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Family Trip Ideas: Heartland Corn Mazes

USA: Heartland, Best Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals for Families 2008. From Wisconsin to Minnesota and Iowa to Indiana the idea is simple, enjoy the season. Sometimes with a pumpkin patch and sometimes haunted on weekend nights, mazes provide unique signatures as the lunar calendar ends the calendar year. Taste sweet apple butter or corncob jelly; carve a pumpkin or stuff a scarecrow; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples; pretend at a RenFest; enjoy a film in Chicago. Make time for fun with your kids.

Minnesota: Rochester, Tweite's Fall Harvest Festival and Corn Maze (09/20/2008 to 10/26/2008). Located 12 minutes West of Rochester off of US Hwy 14 Tweite's has been planting memories and harvesting fun for the past 19 years. We offer quality family enjoyment for the young and young-at-heart. Each weekend enjoy 10 acres of amusements including live entertainment. Enjoy wagon rides, an Enchanted Forest, the western town called Dodge City, Harvest Town with a back forty play area, more than 24,000 square-feet of permanent mazes including a six-acre corn maze, a tire dragon and the Indiana Bones Dino Dig. Bonus points: Many areas are interactive. Check out our remodeled dairy barn loaded with tasty treats like our homemade caramel apples, cotton candy and kettle korn, just to name a few. Gate fee charged. (Tweite's Pumpkin Patch 1821 Frontier Rd SW Byron, MN 55920. (507) 365-8035 or www.tweite.com)

Minnesota: Belle Plaine, 24th Annual Emma Krumbee's Scarecrow Festival (09/13/2008 -10/31/2008). During the fall, the 45-acre orchard is alive with activity. Starting in September, the Apple Jubilee event celebrates the harvest season. From mid-September through October, the orchard is filled with more than one hundred unique handcrafted scarecrows during the Great Scarecrow Festival. There are pony, wagon rides and camel rides. Find the perfect jack-o-lantern in the Great Pumpkin Patch. Try out the all-terrain farm trikes, visit the Giant Hay Stack Jump and expanded petting zoo. Count bees in the bee observatory, walk amid the Tombstone Forest. Sample Fizzy's Ice Cream, caramel apples and pumpkin pie. Bonus points: June through October, pick your own hydroponic strawberries suspended in the air. U-Pick Apples open daily, Mid-August through October. (Emma Krumbee's Restaurant, Belle Plaine 56011. (952) 873-3006 www.emmakrumbees.com)

Illinois: Chicago International Children's Film Festival (10/23/2008-11/2/2008). For a city event this one is splendid. CICFF is celebrating it 25th anniversary this year! It is the largest competitive festival of children's films in the United States and is hailed as the Cannes for Kids; the festival presents the very best in non-violent multicultural films for children ages 3 to 13. At every screening, a panel of kids cast their votes for the Best of the Fest Award as well as other awards and prizes for excellence. There will be post-screening discussions with more than 100 directors, producers, and actors in attendance. Bonus points:  This year's festival will feature 200 animated and live action films from 40 countries. (1 (773) 281-9075 or www.cicff.org)

Ohio: Lebanon, Pumpkin Patch Express (09/27/2008 – 11/02/2008). Every autumn the Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad runs a special Pumpkin Patch Express through Warrant County to Schappacher Farm in Mason, where special homemade snacks are for sale. Ticket price includes a petting zoo, pumpkin pie and admittance to a corn maze on a real working farm. Need to know: Trains sell out quickly and a limited number of tickets are available on event days on a first-come-first served basis, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. (Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 127 S. Mechanic Street, Lebanon 45036. 1(513) 933-8022 or www.lebanonrr.com)

Wisconsin: Sturgeon Bay, Schopf's Corn Maze and Cookie's Pirate Adventure (08/20/2008 - 10/31/2008). This year checkout Dairy View Farm and enjoy the season Door County's famous "Cookie" the Cow. With three separate mazes rolled up into one, the 2007 maze has a trail for everyone; the Orange Maze route runs for two miles, the Black Maze runs for two and a half miles, and the Green Maze comes in at 3.3 miles of winding trail. Also within the maze are three optional games based on finding hidden maze stations - a great game for the whole family to play together. Uniquely shaped paper punches await the players at each of the destination points and participants are expected to find all of the stations and punch as proof. The season ends with a special Halloween Maze event. Bonus points: Make time for a free, working dairy farm tour. Watch milking operations, milk "Cookie" the cow and then stop at the ice cream shop and browse the flavors. Staff note: We visited Cookie when the maze was very young but it looked quite promising. It is a neat place with fun people and terrific ice cream. (5169 County I, Sturgeon Bay, 54235. 1 (920) 743-9779 or www.dairyview.com)

Iowa: St. Urbandale, Corn Harvest (10/04/2008 - 10/05/2008). The smell of apple butter wafts through the air in the 1875 town of Walnut Hill as you sample some of the bountiful harvest Iowa has produced. At the farm sites, learn about the history of corn with hands-on activities and a horse-drawn wagon ride into the fields to watch demonstrations of the machinery used to harvest corn from 1910 to the 1950. Learn the correct techniques for hand-picking corn beside a horse-drawn wagon, pitching the husked ears of corn against a bang-board and into the wagon bed. Corn is more than food. Learn about modern varieties and uses of corn in cars, airplanes, and other staples of 21st-Century life. Stop by the Visitor Center to sample products produced by Iowa companies. Bonus points: On the 4th you can attend an authentic barn dance where you can learn traditional dances while enjoying the live Flying Pig Fiddle and Banjo band. (Living History Farms, 2600 111th St. Urbandale, 50322. or 1(515)278-5286 or www.lhf.org)

