Family Trip Planning Blog | Best Family Trips | TripWiser.com

Family Travel Tech Tips

I can remember the good old days when staying occupied during long car rides consisted of my brother and me punching each other.  My, how times have changed. Kids today still revert to the age old practice of tormenting their siblings, but at least nowadays there are plenty of distractions to keep them from making a road trip a living nightmare. IPod's, PSP's, DVD players, and the like have made travel quite a bit easier on parents. I have to say that my wife and I have fully embraced the new tech-age and our travels honestly are better off for it. But, at the same time, we don't want our little darlings to turn into drooling zombies from staring at screens for hours on end.

 

How do we do that? Well, it's not easy. Once the media gets its hooks in, it's hard to get them out. The key is moderation and regulation. Keep time limits and make sure there are ample breaks in between. You know your children best of all, so you’ll know their threshold before becoming over stimulated by games and movies. You’ll also know how long a media break to take before they start to turn on each other. For long road trips, this is an absolute necessity. For shorter road trips, it may not be necessary at all. It really depends on your situation. For example, if the road trip is any less than 2 hours, the DVD player doesn’t get any use. Likewise on long trips, when the DVD player is in use, take a break between movies before allowing the next one to be played. We’ve been guilty of not following this rule more than a few times, but it’s a sound rule.

Have chargers and/or batteries on standby as well. Portable media devices gobble energy like PacMan and you don’t want to be three hours into an eight-hour drive with the red light blinking.

Most of all, make sure your kids take notice of any special scenery that comes to pass, such as beautiful mountain views, the coastline, a 30-foot tall donut, or even a rare license plate. It’s still a family trip, so include them and make them feel like it is. Portable media can be a great thing for long trips, but if unchecked, they can also be a major detractor from your trip. Find the happy medium and your travels will be smooth.

Now, if there was only something we could do about the traffic.

#

Ted Hardy also covers his family's travel escapades at Have Family, Will Travel.

Best Family Vacation to Daytona Beach, Florida

Florida: Daytona Beach, Family Vacation Ideas – Beach Time, Living History, and Daytona 500 Experience. Imagine a series of white sandy beaches stretching along the blue-green waters of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Add beach shops, mini golf, surfing, kayaking, parasailing, fishing from the Daytona Beach Pier, marine science discoveries, an awesome lighthouse, the world famous Daytona 500 Experience, and the new Daytona Children’s Museum - a recipe for family fun.

It all starts along the beach. If it has been awhile since you have been on the beach in Daytona then you will be pleasantly surprised the sand is still there and it is clean, making it ideal for sandcastle building. At low tide, the hard packed surface invites cycling, jogging, fishing, and driving is permitted (too cool) on 11 of the 23-mile long beach area. At times, the beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide tempting beach goers to join a game of beach volleyball or practice sand-surf skimming at the edge of the waves.  Bonus points: Ride the Sky Lift to the end of the Daytona Pier or enjoy the view from the top of the 180-foot space needle on the beach at the end of Main Street. Need to know: For a bird’s eye view of beach life parasailing along the edge is available; for an adrenaline rush try the Daytona Slingshot which launches riders 300 feet in the air at about 100 mph or share a more traditional beach experience like license-free fishing at the Pier.
 
Hear "The Lighthouse's Tale".  Impressive from a distance and more impressive from its base looking up, the lyrics from Nickel Creek’s ballad “I am a lighthouse worn by the weather and the waves….” match the romantic beauty of Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. I know saying romantic and beauty in conjunction with a family vacation activity seems odd but standing 175 feet tall, the nearly crimson lighthouse is the second tallest in the U.S. and a romantic beauty by anyone’s standards. The lighthouse complex at the very end of the barrier island includes the original lighthouse keeper buildings. On select days costumed interpreters create a sense of Florida’s maritime past but any day visitors may browse maritime artifacts, educational interactive exhibits and see a rare Fresnel Lens exhibit. Even before you leave home checkout the website and make use of the pages created for children. Bonus points: Save enough energy to climb the 203 steps to the top for the panoramic view of the Atlantic horizon, shoreline surf, and Ponce de Leon Inlet's waterways, and the Marine Science Center nearby.  Insider tip: Within the shadow of the lighthouse and just outside the fence is a lovely shaded park complete with playground and picnic tables.

Look for “Caution turtle crossing”. Just ask your kids to watch for the turtle crossing sign and the Marine Science Center will be just down the pathway hidden among the mangroves and scrub oaks. This location meets the needs of the curious no matter what age but it is definitely child friendly. Docents and staff stand ready to guide visitors along the boardwalk, demonstrate the science of survival, and answer questions with firsthand knowledge. Interactive exhibits provide plenty of touch-and-feel time so no one will be bored. While the center’s original purpose was to function as a seabird sanctuary and sea turtle rehabilitation facility, the center now provides a unique and entertaining learning experience. Go with questions and get plenty of answers. Meet Priscilla, the resident American Kestral (hawk) and watch Otis the young screech owl now on staff to educate visitors; see Fuzzy Bob a shy octopus.  Bonus points: Within the learning lab you’ll find fish tanks, activity sheets to color, and baskets of touch-and-feel marine artifacts. Insider tip: Do not miss the book store. The selection of books, shirts, visors, and puppets is worth a browse.

