For many of us, a European tour is a long anticipated trip-of-a-lifetime and if not a lifetime, than certainly the hallmark vacation of a youngster’s childhood. It is nothing to be sprinted through. Believe me, attempting to scramble through a whole country (even tiny European ones) every day or two, results in a trip that is nothing but frustration, confusion and ultimately, exhaustion.
Accept that you cannot truly experience the whole continent in a couple of years let alone a couple of weeks. By zeroing in on a country or two – an experience or two, that are of particular interest and importance, the trip will be much more enjoyable and significant to your family. I once tried to tour Western Europe in a week. It was a blur and way, WAY too intense. I have since learned to meander, and really take in the sights.
A bicycle tour is a wonderful way to experience a chunk of the continent and it’s fun for the whole family. The Danube Bike Path is the most popular European cycle route for 2011, according to BikeToursDirect, and it’s easy to see why it attracts so many travellers.
Beginning in the Black Forest and emptying into the Black Sea, the bike path follows Europe’s second longest river, 2,850 km (1,770 miles), through nine countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.
The path is dedicated to cyclists and is separated from vehicular traffic, along its route, so children can peddle in safety.
The stretch through Germany and Austria is very popular. There are guided tours that will carry you through the length of the ride, with a knowledgeable tour leader and a van following the group, in case someone runs into mechanical or physical difficulties.
Other families may prefer a self-guided tour, so they can go at their own pace. This allows for leisurely stops to experience medieval towns, and long picnics in scenic vineyards. Now that sounds like a European tour to me.
Europe was meant to be savoured from a bicycle seat. And just think, all that exercise means you can enjoy some pretty decadent food, guilt free. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Britax Child Safety, a leading child car seat and stroller manufacturer has announced the introduction of a great new piece of gear designed to make family travel easier.
The Britax Car Seat travel cart, which is designed to tote all of Britax ‘Convertible Car Seats and Harnessed Booster Seats, and most other car seat brands, also features a compact fold for airplane storage.
The new Travel Cart was thoughtfully engineered to ensure smooth, safe and simple travels for parents. It easily attaches your child’s car seat by using the car seat’s LATCH connectors — the same connectors that secure the car seat tightly to vehicles. The LATCH system allows for a quick and effortless attachment. The travel cart’s steel frame is designed for strength and durability and safely transports children harnessed in their car seats for short-travel distances.
“We know traveling as a family can be cumbersome, and families look for products that simplify the experience,” said Joyce Kara, product manager at Britax. “That’s why we designed the Britax Car Seat Travel Cart with an easy attachment system and durable, smooth-ride design features to make traveling together safer and more manageable than ever before.”
The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart’s telescopic, two-position handle allows short and tall users to tote car seats comfortably. A raised platform protects the car seat from contacting the ground while stationary and allows the travel cart to free-stand while attaching the car seat. No assembly required.
WIN IT!! Britax has offered One(1) World Traveled Family the opportunity to win a Car Seat Travel Cart!
To enter please tell us your favorite Britax Product.
Congratulations to our winner Dawn S!
In the twelve years I’ve been camping I’ve burned through my share of equipment. I don’t want to think about the number of times I’ve faced the consequences of purchasing flimsy products, simply because they were the cheapest I could find.
Experience has taught me that equipment failure will ruin your whole trip. One frustrating occasion saw us chuck half our gear in a dumpster as we left the campground.
Camping equipment has to take a beating. It is subjected to the stresses of wind, the degrading effects of the sun, it gets wet, it gets dirty, and it has to stand up to the rigors of being set up and torn down, over and over again. It also has to be portable and designed to anticipate your needs.
With clever design and sturdy, thoughtful construction, Kelty has become a brand I trust, when I pack for a family adventure.
Hula Shadehouse– When travelling with children, it’s vital to have access to shade on a sun drenched summer outing. The last thing anyone wants is an overheated, sunburnt toddler. With Kelty’s Hula Shadehouse, you can create your own shade, anytime, anywhere. The angled, hula hoop design provides great protection from both sun and rain. It stands high enough, for a grown man can stand up straight. It’s sturdy and the heavy duty poles make the Hula seem almost indestructible. The shelter sets up quickly and easily and packs into a small duffle bag for easy portability.
Lumapivot – Whether you’re in the middle of the woods or you just need some extra light, at the patio table in your own back yard, the Lumapivot lamp is a great solution. Two separate light panels swivel to allow you to direct light exactly where you need it. The lamp uses energy efficient LEDs, which provide 110 lumens for as much as 12 hours. The sleek case is weatherproof, which is super important as it will, at some point, be forgotten outside. At less than one pound, this is the ideal lamp for children to use on late night explorations and it won’t add much to the overall weight of your gear.
Essential Chair– Kelty’s Essential Chair truly is an essential. It’s great for sitting around the campfire, or alongside the soccer field, watching the under 5 league. It’s easily carried in its own handy-dandy pouch, complete with exterior pocket and padded strap. The chair itself is loaded with mesh pockets and features an innovative, adjustable beverage holder that can accommodate everything from a one litre bottle of water to a pop can…or a beer, let’s be honest. And you’ll never be at a loss for a bottle opener again, since Kelty has supplied one that lives in a little holster outside the beverage holder. The chair is more durable than most, with a 16-millimeter steel frame and tear resistant fabric with reflective accents. This isn’t one of those disposable grocery store chairs, the Essential will be part of your gear for a long, long time.
