Fun Things To Do With Kids: Places to visit with Kids

Showing posts with label Places to visit with Kids. Show all posts

A Memorable Day Trip to St. Michael's

Fun Things Kids Family Day Trips , family vacations

St. Michaels, Maryland, is a charming waterfront town just a short drive from Kent Narrows. Its historic streets, picturesque harbor, and a host of delightful attractions make it the perfect day trip destination. We took the short drive to St. Michaels during our getaway to Kent Narrows. Join us in exploring the highlights of a day trip to from our Kent Narrows base.

Stroll Through History

We started our day with a stroll through St. Michael's historic district. The town is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, and you'll find beautifully restored homes, charming storefronts, and beautiful gardens at every turn.

Wine Tasting at Bordeleau Winery

After walking through the town, we ventured into Bordeleau Winery Tasting Room. We learned about the winemaking process and indulged in a wine-tasting session featuring a variety of their white wines. This was a perfect way to beat the heat and learn more about the town from their exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Lunch at Lemonchelo

After our wine tasting, we stopped at Lemonchelo for a delicious lunch. Lemonchelo is known for its fresh and innovative cuisine. It offers a diverse menu that combines Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients. Whether you opt for a seafood dish, a gourmet sandwich, a fresh salad, or your favorite pasta dish, you are in for a treat.

Exploring the Waterfront

After lunch, we took a stroll along the waterfront in St. Michaels. The town's harbor has charming shops, art galleries, and boutiques.

A day trip from Kent Narrows to St. Michaels promises a delightful blend of history, culture, food, and wine. Every moment is memorable, from the morning walk through the town's historic district to the wine tasting at Bordeleau Winery, a mouthwatering lunch at Lemonchelo, and a leisurely exploration of the waterfront. So, set aside a day to discover the charms of St. Michaels.

Fun Things Visits National Harbor Maryland

Fun Things Kids family friendly holiday activities , Family Travel

Looking for a family friendly place to visit with the kids this holiday season or even a weekend getaway or summer vacation. I have found the place for you, National Harbor Maryland is located about 2 and 1/2 hours away from the Philadelphia area. The National Harbor has something for everyone. It is located on the banks of the Potomac river, right outside of Washington D.C.. It features remarkable hotels, thousands of residential units, tree-lined streets with shops and offices, a marina and much more. The National Harbor is is about a 15 minute drive from Washington D.C.

Family Friendly Activities

Visit ICE this holiday season at the Gaylord National
Take a breathtaking ride on the Capital Wheel
Take a spin on the Carousal
Water Taxis
Sight Seeing Cruises
Outlet Shopping at Tanger Outlets
The National Children’s Museum

Movies on the Potomac

Outdoor Concerts

Go Shopping

Where to Eat

You will never run out of options for good food in the Harbor area. You can get anything from delicious crab cakes at the Crab Cake Cafe or steak and seafood at McLoone's Pier House. During our visit we enjoyed every meal. Below are some of our favorites from our trip

Cadillac Ranch (casual dinning, burgers, steaks, salads)
Elevation Burger (fast casual dinning burgers, fires shakes)
Fiorella Italian Kitchen (casual dinning pizza and entrees
Nando's Peri-Peri ( fast casual dinning Portuguese flame-grilled Peri-Peri Chicken)

Where to Stay

The Residence Inn (check out our review)
Aloft
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

Hampton Inn & Suites

Westin

Wyndham
No matter if you visit the National Harbor for a day trip or make it a longer vacation there is something to see and do for the whole family.

For more information: http://www.nationalharbor.com

Disclosure: Thanks to the National Harbor Visitors Bureau for arranging for our complimentary stay at the National Harbor to facilitate this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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Fun Things Reviews ICE! at the Gaylord National featuring Frosty the Snowman

Fun Things Kids day trip ideas with kids , family friendly holiday activities

A must see event this holiday season is ICE at the Gaylord National in National Harbor MD. Each year the Gaylord plans out a different theme to recreate all in ice. This year's theme is Frosty the Snowman. Join Frosty and his friends through the retelling of a holiday classic. Favorite scenes come to life in more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including a two-story tall ice slide.

What you need to wear
Hats, gloves, winter coat, Anything else that will keep you warm, layers is the key. Once you get your tickets you will make your way to the blue parka section. They have coats in all sizes, believe me the coat will be a welcomed layer once you step into the exhibit.

Once inside
After you get your blue parka you will make your way to a tent to get your photo taken. Then you proceed to the ICE tent, once you are inside you will be happy that you wore those extra layers so you can enjoy the story of Frosty.