Indiana: Hobart, County Line Orchard Fall Harvest Festival and Corn Maze (08/30/2008 - 10/31/2008). Enjoy the season with orchard tours and you-pick apples and pumpkins, Kid's Farm and petting zoo, 8-acre corn maze, bee barn and picnic area. See working bees at observation hives in the orchard, baby chicks hatching everyday and goats up in the trees and Peter Pumpkin Eater getting his teeth cleaned after munching on pumpkins. The Little Kid's Barnyard has miniature tractors, tools, wheelbarrows, and even a kid-sized barn and a Moo Choo just for little kids. Bonus points: Past the apple trees near the MAiZE, begins the Trio of Fears not for the faint-hearted. It all begins at the end of a long wagon ride sits a rustic shack at the edge of the woods. There awaits the gatekeeper, who sets you on a dimly lit path through the trees. The way is narrow and uneven, and haunted things abound. You'll have to crawl through one part, and feel your way through pitch-black passages and experience Nocturnia the haunted barn. (County Line Orchard & The Barn: 200 County Line Rd., Hobart (219) 947-4477 or www.countylineorchard.com)

Michigan: Michigan Renaissance Festival (08/16/2008 - 09/29/2008). Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past eight lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters, and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting three times daily, human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and royalty. Bonus points: The festival also has special theme weekends like Highland Weekend, featuring the US/Canadian Highland Games and Bagpipe Blowout as well as International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is recommended for grandparents and children. There is also a "Sweet Endings" Chocolate Festival. See the website for more details. (12500 Dixie Highway, Holly, 48442. 1-800-779-4910 or www.michrenfest.com)

Minnesota: Minneapolis, Sever's Corn Maze (9/20/2008 - 11/2/2008). Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival delights maze-goers with a fun and challenging 14-acre corn maze. Again this year, Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival will boast the world's largest straw bale maze-1/3 of an acre in size; a huge, exotic petting zoo with animals from around the world including lemurs and camels, kangaroos, etc. There will also be pumpkin slinger; a corn pit, hay rides; pig races; camel rides; live music; and much more. Bonus points: There is a discount coupon at their website. (Just south of the Twin Cities next to Canterbury Park, Shakopee 1 (952) 974-5000 or www.severscornmaze.com)

Minnesota: Shakopee, Minnesota Renaissance Festival (08/16/2008 - 09/28/2008). Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past eight lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters, and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting three times daily, human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and royalty. Bonus points: You can also enjoy special theme weekends including ones dedicated to Scottish and Irish culture as well as a special Italian Carnivale weekend! (12364 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee. 1-800-779-4910 or www.renaissancefest.com)

Nebraska: Denton, Benson Farms MAiZE (9/26/2008 - 10/31/2008). Imagine green and gold cornstalks towering 12 feet high set in a deliberately confusing pattern by an agro-artist, it's a challenge to master. Camp fires and mini mazes are only part of what you'll find at Benson Farms - there's also a pumpkin patch, a corn box, a hay jump, hay rides, and a corn tunnel which is really a maze tunnel constructed from corn that's great for those with a penchant for exploration. Bonus points: On Friday and Saturday night you can enjoy Fright Nights. Recommended for ages 12 and up you can take a walk through a spooky, haunted maze. This event is very popular so expect to stand in line. (6000 SW 140th Street, Denton. 1 (402) 795-3276 or www.bensonfarms.com)

Ohio: Germantown, Tom Eby Farm Maze (08/30/2008-11/02/2008). A rural wonder, the 8-acre natural puzzle game features three miles of paths to navigate. The challenge- to find 12 puzzle pieces located throughout the maze. The American flag flies proudly over the Victory Bridge at the end of the hunt. For night owls, the site is open after dark. Bonus points: As a bonus the maze complex has a unique hands-on area with toys and musical instruments made of homegrown hard-shelled gourds. You might also enjoy Tom's Pumpkin Cannon. (Tom Eby Farm 8295 Farmersville-W. Carrollton Rd. Germantown, 45327. 1(937) 866-2777 or www.tomsmaze.com)

More Resources

Haunted Wisconsin. For families in or near Wisconsin this is a delightful resource for Halloween happenings. The innovative site provides up-to-date information on commercial haunted houses, corn mazes, spooky trails, pumpkin patch locations, and fun for the season. (Go to www.hauntedwisconsin.com)

Maze Play. This directory with listings across the United States and Canada is easy to navigate; each listing provides the essentials to make a corn adventure happen. Just reviewing the listing is entertaining. Maze themes include the Green Bay Packers at Schoph farms in Wisconsin to Indian themes at Uncle Shucks in Georgia. (Go to www.Mazeplay.com)

Corn Field Maze. A delightful resource for maze locations and information, including location maps for USA, Canada, Italy Mexico, and England. (Go to www.cornfieldmaze.com)

Information compiled from theFamilyTravelFiles.com database as of July 2008. Sometimes things change, so please confirm details before making plans. Images provided by respective venues. Copyright 2008.

Florida: Kissimmee, Fun, Learning, and More Fun

Central Florida family vacation activities are dominated by Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. But as family vacation learning becomes more and more popular combining theme park action with learning experiences is becoming easier.  In Kissimmee it is possible for families to practice golf; join a tennis clinic; learn to fish; enjoy an art tour or take flight.

Checkout our suggestions for learning while having fun in Kissimmee. 