Get the whole story on Beach Street. Daytona Beach Historic District along Beach Street is the location of the Halifax Historical Museum – one stop with a big story to tell about Daytona. Located in an old bank building with high ceilings and dramatic columns the displays convey a rich sense of Daytona’s past. An entertaining twenty-minute film sets the tone for the visit by contrasting then and now.  While the exhibits are not interactive, there are plenty of very interesting things to share with your kids including antique toys, school books, Daytona Speedway artifacts.  Bonus points: Riverfront Park and Beach Street itself have been revived making it an enjoyable off-the-beach spot for shopping and dining. For a chocolate adventure make a stop at Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory and watch artisans hand-make more than 100 kinds of candies.

 Look at fossils, hear the train, and see a sloth. The Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences, surrounded by 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, makes a delightful spot for a family field trip combining, history, nature, culture, and interactive fun. The most memorable resident a 13 foot-tall, 130,000-year-old Giant Ground Sloth is on display the Center for Florida History. He is almost as cool as a dinosaur. Found near the museum in 1974, complete skeleton is considered one of the finest specimens of its kind in North America. The museum is also renowned for its multi­cultural exhibitions and children may make their own discoveries within the museum through interactive exhibits, games and activities. Bonus points: On weekends the planetarium provides interactive solar adventures for youngsters and at least one weekend per month there is a laser light show set to music the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Beatles or Metalica.  Need to know: A new addition to the museum complex, the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum, is a little spot of heaven for families wishing to do, share and enjoy hands on learning.  The space is cheerful and pure fun, filled with oodles of interactive science stations demonstrating basics in an engaging way.
 
Try on speed just for fun. The word famous Daytona International Speedway needs no introduction and during race weeks, it is chaotic, awesome, and thrilling.  The best way to get a sense of Speedway is to drop by the Daytona 500 Experience, located just outside Daytona International Speedway's fourth turn. There is no need to love NASCAR in order to enjoy the motorsports attraction. The high-tech, hands-on activities meld with a fascinating historical account of racing in Daytona. Interactive means a chance to change a tire in a timed pit stop competition; design and video-test drive your own car; try broadcasting a famous race finish; become immersed in the racing experience with the NASCAR 3D, The IMAX Experience featuring rare behind-the-scenes action and exhilarating racetrack footage that may simply make your head spin.  Bonus points: The highpoint of our visit was the chance to race one another. Well,  actually it was a simulated race but it felt very real to me.  My palms were sweating as I listened to the sounds of the crowd and the banter of the commentator. Finally, the flag signaled the start of the race.  At first, my foot was little light on the accelerator and seven laps seemed like an eternity to me as others lapped me while I tried to develop my own banking technique. The autos are real, the effect of surround sound is convincing, and the wide screen raceway panorama leaves little to the imagination. If you ever feel the need to race with your kids, this is the place. Need to know: For racing buffs, it is also possible to take an open-air tram tour of the Speedway complex and see firsthand garage area, pit road, and eyeball the world-famous 31-degree high banks.

Make it happen. For the full menu of family vacation options including Daytona Beach area sleeping places, activities, attractions, and events contact the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (386) 255-0415, toll-free 1-800-854­1234.

Location on the planet. Daytona Beach on the north tip of Florida’s Central East Coast, is located 54 miles from Orlando, making it just an hour’s drive from many popular theme parks and more awesome shopping. Daytona Beach International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Continental, Delta, Air Tran and U.S. Airways, with service to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Planning Details

The Daytona Beach Pier, 1200 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. (386) 238-1212

Daytona Sling Shot, 49 Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach (386) 254-8626

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association. 4931 South Peninsula Drive - Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127. (386) 761-1821

Marine Science Center 100 Lighthouse Drive Ponce Inlet, Fl 32127. (386) 304-5545

Halifax Historical Museum, 252 S Beach St. Daytona Beach, FL 32114. (386) 255-6976

The Museum of Arts and Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. (386)255-0285

Daytona 500 Experience, 1801 West International Speedway BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL 32114. (386)681-6800

Content and images provided by FTF. Copyright 2009.

Family Vacation to Nassau/Paradise Island in the Bahamas

Bahamas: Nassau/ Paradise Island, Family Vacation Ideas – Beach Time, Dolphin Encounters, and a Pirate Adventure. Azure water and marvelous white sand beaches combined with lively music, tropical cuisine, and friendly people to create the perfect tropical playground for kids of all ages. From water slides and a lazy river to dolphin encounters, snorkeling and a horse-drawn carriage ride – family fun comes easy.

We have assembled a family vacation activity list to make imagining the fun easier. You can do everything or do nothing at all. Either way the sunshine, soft sea breezes, gorgeous beaches, great sea food, enchanting music will make the trip worthwhile. Just remember the sunscreen and it will be alright.

Escape for a day to Rose Island. Within the vicinity of Nassau are hundreds tiny islands ideal for day trips. Nearby but remote enough to provide the feeling of being lost in the Gulf Stream – no cell phone reception, TV antennas, or high tower tropical resorts to blot the tranquility. Sand crabs scurry along the beach, pelicans glide over the waves, and palm trees cast dramatic shadows on the sand. It’s an easy escape from the busy centers of Nassau and Paradise Island to Rose Island. Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruises operates a triple deck catamaran to the island where guests are encouraged to just chill out - relax on the white sand beach, snorkel along the shore over coral reefs, explore tide pools, join a game of volleyball, go kayaking, or hike inland along palm shaded pathways. The day excursion includes a tropical lunch buffet with unlimited wine & lemonade/fruit punch.