ICE features:

Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
Four ice slides
Six individual rooms depicting the story of Frosty the Snowman
The Frostbite Factory – a live carving zone

Tips

Purchase you tickets in advance online (they do sell out)
Bring a camera to take plenty of pictures (but make sure your camera can deal with the frigid temperatures). Just make sure you can work it with your gloves on
Try to visit during non peak hours
Take you time walking through there is so much to see
Definitely take a trip or two down the ice slides
No strollers are permitted inside the ICE exhibit
You can park at the The Gaylord National, or there are parking garages throughout the National Harbor area

Visiting ICE put my family and I in the mood for the holiday season. From the Philadelphia area National Harbor is about an 2 and 1/2 hour drive. Because there is so much to do in the National Harbor you can do this as a day trip or an overnight stay. Click here to read more about the National Harbor.

For more information: http://www.marriott.com

Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street National Harbor Maryland 20745

This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Price: $16-$34

Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit ICE.

Review of Great Wolf Lodge

Fun Things Kids East Coast Family Vacations , Indoor water parks PA

Looking for a place to take the kids over Spring Break, or for the perfect summer vacation? Well look no further than the Poconos at Great Wolf Lodge. Recently my family and I went to Great Wolf Lodge to check out what they have to offer for families.

lobby area

When you arrive, the fun starts the minute you step onto the property. Check in was easy and simple. Everyone staying in your room will be given a bracelet that they wear the entire time you are on the property. This serves as your room key and you have the option to charge food on the bracelet too. I like the fact that the bracelet was our room key and I didn't have to worry about carrying a key-card around. My kids loved that they could unlock the door without asking me for the key.

family suite

We had a family suite that had plenty of room for my family of four. We also had a balcony outside that overlooked a mountain that was beautiful. Once we settled in, we hit the water park.

Water Park

The water park is a huge indoor playground for the whole family. It is divided into different sections. There is a water park for the little ones with small slides, and spray and play features. They also have a giant tree house that kids can climb, spray and slide through. Older kids can take a turn on the many slides like the double barrel drop or the hydro plunge. Tweens/Teens will have fun on the Coyote Cannon (think of a toilet bowl because it drops you into a big bowl that you swirl around in and fall out the bottom) or Alberta falls that twists you in and outside of the indoor portion of the water park (even in winter time). The whole family can enjoy Crooked Creak (a lazy river) or take a ride with the family on River Canyon Run. And don't think you won't get wet. If you hear a bell that sounds like a train you may get soaked. I did and my kids loved it!

I was happy to see that the life guards really watched the pools, they walked back and forth constantly looking at the pool. They take safety very seriously at Great Wolf, which made me feel safe while my kids were swimming.

Other Activities
You would think that the only thing to do at Great Wolf is the water park, but you would be wrong. There are plenty of activities for your family to do outside the water park. Each evening there is a story time in the lobby, along with face painting, dance parties and much more. I loved that I saw kids walking around the lodge in their pajamas waiting for story time.

Bowling Alley

There is also indoor Glow Golf, a bowling alley, an arcade, a kids spa, and much more. Something that I saw that kept the kids really engaged was MagiQuest. With MagiQuest you purchase a wand in the store and you go on a magical adventure to unlock clues.

Food
There is a snack bar in the water park area, you can buy drinks, sandwiches and snacks. There is also a sit down restaurant in the lodge, the evening we went it was a buffet and there was plenty of choices even for the picky eaters in your family. If your craving Pizza Hut pizza, or a sweat treat they have you covered. You can also order a pizza and take it back to you room and relax. Oh, and Starbucks lovers don't fear, they even have a Starbucks in the lodge.

Dinner Buffet

Tips:

Go during the week for less crowds
Pack at least 2 bathing suits so if you go back to the water park later in the day you can put a dry bathing suit on
No reason to bring beach towels they have towels in the water park
Once you check out of your room on your departure day, you can stay and enjoy the resort amenities until 9pm.
There is a locker room in the water park to change
You can rent lockers in the water park
Rooms all have small refrigerators in them for drinks and food

Check out some of the highlights from our trip

For more information: http://www.greatwolf.com/poconos/waterpark

Activites at the Gaylord National's Christmas on the Potomac

Fun Things Kids Holiday Events , kids friendly hotels/resorts

There are plenty of activities to keep you family busy at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center.

ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls
I highly recommend getting tickets to see ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls. Here is my review of the amazing display ICE.

