Weather you’re heading up to Traverse City for next month’s Cherry Capital Winter!Wow Fest or you want to see why Good Morning America recently ranked the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the most beautiful place in America, it’s time to come out of hibernation and head “Up North” to a place where Michiganders really know how to play in the snow. With enough cold fun to keep you plenty warm, here are some of our favorite places to gear up and get everyone some fresh air:

Snowshoeing
Empire Bluff Trail

A nature-lovers paradise, trails and paths criss-cross their way across the greater Leelanau Peninsula. To visit the area for the first (or fifth) time and to leave without a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is truly a missed opportunity. In order to fully appreciate the views by snow shoe, consider the 1.5 mile (round trip) hike on the Empire Bluff Trail. Overlooking Lake Michigan (parents, keep an eye on your kids as you approach the bluff), the trail makes the ascent at a calorie-burning incline. Younger kids may need to take breaks (carry water and stop to take photos); the return trip will have you trying to keep up. A plethora of snowshoeing trails are described on the Traverse City website here, or pick up a pamphlet at the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau (equipment rentals and area outfitters are also listed).

Snow Tubing
Timberlee Hills

For the adventure seekers in your family, consider spending a few hours snow tubing at Timberlee Hills, ten minutes east (and up) from downtown. A family-owned operation, the “hill” at Timberlee Hills offers breathtaking views of the peninsula from the summit. Take a good look, as the scenery goes by too quickly on the trip back to the bottom of the tube lift. Included with the cost of the hourly lift ticket is the use of single and double tubes (groups can also hook their tubes together and take a tandem ride). Waiting at the basin is Hilltop Hideaway, a banquet room that doubles as a warming house, bar, and eatery (hot chocolate, anyone?). Our visit to Timberlee Hills was after dark (when the sun sets at 5PM, this is not so hard to plan). To see a glimpse of our “totally wicked” run, check out our ride speeds in this short video. Hint: Check the Timberlee Hills website and/or Facebook page for coupons, deals, and other fun events.

Snowmobiling
Blue Sky Rentals

On a trip to Traverse City, why not rent a snowmobile and see why so many year-round residents can’t wait for the first snowfall. A necessary mode of transportation during blizzards and sever weather, snowmobiles are a way of life in Michigan. With recreational trails aplenty, the folks at Blue Sky Rentals will help outfit your sledding adventure. With rates ranging from four hours to a full week (and one and two-person machines), Blue Sky Rentals can also provide a trail guide if you are new to the sport. Visit the Blue Sky website for prices, packages, trail conditions, Michigan snowmobile laws, and customer photos. Blue Sky also partners with the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on their Winter Fun activity package (see below).

Winter Fun: Glide, Slide, and Stride
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Offering a “Winter Fun for Everyone” activity package, the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa (located north and west of downtown along the East Bay; or just look for the seventeen-story glass tower jutting up into the blue sky) offers a variety of winter activities for guest and resident alike. Ranging from ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and kid-friendly winter activities (like snow tic-tac-toe, pictured above), equipment rental and reservations can be made through the Clubhouse or with the help of the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa smart phone app.

Where to Stay
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel

A warm oasis on the snowy-white landscape, Sugar Beach Resort Hotel sits on the southern end of the East Bay. With 600-feet of beach front, make a snowman in the winter or head inside to the indoor pool and hot tub. With a complimentary breakfast-overlooking the bay in the second-story breakfast bar-you’ll calculate the savings of eating a full meal with kids in tow (assuming you can drag them away from the pool or game room).

Enjoying two “to go” evening meals in the comfort of our family suite, we appreciated the four person kitchen table, microwave, and refrigerator almost as much as the nearby laundry room (winter = wet everything). In the evening, rent DVD’s from the front desk (or plan ahead bring your own) or hang out by the fireplace in the front lobby (look for bowls of fruit, coffee, and regional newspapers and magazines).

For more ideas on what to do on a winter weekend in Traverse City, pick up a copy of “Traverse City for Kids: 106+ Fun Things to Do and See” (also available at the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau or online here). Organized by season, winter begins on page 20 and includes suggestions for sleigh rides, traditional sledding, downhill skiing and snowboarding, and even winter river tubing (who knew!).

In the spirit of giving and good cheer, Road Trips for Families is honored to participate in the 2011 Passports with Purpose (PwP), an annual fundraiser hosted by some of your favorite travel blogs. In its third year, PwP has raised money for a school in rural Cambodia ($30,000 in 2009) and a village in rural India (rallying with over $64,000 in 2010). Partnering with Room To Read, PwP has set a goal of $80,000 to  build two libraries for children in Zambia, Africa. A family-travel site and parents of our own literate kids, we feel particularly inspired by this year’s fundraiser.

Here’s how it works:

• Travel bloggers around the globe register their websites with PwP.
• Prizes ranging from tours, hotel packages, clothing, travel gear, electronics, gift certificates and loyalty points are donated by fantastic sponsors (more on this in just a bit).
• Between November 30 and December 16, donations are made in $10 increments through the PwP website. The more you bid on a prize, the greater your odds are for winning (donations are tax deductible and winners are selected at random—a bunch of rules and FAQs can be found on the PwP website).
• Winners are notified on December 23. (Last year we didn’t win, but we sure felt good about our 2010 charitable contribution.)

 Our fantastic sponsor:

Thoroughly enjoying our visit to several Ohio State Park Lodges earlier this fall, we asked our friends at Xanterra Parks & Resorts to participate in the 2011 PWP program. Generously donating a Buckeye lodging package for two people at a Xanterra-managed Ohio State Park Lodge of their choice, here are the details:

Xanterra operates  Hueston Woods State Park Lodge in Southwest Ohio, Maumee Bay State Park Lodge in Northwest Ohio, Mohican State Park Lodge in Central Ohio, Punderson Manor State Park Lodge in Northeast Ohio, Shawnee State Park Lodge in South Central Ohio, and  Deer Creek State Park Lodge and  Salt Fork State Park Lodge in Central Ohio.

Maumee Bay Cottage

The popular Buckeye Lodging package is available at all lodges mentioned above and features two nights of accommodations, one dinner for two, one breakfast for two, and a gift shop credit. Valued between $250 and $450, the prize is available until December 31, 2012. Gratuities not included. Based upon availability. Some blackout dates will apply, and they vary from lodge to lodge.

Thanks for participating and your support!

P.S. Follow Passports with Purpose on Facebook or the #PWP Twitter hashtag.

View from the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk

To live in the Midwest and have never experienced the culture, food, architecture, diversity, and entertainment that is Chicago is a sad thing indeed. For many of us quite comfortable in the regional cost of living and slower pace of daily life, Chicago can take us a bit by surprise. Between parking, tolls, and a 10.25% sales tax, the price of progress does come with a few extra vacation expenditures. Relatively inexpensive by East and West Coast standards, a weekend in the Windy City is still worth budgeting for. Recently spending four days in the, here are some ways we saved money on our trip to town.

Meatballs for Less at IKEA

Knowing many downtown hotels charge anywhere between $10 and $40 extra to keep a vehicle in the hotel parking ramp, we booked a room at the Homewood Suites in the popular Chicago suburb of Schaumburg (parking is 100% FREE). Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, Schaumburg is a haven of high-end shopping, dining, and recreation. Arriving at Homewood Suites on a Thursday night, our first evening meal was on the house in the hotel dining area. A full complimentary dinner with adult drinks is offered to hotel guests Monday through Thursday (hot breakfast is complimentary every day of the week). This is standard practice at Homewood Suites across the country. Stocking our full refrigerator with food purchased at the nearby Whole Foods grocery store, we enjoyed a home-cooked spaghetti dinner as well as a trip down the block to the affordably-priced IKEA Restaurant (Meatballs for Less is now $2.99). Packing snacks and filling water bottles from home helped combat impulse purchases at overpriced museum cafes.

The Carousel at Navy Pier

Located within five miles of four different stops on the METRA commuter transit system, catching a train ride downtown not only saves gas and time (Chicago is notorious for commuter traffic jams), Weekend Family Fares allow up to three kids under age 11 to ride FREE with a fare-paying adult. Families serving in the military receive additional discounts (see all of the fare discounts here).

Planning to visit many of the popular downtown museums and attractions, we used the Go Select Chicago pass for discounted admission prices over the course of the long weekend. In many cases the Go Select Chicago pass allowed us to bypass long lines (anyone with young— already excited and growing impatient—kids will appreciate this perk).

Getting Wet at the Chicago Children's Museum

If your Chicago itinerary calls for a visit to Navy Pier, make sure to ask for a Chicago-Style Fun coupon book from the concierge at the main Information desk. The coupon book has dining and shopping discounts, as well as coupons for the attractions, rides, and aquatic sightseeing tours. The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (incidentally one of the best children’s museums we’ve ever been to) offers reciprocal admission for eligible members of participating ACM (Association of Children’s Museums) institutions, valid for up to 4 people per membership.