Travel at the speed of Bond.  Not exactly in the style of James Bond but fun nonetheless, Powerboat Adventures sweeps passengers off to the Exuma cays for a day of wild encounters with nature and plenty of memories to share with kids.  Traveling across the water at 40 plus MPH makes the transition time quick, easy and slightly thrilling. Secluded Allan's Cay is the first stop. Passengers get a firsthand look at the endangered Bahamian Dragon during a scheduled feeding session. Next stop a private island paradise, Ship Channel Cay, where passengers disembark to enjoy the beach, the tide pools and get a chance to meet indigenous wild boars. Refreshments are provided at a tiny island cottage and there is plenty of time to explore the island. Bonus points: Get your water camera ready because the high point for many is the coming of the stingrays. During the feeding everyone is invited to participate, really! Save your film because the stingray session also attracts Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks and lemon sharks for their own feeding session managed by an island guide. It’s bit of wild kingdom in the shallows.

Count the fishes, name the shells. Appropriately named, Atlantis (on Paradise Island) is the home of amazing aquariums and lagoons. For guests of the resort, the water features come with the vacation but if you’re staying elsewhere on Nassau/Paradise Island, you can arrange to tour the resort to see its more than 500,000 marine creatures. Fish feedings take place everyday but Monday and sea life observation is effortless. A series of underwater tunnels allow eye to eye contact with sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. Bonus points: For water lovers, Atlantis is also the location of the 141-acre waterscape, Aquaventure one of the world’s largest water-themed attractions in the world. The state-of-the-art complex includes water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids, wave surges, and special effects.   

Swim with the dolphins. Part of the Atlantic Resort’s water world is an extraordinary 14-acre dolphin habitat - Dolphin Cay Atlantis. The manmade water habitat, one of the largest of its kind in the world, has set a   new benchmark for dolphin encounters.  From sharing time during docile shallow water play to high energy deep water antics, it is all about learning and having fun with dolphins. The extensive complex offers six interactive programs, including several dolphin encounter options, plus Sea Lions - Behind the Scenes, Trainer for a Day, and Sea Keeper.   Need to know. Because group sizes are limited, advance reservations are strongly recommended.  Bonus points:  Dolphin Cay has a series of electronic interactive learning stations where visitors may read about our dolphins rescued from Hurricane Katrina, or learn more about dolphins in the wild and what needs to be done to protect them. Admission is free and open to all visitors of Atlantis. Meet the dolphins of Blue Lagoon Island. A 20-minute scenic boat ride begins the dolphin adventure set amidst a tropical island setting with the makings of a movie set. In fact some of the aquatic residents of Blue Lagoon have film time to their credit. Once on the island the participants receive an entertaining yet practical orientation about dolphin and sea lion encounters. The facility offers several dolphin encounters including a high-energy deep water swim concluding with a awesome foot –push, and a shallow water hands-on encounter that is both educational, and  fun. Blue Lagoon Island is also the home of several gregarious sea lions that meet, greet, and nuzzle visitors who are standing on submerged platforms at the edge of the lagoon. Bonus points: So that participants can enjoy the experience without the distraction of cameras, a professional photo & video staff captures the action of each encounter.

Feed the birds, meet a snake. This is definitely a fun stop for families. Petit in size but grand in experience Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is the only zoo in the Bahamas.  Within the five-acre tropical nature reserve you will find awesome gardens and plenty of colorful residents including geckoes, Eclectus parrots exotic pheasants, Red-breasted geese, and Bahamian boa constrictors. Trainers stroll the tropical walkways introducing visitors to raptors and parrots and encouraging interaction. Check out the wild cats on your own (no introduction needed). Look for the Great Horned Owl named Shadow, and the cute Vietnamese pot-bellied pig called Lulubelle. Bonus points: For an awesome photo opportunity don’t miss the flamingoes. Three times each day it is possible to watch native flamingos "marching" on command - forward march, pick it up, about face.  Afterwards, make tracks to the Lorry parrot exhibit and participate in the bird feeding by hand.

Ahoy mates, step aboard! Who doesn’t love a feisty pirate adventure? While not exactly a scenario set for Johnny Depp, Pirates of Nassau (located downtown) has created a mini adventure on a re-created pirate ship known as Revenge. The pirate ship museum experience is both fun and interesting. The Golden Age of Piracy spanned three decades from 1690 to 1720 and during those years Nassau was at a safe haven for the rogues of the sea. Learn facts and fiction about life on the sea and what really happened to real-life pirates, many of whom sailed to and from the Bahamas. Hear about notorious pirates Calico Jack, Black Beard, Black Bart, Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and arch-pirate Charles Vane.

Make it happen. It’s an easy escape for families who want to relax and soak in the Caribbean without the long plane trip. Nassau is about 40 minutes by air from Miami and there are daily direct flights, not only to Miami but to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and other cities in the U.S. There are frequent direct flights to and from London, U.K. and Toronto, Canada. Need to know: New U.S. government regulations require all adults and children (even newborns) to have a valid passport for all international travel by air to The Islands of the Bahamas. If you have a question, a Bahamas passport team member may be reached toll-free at 1-800-523-7682 – really there are no recordings during active call center hours  8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Saturdays and 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST Sundays. Nassau/Paradise Island - Get the whole picture at www.NassauParadiseIsland.com

Planning Details

Robinson Crusoe Shipwreck Cruises - (242)322-2606

Powerboat Adventures - (242) 363-1466

Atlantis Resort and Spa, Casino Drive, Paradise Island (242)363-3000

Dolphin Cay Atlantis, Toll-free 1-800-Atlantis

Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon Island - (242)363-1003

Pirates of Nassau, located at King and George St., (242) 356-3759

Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, Chippingham Road, south of W Bay St. Nassau, Bahamas. (242) 323-5806

Content created by FTF and images provided by Atlantis Dolphin Cay, Robinson Crusoe Cruises, and Nassau/Paradise Island Tourism. Copyright 2009.