Shrike 32 Daypack – Kelty has been a leading name in backpacks since 1952. They have a wide range of packs, for a variety of needs, many with internal or external frames. The Shrike 32 is a good choice for day to day use. It features a unique load carrying suspension system that incorporates an HDPE frame sheet, padded shoulder straps, ventilating/wicking back panel, removable webbing waist belt and sternum strap. The pack is hydration compatible, which is great for long hikes or activities in hot weather. It features a reservoir sleeve and mesh water bottle pockets. This pack will take you anywhere you want to go, for however long it takes you to get there.
Big Dipper 30 Junior – Kelty makes sleeping bags for men, women and children that are designed for use in the heat of summer, the cold of winter or for three seasons. They offer both down and synthetic fill. The Big Dipper 30 Junior bag is cleverly designed, with little ones in mind. It is a mummy bag rated between 30 ° and -1 °C. It features a pillow pocket and an internal storage pocket. The draw-cord has been replaced with elastic, to ensure safe sleeping. The cool thing about this bag is that it actually grows with the child. The foot section expands to lengthen the bag by 12 inches, so your child will be using this sleeping bag for many seasons.
Kelty can outfit the whole family with all the necessities for a great outdoor adventure. Their cleverly designed, rugged products will be staples in your gear for many enjoyable years. Check out their website to learn about their other cool products. www.kelty.com – Jen R, Staff Writer
Because I live in Ontario I have made a list of zoos, festivals and theme parks that I would like to visit with the kids this Summer. I have read a lot about the Toronto Zoo but hadn’t visited since I was in high school so I figured it would be good destination to add to our list!
Located in the east end of Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is a great place for a family to spend the day. Situated just North of Toronto’s 401 hwy, this animal oasis offers something for everyone.
When you arrive and sit down to plan your day, you’ll notice that there is a lot of ground to cover if you want to see all of the animals on display. In fact, the walk up to the ‘Canadian Domain’ is 45 minutes each way and on the day we visited we toured the park for 6 hours and still didn’t see everything.
Our first stop was the Tundra Trek area of the park to see the Polar Bears. Viewable from above and below the Polar Bear enclosure is home to 3 of these beautiful mammals. When we were visiting there was on one bear in the main area with the pool and two sleeping on the other side. My boys love watching the bear swim through the water from the tunnel and the observation deck. It was hot the day we visited so they also wanted to join her in the pool.
As you make your way around the zoo you will see displays set up teach about conservation and how the animals live in the wild. Just outside the enclosure there way this display of a Bear Trap.
Next up for us was the African Savanna or more importantly the Lions. If you ever talked to anyone about the Toronto Zoo they will always say that it is a good walk to get to some of the areas and they’re right. While I don’t mind a good walk, going from the ‘Tundra Trek’ to the ‘African Savanna’ was a bit of a feat while pushing a 25lbs stroller with 70lbs worth of kids up hill. This goes the same going between Indomalaya and the African Savanna, the only difference is you are doing it while on a wooden walkway not a paved road.
Once at the top we visited the new Penguin exhibit before heading on to visit the Lions. New this Spring, the African Penguins are also viewable from above and below. Regardless of where you stand in the tunnel you will see these energetic little guys swimming about their pool. Because they fly through the water like a pack of bullets the penguins were definitely a hit with my 2. Plus, if you plan your trip right you can learn more about them and watch them play during the daily keeper talk at 2pm.
Next up were the Lions who were, to by boys dismay, sleeping. Thankfully there was a cheetah that was jumping around in the grass, just down the path to help them forget.
On the map the African Savannah looks like it a big area but once you start to walk it, it’s not so bad. The zoo has done a great job of making many of the animals viewable from different sides of their enclosures so you can get a glimpse of your favorite furry friend even if their napping.
They have also placed some great statues and ‘props’ throughout the park that are perfect for photo ops. One of my boys favorites were the open-aired trucks located by the Rhinosoaurus’ habitat.
Before I arrived a did a bit of research and was happy to see that they have a Splash Pad for the kids. The weather has been hot here lately so the splash area was a good way to break up the day. Kids of all ages are able to play here equally as there isn’t a pool or anywhere where they could get into any trouble.
After our cool down, the boys were ready to explore the Kidzone. This kid-friendly section of the zoo is full of activities and fun photo ops for little ones. Prairie Dogs, Groundhogs, bunnies and even skunks are on display for kids to see. There is also a petting zoo with pigs, llamas and goats.
New this Summer the Toronto Zoo has added a stingray and shark encounter (extra $3 entrance). Located inside the Kidzone just behind the splash pad, the group event tent features Nurse Sharks as well as Cownose and Southern Stingrays and Bonnethead Sharks. My boys loved seeing these amazing species up close and also getting to pet them.