Along the lake shore on the north end of “The Loop” is Lincoln Park, Chicago’s version of Central Park. Always FREE (and open 365 days per year), the Lincoln Park Zoo is a fantastic place to pass an entire morning or afternoon (alas, zoo parking is not free, so plan ahead). With a balance of indoor and outdoor exhibits, the zoo offers breaks from both heat and windchill. Feeling somewhat rushed during our two hour speed walk through the zoo, we’d detour to downtown just for the chance to visit again.

LEGOLAND Test Center

Back in Schaumburg, we enjoyed an afternoon at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center (again, three cheers for FREE parking). An indoor attraction for LEGO fans of all ages and genders, our visit included two different rides, a model builder workshop,and touring the LEGO MINILAND (we visited during the cleverly-named Brick-or-Treat, and the entire museum embraced a G-rated spooky Halloween theme). Spending the majority of our visit building and testing LEGO Racers, a trip through the 4-D cinema was almost as big of a hit as our LEGO souvenirs. Hint: If your child subscribes to LEGO Magazine, check the back cover for discount admission coupons to Discovery Center locations nationwide).

As an aside, Chicago newbies may want to take advantage of the FREE Chicago Greeter program offered by the Chicago Office of Tourism (read the related story here). Other personal FREE museum recommendations are the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Chicago Cultural Center.

Expecting sun bathers and sand castles and unmanned kites hovering in the steady breeze, Mother Nature had a hidden agenda as she joined up with us on our beach vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Running through the white sand towards Atlantis and his gleaming trident, Chariots of Fire came to a needle-scratching halt as we hurdled over jelly fish. And lots of them.

According to this recent news article in AL.com online, our October encounter with the moon jellyfish was old news to folks in Mobile and along the Florida Panhandle. A record year on a typical 10-year population cycle, wind, currents, tides, and hurricane-season deposited a plethora of these non-lethal species right on up to our hotel. Stocked with seldom-used sting kids, the concierge calmed our fears and suggested we avoid anything with pink dotted circles. Local kids (shown above) were thrilled to bling out their sand sculptures with nature’s fruit snack.

Up early the next morning for a (sandaled) walk on the world-famous white sand, a hushed crowd of onlookers stood a respectful distance from a lifeless dolphin deposited by the tide. Possibly one of four reported deaths during our stay in paradise, moments like these remind us of our own mortality. Some living into their forties, wild bottlenose dolphins are susceptible to viruses, infections, pollution, and old age, among other natural and unnatural causes.

Detrimentally impacting marine life and stressing the ecosystem, reminders of the 2010 British Petroleum oil spill are subtle today. Inquiring about the small force of “treasure” hunters combing the beach with butterfly nets, I helped add a few quarter-size tar balls to their collection. Like the person interviewed in this recent Huffington Post article, removing the material from my fingers required half a bar of soap.

Sure as the sun rises, death begets new life and Alabama gave us one of the most spectacular memories on Earth. Using the moonlight to guide us a few hundred meters from the lights of our hotel, we encountered a group of onlookers and volunteers from the Alabama Sea Turtle “Share the Beach” Volunteer Program just as the first of 47 loggerhead turtle hatch-lings emerged from the sand. Led by instinct along a walk as old as the dinosaurs, a collective bon voyage went out to the babies as the surf took them out to find a meal. Because photos (or any light-emitting anything) was not permitted during this formative journey, watch this video and live a bit of the moment yourself.

Because we are an outdoor family and because we believe in education on vacation, Alabama has added to the living marine biology lesson started in Florida and South Carolina. Given the opportunity to see life and death and impress upon us all the importance of treating her with respect, a nod to you Mother Nature. Thanks for coming along.

Uniquely its own, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores is affordable, peaceful, and offers places to rest and places to be entertained. Read where we ate fresh sea food and stay tuned for suggestions on family-friendly fun.

After a recent trip to Nova Scotia, Vera Marie Badertscher, editor of A Traveler’s Library, and the biography of Navajo artist Quincy Tahoma, shares with us her best family road trip tips for the area.

In a previous article, I suggested traveling by ferry whenever possible on your family road trip to Nova Scotia, just because it is so much fun.  When you alight from the gigantic Princess of Acadia at Digby Nova Scotia, you can take advantage of a tourism office not far outside the parking ferry parking lot.

Ft. Anne

Digby is an interesting little town with a pretty waterfront and colorful fishing boats, but you may want to hit the road and head for Annapolis Royal. There you will find Ft. Anne, known as the birthplace of Canada.  The French and British struggled over Ft. Anne in the 1600′s and 1700′s, and both their flags can be seen at the fort.  What’s left of the fort is mostly reconstruction–grassy mounds that were the protective earthworks, but now serve as a great place for climbing and rolling down hills.

Inside the small museum, kids are fascinated by the 18-foot long tapestry designed to show the history of the region, particularly when they learn that Queen Elizabeth herself added a few stitches to the depiction of her great-great-grandmother Victoria. Every room in the museum features activities for little ones, and the dress up costumes let them get totally in the mood.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Although these gardens are on St. George Street, which is lined with centuries-old houses, the garden itself is fairly new.  The name Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens means that various areas of the gardens show the style of gardens in different periods of this historic town’s past. The flowers of course are stunning, but my favorite thing was the little Cajun cottage.  If your family has visited Louisiana, this ties together the history of the Acadians (Cajuns) who were expelled from Canada and fled south.

Note: There’s a beautiful B & B, Hillsdale House, almost next door. The expansive lawn is great for running off extra energy, and although I don’t usually recommend antique-filled houses for family stays, this one is quite practical and the friendly owners welcome children. They serve an enormous delicious breakfast.

Kejimkujik

Head inland (southeast) for Kejimkujik which is every bit as much fun to visit as it is to say. This forested park around a lake is a National Historic Site of Canada because it was one of the main settlements of the M’ikmaq Indians. (And that is pronounced Mee-maw, in case you were wondering.) The park includes fishing, canoeing and kayaking and swimming in the lake and miles and miles of hiking trails. If you are there for only a short stop, there are some interesting things like birch bark canoes in the visitor’s center, and a snack stand down the road with awesome hotdogs and fries to eat on picnic tables.

Plenty of campgrounds here, if you are traveling with your tents, or you can make it a day trip from Annapolis Royal.

Lunenburg

UNESCO has designated Lunenburg, the old fishing town on the East coast of Nova Scotia, as a World Heritage Site. Steep hills climb up from the docks and houses painted in bright pea green, royal blue, and cerise give the whole place a fairy-tale feel.  The main attraction for families here will be the Fisheries’s Museum of the Atlantic. A sprawling gray-board building along the dock, the museum has both indoors exhibits and open air exhibits, and some boats to clamber through as well. Retired sailors, dubbed shore captains, help out as docents and love to answer questions about the work of whaling, lobster fishing, and all the other activities–including smuggling–that are covered in the museum.  Out on the dock a small shed holds touching tanks where an attendant encourages people to reach in the water-filled trough and fondle a starfish or try to get a clam to snap.

And who is to say a family road trip has to stay on land? Anyone interested in boats, particularly sailing boats, will want to visit the shipbuilding facilities where a famous tall ship, the sailing ship Bluenose, is being restored. There are non-stop festivals all summer long–music, art, and plain old street festivals will entertain you. And of course you can always take a boat ride –for fishing or whale watching or just sight-seeing.

Glooscap Heritage Center

Follow 102 along the coast toward Halifax, Nova Scotia’s largest city, and then turn north on 102 toward Truro. Just a little before Truro , stop at the Glooscap Heritage Center for a great view of the ancient M’ikmaq culture. The tour of this small museum starts with a film narrated by Glooscap himself–a legendary hero of the M’ikmaq. He’s a gentle giant and everyone will want to get their picture taken standing in his shadow. (I did.)

In the museum you’ll see costumes, bead work, rock art, and have a chance to learn some of the M’ikmaq alphabet. When we visited we were fortunate to have a trained archaeologist who is 100 % M’ikmaq to explain things and answer our questions. But whoever you have as a guide, I guarantee your whole family will be happy you made this stop. (And there are a couple of convenient restaurants just down the road in this business loop off the highway.)

Alexander Graham Bell

Although there are plenty of distractions along the way, the next main kid-pleasing stop is in the town of Baddeck on Cape Breton Island–the northernmost extension of Nova Scotia. Baddeck sits on the enormous Bras d’Or Lake rather than on the ocean, and is the beginning of the Cabot Trail, a scenic route that climbs up and around the highest point (3000′) of Cape Breton if you want a day or two’s worth of scenic drive.

The inventor Alexander Graham Bell left his native Scotland and settled near Baddeck, and that is where he carried out most of his exciting experiments. It may come as a surprise when you see how many pies this inventor stuck his finger into. Yes, telephones were the one that made him rich, but he kept right on inventing things throughout his life.

The Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site and museum has a lot of information about sound and about the deaf, since working with the deaf motivated Bell in much of his work. (His wife was deaf, as well as his grandfather.) One of the most interesting exhibits here has life-size panoramic photos and the actual hydroplane boat that he invented.

