t the place for you.

One of the favorite parts of the balloon festival comes Saturday night at the Ray Kroc Baseball Complex. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., come out to see the Desert Balloon Glow with lighted hot air balloons, music and fireworks. There’s no better way to end a weekend adventure with the family than with fireworks. As you head home past the Imperial Sand Dunes and over the Laguna Mountains, remember your foray into the winter lettuce capital of the nation.  

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Eliana Osborn lives in Yuma, Arizona with her husband and two young sons. She enjoys spending time outside and going on fabulous adventures.

Family friendly New Orleans

Highlighting a heritage that blends American Indian, Spanish, French, English and African cultures, New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras parades, plantations and world-class jazz. Nearly six years after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, the “Big Easy” is now an evolving city of recovery and rebirth. Bourbon Street might be the most publicized attraction in this popular vacation spot, but family vacationers have discovered New Orleans’ bounty of kid-sized adventures. Paths along New Orleans’ Riverwalk and streetcars on Canal Street are filled with stroller-pushing families, enjoying this unique mixture of Creole hospitality and energetic activities.
Grab your kids, pack your suitcases and lace up your sneakers and begin your discovery of this historic city.

Here are 6 fun, educational and budget-friendly places to get started.

Animals, Birds, Bugs & Sea Life
New Orleans’ Audubon Zoo is one of the top five zoos and aquariums in the country. It’s easy to get to by bus, boat or streetcar. It showcases more than 2,000 animals in their natural habitat settings, including a white alligator in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit.

The Insectarium, a museum dedicated to the largest group of living things on the planet, provides up-close insect encounters with some pesky (and at one time, lethal) mosquitoes, enormous cockroaches, amorous and ubiquitous love bugs. There are fun bug animation shows and stately butterflies fluttering by in a serene Japanese garden.

Learn more about life under the sea, at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, where you’ll see the largest collection of sharks and jellyfish. Touch cow-nose rays and even help feed them during scheduled feeding times. Check out Adventure Island, an action-packed interactive play zone designed to give pirates and adventurers of all ages a day of fun and learning.

Stroll through Audubon Park, an urban oasis in Uptown New Orleans that stretches from St. Charles Avenue to the Mississippi River. Enjoy the 1.8-mile paved jogging path that winds through the beautiful landscape. Stop by Ochsner Island, more commonly known as Bird Island, at the center of Audubon Park Lagoon where you’ll see one of the most prominent rookeries in the region. The natural phenomenon of numerous species of wading birds can be seen up close, including double-crested cormorants, anhingas and a variety of egrets and herons.

Museums
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun. Children love piloting a towboat down the Mighty Mississippi or shopping in a pint-size Winn-Dixie grocery store. You can hoist yourself up a wall, trap your shadow or stand inside a gigantic bubble. There’s a special space designated for littler ones to climb, crawl, hide and explore.  

The National World War II Museum stores a powerhouse of moving personal stories, rare artifacts and interactive displays that aid in understanding WWII. It is located in the same city where Andrew Higgins built the landing craft used in the amphibious invasions that helped win the war for the Allies. Adults and teens will learn from a new 4D film “Beyond All Boundaries.” The Stage Door Canteen presents weekly ‘40s entertainment, including the live show “Let Freedom Swing.” Kids love having their meal in a cool tin lunch box at the American Sector restaurant.

Even though many people don’t think of Mardi Gras as a family event, St. Charles Avenue is well known as being a very family-friendly Mardi Gras parade route. At Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, learn the history of Mardi Gras and see how floats are made.

Riverboats, Ferries, Streetcars & Trolleys
New Orleans sits on the banks of the Mississippi River where several riverboats are docked near the foot of Canal Street. A family favorite is the John James Audubon that goes from the Aquarium of the Americas to the Audubon Zoo and back. You can get a combination ticket for all three attractions and make a whole day of it. The Natchez is a real steamboat that offers Jazz diner cruises. Take the free Canal Street ferry across the river to historic Algiers. Along the way, you’ll see some of breathtaking vistas of the New Orleans skyline. Wander through the elegant Garden District via a historic streetcar or stroll through Jackson Square to see artists painting and displaying their work along the iron fence.

Swamp & Bayou Tours
Children and teens love just about anything creepy. And there’s nothing creepier than the Spanish moss-laden Cypress trunks, thick marsh reeds and brackish watery avenues of the Louisiana bayou. Swamp tours travel through Jean Lafitte National Historical Park-Barataria Preserve and give an exciting, adventure-filled way to meet some of south Louisiana’s wildflowers like the giant blue iris or native fauna like the American alligators, nutria, tree frogs, turtles and fish.

Plantations & Historic Homes
Historic home tours give an up-close look into the glory days of the Old South where you can step back in time to the days of hoop skirts, magnolias and the southern hospitality of the 1800s. Houmas House Plantation & Gardens in nearby Darrow offer a unique antebellum experience. This crown jewel of Louisiana’s River Road was originally owned by the indigenous Houmas Indians, who were given a land grant to occupy the fertile plain between the Mississippi and Lake Maurepas to the north. The estate features antiques, Louisiana artwork, lush gardens, ponds and stately oaks. At St. Joseph Plantation in Vacherie tour a Creole sugar plantation and learn about early life on the plantation, explore original slave cabins, a detached kitchen, a blacksmith’s shop and a schoolhouse.

