Like any good fish story, this one got away. That’s right, you just missed Salmon Days in Issaquah, WA and you should be ashamed of yourself. Go ahead and cry it out. I’ll wait.
Okay, enough. You brought it upon yourself. Now sit still and let me tell you what you missed, aka, rub it in.
Every year about this time the salmon leave the deep, salty waters of Seattle’s Puget Sound and they start swimming. They swim through lakes and streams and wind their way to Issaquah Creek, where the water is shallow and clear. They swim all the way to the hatchery in which they were born, they do their thing with the eggs and the stuff and then they die. Needless to say the salmon don’t find the occasion as festive as we do. I watched them for hours and never saw a single party hat. Read More »
Do you have a family? Is Chicago your kind of town? Well, you’re in luck.
The Navy Pier, pictured here, is free to the public. That’s FREE. It’s Chicago’s most visited tourist attraction and has all kinds of activities and events for travelers of all ages.
The Ferris wheel, a carousel and swing ride bring the boardwalk to life. The miniature golf course, the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze and Chicago Children’s Museum give the area a taste that is strictly Chicago. Also, stuff to eat.
Visit Chicago. Take the kids.
UPDATE: Sorry about the Olympics, Chicago. We still dig you.
When in Hawaii do as the Hawaiians do. In this case that means charge a bunch of tourists a hefty sum and then dump them in the ocean. It was worth it.
This photo is from a snorkeling expedition off the coast of Maui. That’s a sea turtle.
“Dude? Dude? Focus dude… Dude?”
See?
“Saw the whole thing, dude. First you were all like “whoa”, and we were like “whoa”, and you were like “whoa…”"
And that’s how it happened. No Snorks were harmed in the writing of this post.
The northern panhandle of Idaho is my family’s stomping ground. Over the years, we’ve discovered a great number of cool and exciting places to take the kids. So, when people ask what there is to do around here with children, I always have a ready list of sights and activities that will make any family vacation a memorable one.
Ten Cool Things For Kids In North Idaho
1. World’s Longest Gondola Ride
Silver Mountain Gondola
In the town of Kellogg, you can board the longest gondola in the world for a 20 minute ride to the Mountain Haus terminal at the top of Silver Mountain, a climb of 3400 vertical feet. In the winter, you’ll find some of the best ski runs around, but in the summer you can hike the nature trails, go mountain biking, or ride the chair lifts for more scenic beauty even higher up the mountain.
2. Hiawatha Bike Trail
Along the Hiawatha Bike Trail
I’ve covered this amazing trail already, but it bears repeating: This is an incredibly easy ride for kids of all ages. 17 miles of gradual downhill biking through stunning wilderness, with a shuttle bus waiting for you at the end to take you back to your car. The 1.6-mile Taft Tunnel alone will keep your children talking about this adventure for a long time.
3. Digging For Garnets
Digging for star garnets
There are only two places in the world to find star garnet gem stones… India and Idaho. Near the tiny town of Clarkia, Idaho, is the forested Emerald Creek Garnet Area, run by the US Forest Service, where you can dig into a massive pile of mud and gravel, then use sluice boxes to search for star garnets. What kid doesn’t like playing in the mud?
4. Coeur d’Alene City Park and Independence Point
Coeur d'Alene City Beach and City Park
Just west of downtown Coeur d’Alene, the 16-acre City Park and Independence Point sits on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Here you’ll find a wide range of free activities, from playing on a huge wooden castle in the park to splashing on the smooth sands of City Beach. For something more adventurous, you can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and jet skis, or, view the lake from above via parasail or float plane.
5. Tubbs Hill Beaches
A secluded beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene
If you’re in Coeur d’Alene and you want to get away from the crowds at City Beach, I suggest taking a hike on Tubbs Hill, a 135-acred forested peninsula with a 2-mile loop trail that will take you to one of dozens of secluded beaches. Oh, there will still be people out there during the summer, just not as many. All along the trail, older kids will find rope swings and high rocks so they can fling themselves into the water below. Our favorite Tubbs Hill beach is at the tip of the peninsula, where there are smaller rocks for the kids to play on. Just a warning, though… Bring swim shoes. These beaches are mostly rocky, and not easy on bare feet.
