“Will we get to see the Florida Panther?” my 10-year-old daughter immediately asked as we planned our New Year’s Trip to Marco Island, Florida.  By now I am used to such queries from my animal science lover.  Although this guy is pretty elusive, we figured we would give it our best shot by traveling to the Northwestern entrance to Everglades National Park in the Southern Florida Gulf Coast.  As soon as we got off the highway to head into Marco Island she saw the signs. “Panther crossing next 5 miles.” She was sure she would spot one that night.

Search by bicycle

Biking in the Everglades is a an essential experience at this National Park.  Menacing alligators were everywhere on the Tamiani trail heading to the Everglades. A quick stop at the Oasis Visitor center at the Big Cyprus National Preserve allowed us to learn more about the Panther and its struggles to survive in the area.  We also learned about the other wildlife in the area with hands -on exhibits.  A ranger provided us with  Junior Ranger quest materials that we used on our adventure in Shark Alley in the Everglades National Park. After we gathered our Junior Ranger materials and all of our newfound knowledge, we rented some bikes from the park service and got ready for a 15 mile loop bike ride to seek out wildlife. I never dreamed I would let me kids get so close to the monstrous Everglades gators, but there we were cruising by them on our bikes. The last few miles were quite an effort for the kids (and the adults too!) Luckily  you can choose to opt for the park service tram for a more relaxing ranger led tour if you don’t think your family is up for the challenge. Although we espied our fair share of gators and gator babies…no panthers.

Search by airboat

Captain Doug’s airboat tours just outside of the park in Everglades City allowed us to continue our quest and fulfilled the need for speed. These boats are smaller airboats so they are able to zip down the mangrove arches and really got our hearts racing. We spotted a Raccoon family and Pelicans that got so close one actually side-swiped my son with his wing…… but the panther continued to evade us.

Search by hiking and wild life drives

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve provided the opportunity to hike in the mangroves and drive along the Janes Scenic Wildlife Drive. Sightings outside the park entry indicated that the feline in question had been spotted earlier in the day near a specific fig strangled tree. We were hoping for some luck as we completed the Janes scenic wildlife drive at dusk.  Although we never saw the panther, we  did spot deer, gators, squirrels, a woodpecker, beautiful flora and birds on the small one way 11 mile road full of adventure!

The J ‘Ding” Darling drive located on Sanibel extended our search. My children were thrilled to find the Roseate Spoonbill and some Wood Storks on this drive.  All of our wildlife treks had made us very hungry so we stopped at the Bubble Room, a Captiva landmark since 1974. This spot is kitsch to the max and of course the kids loved it. All the wait staff are decked out as ‘Bubble Scouts’ with crazy patches and hats of their choosing. The restaurant is decorated for Christmas all year and there are several sections just begging to be checked out by the wee-ones, including an outside jail cell.

Search on the Beach

Tigertail Beach is located right on Marco Island and although Captiva and Sanibel garner much of the attention regarding their seashell finds, Tigertail can compete quite hardily. The fine, white sandy beach is very wide, and although we saw no panthers we saw our fair share of other wild creatures including a dolphin pod swimming very close to the shore. No need for a dolphin sighting cruise!!!  The kids snorkeled and swam while we adults got in some good reading time. The beach is complete with a snack bar and a playground, perfect for young children. It is a walk from the parking lot to the beach unless of course you are up for another adventure: crossing the salt pond in waist deep water. (The kids liked this option….maybe not the adults…but it was a quicker way to access the beach.)

Search…at the zoo!

The Lowry Park Zoo has been voted the number one zoo by Parent’s Magazine and once we set foot on its grounds we immediately knew why. All of the exhibits were kid friendly and there were many activities for the kids to participate in including walking amongst the Wallabies, feeding Giraffes, Rhinos and Stingrays. A kiddie roller coaster and a carousel were included with admission and provided a great way to break up the monotony of the ‘zoo experience’. We ran out of time before we could see the entire park, but we did finally see Lucy the Florida Pantherand my daughter finally had her up close and personal encounter.