Learn to swing, chip, and putt. Anyone with a set of golf clubs knows that the sport of golf is a journey marked by miles of fairways, roughs, sand traps, always leading to a challenge on the green; almost anyone can benefit from a lesson or two. Parents wishing to build on a family golf tradition have two options in the Kissimmee area - Tee to Green Golf School at Kissimmee Golf club and The Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club.

At Tee to Green make use of the skills, energy, and patience of a staff that love golf and take advantage of any opportunity to share their passion. They talk about gloves and posture, shoes and balance. The clinic atmosphere is family friendly; most importantly they analyze each golfer with success in mind. Learning points: Tee to Green conducts 1/2 day schools which include afternoon of practice or 18 holes of golf. They also have one- three- and five-day programs year-round which combine video analysis, one-on-one teaching, practice drills and playing.  Beginners receive instruction in the game’s fundamentals, including etiquette, rules, scoring, posture, and insider tips. Students learn special golf exercises, how select the ideal club, how to develop swing power, how to chip, and focus a putt. Cost of learning: A series of five lessons begins at $150 and junior rates (for ages 6 - 17) are available upon request.

The Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club has created several options so that students experience all aspects of the game in an efficient, encouraging atmosphere. Learning points: The structure and outline of each golf school is tailored to the individual or in the case of families to each individual within the family.  For example Golf “101” for new golfers includes game fundamentals, grip, swing, posture and techniques for the short game as well as club selection, pitching, lobbing, and putting. Lessons focus on course management skills and how to lower scores. Golf Academy pros analyze individual golf swings using a state of the art video/launch monitor. The Golf “101” program series also includes advanced player levels so every family member will have the right fit. During the summer months there are junior golf camps and Saturday junior golf clinics and they offer private lessons for junior golfers throughout the year. Each lesson maximizes one-on-one time utilizing the practice facility and exclusive three-hole Celebration Junior Course. Cost of learning: Private lessons begin at $95 per hour and private lessons for children younger than 12 cost $35 per 1/2 hour. Golf “101” lesson packages begin at $269 per student.

Learn to swing, serve, and score. Tennis is more fun with a partner – true? And when your partner is your child the opportunities for fun are endless but growing a tennis player takes time and lessons. Victory Tennis, located at Star Island Resort & Club in Kissimmee conducts private and group lessons for all ages and abilities. All lessons are pay-as-you-go with no contracts or commitments so for vacationers it’s easy to set up sessions as part of a vacation plan. In fact if you are undecided about lessons it makes sense to take advantage of their free tennis clinic held each Tuesday 8AM to 9AM or 6PM to 9PM - all ages (yup kids included) and abilities welcome. The evening focuses on basic techniques taught with drills and games so everyone can have fun while learning and improving. It’s easy and the coaches at Victory Tennis love to share their passion for the sport so the atmosphere is lively and energizing. Learning points: Victory’s staff can create a series of sessions so that each family member feels at home on the court. For advanced players they offer instruction on the finer points of hand-eye coordination, balance, footwork and game strategy in addition to match play and/or use of ball machine. For little tykes Quickstart Tennis - designed by the United States Professional Tennis Association - is an option. Geared to ages 3 through 10 the program includes lessons and play designed to move children quickly through the transitional stages to full-court tennis while having fun. Cost of learning: Private lessons start at $40.00 per hour with discounted prices for children. Friday afternoon Pee Wee Tennis for ages 3-12 costs $10.00 per hour.

Learn to cast, hook, and catch fish. Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee is an impressive body of water and geared to a variety of “green” activities perhaps the best of which is fishing. It’s the spot to catch largemouth bass, crappie, specks, bluegill, shellcrackers, catfish, and pickerel. For anyone with an appreciation of Mother Nature’s quirky sense of humor fishing is fun and makes a terrific day adventure with kids. If freshwater fishing sounds fun but you know absolutely nothing about, Captain Rick Brothers has the perfect outing ideal for families wishing to learn the art of fishing together. Learn how to read the lake; what signs of nature mean fish are at hand; what bait works best for which fish; how to cast; learn not to rock the boat, and learn how to catch a fish in Florida. Located at Big Toho Marina in Lakefront Park near the historic downtown, the The Miss Toho is 24 foot tri-toon, USCG Registered vessel licensed to carry 14 persons, of which six may fish on each trip. Bring your own equipment or use the rods, reels and tackle is provided. Bonus points: None anglers ride free. Cost of learning: Florida freshwater fishing licenses are required for those 16 years or older. Rates for bass fishing in Kissimmee on Lake Toho for 2 anglers ½ day $250, ¾ day $350, full day $450, add $50 per additional angler. Bait is extra.

Learn about Da Vinci, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and More. Stay at the Mona Lisa Suite Hotel and enjoy time with the masters. Any parent with a passion for art will love the Mona Lisa. The gallery like ambiance of this new hotel includes oversized interpretations of well-known masters' artwork meticulously recreated by professional artists in China. The paintings are showcased on each floor throughout the hotel. Each contemporary room features a hand-painted artist interpretation of a master work and the property's namesake, Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa adorns the hotel lobby. The hotel staff will provide information on the different interpretations and are happy to give a personal tour to guests who are interested in learning more about the artwork and the masters who originally created the masterpieces. The new 240-room Mona Lisa Suite Hotel is an all-suite, luxury hotel located in Celebration, a unique and charming master-planned community within the Metro Orlando area. Cost of learning: The artwork of the Mona Lisa Suite Hotel is complimentary to anyone who visits.  Room rates span $229 to $525 per night/double occupancy.