I would love to say that we saw the whole Zoo during our visit but we didn’t so you could easily visit a couple times and see everything new the second or even third time.
At just $23 for adults and $13 for my oldest (my youngest is 2 and free), our day at the Toronto Zoo was both reasonably priced and adventurous for the whole family!
Wandering through a place like Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, you expect to be surrounded by travellers. It resonates with history and natural beauty so, understandably, it draws a crowd.
Most are typical tourists, equipped with cameras, strollers and sturdy, museum touring sandals. But, thrown in the mix, is a different sort of wanderer; a little more dishevelled than the rest, toting backpacks and striding along with determination and a pair of those ski poles people use when they take their walking really seriously.
This group is just passing through, as they hike the Appalachian Trail. Harpers Ferry is one of many unique points along their path.
The Appalachian Trail isn’t an ordinary hike; it’s a “super trail”; winding its way over 2,180 miles of Appalachian mountain range; from Main in the north, to Georgia in the south.
Each year, thousands attempt a thru-hike. If they accomplish it, they enter the ranks of the 2000-milers; people who have hiked the entire length of the A T in one shot. It is a journey that can take as long as six months. Only 25 percent of those who set out, in a given year, will complete the entire thru-hike. It is quite an achievement.
The majority of people are section-hikers. They may eventually hike the entire length of the trail, but will take it in doses. A section-hike takes place over a series of trips, often over a period of years. Hikers accomplish the length in manageable sections. This means they don’t have to take a sabbatical from their job and they have the added advantage of timing hikes, in specific areas, to correspond with the best weather, or some other seasonal event.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a completely different sort of getaway for many of us. All too often, we speed through life and race through our travels. We come back home more frazzled than we were when we left, without really seeing or experiencing much at all.
Hiking is an inherently slow, meditative activity. Tripping down the AT, you go at your own pace and take everything in – every sight, every sound, every tree, and every sunset from Georgia all the way to Maine.
Hike it “thru” or hike a section, the Appalachian Trail is an unforgettable journey and a feather in the cap of any hiker who manages to complete it. – Jen R, Staff Writer
China is a vast country, both in population and the span of history, the oldest continuous civilization in the world. China also has bunches of “earliest” and “firsts” – earliest writing and code of laws, first to use paper money, first to make silk, kites, gunpowder, paper and fireworks, first to print books. Poetry, painting, music and theater are highly developed arts, astronomy and medicine have always been important in Chinese life.
Traveling with kids in China, there’s so many directions to go, and here’s some great places to start in Beijing and Shanghai:
Beijing – Beijing, is the capital of China and contrary to what you might expect, the city has amazing green parks and lakes, where emperors and empresses once composed poetry amidst nature. Be sure to visit:
Tiananmen Square – Tiananmen Square is a vast area, truly in the heart of Beijing. Here the modern era of China literally intersects the ancient past – the square was constructed in between the Imperial Palace to the north and Temple of Heaven to the south. Walking around Tiananmen Square with kids, don’t be surprised if people come up and want to practice their English, or have their picture taken with your children. Western kids are still a novelty, and people are very interested.
Imperial Palace (The Forbidden City) – For centuries, the Forbidden City was the palace for the Ming and Qing emperors. The Imperial Palace, begun during the reign of the third Ming emperor in 1406, was a complex of palaces and halls, nearly 10,000 rooms, including workshops where exquisite artworks were produced. For nearly 500 years this mysterious and secret city was a world unto itself for the emperors and their families. Today, as kids blithely walk through the gates of the Imperial Palace, just remember that a century ago, for outsiders to get close to even the Imperial Walls was – forbidden.
The Great Wall – The Great Wall is one of new seven wonders of the world, and nothing can prepare you for the heady sensation of actually looking at the Great Wall as it winds through miles of steep hills and rugged countryside. Standing on the ramparts, kids can easily imagine they’re defending against the Mongol hordes. Traveling to the Great Wall is a truly unforgettable experience for everyone in the family, and you’ll want to spend the whole day.
Shanghai – is the nation’s business and financial center and one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Even though Shanghai does not have the historical treasures that Beijing has to offer, or the amazing archaeological discoveries of Xian, a trip to Shanghai is a trip into the future of this nation. Shanghai is a great city for kids to explore, from the top of the pink Oriental Pearl TV Tower overlooking the skyline, to classical Chinese gardens and zig-zag bridges, to boats on the Huangpu River, there’s always something new to see.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower – The most recognizable landmark of the modern Shanghai skyline is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It rises 1,500 feet (457 meters) on the Huangpu’s east bank, in Shanghai’s newest district of Pudong. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower holds up three metallic spheres that are supposed to resemble jewels.
Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe – This is a spectacular show for kids, dazzling color, magic effects, juggling, balancing acts, and amazing, “pretzel-like” acrobatics. Shows are every evening at the Shanghai Center Theatre.