Region overview | Hotels |  Activities | Exploring the Everglades with Kids | Budget Friendly SW Florida

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Alaska, our great 49^th state, makes up for in size what it lacks in population.  With over 33,000 miles of coastline and a land area twice the size of Texas, there is much more to explore than just one visit can cover.  As television adds more Alaska-based reality shows each season, the state is fast becoming much more than just a cruise-ship destination.  Families will find a little something for everyone, from history buffs to fishermen and skiers to hikers.  Here are ten Alaskan adventures to get you started, and they come with the promise that once you visit, you will have plans to return with a whole to-do list of your own.

10. Experience year-round adventures at a world-class resort.

Photo by: Flickr/journeyguy

Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s only true all-season ski resort.  Located just 40  miles south of Anchorage, it makes for an easy starting point to become familiarized with the rugged landscape and outdoor recreation opportunities that Alaska offers.  Hike or mountain-bike in the summer, and ski, snowboard, or snowshoe in the winter.  Events and festivals abound year-round.  Add to that a world-class hotel with fabulous family-friendly indoor pool, and you may never want to leave.

Been to the Alyeska Resort?  Share your scoop with other Trekaroo users.

9. Get up close and personal with ancient ice

Photo by: Flickr/Paul.Carroll

Over half of the world’s glaciers are located in Alaska, and there are several that are easily accessible right from the road system.  Perhaps the most family-friendly is Exit Glacier in Seward.  A breathtaking 3-hour drive from Anchorage, the glacier is located at the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park. Follow the trails from the visitors’ center right up to the “toe” of the glacier and touch ice that is thousands of years old.  Marvel over how far the ice has receded over the years when you pass the markers along the way that indicate where the glacier’s edge used to be, just 20 or 30 years ago.

Need a place to stay near the Glacier?  Try Kenai or Seward.

8. Go to the dogs

Photo by: Trekaroo/cgtraveler

Alaska is known for its working dogs, most famously through the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race from Anchorage to Nome. Opportunities abound around the state to meet these amazing creatures and learn about the work that goes into raising and training them.  In Anchorage or Seward, stop by Seavey’s Ididaride and experience for yourself the power and speed that a team of sled dogs can produce.  Rides are available year-round and are something that your kids are sure to remember for life.  If you’re brave enough to visit in the winter, the excitement of attending the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race in Anchorage will surely make you forget the sub-freezing temperatures.

Looking for more sled dog fun? Visit Denali National Park.

7. Adventure on the rails

Photo by: Flickr/Alaska Dude

The Alaska Railroad offers a unique experience to take in the scenery while someone else does the driving.  With trains running from Seward to Fairbanks and many stops in between, reserving a seat in a glass-domed car affords views of craggy peaks, icy glaciers, miles of wildflowers, and abounding wildlife.  The train runs year-round, with weekend service in the winter that promises snowy vistas and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis from the towns of Talkeetna and Fairbanks.

Craving more trains?   Check out White Pass Railway or a unique Bed & Breakfast in a traincar!

6. Hike and fish in Alaska’s Emerald Isle

Photo by: Flickr/thedamian

Kodiak Island is easily accessible by plane from Anchorage (or ferry from Homer) and is well worth the trip.  If you visit in mid-summer, you will know how it got its nickname.  Bursting with wildflowers and towering green mountains, Kodiak has a road system that allows for easy access to some of the best hiking and fishing in the state.  Old military roads ascend Pillar and Old Woman Mountains, making for gentle, family-friendly climbs with endless views.  Several rivers are located along the roadside, and if you time it right you can catch a run of salmon and drop your line in for dinner.  For a little extra adventure, follow the road out to Pasagshak and take in the herd of wild buffalo that roam Fossil Beach.  You may even spy a surfer or two in the frigid water.

