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A Natural History Museum that’s called the Creation Museum?

  • March 24, 2014 6:28 pm

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS – Flashback to an earlier time:

As we waited in some lines opening day of the new Creation Museum, we were greeted by friendly faces and warm smiles from the docents and the guests alike. Many had been waiting for this museum to open for years, so what was another few minutes. “Much of the experience features displays that would be similar to what you would find in a natural history museum, so you will see exhibits on par with some of the fine science museums around the world,” said director, Mark Looy. “Because we’re taking our visitors on a walk through history from Genesis to Revelation, it is a biblical museum combining Scripture with the best of what science can present.”

Interesting twist on most “Dinosaur” museums. Yes, there were tons of dinos, many animated –even dragons! Really, right up there with “Dinolands” in VA, OH & FL but also including some items like simulated walk-thru gardens, caves and even an ark!

Elements we like best in Natural History Museums are simulations: walk thru limestone caves (OH), Ice Age (OH), Indian mound sites (TN, IL, OH), copper mines (MI, TN), or coal mines (TN). Some of our favs have giant prehistoric creatures hanging overhead (OH, NC). Many have wonderful paleontology labs (OH, PA, VA, MD) where real scientists are actively working on specimens. All that wonderful science to absorb – but one difference…the timeline. Same science, different starting points. Curious? Check out the Creation Museum for details…

15 More Places Every Kid Should See Before 15

  • April 10, 2012 9:30 am

Wondering where to take the kids this summer? Budget Travel has some great ideas and is pleased to unveil 15 More Places Every Kid Should See Before 15. (2 of them are favs from the KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS book)

Last year, Budget Travel chose 15 places they thought every kid should see before they turned 15. This year, they took it one step further and invited readers to weigh in on their favorite kid-friendly destinations.  The editors then used the reader-generated nominations (562 to be exact) to create the 2012 list.

What made a destination worthy of inclusion? It needed to be fun, educational, and especially magical through the eyes of a child. It needed to inspire adults to tap back into that childlike sense of wonder. And it needed to have universal appeal.

In case you were wondering…my fav pick of the 15 is from our KIDS LOVE ILLINOIS book…Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield…Disney does Lincoln…overloaded!

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL TIPS: Healthy Road Trips

  • August 2, 2011 5:15 pm

Healthy Road Trip Tips

Family road trips are a tradition. But they can also be tiring, frustrating, and result in way too many backseat meltdowns. How to keep everyone comfortable, healthy and well-fed on the road?

Water, Water Everywhere

Recently, I was camping with a friend, and I noticed that she had no trouble getting her kids to stay hydrated. How? Each had his or her own super-cute decorated metal water bottle, which they carried everywhere; they could even clip them to their belt loops on walks! So off we went to the store, and I let each of my kids pick out their own water bottle. Hearts, peace signs, turtles; there were all sorts of cute designs and they had a blast lining them up and choosing. Sure enough, the water bottles go everywhere with them now, and I no longer have to nag them to drink. The act of taking “ownership” really works!

Plan for Healthy Eating

Frequent reliance on fast food is not an option. So when we travel, we pack healthy snacks and a cooler full of water bottles before we leave. While we may go through a drive-thru for a quick lunch, we have options when we want to stop and stretch a while. When it’s time for a rest stop (we suggest at least every two hours), we’re well-prepared and can take advantage of any beaches, parks or picnic grounds we pass along the way. And if the kids are wiggly and restless, unabandoned free play is a great way to tire them out!

Stop at Farm Stands

There’s no better way to experience the country you’re driving through than to stop by a roadside stand – and you can pick up some fresh fruit to eat along the way, too. Many popular farm stands also offer seasonal tours or play barns for a couple hours of fun. 

Be Prepared

You never know what’s going to happen on the road, right? That’s why I keep “Mommy’s Backpack” nearby with everything we might need in outdoor situations. Here’s what’s in it:

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Swiss army knife
  • Mini-flashlight
  • Sunscreen
  • Moist towelettes
  • Water bottle
  • Roll of paper towels. (for ALL of life’s messes)
  • Band-aids
  • Outdoor Toys – frisbee, blow-up ball to toss

Family Travel Tips for Christmas

  • November 30, 2010 8:53 am

Think the family budget has no room for a family weekend trip right now?