Going Green with Your Kids at Daytona Beach, Florida

Florida: Daytona Beach, Seeing Green with Kids – Kayaking, Secret Gardens, and an Ocean Safari. Going away green is easy because the Daytona Beach offers a remarkable number of earth friendly experiences for families to share. From dolphin watching, fishing for snook, and living history to hiking forest trails, meandering tree-shaded boardwalks, and kayaking among the marshes, it's all about having fun being green.

 Go fishing for snook or tarpon.  Nestled along the tranquil, easy-flowing Tomoka River, Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach sets the standard for green and peaceful. The 1,540-acre park remains a secret natural beauty ideal for a family getaway. Fish from the shore, rent a boat and explore, canoe water pathways, hike nature trails, enjoy a picnic under a canopy. The waters surrounding the park are popular for fishing. More than 90 different fish species have been identified in the Tomoka River and its tributaries. The finned population includes red drum, black drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, common snook, and tarpon. Need to know: A salt water-fishing license is required for non-residents and for those fishing from a boat. Youth younger than the age of 16 and seniors older than 65 do not need a fishing license, but they must abide by all other fishing regulations including gear type, bag, and size limits.

It takes a green heart. Geckoes dart along the railings, birds vocalize to one another, and turtles sleep in a patch of sun. Fern, mistletoe, and Spanish moss adorn trees. At the heart of Daytona Beach, Tuscawilla Preserve Discovery Center anchors a network of boardwalk trails originating from the Museum of Arts and Sciences. The well-marked trails weave throughout the densely forested preserve. In each direction there are interactive spots for viewing and listening or smelling and touching. From time to time staff at the Discovery Center conduct programs on varying topics, but really, the nicest aspect of this location is the chance to become immersed in nature. Bonus points: Pay attention to the fragrance garden at the beginning of the boardwalk.  

Find the perfect picnic spot. Several spots come to mind when I think of packing a cooler and getting away for a picnic. Spruce Creek Park to the south of Daytona Beach off U.S. Highway 1 has sunny space, picnic and playground areas, hiking trails, a beautiful creek and several Indian mounds originating from Timucuan Indian residents. A second secret picnic spot is guarded by dinosaurs. Set amid an established neighborhood, Sugar Mill Gardens in Port Orange surrounds the ruins of a 19th century English period sugar mill. The 12-acre garden complex is also home to 40-year old concrete dinosaur statues now covered with moss and lichen and hidden among the ferns and pothos tendrils - too cool. Bonus points: Within the garden complex you’ll find a unique sundial which determines the time of day by the participants shadow. Visitors may purchase indigenous plants at bargain prices from the make shift garden nursery. The proceeds go to sustain the garden.  

Search for Nocorocco. I love places with a story – not just a fish story, any story. So Tomoka State park fits the bill. In addition to being a lovely spot to camp, launch a boat, or rent a canoe, Tomoka State Park protects the site of the ancient Timucuan Indian village of Nocorocco. Severe budget cuts have closed the discovery center but the remains of an earlier time still may be discovered on your own. Most remarkable is a 40-foot high concrete and coquina sculpture of chief Tomokie and his warriors reflecting a moment in history. It looks like something leftover from Raiders of the Lost Ark and makes an ideal backdrop for campfire stories. Though we saw no evidence of plantation life we also learned that the same land was once part of Mount Oswald Plantation – an indigo plantation in 1766. Today there are about 100 camping spots with the woods or along the shore and there is a playground available in the camping area. Bonus points: Tomoka also offers guests the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library for campers aged four to nine. The second Saturday of each month from October through March Florida history comes to life at the park. Each month the topic changes and knowledgeable interpreters explain and demonstrate events and activities from the area’s rich past.

Cruise the Halifax River. Share the best of Daytona Beach area's rich history by taking a mini cruise along the Halifax River in a 1890s vintage watercraft with a fantail launch with a red and white surrey top. In addition to historic sites and beautiful parks, passengers also get the chance to see plenty of native wildlife including pelicans, herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. Depending on the time of year it is also possible to catch a glimpse of playful dolphins or a herd of endangered manatees. A Tiny Cruise Line offers four narrated tours along the Halifax River. The themed excursions include a blend of river lore, landmarks, nature's beauty and old Daytona stories. I think the best is timed at sunset because the colors in the sky reflect in the water creating a made-for-the-movies kind of experience. The awesome scene combines with relaxing music, a pleasant sea breeze, and friendly conversation.  