Been there?  Share your tips & hints.

5. Meet the creatures that live under the sea

The waters of Alaska may be cold, but they are filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes.  With the huge tidal ranges of Kachemak Bay, Homer is the perfect place to meet and learn about some of them.  For a crash course in tidepool creature identification, visit the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies and take their “Creatures Under the Docks” tour.  Peer over the edges of the floating docks in the harbor and spy sea stars, anemones, and plant life.  For an even more up-close look at the flora and fauna of the area, enjoy a day trip or even a family camp weekend at their field station across the bay in Kachemak Bay State Park.

Love tide-pooling?  Check out these fantastic spots in CA | OR | WA | MA | Hawaii: Maui | Oahu |Big Island |

Head here for general tips on getting started with tidepools.

4. Meander with the moose

Photo by: Trekaroo/mcfam

The Alaskan forests and fields are just brimming with wildlife.  While you may very well spot them from the road, immersing yourself in their habitat is the best way to spot moose, birds, and many other animals.  Head to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks for over 5 miles of family-friendly trails through the meadows and forest.  Check out the many festivals and events offered year-round, like the Sandhill Crane Festival and the Winter Solstice Walk.  In the winter, this is a great spot for snowshoeing!

 3. Celebrate Alaska’s heritage

Photo by: Flickr/andrewmalone

While Alaska is relatively new to statehood, its history stretches back much further.  A great place to get started with learning about Alaskan heritage is the Sitka National Historical Park.  Wander the forest trails dotted with towering totems, and watch craftsmen creating and restoring totem poles.  Learn about the great history of the area, dating back to the Battle of Sitka in 1804 between the Russians and the native Tlingits.  If you are lucky enough to visit in October, you can don period costumes and attend the Alaska Day Festival.

 Looking for lodging in Sitka?

2.  Strike it rich…or have fun trying

Photo by: Trekaroo/mcfam

Alaska is well known for its gold mines.  Many towns throughout the state offer attractions that allow you to give gold panning a try.  Valdez takes it one step further and has an entire Gold Rush Days festival.  Have some old-fashioned family fun with parades, canoe races, fish fries, an outdoor market, and more.  If you can’t make it to Valdez, the Crow Creek Mine is just 40 miles outside of Anchorage and offers gold panning for all ages, as well as camping and picnic sites in the Chugach National Forest.  Fairbanks boasts the El Dorado Gold Mine, where you can take an educational train ride and pan for gold.

Been panning for gold with your kids?  Share your story.

1.  See Alaska’s most famous peak

Mt. McKinley, also known as Denali, is the tallest peak in North America.  It is perhaps the most famous attraction in Alaska, and for good reason.  If you are lucky enough to get a glimpse of it (which is not guaranteed due to frequent clouds), you will understand why.  It is massive.  But don’t fear, there is much more to see and do at Denali National Park even if the mountain itself is hiding.  Take a bus tour along the park road (personal vehicles are not allowed past mile 15), see a sled dog demonstration at the visitor’s center, and explore along the many hiking trails.

Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:

Top Ten Things for Families to do in California

Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada

Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota

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Yesterday marked the start of Chinese New Year, a 15 day festival celebrating family, new beginnings and the start of the lunar new year.  My family lived in China for a short period of time, so celebrating the Chinese New Year feels a bit like home.  This year celebrates the year of the Dragon; if you or your little ones are turning 12, 24, 36, (etc…) this year—throw something on that is red in color (wear it the whole year!) and get ready for a year full of luck & happiness!

Without further delay, here is your Trekaroo guide to everything Chinese New Year:

Festivals & Parades

The highlight of the festivities, especially for the kids, is the chance to attend a Chinese New Year Festival or Parade.  If you live anywhere near a metro area, chances are there is some sort of event going on to celebrate the holiday.  Los Angeles is the closest metro area to my family, and we were hosted for a pre-New Year LA tour by the Omni hotel.  The Omni at California Plaza exudes family-friendliness from backpacks stuffed with kid activities given at check-in, to complimentary milk & cookies before bed for all the little ones.  In addition to being full of family friendly amenities, the hotel is conveniently located near Chinatown; take the hotel car for a quick 3-minute ride and you are there!