Learn to fly the legendary "Pilot-Maker". In Kissimmee it is possible to actually take the controls of a restored World War II fighter trainer – the T-6 Texan – even with no prior flying experience. What you will need to know the pros at Warbird Adventures will teach you – but not in a simulator. The aircraft used is the T-6 TEXAN also known as the SNJ or Harvard because more than 70% of the Allied pilots received their fighter training in the aircraft. Learning points: After the standard briefing participants are invited to take the controls in the front seat and just follow instructions. The flying adventure can be whatever you want based on your aptitude for the cockpit – thrilling, erratic, and aerobatic or a smooth, straight, and level. If you purchase and schedule two or three flights together, you can go up and fly in formation as well. They’ll show you how it's done! Formation flying really adds to the experience and there is no extra charge for this as long as you schedule your flights together. Cost of learning: Prices span from $220 for a 15-minute basic flight to $500 for a 30-minute flight which also includes aerobatics, still photos, and your own DVD proof. For a 60-minute session with aerobatics, still photos, and DVD the cost is $745. 

In addition to theme park thrills, Kissimmee offers visitors plenty of unforgettable “real Florida” learning experiences to make any family vacation or holiday getaway super. Create your own family learning vacation in Central Florida – the choices are many from clinics and classes to excursions and adventures. From golf and tennis to fishing and flying it’s about having fun and learning together. Imagine watching alligators, skimming to marsh on an airboat, seeing a working cattle ranch, taking a sunset cruise, horseback riding and feeding goats. To discover more about Kissimmee’s learning and fun vacation choices log on to www.ChooseKissimmee.com

Planning Details
Scenic/Eco Lake Tours/Fishing Charters, Inc. (407) 908-5688 or www.fishingchartersinc.com
Mona Lisa Suite Hotel 225 Celebration Place Celebration, Orlando, Florida 34747. Toll-free 1-866.404.MONA (6662) or www.monalisasuitehotel.com

Warbird Adventures, Inc. 233 N. Hoagland Blvd. Kissimmee, FL, 34741. (407) 870-7366 or www.warbirdadventures.com/t-6_page.htm

Victory Tennis at Star Island 5000 Avenue of the Stars Kissimmee, FL 34746. Further tennis program information, you may contact John at (407) 997-5155 or www.star-island.com/victorytennis.html

Kissimmee Golf Club 3103 Florida Coach Dr. Kissimmee, FL 34741. Pro Shop (407) 847-2816, (407) 847-2816 or www.teetogreengolfschool.com or www.kissgolfclub.com

Celebration Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club 701 Golf Park Drive Celebration, Florida 34747. 407.566.GOLF ext. 4 or www.celebrationgolfacademy.com

Content created by FamilyTravelFiles and images provided by Kissimmee/St. Cloud CVB. Copyright 2008.

Florida: Kissimmee, A Mother/Daughter Girlfriend Getaway - – Shopping, Spa Time, and a Fun Night Out

For moms and daughters who  want  to share one-on-one time away from the crazy schedules of home Kissimmee is an easy place to enjoy down time together. From golf and tennis to antiquing, and chilling by the pool the options are many. At the core of any mother/daughter bonding time – shopping, a spa, and a fun night out doing girl stuff.

Eat chocolate; drink wine; share a malt; shop for bargains; practice yoga; enjoy a massage; share secrets, and have fun together – no boys allowed.

Unique shopping opportunities meant to be shared. Kissimmee has a place to fit every shopping personality from souvenir and outlet bargain hunters to trendy fashionistas. From one-of-a-kind boutiques and nostalgic shops to air conditioned mega malls and outlet centers, the options for a unique shopping adventure are endless.

Start anywhere along Main Street in Old Town.  The tree-lined streets offers more than 75 specialty shops. From resort wear to sports apparel, jewelry to shoes and old-fashioned collectibles, you'll find some specialty items here that you won't find anywhere else. The atmosphere in Old Town is right out of “Happy Days”- vintage cars on the weekends, sock-hop music and friendly people. At Good Luck Rice Company visitors can have their names written on a tiny single grain of rice and made into a rice necklace – a definite keepsake.  Girls of all ages will love the Marilyn Monroe, I Love Lucy, and Beatles collectibles at Wound 'n Around, the perfect puppets at Sunny and Company and the awesome bead collection at Black Market Minerals. Other must-do activities include: having an old-time portrait taken, learning how to pull taffy, and visiting a petrified rock forest.

If antiques and vintage items are your thing, then the historic downtown streets of Kissimmee and St. Cloud will not disappoint. One spot that is not-to-be-missed is Lanier’s Historic Marketplace in Downtown Kissimmee, a clever place showcasing antiques, decorating accessories, tempting jewelry and interesting gifts. They always have friendly conversation waiting and a fresh pot of coffee brewing. For bargains Kissimmee’s open-air shopping complex, The Loop and Loop West, have Belk, JC Penney, Old Navy, Kohl’s Department Store, Pier 1 Imports, Ross, PetCo, Claire’s, Michael’s, Kirkland’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond plus many restaurants with outdoor dining.

Market Street at Celebration is the place for children’s clothing, paint-your-own-pottery and exclusive, collectible pieces plus delightful cafés and restaurants along the downtown lakefront area. Also in the area Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando Premium Outlets, The Mall at Millenia, and The Florida Mall so a shopping agenda is easy to create.  Bonus points: The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores provides a free scheduled shopping shuttle to and from 55 participating area hotels and special scheduled free VIP group shuttle service is also available.