Take an ocean safari. Who would expect a London double-decker bus on the streets of Daytona Beach? And one that picks up passengers for an adventure – so much the better. Daytona Beach Aqua Safari has the big red bus which they use to transport clients to the ocean safari launch spot not far from the lighthouse. The ocean safari begins on fishing eco-tour boat the Cnidoblast. Depending on the tide, the discoveries made on each trip will be different. During the water safari, the boat is anchored next to a sand bar where passengers disembark and watch while guides cast nets, and pull in sea creatures for closer inspection. You’ll get a first-person look at a crab trap and may even spot sand dollars.  Passengers are invited to view, touch, and inspect each catch from the sea before it is returned to the sea. The day adventure also includes pizza, refreshments, admission to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and Marine Science Center. Bonus points: Want to take your kids fishing but would rather not do it alone?  The Aqua Safari folks conduct fishing excursions in Ponce Inlet. The charter group size is between four and 10 and the trip lasts about four hours. The fish population changes by season. Popular catches include snook, blue fish, grouper, snapper, and stargazers. Everything needed for fishing is included (except a hat and waterproof sunscreen) and no prior fishing experience is necessary.

Waves, kayaks, fishing, and fun. Daytona Beach is the place to launch from the beach to enjoy ocean kayaking; navigate the shoreline of Halifax River or discover countless quiet water escapes including Hidden River and Blue Springs. Several outfitters provide not only rentals but also tours and lessons. Ormond Beach Kayak Center can also schedule kayak fishing. Your kayak will be transported for you including all related paddling gear to the water’s edge. All you have to do is paddle out, have fun, and pull in a fish. Quin's Kayaks in Daytona Beach conducts guided kayaking trips on the St. Johns and Tomoka Rivers - ideal for families. The unique excursions provide an easy way to share nature with your kids and learn about the wildlife and ecosystems in the area. Paddlers often encounter manatees and alligators, and see osprey as well as bald eagles nesting along the shoreline. If you’d rather do your own thing they offer free pickup and delivery to all beachside accommodations. Bonus points: During school holidays, Quin’s Kayaks often conducts a kayaking day camp for ages nine and older.   

Make it happen. More about Daytona Beach area attractions, events, sleeping places, and deals Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-800-854-1234.

Location on the planet.  Daytona Beach on the north tip of Florida’s Central East Coast, is located 54 miles from Orlando making it just an hour’s drive from many popular theme parks and more awesome shopping. Daytona Beach International Airport is served by several major airlines, including Continental, Delta, Air Tran and U.S. Airways, with service to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Planning Details

Tuscawilla Preserve Discovery Center at The Daytona Museum of Arts and Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. (386)255-0285

Tomoka State Park, 2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, (Park hours are 8 a.m. dusk daily.) 386-676-4050

Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens. 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd. (386) 767-1735

A Tiny Cruise Line. 425 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5003. (386) 226-2343

Daytona Beach Aqua Safari, 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach (386) 405-3445

Ormond Beach Kayak Center, 1750 Ocean Shore Blvd. (SR A1A), Ormond by the Sea toll-free 1-888-9-KAYAKS (952-925)

Quin's Kayaks Daytona Beach, 300 N. Atlantic blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(786) 487-8114 (786) 487-8114

Content and images provided by FamilyTravelFiles; comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor Copyright 2009.

Winter Festivals Light Up the Nights

One of the best reasons for pulling out your Road Trip Planner during Winter is when your road trip includes a Winter Festival.  Enjoying the spectacle of a Winter Festival is something that appeals to people of all ages so it makes a particularly easy one to plan.  Couples, families, a group of friends…all will find the trip a highlight of their winter fun.

The following Festivals (listed alphabetically by state/province) stretch from East to West and from November through February so you're bound to find a festival close to your home for your road trip.

Calgary Winter Festival in Calgary, Alberta
Curing the February blahs - Originally conceived in February 1989 as relief to the year-long hangover Calgarians were suffering after hosting the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, this 11-day festival has grown into one of Calgary's favorite events. This celebration of everything snowy, frosty and cold, includes ice sculpture contests, human curling championships, music, clowns, winter crafts, snowboarding demonstrations and more. Most events are free and take place in various venues throughout the city. And in spite of the theme of the festival, many are held indoors or in heated tents. It is February, after all.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California
Sparkling Harbor Lights - This annual Christmas event is a unique activity to add to your road trip planner.  Join nearly one million other spectators as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along Newport Harbor. For around a century, the parade has begun on the second Wednesday in December and continued for five nights. People from as far as Arizona and San Francisco have been known to make the trip to partake in this holiday custom. Viewing is free, provided you can find a vantage point. Alternatively, you can enter your own boat in the parade or your business or organization can sponsor another. See website for parade route, entry forms and more

Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Canada
Making Light of Family Fun - Touted as Canada's largest light festival, this annual event combines incredible landscape lighting with live concerts, parades, fireworks, and a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration shown live around the world all with the Falls as a backdrop. The festival kicks off with several weekend Disney shows, making this event a perfect family outing. As well, there's the Annual Niagara Talent Showcase, Candles in the Park, and a Tribute to Elvis. All events are free November through January.

Winter Festival & Parade of Lights in Grand Junction, Colorado
This annual December parade features floats, music, holiday fun and events, and thousands of sparkling holiday lights.

Ely Winter Festival in Ely, Minnesota
This annual festival is held in February and offers ten days of fun-filled activities, including snow sculpturing, dog sled rides, snowmobile rides, exhibits, the Mukluk Ball, a variety of great food, and a craft fair.