The museum sits up on a hill over the beautiful lake-side setting of Baddeck, and this is another opportunity to climb aboard a whale-watch boat, or take a ride to an island where you can see puffins and other sea birds.

Note: On the edge of town, you’ll find the multiple buildings of the Inverary Inn scattered across wooded grounds.  The brown buildings and colorful boats pulled up along the shore makes it look a lot like summer camp, and it would seem to be perfect for families. Be sure, however, to check out your rooms in advance, as some have not been renovated in quite some time.

Louisbourg Fortress

Follow the highway north from Baddeck around the north end of the lake, and turn southeast at Sydney as you head for Louisbourg, the town that is farthest East in Nova Scotia. Now you are truly on the Atlantic Ocean and about to dip back into history.  The main attraction on this point of land is the restored Louisbourg Fortress. You drive out to the museum, and after you’ve soaked in some of the French and British history, a bus transports you back in time to 1744 where you meet French soldiers, pub keepers, servants and well-to-do merchants. The costumed reenactors are endlessly fascinating and you’ll want to schedule a whole day at this incredibly detailed recreation that goes on for blocks and blocks.  You can eat a colonial lunch at the on-site restaurant, or take a picnic lunch which can be supplemented with bread from the on-site bakery.

Note: Complete your experience with the Beggar’s Banquet at the Point of View Suites and RV Park.  Everyone who attends is given a period costume before they enter the tent for the 18th century banquet including musicians entertaining with music of the 1700′s.

Pictou and The Ship Hector

Your family road trip continues on Route 4 down the east side of the Bras d’Or Lake, through St. Peter’s and Port Hawkesbury back to the mainland. Stay on 104 to New Glasgow and then take the road north to Pictou. This whole day’s drive is through Scottish countryside. Towns and roads have Scottish names and you can buy authentic tartans and other Scotch souvenirs.  In Pictou, you’ll learn where all those Scotch people came from when you visit the Hector, known as the Scottish Mayflower. The Hector, sailing in 1773, was the first of many ships to bring settlers from Scotland to this rocky land that reminded them of home.

The pride of this town, where practically everybody pitched in to build her, the story of the Hector is told in a museum beside the ship (one ticket for both). After you get an orientation to the way such ships were built, you are invited to board the Hector and see how small was the space that dozens of families crowded into for the sail from Scotland to the United States.

Note: For your final night in Nova Scotia, you could not find a more pleasant and evocative place to stay than Stonehame.The name simply means “stone house” in Celtic, and the original stone house stills stands on the farm and a member of the family still lives in it.  The Lodge and Chalets stand on top of Fitzpatrick Mountain (mountains don’t come extremely high in Nova Scotia). The spacious two-story chalets with full kitchen and fireplace are perfect for a family. The prime ones have an expansive view, clear out to the Northumberland Strait beyond Pictou.  (But do try to arrive on a day without fog. When I was there, I could hardly see my hand in front of my face when I drove in. Fortunately, by morning the fog had lifted a bit and I could glimpse the famous view.)

There are no eating facilities on site, except for a continental breakfast, so bring groceries with you, or plan to drive back down the “mountain” (I would call it a hill) to eat. But just think what fun to stay in a place with a llama, plow horses, paths to blueberry and raspberry patches, and a full-fledged children’s playground!

Be sure to get detailed directions from the website of Stonehame or from the owners before you go because it is truly rural, and can be a bit tricky to find.

By now it is perfectly obvious how much is packed into this relatively small province of Canada. Nova Scotia covers about double the area of Massachusetts. As you drive back onto the mainland of Canada, you will probably be planning your next family road trip to Nova Scotia.

Vera Marie Badertscher blogs about books and movies that inspire travel at A Traveler’s Library. She wrote about her trip with her sister to Nova Scotia both there and at Your Life Is a Trip.

IT’S A SMALL WORLD HOLIDAY- When it comes to making magical memories, there’s no place like the Disneyland Resort during the Holidays. Now through Jan. 2, 2011, the season shines more brightly than ever with sparkling décor and daily performances of “A Christmas Fantasy” parade.. The holiday experiences include special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion, the “Believe …in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, and a nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Disney California Adventure park gleams with the merriment of the season, including a beautiful Christmas tree that towers over Paradise Bay. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

Sunny locations, guaranteed fun for the whole family and ease of meeting extended family at locations with something for everyone top the list of reasons to take a holiday road trip to one of the Disney theme parks. Oh, and did we mention the sun? You can find lots of tips for Disney travel from experts like Theme Park Mom, but what about the rest of the trip?

The Planning Stages

First up is probably deciding which hotel will work best, both for budget and making the trip easier and more memorable. top four reason for picking a disney resort. For tips on picking the right hotel, check out Travelocity’s Guide to Picking the Right Disney Hotel. You can also surf our Deals page for last minute deals and packages.

Don’t forget to research check-in deals (specials you are entitled to after checking in at a location) and other money-saving options — both at the park and on the road trip. It’s also helpful to set a budget for souvenirs and other incidentals before the trip and manage your kids’ expectations about just how much princess attire they will actually be carting home.

The Road Trip

Once you have the hotel booked, you have a rough idea what the rest of your budget looks like. Eating healthy on the road also saves money, and it’s impossible not to eat at least some junk food at a theme park, so spare your budget and your waistline and get in some healthy food on the trip to the parks. Research geocaching along your route and at the destinations you’ll visit. It’s a cheap way to get some exercise on the trip, or spend an afternoon on a meager budget. More and more hotels and cities have geocaching trails, so call or email and ask about it before you leave.

If you’re Disney junkies, you might not want to do anything but spend time at the parks. But family fun abounds near the parks as well. For ideas on extending your Disney time away from the parks, check out Walt Disney World Beyond the Theme Park. If you’re visiting Florida, you can visit Clearwater, the home of Winter, the dolphin in Dolphin Tale. For California Disney fans, Irvine and Oceanside are excellent family destinations.

A great road trip always has a theme, and your ideas for a Disney road trip are limitless. Pick your favorite movie or ride and theme the trip around it. From your snacks to the trivia games you play on the road, to a scavenger hunt for pictures that match the theme, it makes the road trip more of a challenge and passes the time if you plan ahead. Older kids can practice math skills and map reading Magic Kingdom style. Remember you’ll be exhausted on the way home, so plan for the driver(s) to have plenty of rest before beginning the trip home. Mousesavers.com has lots of money saving ideas for your Disney road trip as well.

What's "hi" in the middle and round on both sides?

Joining with a handful of states allowing free access to their entire State Park system, residents of and visitors to Ohio are encouraged to hike, bike, boat, camp, and play their way across a sizable chunk of the Midwest. Over seventy parks in entirety, nine have state-owned lodges—eight of which are managed by a private Denver based resort-management company by the name of Xantera. The ninth–the Lodge at Geneva on the Lake–is managed by by Delaware North (based out of  Buffalo, New York of all places).

Neither here nor there, two things are important to note. 1. Ohio State Park lodges feel a bit like something you’d expect at the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone*. 2. Ohio State Park lodging rates are competitive with, if not better than, area hotels, motels, or chain resorts. Zig-zagging through Ohio on a road trip earlier this month, our five-night itinerary called for visits to four Ohio State Park lodges. Traveling without kids (but always on the lookout for laundry machines, indoor pools, and other trip-saving amenities), here’s why you should plan your vacation in and around the following Ohio State Park Lodge destinations:

Toddler-friendly indoor play area at Maumee Bay.

Northwest Ohio:  Maumee Bay State Park Lodge

Backing up against the majestic shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park Lodge is a hop and a skip to Toledo and a hop, skip and a jump to Sandusky. With indoor and outdoor pools, a splash pad, arcade, hiking paths, toddler-friendly play area (see photo), geocaching, and impressive list of additional indoor and outdoor sports (from golf to mountain biking, racquetball to paddle boats), it’s no surprise to the staff at Maumee Bay when kids don’t want to leave and find an amusement park.

Catering to four-season getaways, reunions, corporate gatherings, and especially to family vacations, Maumee Bay offers lodging in guest rooms (some are two-story lofts with bunk beds) and cottages (some with hot tubs, but all with kitchens, decks, and laundry rooms). A central point of activity is the main lodge where families can borrow board games, check the hourly event calendar, rent bicycles, or even take one of the park wagons out with kids in tow. Make sure to stop at the nature center, see the live mammals, reptiles, and educational exhibits ( be sure to look for butterflies emerging from their cocoons in the outdoor butterfly garden).

Shuffleboard wih a view at Mohican.

Central Ohio: Mohican State Park Lodge

In one of the most wooded of Ohio’s State Parks, Mohican State Park Lodge is built atop Clear Fork Gorge and overlooking the majestic Mohican River in the glacial valley below. In general, a hilly place to bike, hike, or otherwise enjoy nature, Mohican State Park didn’t forget about families.

