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ATTN PARENTS: NEED SOME IDEAS TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS?

  • April 13, 2024 11:29 am

Now is the time to plan a daycation.

From picnics in open spaces to stepping back in time with visits to historical sites, nature excursions to walking and driving tours, small towns offer options for off-the-beaten path getaways. All provide plenty of relaxation and outdoor adventures, with fewer crowds and room to wander.

But, planning trips can be so frustrating … especially when your kids are bored and begging for ideas on something fun to do … away from the backyard! “Traveling with kids shouldn’t be so hard. We wanted to make family trips easy so, we researched and wrote books about years of experiences,” says Family Travel Mom, Michele Z.  KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES include great hints on what kids like best.

  • Kids can discover places to race and fly over giant sand dunes or just dip your toes in the water.  Watch a butterfly form before your eyes or learn the secrets of a perfect children’s garden.
  • Another weekend you’ll discover where ponies swim and dolphins dance, or dig into archaeology and living history. Search for real treasure, pirates, castles and lost civilizations. Cross prairies, romp around forts, or venture on journeys of Indians and explorers.
  • And what about the wonders of nature – the roar of the falls, fossils, fish ladders or pine forests.  Rent a boat to traverse a new river or smile at the antics of baby animals in zoos.

The books provide all the details a family needs to know (i.e. maps, directions, websites, prices, reviews) to save lots of time. PLUS:

  • The ACTIVITY INDEX is helpful. Choose to explore Animals & Farms, Outdoor Exploring, or Historical sites that often have walking trails and gardens.
  • Limited budget, don’t worry – each book finds lots of places to visit for little or no charge!
  • Packed full of over 500 places designed for children between the ages of 2-15. Updated regularly.
  • Quick look Favorites in each region.
  • Tried & true Suggested Lodging & Dining that appeal to kids. Often we mention candy shops & Mom & Pop ice cream shops around the corner from major attractions.

The series offers 16 regional travel guides: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, The Carolinas, Virginia, Wisconsin, I-75 & I-95

Grab your KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDE and Create your own old-fashioned Road Trips!  Books can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Updates are on https://kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/

New, Updated Kids Love Pennsylvania is here!

  • April 12, 2023 3:12 pm

Just in time for spring and summer travels…

KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA

An Organized Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” Pennsylvania – 600 Fun Stops & Unique Spots

Your kids will love finding where to discover Oil and take a tram ride deep into Coal Mines…hike along tall trees, great lakes, waterfalls and grand canyons…tour fun Snack Food Factories…twist your own Pretzel…take a peak at Polar Bears and Groundhogs…travel around Train Curves and Inclines…or, “meet” Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and even see some real Christopher Columbus stuff!

Each chapter is a day trip zone including points of interest, events and suggested lodging and dining options.

Save Time. New features include QUICK TOURS and web resources to quickly help you make the most of a short trip in each chapter. Searching countless hours on the internet? We give you fast travel facts, prices, and our kid-tested reviews for every listing. We did the work so you don’t have to.

Save Money. Once you purchase the book you’ll have access to a special page of online updates that keeps your book FRESH for years. Plus, we’ve found many places to visit for little or no charge.

The books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

WEIRD BUT TRUE! USA

  • April 14, 2022 11:00 am

It’s weird. It’s true. And now, it’s red, white, and blue! Explore wacky wonders, facts, stats, tidbits, and trivia about America’s 50 states and territories.

Did you know that there is a floating post office in Michigan? The streetlights on Hershey, PAs Chocolate Avenue are shaped like Hershey kisses? On full moon nights, a moonbow appears at KYs Cumberland Falls? Or a leaning tower of Pisa Water Tower in IL? Maybe you’d be amazed to discover that the ink used to print U.S. paper money is magnetic?

Take a tour through the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America and encounter all kinds of bizarre people, places, events, and things that make our country great. And the best part, many of these geographical facts are listed in KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guidebooks as places you can visit and see for yourself!

Weird But True! USA

Weird But True! USA: 300 Fascinating Facts About the Fifty States (Ages 8-12, $8.99) ROAD TRIP!

HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVEL IDEA: TRY SOMETHING NEW

  • December 7, 2021 10:57 am

Try SOMETHING NEW

Some examples: Reindeer Ranch, Potato Chip Factory, Dog Sledding, Dune Buggies, Indoor SkyDiving, Duck Boating, Pizza Factories, Toy Factories, Recording Studios, Covered Wagons, Skipjack Boating, Dairy or Fish Farms, Making Baskets, Boats, and Carousel Creatures, Air Boating, Crabbing, Money Making, Cheese Making, Pretzels, Pottery, Baseball Bats & Bees, Ice Cream Factories and all the Candy Factory sampling you can bear. Where are the best burgers? the biggest toasted cheese sandwiches? The sweetest peaches or the greatest “foamed” root beer?