Read my full review of the fabulous Omni Hotel.

LA’s Chinatown will be hosting their 113^th annual Chinese New Year parade on January 28^th at 1pm.  Families with older kids can sign up for The Great Chinatown Hunt, an Amazing Race style  scavenger hunt in Chinatown also on the 28^th—I must admit that I am waiting with anticipating for my girls to get older so we can enjoy this event.  Cities across the US are holding parades and festivals in honor of the year of the Dragon.  Get out there and get your roar on!

Photo by: Flickr/Global Jet

Chinese New Year Activities & Festivals in your city:

Los Angeles | San Diego | San Francisco |San Francisco ( Fortune Cookie Tours) | Sacramento| Portland | Seattle | Phoenix/Tucson | Denver | Chicago | Atlanta | Washington DC| New York | Connecticut Cities | Florida Cities | Massachusetts Cities |

Food

A major part of Chinese New Year, and Chinese culture in general, is eating authentic food- and by authentic, I don’t mean Panda Express!  Sharing meals together is a major part of Asian culture, so important in fact that the common street greeting in Chinese is ”Ni Chi Le Ma?” (你吃了吗 , Knee Chur Luh Muh)–have you eaten??  Most of the amazing memories I have while living in China take place around a giant table full of delicious food!  The West Coast & other major US cities abound with amazing authentic Chinese and Asian food opportunities; although the rest of the country is hit or miss, some awesome, flavorful restaurant spots are tucked into to unique corners across the US.

Jiaozi (饺子, geeOW-zuh) , more commonly known as dumplings, receive special New Year Spring Festival recognition as one of the main dishes to be served at a Chinese New Year feast.  My family gathers together yearly to continue this dumpling making tradition—although there is a bit of work, even the kids can (and should) join in the preparations for these tasty bites, and the reward is a lot of family time together with a delicious ending.    If you aren’t up for the labor intensive version, be sure to head out to your city’s favorite Chinese restaurant this new year.

Photo by: Flickr/johnsember

Find authentic food in your neighborhood:

Los Angeles |San Diego | Seattle | San Francisco | Portland | Chicago | Denver| New York City | DC |

Family

The major theme of the Lunar New Year is family.  Similar to our Christmas holiday, millions of people across the world take a break from work, fly home to be with mom and dad, and attempt to spend quality time with their family over food, fun and festivities.    If you live in a rural area or just don’t have the money or time to head to a Chinese festival or event, make it a staycation. Grab those closest to you and spend time making a memory this Chinese New Year- give red envelopes full of small trinkets or change to children, make dragons out of recycled egg cartons, wear a ton of red and decorate your house with home-made paper lanterns, or even attempt your hand at making your own Chinese New Year feast!

Stay-at-home Chinese New Year Resources:

Chinese New Year Overview | Chinese New Year Crafts | Jiaozi Recipe | Chinese New Year Games

Have a game, craft, recipe or any other Chinese New Year Staycation idea?  Share it here.

___________________________________________________

Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.

Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

As a mother who constantly travels with her child, I rely heavily on my stroller and I’ve struggled to find one that can accommodate my tall toddler. On the road, my stroller wears many hats; it serves as a retreat for an overwhelmed child, a bed, movie theater seating, and a shopping cart.

Recently I had the opportunity to test out the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 while traveling to Mexico with family.

When Fed Ex delivered the stroller, I practically ripped the box open with my teeth in anticipation after learning the City Elite 2012 has the largest max head height of all the Baby Jogger strollers currently available.  The City Elite comes in 5 easy to assemble pieces. It took me just 5 minutes to build the stroller (and two of those minutes were spent reading the directions).