Accommodation options span the lodge, four-season cabins, and camping (ranging from full-hook up to without electricity). With nearby outfitters for canoeing, canopy zip line tours, and four-season educational centers for learning about sustainable farming, you may have to tear your group away from the indoor/outdoor pools, shuffleboard board court, geocaching, outdoor playgrounds, tennis, or one of the  birds of prey demonstrations by a naturalist from the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Or you could just congregate around the indoor fire pit with a deck of cards, good book, or fish tale earned earlier in the day.

Enclosed kiddie pool at Salt Fork.

Central Ohio: Salt Fork State Park Lodge

Located in Ohio’s largest State Park, at Salt Fork State Park Lodge you’ll find each of the four floors to be on ground level. Skilfully designed with minimal impact to the picturesque location, both wings of the lodge have lake views of the Salt Fork Reservoir. A paradise for boaters, fishermen, and hikers along the 17 miles of waterfront, Salt Fork State Park has camping, golfing, and nearby horseback riding for those of us who like to stay on terra firma.

In addition to the resort-like indoor and outdoor pool areas, impressive arcade and activity center (projects range from $2-$8 and can double as vacation souvenirs) , the lodge has a paintball course, geocaching, outdoor playgrounds, and indoor and outdoor fire pits. Cabins, pergolas, and camping are alternate lodging choices at Salt Fork State Park (campers are welcome to swim at the pool and dine at the full-service restaurant). A lovely location for a work outing or, say, an Ohio Bigfoot Conference, the lodge offers special rates and programs throughout the year. With complimentary use of the lodge laundry facilities, this alone would make our family annual guests.

Ski hill and archery range at Punderson.

Northeast Ohio: Punderson Manor State Park Lodge

Often thought of as Ohio’s boutique State Park lodge, Punderson Manor State Park Lodge feels a bit like taking a vacation in the English countryside. Equally picturesque in “true “Amish Country, Northeast Ohio has a gem of a wedding, reunion, or family vacation spot in their own back yard.

As with the other State Park lodges, Punderson Manor features indoor and outdoor pool areas, daily activities, playgrounds, hiking trails and tennis courts. Lodging choices range between the old and new editions of the Tudor-style manor and, the nearby family cabins. Open year-round, the “fast and steep” sledding hill (pictured without snow to the left) is a popular spot for toboggans and hot cocoa in the nearby warming house. Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and ice fishers are also welcome to explore the grounds.

* With the tag line “Beautiful places on earth,” Xanterra Parks & Resorts® (consisting of several affiliated Xanterra entities) operates lodges, restaurants, tours and activities at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country’s largest park concessioner. Xanterra Parks & Resorts has operations in the following locations: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park, Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va. and eight Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also operates Windstar Cruises as well as Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz.

Our wagon passes under a macaw.

If there was ever any doubt, the Amish don’t have a sense of humor, read page three of the the Farm Guidebook, a 31 page color document explaining the wonder that is The Farm at Walnut Creek. Ohio, that is. Showcasing its Amish influence as much as its collection of animals from around the world, The Farm at Walnut Creek may be one of the more memorable road trips your family ever makes.

Strictly prohibiting the feeding of misbehaving children to the animals, offering a reassurance that all animal slobber can be rinsed from your car, and the invitation to spend as much time on the property as your day permits, The Farm at Walnut Creek has achieved a slower, more down-to-earth, business model. A model that succeeds by embodying the Amish way of life.

Part working farm, part exotic animal compound, the bizarre combination seems somehow part of the natural flow of everyday life in Sugarcreek. (Think Noah’s Ark meets The Walton’s.) Owned and operated by Henry Hampton—a well-respected, non-Amish, exotic animal handler—employees at The Farm and Walnut Creek are all members of the Walnut Creek area Amish community.

Feeding the Giraffe

Buildings ranging from the blacksmith shop to the milk house, main house, and Dawdy (Grandparent) house are open to wandering patrons. With animals like lemurs, kangaroo, tortoise, and porcupines in habitats accessible by foot, larger animals are best seen by vehicle or horse-drawn wagon ride. Roaming in an enclosed area comprising a large chunk of the 120 acre farm is where the excitement happens. Immediately bombarded by any combination of four-legged, cloven-hoofed creatures drooling in unison at buckets of pellet-sized treats, elk may work one side of a wagon while llamas hit up a slow-moving minivan.

Taking this tip straight from the Farm Guidebook, beware the Eland (native to the savannas and plains of eastern and southern Africa). Raised like cattle in the former Soviet Union for their milk, Eland have earned the nickname “bucket snatchers” at The Farm. A personal highlight was getting up close and personal with the giraffe in their segregated pin. Offering a first-hand account of purple tongues, the gentle giants took our food and added to the slobber count (albeit onto our heads).

An "arc" themed playground, picnic area and sand-volleyball courts.

Offering a wealth of additional information about the over 500 animal species on the website, The Farm is experience is educational as much as it is fun (those of us who haul our kids out in the name of “edu”cation appreciate these teachable life moments). Charging admission comparable to that of any zoo, adults pay $11.75 for themselves and $8.75 for their children ages 2-12. Wagon-ride rates are slightly more, but well worth the few extra dollars for the giraffe experience alone (adult: $16.75, children: $11.75). Much friendlier on the wallet than the cost of a day at an amusement or water park, family picnic* and playground areas encourage loitering, playing, and socializing with your family.

* If you find yourself in Sugarcreek hungry and without food, visit Walnut Creek Cheese, a popular grocery store/restaurant/deli/ice cream shoppe for all your picnic needs.

With two weeks of unstructured time to drive aimlessly around Michigan, inevitably our family found ourselves seeking out fun in the name of education. From children’s museums to discovery centers and interactive natural history hybrids, perhaps our random adventure will make its way onto another family’s structured itinerary.

Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Traverse City

Overlooking the West Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum in Traverse City is true to the area’s nautical theme. Kids can climb a lighthouse, sail a sloop, or spy on siblings with the periscope. Teaching children about the balance of the fresh water ecosystem, be sure to also sail a magnetic boat down the scale model of the Great Lakes waterway (available if a birthday party isn’t in session). Crawlers and toddlers will enjoy soft toys and blocks in the “Toddler Beach” area while parents oversee the creative process at the nearby art pavilion area. A fun destination in the winter, the museum is cozy enough for a morning or afternoon (those of us with more than one child will appreciate the open, one story floor plan and central restrooms).

Gaylord Discovery Center, Gaylord

One of our favorite finds from last summer, we were pleasantly surprised by the new additions and improvements to the Gaylord Discovery Center in Gaylord, most notably the notorious Tube Testing water station. With PVC and plastic tubing, liquid went through our creations as we talked about plumbing, pressure, and flow. Not yet ready for Bernouli, the kids were strong enough to dig to the bottom of the Curious Quarry and build a fort from the giant blocks.

Located conveniently off of the Highway 75 interstate, the Gaylord Discovery Center is a popular stopping point for tourists and locals. With activities for tots to teens (ask about the “challenges for teens” for special reward prizes and bragging rights), the Gaylord Discovery Center has WiFi and allows food in designated snacking areas. Admission ($8 kids, $5 adults) is good for the entire day, allowing you to come and go as your schedule allows. Discounted admission (10 visits for $40)  is available through a Ten Pass Punch Card (a buy one get one 50% off sale is currently running through the end of Labor Day, dropping the admission to $3/visit). Punch cards do not expire and can be gifted or transferred between parties.

Raven Hill Discovery Center, East Jordan

Recommended to us by the owners of the Gaylord Discovery Center, we had a hunch the Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan would be worth the winding, country drive. Quite out in the country, plan to make a 45 minute jaunt off the main highway corridor (if you have the feeling you are lost, Raven Hill is just around the next bend and up a dirt road and two hubcap eating hills). Worth more than just a mention in this post, look for a more in-depth report of the Raven Hill Discovery Center later this fall.

From a 10,000 foot view, the 157 Raven Hill complex is split into three different areas that incorporate science, history and art: Main Museum, Jurassic Park, and Ancient World. In four-season friendly Main Museum, students of all ages are set free to discover the world around them (using lasers, magnets, musical instruments, rocks, tools, and even exotic animals).  Bringing elements of the museum out into nature, the earth tones garden extends out onto the taxi trail, past the one room school house, woodland tree house, and short wetland boardwalk ending in the 30-acre ancient world (where a family can easily spend the better part of an afternoon learning about archeology and the for major cultures of the world known to us by mythology, carbon dating, and history books). Daily admission to Raven Hill is $8/person, but look for special events like Second Saturday Science (free admission) or purchase an annual family membership for $75.

The Children’s Museum of Fennville, Fennville

One of the favorite finds of our entire summer, the Children’s Museum of Fennville is located on East Main Street in the heart of Fennville, a sleepy, rural community 15 minutes south of Holland (and about four miles inland from Highway 196 and the sandy shores of Lake Michigan). Large enough to keep different age kids engaged and small enough to let them roam, the Children’s Museum of Fennville partnered with Michigan’s educators in each of their interactive exhibits. From the toddler corner to the special abilities area, adults (ahem) were spotted in the bubble corner and attempting to re-assemble a human skeleton with a wildly misplaced kidney.

