Fun Things To Do With Kids: Travel ideas with kids

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Fun Things To Do With Kids Visits the Loews Philadelphia

Fun Things Kids couples getaway , family friendly travel

Lobby of Loews

If you are like my family, winter is always hard to get through. We constantly seek new adventures to get us out of the house. Pre-covid, we would sometimes hop on the train and head to the city to grab a bite to eat or explore Philadelphia. Since covid we have yet to return to the city for some fun. As we were researching our options, we learned about the Loews Philadelphia Warm Up and Save package.

View from our room

If you're in Delaware or Chester County, hopping on the train at any suburban station is not as difficult as it seems. And in most cases, you don't even have to buy your ticket ahead of time. Train conductors now take credit with the tap of your phone. Just make sure when heading to Loews you get off at Jefferson Station.

When arriving at the Loews hotel, you know you are in for a very hip and luxurious time. This art deco-style hotel takes inspiration from its history as the former money center for the elite as the old Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) building.

Our check-in was easy, and the staff was courteous and helpful. Loews welcomes kids and families all the way down to the family pet. They believe in making memories with your loved ones. Loews Philadelphia has partnered with HelloBello and Little Spoon to provide kid-approved amenities in their hotel and restaurant. It always makes my children feel welcome when a hotel has something special for them.

Grand Room

Our room was on the 30th floor and was called a Grand Room, a recently renovated corner room. This style room offers spectacular 180-degree views of the city. All of the guestrooms at the Loews Philadelphia have been recently refreshed. The bathrooms now have porcelain mosaic tile, polished nickel, and stand-up showers or low-profile tubs.

Tent for kids

As part of the Warm Up and Save Package, our room had a Kids Cozy Camping tent, which consisted of a pretend campfire, marshmallows, cups, and plates. This will keep your kids entertained the whole time they are in the room.

Bank & Bourbon

The Loews Philadelphia has on-site dining at Bank and Bourbon, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel lounge is where guests mingle, relax, and unwind after a day in the city. The lounge has drinks and snacks for you to enjoy. There is also a grab-and-go area called POD Market. You can pick up pastries from many local favorites, including Metropolian Bakery or a cup of coffee from La Colombe Coffee. You can also order room service, which we did for breakfast. We got muffins and the kid's French toast, a decent size for a kid's meal. Everything was delicious.

Lounge

The Loews Philadelphia also has Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon and a fitness center. So you can fit in a quick workout, relax with a massage, or even get your hair styled.

You might be asking what else can you do in the area. The hotel is right next to Reading Terminal Market, the Philadephia Convention Center, City Hall, the Fashion District, and more. Since you are in Center City, you are within walking distance of many of the historical attractions in Philadelphia.

If you haven't been to Center City with the family in a while, it might be time to explore the area again. The Loews Philadelphia is really a family destination to check out. The accommodations were beautiful; the staff was friendly and helpful, and the location was easy to get to. Add in a visit to one of many exceptional restaurants in the area, and it is also a great option for a romantic getaway for parents and couples. Hopefully, you and your family can visit Loews Philadelphia so you can make memories, too.

Warm Up and Save Package

Package includes:

Overnight Accommodations
Valet Parking for one vehicle
$25 In Room Movie Credit per stay
Welcome Amenity Treat
Upgrade to next room category, based on availability (excluding Suites)
Late checkout of 2 pm, based on availability
Kids Cozy Camping Tent*, based on availability (*not to take home)

Offer Ends Mar 31, 2024

Watch our video review on YouTube

For more information: https://www.loewshotels.com/philadelphia-hotel/specials/warm-up-and-save

Location: 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107

This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Spring Break Travel Ideas to do with the Kids

Fun Things Kids Family Travel , Kids friendly travel

Looking for a family-friendly getaway during Spring Break? We have picked out some of our favorite places to visit. All of our picks are driveable and no more than a few hours from the Philadelphia suburbs.

1. DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster PA. There is so much to do at this family-friendly resort. This 185-room resort is very family friendly, but it's also perfect for a weekend getaway without the kids. The hotel is about a 10-15 minute drive to the Strasburg Rail Road, Choo Choo Barn, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and other Lancaster attractions.

2. Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains. If you are looking for a water park adventure then Kalahari will keep everyone happy and entertained. Kalahari is just under two hours away from the Philadelphia area. Kalahari is truly a family oriented place and they have thought of everything to keep all members of the family happy and occupied while on vacation.