Being pampered together is simply the best. Sometimes even better than shopping, a day at the spa can be the ideal way to enjoy mother/daughter time. Sit side by side and experience a luxurious foot soak, stress relieving facial, or hand massage.  Massageworks just off Main Street in Historic Downtown Kissimmee has several unique ways for guests to relax and be revived. Located in restored 1900's schoolhouse the updated atmosphere has warm and relaxing Mediterranean-style. This spunky day spa has five private treatment rooms - serene and softly lit with candlelight. If you are undecided the best bet is the “Mini Spa Retreat” a sampling of services which includes a 30-minute introductory facial, a 30-minute aroma relaxation massage followed by a soothing dry sauna. Cost is $105 and an upgrade to one hour each is only $140. They also offer a “Detox Facial” ideal for drawing out impurities during a unique detoxification process.  Bonus points: The Studio of Movement onsite doubles as a yoga studio by night. Classes blend stretching, postures, Pranayama, mantra, music, meditation and relaxation. Drop-ins are welcomed and no previous experience in Yoga is required.  Just say Namaste!

Stay in and still get pampered. After a busy day of shopping nothing compares to a gentle relaxing massage that soothes away stresses and body fatigue. Luckily, if you are in Kissimmee, A-Team Massage will provide a custom massage in your vacation location any day of the week – a recipe for pure bliss. Select from their menu of wonderful services including Swedish, aromatherapy, relaxation, deep tissue, and therapeutic massages then relax in the comfort of your vacation base. Spa treatments include soothing hot paraffin wax for hands and feet along with educational manicures and pedicures.  Prices for 24-hour advanced scheduling begin at $95.00 for a 60-minute massage and an aroma experience (lavender/eucalyptus for tranquility or peppermint for rejuvenation) is only $20 more.

For a quirky evening consider the haunted side of town. The Haunted Grimm House of Old Town features live actors, special effects, and two floors with more than 20 rooms of scary stuff presented with a sense of humor. In Historic Downtown Kissimmee it is possible to take hair-raising ninety-minute tour into the spirit realm with guides from Kissimmee Ghost Tours as they spin tales of murder, unexplained phenomena, and mystery.

Share a fairy tale together. Horses, knights in shining armor, conflicts, love stories, surreal lighting, and no dinner dishes – sounds like a fairy tale evening for sure. Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Kissimmee has created a surreal dining experience – like stepping into the pages of Scheherazade. With the use of surreal lighting techniques, magical costumes, engaging music, and beautiful horses, skilled riders create a show which is both dreamlike and enchanting. Daughter’s note: My mom and I celebrated her birthday within the magic of Arabian Nights complex. It was a blast. We arrived early enough to go behind the scenes. The early entry option allows visitors to wander within the arena; meet the actor/riders; and walk back stage; see the holding stalls; talk with the trainers; to where the horses stay.  The opportunity was worth the extra cost and effort because during the show we felt connected to several of the riders and their horses making the experience even better. Add to that a surprisingly top quality dinner served with speed and efficiency - our evening was truly perfect and we have a framed photo to prove it. Bonus points: Before the show it is possible to take photos with both the actors and the horses in the arena and back stage – a really cool opportunity.

Who doesn’t want to have dinner in a castle? Medieval Times Theater with its fairy tale atmosphere offers a perfect escape from reality. The movie set castle just off Irlo Bronson Highway successfully transitions from reality into an ethereal event. Mom’s note: I have been there with my daughter to celebrate her birthday in princess-like style. We arrived early enough to browse the medieval village where several crafts folks were demonstrating typical crafts of the 11th Century, and then it was off to the entrance line for a photo take and to enjoy the chaotic atmosphere of the Hall of Arms. Wearing our golden (cardboard) crowns we found our way into the theater. The feast was served; the lights dim, and using stroboscopic and pyrotechnic effects a story of six knights in shining armor was told with tournament jousts and other tests of skill. Swords clashed and everyone in the audience cheered for their favorite knight – good old fashioned fun. Bonus points: During the evening it is possible to purchase the photo taken at the entrance. Maybe a little odd but it makes a nice souvenir.

Kissimmee offers plenty of terrific mother/daughter girlfriend activities to share. Create your getaway in Central Florida – the choices are many from spa time and yoga classes to shopping and dining out. To discover more fun vacation choices, call toll-free 1-800-333-KISS or log on to www.FloridaKiss.com

Planning Details
MassageWorks 405 Church St. Kissimmee, FL 34741. (407) 932-0300 or www.massageworksdayspa.com

A-Team Massage (321) 251-8267 or a-teammassage.com

Arabian Nights 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747. (407) 239-9223 or www.Arabian-Nights.com

Medieval Times Dinner Theater1W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. Kissimmee, Florida 34746. Toll-free 1- 888-WE-JOUST or 1-888-935-6878 or www.medievaltimes.com/home.aspx

Content created by FamilyTravelFiles and images provided by Kissimmee CVB. Copyright 2008.

Affordable Summer Things To Do In Washington, DC

If you are looking for affordable summer things to do with your family, you will be more than happy to find out what Washington, DC has in store for you. Head off to the nation's capital and experience fun and excitement without breaking the bank.

Start your family summer vacation in Washington, DC by joining one of the numerous tours and cruises that the city offers. Discovering the city by land or by sea both seem very inviting. The DC Ducks Tour offer both land and water tour in one trip, without even having to change vehicles. Plus, the amphibious vehicle will definitely be a huge hit to your kids. The tour begins at the Union Station and takes the route past the monuments and museums of the National Mall while the captain narrates stories and historical facts. A few turns here and there later, the vehicle turns into a watercraft and splashes into the Potomac River for the water part of the tour.

