Category Archives: Road Trips

GOT the END OF SUMMER BLUES? WE DO TOO.

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LET’S HAVE SOME FUN with KIDS LOVE I-75 as our guide! (and, we’re GIVING AWAY copies of this interstate family travel guide)

I-75 FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDE

HI FAMILY TRAVEL FANS!

I’m super excited about this book!

Reason? So many folks crave easy family travel but need some good advice…

I’ve spent years visiting, reviewing, and seeking the best in family travel.

And, being a super mom (aren’t we all?), organizing my finds into easy-to-use chapters that any friend can use at a glance to plan the best trips for their family.

So, here’s what the book is all about:

SideTrips! Travel just minutes off the interstate to explore lands of mighty bridges and misty swamps. Meet cowboys and Indians, authors and inventors. Discover fun factory tours or ride the rails past parks & pioneer settlements. Hunt through caves and romp around playful forts. Or, hang out with sly sharks or towering dinos! Be spontaneous, make planned sidetrips or get to know your favorite destination better.

Family Friendly Navigation – find what interests you on 91 maps (20 miles per page) with detailed reviews later in the chapter. These are the attractions worth exiting the highway for.

Save Time. 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. Your won’t find this information ORGANIZED together anywhere else!

Save Money. Plus, we’ve found many places to visit for little or no charge.

Wanna get a copy of this book FREE? Here’s how: GO TO OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/kidslovetravel anytime in AUGUST.

  • 1. LIKE Kids Love Travel on Facebook. Then, comment on a Facebook post to be entered to win a KIDS LOVE I-75 book.
  • 2. Already a FAN? Just comment on a Facebook post in AUGUST to be entered to win a copy each week.
  • 3. Another entry is added if you sign up for our email updates list: sign up on Sidebar Subscribe2 link on the right.

Good Luck,

Michele Z

10 Best Family Travel Destinations – Do you agree?

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Or, are there Hidden Gems nearby?

Recently read an article on the 10 Best Family Travel Destinations in the U.S. We’ve been to many of them and they were awesome. But, I wonder how many families ponder, “Is this all there is?”  In our travels (5,000 places and counting), we’ve unexpectedly discovered many places along the way that hold as many memorable stories as the popular destinations. Examples:

1. Williamsburg vs. the resort properties nearby full of kid-centered activities.

2. Kings Island Amusement Park, Cincinnati vs. the only authentically built medieval castle in the United States by a creek just outside of the park.

3. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky vs. the land of mega indoor waterparks down the street and the fascination learning about the quirky habits of a young genius, Thomas Edison, born in the little town of Milan, Ohio just 20 miles away.

4. Disneyworld vs. the adventures of Hot Air Ballooning over Disney, indoor skydiving or even air boating past alligators!

5. Hershey World vs. the numerous chocolate and pretzel factories dotting the surrounding countryside.

6. Dollywood vs. a cabin and hike in the woods.

7. Washington D.C. vs. crabbing in Maryland or a scavenger hunt in Alexandria.

8. Virginia Beach vs. crossing the Chesapeake Bridge underwater tunnel on a drive to the land of Chincoteague Ponies.

9. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan vs. the thrill of plowing a dune buggy down a dune hill…fast!

10. Chicago city lights vs. the cheese factories of Wisconsin or riding the old wagon roads with pioneers heading west.

So, how do you try to find these unique experiences when planning your next trip? Trying to find it all on Internet Blogs? Experiencing unorganized information overload?

Try www.kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/ . Organized ideas for EASY family travel – guaranteed – or your money back.

WEIRD BUT TRUE! USA

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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!

SPRING BREAK ON A BUDGET

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5 SPRING BREAK TIPS FOR FAMILIES on a budget

For some, big vacations are the way to celebrate spring break with a bang but for others, time and finances may make that type of trip impossible. Regardless, here are a few tips on how you can make the most of school breaks no matter your schedule or budget!

Be a Hometown Tourist
Many residents don’t take the time to visit all the landmarks and attractions that their hometown is famous for. Make like a tourist and visit a popular monument, a local museum or sporting event. Often, there are outdoor festivals celebrating some fun local foods. Sometimes a stay-cation is all you need to recharge 😉

Sleep Away
Go online and find a reasonably priced hotel in your own city, book a room for a night or two and go. Since your stay will be short, you can even splurge and go for that five star hotel that you have always wanted to visit. Enjoy the luxuries of room service and all the amenities, such as the pool and jacuzzi. The kids can swim to their hearts content while you lounge or enjoy a favorite treat.

Take a Hike!
Find a nearby nature preserve or mountain with marked hiking trails. Grab your walking shoes, backpack, water bottle and get moving. Make the most of the sun and warm weat  her or clean spring air by taking in all that nature has to offer. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it.

Day Tripping
Plan to do something fun for the day. Look up towns and landmarks that are up to 2 hours away so you can make it up and back comfortably with time to explore. You’d be surprised how even being 30 minutes outside of the city can feel like being a world away 😉

Weekend Getaway
Plan ahead to take the whole weekend off and devote it to your family. Explore as far as you can for as long as you can. Camping is also a great, affordable weekend trip that gets you away from the big city stress and in touch with nature.