Festivals & Events
Most everyone is familiar with Mardi Gras-New Orleans style, but that’s not the only special event the city is famous for its festivals. In fact, there are more than 30 festivals and events planned this year, many of which are geared toward families. The French Quarter Festival, in early April, is a uniquely New Orleans event know for its designated kids area, fine food, music and fun celebration of life in the French Quarter. Early August the Satchmo SummerFest celebrates New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, at this free festival featuring live music, second line parades, a jazz Mass at St. Augustine Church and Satchmo’s birthday party. The Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival & Holiday Bazaar, Mid December, celebrates the history of Faubourg Treme as a hotbed of New Orleans musical and culinary culture.


Best Time to Visit
Although New Orleans is open for vacationers year-round, springtime--especially April and May--is one of the best times to visit, according to Jennifer Lotz, of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have temperate weather and the flowers are in full bloom.”

Fabulous Food
New Orleans is world renown for its spectacular cuisine. Don’t miss treating the family to powdered-sugar dusted beignets at Cafe Du Monde. For a delicious a bowl of gumbo, Lotz suggests the Gumbo Shop. “Next to my mom’s, it’s probably the best.” As for Po-boys, “Mother’s Restaurant and Johnny’s Po-Boys are always top choices,” she added. For something a little fancier, check out Breakfast at Brennan’s (originators of Bananas Foster).

For a complete calendar of events, hotel information, discounts, maps and more, visit neworleanscvb.com.

Claire Yezbak Fadden, an award-winning freelance writer, is still dusting powdered sugar off her pants from indulging in too many delicious beignets.

Buckle up your booster seats “Cars” fans: Radiator Springs is officially on the map, and it’s not too far from home.

The “cutest little town in Carburetor County” is this summer’s newest attraction up the road in Orange County. On June 15, the Disney California Adventure theme park opened Cars Land, a 12-acre expansion featuring three attractions and stunning Southwest scenery.

The decade-old California Adventure park lacks nostalgia for adults who grew up on Disneyland, but kids raised on Pixar will instantly recognize the park’s newest district: Cars Land is laid out exactly like the town of Radiator Springs, just as you see it in the movies.

The Cars Land expansion, along with a redesigned main entrance, is the capstone of Disney’s $1.1 billion, five-year effort to ramp up California Adventure’s wow-factor. If you haven’t been to the DCA in awhile (or at all), it’s probably time to give the “other” Disney park a chance.

Cadillac Mountain Range is sure to impress. The massive red rocks that backdrop the town of Radiator Springs can be seen from across the park, but fans will be most revved up by the racetrack. Radiator Springs Racers, the district’s E-ticket attraction, takes six-passenger vehicles on a high-speed ride through Ornament Valley then ends with a side-by-side race to the finish line. Which car will win? It’s different every time.

Cars Land’s other attractions are Luigi’s Flying Tires (think bumper cars meet air hockey) and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a whip-style ride where mini-tractors will have you spinning while Mater booms out tunes from a giant jukebox.

When you need to refuel, look for Flo’s V8 Cafe, Fillmore’s Taste-In or the Cozy Cone Motel. (Call me “coney,” but I like their “punny” menu featuring foods like chili “cone” queso and “cone” on the cob.)

DCA’s main entrance is all-new this summer. Formerly the lackluster Sunshine Plaza, the main drag is now Buena Vista Street, a salute to Los Angeles as it was in the 1920s and ‘30s when Walt Disney first came to California.

Located on Buena Vista Street, the sprawling park also gets its first people-mover this summer. Hop aboard the Red Car Trolley for a ride past Art Deco storefronts and an iconic reproduction of the theater where Walt Disney’s first animated feature, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” premiered in 1937. The trolley loops back at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a free-fall elevator ride that might make your heart leap out your throat.

Don’t Miss!

Whatever you do, don’t miss the World of Color over at Paradise Pier. If nothing else about DCA leaves you wowed, this nighttime water-and-light spectacular will.

Unlike Disney’s other shows and parades, you’ll need a ticket to access the viewing area for World of Color. The show weaves together fountains, fire and movie projections that you’ll want to see from the front, directly facing Mickey’s Fun Wheel across the lake, and hopefully without somebody tall standing in front of you.

Tickets for the viewing area are technically free, but there are a couple ways to get them: If you’ll be at the park early in the day, pick up a Fastpass ticket near Grizzly River Run. Otherwise, make reservations for a picnic meal (several menu options, $15.99) or a special prix fixe meal (participating restaurants only, about $39.99 for adults, $20.99 for children ages 3-9) that includes an admission ticket for the viewing area; call 714-781-3463 up to 60 days in advance for dining reservations. 

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Sara Bristol is a freelance writer.

published: June 28, 2012

For one fee you can visit New York State parks as many times a year as you want!

New York’s state park system offers a variety of child-friendly programs and family-fun activities all across the Empire State. Many of its most sought-after sites are closer than you think, offering year-round excitement and outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for tent camping or a fully-outfitted cottage with all of the amenities, exploring fossils at a nearby nature center or enjoying a day at the beach, these popular destinations provide quality recreation and relaxation at an affordable price.



Don’t forget your passport!
Empire State Passport gives you unlimited use of New York State parks
Purchase a New York State Empire Passport, and you will be provided unlimited day use vehicle entry to most of New York’s State parks and recreational facilities! Information about the Empire Passport, the Golf Gift Card, and details about parks noted here as well as the full inventory of park properties, historic sites, special events and activities can be found at www.nysparks.com.

Spend a night in the great outdoors


Visitors can enjoy a variety of daytime outdoor activities among the magnificent natural resources found throughout state parks. But why stop there? Gather up the family and stay the night, the weekend or a week at one of New York State’s camping parks.

