GOT the END OF SUMMER BLUES? WE DO TOO.

  • August 2, 2022 9:25 pm

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

  • July 24, 2022 6:19 pm

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.

KIDS LOVE TRAVEL – Why?

  • July 17, 2022 8:49 pm

I just found this video we put together years ago highlighting why travel with kids? It still applies to how we research and write today…check it out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Y1H_V-LIU

Museum of American Revolution – Stories and Play for Kids

  • July 6, 2022 9:23 pm
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

  • July 3, 2022 3:56 pm

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?

  • June 15, 2022 10:42 am

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

  • May 31, 2022 2:06 pm
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.

Biltmore Summer Vacations Offer Something for Everyone

  • May 14, 2022 8:12 pm

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-six percent of families say ‘togetherness’ is an essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations study, “The Art of the Family Vacation”). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore’s summer vacation experience has been designed to be active, fun and educational (don’t tell the kids!) for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

Top eight Biltmore to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations. 

  1. Take the family time travelling.

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing. 

  1. Have a unique adventure.

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

  1. Reconnect with nature.

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

  1. Stop to smell the roses.

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

  1. Set the kids free.

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

  1. Embark on a tasty tour.

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.  And save room for the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae, a sweet treat for a summer day based on the Winky Bar produced by the former Biltmore Dairy.

  1. Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

  1. Make Biltmore your home away from home.
North and South Carolina Family Travel Guide

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

WANT TO KNOW MORE KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AROUND ASHEVILLE, NC?  Take a look at the best-selling Carolinas travel guide: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS (pg 198-242)

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!

SPRING BREAK ON A BUDGET

  • March 11, 2022 4:14 pm

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.