HAVE A TRAVELING MOM/DAD, TEACHER OR FRIEND ON YOUR GIFT GIVING LIST?

If they like exploring hidden gems near large cities – that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about

– hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around favorite destinations.

In each KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guide, you get ORGANIZED ideas for EASY family travel —from no hassle quick trips to unique vacation add-ons...with FREE things mixed in! 

PLAYTIME @ MAUMEE BAY / TOLEDO (Day Two)

  • June 12, 2021 5:01 pm

DAY TWO

Moms everywhere are planning their family vacations for the year.  Destination Toledo and Ohio State Parks are here to help mom out by providing a slew of great ideas for a family getaway to Northwest Ohio!

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Start your journey at the Toledo Zoo (KIDS LOVE OHIO), one of the nation’s top-ranked zoos and the number one attraction in Toledo!  Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa on the Safari Railway through a 5-acre African habitat teeming with giraffes, zebra and all the wilds of Africa.  Grab lunch at the Carnivore Café before enjoying your whirlwind trip through the Arctic Encounter, Hippoquarium, Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum of Science and Aquarium…your journey is endless! The new aquarium was funded by locals, so it’s their pride and joy. I particularly loved that the zoo keeps many old structures and recycles them. For instance, the old lion and tiger cages are now the Carnivore Café – indoor seating in actual barred cages!

Take a break and relax with a view of the beautiful downtown Toledo skyline at one of several restaurants located at the Docks (22 Main Street, www.realseafoodcorestaurant.com). Enjoy the picturesque riverfront on the outdoor patio of Real Seafood for an afternoon nibble and a cold drink. They bring in fresh seafood from the Atlantic, Pacific and Great Lakes. Many rave about their crab cakes. I liked their selection of locally caught Perch or Walleye. Lunch runs $10-$13. Dinner runs about double. Entrees include two sides. I recommend you try their blue cheese vinaigrette coleslaw with any fish entrée. All kids meals include a beverage and the entrees (shrimp, burger, tenders, spaghetti, etc) run $5.95. On a nice day, try to get a patio seat. Really good view.

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The fishing pier is tiered steps leading right into the water. Once you’re down in there, you escape the resort view and feel like you’re at a favorite fishing hole!

Get ready for some fun in the sun!  Head out to the 1,850-acre Maumee Bay State Park (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 220) and play on the beach on the shores of Lake Erie. Rent a jet ski, kayak or a banana boat and venture out on the water.  Take a nature walk on the marshland boardwalk teeming with wildlife, or bike along one of the winding trails with stunning views. Options include the Nature Center, geocaching, court sports, horseshoes, children’s activities, swimming (inside or out), hot tubs, children’s soft play area, fitness room, game room, corn-hole, shuffleboard, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. And dad will love the 18-hole Scottish Links golf course!

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Nature Center is very hands-on.
OSPL_MB Kids in indoor splash area 3
Indoor splash pad area.
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A nice beach for swim and play.

After an afternoon of sun and fun, it’s time to check in at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. Whether you opt for one of the fully-furnished cozy cottages, or select a loft-style room at the lodge, your stay is sure to be a delight. Simple furnishings for old-fashioned fun.

No need to leave the park for dinner!  Water’s Edge Restaurant encompasses a breathtaking glass wrap-around view of Lake Erie with a variety of choices to suit every appetite. This is not your typical state park dining. The chef uses mostly local ingredients and prepares gourmet entrees that have appealing subtle look and flavor. If you’re there for brunch, it’s so diverse. Come hungry. After dinner, hang out at either the outdoor or indoor pool, or soak in the warmth of the relaxing whirlpool or sauna. Then, watch a feature movie inside or a bonfire and roast s’mores outside.

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The ice cream shop was hopping! Veryyyy large portions!
OSPL_MB Group making smores
A bonfire and smores – at dusk. Perfect ending to the day!

Well mom, what did you think?  We hope you enjoy your family getaway to Toledo and Northwest Ohio!  For more ideas for your next adventure, visit www.VisitToledo.org or www.maumeebaystateparklodge.com

AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS – A Pop Up Book Review

  • April 16, 2018 11:30 am

With National Parks Week coming up, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a new book…a pop-up book on America’s National Parks!

What’s Inside

The coast-to-coast journey features 18 of our most popular parks, six as stunning pop-ups – Everglades (Kids Love Florida, pg 157), Great Smoky Mountains (Kids Love Tennessee, pg 61), Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier and Yosemite national parks. Boy do these pages spring to life as you turn the page open fully and the three-dimensional scenes pop up. My kids oohed and awed, too. It really captured our interest to want to open the extra “envelopes” on each pop up page and read more.