Cherry Plain State Park in Rensselaer County www.nysparks.com/parks/info.asp?parkID=115 offers trailer and lakeside tent sites on Black River Pond. Or, surprise the kids with a trip to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame. For a unique lodging choice, try the new cabins at nearby Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park in Otsego County www.nysparks.com/parks/info.asp?parkID=179. 



Campers, bring your fishing gear to Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County with its tent, trailer and RV sites as well as a full-service lakefront cottage that sleeps six, or to Taconic State Park in Dutchess County which offers all types of camping – some year-round – where the park’s many ponds are an angler’s delight. In the Palisades, Harriman State Park, the second largest state park in the system, has two camping areas and 200 miles of hiking trails and 31 lakes and reservoirs. With sites to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs and 37 rustic cabins, this park is a great place to stay overnight.



Help kids explore the past
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The Hudson Valley is home to much of the rich military history that helped shape our state and nation. Visit the remains of the Fort Montgomery Battlefield on the shores of the Hudson River, just minutes from the Bear Mountain Bridge and learn about the site’s pivotal role in stalling the British forces during the American Revolutionary War.

Or glimpse the military headquarters and residence of the Continental Army’s General George Washington at Washington’s Headquarters, the nation’s first state-owned historic site, in Newburgh. Just north of West Point, the new National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is the only institution in the country dedicated to Purple Heart recipients and the nation’s sole repository dedicated to the preservation of their stories of sacrifice.  



Enjoy a picnic along the waterfront trails at Peebles Island State Park in Waterford in Saratoga County. Located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, the park is the headquarters for the State’s historic preservation and conservation laboratories and offices where architectural historians, archeologists, conservators and other museum staff help preserve and interpret New York’s historic sites and state-owned landmarks.



Take a guided tour of Schuyler Mansion in downtown Albany. New York history buffs can’t miss Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown, showcasing the impact of seven successive generations of the prominent Livingston Family, including Robert R. Livingston, Jr. who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.



Take time to enjoy the views.

Pack a lunch and a camera to capture the breathtaking views from Minnewaska State Park Preserve, with its hiking trails along the Shawangunk Ridge near the Catskills. Across the river in Columbia County, Olana State Historic Site, a Moorish-style mansion atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the Hudson River that inspired its original owner, painter Frederic Church, and legions of artists over the years.



Set among the Hudson Highlands, Perkins Memorial Tower at Bear Mountain State Park affords spectacular 360° views of four different states and the New York City skyline. The observation floor has interpretive displays that describe the distant views including the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery, along with several mountain ranges. 



Get hands-on with wildlife.

Just south of the Adirondacks is Moreau Lake State Park with environmental programming and activities for visitors of all ages.  The Emma Treadwell Nature Center at Thompson’s Lake State Park outside of Albany will delight the family with its exhibits, including a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Explore the hiking trails that lead from the nature center to the lake through woodlands and fields. 



Headed downstate?
At Fahnestock State Park in Putnam County, the Taconic Outdoor Education Center provides year-round environmental education and interactive learning experiences. On the other side of the Hudson, you can stop at Bear Mountain State Park  and visit the popular Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center. If a slower pace is more your speed, hop on the Bear Mountain Carousel for an up-close look at hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, and raccoon. 



Take the plunge at state park beaches.

With the historic Victoria Pool and the family-oriented Peerless Pools at Saratoga Spa State Park  and sandy beaches at Grafton Lake and Thompson’s Lake State Parks, cooling off in the Capital District on a hot summer’s day is just a short drive away. If rustic is more your style, enjoy the refreshing swimming hole at Taconic State Park or relax on the beach at Lake Taghkanic State Park, both in Columbia County. 

This is just a snapshot of what New York’s state parks offer – but it’s clear there are plenty of opportunities for fun and enjoyment. You can experience the forests, the trails, the lakefronts through all of New York State’s beautiful seasons.

Courtesy of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Boston—Family Style

Boston. The Hub. Beantown. No matter how you slice it, for a small city, this place has a whole lot to offer. More than an historic turning point in our nation’s history or a home to the beloved World Champion Boston Red Sox, this Massachusetts city is loaded with culture, entertainment and fun. Most importantly, for vacationing families, you’d be hard-pressed to find a destination more kid-friendly than this. Explore a little. Learn some. Laugh a lot. Here’s how to “do” Boston with your family in three days flat.

Day One – A Life Aquatic
Sure, Boston might be nicknamed, “The Walking City,” but why not start off the day by touring it in a restored World War II-era amphibious vehicle on a Boston Duck Tour. Sit back and relax as you cruise the streets and check out some of the city’s most famous sites – from the Public Garden and Trinity Church to Faneuil Hall and the Boston Common – while your “ConDUCKtor” fills you in on Boston’s history, trivia and quirky details on this 80-minute excursion. Parents will enjoy the city’s rich architecture and history. Kids will love “quacking” at pedestrians on the street, a Duck Tour tradition. Everyone will get a kick out of splashing down into the Charles River after touring the city’s streets. Even Boston natives dub a Duck Tour as one of the coolest ways to see the city.

Start the tour at the Prudential Center, one of Boston’s tallest buildings, where, upon your return, you can catch 360-degree, sky-high views of Boston and beyond at the Skywalk Observatory. Or catch your tour at the Museum of Science and, upon returning, explore weather, planets, dinosaurs, technology and everything in between.
If all that exploring has worked up your appetite, take the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s subway Green Line to the Government Center stop, where the historic shopping and eating mecca of Faneuil Hall is just a hop, skip and jump away.