DreamWorks Character Meet and Greet
While your are in the ICE tent get your tickets for DreamWorks Character meet and Greet (with Scavenger Hunt). This a a great chance for you to meets some of your favorite DreamWorks Characters up close and personal. The Rise of the Guardians Scavenger Hunt will take you on a fun adventure to find clues to help the Guardians ward of the Boogieman. The scavenger hunt is a lot of fun. Younger children will need help from mom and dad, but it makes it a fun family adventure.

ShrekFeast
Join Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots for a yummy feast. Guest become an honorary Ogre or Ogress.We loved the yummy Shrek shaped waffles and the green chocolate fountain. Plenty of food!

Gingy's Gingerbread Decorating
Make your own gingerbread house and when you are done meet Gingy. You never know, you might be able to get him to dance like my kids did!

Brunch with Santa
Have a brunch buffet with Santa and tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

Potomac Express Train Rides
Kids can take a ride on a miniature train.

Indoor Snowfall
You don't have to bundle the kids up to watch the snowfall indoors. The snow fall happens two times a night. At the nightly tree lighting show at 6:30 pm and during the Brightest Star Fountain Show at 9:00 pm. Both of these shows are held indoors and they are a must see while staying at the Gaylord.

Here is a short video of Fun Things having fun at the Gaylord National

With all the activities available for families, you won't run out of things to do at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center.

For more info: http://www.gaylordhotels.com/

Review of the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center

Fun Things Kids kids friendly hotels/resorts , Places to visit with Kids

Over Thanksgiving break I had a chance to visit the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center. The hotel in located in National Harbor Maryland right outside of Washington DC. The Gaylord National is an absolute gorgeous hotel with all the glitz and glamour of the DC's best hotels. As soon as you pull up to the hotel you are treated as if you are royalty. All the employees smile and make conversation with you and they are always willing to help with whatever you need.

I loved that the lobby was decorated for the holidays and it instantly got me in the Christmas spirit. The check-in process was easy and the staff at the front desk was super friendly. After check in we went to check out our room which was stunning and the balcony had the perfect view of the atrium. If you can afford to pay a little extra for an atrium view I suggest doing it. The atrium view rooms are perfect for watching the nightly holiday shows from the comfort of your own room. One of the nice touches I appreciated was the nightly turn down service. The room was very comfortable and so was the bed.

My kids loved the glass elevators which make the ride down to the lobby or atrium a fun one. The views of the Potomac from different areas of the hotel are spectacular. You can walk out of the hotel to the river walk.

If the weather is frightful during you stay at the Gaylord National no worries. You can stay in the hotel, the atrium has a few shops in it and there are also 3 restaurants. There is even a bakery to get coffee or an afternoon treat. The very large indoor pool is one of the best in the area to swim in, no matter how cold it is outside.

Here is a video of an atrium view suite.

For more information: www.gaylordhotels.com

ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls

Fun Things Kids Children Delaware county , field trip ideas with kids

If you have been following me on twitter you may have read about an amazing attraction I had the chance to visit called ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls at the Gaylord National hotel in Maryland.

Ice! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls is a one of a kind exhibit made from 2 million pounds of ice and kept at a frigid 9 degrees. I have never seen anything like this before, it's amazing how they carve the ice and add lights and color to each piece.

Our ICE! experience started off with a movie showing how the ICE! exhibit was created. They will also go over safety inside the exhibit, no heels are allowed on the ice slides, don't touch the ice and a few others. Then you move into the next room where you are given a blue parka jacket that goes over your coat to keep you extra warm. Remember it's only 9 degrees inside! Each room is filled with sculptures made completely of ice.The larger than life scenes that recreate the 'Shrek the Halls" TV special. You will see plenty of your favorite Shrek characters like Donkey, Puss in Boots, the Three Little Pigs and the Pink Dragon. My kids favorite part was the ice slide, they have both little and big slides. Be prepared to be in that room for a little while because the kids will want to experience the slides multiple times!

Tip: Wear your winter coat, hats and gloves, just like you would to go play in the snow outside.


Here is a video peak of my visit to ICE!

Does this sound like something you want to experience with your family? You may be in luck. Fun Things is giving away 4 tickets to experience ICE! with you family this holiday season.
**Please note this contest is for four ticket vouchers only to experience ICE!

Since this attraction is in National Harbor (right outside of D.C.) you should consider an overnight stay. If you would like to book a hotel room during your visit click here for rates.

Also the tickets are only good during "Non-Peak" dates Monday -Friday and not valid on 12/24, 12/26 - 28, 12/31 or 1/1 (considered peak days).