Read our budget travel tips for making a quick Seasonal Getaway more affordable.

Besides using one of our 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.  Holiday Trolley Tours are so fun – singing carols and sipping hot cocoa…invite cousins, grandparents, etc. along.

2.  For the road, PACK small wrapped gifts of  TRAVEL GAMES & TOYS the kids get to open every couple of hours.  Why wait for all the gift giving on one day? Spread stocking stuffer giving out there & back.  

3.  If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/DVD unit. Play Christmas dvds all the way…

4.  Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING. Our family “vacations for a living” so we found budget hotels the norm. We joined hotel memberships and charge cards. We will not stay in places that are dirty. We look for hotels with indoor pools and free breakfast. For some reason, if they offer both, they are more likely to be clean and family-friendly environments. 

In suburbs, I spend no more than $70 per night. Beach properties, no more than $100. Those rates are with the extras I look for.  For some other family lodging tips read: Three Tips On Choosing Budget Family Accommodation http://bit.ly/1qANyJ.

 5.  HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning with Santa and his elves. Historical homes are basically boring to tour in the summer, but near the holidays, what stuffy old house doesn’t smell sweet with the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread cookies?

Each Week in December we’ll choose more Holiday Travel Tips and share some examples.

What about you?

Do you have some tricks you’ve learned that make traveling to visit relatives at Christmas less stressful but still inexpensive and fun?

Please comment and let us know…

A MOM’S BACKPACK for TRIPS

  • July 13, 2010 10:38 am

Ok, moms, not only do you have to plan the next great family vacation, but you’re also the person who should hold, in your care ONLY, a wondrous backpack that keeps peace. Here is a Suggested Checklist:

  1. Extra set of house and vehicle keys

  2. Medical Insurance Cards plus prescription meds handy

  3. A secure assortment of OTC meds – esp. ibuprofen – kiddie & adult versions

  4. Travel Folder – maps, directions, reservation confirmations

  5. Family Travel Guide (https://kidslovetravel.com/travel-books)

  6. Books/Magazines for Me Time

  7. Books on tape for the kids (recommended iphone app: http://tales2go.com)

  8. Deck of cards/Frisbee/ball for playing at rest stop

  9. Small flashlight and fresh batteries

  10. Umbrella and light rain covers

  11. Plastic or mess bags for wet items

  12. Disposable wipes

  13. Pocketknife

  14. Sewing kit

  15. First-aid kit

  16. Snacks/gum

  17. Water bottles

  18. One hand towel (for wiping wet seats)

  19. Zippered plastic storage bags/chip clips

  20. Travel Games – individually wrapped to hand out at intervals on trip

 With these items packed, we promise your trips will go much smoother. No worries.

@copyright Michele Zavatsky, the Family Travel Mom

FAMILY TRAVEL – ORGANIZED

  • June 8, 2010 9:21 am

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION

Many probably don’t know exactly how to prepare for longer trips. Most wonder: What should I be doing to prepare my house while we’re away?

As the family that’s been to 1,000 different cities and over 5,000 places around the Eastern half of the country, we understand. Honestly, it takes a checklist – one similar to the one we’ve put together here – to keep this sometimes frazzled mommy mind on track.

BEFORE THE TRIP CHECKLIST – HOME

2 Days Before Trip

Return library materials that come due while you’re away

Find a good book to read at the local bookstore/library or download e-book.

Do Laundry

Clean House (no mom wants to come home to a mess)

Pay bills / Banking (have some cash on hand)

If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.

Eat leftovers and sandwiches to use up perishable items in fridge & pantry

Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.

Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.

DAY BEFORE TRIP

Fill up gas tank

Charge cell phones

Run dishwasher

Pack snack bags and kids’ travel backpacks

Pack suitcases. Begin lining them up in foyer.

Day of Trip:

Toss or freeze perishable bread, milk, meats and cheeses.

Take out the trash

Fill the gas tank of your traveling vehicle

Water plants

Secure care of pets

Empty dishwasher. No dirty dishes in sink. No standing water.

Unplug computer and TV. Pack laptop.

Turn off water and/or put water tank on vacation

Set thermostat

Disconnect garage doors

Close windows and secure exit doors

Make sure oven/stove are OFF (better yet, don’t cook the day you’re leaving).