6. Sierra Silver Mine Tour
Inside the Sierra Silver Mine
We’ve been on this tour so many times, I should get frequent miner miles. The tour starts in downtown Wallace, a town that is so historic they put the whole place on the National Registry of Historic Places. A trolley takes you up to the mine itself, where you don hardhats and then descend into a cool dark tunnel that winds into the mountain for over 1,000 feet. During the 90-minute tour, you’ll learn a lot about hard rock mining and the history of the Silver Valley. It’s completely safe, although a little bit noisy when they demonstrate the hydraulic equipment.
7. David Thompson Game Preserve
Oh, deer.
Located along the northern shore of Lake Pend O’Reille, this game preserve is cool with my kids for one reason. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of whitetail deer there, grazing contentedly along the paths and roads, and in amongst the Beyond Hope RV Park. Several years ago, the owners prohibited feeding the very tame deer, but it’s still fun to walk among them.
8. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Chatcolet Bridge, on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
I don’t propose you make your kids pedal the entire 73-mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. That’s a long way. But you can certainly ride portions of the trail, which spans almost the entire panhandle and runs along rivers and lakes, over trestles and bridges, and through several historic small towns. There are 20 trailheads with parking and restrooms, so you can begin your ride anywhere. One of our favorite short rides starts in Heyburn State Park and crosses the 3100-foot Chatcolet Bridge, which spans the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Another beautiful spot to start a ride is near the Old Mission at Cataldo, where you can ride east along the north fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
9. University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Stopping to smell the roses
Amid the rolling hills of Moscow, in the middle of the campus of the University of Idaho, sits 63 acres of walking trails, ponds, creeks, and, of course, lush vegetation divided into geographical regions. Don’t tell your kids that it’s educational, just let them roam the grounds and discover things for themselves. There are rare flowers and trees, and plenty of granite benches to sit or climb on. My kids had the most fun exploring the creek and ponds, where a student researcher patiently showed them tadpoles and frogs. The arboretum is open year-round, and it’s free.
10. Silverwood Theme Park
The kids drive dad at Silverwood
This goes without saying. Silverwood, the northwest’s largest theme park, is the #1 destination of families heading to North Idaho. Between the rides and the adjoining water park, all of which falls under just one admission price, your kids will be in paradise. Rollercoasters in the morning, water slides in the afternoon!
I just spent a 3 day weekend in Lexington, Kentucky.
The locals were fantastic. The service at my hotel was phenomenal. My traveling companions were wonderful to hang out with.
And I could not wait to get out of Lexington.
I absolutely love experiencing new places. Before I leave, I always do a quick google search for “things to do in INSERT CITY NAME HERE” to get an idea of the must see attractions in the area that will give me a sense of the local culture. When I arrive, I immediately ask the hotel concierge what tourist (and not so touristy) attractions they recommend.
All of my attempts to discover “things to do in Lexington” lead me to the same response.
Babble is an online magazine that covers all things kid and parenting. It’s what they do. That means that with the summer suddenly upon us they have devoted a good portion of their time planning how to get away from it all – assuming all does not include the children (but nice try).
Here are a few examples of what they offer:
From “Babies on a Plane” by Hana Schank:
“We’re just checking to make sure you’re not over the limit,” the security officer said when I asked exactly what they were looking for with regards to the baby food.
“What’s the limit?” I asked.
“Just a reasonable amount,” explained the security officer.
Which is what? Enough to feed a baby but not enough to make an exploding applesauce bomb?
As if that’s not bad enough, the type of baby food you bring on board is also subject to inspection. I was once in line in front of a woman who had a jar of Gerber’s Peach Cobbler confiscated because the security officer said it was a dessert, not baby food.
From “10 Toddler Vacation Tips” by Merideth Broussard:
Fill up the iPhone or iPod with family photos and videos.
If you have an iPhone, it’s probably already loaded up with kid-friendly apps like MyFirstABC, Poppin’, Doodle Kids, Scribble, and KidArt. When your little one tires of doodling or popping bubble wrap bubbles, pull out the big guns: family photos. I’ve yet to meet a toddler who doesn’t love going through the family digital photo archive. It’s a chance to tell stories, reflect on the past, and remember the good times your family has had. In other words: a perfect way to begin a family vacation! When you tire of explaining who’s who in every photo, it’s time to move on to home movies of your child. Unrepentant narcissists that they are, toddlers looooove seeing movies of themselves and people they know.
