Archives for June 2018

June 21, 2018 by: Lesli

9 Reasons to Travel with Your Kids

Traveling with kids is quite an adventure. Discover 8 reasons to travel with kids that make the ups and downs worth it in the long run.

If you find yourself asking, ‘Why should I travel with my kids? It’s so stressful!’ You aren’t alone. Kids are notorious for whining during long car rides, needing multiple bathroom breaks, and begging for a souvenir at every shop you pass.

That’s not relaxing at all. Traveling with kids is hard, but you should still do it. Here are eight reasons why you should travel with your kids.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #1

When you are traveling with your kids you connect with them on a deeper level. Your daily routine is gone, and instead of asking them to put their toys away and eat their dinner you are showing them how big and exciting the world is. It gives you a chance to spend time together as a family and get to know one another.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #2

When you travel with your kids you are making memories. Your children will remember their trips and they often become some of the best memories of their childhood.

These memories also tie the bonds between your family tighter. When your kids are in their 30s, they will barely remember the new app they got last week. They will have solid memories of the time you all went on a grand adventure together.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #3

Traveling with kids shows them just how big the world is. To a preschooler, the world is only as big as your home and the places that they go on a regular basis. They’ll never understand mountains or the ocean unless you show them.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #4

You can teach your kids history when you travel with them. No matter where you go you are bound to be surrounded by the history of who was there before us and how our country or another country was created. Teach these stories to your children. If you don’t know the story of where you’re going, learn about it together beforehand to enhance your experience.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #5

Traveling with kids gives them a sense of wonder. As you already know, kids ask a lot of questions and want to know lots about the world around them. Fill their minds with curiosity and creativity as they walk through an art gallery or marvel at the Grand Canyon. Children who’ve seen the beauty of our world will never be satisfied with a run of the mill existence.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #6

Traveling with kids makes them adventurous. It’s easy for kids to want to spend all their time indoors staring at a screen. You can fight this by taking your kids on a real adventure.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #7

Travel teaches your kids about culture and that some people live differently than they do. For example, when in the Southwest they’ll try spicy Tex-Mex food but in New England they’ll sample fresh seafood. They’ll learn how people adapt and live based on the climate in which they live.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #8

When you travel with kids, you meet people you’ll never meet in your daily routine. We live in a world where children need to learn to treat everyone around them with honor and respect. They will be much more likely to honor people that don’t look, talk, or act like them if they’ve met different people in their travels.

Reasons to Travel with Kids #9

Lastly, you should travel with your kids because it makes your family stronger. Sharing experiences with your family, whether they be exciting, scary, comical, or adventurous, brings you closer together. In the story you write for your family, your traveling chapters will be some of the greatest!

If you choose to travel with your kids you may return home feeling like you need another vacation, but do it anyway. Go. Embrace the adventure together! Show them that the world is bigger than your backyard and teach them that all people are different yet similar. Some of the best memories are made while traveling, so travel with your kids even though it’s hard!

June 10, 2018 by: Lesli

14 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up

Traveling and adventuring with your children will build family bonds for a lifetime. Where should you take them? We have 14 places to take your kids before they grow up and venture out on their own for your family.

One of the best things that you can do for your children is travel with them. Children are full of curiosity and imagination.

There is no better time to travel than when your children are little. While traveling anywhere is a good thing, here are a few places to take with your kids before they grow up.

Natural Places to Take Your Kids

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest and the oldest National Park in the United States. During your visit, your children will marvel at the geysers and enjoy viewing the various wildlife.

Yosemite

This beautiful national park in California is a must-see for families across the USA. There’s nothing that compares to the majesty of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the multitude of hiking and waterfalls to enjoy.

Redwood National Forest

The Redwood National Forest in California is home to the tallest and widest trees in the country. Your kids will feel like ants in comparison to the giant trees. Everyone should visit Redwood National Forest at least once in their lifetime.

Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River, Florida is one of the few places that you can not only view but swim with manatees in their natural habit. These gentle giants pose no threat to humans.

Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave is the largest known cave system in the world! During your visit, you can choose to take a leisurely stroll through the cave or join the park rangers to earn their Junior Rangers Badge.

Cultural American Places to Take Your Kids

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a fantastic place for children because it allows you to take a step back in time and experience the world as it was in the 18th century. Whether they are taking a ride in a carriage or learning how to make bricks kids will love this trip.

Washington, D. C.

Walk in the footsteps of history and culture when your family tours everything from the National Archives to the Smithsonian museums. You children will have a whole new view of their country when they’ve seen such important parts of history.