When you arrive, visit one of 17 restaurants serving everything from Tex Mex to seafood, or check out the 40 food vendors at Faneuil Hall’s Quincy Market. Once you’ve had your fill, peruse Faneuil Hall’s shops, bull carts and kiosks for all your Boston treasures. Cheer on one of the street performers outside the marketplace buildings before you head off for the second half of your Day One adventure.

Just a short stroll from Faneuil Hall, kids and adults alike will marvel at the diverse sea life at the New England Aquarium, where a Giant Ocean Tank winds its way up four stories and dominates the exhibit hall. This 23-foot deep, 40-foot wide replica of a Caribbean coral reef holds 200,000 gallons of salt water and more than 600 animals, including stingrays, eels, sand tiger sharks and Myrtle the green sea turtle, who has been the star of the exhibit since the Aquarium opened in 1969. Once you’ve made your way to the top, watch divers feed the animals. On the way down, visit the dozens of other amazing exhibits, including seadragons, penguins, jellyfish and hands-on and touch-tank areas especially for kids. From April through October, add a Whale Watch trip – which departs from the aquarium’s dock – to your sea life tour.

Day Two – Docent for a Day
Boston is filled with dozens of great museums – too many to visit in one trip. But if you’ve got kids, you won’t want to pass up the Boston Children’s Museum. Start your day off here – an earlier start means a smaller crowd – and enjoy three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits. Kids will make a mad dash for the New Balance Climb, a three-story climbing sculpture that looks like a fleet of magic carpets floating in midair. But they’ll also love the energy-busting Kid Power exhibit; exploring an authentic 100-year-old Japanese house; an interactive disability awareness exhibit and dozens more. A special play space for children ages 0-3 makes entertaining all ages easy. And the best thing about the Boston Children’s Museum is that kids learn without even realizing it.

When tummies start growling, enjoy a brown bag lunch in the indoor or outdoor picnic areas, or choose from the kids’ menu at Au Bon Pain, located inside the museum. In the warmer months, head outside to the giant Hood Milk Bottle, where lunch and ice cream are served. Or, visit one of the many restaurants along Boston’s nearby Fort Port Channel.

After lunch, take a short walk to South Station and hop the Red Line to the Harvard Square stop in neighboring Cambridge for an historic adventure. At The Harvard Museum of Natural History, whale skeletons hang from the rafters, Bengal tigers growl behind the glass, giant gems glitter and sparkle and anthropods rule. See the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 42-foot-long prehistoric marine reptile, specimens of extinct creatures like the Dodo, and the museum’s collection of more than 3,000 glass flowers, so true-to-life that you’ll think you’re walking through an eclectic garden.

Then take some time to relax with a leisurely stroll through Harvard Square. Tour the famous Ivy League campus, browse assorted shops, check out street performers and visit one of the many eateries for dinner. If it’s warm, end the evening stargazing or people-watching at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, located on the banks of the Charles River, which separates Cambridge from Boston.

Day Three – The Great Outdoors
No visit to Beantown would be complete without experiencing the city’s most famous open spaces. The Public Garden is the country’s oldest botanical garden and, when in full bloom, is as spectacular as it is historic. An oasis in the middle of a bustling city, a family could spend the morning simply taking in its beauty. But any visit here should include a 15-minute cruise around the lagoon on the famed Swan Boats, a fleet of pedal-powered vessels that herald the arrival of spring in the city. Next, grab your camera and introduce your kids to the Mallards, the family of bronze-sculpted ducks from Robert McCloskey’s classic children’s story Make Way for Ducklings, and enjoy park’s surroundings as the kids quack and play.

Exit the Public Garden and cross Charles Street to the Boston Common), the country’s oldest public park. On the Common, explore the many historic landmarks or simply walk the paths that wind through its 50 acres. Play a game of Frisbee, fly a kite or head to the Frog Pond, where in summer, kids splash underneath a fountain and wade in the pond’s cool waters. In winter, the pond is transformed into a manicured, public skating rink, where you can glide beneath the stars.

Before you leave the Common, stop at the Freedom Trail Information Center to pick up your map of Boston’s Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-painted walking trail that leads you to 15 sites vital to the history of the American Revolution. Sites include the Granary Burying Ground, resting place for Paul Revere and Samuel Adams; the site of the Boston Massacre; and the Paul Revere House, where the Revolutionary hero lived when he made his famous April 1775 ride. You can walk the trail yourself or take one of the guided tours offered by several organizations.

If you’re setting your own pace on the Trail, when the red painted line leads you to Boston’s North End, stop off for some scrumptious Italian food. Even with block after block of eateries, you’ll encounter waits at some of the more popular establishments. But, be patient. When your meal finally arrives, you’ll think you’ve left Boston and gone to straight to Italy itself. During the summer months, you might catch one of the North End’s legendary outdoor Italian feasts, featuring food, parades and music.

Take some time to further explore Freedom Trail sites such as the USS Constitution– the oldest commission warship afloat in the world – in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Onboard tours of the ship are free.

Beyond Beantown
As wonderful as Boston is, you might want to escape city life for an hour or even a day. Head north, south or west to one of these family-friendly destinations, about an hour’s drive away.

NORTH
Plum Island
This small, barrier island, accessible by the Plum Island Turnpike from the seacoast community of Newburyport, offers a host of outdoor activities. Famous for its bird-watching, visitors also enjoy gorgeous beaches, charter-boat cruises, fishing, tide pooling, hiking, kayaking and bike-riding. Take in the view at Plum Island Lighthouse and – kids will love this – stop off at the Plum Island Airport to watch the planes land.