Zhujiajiao – Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town in the western side of Shanghai. Chinese traditional water towns are notorious for their very old houses lined up along canals and the bridges criss-crossing them. Water towns sprung up along the many waterways as these have always been historically important means of communication and supplies distribution. Zhujiajiao is about 1,700 years old. Here, residents strive to maintain their traditional custom and heritage. The town is relatively peaceful and quiet, a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Whether you’re visiting Beijing or Shanghai you’re sure to find something that your kids will be excited to tell their friends about!
Clean, green and strikingly modern, Singapore is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Asia. Everything from the immaculate, buggy-friendly pavements to the spacious hotels in Singapore makes travelling with kids easy. Kids can discover the cultural heritage of Straits Chinese, Indians, Malays and British as you wander through colorful neighborhoods.
Here are our top picks for things you should do with your children while visiting Singapore:
Sentosa Island- This previously deserted tropical island is now Singapore’s playground and is dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure. Even getting there is fun – no need to sit in a taxi in an endless traffic jam, you can hop aboard a cable car, which also offers fantastic views of the city. Once on Sentosa, kids can go to a butterfly park, zip over the rain forest canopy, meet pink dolphins, go on theme park rides, or swim at the beach. Spend the day, and stay on until evening to see the Song of the Sea or Crane Dance shows.
Jurong Bird Park – This excellent bird park is a “must see,” for kids, with a 100 different species of birds from Southeast Asia. You can see the birds up close in 24 different aviaries, and ride through the park on a monorail. Bird shows feature flamingoes, macaws and cockatoos.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – Founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, an explorer and botanist, these historic gardens are much more than collections of plants. Be sure to visit at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, an adventure zone with tree house, suspension bridge and water play area (bring swimsuits or a change of clothing. Older kids will enjoy imaginative displays on topics such as local spices used in everyday foods and how plants are used to make music. Check out the ancient tree struck by lightning, a powerful example of the forces of nature.
Night Safari – Kids and adults alike will love Singapore’s Night Safari, which takes visitors on a tram ride through a park containing only nocturnal animals unfettered by cages, roaming in their natural habitats. Travel through rainforest, savannah and jungle and spot a range of exotic creatures, 29% of which are threatened species that live by night.
Science Centre – Singapore’s Science Centre is a museum the kids will actually love. With fourteen galleries over 20,000 square feet, the Science Centre is jam-packed with interactive exhibits so that the kids can get really hands-on.
Snow City – An indoor snow centre is something of a novelty in a country that experiences hot, sticky weather 365 days of the year, and it is therefore a great way to escape the heat. The adventurous can give snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding a go, whilst small children and those who prefer not to hurtle down a steep slope can explore an igloo and have a snowball fight in the play area.
There is so much for you to see and do with your kids in Singapore that we’re sure you’ll quickly fill up your vacation itinerary.
Hong Kong is a wonderland packed with fun and adventure for children of all ages. It’s much more than skyscrapers, shopping streets and Jackie Chan. Forty percent of the land is devoted to natural habitats – sandy beaches, woodlands and mountains. Hong Kong has a range of activities and attractions to enthuse both the young and the young-at-heart.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong a number of times and here are my top picks for things you should do with your children while visiting Hong Kong:
Ocean Park – Ocean Park, one of the largest leisure parks in Southeast Asia, tops the agenda. Here the children can marvel at the two giant pandas, An An and Jia Jia. Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s premier theme park and it is a family favorite, whose mix of exciting rides and educational seaworld exhibits, mean it has something for everybody.
Hong Kong Science Museum – Learning is so much fun at the Hong Kong Science Museum, where 500 interesting hands-on exhibits offer insights into a wide range of science-related themes. The exhibition covers various areas of science and technology, including robotics, transportation, virtual reality and more.
Pink Dolphin Cruise – Take a cruise to look for the much endangered pink dolphins in the waters around Lantau Island. The pink dolphins (they really are pink) only live in the waters around Hong Kong and their existence is threatened by boat traffic and polluted waters.
Victoria Peak – “The Peak” and the “Peak Tram” are also some of Hong Kong’s classics. Hong Kong Island’s highest point is at Victoria Peak which overlooks the harbor and is home to some of the top real estate in the planet. The fun way to get there is of course with the Peak Tram, which is pulled by a single steel cable up the steep slope and ends the ride at the Peak Tower. The Peak Tower, in contrast to the century-old Peak Tram, is a new seven-story structure, complete with viewing platforms, restaurants and shops. The open-air viewing terrace with the coin-operated binoculars is on level 5. There is also a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum on level 4 which the kids might find interesting.
The Giant Buddha – Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island is made of bronze and at 34 meters or 112 feet, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Getting there is half the fun, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car will whisk you in 25 minutes up to the plateau where Big Buddha sits. The cable car ride gives you great views of the islands, the airport and as far as the South China Sea. Then it’s a hike to get to the foot of Tian Tan, all 260 steps lead up to the podium and the sweeping views from here are worth the climb. If everyone is up to it, the 4 mile path down to Tung Chung is a nice walk and you pass some small monasteries on the way.