Christmas Light Show in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Since 1956, there has been a sort of "multi-media" show at Lord & Taylor's (formerly Wanamaker's). Dancing water fountains, organ music, lights, moving figures and narrative present a Christmas story that no one can remember afterwards, though it's wonderful to watch. Children sit on the floor of the Grand Court and watch the story played out on the four-story-high velvet curtain of the Grand Court atrium. Free admission.

Newport Winter Festival in Newport, Rhode Island
Ten-day festival - Named by the American Bus Association as one of the Top 100 Events in North America so you know this would be a great activity to add to your road trip planner.  The Newport Winter Festival offers 10 days of fun, food, music and entertainment for the whole family. The festival features horse-drawn hayrides, sand sculptures, a chili and pizza cook-off, scavenger hunt, an ice sculpting competition, a children's fair and the Annual Frosty 5K Run.  Musical entertainment includes swing, pop and blues bands, as well as the United States Air Force Band, Liberty. Activities are held at various venues throughout the city.

Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia
Lasting from November to January, this event has grown into the nation's largest holiday light show and it attracts over a million visitors per year. This festival of lights covers more than 300 acres over a six mile drive throughout the resort and includes over 50 displays and over one million lights.

So go ahead, bundle up the baby, put ear-muffs on your little ones, pull your teenagers from their iPods and your partner from his/her laptop and with your Road Trip Planner in hand, prepare to light up the night with some winter festival fun.

USA: Mid Atlantic, Corn Mazes and Harvest Festivals

All along through the Mid Atlantic, Fall is the season to have fun together. 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; play flashlight tag or chase the kids through the corn stalks; ride on a wagon full of hay or bob for apples; walk through a sleeping giant. The season has family fun written all over it. Forget the lawn; the laundry will wait. Take the kids and go.

Virginia: Mount Vernon, 18th-Century Craft Fair (9/13/2008 – 9/14/2008). This year marks the 13th anniversary of 18th-Century Craft Fair featuring dozens of America’s finest craftspeople and family fun. Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts such as stone cutting, gunsmithing and soap-making. Also for sale will be traditional wares like baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings and furniture. Bonus Points: Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company will be offering free sightseeing cruises.(3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon. 1 (703) 780-2000, 799-8697 (TDD) or www.mountvernon.org)

Virginia: Williamsburg, Fall Harvest Festival and Haunted Wagon Ride (10/18/2008). The Fall Harvest Festival and Haunted Wagon Ride are hosted at James River State Park near colonial Williamsburg. Families will enjoy the fresh food, live music and good old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Wagon rides go from the festival site to the beautiful Tye River Overlook. Festival activities include: face painting, herbal butter tasting, apple pressing, apple bobbing, cornhusk doll making and more. Bonus: Around sunset the harvest bonfire will be lit and the haunted wagon rides will commence. (James River State Park, 751 Park Road, Gladstone 24553. 1(434) 933-4355 or www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml)

Virginia: Virginia Beach, Suffolk 31st Annual Peanut Fest (10/09/2008 – 10/12/2008). Experience the phenomenon that is the Peanut Fest; this family-friendly event honors Suffolk, Virginia’s agricultural heritage and its love of peanuts, the city’s official favorite legume. The Suffolk Peanut Fest is known for its fun family activities, concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, fireworks and more. (1410 Airport Road, Suffolk 23434. 1(757) 539-6751 www.suffolkfest.org)

Virginia: Virginia Beach, Ghost Train at Northwest River Park (10/16/2008 – 10/25/2008). From Thursday through Sunday in late October, visitors are invited to brave the haunted train that runs through the haunted woods of Northwest River Park. The ride is not for the faint of heart as the train is sure to encounter ghosts, ghouls and long-leggedy-beasties as it winds through the haunts along the train route.(Northwest River Park, 1733 Indian Creek Road, Chesapeake, 23322. 1(757) 421-7151 or www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks)

Virginia: Irvington, Irvington Grape Stomp (08/20/2008). White Fences Vineyards started the Irvington Stomp to celebrate the annual grape harvest and to bring together old friends, new friends and neighbors in small-town Irvington, Virginia. This year the Irvington Stomp festivities surround Labor Day weekend August 30, 2008. In addition, there will be a two-acre corn maze, farm animals and exhibits, a kite show by the Wings Over Washington Kite Club, face painting, a petting zoo and much more. Food and beverages will be sold, including homemade ice cream from The Local. (1 White Fences Drive Irvington, Virginia  22480. 1(804) 438-5559 or www.irvingtonstomp.com)

Maryland: Annapolis, October Pumpkin Patch (10/04/2008 – 10/25/2008). Families are invited to enjoy a day at the farm this October. There’s a free hayride out to the pumpkin patch to search for the perfect Halloween pumpkin, as well as a petting zoo, freshly harvested apples and Fall produce and seasonal festivities. (Kent Ford Farm, 135 Eastern Lane at the southern end of Kent Point, Stevensville. 1(410) 643-1650 or www.kentfordfarm.com) 

New Jersey: Collingswood, Theatre District Festival and Fall Festival (10/25/2008). Collingswood offers families an exciting twist on the Fall festival experience this autumn. Families are invited to come and experience performances by local and regional dance troupes and theatre groups as well as fun games and contests for kids. Other activities include pumpkin carving, scarecrow making and hayrides and the haunted hayride at night! (1(856) 858-0980, 1(856) 858-9275 or www.collingswood.com/entertainment/theater-district-festival-and-fall-festival)