Going to a warm place? Don’t forget that afternoon nap conflicts with prime time on the beach.
There are two strategies for dealing with the afternoon nap issue.
Option 1: reserve a room with a balcony, or a first-floor room with outdoor access. It sounds simple, but I can tell you that it made a huge difference in my happiness on our beach vacation. While my little one napped in our first-floor beachfront room, I sat outside in the sun and read my trashy mystery novel or chatted with friends. It was perfection.
Option 2: Avoid hotels and go to a family-friendly B&B or small inn.
Always have a couple of small toys in your bag for outings. Avoid toys that have many small pieces: Polly Pockets are perfect to keep a young girl occupied in the hotel room, but you don’t want to have to crawl under the table to find a missing shoe. Also, don’t bring any “beeping” or musical electronic toys: parents have a selective sense of hearing that allows them not to go crazy in the presence of anything from Vtech, but others might not have that skill.
A few good choices…
- Coloring book with washable pencils
- Activity or sticker books
- Etch-a-sketch
- Magnetic play scenes or dress-up dolls
- Anything that comes in a small case
Resist the urge to ask for a child’s plates before yours. It might keep him quiet at first, but then he’ll have nothing to do once it’s your time to eat.
If you travel abroad, keep in mind that some cultures have different meal schedules and that restaurants’ open hours may differ from what you’re used to. Make enquiries before heading out, or you might hit your nose on a “Closed” sign.
As you can see, they offer plenty of advice on how to make the most of your family vacation, from airports to passing the hours of a long road trip and all the beaches in between. It’s also a great place to see what the rich and famous are doing over their summer holiday, and who doesn’t want to know that?
Safe travels!
All photos and quoted text are property of Babble.
We’re always talking about things to do on vacation. But what about the things that require nothing from us but to open our eyes and take notice?
19 Things To See On A Florida Vacation
1. Sunrise on the beach
photo by Jimmy Joe
You can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean off the eastern coast of Florida every morning. Every sunrise is a little different depending on the cloud coverage.
2. Pink flamingos
photo by deusXflorida
Pink flamingos aren’t just for lawn ornaments. Nearly every zoo and major park in Florida will have flamingos. In the wild, your best chance at seeing a flamingo is in parts of southern Florida that are less developed.
3. The lights turned on at the castle in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
photo by dawnzy58
Sure, you have to pay the price of admission to get into Magic Kingdom. But the lights on the castle remain one of my favorite postcard perfect sights.
4. Orange trees
photo by robbie jim
There are citrus groves all over the state of Florida that allow public tours. If you’re interested in seeing this unique agriculture, check out a list of groves that are open to the public.
5. A White Ibis
photo by twoblueday
Unless you’re visiting from somewhere else in the southeast, chances are you won’t see a White Ibis at home. They can be found all over Florida in shallow bodies of water – whether that’s a lake or a pond, or a roadside ditch after a heavy rain.
6. A lifeguard stand on Miami Beach
photo by Joe Shlabotnik
Many of the lifeguard stands on Miami Beach were designed by local artists. They are a classic representation of the art-deco style that is so prominent in the Miami area. Many of these are being removed from the beaches now, but a few still stand ready to be photographed.
7. Starfish on the beach
photo by TheMarque
On any beach in Florida you’ll find buckets of seashells in all shapes and sizes. Less common are sand dollars and starfish. Of course you can always pick one up in a gift shop, but seeing these in their natural habitat is much more rewarding than anything you can buy in a souvenir shop.
8. Stiltsville – Miami, Florida
photo by tylerdurden1
Stiltsville is a group of wood stilt houses located just south of Cape Florida on Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County, Florida. They stand on pilings in water that’s 1-3 ft deep (depending on the tide). There’s only 7 of these houses left after recent hurricanes.
9. The Southernmost House in Key West
photo by Lee Coursey
The Southernmost House in the US is actually The Southernmost House Grand Hotel & Museum. The 1890s oceanfront mansion now offers 13 guestrooms and a museum on the first floor that features a collection of Hemingway artifacts.