Please fill out the form below for your chance to win before December 1st

For more information:   http://www.gaylordhotels.com

Location: Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center: 201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745

This event is appropriate for:   the whole family

Cost: $13.99 -$29.99

Christmas on the Potomac at the Gaylord National

Fun Things Kids field trip ideas with kids , Holiday Events

Gaylord National Resort Presents 2012 Christmas on the Potomac

Are you looking for something different to do with your family this holiday season? The Gaylord National has you taken care of this holiday season with their Christmas on the Potomac. Where can you meet the world-famous DreamWorks characters …. see a 60-foot-tall glass Christmas tree … experience an indoor snowfall…. gaze at two million dazzling lights ….or walk through an icy wonderland? It’s all part of the fifth-annual Christmas on the Potomac celebration, taking place Nov. 16, 2012 to Jan. 6, 2013, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, just south of Washington, D.C.

ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls©

Hand-carved from TWO-MILLION pounds of colorful ice (all kept at a frigid 9 degrees), this indoor frozen attraction returns with an all-new hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks Shrek the Halls. As they walk through ICE!, guests will experience the heartwarming story of the “Shrek The Halls” animated, holiday TV special featuring Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Gingy, as they celebrate Christmas in their own special way. The story follows Shrek as he tries to plan the "perfect Christmas" for Fiona and the kids, only to have plans disrupted by chaos and commotion. But, in the end, Shrek learns the true meaning of the holiday. Guests will walk through jaw-dropping scenes carved entirely of ice, and can even slide down incredible two-story-tall ice slides.

ShrekFeast

Got an ogre-sized appetite? Join Shrek, Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots for a fairy tale feast including Shrek-shaped waffles and a Magic Fountain bubbling over with chocolate potions. Solve riddles and puzzles to become an honorary Ogre or Ogress.

DreamWorks Character Meet & Greet (with Scavenger Hunt)

Enjoy up-close-and-personal time with your favorite DreamWorks characters. Get a big ogre hug from Shrek; show Po your best Kung Fu moves; let Puss in Boots purr his way into your heart, and take silly pictures with Alex the Lion in Madagascar! Then, the whole family will have fun exploring our spectacular indoor atrium on an interactive scavenger hunt inspired by the new DreamWorks’ movie: The Rise of the Guardians.

Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating

This fun, sticky, decorating tradition is now a whole lot sweeter! Hosted by Gingy (from the Shrek movies), this fun activity lets guests choose from four unique gingerbread shapes: a delectable Gingerbread Family, Tree, Train or Gingerbread House. After they've decorated their creation – don’t forget the gum drop buttons! – guests will meet Gingy himself for a heart-warming hug and photo.

And much more

The Gaylord National also has packages for overnight stays.

For more info: www.gaylordhotels.com

Colonial Williamsburg

Fun Things Kids History with kids , Places to visit with Kids

Recently Fun Things traveled to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg is a great way to teach the kids about our history through a very hands on experience. Colonial Williamsburg makes you feel as if you have taken a time machine back to the 1800's.

Before You Go

I recommend going online before you go and doing a little research to plan out what you want to do and see. The Colonial Williamsburg website also has a kids section on their site with helpful information and games for the kids. I would also recommend spending at least 2 days seeing all the events and programs available. There is so much to do and you want to make sure you catch everything.

List of

Activities

When You Arrive

Start your visit at the Visitor Center where you can purchase Colonial Williamsburg tickets, make dining reservations and rent children's costumes at Costume Rental Center. The visitor center also has free parking and shuttle buses that take you to the different areas of Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg is a public place, so anyone can walk its streets and enter the stores and restaurants. Admission tickets are required to enter the "private" buildings like the capitol, the governor's palace, and any building where demonstrations take place.

Gardens

Locals

What to See

Babies: Please keep in mind the the streets are brick or crushed shell, so bring a stroller that can handle the rough terrain. Also, many buildings can not accommodate strollers so you will need to carry your little one into the buildings.

Toddlers: Take advantage of the beautiful gardens to let you toddler run off some steam. The gardens are beautiful to look at and little ones love exploring. Also the Market Square Stands is a great place for them to look at items and walk around in a less crowded area than the shops.

School-Age Kids: Make kids feel part of the action by renting a costume or buying a hat. Take a break from touring the buildings by visiting the Kids Corner to play games. Have them talk to the locals to learn more about living in the area and how different it is from today. When you're at the visitors center make sure you find out about the family programs going on during the day. They have demonstrations, kids games and talks about what it was like living in the 18th century. Don't forget to make reservations for the family friendly ghost tour of the local taverns.