Hong Kong Disneyland – is a smaller version of its American counterparts, but as all things Disney, still magical, enchanting. If you are a Disney fanatic, a day at Hong Kong Disneyland is a must. And if you are familiar with the other parks, you will find a similar layout in the structure and also in the way things operate. Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland all branch out from Main Street, for popular rides there is the fast-pass, and not to be forgotten, the afternoon parade and the fireworks at closing are all part of the Hong Kong Disney experience.
Snoopy’s World – Lovers of the cuddliest beagle will adore Snoopy’s World. Split into six different “fun zones”, this magical world contains a canoe ride, a baseball dugout, a big yellow American school bus as well as 60 popular Peanuts figures. The amazing giant Snoopy that sits reclining on top of his famous doghouse is the largest outdoor model Snoopy in the world. Regular live shows.
Symphony of Lights – Forget the latest Star Wars flick, and see the real deal with the world’s biggest laser and light show. The show starts every night at 8pm on the waterfront and as a bonus – it’s FREE!
Ride the ferries – The green and white Star Ferry has been in operation for over a hundred years, chugging back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The trip doesn’t take long, but you get a great view of the harbor, junks, hydrofoils, sampans, and barges. You can also pick up a ferry to go to Lantau, Lamma or Cheung Chau Islands.
Try Fun Food – Dim Sum restaurants in Hong Kong are fun food for kids. You can stop into Dim Sum restaurants at all hours. It is invariably busy, noisy and full of families. After you’ve sat down at a big round table, wait for ladies to come around wheeling carts with different dishes. As they come by, point at dishes you want. The ladies pluck the food off the cart and plunk it down on your table. Keep requesting dishes until you’re stuffed!
Overall, Hong Kong is a fun place for kids off all ages, there is much to keep them busy, ferry rides, big Buddha’s, colorful markets, thrilling rides, pandas, temples, fun foods, and yes, even Mickey Mouse!
Travel magazine Travel + Leisure has revealed their readers choice ‘World’s Best’ awards for 2011, but more importantly, the top picks for US & Canadian Family Hotels. Rated out of 100, respondents were asked to rate each hotel on a scale of 1 to 5, where “1” means poor and “5” means excellent based on Rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value. The list, in it’s entirety, has 50 hotels. In addition to US and Canada, readers also voted on their favorite accommodations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East
As families plan the remaining weeks of the Summer season hopefully this list can help you pick the perfect location.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando (95.72) – From the unbelievably gorgeous thatched roof to the gazelles that adorn the balconies, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a beautiful resort that feels like it was dropped in the middle of a game reserve. Besides the array of animals outside your balcony the family friendly amenities include the nicely heated walk in pool, Simba’s Clubhouse kids’ club(for kids aged 4 to 12) and nightime storytime.
Sanderling Resort & Spa, Duck, North Carolina (94.44) – Situated between the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound, The Sanderling Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel that offers something for the whole family.
Beaver Creek Lodge, Beaver Creek (93.85) – This luxury Colorado ski resort offers year round excitement and activities. Perfect for families, each room has a sofa, fireplace, and kitchenette.
Eliot Hotel, Boston (93.75) – This boutique hotel has been owned and operated by the same ‘clan’ for more than 50 years. It is uniquely kid-friendly; teenagers stay for free, and small travelers are treated to rubber duckies and other bath toys. Plus, they allow pets and even offer pet-sitting services.
Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole, Wyoming (93.64) – This year-round resort offers childproofed rooms (upon request). Children 18 years old and under stay free in their parents’ room or suite and nanny service or babysitting services are available upon request.
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, Colorado (93.48) – This year-round destination, which is located in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, offers 180 guest rooms and suites that are decked out in Colorado rustic, with custom millwork and plenty of wood, while the marble bathrooms all have soaking tubs. In the Winter it’s a hot family ski destination. Come Summer, it is the perfect location to hike, bike, golf and lounging poolside.
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole (93.33) – Located less than one mile from entrance to Grand Teton and 60 miles south Yellowstone National Parks, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, offers many family friendly amenities. Select rooms include conveniences like fully-equipped kitchens, DVD players, in-room movies, games, and music, as well as spectacular views of Teton Village
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Orlando (93.21) – Famous for their attention to detail, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge looks like a lodge set in the Colorado Mountains. But instead it sits just a ferry away from Disney World’s famed Magic Kingdom. Families can relax by one of their 2 pools or on a white-sand beach, treat themselves to a family-style barbeque at the all-you-can-eat at Whispering Canyon Café, or enjoy Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long.
Sagamore Resort, Adirondacks, New York (93.10) – Located on Lake George, the Sagamore has been extending hospitality to visitors to Bolton Landing for over one hundred years. After your family is finished exploring the trails and playing in the water, your kids can play in the 10,000 square feet of indoor entertainment complex. This thoughtfully planned out space includes Sagamore Field (indoor wiffle ball), Nintendo Wii Stations, 2-half court basketball courts, billiards, foosball, an interactive toddler area, board games and the Sagamore Mini Golf Course.
Grand Wailea, Maui (93.09) -Located in Wailea Maui, this beautiful resort features something for everyone. Aside from the beautiful beach and 2,000-foot-long pool, the Grand Wailea has a the 20,000-square-foot facility which is designed to accommodate both children and their parents. Kids will learn to make local crafts, play ancient island games, listen to grand storytelling or relax in the movie theater.