10. Portuguese Man O’ War
photo by 2neus
Portuguese Man O’ War are typically thought of as “really big jellyfish”. There is a very scientific explanation for why that is not the case – but they do look like “really big jellyfish”. It’s not uncommon to see these washed up on the shores of Daytona Beach.
11. A launch at Kennedy Space Center
photo by Savannah Grandfather
Although NASA is said to have retired the shuttle program, they’re still shooting rockets into the sky from Kennedy Space Center. It really is a sight to behold – and one that can be seen and heard from miles and miles away.
12. Pelicans
photo by mandj98
Yes, they are real. On either coast, you’ll see pelicans scattered along the waterfront. It’s funny, as a local, to hear tourists arguing with each other about whether or not these birds are real or some kind of bizarre decoration. They sit so still and look a little surreal, until they dive bomb for a fish.
13. Palm Trees
photo by tanjila
Every time I step out of a Florida airport, the first thing I notice are the palm trees. The sight of these unusually shaped trees instantly relaxes me and puts me in a tropical state of mind.
They say that every body of water – with the exception of the ocean and the Gulf – has at least one alligator in it. Personally, this is one animal I’d rather not see out in the wild. I much prefer watching them from a safe distance at Gatorland.
16. Manatees
photo by Allie Caufield
Commonly referred to as “sea cows”, manatees are one of the most unique creatures you’ll encounter in Florida. They’re huge, but extremely gentle and open to human contact. Again, you can see manatees somewhere like SeaWorld or pay to swim with them in the Crystal River. I’ve actually seen a manatee in the ocean at Daytona Beach. They also come further inland during the cold months to many of the springs. Blue Springs State Park in Central Florida gets hundreds of manatees a day during the winter months.
17. Surfers
photo by flasporty
You’re most likely to see people surfing in the Altantic Ocean off Florida’s eastern coast. Daytona Beach hosts surfing competitions several times a year and it really is amazing to watch people of all ages ride the waves.
18. Lighthouses
photo by kretyen
Florida is home to some of the oldest cities in the United States. Many of these coastal cities still have old lighthouses that can be toured. The St. Augustine lighthouse is a popular vacation destination, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that it’s supposed to be haunted.
19. Sunset on the beach
photo by markus941
Florida is unique in that you can watch the sun rise and set over the water, depending on which side of the state you’re on. If you’re looking to end the day with a beautiful sunset on the beach, make sure you’re on the western Gulf Coast by late afternoon.
When you’re planning your Florida vacation, make sure you bring a camera and plan to spend some time taking in the sights that can only be seen in the sunshine state.
Headed for a family vacation in Clearwater, Florida?
Here are 5 top things to do and see in Clearwater.
1. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach
Of course the first place to stop when you hit Clearwater is Clearwater Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida with its clear, blue waters and soft, white sand.
2. Take a Pirate Cruise in Clearwater
Pirates in Clearwater, Florida!
Captain Memos Pirate Cruise promises fun for the whole family. Cruises include pirate games, meals – and beer and wine for the adults!
3. Take the Sea Life Safari Eco-Tour
Sea Life Safari Eco-Tour
I’ve gushed about the Sea Life Safari Eco-tour extensively on this blog. It is that good. it’s also something you can do over and over again and enjoy every time.
4. Dinner Cruise on the StarLite Majesty
StarLite Majesty Dinner Cruise
The StarLite dinner cruise promises fine dining with live entertainment and dancing. Children are welcome on the boat, and the smooth waters should make it an easy ride for almost anyone.
5. Go Fishing on a Charter Boat
Big Catch in Clearwater, Florida
Up and down the Clearwater pier, you’ll find charter boats and guides ready to take you fishing in the intracoastal waters as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Most boats will even clean and fillet whatever you catch – and it’s all yours to keep!
Plan to spend most of your family vacation in Clearwater enjoying the sun and the water. For a great family friendly hotel on the beach, check out the Marriott Suites on Clearwater Beach.
Like any good fish story, this one got away. That’s right, you just missed Salmon Days in Issaquah, WA and you should be ashamed of yourself. Go ahead and cry it out. I’ll wait.