Merchant Square

Where to Eat and Shop

I would recommend making reservations for dining with Colonists. Kids love interacting with the Colonists and experiencing what it was like dinning in the 18th century. Colonial Williamsburg has four choices Christiana Campbell's Tavern, Chowning's Tavern, King's Arms Tavern and Shields Tavern. And yes children's menus are available.

There is also plenty of shopping and dinning in Merchant's Square. I would recommend the Cheese Shop if your looking for a quick meal like sandwiches. If you want a sit down meal try Seasons.

Plan your getaway to Colonial Williamsburg today!

Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit Colonial Williamsburg.

Bush Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

Fun Things Kids amusement parks with kids , Places to visit with Kids

During Spring Break I had the wonderful oppurtuinty to visit Bush Gardens in Williamsburg VA. The first thing I noticed about this park is how beautiful it is, there were tulips and spring flowers everywhere. Now I understand why it was named the World's Most Beautiful Park.

Before You Go

I definitely recommend visiting the Bush Gardens website before you go. This will give you a chance to get an overview of the rides and the park sections which are divided up by countries. You can purchase tickets online too. This will cut down on waiting in line. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes there is a lot of walking and hills in Bush Gardens, so you will get a good workout.

Once You Arrive

When you enter the park through England, look for the height check station housed inside English phone booths. Your child will be given a colored wristband and a sheet indicating the rides they can enjoy. It definitely takes the guessing game out of which rides your kids can go on.

Also, check out the schedule of different shows for the day. I recommend Pet Shenanigans, Pirates 4-D and Tales of Good and Grim (which is in air-conditioning). If you want to to dine with Elmo and Friends you want to make your reservations at Guest Services in England.

Toddlers

Younger children will want to head to Sesame Street Forest Fun for everything Sesame Street. There are shows, a playground and a water playground to keep the little ones cool on the hot days. The rides in this section are perfect for your little ones. They even have a roller coaster for kids 33 inches and taller. Also head to the Land of Dragons for more kids rides and a huge outdoor playground with climbing nets and a tree-house.

School Aged Children

Depending on the height of your child, they may be able to give the roller coaster a try if they are into adventure. Kids under 52 inches will have plenty rides to try in each country. Le Scoot (log flume), Europe in the Air, Curse of the DarKastle, Mach Tower and Verbolten (opening 5/18/2012).

Teens and Older

Bush Gardens is the perfect park for those dare devil teens. They have a roller coaster to meet all of their needs. Escape to Pompeli, Apollo's Chariot, Roman Rapids, Loch Ness Monster and much more.

Overall

Bush Gardens has something for everyone. Rides for the younger family members and thrilling roller-coasters for the rest of the family. Even is you're not a big ride person, the grounds of the park are gorgeous and you can catch a show or two. If your heading to the Williamsburg area for a family vacation, Bush Gardens should definitely be on your list to visit.

Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit Bush Gardens.

Delaware Children’s Museum Speedway Days

Fun Things Kids childrens museums , field trip PA

Girls and boys, start your engines!

From September 17 through October 2, 2011, Delaware Children’s Museum guests can explore basic physics principles during the new “DCM Speedway Days,” a 16-day celebration featuring several race-themed programs throughout the Museum.

Children will find a colorful fleet of Roller Racers^® in the DCM’s Open Gallery, where they can exercise their bodies and brains . . . moving the handle bars from side to side and using physics to propel themselves.

Roller Racers employ an intriguing combination of lateral friction, force, and torque that lets riders make the vehicles move, and guests can try obstacle maneuvers, an all-out speed test, or free-form stylin’ at scheduled times.

Round a corner and you’ll find more physics activities in the DCM lab classrooms and exhibition galleries. Explore everyday scientific concepts that are also used in racing, including momentum, motion, machines, and magnets, in featured programs: “Don’t Be a Drag!” (aerodynamics), “Ready, Set . . . GO!” (momentum), and “Machine Mechanics” (simple machines).

A special program for preschoolers only, “Incline Design,” in the DCM’s early-childhood Training Wheels gallery will provide the youngest guests the a chance to play with the effects of different ramp angles and lengths on speed and momentum.

Guests can also explore their creativity in the Delaware College Investment Plan

Studio D gallery by playing with magnets and gears or creating their own checkered flags.

For more information: www.delawarechildrensmuseum.org

Location: 550 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
“The Big Yellow Building in Riverfront Wilmington”

This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Cost: $12 per person. Museum members and children 12 months and younger admitted at no charge.

All programs during normal Museum hours are free with Museum admission, unless otherwise specified.