SOUTH
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth
Step aboard the Mayflower II and learn about the 1620 voyage of its predecessor. Visit the Wampanoag Homesite and learn about 17th-century life from natives. Or visit the 1627 English Village, a recreation of a small farming town built on the Wampanoag homeland. With costumed re-enactors, Plimoth Plantation is historic immersion at is finest.

WEST
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Step back in time to the 1830s and visit with farmers, blacksmiths and everyday 19th-century families as you explore restored buildings, including houses, a school and a gristmill that have been brought to the site from all over New England. Open year round, Old Sturbridge Village hosts themed activities and events for all seasons.

Michelle Xiarhos Curran is a freelance writer and a calendar editor for the Boston Parents Paper.




Other groups offering Freedom Trail Tours; call for times, themes and pricing:
National Park Service,  www.nps.gov.
Boston By Foot, Offers the Boston By Little Feet Tour, geared towards children www.bostonbyfoot.org.
The Histrionic Academy,  www.freedomtrailtours.com.
North End of Boston,  www.northendboston.com.


General Information
Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau –  www.bostonusa.com.
North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau –  www.northofboston.org.
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism –  www.massvacation.com.

Discount Information
Citypass.com – Buy one discounted ticket to six famous Boston attractions, including the New England Aquarium, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and the Skywalk Observatory. 1-888-330-5008.
Go Boston Card – Choose from a one-day to one-week pass that will save you up to 40 percent on admission to attractions such as the New England Aquarium, Boston Common Frog Pond, the Boston Children’s Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Plimoth Plantation and many more.  www.gobostoncard.com.

Published: January 2011

Few places offer such a wondrous and seemingly out-of-this-world experience as Joshua Tree National Park. Located 175 miles northeast of San Diego, entering the park’s borders feels like you’ve rocket-shipped to a desert planet. Check out more than 800,000 acres of unspoiled desert, enormous rock formations, twisty Joshua trees, rugged mountains, sand dunes and green oases.

The best times to visit are fall and spring. During the summer, daytime temperatures can soar well over 100 degrees, and winter nights—especially at altitude—can get quite cold.

Family-friendly outdoor activities are available, including camping, hiking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing and bouldering. Plan your visit during the spring to experience desert wildflower blooms!

Driving Tour
There are three park entrances: West, North and South. Expect to spend time in the car, driving from one activity/rest stop to the next. There is no cellphone service in the park (GPS devices are unreliable), but stop at any of the park’s four visitors centers to pick up detailed driving directions, trail maps and current site closures.

Many of the park’s most popular attractions are in the northwest section, with plenty of easy stops along the main roads to explore. Families can stretch, picnic, walk, rock scramble and more, all while enjoying vast desert landscapes.

Family Programs
The fun, educational Junior Ranger program is targeted for kids ages 5–13. Pick up an activity book at one of the park’s four visitors centers, then complete a series of activities to receive a Junior Ranger badge.

Additional programs for kids include Junior Paleontologist, Night Explorer and Wilderness Explorer. Ranger programs for the whole family are also offered, such as free guided walks, talks and evening activities.

Hiking and Nature Trails
Joshua Tree offers trails and hiking for all levels, ranging from short, flat nature walks to strenuous, mountain ascents. Take care to wear appropriate footwear, bring adequate hydration and use sun protection.

For those seeking a shorter hike, Barker Dam is a 1.3-mile loop that is fun for the whole family. Another good option is the 1.5-mile loop to Skull Rock. This trail passes by boulder piles and a large rock formation that resembles a skull. Cap Rock is less than half a mile and stroller-friendly.

If you want something more strenuous, the hike to 49 Palms Oasis is a pleasant, 3-mile round trip venture. Or, for a stunning vista view, the 3-mile round trip climb on Ryan Mountain is worth the effort.  There are plenty of longer trails in the park, but if this is your first park visit, several shorter hikes will provide a better park overview.

Rock Climbing and Scrambling
Wherever you see rock formations in Joshua Tree, there will be individuals of all levels climbing them. The world-class climbers in the park are great fun to watch as they work their way up sheer rock faces. To participate, be sure you are properly equipped, trained and guided. Commercial instruction is available.

If your family simply wants to scramble around boulders (climb over while using your hands), there are plenty of great options, including Hidden Valley, Split Rock and Quail Springs. Or, with extra caution, try the House of Horrors!

Nighttime Fun
When the sun goes down, the brilliant stars come out and you’ll be glad you have an open view. With no major metropolitan areas in the immediate vicinity, the stargazing is amazing. The Milky Way is best viewed on moonless summer nights, the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August. Much of the park’s wildlife—coyotes, kangaroo rats, bighorn sheep, snakes and jack-rabbits—is nocturnal. Enjoy the evening company, best seen at dawn and dusk.

Camping and Accommodations
If you like camping, you’re in luck because Joshua Tree offers nine campgrounds, many with campsites alongside fabulous rock formations for climbing and scrambling. Once the park’s daytime visitors clear out, these become your exclusive playgrounds to explore or relax.

Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and do fill up, especially on weekends. Black Rock and Indian Cove campgrounds accept reservations during peak times, October­–May. Group reservations (10–60 people) are available at several sites.

Facilities are simple; expect well-maintained pit toilets and no water, so bring ample water with you. It is only available at a few locations outside the park. Rangers recommend 1-2 gallons of water per person, per day. Also bring firewood for campfires.

Aside from camping, there are no lodging options within the park. However, nearby communities, such as Twentynine Palms, offer affordable motels. A wide range of accommodations can also be found in Palm Springs, about an hour outside of Joshua Tree.

