Top 5 Ways to Explore Your Hometown w/ Your Kids

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Do you ever wonder if your kids would want to join you on a short journey back to your hometown? Wonder more what it would be like to be a tourist in your own town?

Sometimes, as your children age, it’s time to change things up a bit.

Over Christmas Break, I presented my kids with a present of a trip to just one city, just one part of the city – downtown (pittsburgese: pronounced dahntahn) PITTSBURGH – my birth town.

Here’s how I suggest you set this up: (no matter the town)

1. Book a hotel downtown – one with an indoor pool, restaurant, and downtown shuttle service is best.

2. Find the best way to see downtown in all it’s splendor. Most often that is some sort of transport.

3. Try a local history museum – discover trivia you probably never knew…

4. Gravitate to any cultural area of shopping/dining/markets so you can sample the “flavors” of the city.

5. Try to fit in at least one sporting event.

(for more ideas on Pittsburgh tourism try www.visitpittsburgh.com)

PLANNING A SPORTS FAN VACATION

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I live in the Midwest so we’re used to seasons. And…any sports fan knows the change of sesaons means the change in sports played too.

We decided to explore a City of Champions – Pittsburgh, PA – just for its sports.

Take a Guided Tour

After a short (1 to 2 hour) tour you have the lay of the land. 

Use Shuttles

Many big sports cities offer shuttle service to/from nearby hotels or major attractions right to the front door (or dock) of the sports arena/field.

Gateway Clipper tours and shuttles on the river

Go to Games

Pro Baseball/Hockey/Soccer games often have tickets available for a fair price.

Heinz Field pregame activities

Go Behind the Scenes

Take a stadium tour or attend a training camp.

Try to Find Sports History

Usually it isn’t hard to find a local museum with plenty of local sports history memorabilia.

Pick Lodging and Dining

With a local flare or within a short walk/shuttle to games.

Some of our favs:

Marriott Pittsburgh City Center – The official hotel of the Pittsburgh Penguins is right next to the Consol Center (home of Penguins NHL Hockey). Uptown flair. Take their shuttle to the games or the Strip. Within 6-8 blocks of most downtown shopping/dining.

Cambria Suites Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center. Friendliest shuttle drivers ever. Lots of sports fans stay here.

Pamelas Diner crepe pancakes
Pamelas Diner crowded

THE STRIP! Blocks of pure Pittsburgh. Along the Allegheny River just northeast of Downtown is the mile-long stretch known as The Strip District. Here, industrial and warehouse spaces have been reclaimed to support a bustling marketplace. During the day, this area serves as Pittsburgh’s most popular market district, offering the freshest foodstuffs, including enticing polish, irish, italian, and greek smells wafting from the door fronts and dozens of street and store vendors selling much “BLACK AND GOLD”. (the Strip: pg 305 of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA)

For those of you following along by means of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA, pages 291 thru 313 .  We promise, with our books as your base we give you all the help you need to plan any daytrips – even the Sports fanatic kind!

HIT THE ROAD, JACK: AMERICANS LIKELY TO ROAD TRIP BY LABOR DAY

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Car Shopping Site Edmunds.com Sheds Light on the Great American Road Trip

Whether it’s the trip back to college, a last-minute Labor Day escape or an end-of-summer getaway, Americans find that August is a great time to hit the road.

And, most drivers had road trips in mind when they shopped for their vehicle, with cargo space being the primary attractor (22 percent). The great American road trip is alive and well with many drivers planning to go the distance (500+ miles), snap selfies and pump their favorite tunes.

Some other takeaways include:

  • We love that open road: More than 92 percent would be willing to drive up to 500 miles for a vacation.
  • But first, let’s take a selfie: Thirty-four percent of road trippers will take anywhere from 1-10 selfies on their journey.
  • GPS is key: GPS, music and travel companions are must-haves for road trips (27 percent, 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively).
  • Parents WILL turn that car around: Of the respondents with children, nearly half (45 percent) will threaten to turn the car around at least once on a road trip.
  • Eyes on the road: Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they could last over an hour without checking their phones while on a road trip.
  • Classic rock trumps pop: When respondents were given the choice of road trip anthems, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” beat out modern day pop hits for the top spot.

“It’s not surprising to us that more than 80 percent of respondents had road trips in mind when they were car shopping,” said Edmunds.com. “Road trips are the ultimate test for any new vehicle; if the car can be reliable and comfortable while handling all the loading, unloading and hauling with adequate fuel efficiency, then it’ll definitely make a great long term vehicle.”

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

Ditch the Spray, Non-Toxic Wristbands Keep Mosquitos Away

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Summertime and mosquitos. It is important to protect yourself this summer and in addition, say goodbye to itching and swelling and say hello to a worry free day of fun in the sun.

Mosquitno Bands are all-natural, non-toxic wristbands made of silicone rubber infused with 100% citronella oil. Each Mosquitno Bands contains enough citronella to effectively repel bugs for up to 150 hours of exposure (or six days), and each comes in a re-sealable pouch to preserve effectiveness between uses.  Mosquitno Bands are available in eight solid colors, camouflage, tie-dye and glow-in-the-dark in sizes for adults and children.

The pleasant-smelling Mosquitno Bands works by masking human scents – carbon dioxide and sweat – that attract bugs. Mosquitno Bands are more effective than citronella candles because they are worn on the body and the citronella scent is not dissipated by the wind.