The Statue of Liberty

Children will delight in seeing the Statue of Liberty and learning a little bit about our nation’s history. They will love it even more if they get to climb to the top and look out over the harbor.

New York City

This rushing, busy city is an incredible place for kids to see and experience. With everything from Broadway to Central Park, your children will be enthralled every minute.

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operated by NASA, gives your children the experience of a lifetime as they learn about space. If you plan your trip at the right time, you can even watch a rocket launch.

U. S. Space and Rocket Center – Huntsville, AL

While you won’t see the rockets launch, at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center your kiddos can run around the rocket garden, hang out under the Saturn V rocket, and check out the Moon Rover! While in Huntsville, take a tour of the Red Stone Arsenal. You’ll see buildings where parts of the Space Launch System are under construction, test platforms, and much more.

The St. Louis Arch

As the starting place for most of the pioneers heading into the U.S. West, St. Louis holds a special place in history. Visit the unique monument, take a trip up the inside in an elevator, and get a new view of the Mississippi River.

The Grand Canyon, the Four Corners and Monument Valley

The place where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet is known as the Four Corners. It’s the only place in the States that will allow your kids to be in 4 places at once! That’s an experience that all kids want to have!

Along the way, make sure you visit the beautiful western scenery of Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. Your children will be amazed by the stunning vistas.

Fun and Exciting Places to Take Your Kids

Disney World

Disney World is the place where dreams come true. Every child needs to visit Disney World and watch the magic come alive around them.

Hershey, Pennsylvania

It is said that the entire town of Hershey smells like chocolate. Your children will love seeing and taste testing chocolate at the Hershey Factory. While there you can take a free tour of the factory and even create your own chocolate bar.

Where do you want to visit with your kids before they grow up?

Instead of investing in things for your kids give them experiences. Travel with them and watch their eyes fill with wonder as they explore the world around them.

June 5, 2018 by: Lesli

9 Staycation Ideas for Your Family

Family vacations are wonderful times of togetherness for a family. If you’re staying home this year, use these staycation ideas to make memories with your family.

There is nothing like a family vacation to put a little excitement in your life and bring your family together! However, if your budget is tight this year and you’ll be staying home, then what you need is a staycation.

Here are nine staycation ideas that the whole family will love.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #1

Game Night

The fun thing about game night is that there are many game options for people of all ages. You could start your day out with fun games that your kids will love and then play a few grown-up games after the little ones go to bed.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #2

Themed Days

Pick a favorite family movie, such as Star Wars, and plan your entire day around that theme. Watch the film, play a Star Wars game, eat themed snacks, and end your day with a little star gazing. Just pick a movie that everyone loves and go with it. Pinterest has tons of ideas if you need a little help.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #3

Go Swimming

What’s summer without a day at the pool? Find a pool or waterpark near you and load up the family. Everyone is sure to love a day splashing around in the water. If you are completely set on staying home then you could always pull out the sprinkler and a few water guns!

*Family Friendly Tip: Taking a staycation in the winter, fall, or spring? Let the kids throw on bathing suits and swim in the master tub!

Staycation Ideas – Idea #4

Amusement Parks

Amusement Parks have a variety of rides, games, and shows that everyone will love. Make sure you plan ahead so that everyone gets to spend time doing what they love.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #5

Sporting Event

Whether it’s baseball, basketball, or football that your family loves, a staycation is the perfect time to go to a game. Put on your team’s colors and have fun cheering them on as a family.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #6

Bowling

Who doesn’t love bowling? Make it extra special by going glow bowling late at night. Many bowling alleys have bumpers for the kids. It doesn’t matter if you keep score or play for fun, everyone is sure to have a great time.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #7

Take a Hike

Hiking and seeing nature’s beauty is one of the best things that you can do for your kids. Depending on what’s in your area you could take them to see waterfalls, mountains, rivers, canyons, and wildlife. Just make sure that you find a hike that won’t be too hard for your kids.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #8

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Head to the mall, grocery store, or a park for a scavenger hunt. To make the day a challenge, group your family into different teams and compete to finish your hunt first.

Staycation Ideas – Idea #9

Pretend You’re a Tourist

Is there a tourist location in your hometown? Have you ever been? Take a day or two to pretend you’re a tourist in your own city. Visit the hokey, cheesy, or cool draws that bring people to your area. Take the time to visit the zoo, garden, or attraction you’ve just never been to. You’ll know more about your city, and have a fun time together.

Just because you are staying at home doesn’t mean a staycation has to be boring! With a little imagination you can plan a staycation that the whole family will love.