A popular birthday party spot, the Children’s Museum was luxuriously quiet during our Fennville debut. Between the wigwam, indoor climbing area, and pedal-powered lottery machine, 100% of the kids fell asleep en route back home. Affordable at $3.50/person, we used a local Groupon for 50% off our total bill. A favorite local gathering spot for Thursday toddler time, summer camps, and special events (see the museum website), consider an annual membership to the museum for $60.

Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon

Offering patrons free admission, the Lakeshore Museum Center in downtown Muskegon is a steal of a deal. With school field trip written all over it, museum exhibits change by floor and room. To see the giant beaver, visit Michigan: From the Depths of Time on the lower level, the body mass calculator (curse you, Wisconsin cheese curds) and healthy body exhibits are upstairs and to the back of the building. Exploring the entire building and gift shop, we made a quick jaunt down the block to the Fire Barn Museum and Skolnik House (also free) before heading home for the day.

Residents of Wisconsin who call Michigan home, we regularly pass through one of the most beloved cities in the world for food, festivals, art, and culture: Chicago. Marveling at the skyline, bright lights, and urban playground, Chicago is the mid-point on our six hour drive. A fantastic road trip destination, making a pit stop in The Windy City can be costly in terms of  drive time and downtown hourly parking.

Recently invited to spend a weekend in Chicago Southland, comprised of 62 communities just outside the city limits, we have a new favorite place to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat.With a plethora of Metra public transit lines, Chicago Southland is a fantastic spot to hop the train and see what the area has to offer. Define your own adventure, or check out some of our family-friendly finds.

White Water Canyon Water Park, Tinley Park

Encompassing five acres of aquatic action, you’ll do a double take when you realize White Water Canyon Water Park is maintained by the Tinley Park Park District. More like a privately-owned attraction than a community swimming pool, White Water Canyon features zero-depth entry, a splash zone, 600-foot lazy river, interactive children’s play area (pictured to the left), drop slide, diving boards, lap swim, and two respectably “awesome” water slides (one body, one tube). Complete with concession stand and sand play area, you can attempt to relax in the sun or under a beach umbrella. For families on a budget, use the money you save on the $13 daily admission fee ($9 after 5PM) for Tinley Junction Miniature Golf, about a mile up the road.

Tinley Junction Miniature Golf, Tinley Park

Under the shade of the mature trees at McCarthy Park in Tinley Park is a clever 18-hole miniature golf course designed in a “unique garden model railroad” theme. Feeling a bit like you’ve arrived in Mister Rogers Neighborhood, an electric powered train makes a loop through the course while you putter around. Not too difficult for a younger golfer, your biggest problem may be keeping the kids focused on the task at hand. Grab a bite to eat at the concession stand and watch the big kids in batting cages from the covered pavilion. Check the website for group discounts on golf, food, and special events.

Windy City ThunderBolts Baseball, Crestwood

Traveling with young athletes, we purposefully included a sporting event on our weekend itinerary. Chicago Southland’s professional baseball team, the Windy City ThunderBolts, call Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood their home (slightly off the beaten path, but well worth the drive). Typically less expensive, less crowded, and more accessible than the big league, we prefer minor league games at home and on the road. When parking costs the same as a bag of cotton candy, kids can slap hands with the mascot, and just as many people watch the between-innings shenanigans as the game, you know you’ve found a true American past time.

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs

Not opposed to sneaking in a little education on the road, we ventured out to the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs. Visiting the grounds on a rainy day, our exploration was somewhat confined to the main building and original “one room” school house. In the state-of-the art modern facility we explored both the kids’ wing and chatted with the naturalists tending to birds, reptiles, and fish on the self-guided tour through the remainder of the building. Learning about the difference between a slough, a marsh, and a pond, we got up close and personal with some turtles and a crow named Whiskey. Admission is free and leave some time for a picnic or a hike on one of the paved trails.

The Children’s Museum, Oak Lawn

Adding to our day of distance learning, The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a fantastic spot for kids (and parents) to play. Every exhibit at The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn was created with the Illinois Board of Education curriculum in mind, focusing on hands on learning. Organized with both toddlers and elementary-age kids in mind, we tested every exhibit on both floors over the course of two hours. In a space mall enough to keep tabs on darting siblings, but large enough to keep everyone engaged,  we completely forgot about the rainy afternoon.

Where to Stay

With plenty of lodging options within a stone’s throw from Interstate-80 (take the Harlem and LaGrange Avenue exits), we enjoyed our over sized room and continental breakfast at the Comfort Suites (note: the swimming pool is currently under renovation). Near shopping, dining, and the modern Tinley Park Convention Center, Chicago Southland is a safe and convenient place to re-group, re-fuel, rest, and recharge.

The Sandpoint, Idaho area is the perfect road trip for families from anywhere in the Northwest, and it’s a great mid-point destination on longer trips. In the far northern part of the state, the Sandpoint area is well known by local road tripping families, but escapes attention from families outside the immediate area. Before our Rockies or Bust tour, we’d never visited the area except as a quick drive-thru, but it’s now one of our top recommendations.

Budget-friendly with attractions for every member of the family and endless outdoor options any time of the year, planning a Sandpoint itinerary is easy. And the road trip options are world class. On the International Selkirk Loop All American Road, it’s one of the top 10 drives we’ve been driving on our Rockies or Bust tour.

If your family likes railroad history, this is one of the top destinations in the country. “The Funnel” is where the Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Montana Rail Link and Spokane International rail systems all converge. People come from all over the world to see more than 40 trains a day go through the crossroads. The train station is the only Amtrak stop in Idaho, and it’s worth a visit just to check out the original waiting room.

Lake Pend Oreille

The main attraction is Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake and the US’s fifth-deepest body of water. Summer trips to the lake include cruises, fishing and swimming galore. Or, rent a Sea Doo or kayak and spend some time enjoying the water. In the winter, enjoy fishing and skating. Road tripping in the area offers new lake views and different activities all around the lake. You could spend a month meandering the area and still have plenty of territory to cover.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

View from Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Just a few miles out of downtown Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain Resort has offerings for families in both summer and winter seasons. During the summer, rent a Diggler (a mountain scooter) and ride the chairlift up and take the Diggler down. The view from the top of the chairlift is spectacular. We took a picnic (Gourmandie, the on-location gourmet store, has meats, cheeses, etc.) and ate at one of the tables at the top of the mountain. The resort is famous for their festivals, especially the huckleberry festival! Plan to at least spend one night and enjoy the mountain and resort. The resort also has an in-house geocaching trail and you can rent a GPS to learn the sport if you want to try it for a day. The Bungee Jump Trampoline was a highlight for our ten year-old, who learned to do both a backwards and forwards flip with the help of the attendants.

Cedar Street Bridge Public Market

The only marketplace on a bridge in the US, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market was originally built in the 1920′s to get to the train depot. After falling into disrepair, the bridge was rebuilt in the 1980′s after a similar bridge in Italy. It’s a fun place to spend a few hours browsing all the shops.

Sleeps Cabins

An excellent place to stay while in Sandpoint, Sleeps Cabins are very family friendly and only a few minutes walk from town. The vintage aesthetic with modern comforts, it’s the perfect mix of old-fashioned and relaxing. The cabins are waterfront and there are options for all sizes of families. There is a shallow beach for little children and a swimming hole with deeper water for stronger swimmers. The cabins were built over 70 years ago, and many of the furnishings are collectibles or originals. Having your own cooking and being able to get some space is vital on a long road trip and it’s also very budget-friendly.

Bike the Hiawatha Trail

One of the highlights of your trip to the area will be renting bikes and biking the Hiawatha Trail. Ride what is considered one of the most scenic rail routes in the country at your own pace. Very family friendly, the 16 mile route is all downhill. The whole family will enjoy the adventure as you ride through nine old tunnels and seven trestles — what kid (or dad) doesn’t want to go back to school and brag about that? The longest tunnel is about 1.6 miles — your kids will never forget it. (Don’t worry, the rental bikes come with headlights!) There is geocaching along the way and if you spot the place in the tunnel where you cross state lines you get bonus points. There are shuttle buses scheduled to take you back uphill. Plan to spend about 6 hours (or longer if your family bikes more slowly or takes more pit stops). More information, including a route map, is also available here.

Silverwood Theme Park

The Northwest’s largest theme park, Silverwood Theme Park is every kid’s dream.  One of the most anticipated days on our journey through the Rockies, Silverwood lived up to all the reviews. With over 65 rides, shows and attractions, there’s something for every member of the family — no matter how old or how young. Built originally as a showcase for vintage trains, cars and airplanes, it evolved into a unique amusement park with an old-fashioned feel. Every bit as exciting and full-featured as corporate competitors, Silverwood still has that family-owned appeal that makes it special. Boulder Beach Water Park has water slides and lazy family rides both, and the Silverwood RV Park & Campground offers full hook ups. Plan to spend at least a full day here, kids will have no trouble spending two or three.