MY TAKE: I am a mosquito magnet. I’m at tournament ballgames for most weekends early summer. After July 4th, it’s outdoor festivals… I get welts and bumps all over my legs and arms. My sundress just doesn’t look that appealing when there are red bumps that are so plentiful you could play “connect the dots”…ugh! But this product really worked! Bottom line: when I wore the wristband, bite free.

Mosquitno Bands retail for $3.99. All Mosquitno products are non-toxic, chemical-free and DEET-free. Mosquitno Bands are available online at www.mosquitnoband.com and Amazon.

Museum of American Revolution – Stories and Play for Kids

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Board a ship

Museum visitors explore the personal Revolution stories of the diverse range of individuals who were part of establishing our nation. Here’s some highlights for kids:

Revolution THEATER EXPERIENCES:

Revolution brewing?

Families are swept up in the heart-pounding drama of the Revolution.

  • In a theater that recreates Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, visitors follow  — from their own Windsor chair — as delegates to the Continental Congress passionately debate whether to declare American independence.
  • Another theater puts visitors on the front lines of the Battle of Brandywine, with a rumbling floor, smoke effects, and the smell of gunpowder.

Revolution INTERACTIVE PLAY:

  • Dress up. Kids can mix-and-match pieces of a soldier’s uniform.
  • Play games. Learn about how the common soldiers and their families lived and played to pass the time.
  • Assume George Washington’s role as President by sitting in a reproduction of the “Rising Sun” chair.
  • Be sure to climb aboard a privateer ship like the one on which 14-year-old James Forten volunteered.
  • Don’t forget to pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk!
Play games
Scavenger Hunt
Dress up

WASHINGTON’S WAR TENT

A dedicated theater houses one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution: General Washington’s War Tent, which served as both his office and his sleeping quarters through much of the war. It was within this tent that key decisions were made that changed the course of history. The tent is presented as part of a multi-layered, mixed media presentation, followed by a dramatic reveal.

George Washington’s War Tent

My Take: There are plenty of battle scenes, some with lifelike soldiers, but the heart of the museum appealing to kids are stimulating shows and interactives. I thought it was clever how they recreate common colonial activities in Revolution Place so engaging even adults want to participate. Every space is full of storytelling. My absolute favorite space is Washington’s Tent – truly takes your breath away and think about all the intel and brilliant decisions shared under that tent!

LOCATION 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Corner of Third and Chestnut Streets) MUSEUM HOURS Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. GENERAL ADMISSION Admission is $13-$21.00. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Tickets can be purchased at www.AmRevMuseum.org

FRUGAL CITIES FOR SUMMER VACATIONS

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If you’re watching your budget and think that a “stay-cation” is your only option this summer, you’re in for a surprise. Kiplinger.com researched large and midsize cities for low, average round-trip airfare, affordable hotel costs, and cheap meals in order to compile a list of the top ten fun, but financially frugal cities to consider for your summer vacation. 

kidslovetravel.com
  1. Riverside, CA
  2. Phoenix, AZ
  3. Atlanta, GA (re: KIDS LOVE GEORGIA, NORTHWEST CHAPTER)
  4. Charlotte, NC (re: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS, SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER)
  5. Columbus, OH (re: KIDS LOVE OHIO, CENTRAL CHAPTER)
  6. Jacksonville, FL (re: KIDS LOVE FLORIDA, NORTHEAST CHAPTER)
  7. Birmingham, AL
  8. Raleigh, NC (re: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS, CENTRAL EAST CHAPTER)
  9. Richmond, VA (re: KIDS LOVE VIRGINIA, SOUTHEAST CHAPTER)
  10. Tampa, FL (re: KIDS LOVE FLORIDA, CENTRAL WEST CHAPTER)

As you can tell, www.kidslovetravel.com/travel-books/ guidebooks know a lot of places on the cheap. Explore one of our guidebooks soon…

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.

The Great Locomotive Chase! Train Play for Kids

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The General

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History – Kennesaw, Georgia

The true story behind the old Disney movie, “The Great Locomotive Chase,” is what the Southern Museum is all about. The museum’s star attraction is The General, a steam locomotive nabbed by Yankee raiders in 1862 just 100 yards from where it stands today. The daring band of 22 planned to drive The General north to Chattanooga and destroy Confederate supply lines along the way. Rebels manned a locomotive of their own and chased The General, full throttle, for 100 miles until the raiders were forced to abandon ship. Most were captured.

But the Museum doesn’t end there. Peek into Glover Machine Works: An interactive presentation detailing the train building process, from metallurgy and patterns to casting and construction helps visitors experience life as a factory worker. Kids can etch a pattern on paper and touch wooden molds. Their giant displays of how to build train parts engage kids, too.

Molds and Casting
Rubbing

The Education Center is a highlight! Child play interactives include tapping out Morse Code; driving a simulated train; a giant toy engine; and multiple train tables.

My take: The best part of this Smithsonian Affiliate museum is the layout. The education center is in the middle, at just the right point where kids get antsy. The interactives are easy to understand and it’s roomy. Also, most museums show the introduction video at the beginning, before you tour. The Southern Museum chose to have showings near the end, for impact. After you leave the theater, you pass a “depot” and go under “Tunnel Hill” to have your eyes wide open to the General, larger than life! The gift shop is right after that display and it’s big and wondrous! You will be tempted…

SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR AND LOCOMOTIVE HISTORY
Kennesaw – 2829 Cherokee Street NW (I-75 exit 273 west) 30144. Phone: (770) 427-2117. www.southernmuseum.org. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Admission: $10.00 adult, $8.00 senior (65+), $5.00 active military/students w/ID, child (3-17). FREEBIES: ask for scavenger hunt.