Showing posts with label Summer Vacation Ideas with Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer Vacation Ideas with Kids. Show all posts

Family-Friendly Adventures Await in Kent Narrows, Maryland

East Coast Family Vacations , family vacation ideas
Family-Friendly Adventures Await in Kent Narrows, Maryland


Looking for a family-friendly getaway that lets the family enjoy the outdoors. Then, take a look at Kent Narrows, Maryland, nestled on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. This is a hidden gem for families seeking memorable outdoor adventures and opportunities to connect with nature. From scenic bike rides to educational experiences, here's a roundup of family-friendly activities in this picturesque waterfront town.


We spent a few days in the area for a quick getaway to relax and unwind before school craziness started. Kent Narrows is family-friendly but is also the perfect place to escape and have a romantic weekend with your partner.


We stayed at the Hyatt Place Hotel, which is located on the water. You can read my review of the hotel here.



As we started our day to explore the area, we stopped at Sugar Doodles Sweet Shop for a delicious smoothie to help us beat the heat. Sugar Doodles offers breakfast items, acai bowls, sweet treats, ice cream, and much more.





Kent Narrows is centered around boat culture, but if you are not a boater, it is still interesting to walk around the marinas. At the Kent Narrows Boatel, a truly amazing and environmentally innovative indoor marina, we watched the workers take boats out of the water and place them back into the Boatel. This is something truly unique and very fun to watch.






The next stop on our adventure was the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.

This center is perfect for families who want to spend time outdoors and want an educational experience. CBEC offers a range of programs and activities that immerse visitors in the region's natural heritage. Explore nature trails, observe wildlife, rent a kayak for the day (at super reasonable rates), register for a kids program, go geocaching, or have picnics.



The next stop on our adventure was Ferry Point Park and Chesapeake Heritage Visitor Center, but unfortunately, it is closed until 2024. Once it opens again, this waterfront park offers expansive green spaces, a playground for the kids, and picnic areas with picturesque bay views. 


At this point of the day, we worked up an appetite and were ready for a delicious lunch at Harris Crab House. Check out our review of restaurants here.


A few other ideas to do with families in Kent Narrows


Discover the rich maritime history of Kent Narrows along the Waterman's Way Heritage Trail. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the town's past, highlighting its ties to the Chesapeake Bay's fishing and seafood industries. The trail is dotted with informative markers that provide insights into the area's heritage, making it an educational and enjoyable activity for the family.


In addition to the Waterman's Way Heritage Trail, Kent Narrows boasts several other scenic walking and nature trails. Explore the wetlands and wooded areas, spot local wildlife, and soak in the tranquility of the natural surroundings. These trails offer an excellent opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.




For a memorable family bonding experience, consider booking a fishing charter in Kent Narrows. These guided excursions are perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. The local waters are teeming with various fish species, providing an exciting opportunity to catch dinner while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. If going out on a boat is not your thing, you can fish from Wells Cove Public Landing.


Another fun activity is to rent bikes or bring your own and take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic waterfront. FIN Bike Rental offers a wide selection of bicycles, including options for children, making it an excellent activity for the entire family. Pedal along the waterside promenade, take in the salty breeze and enjoy the captivating views of the Chesapeake Bay. It's a fantastic way to explore the area's natural beauty at your own pace.


Kent Narrows, Maryland, offers an array of family-friendly activities that combine the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay with opportunities for education and outdoor recreation. Whether cycling along the waterfront, exploring nature trails, or embarking on a fishing adventure, you'll find plenty of ways to create cherished moments with your family in this charming coastal town. So, pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and fun in Kent Narrows.



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Colonial Williamsburg

History with kids , Places to visit with Kids
Colonial Williamsburg

 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.
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Bush Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

amusement parks with kids , Places to visit with Kids
Bush Gardens Theme Park in Williamsburg, Virginia

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.

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Fun Things Visits Adventure Aquarium

Family Day Trips , family friendly activites PA
Fun Things Visits Adventure Aquarium
A week before the holidays my family and I had the chance to visit Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ. This was our first visit and it will not be our last. The aquarium is currently holding it's Christmas Celebration, so the aquarium is decorated for the holidays and the shows have a holiday theme.

We started out in Adventure Zone D, because we wanted to see the hippos. The viewing area to watch them was large and the fish that where in the tank with them were fascinating to watch. Next we made our way over to the Shark Realm, this was the coolest part. We spent a long time in the shark tunnel watching the sharks swimming over us and beside us.

Next we went to Adventure Zone A. This part was neat because we had the chance to touch sand sharks. We also had the chance to see Scuba Santa and one of his elves. Because of the holidays the scuba divers dress in Santa outfits, but even if your there during the non holiday time you can still watch the divers.

We also had the chance to check out Stingray beach which is really cool because not only can you touch a stingray you can put your feet in and walk around where they swim. If you know that your child might be interested in doing something like this make sure they have pants on that can roll up easily.

We loved visiting the Adventure Aquarium. We really liked that they had many opportunities where we could touch animals. At one point we got the chance to touch a jelly fish. There were also lots of hands on exhibits for the kids to learn more about the animals habitats.

The aquarium has a cafeteria where you can purchase food and during warmer weather there is an outdoor seating area so you could pack a lunch and eat outside.

Below is a video overview of what we saw while we were there:




For more information: www.adventureaquarium.com

Location:1 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ

This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Cost: Adult $26.95 Youth (Ages 2-12) $22.95

Sponsored Post
This post is sponsored by Sorella A Boutique For Women, Media PA

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