Pennsylvania: Kennett Square, Marlborough Valley Corn Maze. (09/14/2008  -  10/28/2008) Eight and a half aces of corn stalks make maze fun. Activities include hay jump, corn box, petting zoo, 20-minute hayride, larger goat walk, corn cannon, and pick your own pumpkin for only 25 cents a pound. Food choices include bar-B-Q, cotton candy, ice cream, hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, and cold drinks. Families always enjoy the horse drawn hay ride. Bonus points: A flashlight maze and a haunted maze is available. VIP pass includes ice cream, beverage, and no lines. For the brave of heart there is also the Terror Hollow haunted hayride. (Marlborough Valley Corn Maize 1081 Wawaset (Rd 842) Kennett Square Pa 19348. 1(610) 347-1314 or www.mvmaze.com)

Pennsylvania: Landsdale, Merrymead aMAZEing Cornfield. (10/01/2008- 10/30/2008) Visit one of Pennsylvania’s century farms meaning it has been in the same family for more than 100 years. Masters of wholesome family fun, each fall Merrymead presents a five-acre cornfield maze complete with a pumpkin path and a 70-foot cornstalk tunnel. Sip apple cider, enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, paint pumpkins, taste luscious baked goods, pick your own pumpkin, take a hayride, dig in a sand box, ride a wagon train. Bonus points: Take your own flashlight and navigate the maze new Moonlight Maze.  (Merrymead Farm 2222 S. Valley Forge Rd. Lansdale, PA 19446 610-584-4410 www.merrymead.com)

Pennsylvania: Media, Pumpkinland and Hay Rides . (09/6/2007 - 11/9/2008) At Linvilla Farm not far from Valley Forge doing and tasting is all part of the fun. Pick your own pumpkins in the fall. Taste just off the vine tomatoes or husk your very own sweet corn. See horses, chickens and pigs; meet costumed characters like Dora, Elmo and Shrek. During September and October each year Pumpkinland remains a popular fall tradition for families with young children. Each weekend enjoy a 15-18 minute hay ride under the moonlight and a cup of cider at the campfire after the hay ride. There will also be live music, pony and train rides, face painting and much, much more! Bonus points:  The Farm Market in the octagonal barn is not-to-be-missed for jams, jellies, pies and ice cream sundaes. (Linvilla Farm & Orchard 137 W. Knowlton Rd. Media, PA 19063 610-876-7116 www.linvilla.com)

West Virginia: Martinsburg, 29th Annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival (10/16/2008 – 10/29/2008). The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the rich agricultural heritage in Berkeley County, highlighting the role of the apple in the growth of the region. The four-day festival in the scenic eastern panhandle of West Virginia is a wonderful fall celebration with pie-baking contests, a Friday Night in the Park sports breakfast, a parade and more. (Martinsburg, WV 25402. 1(304) 263-5000 or www.msahf.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.

Things To Do In St. Louis: Summer Vacation For The Family

The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement for the family.   The city's fascinating attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for this summer!

The best way to start your St. Louis summer vacation is to visit the city's famous landmark: the Gateway Arch. The 630-foot tall and 630-foot wide arch offers a unique tram ride that lets you have amazing views of the city and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch is located inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial where you will find the Museum of Westward Expansion.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest garden in the United States. It is among the top-rated botanical gardens all over the world with its showcase of twenty gardens set with different themes such as the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. There is also a Children's Garden that features different exhibits, including the Butterfly House. The Children's Garden offers a fishing trip, a wilderness wagon trip and other adventurous family-oriented summer activities. The garden also teaches children how to care for the environment by planting trees and more.

Note: The Missouri Botanical Garden will be having its annual Japanese Festival on August 30th to September 1st. The festival celebrates the Japanese culture with a tour around the Japanese Garden, art exhibits, traditional Japanese parades, musical and theatrical performances, and kimono and cooking demonstrations. Entrance fee is only $10, with discounts for senior citizens and children under 12 get in for free!

There are other things to do in St. Louis that offer free admissions, making your summer vacation with the family even better. St. Louis Zoo allows visitor to enter the premises free of charge, but various special zoo attractions have entrance fees. To make the most out of your day in St. Louis Zoo, purchase the Safari Pass which takes you to all the special attractions for only $10.  St. Louis Science Center is another freebie attraction where your kids can see full-size animated dinosaurs and hundreds of other interactive exhibits.

The City Museum is a great place for both kids and parents. It has three floors of interesting and educational rooms. The attraction features an indoor play area with imaginative caves, crawling tubes, slides, circus, art workshops and a gallery of oddities. Feel free to go around and marvel over the displays of the enchanted forest, architectural museum and the gigantic aquarium.

St. Louis' Forest Park is more than just a park – it is a community! There are more than just a dozen things to see and do in the park such as the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, the Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and other cultural institutions. The world's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny, is also located in Forest Park. The Muny currently stages two of the most successful musicals in recent history: The Producers and Disney's High School Musical.

Accommodations and dining options are easy to locate in St. Louis. The Westin St. Louis is conveniently within walking distance to the Forest Park and is overlooking the Busch Stadiums, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Restaurants, on the other hand, are spread all throughout the city. Try the city's best burgers at Blueberry Hill located in The Loop, Charlie Gitto's On The HIll's toasted ravioli, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard's treats that will definitely complete your list of summer things to do in St. Louis.