More Information about Joshua Tree

Campsite reservations

Junior Ranger Program

Trail Maps

Wildflower Forecast

Local mom Lisa Pawlak is a contributing writer and Joshua Tree enthusiast.

Published April 2016

Visitors to San Antonio can name their pleasure – theme parks, water parks, historic sites, hiking, rock climbing, Gulf Coast beaches, museums and much more are here for the picking.

The nation’s seventh largest city is popular with thrill seekers, history buffs and people who love vacation destinations where everything is within reach. San Antonio is an ideal spot for a three-day family getaway. It does get hot here – temperatures in July and August can exceed 100º F – so come prepared.

Situated in South Texas, San Antonio is home to the Alamo, three theme parks, nine museums, the second largest zoo in the United States, and a river meandering through the heart of the city with restaurants, shops, hotels and art galleries along its cobblestone banks. The River Walk is one of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, for romantic couples and families alike. Dining on one of the many river barges here is a big hit with tourists as well.

Historic Sites and Museums
For many school-aged kids, San Antonio is synonymous with the Alamo. Parents may recall lessons about the siege of the Alamo – where Texans successfully fought Mexican soldiers during the Texas Revolution – from their school days, from the 1960 movie starring the late John Wayne, or maybe the 2004 remake with Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and Jason Patric. Besides the Alamo, San Antonio has four Spanish frontier missions situated along the San Antonio River  – San José, Concepcion, San Juan and Espada.

Museums in the city include the kid-appealing Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Texas Ranger and the Plaza Wax museums.

Theme Parks and Water Parks
Thrill seekers can enjoy hair-raising rides and some of the best entertainment in the area at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Six Flags Fiesta Texas features a water park and about 48 rides, seven of which are coasters. Some rides are scarier than others, but rest assured there’s something here for everyone. Eleven of the park’s rides are in its water park, so come prepared for a drenching good time. Six Flags also offers shows, parades, fireworks and occasional concerts featuring top national recording artists.

Situated on 250 acres, SeaWorld, the largest marine life adventure park, is separated into four areas – shows, rides and slides, water and amazing animals. The park’s water play area, The Lost Lagoon, offers wet fun for all ages. And you’ll learn about animals through such attractions as Dining with Shamu, Up Close Tours and Beluga Interaction.
San Antonio’s water parks are all the rave, especially in the summer months. In addition to those on the grounds of Sea World and Six Flags, the city’s Splashtown water park features more than 50 water rides and attractions on 20 acres.

Drive north to New Braunfels (about 40 minutes from downtown San Antonio) and you’ll find Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, with 40 water attractions including slides, uphill water coasters, tub-chutes, a surfing machine and a children’s water playground. And south of San Antonio, in the city of Corpus Christi, is another Schlitterbahn. Contact the parks for admission prices and times of operation.

A Year’s Worth of Fun
Plan your getaway around special events to ensure that you take in the entire flavor San Antonio has to offer. The city celebrates special events throughout the year, but the granddaddy of them all is Fiesta. This 11-day festival, held in April, is packed with 108 events and celebrations, including parties, carnivals, the Investiture of King Antonio and the crowning of a Queen and court, two street parades, a river parade, an Oyster Bake, A Night in Old San Antonio, Taste of New Orleans, street and park festivals of all kinds, fashion shows, battle of the high school bands and community fairs. There’s even a parade for pooches. Every breathing thing in San Antonio parties during Fiesta.

Other annual events include:
•    Poteet Strawberry Festival, early April
•    Cinco de Mayo, early May;
•    Texas Valero Open, mid-May
•    Texas Folklife Festival, mid-June
•    Juneteenth, mid-June
•    Diez y Seis, mid-September
•    Jazz’SAlive, mid-September
•    Oktoberfest San Antonio, early October
•    Wurstfest, late October through early November

Adventure, History and Shopping
Adventurers in the family will enjoy touring Cascade Caverns, 14 miles west of San Antonio. The caverns are a half-mile long, 140 miles deep and feature a 100-foot waterfall.

Cave Without a Name, a natural living cavern filled with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave drapery, flowstones, rimstone dams and more, is situated west of San Antonio, about 12 miles outside of Boerne.

Guadalupe River State Park is on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. Recreational opportunities include fishing, swimming, tubing, hiking and an equestrian trail that can also be used for mountain biking. The park is about an hour’s drive north of San Antonio.

Hill Country State Natural Area is situated in rugged country west of San Antonio near Bandera. The area includes 40 miles of trails in an underdeveloped primitive park.

Market Square in downtown San Antonio sits on the site of the original Farmers Market. Market Square is a historic area featuring shops, restaurants, art galleries, live outdoor entertainment and El Mercado – the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico.

Natural Bridge Caverns features caves and ancient formations 180-foot below ground. Adventure tours, mining sluice and an outdoor climbing tower are available. The caverns are north of San Antonio about 20 minutes from downtown.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, located between San Antonio and New Braunfels features a drive-through safari for viewing exotic and rare animals, South Texas style.

Wonder World Park features the country’s only earthquake-formed cave, along with the Tejas Observation Tower. Visitors can play in the Park’s Anti-Gravity House and take a train ride through the waterfalls of Mystery Mountain to meet and feed the animals in the petting park. Wonder World is 43 miles from San Antonio in the town of San Marcos.

Lodging
San Antonio is home to a host of hotels and motels, from budget to luxury. You can choose from downtown hotels on the River Walk or lodgings closer to the theme parks near the city’s edge. There are cozy bed and breakfast locations scattered around the city, as well.

Cynthia Ladson is the Editor of Our Kids San Antonio.