The tiger may not roar like the real one or the flamingo might not flap its wings, but the new animals on display at the Bronx zoo are sure to attract attention because of the simple fact that they have been made by assembling tiny little LEGO squares. Called the “Great Summer Zoofari: A LEGO Wildlife Expedition” Bronx zoo will hold the unique display till September.
It was almost a year ago that the concept of the LEGO animals began to take shape. The LEGO representatives began meeting with the zoo staff to decide on the animals whose life like models would be made. Some of the species were selected keeping in mind the Wildlife Conservation Society’s preservation efforts, such as the rare spray toad, found only around the Kihansi waterfalls in Tanzania.
After the intitial design work, the LEGO craftsmen sat down to create the lifelike replicas of wild animals by assembling, joining and gluing together the LEGO bricks. From a baby Giraffe standing in the African plains to a Tiger poised between tall grass near the monkey house, the animals not only look real, they are also placed in their natural habitats.
Steve Gerling, a LEGO master builder who designed the primary models for the plastic menagerie shares his experience,
“We stack up bins and bins of different colors and different-size bricks. To sit and glue them together is a lot of fun. They actually give me money for this!”
Visitors to the zoo who also want to experience the LEGO safari can pick a Zoofari passport at the entrance and go through six stamping stations and a number of learning activites while they encounter the animals like the flamingos in a pool of water or the penguins marching through the zoo center.
“We do model sizes of things you can hold in your hand to a 21-foot great white shark [not on display] and everything in between,” says Steve proudly.
Visitors also have lots of bragging photo opportunities where they can take pictures with their head inside a caricature lion’s mouth or pose with a bear holding a fishing rod.
The making of the animals brick by brick involved a dozen builders who congregated at LEGO’s U.S. headquarters in Enfield, Conn. In a month the experts had created all the creatures by hand.
“It was pretty wild in the studio the past couple of weeks,” laughs Gerling, “but we have a great design process.”
He elaborates saying that they began with a computer generated image and posed it. The posed CG model was then scaled to life size and the image converted into LEGO design program that converted the image into a virtual model of individual LEGO brick.
The designer then adds in the intricacies that actually make the appearance of the final animal closer to reality.
“I start redesigning it: sculpting contours in it, putting stripes in, move a muscle here, a bulge there, putting features in the face,” he says.”Then I go back and actually make [physical] prototypes of certain parts, like the eyes, the teeth and so forth.”
Because of the challenge of building so many animals, the staffers worked non-stop eight hours a day.
“That is a lot of little squares to look at for eight hours,” says Gerling. “Your eyes start crossing a bit.”
So that the LEGO creatures can withstand harsh weather and inquisitive little fingers, the craftsmen build them around steel reinforcement and glued with solvent based glue.
“One of the things we are really serious about when we do design is pickability,” says Gerling. “It’s hard to stand next to one of these and not touch it, even though we try very hard to discourage it. It’s human nature. So the fewer small, pickable parts we put on, the better for everyone.”
The Bronx zoo staff is as excited as the visitors with the new LEGO animals on display. Bronx Zoo director Jim Breheny feels it is a great way to engage and educate kids about conservation while they are having fun.
To show the process of building a lifelike animal, master builders will be present at the zoo this weekend to build a LEGO crocodile. Visitors can also take part in the project at the Moose House Lawn.
“We look for somebody who is really good at making things, with some formal design training. And a kid who plays with LEGOs his whole life is a plus,” says Gerling. “That being said, I never played with them before walking in the door here!” he laughs. “I had mud and sticks when I was as a kid.”
For the LEGO generation of today, it sure is going to be lots of fun in store this summer at the Bronx zoo.
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For many of us, a European tour is a long anticipated trip-of-a-lifetime and if not a lifetime, than certainly the hallmark vacation of a youngster’s childhood. It is nothing to be sprinted through. Believe me, attempting to scramble through a whole country (even tiny European ones) every day or two, results in a trip that is nothing but frustration, confusion and ultimately, exhaustion.
Accept that you cannot truly experience the whole continent in a couple of years let alone a couple of weeks. By zeroing in on a country or two – an experience or two, that are of particular interest and importance, the trip will be much more enjoyable and significant to your family. I once tried to tour Western Europe in a week. It was a blur and way, WAY too intense. I have since learned to meander, and really take in the sights.
A bicycle tour is a wonderful way to experience a chunk of the continent and it’s fun for the whole family. The Danube Bike Path is the most popular European cycle route for 2011, according to BikeToursDirect, and it’s easy to see why it attracts so many travellers.
Beginning in the Black Forest and emptying into the Black Sea, the bike path follows Europe’s second longest river, 2,850 km (1,770 miles), through nine countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.
The path is dedicated to cyclists and is separated from vehicular traffic, along its route, so children can peddle in safety.
The stretch through Germany and Austria is very popular. There are guided tours that will carry you through the length of the ride, with a knowledgeable tour leader and a van following the group, in case someone runs into mechanical or physical difficulties.