My favorite features of the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012:

• Adjustable handlebar to accommodate individual users; it pivots from 34″ to 46″.
• It steers so well even a six year old can do it (and mine did!).
• Hand operated brake; at the San Francisco International Airport, our suitcases rolled down the shuttle stop; but the stroller stayed put.
• Soft handlebar console; hey moms, that’s one less accessory you’ll have to buy!
• Fits in the trunk of my Toyota Corolla with lots of room to spare.
• Huge easy to remove sunshade with panels that secure with silent magnets.
• Best raised kicker I’ve ever seen.
• Storage basket can be accessed from the front or the rear of the stroller.
• Plush padded seat reclines to a near flat position and the harness height adjusts via two secure clips.
• Easy to fold with one hand.

Only downsides I could find:

• If you remove the sunshade, you lose the ability to utilize the soft handlebar console.
• The stroller’s astounding array of storage compartments, gave SFO’s TSA agent a run for his money, in fact, he discovered a Transformer toy hidden deep within.

I’m happy to report the City Elite 2012 is great for tall toddlers, airport shuttles, air travel, napping, retreating to, viewing DVD’s from, and doubling as a shopping cart. If this little chariot of fire sounds like the ideal stroller for you, then check out our steal below!

The Steal: Win a Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 Single Stroller ($400 value!)

Details: One lucky winner will receive one Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 single stroller (valued at $400)

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

Step 1: Share this giveaway using the Facebook by clicking the FB “Like” button at the top of the page

Step 2: Leave a blog comment below letting us know that you did.

Get extra entries by repeating steps 1 and 2 once a day.  But be sure to leave a new comment each time.

Want more chances to win?

Feel free to do any or all of the following actions.  Each action counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE or the entry will not be counted.

• 
• Like Trekaroo on Facebook

• Fan Baby Jogger on Facebook.
• Follow Baby Jogger on Twitter
• Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo using the Twitter share button at the top of the page.
• Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
• Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
• Post this giveaway on your blog

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only

Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 4, 2012 at 11:59PM PST

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

Thanks to  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary stroller in order to complete this review and facilitate the subsequent giveaway. Baby Jogger did not ask that I state a particular opinion and as always, all opinions are my own.

Tina Buell is Trekaroo’s Northern California Destination Specialist, single mom, and mother to a constant ray of SONshine

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It’s the New Year and time to get out and have an adventure with your family!  We know all about tight budgets, pinching pennies, and sometimes the cost of travel can be very immobilizing but if you will consider traveling on just one tank of gas and finding adventures for cheap, it can make for a day filled with fun memories with your kids.  Here are some ideas for places to enjoy by traveling on one tank of gas from the San Diego area.

Palomar Mountain

Photo courtest Flickr uaer Abraxas3d

Any time our family can get away, our favorite places to visit are outdoor areas that have spaces to run, sticks to pick up, and fresh air to breathe.  Our family loves to play “Base Tag” anytime we are in a forest.  My kids hide behind rocks and trees and try to make it back to “base” before daddy can tag them.  Approximately 70 miles from downtown San Diego is Palomar Mountain State Park, a pine-forested mountain area at 6,000 feet in elevation, with picnicking, hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and more. The highlight of this area is the Palomar Mountain Observatory where families can look at the 200-inch Hale Telescope and watch a video on its inner workings.   On your way up or down the mountain, be sure to stop at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center for some delicious farm treats, or see living history at Mission San Antonio de Pala on Highway 76.

Julian

Photo courtesy Flickr user Mandaroo

This little town is known for its pies, antique stores, and fresh-grown, crisp apples.  An hour drive from downtown San Diego will take families to this quaint and cute village.  Train rides, mining tours, and panning for gold will have kids searching for that elusive treasure and talking about it for years to come.  My boys quickly learned to swirl the gold pan just the right way to make the heavy gold flakes stick to the bottom while the lighter stuff washed away.  They talked about their treasures all the way home.  If you want to find some fun adventure mining, visit the Julian Train & Gold Mine, Eagle Mining Company, the Julian Mining Company, or the Julian Pioneer Museum.  Make sure to finish  day by devouring a delicious slice of pie!

