Search Results for: blog ideas for a fun family weekend in nature

Zoo-rific Summer Travel Ideas

What a zoo! Life can get pretty chaotic, especially if you are juggling kids, a house, pets and a paying job. But with summer just around the corner, why not consider taking a break from your personal zoo to visit some of the best animal facilities in the country. A number of top-rated zoos are featuring special exhibits this summer—-everything from Mammoths to Micronesian kingfishers. If you are looking for super summer fun without having to travel abroad, then check out what’s new at the following zoos: MINNESOTA The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is debuting a $1 million, nature-based … Continue reading →

Places to Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with Your Family

Tis the season to be with family and friends. Whether you decide to bond on the slopes or huddle together in front of the fireplace for a fierce game of Pictionary, the holidays are a great time to spend with loved ones. However, if you don’t know how to ski or you shudder at the thought of having to stay cooped up indoors all day, you might consider the following festive family-friendly options: CONNECTICUT At Christmas Town in Bethlehem, Connecticut, kids can visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling along Main Street. Don’t forget to … Continue reading →

Fun with Fruitcake–The Best Gag Gift of the Season

It’s the holiday tradition that takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’. Actually, I know several people who wouldn’t put their tongues anyway near fruitcake, yet that doesn’t seem to diminish its role as a Christmas stalwart. Regardless of the fact that it remains the butt of countless jokes and no matter how many people toss it out as soon they get it, the Christmas fruitcake keeps coming back year after year (and in some cases it’s the same one making the rounds). Many fruitcake recipients are under the impression that the holiday dessert has no expiration. That it can … Continue reading →

Free Christmas Fun in Indianapolis

Who says you need to spend a bundle to have some holiday family fun? The economy is tanking and managers of Indianapolis-area attractions are responding by offering fabulous freebies during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. In what is being dubbed the “12 Free Days Of Indy Christmas” celebration, visitors will be gifted with free admission and other goodies at participating attractions. For example, on Saturday, December 13th, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will be offering free admission to its collection of trophies and cars. On Sunday, December 14th, you can tour the President Benjamin Harrison … Continue reading →

Christmas Fun in North Pole… Alaska

Yesterday I wrote about several U.S. cities that sport Christmas-themed names, including Noel, Missouri; Santa Claus, Indiana; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Christmas, Florida. Thanks to an astute reader I’m back again with one more-—North Pole, Alaska. North Pole, Alaska—-not to be confused with the planet’s geographic North Pole—-is located roughly 12 miles from Fairbanks amid the Arctic Ocean. Alaska’s North Pole has a population of 2,200 and got its name back in 1953. Each year despite the bitter cold tens of thousands of residents and visitors turn out for the city’s annual ice festival and sculpting contest. This year’s big North … Continue reading →

Holiday Geography Fun for the Whole Family

Do you know where in Missouri the city of Noel is located? How much do you know about Santa Claus, Indiana or Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Could you find them on a map? Noel, Santa Claus, and Bethlehem are just a few U.S. cities with Christmas-themed names. Heck, there’s even a Christmas, Florida. This time of year these merry locales see a surge of visitors, and locals do their best to make everyone feel welcome. Out-of-towners who make the trip are treated to spectacular holiday light displays and other seasonal attractions. If you are looking to spend some quality family time with … Continue reading →

Family Fun in the Snow

It’s Thanksgiving and we already have snow on the ground. I suppose that should come as no surprise considering we live in Wisconsin. Still, I was kind of hoping that Mother Nature would wait until at least December 1st before pelting us with the white stuff. Of course, the thousands of snow lovers who eagerly await the first flake of the season do not share my opinion. They are the ones the Appalachian Mountain Club is welcoming with open arms this season. In fact, this year the club is extending its new family weekend series through the winter with programs … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Family Fun Indoors and Out

For some people Thanksgiving is one of the few chances they get to visit with out-of-town relatives. If you are reuniting with your favorite cousin, a nomadic uncle or just welcoming home your college-coed son this Thanksgiving, consider doing more than just sitting around the house gorging on goodies. The long holiday weekend is the official kick-off to a number of seasonal activities, including ice-skating. Several outdoor rinks open to the public on Thanksgiving. In San Diego, where November temperatures often top 60 degrees, the outdoor Ice Arena is already open for business. If you prefer snow to ice, then … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Themed Family Getaways

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away; do you know where you’ll be gobbling up turkey this year? More importantly, what fun family activities do you have planned for the long holiday weekend besides stuffing your face? A few million Thanksgiving diners will be heading out to the streets of New York prior to chowing down on turkey and all the trimmings. The massive crowds are just part of the biggest Turkey Day event in the country—-Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. At 9 a.m. sharp on November 27th, more than 10,000 Macy employees and volunteers will gather at 77th and Central … Continue reading →

More Ideas for Holiday Family Fun—Christmas Light Displays

My preschooler squealed with delight as we drove through our city’s downtown area yesterday. Crews were busy stringing lights, trimming trees and hoisting the gigantic Christmas angel above Main Street. The countdown to Christmas is on and my daughter couldn’t be happier. While most of us are still eating Halloween candy, there are some communities that are moving full steam ahead with their holiday light displays. While the vast majority of Christmas displays don’t start until December, there are a few places where you can take in the festive sights right now. The Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, … Continue reading →