Other families may prefer a self-guided tour, so they can go at their own pace. This allows for leisurely stops to experience medieval towns, and long picnics in scenic vineyards. Now that sounds like a European tour to me.
Europe was meant to be savoured from a bicycle seat. And just think, all that exercise means you can enjoy some pretty decadent food, guilt free. – Jen R, Staff Writer 
The Britax Car Seat travel cart, which is designed to tote all of Britax ‘Convertible Car Seats and Harnessed Booster Seats, and most other car seat brands, also features a compact fold for airplane storage.
The new Travel Cart was thoughtfully engineered to ensure smooth, safe and simple travels for parents. It easily attaches your child’s car seat by using the car seat’s LATCH connectors — the same connectors that secure the car seat tightly to vehicles. The LATCH system allows for a quick and effortless attachment. The travel cart’s steel frame is designed for strength and durability and safely transports children harnessed in their car seats for short-travel distances.
In the twelve years I’ve been camping I’ve burned through my share of equipment. I don’t want to think about the number of times I’ve faced the consequences of purchasing flimsy products, simply because they were the cheapest I could find.
Experience has taught me that equipment failure will ruin your whole trip. One frustrating occasion saw us chuck half our gear in a dumpster as we left the campground.
Camping equipment has to take a beating. It is subjected to the stresses of wind, the degrading effects of the sun, it gets wet, it gets dirty, and it has to stand up to the rigors of being set up and torn down, over and over again. It also has to be portable and designed to anticipate your needs.
With clever design and sturdy, thoughtful construction, Kelty has become a brand I trust, when I pack for a family adventure.
Hula Shadehouse– When travelling with children, it’s vital to have access to shade on a sun drenched summer outing. The last thing anyone wants is an overheated, sunburnt toddler. With Kelty’s Hula Shadehouse, you can create your own shade, anytime, anywhere. The angled, hula hoop design provides great protection from both sun and rain. It stands high enough, for a grown man can stand up straight. It’s sturdy and the heavy duty poles make the Hula seem almost indestructible. The shelter sets up quickly and easily and packs into a small duffle bag for easy portability.
Because I live in Ontario I have made a list of zoos, festivals and theme parks that I would like to visit with the kids this Summer. I have read a lot about the Toronto Zoo but hadn’t visited since I was in high school so I figured it would be good destination to add to our list!
Located in the east end of Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is a great place for a family to spend the day. Situated just North of Toronto’s 401 hwy, this animal oasis offers something for everyone.
When you arrive and sit down to plan your day, you’ll notice that there is a lot of ground to cover if you want to see all of the animals on display. In fact, the walk up to the ‘Canadian Domain’ is 45 minutes each way and on the day we visited we toured the park for 6 hours and still didn’t see everything.
As you make your way around the zoo you will see displays set up teach about conservation and how the animals live in the wild. Just outside the enclosure there way this display of a Bear Trap.
After our cool down, the boys were ready to explore the Kidzone. This kid-friendly section of the zoo is full of activities and fun photo ops for little ones. Prairie Dogs, Groundhogs, bunnies and even skunks are on display for kids to see. There is also a petting zoo with pigs, llamas and goats.
New this Summer the Toronto Zoo has added a stingray and shark encounter (extra $3 entrance). Located inside the Kidzone just behind the splash pad, the group event tent features Nurse Sharks as well as Cownose and Southern Stingrays and Bonnethead Sharks. My boys loved seeing these amazing species up close and also getting to pet them.
I would love to say that we saw the whole Zoo during our visit but we didn’t so you could easily visit a couple times and see everything new the second or even third time.
At just $23 for adults and $13 for my oldest (my youngest is 2 and free), our day at the Toronto Zoo was both reasonably priced and adventurous for the whole family! 
Wandering through a place like Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, you expect to be surrounded by travellers. It resonates with history and natural beauty so, understandably, it draws a crowd.
Most are typical tourists, equipped with cameras, strollers and sturdy, museum touring sandals. But, thrown in the mix, is a different sort of wanderer; a little more dishevelled than the rest, toting backpacks and striding along with determination and a pair of those ski poles people use when they take their walking really seriously.
This group is just passing through, as they hike the Appalachian Trail. Harpers Ferry is one of many unique points along their path.
The Appalachian Trail isn’t an ordinary hike; it’s a “super trail”; winding its way over 2,180 miles of Appalachian mountain range; from Main in the north, to Georgia in the south.
Each year, thousands attempt a thru-hike. If they accomplish it, they enter the ranks of the 2000-milers; people who have hiked the entire length of the A T in one shot. It is a journey that can take as long as six months. Only 25 percent of those who set out, in a given year, will complete the entire thru-hike. It is quite an achievement.
The majority of people are section-hikers. They may eventually hike the entire length of the trail, but will take it in doses. A section-hike takes place over a series of trips, often over a period of years. Hikers accomplish the length in manageable sections. This means they don’t have to take a sabbatical from their job and they have the added advantage of timing hikes, in specific areas, to correspond with the best weather, or some other seasonal event.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a completely different sort of getaway for many of us. All too often, we speed through life and race through our travels. We come back home more frazzled than we were when we left, without really seeing or experiencing much at all.