Cabrillo National Monument

Families on Trekaroo are singing the praises of the Cabrillo National Monument because of the incredible views of the San Diego Harbor, downtown buildings, and the glittering Pacific Ocean.  The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is like a beacon for children who love running to it and viewing the historical facts and replicas.  Families can climb the steep spiral staircase to the viewing platform above. Check the tide charts before going and enjoy the sea life in the tide pools below the lighthouse or take a stroll along the steep wave-weathered cliffs and enjoy the wild views of a seemingly never ending Pacific.

Torrey Pines State Park and Beach

There are too many gorgeous beaches in the San Diego area to list, but the beach below Torrey Pines State Park derves special mention. It is extra beautiful because the cliffs and hills above it is home to the rarest pine tree on the planet,the Torrey Pine.  Families love exploring the hiking trails which feature sweeping vistas of Torrey Pines State Park which hug the Pacific and have spenting time in the visitor center.  After exploring the “hill” where the Torrey Pines are, head down to the beach to enjoy some time in the sun and play in the water.

Escondido

Photo courtesy Flickr user Nicmcc

This North County city has several claims to fame, such as being home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (a 4.5 star activity for Trekaroo families) and the EscondidoChildren’s Museum.  My husband grew up in this city and eagerly took me to Dixon Lake while we were dating.  Located just north of Escondido, but unknown to many residents, this man-made small lake boasts great bass fishing.  Families will enjoy picnicking on the grass, getting out some energy on the playgrounds, and even renting a rowboat for a cruise around the lake.  Camping, rock-climbing, and bike riding are other fun activities for families to enjoy.  Many people enjoy parties and get-togethers at this outdoor park on the weekends, so if you want a less crowded experience, visit on a weekday.

Carlsbad

The beach town of Carlsbad boasts so many activities for families, that one day here might not be enough.  My kids recently spent a couple of hours touring the Museum of Making Music where they got to play real instruments and learn about the history of music.  When we visited the Flower Fields last May (open seasonally) my parents were just as delighted in the gorgeous blooms as my kids were, when they weren’t running through the Sweet Pea Maze.  LEGOLAND is the biggest pull for families, and I must say that the Star Wars section of MiniLand is not to be missed. If your day-trip turns into an overnighter, consider a stay at the  West Inn & Suites. My family recently had the opportunity to stay at this family friendly property and really enjoyed our visit. You can read my full review of the West Inn & Suites on Trekaroo.

Coronado Island

Photo courtesy Flickr user Funcrunch

The thrill of driving over the large, iconic bridge to Coronado Island is just the start to a great day of family fun.  Trekaroo families have called Coronado City Beach the “Best Beach in Southern California.”  That is saying a lot considering there are  hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline in California!  I guess the soft sand, free parking, and pretty shells go a long way in making a beach great. The Coronado Ferry Landing is a fun shopping and eating destination.  Trekaroo user sunnysd365 recently shared her family’s favorite activities on Coronado Island.  Their highlights included biking and scootering on the beach boardwalk, walking down Orange Avenue, visiting the historic Hotel Del Coronado, playing at Spreckels Park, and enjoying delicious treats at MooTime Creamery and Café 1134.

Wherever you decide to go on one tank of gas this year, let it lead you to great adventure and fun with your family.  We’d love to hear about it!

Want more San Diego fun? Check out

San Diego Must See With Kids in 5 Days

Family Fun in San Diego

5 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego

Fun Activities For Toddlers in San Diego

Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 2 to 10.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

Travel with kids to: CA|CO| DC| FL| HI| IL|MA| NC| NY| OR | PA| TN | TX |VA| WA