Out the door:

Flip breaker on garage doors OFF

Grab purse / wallet

Secure lock. Set alarm.

Don’t forget to grab your destination KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guidebook! Place it on your dashboard for handy reference.

Ok, you’re ready to go and create some new family memories! No Worries.  

Free Isn’t Always Free

  • May 31, 2010 9:46 am

In the recession this past year, I’ve given lots of workshops on how to travel cheap. Most everyone leaves with simple, clear ways to SAVE $$ on their next trip – hopefully, hundreds of $$! 

But you know I never tell you anything from stage that I haven’t done myself. Nor do I ever receive $$ for a review of places we visit for our books.

WARNING:  advice sources need to be analyzed before you make plans. One thing folks have consistently told me after each talk is how frustrated they’ve become with online FREE travel advice.

Example: many free websites are outdated – YOU end up having to check everything because the author just took free time (not professional travel writer) to post some fun things THEY like to do – not an offering of most everything available for family travel. Most folks who post lists start with the right intentions but what parent has the time to upkeep any list unless it’s their career?

Example: Websites are sponsored or biased. You’re swayed to spend more $ going to places that can afford to advertise or sponsor travel websites or bloggers.

Example: Friends advice. If you’re not on a budget and don’t mind just going to the most popular spots – try free web services. But, if you lean towards hidden gems and some freebies mixed in – you need an expert resource.

Conclusion: it’s your road trip, mom and dad – YOU make the plans that best suit your family tastes and budget. Just be sure the information you consult is varied and dependable (you may have to invest a little $ but not so much time). In the long run, it will save you loads of time (internet searching), $$ (not just going to high end places) but still prevent the possibility of vacation duds.

Other FREEBIES: Kids Love Travel offers FREE major updates to ALL of our books online and on email updates to free subscribers. Now you have a printed book (ORGANIZED SOURCE) PLUS the customer only benefit of online updates to keep the book FRESH for years.

HAD A VACATION DUD? I want to hear about it so we can warn others!

Cheesesteak 101: A Primer On The Who, What, Where And Whiz Of Philly Cheesesteaks

  • October 6, 2009 7:48 am

Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw and a cultural obsession. Often imitated around the world, the cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. So what is an authentic cheesesteak and where did it come from? Here’s the lowdown on this region’s favorite sandwich.

What Is A Cheesesteak?

A cheesesteak is a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese. Generally, the cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, but American and provolone are common substitutions. The art of cheesesteak preparation lies in the balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the “drip” factor. Other toppings may include fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, ketchup and hot or sweet peppers. Some sandwich shops also offer a cheesesteak hoagie, a hybrid version that combines the cheesesteak with cold hoagie dressings like lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Cheesesteaks are fast, portable and readily available at steak shops, delis, food trucks, pizzerias and even some high-end restaurants throughout the region.

Cheesesteak History:

The cheesesteak made its official debut in 1930. Pat Olivieri was a South Philadelphia hot dog vendor who one day decided to put some beef from the butcher on his grill. A taxicab driver noticed the alluring aroma and asked for his own steak sandwich. The next day, as the story goes, rumor of the delicious lunch had spread, and cabbies around the city came to Olivieri demanding steak sandwiches. Soon after, Olivieri opened up a shop on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, Pat’s King of Steaks, to sell his new creation. Eventually, according to legend, he added cheese to the recipe. Today, Pat’s grills are sizzling 24 hours a day, as are Geno’s, the rival shop across the street. For 40 years, the two shops have waged a friendly competition to win the title of best cheesesteak in town, with Geno’s founder, Joe Vento, claiming it was he, not Olivieri, who first added cheese to the cheesesteak.

How To Order A Cheesesteak:

Cheesesteak consumption has its own etiquette. When ordering, there are two critical questions to answer: First, what kind of cheese do you want? (Whiz? Provolone? American?) Second, do you want onions? (“Whiz wit?”) The correct way to respond is “Wit” for “Yes, I would like Whiz and onions,” or “Widout” for “No, just the cheese.” Then, ask for any other toppings or condiments you desire. Be forewarned: Lines are long, patience is tested, and if you don’t have your order and money ready to go, you might be sent to the back of the queue.

Any guess where I was last week?

Sampling for the cause – Kids Love Travel research 🙂

www.gophila.com and www.uwishunu.com