Examples

See the endangered Florida panther peering out from a cypress grove, an alligator charging a white egret, a snarling grizzly bear protecting her cubs, adventurers in a dory boat crashing through the rapids of the Colorado River, all rising up from the pages of the book. Also springing to life are wildflowers of Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park (rises 13″ above the page); a mountain goat, the iconic mammal of Glacier National Park, perches on a high cliff; and the grandest lodge in all of the national park system, The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, invites you to enter.

However, at first glance, I was curious why the cover artwork looked a little old-fashioned. Answer: The pop-up art is in the style of 1930s WPA posters. Old School. The way these natural formations and the life that inhabits them has been for ages. No neon. No modern architecture. Just pure majesty…naturally.

I’ve only visited a handful of National Parks east of the Mississippi. Now my wanderlust (and my kids!) to explore the west is full throttle…

America’s National Parks is available in two hand-assembled editions. The creative book is $34.95, and get this, the publisher donates $8.00 from every copy sold to the NPCA (National Parks Conservation Association). The goal is to Raise $100,000 for Parks.

Note: http://www.nationalparkspopup.com is the place to look around and order.

COME SOAR WITH ZIPZONE CANOPY TOURS

  • July 26, 2013 6:16 pm

ZipZone Canopy Tours (http://zipzonetours.com) in Columbus, Ohio, invites you to experience an adventure-filled zip lining tour—the only tour in central Ohio…right outside of the big city!

We recently tried this tour, now celebrating its first anniversary, and loved it!

Looking for something to do with your adventuresome kids or picky teens? This is an adventure in the woods on the north side of metropolitan Columbus. But it’s really a mild adventure…you can ride basic or you can ride a little crazy…but it’s your choice!

During the two-hour tour you’ll walk across sky bridges, zip from platform to platform and glide over ravines and streams as you experience Columbus’ natural landscape in a way you never would have imagined.

No special skills, training or equipment are needed to enjoy ZipZone as the highest-quality gear and professionally trained guides help navigate and facilitate every zip.

They guide you through a hands free tour while you soar through the treetops in this old growth forest (the guides move your ropes and brake you so you have freedom to enjoy the ride).

Your teens will want to try the rented the gopro video camera to record their experience. We tried some of the progressive challenges suggested by the guides. Hands free- walking backwards on the bridge, zipping backwards, cannonball style or 360!

If you read TripAdvisor reviews, you will soon realize many were anxious at first but, after the first zip, they catch the thrill.

Final Words: Best features were: Perfect length of trip (just under 2 hours, more is just too much) and Hands-Free zipping (ability to move into different styles of zipping and watch the natural beauty flash by). “Wow!”, “Sweet!”, “Best zips ever!” were the words spoken by my teens on the trip. Makes this Mama Duck happy when my teens “love” something :-).

More details: 7925 North High Street; Columbus (Worthington), OH 43235 on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton. 855-Lets-Zip.

Tours last roughly 2 hours and are available for Ages 7 to 91 (really, ask about the 91-yr old grandma).

Tours are $69 per person on the weekend (FRI, SAT, SUN) and $64 per person on weekdays (MON-THURS).

If you have a group of 8, you can save $10 per person!  Use coupon code GROUP to get the discount.  Call the office for groups of more than 8.  614-847-9477.

Sporting Fun in Louisville – Day Two

  • July 23, 2013 11:24 am

MORNING

For over 135 years, Louisville’s Churchill Downs has been home to the greatest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby. At the Downs you’ll find the Kentucky Derby Museum (pg 38 www.derbymuseum.org), which chronicles the colorful history of the race…and famous horses! Try riding like a jockey – the trick is never ever sit down in the saddle.

AFTERNOON

A constant 60 degrees underground, the Louisville Mega Cavern (www.louisvillemegacavern.com) is a perfect activity for a rainy or sweltering summer day. With more than 17 miles of underground passageways beneath the City of Louisville, Louisville Zoo and Watterson Expressway. You’ll discover a guided tram tour rich in history, geology, mining and recycling.

For the adventuresome, glide behind a certified tour guide on the 2-hour underground MEGA Zips. Featuring six underground zip lines, including a fun filled dual racing zip, three awesome challenge bridges that will test your skill, balance, and mettle; this tour is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. The tour path leads you into never before seen sections of the man made cavern. This is the only underground zipline in the country!

For those who want a more relaxing adventure, be sure to take our one hour Historic Tram Tour through part of 17 miles of man-made passageways beneath the City of Louisville. Learn about the early limestone mining operations that created the caverns, dioramas to explain how the cavern could have been used as a fallout shelter, and even a little on the recycling that goes on below ground…even growing worms! Because you ride through the cavern and never walk, this tour is especially convenient for children of all ages, seniors, and the physically challenged.

The size and scale of this cavern is huge and the fact that the owners have such vision to create a viable business and attraction is worth a visit to see what all is down-under the city of Louisville.