Triple Play & Raptor Reef

One of the only indoor water parks in the Northwest, Raptor Reef is co-located with Triple Play Family Fun Park at the Hayden Holiday Inn Express & Suites (the closest hotel to Silverwood). Be sure to research their packages that include park admission in your room rate. Raptor Reef is a two-story water park with three slides, wave pool, children’s lagoon  and much more. Triple Play is everything you want to do as a kid and more. Mini golf, go-karts, bowling, laser tag, rock-climbing wall, tube crawl, food and bumper boats are the main attractions. Try to spend two-three nights here plus whatever time you want to spend at Silverwood.

If you think about it, grandparents and grand children have a lot in common, especially when it comes to travel and family vacation. To begin, both groups need regular food, bathroom breaks, and depending on their ages a nap or two a day. Neither tolerate extreme heat and snacks, souvenirs, and ice cream makes everyone happy.

Looking for the perfect venue for a multi-generational family vacation, our first choice was Branson, Missouri. Accessible within a day’s drive from our home in Wisconsin, we  considered the natural beauty of the overall trip as much as convenience and options for four-season fun. Never having been to the Show Me State or the Ozark Mountains, we packed a brand new Buick Enclave and headed out on Route 66 for an itinerary customized with grandparents and grand kids in mind.

Here are our favorite picks:

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

Give your kids a chance to eat with their fingers in a place with live animals, music, choreographed performances, audience-encouraged bantering, period costumes, and eye-rolling jokes and they’ll remember the experience each time the souvenir “boot mug”is used back home. In our second ever dinner theater experience, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede exceeded our expectations. Arrive early for the Carriage Room pre-show entertainment or meet the horses and friendly performers on the way in from the parking area. With Dixie Stampede locations in Pigeon Forge, TN and Myrtle Beach, SC, Dolly Parton herself has given you an excuse to take two more road trips and compare notes.

Silver Dollar City

Apparently living under a rock, we had never heard of the fantastic Silver Dollar City until planning our Branson trip. What began as a tour of Marvel Cave (still available today, by the way), has evolved into a “city-like” attraction employing over 1,300 of Branson’s finest artisans, entertainers, and hospitality specialists.

Thankful for the abundance of trees and natural shade in the Main Street, Midtown, and Hugo’s Hill Street areas, Half Dollar Holler, a new million-dollar play area just for kids, was skillfully tucked into the existing landscape. Featuring tree houses with trampolines, nets, slides, and swings, kids will run and bounce through the maze again and again. Reluctantly leaving “The Holler,” for the wagging-worthy canine action that is Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience (our cat seems totally lame right about now). Not planning nearly enough time to experience the entire park, our strategy for next time is to start at the back (getting soaked in the Riverfront district) and working our way up the sloping hill to the main entrance and dining venues.

Showboat Branson Belle

An excursion on a paddle wheel showboat made our list again this year. With the sun setting over the Ozarks and across Table Rock Lake, we boarded the historic Showboat Branson Belle for three full hours of dining and entertainment. In the 700-seat theatre and formal dining room, comedian and magician Chris Pendleton held the attention of the audience while we dined. With plenty of time to stroll the upper and lower decks, cool breezes from the water held us only until The ShowMen, and all-male vocal group and Janice Martin, a world-class violinist, pianist, and vocalist drew us back inside. From feeding the fish on our way in to meeting the captain on our way out, tired little heads were nodding the entire way home.

White Water

Let’s face it, summers in Branson aren’t known for cool temperatures. Between the humidity and proximity to “The South,” our (just in case) jackets found their way to the bottom of the suitcase. Whether you’re eight, eighteen, or eighty, you’ll want an option for cooling off and splashing down. Especially thrilled to ride the Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay, an 800-foot lazy river with twists, turns, and various water fountains, one complete loop required a solid ten minutes of intense passive journalism. With shorter, younger, and less-confident swimmers, the kid-friendly Coconut Cove, Splashaway Cay, and Surf’s Up Wave Pool kept us wet and wild. Thankful to share the shade and comforts of a Cool Cabana with two other families, we enjoyed a private locker, beach chairs, and a spot to re-group throughout the day.

The Track Family Fun Park

Between the four-story tall steel and concrete go-kart track, bumper boats, miniature golf and the 100-foot tall sky coaster, if you try and sneak past The Track Family Fun Park, your kids will point it out to you. Adjacent to White Water and a custard stand (people from Wisconsin notice these things), we enjoyed a brief visit to The Track in search of rides for people under the rite-of-passage 48-inches tall. Darting in and out of the air conditioned indoor arcade and lazer-tag zone, cool down on the bumper boats between the kiddie rides (including the go-kart track for drivers a good decade away from the open road).

The Titanic Museum

A combination museum and attraction, it’s hard to miss the giant ice berg and 1/2 scale model of the unsinkable Titanic among the theaters, restaurants, and miniature golf courses on the main strip. Enter through the iceberg (what could go wrong?) and touch a giant sheet of ice on your way through the first-floor exhibit. A somber reminder of the tragic loss of human life 99 years ago in April, the museum tactfully incorporates photos, artifacts, and interactive educational displays for kids of all ages.

Take the self-guided tour or use the hand-held audio wands (note: younger kids may find these more useful as a sword; use your best judgment around the glass displays). Highlights during our visit were finding the on-site geocache, meeting Molly and Carter the “live” dogs exhibit, and matching the passenger featured on our boarding pass with the memorial wall on the second floor (sadly, only one of our passengers survived with a story to tell). Like Dixie Stampede, The Titanic Museum has a second location in Pigeon Forge, TN. Particularly for kids old enough to read without help, The Titanic Museum is one more way to sneak some education into a summer vacation.

Showcasing highlights of our trip, here’s a short video montage assembled from these venues and the fantastic Welk Resort Branson and Splash-A-Torium indoor/outdoor water attraction (read all about our stay at the The Welk here).

Quick guess. What’s our most popular article ever? Yep — our roundup of the best fireworks is the most searched for and read article we do all year. We take 4th of July seriously in this country and whether you like a small town celebration with a few hundred of your favorite people or want to do the Philadelphia mega celebration, there’s something for everyone. Each year, we pick the top 10 places we’d watch the fireworks, if we could be 10 places at once. Here’s where we’d go this year, where are you watching the fireworks?

We don’t repeat recommendations, so check out our picks from 2009, some hometown celebrations and parades and the best picks from 2010 as well as our favorite 4th of July road trips. We also have lots of fireworks for other holidays as well — search “fireworks” in the search bar at the top right of our site. And, to find celebrations near you that aren’t listed (yet), use our Event and Festival Calendar.

La Pointe, Wisconsin

Located on Madeline Island in Lake Superior, just 20 minutes by ferry from Bayfield, this historic town is home to 200 residents who host one of the best 4th of July celebrations in the country. Gary Knowles, travel writer and dedicated fan of the celebration says, “Imagine a friendly mash-up of the old TV series “Northern Exposure” with the folks from Mayberry, a Jimmy Buffet Concert, Mardi Gras and a party at the Clinton White House. It’s a tableau that might have been painted by Norman Rockwell after sharing a friendly drink with Timothy Leary or a film collaboration by Fellini, Warner Herzog and Grandma Moses.” You had us at Jimmy Buffet, Gary!

1973 Smelt Queen

The parade kicks off at 10:30 am with artist performances and eclectic floats (including the 1973 Smelt Queen and a giant grill truck tossing hot dogs to the crowd). After the parade there are speeches on the grounds of the historic museum with thoughtful remarks by the town chair, the museum director and sometimes the librarian. Music is provided by the musicians of Big Top Chautauqua. They sing Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land…” and don’t miss the verse with the sign that says “no trespassing” but on the other side it didn’t say nothin’ – “that land is made for you and me.” Prizes are awarded for the best parade displays and “green trophies” are recycled by islanders including bowling trophies, little league, go-kart, horse show, softball and even a few just awards recovered from the town dump. A community picnic, ice cream social and softball game fill the afternoon – after which people are primed and ready for the fireworks.

