Traveling with kids can be expensive, which is why parents are most likely to be trolling the budget columns of travel magazines for ideas on cheap and free things to do on vacation. A perennial favorite on those frugal lists? City parks. A city with a great park system is often very child friendly, and the park is just the start.

5 Great City Parks Worth Visiting

Pittsburgh – Frick Park

This 5-acre park hosts municipal sporting events and free theater. It also features an 18 “hole” fitness course with exercise pit stops along the route.

New York City – Central Park

The mother of all parks, Central Park is practically a city unto itself, complete with interesting citizens and busy intersections.

Savannah – Forsyth Park

Tourists flock to the fountains, but locals are more likely to be spending their weekends in the park’s cafe and splash park.

Cleveland – Cleveland Metroparks

Enjoy river hiking or just watching the waterfalls in the Metroparks, a network of parks that circles the city of Cleveland.

Chicago - Millennium Park

The sleek, reflective surfaces of The Bean is just steps away from wide lawns and beautiful flower gardens along the shores of Lake Michigan. Better still? You’re a short cab ride away from the shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Photos Britt Reints

Homestyle Cooking at Mrs. Wilke's in Savannah

Do you love to eat? Then book your next vacation to one of these delicious destinations.

Savannah, Georgia

Don’t expect to find a healthy meal, but you’re on vacation! Hit up Mrs. Wilke’s for a unique family-style dining experience fit for President Obama, whose photo you’ll find on the wall amid other chewing celebrities. If you’re looking for a celebrity chef, head to the The Lady and Sons, the restaurant owned by Food Network star Paula Deen.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you ask a local what they do for fun, they’ll tell you where to eat. Eating, drinking and playing music are the Crescent City’s most popular past times. You might not be able to jam with the band on the street, but you can dig in like a local at Mother’s. For a more touristy experience, head to Cafe du Monde for coffee and donuts. And for the best burger anywhere, grab a cab and head to Port of Call.

Cleveland, Ohio

Are you the friend who is always the first to discover a new restaurant? Then step away from the well-worn path and head to Cleveland to discover a growing foodie culture. In 2009,Cleveland’s Greenhouse Tavern was selected as Bon Appétit Magazine’s Top Ten Restaurants in America. While you’re being adventurous, head to Parallax for Cleveland sushi. After dinner, find out why Ohio prides itself on ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Photo Britt Reints

You'll Cut Your Finger Off, Kid!

My son wants a pocket knife for Christmas.  He’s seven.  And while I certainly can’t recall how old I was when I received my first pocket knife I can assure you that I wasn’t seven.  “You’ll cut your finger off, kid!”  My words hung in the air over the forlorn look of absolute dejection that filled his little face.  He’s upset but he’s young.  He’ll get over it.

Our exchange reminded me of one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, A Christmas Story.  Thank  God my kid has yet to reveal the dogged persistence of little Ralphie Parker.  Remember?  All Ralphie wants for Christmas is an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle  with a compass in the stock and a sundial to tell time.  And all he keeps hearing is, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”

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The Sun is Setting on Summer---My Mind is Still at the Beach

My summer is rapidly coming to a close and preparations are being made to ready my little ones for getting back to school.  But those of us fortunate enough to have taken a vacation this summer continue to long for the beach, the park, the open road, the relaxation that is, well—not work.  I have found that August, busy though it may be, is a perfect time to continue in a vacation mindset and nothing helps that better than a carefree Day-cation.

For our family, the perfect day-cation destination tends to be Read More »