Because children never get tired of animals, take the family to the National Zoological Park. The animals in the entire zoo live in very large and open enclosures, giving them the atmosphere of their natural habitat and, at the same time, making it possible for visitors to easily spot them. There are two trails in the zoo that you can follow: Olmsted Walk and Valley Trail. The Kid's Farm is perfect for families with very young kids as they observed different farm animals such as ducks, cows, chickens, goats, miniature donkeys and more. The Asia Trail, on the other hand, features sloth bears, fishing cats, Japanese salamanders and giant pandas.

Parents always want to take their children to places where they can have fun and at the same time, learn new things. Washington, DC's National Museum of Natural History has the Butterfly and Plants exhibit that illustrates the evolution of the butterflies. It is also a great place to somewhat cool off from the summer heat as the room temperature is far cooler than it is outside for the butterflies.

A trip to Washington, DC automatically means a visit to those famous landmarks – the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. The majestic monuments of these two former US Presidents are constant fixtures in photo sessions of people visiting the city. There are also other monuments that you can go to with your family this summer: the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. It is best to visit these attractions early in the morning to beat the crowd and avoid the heat of the summer sun.

Get on a water adventure with your family for this summer vacation in Washington, DC. Head off to the Thompson Boat Center and rent out kayaks or canoes. Life jackets are provided by the boat center free of charge. It is a great way to experience the water at your own pace as you paddle around the Theodore Roosevelt Island and under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

All the paddling will definitely have your family work up an appetite. Grab a bite at the very well-established Ben's Chili Bowl. Enjoy a great meal with your spouse and kids while you observe the photos of celebrities hanging on the wall.

Fun never ends at sunset. On the west front of the US Capitol, free entertainment awaits both Washington, DC locals and visitors on summer evenings. The military bands – US Navy Band, US Marine Band, US Air Force Band and US Army Band – provide spectacular musical performances for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket as it is a great place to just relax with your family while listening to jazz and classical music. Occasionally, the bands perform well-known songs, Broadway show tunes and original movie soundtracks.

There are really so many things to do in Washington, DC. There is always something great to explore in every  corner you turn. The best thing about these attractions and activities is that they come at a very low cost or, even better, free – exactly how you would want your summer things to do with your family to be!

5 Amazing Summer Things To Do In Arizona

The numerous summer things to do in Arizona give you amazing ways to make the most of the season.  Several cities in Arizona offer more than just a handful attractions and activities to keep you busy under the sun. The wide array of entertainment options include water parks, wildlife encounter, ancient structures and, of course, the majestic Grand Canyon – all ready to give you a fantastic time in the state. Below are some of the best destinations in Arizona that promise an amazing summer vacation:

1- The Oasis at Pointe South Mountain Resort – The Pointe South Mountain Resort is conveniently just fifteen minutes away from the Phoenix airport and sits right next to a massive park that you can also go to for hiking trips.  The Oasis water park feature is mainly what draws travelers with children of varying ages to the resort.  It has a wave pool, a kiddie pool, a river float and waterslides. Parents with older kids can savor their time lounging under a cabana, for there are plenty of lifeguards on duty throughout the water park. Other things you can do in the resort is have a golf game, a rejuvenating body massage at the spa and a fun time at the kid’s club.

2- Pointe Hilton Resorts – There are two Pointe Hilton Resorts that you can go to for a family vacation this summer: the Topatio Cliffs Resort and the Squaw Peak Resort.  Topatio Cliffs and Squaw Peak resorts have the Falls Water Village and Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch features respectively, and several pools where you can soak yourselves up the whole day.

3- Phoenix Zoo – Children are always eager to learn about and interact with wild animals.  Phoenix Zoo currently has an exhibit of over one thousand animals from all over the world.  Explore the zoo’s four different trails – Africa, Tropics Trail, Arizona and Discovery. 

4- Montezuma Castle – Experience the legacy of the Sinagua culture by visiting this cliff dwelling that dates back to the 12th century. The structure has five stories and twenty rooms that all tell an interesting and inspiring story of ingenuity and survival in the harsh desert.

5- Grand Canyon – This great wonder is an amazing place for families.  It offers a lot of activities to children that they will surely remember. Start your Grand Canyon adventure with a special train trip from Williams. The mule trip is particularly popular to kids, as they go around the Bright Angel Trail. There is a Junior Ranger Program that your children can join to maximize their Grand Canyon experience.

There are so many more things to do in Arizona that you can be certain would be a huge hit to your family. Plus, the wide selection of dining and accommodation options make it even more inviting to plan a trip to the state to experience one of the best summer vacations ever!

Summer Vacation In New Orleans

There is an inexplicable thing about New Orleans that makes it able to draw thousands of people.  As you wander around, you meet the friendly faces of the city'€™s residents and those who are called the never lefts.  The never lefts are those who were once visitors of New Orleans - people who came to attend the Mardi Gras, the Jazz Fest, or just came.   The beauty of New Orleans instantly mesmerized them, making them unable to leave. When you go to the city for a summer vacation, you will find that they all have a perfectly good reason why.

New Orleans' wide variety of attractions and activities are just endless.  One might even find it difficult to decide on where to begin.  If that is the case, then it is best to join the New Orleans Super City tour which will allow you to absorb centuries of the city's rich history and culture.  The insightful tour takes you to the French Quarter, the Garden District and the Central Business District.  It will surely give you a glimpse of the city'€™s different flavors.

The magnificent St. Louis Cathedral attracts millions of people visiting New Orleans. Whether you are religious, interested in architecture and/or photography, or just plain curious, you are sure to be drawn to this 1720 parish. The structure and all its content are simply amazing.