And the Fireworks are the best because (1) everyone gets an excellent seat up close in the harbor where after a spectacular sunset over Lake Superior (2) an eclectic variety of amplified patriotic rock, country and ballads are interspersed with readings from the Declaration of Independence, quotes from great Americans (MLK, JFK, Jefferson, etc) and others (Gandhi, Wavy Gravy, Dylan, Confucius, the Dali Lama etc) as (3) the lightshow explodes for about 45 minutes high overhead and is reflected in the harbor to a chorus of genuine heartfelt ooohs and ahhhhs. (Special thanks to Gary Knowles who generously shared information about his favorite 4th, including this video: LaPointe Wisconsin 4th with Big Top Chautauqua)

Chattanooga, Tennessee

One of the best destinations for families that you probably haven’t thought about, Chattanooga is a great road trip for the 4th of July. The free Pops in the Park fireworks display in Coolidge Park is the finale to a long day of family fun. Or, enjoy the festivities during the day and then schedule a sleepover at the Tennessee Aquarium with their 4^th of July “Sleep in the Deep” program. Watch the fireworks with 3D glasses and then sleep with the fishes.  The Chattanooga Lookouts, Creative Discovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art as well as the Delta Queen and Chattanooga Choo Choo all make downtown Chattanooga an awesome family destination and the free electric shuttle buses are a blast for the kids and easy on the budget and stroller hauler. If you want to get out on the river, check out the Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer and Southern Belle Riverboat.  Nearby Lookout Mountain also offers Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. And train lovers won’t want to miss the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Lititz, Pennsylvania

In Lancaster County (Pennsylvania Dutch Country), you’ll find something to keep your family enchanted almost every week of the year. Just 60 miles west of Philadelphia, the town of Lititz (chosen one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2009 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation) is known for their unique shopping and local food all year long, and also for their oldest continuous celebration of the 4th of July. Held in Lititz Springs Park, the celebration starts Saturday, June 25th, with the summer music festival in the park and The Preamble — a historical community day in the park (June 26th). This year will feature the re-enactment of the 1843 celebration which featured the first candle illumination. The town parade takes place on the 1st, with entertainment in the park following the parade.

2011 is the 194th Continuous 4th of July Celebration (July 2nd) and gates open at noon (there is an admission fee) for non-stop celebrating, including the 70th Annual Queen of the Candles Pageant, the 168th Illumination of the Candles and of course, fireworks! If you’ve never seen coverage of the candles pageant and illumination, it incorporates over 7,000 candles! It’s a unique and interesting way to celebrate the 4th, and kids will never forget the trip.

Louisville, Kentucky

The Waterfront Independence Festival is held on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park and has not one, but two huge fireworks displays and two days of celebrations to go along with them. The Catfish Louie Kids Area has special activities for kids (science experiments, a half-year checkup with Santa and inflatable games plus watermister) to keep everyone happy and entertained. While you’re in Louisville, don’t miss the Slugger Factory, where trees are transformed into baseball bats for Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, or one of many other professional baseball players in the game today—or maybe even your own Little Leaguer! The Louisville Science Center is designed for families and the Louisville Zoo is a don’t miss destination. Other family favorites include the underground adventure at Louisville Mega Cavern and the Belle of Louisville.Take time to explore the Waterfront park with all its bike trails and playgrounds and geocaching.

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater Celebrates America, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration, will take place July 4 in Coachman Park and features live music,  fireworks, children’s activities and a craft show. Expect activities to get started about 4.30pm with fireworks at 9.30pm. One of the many family-friendly destinations in the area, Clearwater is the setting for the summer movie Dolphin Tale, which features the city’s most famous resident, Winter the Dolphin.Winter was caught in a crab trap and lost her tail, but with the help of a doctor she now has a prosthetic tail and has been an inspiration to many. While in the area, other popular family attractions include Adventure Island (an outdoor water park), Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Dunedin Fine Art Center/David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum, and Lowry Park Zoo.

Dover, Delaware

The first state in the Union, Delaware is smack in the middle of any good American history road trip. The 4th of July kicks off early in the day with activities, walking tours, historic building tours and Colonial kids games.  The local American Legion hosts a patriotic parade down State Street to Dover’s historic Green (where the Constitution was ratified in 1787).  After that, bands perform patriotic music, food vendors set up and additional kids activities take place.  At dusk, the 1812 Overture is performed with cannon firings, followed by a huge fireworks display.  All events are free of charge. There’s plenty to enjoy outdoors in the area when you’re done with the history lesson. And, all your shopping is free of state sales tax, so plan ahead and pick up some school supplies.

St. Louis, Missouri

Celebrate “America’s Biggest Birthday Party” at Fair Saint Louis under the Gateway Arch. It’s free and spectacular. Live music, educational activities, air shows and fireworks all add up to a lot of fun. The three-day celebration starts with the Veiled Prophet Parade, and then the festival (which includes a K-Town Kids Zone) opens. Local bands as well as top-rated national performers provide lots of music and the Fair Saint Louis Air Shows feature some of the top air show performers in the country. Three nights of fireworks makes this one of our top picks, but we also love the fund-raising the event provides to local non-profits.

Florida Keys & Key West

The road trip to the Keys is legendary, and kids love it — as well as the vacation afterwards. There are also several fireworks displays to choose from. Marathon’s Sombrero Beach has a parade to the beach with all-day fun and fireworks after dark. Gather on the bayfront in Key Largo to watch the fireworks lofted over Blackwater Sound or go to Founders Park on Plantation Key for the “Spirit of Islamorada” evening celebration that culminates with fireworks. Not to be left out, Big Pine and the Lower Keys host their annual fireworks at the Sugarloaf Airport, bayside on Sugarloaf Key. Their “longer and larger” fireworks show starts at nightfall.

Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Take a long-weekend road trip to the Gunnision, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, area. Home to one of our newest national parks — The Black Canyon of the Gunnision, Gunnison County includes 10 quaint and historic towns and is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.

The whole family will enjoy the drive as well as the gallery crawl, concerts, performances of “Oklahoma,” farmers ‘ markets, a one-third marathon, a parade, a pancake feed, fireworks, hot air balloon rally and more. The events start July 1st, and conclude with the festivities on the 4th. In Crested Butte, start your 4th off with a little health and fitness and participate in the aptly named 43rd Annual Gothic to Crested Butte Run, Walk or Crawl, then take part in the hometown parade, famous for its over the top floats, which have included water slides and zip lines! Then, head down to the giant and water fight (yep, the whole town gets wet — including a fire truck). Dry off, try your hand at the log saw competition or the pie eating contest, three-legged race and more. The Boston Brass concert begins at 4 pm, followed by a free Alpenglow concert and another free concert at the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, followed by fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

The July 4th festivity in Gunnison center around the Gunnison Rotary Club’s Fireworks Celebration, which raises funds for college scholarships and local charitable causes. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the celebration, Rotary is planning its largest fireworks display ever. All the festivities will be held at Jorgensen Park, with live music a beer garden and food court launching at 4:30 p.m. At dusk, a look back 60 years into the past reveals Gunnison as it was in 1951 by Dr. Duane Vandenbusche, an entertaining local historian and professor at Western State College of Colorado. Military veterans will be honored just before the fireworks fly at 9:15 p.m.

Virginia City, Nevada

Photo Credit KevinKarlPhoto.com

Less than an hour from both Reno and South Lake Tahoe, Virginia City’s role in expanding the country is full of legends and history. One of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2009, Virginia City was founded with the discovery of the Comstock Lode and once had so many millionaires that it was called “the richest place on earth”. The road trips around the city are spectacular, winding, twisting trips and road tripping families will love every minute. Thousands take the trip to celebrate the birth of our nation every year, starting with the noon parade downtown. The Comstock Cowboys perform at dusk and the fireworks show lives up to the reputation of the mining town with plenty of explosives.

Every year it gets harder and harder to pick just 10 festivals for each season. New festivals, like Artosphere, which made this year’s list, come on the scene and contend with old favorites like Madison’s Brat Fest. Here are our top 10 recommendations for families this year, but check out our Top 10 picks for 2010 as well. We’d love to hear about your favorites too! Leave a comment and tell us what festivals your family never misses. And, for all those smaller, local festivals, use our brand new Event & Festival Calendar to find festivals and family-friendly events all year long.

Artosphere
April 22 – June 4, 2011
Northwest Arkansas

A six-week festival “celebrating artists, influenced by nature, who inspire us to lead more sustainable lives”, Artosphere didn’t get much national media in the family travel area, but this year it’s on the top of a lot of lists. With six weeks of performances and activities, it’s easy for a family to spend a weekend enjoying the arts — and this area of Arkansas is prime road trip country. Check out the list of children’s theater and music performances and plan a weekend this year — and add it to your must-attend list next year.

Brat Fest
Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-30, 2011)
Madison, Wisconsin

The world’s largest brat fest is held in Madison, Wisconsin (where else?) every year over Memorial Day. Apparently the tradition stems from a local store owner who served brats for 50 cents in appreciation to his customers. The brats must have been excellent because the word spread and now the festival claims “world’s largest” status with a world’s record 209,376 brats served in 2010. All the money raised goes to local charities. Of course, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile makes an appearance, along with other kid-friendly mascots, like the Budweiser Clydesdales. There are lots of activities, fireworks, lots and lots of music, and giving back to the community.

Mother Earth News Fair
June 4-5, 2011
Puyallup, Washington

Organized by Mother Earth News (the longest-running sustainability magazine in the United States) the Mother Earth News Fair combines good for the earth with two days of non-stop fun for the whole family. The whole family can take part in demonstrations and hands-on workshops on everything from green building and transportation to growing and making “real” food. You don’t need to be a kid to enjoy the draft horse and other livestock demonstrations, community seed swap and live music, either! A special children’s area will provide hands-on workshops about Cheesemaking, beekeeping basics for just for kids, learning about different kinds of bugs and making bug nets to catch them, drawing and painting farm animals and native stencil painting. Plus, kids get into the fair free!

Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl
June 7-9, 2011
City Hall Plaza, Boston

Not exactly a festival by normal standards, but with all-you-can-eat ice cream and a great cause, this makes our list. And, it’s the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival. Over 10 tons of ice cream and frozen treats are served to approximately fifty thousand ice cream lovers from across the nation. All proceeds support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For almost 30 years, companies have donated 100% of the ice cream, labor, scoopers and products needed to make the event successful and to raise the most money possible for the Jimmy Fund.

National Kidsfest
June 11-July 24, 2011
Silver Dollar City, Branson Missouri

Everything in Branson is over the top, even their activities for kids. If you’re driving cross country this summer, stop over in Branson and let the kids work off some steam at Silver Dollar City. The new million dollar play area, Half Dollar Holler, will help them get some exercise, and the whole family will enjoy performances by The Legendary Fabulous Wallendas, the high wire-walkers. The theme park has something for everyone, and White Water (the water park) has had expansions as well, with the 7-story, 6-slide thrill ride Kalani Towers giving the older kids plenty of adrenaline rush.

National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest
Third Full Week of June
Weiser, Idaho

The week-long fiddle competitions are divided by age and ability — make sure to stay for the Grand National Championship the last night. You can also shop at yard sales, check out car shows or even a bikers’ rodeo if you need more activities. Craft and merchandise vendors line the streets and festival food takes on a whole new meaning — consider this your cultural immersion for a few weeks and just try to sample something from everyone. Continuous entertainment from the stage, a carnival from Wednesday to Sunday and Kids Day (Friday) in City Park give you a few extra ideas. One of Idaho’s largest parades takes place on Saturday and The Battle of the Bluegrass Bands gets your feet stomping in the afternoon.

Kokanee Crankworx Freeride Mountain Bike Festival
July 16-24, 2011
Whistler, British Columbia CANADA

The biggest freeride mountain bike festival in the world, Crankworx is held at Whistler Mountain Bike Park, at Whistler Blackcomb (the venue for the 2010 Olympic Games). It’s the biggest annual event at Whistler, with over 138,000 people attending. Whistler has the world’s most diverse offering of mountain biking terrain, including 150 miles of single-track trails, 5,000 vertical feet of lift-accessed downhill runs in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, jump parks and 20+ miles of paved Valley Trail. In other words, a big and little kid’s paradise. With non-stop events to watch and biking opportunities for all ages and skill levels, Crankworx is an awesome festival for families. Experts put on bike stunt shows in the village and there is a kids bike comp called KidWorx for the little ones.

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo and Community Extravaganza
Weekend of July 24, 2011
Ogden, Utah

One of Utah’s biggest statehood celebrations, Ogden’s Pioneer Days includes a rodeo, parade, pioneer skills and craft fair, horse and hitch parade, Aggie car show, hands-on activities for all ages, entertainment and more. More than 75 Life-sized horsed painted by local artists will line the downtown area streets. The Pioneer Days Rodeo and Parade will take place on July 25th. The rodeo has been named the “Best Rodeo in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association” twice and is ranked in the top 20 nationally. Fireworks, a special kid’s rodeo and celebration of the National Day of the American Cowboy round out the events.

Dragon Boat Festival
July 30, 2011
Richmond, Virginia

Dragon boats are 40-foot human-powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race the canoes 500m down the river. Teams can be groups or businesses and visitors cheer on boaters who come from around the country to compete. Enjoy Chinese performances including a Dragon Dance, Lion Dance and Kung Fu. Live music, food and drinks, including a beer garden will entertain visitors all day.

Boomsday
September 4, 2011
Knoxville, Tennessee

Who says giant fireworks displays are just for the 4th of July? The largest Labor Day weekend fireworks festival in the United States has become Knoxville’s signature event. Over 400,000 visitors head to the river front for all-American food, a kids’ play area, live music, and the biggest boom in the nation for one highly anticipated night each year. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy — arrive early and check into road closures before you go.

Chances are, when you tell the family that you want to take a trip to learn about the Civil War, you’re not going to get the reaction they show in the Disney commercials when the family gets the big announcement. And, that’s OK. It’s important to learn not to pre-judge. Even if “civil war” does sound pretty boring.

I admit I thought it was pretty boring myself. I planned a recent trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi because I thought it was the right thing to do. I wanted to be interested, but I didn’t expect to have a fantastic time. I went because I know we have a lot of readers that will be doing Civil War trips and I want them to have information — but I didn’t expect to become a Civil War fanatic.

Family vacations are precious and rare. You only have so much time with your kids, and that’s driven parents to make vacations grander and grander. We find whatever glorious locales we’re told our kids will most enjoy, but we forget about cultural tourism. That’s the fancy name for spending time in a place instead of reading a sales brochure and booking a trip where your decisions are limited to where to eat chicken strips tonight. Cultural tourism means you learn about a place by spending time there. It doesn’t mean it’s boring. It can mean the best family vacation in years, and it might just become a habit.

Why is the Civil War Important to Your Kids?

There are stories and destinations your kids need to explore with you. Places that need to be talked about, family history shared and values passed on. Some themes never grow old or become less important. The Civil War is one of those topics. Our country literally fought brother against brother, and if you look hard enough, your own family probably has some connection.

The problem? It sounds boring and evokes memories of fighting in the backseat on a never-ending road trip (dad usually took pictures and told war stories) and wanting to go home. Badly.

But a road trip to a place like Vicksburg, Mississippi can change all that. Vicksburg is the site of arguably the most important battle in the entire war, and the area remains almost untouched because the Federal army moved so quickly. You can walk roads traveled by boys fighting for their country and imagine how they might have felt. These kids were sometimes 14 years old. Think about that.

You can talk about what your family would have decided (this was no clear cut decision in many parts of the country, especially here) about slavery and you can make history relevant to your kids. Have you ever explained the situation and asked if they’d fight for the North or South? You might have a divided family too.

Can You Get Hooked on History?

Most people who are “Civil War Nuts” warn we’re all just one story or experience away from being addicted to knowing more. If you really give yourself a chance, it’s hard to stop learning about it. Maybe it’s the humanity, the stories of individual triumph and defeat or the American versus American subtext, but give yourself a few days to just let it happen and you’ll want more. Your kids too.

As parents, our challenge is to make history relevant to our kids. You can’t take them to battlefields or history museums and point to a host of exhibits and expect they’ll rush to read all the signs and learn dates and statistics. It just isn’t how kids are wired. You have to let them explore on their own terms. That’s what makes a destination like Vicksburg the perfect place to have a lot of fun and learn a little bit at the same time. We’ll have an itinerary for exploring Vicksburg soon, but I thought it was important to give some ideas on how to get excited first.

Tips for Teaching Kids to Love History

• We all have a different threshold for time in a museum. I’m an adult and some days I’m just not into it. Respect that about kids. Plan trips with breaks and lots of options. Do some research ahead of time and start off with a Junior Ranger badge or scavenger hunt. If the museum doesn’t offer something make it up yourself. It’s OK to rush from exhibit to exhibit. What’s important is that kids enjoy museums and see why they are important.
• Get outside. Take a picnic or do our family’s “picnic on the go” (walking around eating everywhere that looks good). Don’t try to be a tourist, just hang out. After a long time in the car everyone needs to relax. Don’t push the schedule with inside activities.
• Go to a local swimming pool or recreation center and let your kids make some friends. Ask the parents what their kids enjoy most about the area. Set up a play date later in the vacation.
• Go geocaching. Research ahead of time and you’ll probably find lots of Civil War themed geocaches. The brief history of why the cache was placed in the area will be more interesting to kids looking for treasure than anything you read from a guidebook. Maybe your kids would enjoy taking pictures and making a scrapbook to show grandparents or their teacher.
• Research some stories that your kids can relate to. When you visit the cemetery, talk about what it would be like to have your cousins and uncles and brothers and father there. The Civil War is particularly moving because kids can relate to the stories. Skip the long tours with blow-by-blow accounts of the battle and ask one of the park rangers or other staff to tell your family a story.
• Don’t try to see it all. Visit as much culture as you actually, really truly enjoy. And then stop. Go shopping or see a movie. Hang out with a local family or talk to random people you meet. Ask them their stories. This isn’t one roller coaster after another, it’s whatever you let it become.
• Lastly, be prepared to talk about difficult topics. Slavery, how you die, what happens when you die, where you go to the bathroom when you’re fighting, and who was right and who was wrong are all likely subjects. This is why you take your kids and don’t just send them on a school trip or let them figure it out in college. This is your opportunity to tell them what you think and hopefully teach tolerance and the ability to resolve differences. Laying the foundation for your family values and history is what family vacations are for. There’s nothing wrong with giant mice and roller coasters, but sometimes you need to spend quality time. And get addicted to Civil War battlefield trips at the same time.