3. National Harbor Maryland

The National Harbor area is located on the banks of the Potomac River and it has plenty of activities to keep the family busy, take a breathtaking ride on the Capital Wheel or a spin on the Carousel. Explore the area with Water Taxis or a Sight Seeing Cruises.

There are two great resorts to stay in while visiting the area Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center and The Residence Inn

4. Inner Harbor Baltimore Maryland

Baltimore has something for everyone. Younger kids will enjoy Port Discovery Museum, which offers 3 floors of hands-on activities for the kids. National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Museum are also must see places when visiting the Harbor

If you want to stay check out the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Maryland that is in walking distance to all the attractions.

5. Williamsburg Virginia

The Williamsburg area has plenty of activities to keep your family busy. Head to Busch Gardens for some family thrills. Take a step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Settlement.

6. Crystal Spring Resort Grand Cascades Lodge

Grand Cascades Lodge is a beautiful and well-appointed AAA 4-Diamond hotel located in Hamburg, New Jersey. The main attraction for families at the hotel is the Biosphere, which is an indoor pool complex with an aquarium, vortex pools, and caves, and lush tropical foliage; year-round outdoor heated pool; 140-foot waterslide. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the family busy.

Big Changes Coming to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains

Fun Things Kids Family Travel , Indoor water parks PA

If you ever visited Kalahari Resorts before, you will want to plan a return trip. If you haven't been there before, it's time to start planning your trip.

This past week I got a sneak peak of all the new things coming to Kalahari Resorts. The resort will truly have something for everyone in you family, no matter what age they are.

This March, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains will become the home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark – dethroning the current title holder, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.

The indoor waterpark will have 8 new slides

Screaming Hyena:

Sahara Sidewinder:

Kenya’s Korkscrew:

Zig-Zag Zebra:

Cheetah Race Mat Slide:

During this expansion, Kalahari has added 520 rooms. They also added a few suites so you can bring your whole family and even your extended family, with the option of 3 bedroom suites or five bedroom suites. With the addition of these suites, you will have plenty of room to relax and spend holidays or special occasions with your family.

Kalahari will be adding some new dining options too. I had the chance to try samples of food that will be served at the restaurants and guest will be in for a special treat. This is not your typical resort food, you will be enjoying gourmet food.

Double Cut Charcoal Grill/Liquor Bar:
Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience featuring: premium cuts of meat, craft cocktails, family style sides and more

Sortino's Italian Kitchen:
The menu will include: wood-fired pizza, Italian family dining, a large variety of wines and more.

Marrakesh Market:
Grab and go convenience bazaar style shopping, unique gifts, authentic-African items and everyday needs.

Even more family fun:

If you get tired of the waterpark you will be able to check out the new virtual reality experience, The Arena. Guest can step into the virtual reality and play with other guests.

If you want some outdoor adventure check out Gorilla Grove Treetop Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park (now open)

Kalahari Resorts continues to be a top-notch family friendly resort for families looking for a weekend getaway or a family reunion.

For more information: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania

Disclosure: Thanks, Kalahari Resorts for arranging for our complimentary stay to facilitate this article. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Last Minute Summer Travel Ideas

Fun Things Kids Family Travel , kid friendly hotel

Looking for a quick getaway before the kids head back to school? We have picked out some of our favorite places to visit. All of our picks are driveable and no more than a few hours from the Philadelphia suburbs.

1. Double Tree Resort in Lancaster PA. There is so much to do at this family-friendly resort. This 185-room resort is very family friendly, but it's also perfect for a weekend getaway without the kids. The hotel is about a 10-15 minute drive to the Strasburg Rail Road, Choo Choo Barn, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and other Lancaster attractions.

3. National Harbor Maryland

There are two great resorts to stay in while visiting the area Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center and The Residence Inn

4. Inner Harbor Baltimore Maryland

If you want to stay check out the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Maryland that is in walking distance to all the attractions.

5. Williamsburg Virgina

6. Crystal Spring Resort Grand Cascades Lodge

Fun Things To Do With Kids Review Jamestown Settlement

Fun Things Kids Colonial Williamsburg , Family Travel

Recently, my family and I visited Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, VA. This is separate from historic Williamsburg but something you should definitely add to your list of places to visit when you are in Williamsburg.

Jamestown Settlement is located near the site of the original Jamestown Colony. Jamestown Settlement is a museum and replica of America's first permanent English colony, founded in Virginia in 1607.

photo courtesy of Jamestown Settlement

Once you purchase your tickets inside the visitor center, you make your way through the galleries that are divided into three major sections. The first gallery introduces visitors to pre-17th-century Virginia. The second gallery explores the relationship between Virginia’s colonists and the native Powhatans. The third gallery provides an overview of the political, social and economic development and expansion of the Virginia colony during the 17th century.