Quick Resources!

Visitors can explore downtown San Antonio destinations by trolley or horse-drawn carriage. Professional guided tours are offered via river barge, helicopter, walking, segway, horse-drawn carriage, bus and hot-air balloon.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Bluebonnet Carriage Co. www.bluebonnetcarriage.com.
Loan Star Carriage  www.lonestarcarriage.com.
Yellow Rose Carriage Co.  www.yellowrosecarriage.com.

Other Tours
Alamo Helicopter Tours www.alamohelicoptertours.com
Rio San Antonio Cruises  www.riosanantonio.com.

Major Sites
San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau – www.visitsanantonio.com – Information on the sites and offerings of San Antonio, including tours of the Alamo and Missions, ghost tours and more.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort  www.schlitterbahn.com/nb
SeaWorld San Antonio  www.seaworld.com/sanantonio
Six Flags Fiesta Texas www.sixflags.com/fiestaTexas
Splashtown San Antonio  www.splashtownsa.com
The Alamo  www.thealamo.org.

Photo credits!
Christmas in the Alamo City. PHOTO BY BATISTA STUDIOS
Touring the San Antonio River Walk. PHOTO BY BATISTA STUDIOS

Make the most of San Diego's year-round summer climate by vacationing (or staycationing) at a local resort hotel. These full-service resorts offer a bounty of fun for families, and you won't have to spend hours getting there!

La Costa Resort & Spa
Carlsbad

Beautiful rooms and plenty of amenities make La Costa feel like a luxurious destination vacation, right in our own backyard. The Travel Channel named it “the #2 most family-friendly resort in the United States!” Guest rooms and suites at this 400-acre village have been recently renovated. My family and I enjoyed a three-day stay and were wowed by the luxurious accommodations and thoughtfulness of the staff.

For a small fee, kids and adults can participate in tons of fun activities scheduled throughout the day, such as making s’mores, paddle board and surfing lessons, and tennis and golf clinics. A range of fitness classes for families and adults are available, movie nights and more. Meditation and yoga classes are offered at the on-site Chopra Center. My family and I enjoyed a private golf lesson with a patient, encouraging coach. My husband, daughter, 16, and son, 7, donned wet suits and braved a bit of drizzle for their first surf lesson taught by pros from La Costa Surf School (www.lcsurf.com). They had a blast riding the waves!

Splash Landing has three water slides, a Jacuzzi, pool, private cabanas, Internet access and food and beverage service. Toddlers can safely explore the Sandy Beach Pool, and parents will be glad to know that lifeguards are on duty.      

Kidtopia offers interactive, supervised fun for children 6 months to 12 years including special crafts classes, and it’s open seven days a week. Just next door at Vibz, teens and older kids can play video and arcade games. Teenz Happy Hour are Fridays from 5 – 6 p.m. It was great to drop in to Vibz for a quick round of air hockey between events.

While the kids are busy, treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Spa at La Costa. There’s a quiet room with snacks and strawberry-mint water, a hot tub and dry sauna. Step from the private sanctuary to discover a co-ed pool, waterfall shower, garden and stone reflexology pathway. Day use passes are also available. The ultra-relaxing California Renewal treatment left my skin baby-soft and mango-scented.

Mom and Dad, check your kiddos into Night Camp at Kidtopia while you tuck into a delicious dinner at the Blue Fire Grill. Afterward, settle by the outdoor fire pit to enjoy live music. La Costa has something to suit every taste and activity level, ensuring that everyone has a dream vacation close to home.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Carlsbad

If 5-star service and accommodations are your speed, plan a luxury getaway at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad. Enjoy family-friendly amenities such as dual water slides at the pool, seasonal events and poolside activities for kids, a signature golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, relaxing spa treatments and upscale dining options.  

Hotel del Coronado
Coronado

Travel & Leisure Family Magazine named this historic San Diego landmark one of the top 20 family resorts in the United States. Special summer packages like the Teen Access and V.I.K. passes entitle kids to special offers and complimentary gifts. Teens 13 to 17 can indulge in a “Spa Sundae” package with a Spreckels Sugar Scrub and Frosting Massage, hang out at Vibz teen lounge or take advantage of surfing lessons, yoga and beach boot camp, biking, kayak tours, volleyball and boogie board rentals.

Kidtopia, for children ages 4 to 12, offers mini camps, entertaining and educational crafts and activities. Camps include lunch or dinner, scavenger hunts, sand castle contests, beach Olympics, luaus and bonfires. Families can enjoy bingo tournaments on the pool deck, s’mores night on the beach, family fitness classes and Flick N’ Float movies at the pool.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Mission Bay

One of San Diego's "hidden" gems is the 44-acre island resort, Paradise Point Resort and Spa; it’s a vacation in our own backyard paradise.

As you drive down the palm-lined private entrance, you know it’s going to be a relaxing and special time with the family. This oasis was established in 1962, but has been continually renovated to ensure five-star amenities and accommodations.

"My wife and I stayed here for our anniversary and were amazed by how much it reminded us of being in Hawaii," says Tony Andrews. "The tropical trees, flowers and plants combined with tiki torches, waterfalls and lagoon were incredible. Everyone at the resort was friendly and greeted us with hospitality reminiscent of aloha."

The resort features California-style bungalows, five swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, full-service spa, fitness center and more. Enjoy lush grounds, charming bridges and lookouts along the lagoon on property and the popular Barefoot Bar & Grill. Ride beach cruisers or a surrey around the grounds or on the nearby paved walkway that encircles Mission Bay. The property location is perfect for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and jet skiing. Continue the family adventures at night by making s’mores around a fire. Asl about season poolside “dive-in” movies and other kid-friendly events. A family weekend stay at this island resort creates wonderful memories for years to come.  