Hiking is an inherently slow, meditative activity. Tripping down the AT, you go at your own pace and take everything in – every sight, every sound, every tree, and every sunset from Georgia all the way to Maine.
Hike it “thru” or hike a section, the Appalachian Trail is an unforgettable journey and a feather in the cap of any hiker who manages to complete it. – Jen R, Staff Writer 
China is a vast country, both in population and the span of history, the oldest continuous civilization in the world. China also has bunches of “earliest” and “firsts” – earliest writing and code of laws, first to use paper money, first to make silk, kites, gunpowder, paper and fireworks, first to print books. Poetry, painting, music and theater are highly developed arts, astronomy and medicine have always been important in Chinese life.
Traveling with kids in China, there’s so many directions to go, and here’s some great places to start in Beijing and Shanghai:
Beijing – Beijing, is the capital of China and contrary to what you might expect, the city has amazing green parks and lakes, where emperors and empresses once composed poetry amidst nature. Be sure to visit:
The Great Wall – The Great Wall is one of new seven wonders of the world, and nothing can prepare you for the heady sensation of actually looking at the Great Wall as it winds through miles of steep hills and rugged countryside. Standing on the ramparts, kids can easily imagine they’re defending against the Mongol hordes. Traveling to the Great Wall is a truly unforgettable experience for everyone in the family, and you’ll want to spend the whole day.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower – The most recognizable landmark of the modern Shanghai skyline is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It rises 1,500 feet (457 meters) on the Huangpu’s east bank, in Shanghai’s newest district of Pudong. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower holds up three metallic spheres that are supposed to resemble jewels.
Clean, green and strikingly modern, Singapore is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Asia. Everything from the immaculate, buggy-friendly pavements to the spacious hotels in Singapore makes travelling with kids easy. Kids can discover the cultural heritage of Straits Chinese, Indians, Malays and British as you wander through colorful neighborhoods.
Here are our top picks for things you should do with your children while visiting Singapore:
Sentosa Island- This previously deserted tropical island is now Singapore’s playground and is dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure. Even getting there is fun – no need to sit in a taxi in an endless traffic jam, you can hop aboard a cable car, which also offers fantastic views of the city. Once on Sentosa, kids can go to a butterfly park, zip over the rain forest canopy, meet pink dolphins, go on theme park rides, or swim at the beach. Spend the day, and stay on until evening to see the Song of the Sea or Crane Dance shows.
Night Safari – Kids and adults alike will love Singapore’s Night Safari, which takes visitors on a tram ride through a park containing only nocturnal animals unfettered by cages, roaming in their natural habitats. Travel through rainforest, savannah and jungle and spot a range of exotic creatures, 29% of which are threatened species that live by night.
Pink Dolphin Cruise – Take a cruise to look for the much endangered pink dolphins in the waters around Lantau Island. The pink dolphins (they really are pink) only live in the waters around Hong Kong and their existence is threatened by boat traffic and polluted waters.
The Giant Buddha – Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island is made of bronze and at 34 meters or 112 feet, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Getting there is half the fun, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car will whisk you in 25 minutes up to the plateau where Big Buddha sits. The cable car ride gives you great views of the islands, the airport and as far as the South China Sea. Then it’s a hike to get to the foot of Tian Tan, all 260 steps lead up to the podium and the sweeping views from here are worth the climb. If everyone is up to it, the 4 mile path down to Tung Chung is a nice walk and you pass some small monasteries on the way.
The tiger may not roar like the real one or the flamingo might not flap its wings, but the new animals on display at the Bronx zoo are sure to attract attention because of the simple fact that they have been made by assembling tiny little LEGO squares. Called the “Great Summer Zoofari: A LEGO Wildlife Expedition” Bronx zoo will hold the unique display till September.
It was almost a year ago that the concept of the LEGO animals began to take shape. The LEGO representatives began meeting with the zoo staff to decide on the animals whose life like models would be made. Some of the species were selected keeping in mind the Wildlife Conservation Society’s preservation efforts, such as the rare spray toad, found only around the Kihansi waterfalls in Tanzania.
After the intitial design work, the LEGO craftsmen sat down to create the lifelike replicas of wild animals by assembling, joining and gluing together the LEGO bricks. From a baby Giraffe standing in the African plains to a Tiger poised between tall grass near the monkey house, the animals not only look real, they are also placed in their natural habitats.
Steve Gerling, a LEGO master builder who designed the primary models for the plastic menagerie shares his experience,
Visitors also have lots of bragging photo opportunities where they can take pictures with their head inside a caricature lion’s mouth or pose with a bear holding a fishing rod.
The making of the animals brick by brick involved a dozen builders who congregated at LEGO’s U.S. headquarters in Enfield, Conn. In a month the experts had created all the creatures by hand.
To show the process of building a lifelike animal, master builders will be present at the zoo this weekend to build a LEGO crocodile. Visitors can also take part in the project at the Moose House Lawn.