Next visitors travel outside to the Powhatan Indian village. The village has several houses, a crop field and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts. Historical interpreters discuss and demonstrate the Powhatan way of life.

Once you leave the Powhatan village, you walk toward the waterfront that has re-creations of the three ships that transported the original Jamestown colonists to Virginia in 1607 – the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. Kids and adults will love being able to board the ships and explore them.

Once you leave the waterfront you travel into the re-created James Fort, that has homes, a church and other buildings that historical interpreters demonstrate tasks of the time period.

We really liked that everything was hands on at Jamestown Settlement. Visitors can talk with the historical interpreters and learn more about the settlement. I really liked how the interpreters asked the kids questions and helped them learn more about the time period.

For more information: www.historyisfun.org

Location: 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Cost: $17.00 adults, $8.00 ages 6-12. Value-priced combination ticket with Yorktown Victory Center: $21.25 adults, $10.75 ages 6-12. Discount for groups of 15 or more. Children under 6 are free. Parking is free.

Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit Jamestown Settlement in order to facilitate this review.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Fun Things Kids activities for toddlers Delaware county , corn maze in PA

Looking to have some fall family fun? Head to Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster PA. Last weekend my family and I visited the family friendly farm that has something for everyone.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a 15-acre farm, with 50+ Farm Fun activities, including the Hay Chute Slide and Straw Bale Racer, Jump Pillow, Farm Tour Wagon Ride, Petting Zoo and Farm Experience Center, Corny’s Ball-cade, and everyone's favorite the Corn Maze.

They have thought of everything to keep everyone having fun! Forgot your stroller or the kids tired of walking rent a wagon for the day. Kids hungry their are plenty of options for the family to get something to eat or drink.

Cherry Crest has been open for 20 years and this year the corn maze is a locomotive just like it was 20 years age. I loved the fact the there were 3 options when going through the maze, Easy, intermediate and advanced. The advance takes the longest to complete 3.5 to 4 hours and the easy takes under 30 minutes. There are different stations that you can visit while going through the maze where you can get clues on how to get out of the maze. If you get hungry to need to use the bathroom while in the maze no worries they have food and bathrooms in the maze.

After the maze you can enjoy the many activities around the farm the will certainly tire your family out after a day at the farm. Looking for more adventure? Hop on the Strasburg Railroad you can by tickets inside the farm and catch the train.

On October 31st Cherry Crest Adventure Farm will hold Pumpkin Madness Fest

The Pumpkin Madness Fest begins at 12 noon with Corny’s Costume Parade – for kids who come in family-friendly costumes (no masks permitted). Cherry Crest’s mascot Corny will be joined by the Pumpkin Princess for the parade and to greet guests throughout the day.

Pumpkin Madness proves you can get very creative when it comes to smashing pumpkins. Activities include:

Reverse Pumpkin Darts – where you will hurl pumpkins at a board filled with pointy darts!
Pumpkin Shotput Contest – carefully monitored, where competitors with the farthest throws in their category win a Cherry Crest Adventure Farm season pass!
Pumpkin Ring Toss - based on the classic carnival game with various levels for different ages.
Notes from the Sky Pumpkin Drop – where your pumpkin is hurled from the top of a giant boom lift and crashes onto the target below. The bigger the pumpkin the better the splat! People really have fun with this as they can write messages on their pumpkins which are read over the microphone before they’re dropped!
Pumpkin Smashing – with a big rubber mallet – very therapeutic for all ages!
Pumpkin Bowling – for kids age 10 and under.
Pin-the-Face-on-the-Pumpkin – a play on Pin the Tail that’s perfect for small children.
Flyby Pumpkin Pie Drop – at 3:45 p.m.,where you can watch parachuted pies fall from the sky, just for fun!
Flyby Candy Drop – at 4 p.m., where kids age 12 & under can grab all they can as a plane drops the goods from 200 feet.
Monster Pumpkin Drops:
at 3 p.m. see a 800+ pound pumpkin fall from the giant crane.
at 5 p.m. the Grand Finale Giant Pumpkin Drop starring the largest pumpkin we can find. The largest to date – at 1,744.5 pounds – is the record to beat this year!

No worries if you can't make it for a visit this fall, they will open again in the spring for more fun adventure.

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

Location: 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA 17572

* Disclosure: Thanks Cherry Crest Adventure Farm for arranging for our complimentary visit to facilitate this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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.