  • Tip: Weight guidelines are 55 to 275 pounds. Children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Zips run $59-$79 for a zip tour.

EVENING

Be entertained while eating great seafood at Joe’s Crab Shack overlooking the Ohio River. Or have a family dinner at one of Louisville’s favorite locally-owned spots.

  • Enjoy a buffalo burger at Buckhead Mountain Grill (kids eat free every Monday-Thursday with purchase of adult entree of $9.99 or more…and many entrees are priced under $10). Try anything beef or local flavors like KY Hot Brown or Fried Green Tomatoes.

Owl Prowls and Wolf Howls: Nature Shines at Night

  • June 30, 2013 1:05 pm

Nighttime brings a new slant to nature – and some national wildlife refuges are going out of their way to help you see and hear it.  Several times a year, they’re delaying normal sunset closing times to host night star-viewings, swamp paddles, scorpion hunts and wolf howl serenades in settings hard to beat for natural scenery and iconic wildlife.

Of course, some refuges turn downright creepy at night, and that’s a part of their attraction, too. The thrill of seeing giant reptiles on the prowl draws hundreds of visitors a year to night boat trips at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia.

“It’s cool to see the bigger gators at night, when they do their hunting,” says Brittany Waryjas, a visitor services intern at the refuge. A reflective layer of tissue in the retina makes their eyes glow red at night – a good way to spot them, if you don’t hear them first. They hiss when threatened and bellow to call mates or mark territory.  Refuge ranger Cynthia McIntyre recalls hearing the sound for the first time: “It sounded like a lion roaring in the jungle.”

Visitors who like their swamp adventures mild can take a guided sunset motorboat tour. The braver can opt for multi-day kayak or canoe trips that feature overnight camping on platforms that might have growling gators below.

Different shiver-inducing night sounds draw nature lovers to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC. Red wolf “howling safaris,” held on scheduled dates from April to December, feature the eerie calls of endangered red wolves, whose recovery through captive breeding began on the refuge in the 1980s.  The refuge is the only place in the world where you can hear these wolves in the wild. Listening online can’t match being there, but here’s a taste:  http://bit.ly/Zy74V8

Here are some refuge night events to plan for this summer and fall:

Night Sounds

  • Red Wolf Howlings, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC (KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS, pg 113)
    Meet at the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent. No pets allowed. 252-216-9464. Summer Howlings, $7 per person. Kids 12 and under free. No Registration Required. June – August, Wednesdays – 7:30-9:00pm

    Fall Saturday Howlings. Free. No Registration Required
    October 12 – Wolf Awareness Week – 6 -7:30 p.m.
    November 16 – Full Moon Howl – 5 – 6:30 p.m.
    December 7 – Holiday Howl – 5 – 6:30 p.m. 

  • Owl Prowls, Patuxent Research Refuge, MD (KIDS LOVE MARYLAND, pg 23)
    Saturday, June 29, 8 -9:30 p.m.
    Explore the refuge at night while looking and listening for owls. Ages 10 and up. Patuxent North Tract. Registration required: 301-497-5887

Night Paddles

  • Full-moon guided canoe trips, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, FL (KIDS LOVE FLORIDA, pg 149)
    Saturday, June 22, 7 – 9 p.m.
    Saturday, July 20, 7 – 9 p.m.
    Saturday, August 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
    Meet at the Lee Road Boat Ramp.  Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and bring a flashlight and bug spray. Canoe rental: $32; you may not bring your own canoe. Reservations required: Loxahatchee Canoeing: 561-733-0192
  • Okefenokee Swamp at night, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, GA (KIDS LOVE GEORGIA, pg 179)
    Take a two-hour sunset tour by motorboat ($27.50 per adult, age 12 and up; Kids age 5-11, $18; Kids under 5, free) or a four-hour guided kayak or canoe tour ($85 per person). Check ahead; tours are affected by water levels, availability of guides. Or sign up for a multi-day canoe or kayak adventure, with overnight camping. ($10 per person per night plus $25 per day canoe or kayak rental). Other options and more info: Okefenokee Adventures, 912-496-7156,  www.okefenokeeadventures.com

CATTLE RANCH IN OHIO?

  • July 17, 2012 8:41 pm

Longhorns Head to Tail Tours of Dickinson Cattle Co, Barnesville, Ohio (PG 45).  Those stampeding through the ranch will….

~~ Visit the newly expanded Longhorn Store, Gallery and Theater.
~~ You will hand feed the largest horned Texas Longhorn cattle in the world — that includes other parts of the world (Texas) we will not mention by name.
~~ You will travel the historic areas made famous by Hanging Judge Isaac Parker, Johnny Appleseed, Hopalong Cassidy, Mexican General Santa Anta and most recently, Sarah Palin. For more info on doing the ranch check the tour site at…………

http://www.longhorntours.com/