One of the most visited New Orleans attractions, the Museum of the American Cocktail, is reopening this July 2008. Join the very popular curator, Ted Haigh, the locals and other holidaymakers at its new location in Riverwalk Marketplace on July 21st for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The very unique exhibit showcases two hundred years of cocktail history -€“ from vintage cocktail shakers, literature, music, tools used in the bar and an interesting memorabilia of the museum's founders and friends.

There are other unique and interesting museums in New Orleans that you will most definitely find too intriguing to pass.  Among those museums is the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Guided informative walking tours are offered in this peculiar museum that shows you some of the things you would want to learn about this spiritual practice. As you walk around, you will see a collection of artifacts and other sacred objects related to the term "voodoo".  At the gift shop, you will find a voodoo doll, a love potion and, of course, the regular souvenir items like t-shirts, mugs and magnets.

Come nightfall, there are tours that you can join for some thrilling adventure. New Orleans'€™ colorful history includes strange entities such as ghosts, vampires and the witchcraft.  Explore these entities by joining the guided New Orleans Ghost Tour. The tour lasts for two hours that will give you juicy information about the haunted happenings in the Big City, and lets you explore the grim and ghastly deeds of the old French Quarter.

Wherever you turn in New Orleans, you will find something that will interest you. In addition to that, the New Orleans Meal Ticket and New Orleans Shoppers Ticket, that gives you access to incredible New Orleans restaurants and shops respectively, make it more enticing to go around the city.  New Orleans offers all this and more for a very memorable and extraordinary summer vacation.

Ensenada and Oaxaca: Summer Things To Do In Mexico

If you are looking for summer things to do outside the United States, Mexico is just there waiting for you. Mexico is a very lively country with a multi-ethnic society of Spanish, Native American and American traditions. This ethnic diversity is very much reflected on the country's culture and food, and here are two places in Mexico that greatly illustrates the fact:

Ensenada

Ensanada is located in the Mexican state of Baja California and is just 84 miles south of San Diego. From San Diego, you can join an Ensenada Day Tour, which is a great way to start your summer vacation. The tour gives an amazing introduction to the things to do in Ensenada and its Spanish atmosphere with its alluring shops, authentic restaurants and more. Learn more about the people's culture and heritage at the Cultural Center of Ensenada and find out how they are greatly influenced by the Spaniards.

Join Ensenada locals and other visitors at the Ensenada Summer Wine Festival for some wine tasting. The festival is an annual international event that is taking place on the first ten days of August this year! Aside from the regular wine tasting event, the festival also holds a paella cooking contest, a gala dinner and a sunset musical performance. If you wish to experience the wine in Ensenada with a relatively smaller crowd, you can also go to Bodegas De Santo Tomas. It is Baja California's oldest winery, and still conducts demonstrations of wine-making traditions. Bodega De Santo Tomas also offers samples of wines from their vineyard as well as samples of their bread and cheese.

A visit to a new place always includes shopping for souvenirs or memorabilia that you would want to bring home to remember the summer vacation by. Avenida Lopez Mateos is Ensenada's main shopping street  lined with retail stores selling everything that shouts a genuine Mexican identity, such as straw hats and wood carvings. If you are looking for something more refined, Avenida Ruiz is the place to go. It is the stretch where you will find the more polished shops and cafes.

There are so many dining options to choose from in Ensenada. One of the most popular ones is the oldest cantina in Baja California, Hussong's Cantina. Dating back to the late 1800's, Hussong's Cantina was the hang out of some of the world's literary geniuses and is said to have been the place where Margaritas originated.

Oaxaca

The province of Oaxaca is located in the southern part of Mexico and is named after its largest city. The best thing to do to get to know the city is to visit Plaza de la Constitucion de Oaxaca, more popularly known as Zocalo. The plaza has been the heart of Oaxaca for over 500 years. Surrounded by stores, the dominating feature of Zocalo is the very grand old Cathedral that dates back to the 18th century.

Seasons Of My Heart offers an extraordinary Culinary Cultural Travels , and Mexican Cuisine Events and Oaxacan Food Holidays. This is great for those who love to cook, want to learn how to cook or those who simply enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. They have tours available almost the entire year, with recipes and menus appropriate for each season.

Visit the world-renowned archaeological site of Milta, combining both Zapotec and Mixtec structures, the San Pablo Villa de Milta. It is among the constant in every visitor's things to do in Mexico list. The ancient ruins are just so inviting.

Looking for accommodations in Oaxaca is a walk in the park as there are very many lodging options to choose from. The hostels, such as the Casa de Don Pablo Hostel, have very affordable nightly rates, making you enjoy more of the numerous summer things to do in Mexico.

Family Summer Things To Do In Atlanta

Atlanta is the state of Georgia's largest city and is filled with fun summer things to do for this season's holidaymakers. People with children of different ages will find themselves with their hands full of all the family-oriented attractions and activities that the city has to offer.

Before you start your summer vacation and wander around with your family, get yourselves the Atlanta CityPass that will give you instant admissions to the most popular attractions in the city. The Atlanta CityPass not only gives you great savings on cash, but also helps you save on time as you no longer need to fall in line for tickets for every attraction. The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum of Natural History are just some of the places you can go to with the Atlanta CityPass.

Note: The High Museum of Art currently features the works of professional photographer, Sheila Pree Bright, entitled Young Americans. The exhibit shows photographs of young American adults with captions that state their opinions and sentiments about American culture and society. This display will run until August 10th 2008.

If you have children ages 2 to 8, the Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta is highly recommended. Your kids will be encouraged and excited to learn new things with the museum's colorful hands-on exhibits. There are so many things to see, listen to, touch and explore in this 30,000 square-foot establishment, even older kids and parents are going to find themselves enjoying the place!