Summer: Fun Things To Do For The Family In New York City

There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City.   If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.

One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building's Observatory.  Additionally, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages – the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city.

It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.

If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Diego, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.

Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.

One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter – lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.

New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz – from the regular Barbie dolls and Transformers collectibles to kid-sized Mercedes 500SL.

Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has a program especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.

Things To Do For The Family In Orlando, Florida

Florida gives visitors the whole year to experience nothing but the best  things to do in Orlando. This is greatly attributed to the state's temperate climate and, of course, the city's incredible attractions. The establishment of the Walt Disney properties made Orlando one of the most visited cities in the United States for globetrotters traveling with or without children since the 1970's. 

Checking in at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts automatically gives you the privilege to have unlimited access to the various Disney transportation services – buses, monorails, even ferry boats and water taxis. These rides take you to the different Disney establishments free of charge. Within the Walt Disney World compound are the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks. You will also find two water parks in the property – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – perfect for the Orlando weather. Make the most out of your Disney stay. Try all the thrilling rides, join all the exciting games, watch all the entertaining shows and swim your vacation away! Disney certainly makes sure that you and your kids have your hands full of all the fun things to do during your Orlando visit.

Outside of the Disney properties, Orlando has a lot more things to offer for your family to see and do. Get on a city tour or one that has a specific approach like the Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Safari Tour. This tour is perfect for those who have a particular interest in space travel. After the tour, an IMAX movie is presented to the audience. What makes this tour even better is that the organizers offer hotel pick ups!

Head to the Amway Arena to catch a live home court Orlando Magic game. It is one of the things to do in Orlando that you should not miss, especially now that it is the Playoffs. Just watching and cheering will make you feel the adrenaline rush as the games are getting more and more exciting. If there is basketball for the boys, there is shopping for the girls. Moms and sisters can have their precious bonding moment while shopping for the latest fashion finds at The Florida Mall. You can also take this opportunity to get your friends and relatives back home something genuinely Florida.

One of the most recommended dining options for those traveling with kids is the Jungle Jim's. A certified family place, Jungle Jim's serves all of your children's favorites foods like hamburgers, French fries and the like. The jungle-like ambiance is perfect for children and you will find yourselves surrounded with stuffed animals and waterfalls.

There is so much more Orlando has to offer for family fun. You can also go to Universal Orlando to catch the family-oriented Blue Man Group show. Also in Universal Orlando, you can dare to conquer your fears by joining the Fear Factor Live, which have family games. No matter what you choose to do and where you choose to stay, you can be sure that the things to do in Orlando are the perfect ingredients for a quality family vacation.

Things To Do In Las Vegas With Friends

Now is the time to treat yourself and discover all the fun and exciting things to do in Las Vegas. Have an awesome Sin City experience with your friends to give yourselves a much-needed break from the routine.

The number of hotel choices in Las Vegas can be overwhelming. The best thing to do is choose one that offers the best deals. One of the most remarkable hotels in the city is Wynn Las Vegas. Room rates can be pricey, but not on weekdays. Book a 640 square foot-standard room at Wynn Las Vegas and enjoy all the luxurious amenities the hotel offers at an affordable price.

The first thing you should do in Las Vegas is to head to the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States, the Stratosphere Tower. At the top, you get to have a spectacular view of the entire Las Vegas Boulevard, popularly known as the Las Vegas Strip, glowing with all the colorful lights of the hotels and other surrounding establishments, the suburban communities, and even Mt. Charleston from a distance.

Liberace Museum is one of the most frequented attractions in Nevada and is often included in every visitor's “things to do in Las Vegas” list. Visit the Liberace Museum and pay tribute to the man that helped put Las Vegas in the map. The museum is home to the world's largest rhinestone along with Liberace's collection of pianos, cars, costumes and more. 

Gambling, without a doubt, is the most popular of all the things to do in Las Vegas. If you do not gamble or have no idea how these games of chance are played, Las Vegas Hilton holds gambling classes (also called gaming classes) for everyone who wants to learn the mechanisms of poker, baccarat and all the other table games. Be sure to check on the schedule and rates for these classes. Most of the time, though, the gambling classes are free!

Las Vegas offers premier shopping experience to both its locals and visitors. Check out the Forum Shops located in one of the buildings of Caesars Palace Hotel Casino. Upscale retail stores such as Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Versace all in an infrastructure reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture will definitely entice people to make shopping one of the things to do in their Las Vegas itinerary. All the shopping will most certainly make you and your friends all worked up. Pamper yourselves with a foot or full body massage at The Spa in the Treasure Island. The amiable staff alone will make you feel relaxed. Other services offered are facials and body treatments, to name a few.

Las Vegas is a dining mecca. Whether you are craving for the all-American meals or you want to try something new, Las Vegas has a place for you. Emeril's New Orleans Fish House at the MGM Grand, is a must-try. Reservations are not necessary, but highly-recommended. After the very filling meal at Emeril's, go to Coyote Cafe for desserts, which is also located in the same hotel.

One thing you and your friends should experience in Las Vegas is its nightlife. Dress up and hit the dance floor at Tao located in the Venetian Hotel. Chances are, you might be drinking, dancing and rubbing elbows with Hollywood's party people.

This Las Vegas experience will make you realize why the city is coined the Entertainment Capital of the World. From morning to very late night, you will certainly find your hands full of all the interesting things to do in Las Vegas.