Get Creative
No matter what you do this break, get out there and do something! Make some family travel memories, explore your world and enjoy the leisure of school breaks while you can.

A little Frazzled? Busy? Have a Free Weekend coming up but no time to plan it? Kids Love Travel Family Guides to the rescue! We’ve already surveyed all the kid-friendly attractions and organized them for you to plan day trips and getaways…on a budget.

HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVEL IDEA: TRY SOMETHING NEW

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Try SOMETHING NEW

Some examples: Reindeer Ranch, Potato Chip Factory, Dune Buggies, Indoor SkyDiving, Pizza Factories, Toy Factories, Recording Studios, Covered Wagons, Skipjack Boating, Dairy or Fish Farms, Making Baskets and Boats, 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! 

Why Travel Guide e-books don’t work well for Families

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I just read a post from another blogger titled: Why I think the Kindle (and other readers) isn’t ready for e-books yet: http://bit.ly/KSTMa. 

I, too have noticed too many people at airports trying to link to websites off Kindle with frustration. Wouldn’t you rather have a book highlighted to your tastes as a reference tool?

Hi-liter fun!

ESPECIALLY A FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK. When you’re on the road, with kids, you need quick, easy “notes” and dog-eared pages to go to (in print book form) vs. trying to find a wireless cell and missing a bunch of hidden gems because you passed their exits.

What about you? Are you finding the more technology advances, the harder it is to stay focused?

Are you craving a SIMPLER life and wholesome family fun?

Let us know…

10 Best Family Travel Tips

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If you plan to drive on your next road trip, take along our travel tips to help kids work off some of that pent-up energy during the trip.

Besides using one of their guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.

  1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.
  2. Know DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION before you leave. In addition to the site’s website, GPS are good resources for directions.
  3. If in doubt, MAKE RESERVATIONS, especially for tours. Find out what is SUGGESTED TO WEAR, especially for factory or transportation tours. When in doubt, DRESS DOWN and DRESS IN LAYERS.
  4. For the road, PACK SNACKS and BEVERAGES.  Also, PACK TRAVEL GAMES & TOYS and plenty of TOILETRIES. Click on the graphics below for some great suggestions like Travel Bingo, Magnetic Games, and Invisible Ink Books.
  5. If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/VCR unit
  6. PLAN PICNICS along the way. (Allow time for a rural/scenic route to take advantage of free, clean picnic facilities).
  7. Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING.
  8. HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning state facts (people, places, history, etc) using fun and educational activity books found at many gift shops.
  9. Gravitate to MUSEUMS that are HANDS-ON.
  10. SOUVENIRS are fun for kids to pick out and keep as a MEMORY of your visit of favorite places. (They can even be practical, too!)

PLAYTIME @ MAUMEE BAY / TOLEDO (Day Two)

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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.
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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!
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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

PLAYTIME @ MAUMEE BAY / TOLEDO (Day One)

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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!

DAY ONE

First stop on our Playtime tour is an art museum? (Toledo Museum of Art, KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 219, FREE admission)

Probably my favorite space is the Glass Pavilion. The Glass Pavilion is—in itself—a work of art. All exterior and nearly all interior walls consist of large panels of curved glass, resulting in a transparent structure that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. You are greeted by a clear glass “fish-looking” Chihuly sculpture and then drawn in further by the live glass-blowing artists at work.

Toledo’s newest attraction, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 216), reveals the haunting and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes that happen to make up 84 percent of the fresh surface water in North America.
The main emphasis is on the new museum at the Toledo Maritime Center with a complete experience for visitors of all ages to include: original artifacts (some from horrific shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald); over 40 hands-on exhibits (for example: direct your own submersible through the wreckage of a lost freighter or keep your own ship afloat by operating a real bilge pump); the real life-size S.S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship sits outside the museum for touring; and for waterside wonderers – A beautifully landscaped 3.5 acre maritime-themed park.

Ever felt the whipping winds of a hurricane? Step inside the hurricane chamber at the brand new Imagination Station (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 215) and your answer can be ‘Yes’.  This brand new attraction promises to engage visitors of every age in a multi-sensory experience that’s as fun as it is educational.  Defy gravity as you ride the High Wire Cycle, or bounce on the BOYO, a human YoYo. We especially liked the science experiments where it was “old-school” science museum – kids and parents helped make the tests work! I even beat my athlete son at the Pendulum Pull. Brains over Brawn…

Batter up!  Family fun is waiting for you as the Toledo Mud Hens (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 217) play ball at Fifth Third Field!  Grab some popcorn, cotton candy and a cold drink and settle in to this unique ballpark situated in the historic downtown landscape of the Warehouse District.  We love and support AAA ball…it’s so fan friendly for the price. Not only do you get to see MLB up n comers but it’s likely you’ll see major league stars playing off the dust during rehab. We liked the way this park was setup too. Any seat ticket holder can enter the Club Level Lounge to cool off, catch some stats from other games being played, or grab some upscale food that’s fairly priced.

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