The Fabulous Fox Theater presents the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. The Fox, as it is more popularly called, has the biggest screen in Atlanta and features blockbuster hits of the past and present. This August, The Fox adds a few more movies that will definitely draw dozens of moviegoers including Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones – Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

If you wish to spice your family summer vacation up with a little adventure, then Georgia's Stone Mountain State Park is right for you. Sixteen miles east of Atlanta stands the 3,200 acre-park that centers the world's largest exposed granite mountain. The first thing you should do when you get to the park is to ride the sky-lift gondolas that will take you over 800 feet above ground, giving you the most beautiful views of Georgia's countryside. Within the park are other interesting things to see and do such as a petting zoo, a riverboat, an antique automobile museum and an antebellum plantation. Be sure to settle your family in the park's campgrounds or any of its other lodging options for the laser light show in the evening, which is a regular event in Stone Mountain State Park during the summer.

Atlanta sure is rich of cool surprises for everyone taking a vacation. It has been among the most sought for getaways for families, couples and those who prefer traveling alone. Top the above mentioned attractions and activities with the city's wide selection of dining options, and you are definitely bound to have one of the best family summer vacations.

Fun and Exciting Summer Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

The list of summer things to do in Yellowstone National Park makes it one of the best weekend getaways this season.  The national park is visited by millions of visitors during holidays because of its magnificent beauty as well as the wide variety of summer and winter activities it offers.

Yellowstone National Park stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, that has an intact ecosystem with a diverse and numerous wildlife. Within the park is a collection of some of the most extraordinary geysers, hot springs and the world-famous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It is home to various animals such as elk, buffalo, bison, grizzly bears and wolves.

Kick off your summer by going out to experience the hundreds of geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. The Old Faithful geyser erupts more frequently than any of the big geysers in the park, which is one of the reasons why it is the most popular geyser in the world. Check out the very colorful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone where you can drive around. Hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is even more rewarding as you get to see breathtaking vantage points of the canyon and the waterfalls. The Canyon Village visitor center for any inquiries and tips you might need before the hike. The Canyon also has an evening program that will educate its visitors with a narration of Yellowstone's natural and cultural history.

Get your cameras ready for wildlife sighting as you wander around Hayden Valley, which is part of the Yellowstone River and sits between Yellowstone Lake and Upper Falls. It is a natural prairie with plenty of opportunity to see the animals that reside in the park. Find yourself a comfortable spot along the Yellowstone River and explore the history of the Fishing Bridge area as well as the polka-dotted cutthroat trout.

Yellowstone National Park is rich with a lot of amazing gifts of nature. Visit the Mud Volcano where you can view colorful and interesting mudpots and hot springs. You can also have the opportunity to find out the explosive past and future of Yellowstone. There is also the Morning Glory Pool that resembles the morning glory flower, and is arguably the most beautiful pool in all of Yellowstone. Then, discover Yellowstone's geographic past and learn about its present through the colorful hues of the Mammoth Hot Springs. In the evening, an illustrated lecture on Yellowstone's history takes place at the Mammoth Campground amphitheater. Other things you can find in the park worth noting are the Fountain Paint Pot and the Biscuit Basin.

All the above mentioned activities can be explored by joining the Ranger-led programs if it makes you more comfortable discovering the park with a guide rather than on your own. No matter how you choose to go around, though, you are certainly going to marvel over everything there is in the park while fishing, hiking, camping and viewing exhibits and films. Yellowstone National Park is definitely filled with adventurous summer things to do that defines an amazing vacation.

Things To Do In London: Kew Gardens and More!

Among the most refreshing things to do in London this summer is a visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.  Located in west London, the Kew Gardens, as it is commonly referred to, offers you the opportunity to neutralize the heat of the season by cooling off in a vast green environment.

The Kew Gardens is primarily a botanical research center and a training ground for professional gardeners. There are tens of thousands of  different collection of orchids, ferns, cacti, mountain plants, tropical lilies and other plants. Since its establishment, it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular things to see and do in London. The 326-acre site consists of greenhouses, walks, pavilions, lakes, museums, tropical lilies, a forest and some of the architectural crafts of Sir William Chambers. The newly-constructed XStrata Treetop Walkway makes a visit to the Kew Gardens even better. With no additional charge to the gardens' entrance fee of $25.50, (children 16 and under enter for free with every accompanying adult), visitors now have the chance to experience the trees and wildlife at 18 meters high. The walkway also allows you to have a bird's eye view of the entire Kew Gardens as well as the London skyline.

The best thing about the Kew Gardens is that it has its very own London Underground Tube station making it easily accessible for everyone who wishes to visit the arboretum and all the other attractions and activities within the area. If you wish to catch live musical performances, you can check out either Carling Apollo Hammersmith or the Sheperds Bush Empire just about three miles from the Kew Gardens. The two serve as concert venues for both local and international artists, and over the years have hosted some of the world's finest musical acts like the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Incubus, the Black Eyed Peas and more. The Museum of Rugby is also located near the Kew Gardens. In the museum, you will find a huge collection of books, balls and programs related to the sport and its history. Displays of shirts, photographs of former Rugby legends are spread throughout the museum.

There are a lot of restaurants, bars and pubs near the Kew Gardens. You might even find it difficult to choose where to go for a meal or a drink. The Pizza Express serves authentic Italian dishes at a very reasonable cost. The Travelodge Kew London is just around the corner to take care of your accommodation needs while you enjoy your Kew Gardens visit and all the other things to do in London during your summer vacation.