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Aptly named as the World’s Biggest Little City, Reno is a city with a robust, ambitious spirit and friendly small city feel. Nestled next to the Sierra Nevada to the west, Reno is an unexpected gem for families on summer vacation and has more to offer than its glittering casinos and its stones-throw distance to Lake Tahoe. 

If you’re planning to travel to Reno, consider scheduling a visit during one of these regionally popular events.

Reno Rodeo—June
Reno kicks off the summer with the Reno Rodeo, where professional and amateur cowboys from all over the globe come to compete for money and fame. Put on your jeans and cowboy hat for this 10-day event, which features events including Women’s Professional Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, the Saddle Bronc, and Bull Riding by members from the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. Amateurs compete in the Invitational Amateur Team Roping, with the hopes of winning part of a $1 million purse. Every afternoon a carnival opens with a collection of country vendors. Visit www.renorodeo.com for more information and free events.

Artown—July
July in Reno is perfect for the more artsy types. For the entire month of July, Reno transforms into a citywide art exhibit with artwork displayed all over the city, from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport to many of the local casinos. Artown, a local not-for-profit organization, coordinates with the community to showcase over 350 events, most of which are free.

Take your pick of local and national talent of all forms of art. In the past, Artown has featured nationally renowned acts such as Stomp, a percussion and dance troupe, and Tony Award-winning singer Mandy Patinkin with Paul Ford on the piano.  Bring the family to Wingfield Park for the family series in downtown to watch free theatrical and dance performances, watch movies in the park and lots of other hands-on art activities. Be sure to refer to Artown’s schedule www.renoisartown.com for more artistic fun for kids of all ages.

Read more: Family Travel to Reno, NV

Usually the less crowded of the two Disney theme parks, Disney California Adventure has a lot to offer guests of all ages from shows and musical entertainment to world-class rides and attractions. Take a look at some of our favorite rides, shows and attractions below to make the most of a family trip to California Adventure! 

NEW AND SEASONAL EVENTS

Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Gardens. From Sept. 1-Nov. 2, guests will enjoy an immersive celebration of family with the characters and music from the Pixar hit film "Coco." You definitely don't want to miss the "Musical Celebration of Coco" starring Miguel's family and friends. The dancing, singing and amazing puppeteers bring the story of "Coco" to life. In between shows, fans will also get a chance to take photos with Miguel, post personal notes to loved ones on The Memory Wall and enjoy the amazing musical talents of The Mariachi Divas on the bandstand outside of Paradise Garden Grill.
 

PIXAR PIER
The Little Mermaid–Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Dive “under the sea” in a clamshell carriage with Ariel, Skuttle and their crustacean friends. Pro tip: If you don't plan to watch World of Color, that is a great time to do this ride. 

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Hop aboard one of eight "memory movers" from the hit Pixar film "Inside Out." This is a great alternative to Silly Symphony Swings for younger kids who want a similar experience but aren't ready to brave the bigger ride. 

World of Color is a must-see nighttime spectacular, though you will need a virtual queue reservation for the best viewing. During busy times reservations can be hard to get so a little planning goes a long way. Another option is to make a reservation for a World of Color dining or dessert package (available at select restaurants), which includes premier viewing of the show. We recommend arriving at your assigned section as early as possible for the best view. The dining packages can be quite pricey but definitely worth the expense if you've never seen the show. 


HOLLYWOOD LAND

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! Hail a taxi and join Mike, Sully and Boo on an exciting adventure through the streets of Monstropolis. Keep an eye out for Randall lurking in the shadows!

Younger kids will love the Disney Junior Dance Party! Put on your dancing shoes and join Disney Junior characters as they wiggle, shimmy and sing along to songs from your favorite Disney Junior shows. 

The Disney Animation Building might be the best-kept secret for guests who need some time to relax and recharge. Inside you'll find several unique spaces including the Disney Animation Academy where guests can learn how to draw like a Disney animator. Classes are every 30 minutes with a rotating list of characters. Check the schedule at the entrance to the Animation Academy to find out what characters are featured that day. You can even take your artwork home as a souvenir!

Turtle Talk with Crush. Spend some much-needed downtime with Crush and his underwater friends from "Finding Nemo." Little grommets get to sit up front for the best viewing while Crush interacts with the audience leading to some pretty hilarious conversations. Every show is different so it's a great thing to do more than once if you have the time. 

SAN FRANSOKYO SQUARE

Meet Baymax and Hiro from "Big Hero 6." Formerly Pacific Wharf, the newly re-imagined San Fransokyo Square is a destination in itself with updated dining options, merchandise and photo ops that will transport you to Hiro's hometown.    

For a real taste of San Francisco, take the Boudin Bakery Tour to learn how sourdough bread is made from the company that put sourdough on the map. You'll get to see behind the scenes as fresh sourdough is made from scratch before it's distributed around the park for guests to enjoy. You can even buy a fresh sourdough loaf shaped like Baymax!

REDWOOD CREEK
Kids love running through the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail—an expansive outdoor obstacle course with swinging bridges, rope nets, log slides and fun nature-themed activities for outdoor enthusiasts. 

For tickets and reservations visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/admission/tickets

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Adrienne Sigeti is a native San Diegan and lifelong Disney fan who grew up going to the parks with family and friends. At California Adventure, you'll find her riding Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters in Cars Land and trying to hunt down the newest seasonal snack.  

Updated: October 2023