Happy New Year! It’s the start of a new year and I know that over the holidays, one of the big topics of conversation at our dinner table was “Where do we go next year for vacation!”
In light of that, we got 7 copies of Frommer’s – 100 Places to Take your Kids Before They Grow Up to giveaway. It’s got the 100 must-see places around the country and a brief snippet on why you need to take your kids there. Great mix of adventurous as well as educational spots that you and the kids will enjoy. Age recommendations and travel tips provided as well. Hope it will help with your family’s trip planning process.
How to Win a Frommer’s Travel Guide
Trekaroo is giving away 7 copies of Frommer’s 100 Places to Take your Kids Before They Grow Up. Two will be given away on Facebook, two on Twitter, and three on our blog. You can enter in each place to increase your chances of winning
Number of Winners: Seven (7) in total. Three on this blog, two on Twitter, two on Facebook.
Prize: 1 Frommer’s 100 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up guidebook
To enter:
Share in the comments what you think should be a top 100 Thing to Do with Your Kid Travel-wise Before They Grow Up. Be sure to leave your email address.
For additional entries
- Follow us on Twitter and tweet @trekaroo what you is a top 100 Thing to Do with your Kid Travel-wise
- Join our Trekaroo fan page and tell us what you think there too
- Post a link to this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or on your blog. Each post is an entry, leave a comment about where you have posted.
Rules and guidelines:
18 years of age or older
US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, January 10, 2010 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 or Broadway 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.
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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA and DC
Read all about it! The Monday Madness: Finian’s Rainbow Giveaway has drawn to an end and the two lucky winners chosen by Random.org are Karen Donovan and Joanne Schultz. Congratulations! You will both be receiving your prizes via email.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the ! Reading through all the comments, it seems like musicals are loved by kids even in this age of multimedia. Top favorites were Annie and Mary Poppins. The Annie musical is on tour if you’re interested in taking your kids to see the show.
Tune in tomorrow for another Monday Madness Giveaway or Deal.
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 or Broadway 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.
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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA and DC
Although my 2 year old is usually sound asleep by the 9pm on a normal night, this New Years he may be partying with the rest of us. Why? Because something that only happens in a blue moon will be on display… a BLUE MOON!
Credit: Flickr/rubber_slippers_in_italy
At first, I was thinking the moon was going to be a Cookie Monster blue color tomorrow night. But after some research, the term “blue moon” actually has nothing to do with color. It is simply the second full moon in a calendar month, something that hasn’t happened on a New Year’s Eve for nearly 20 years, NASA says. It’s really something that hasn’t happened in a blue moon.
So, this New Year’s Even, grab your kids and head outside to check out the second full moon of December. The next blue moon on New Year’s Even won’t be until 2028. Depending on where you’ll be around the world, you might also be able to catch a partial lunar eclipse. (Unfortunately, we Americans will not able to catch that piece of fun)
Let me know if you catch it because the forecast for us tomorrow is quite cloudy. Send us a picture and we’d love to share it with everyone on Trekaroo!
Happy New Year!!!
Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA and DC
Are you in the holiday spirit yet? I’m sitting at my parents house in Houston, Texas. It’s about 65 degrees outside and the house filled with relatives from 4 different generations. The moms have been running back and forth to the mall, the dads are busy looking for a flat panel TV and luckily, my son’s napping so I can actually update you on all the Monday Mad Steals of today.
Given it’s the holidays and everyone’s running around seeing friends and families and getting in those last-minute gifts on the list,the Finian’s Rainbow giveaway runs through December 30th, so join in on the fun. Just tell us your favorite Broadway show and you’ll be entered to win 4 tickets to Broadway’s newest show for families in New York City.
This is a post that our very own Catherine Boley (the blogger behind bayareababyblog.com) wrote for SuiteTrip.com. Homewood Suites new blog on family travel.
As a little girl, nothing was more exciting to me than getting into the car to go look at holiday lights on a cold night! There’s something special about seeing the world lit up in the dark; something magical in the air.
Peacock Lane. Photo by Dolan HalbrookDuring the holidays, people remember to be kinder (most of the time), the world looks clean under a fresh blanket of snow, and we’re still living in the dreamy part of the year. The part that doesn’t involve a dead tree, a stack of dishes, and impending taxes!
Now, with children of my own, I still get that tingle of excitement as we clamber into our car to set out for a night of winter lights.
Here’s where to go from East to West with the kids:
Peacock Lane (Portland, OR)
This idyllic street has been a Portland holiday hotspot for decades. Every year, the residents of Peacock Lane be-speckle their abodes with beautiful lights, which give off the vintage charm of yesteryear. The lights run from December 15 through the 31.
Leavenworth Village of Lights (Leavenworth, WA)
Anticipated by visitors year after year, this stunning festival is one of the top 10 Christmas towns in the U.S. Following tradition, every Friday the town goes dark until the sun sets on Saturday. As the sun sets, the air is filled with the music of “Silent Night” and sets the entire village aglow with lights. Carols, Santa and festival foods are just some of the great additions to the twinkling sights at every turn. Village of Lights runs December through mid-January. The village lights are on display everyday except the first three Fridays of December when they are off until the lighting ceremony on Saturday evening.
Click here to see the other top places to see the winter lights across the US.
Where are the best places to see holiday lights near you?
Over the mountains and through the hills, over the plains and through the desserts….the KidsMobile pulls into
San Diego, CA
Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, San Diego is a wonderful destination in any season! Home to Legoland, the world famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and a good many warm sandy beaches, San Diego is definitely one of my favorite vacation spots in the US. Why? Well, the weather is gorgeous, the people are laid back, the outdoor recreation is wonderful, the town is manageable, traffic is tolerable, and it’s situated close enough to Disneyland to the north and Mexico to the south. Alone or combined with a side trip in either direction makes for a spectacular family vacation.
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Trekaroo families have been voting for their favorite kid-friendly activities and hotels in and around San Diego. We’ve tallied their votes for 2009 and here’s the line up!
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Top Kid-friendly Hotels in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Living in San Diego leaves local families little excuse to stay home. These moms bring you their personal recommendations of the best places to take kids in their hometown. Want the local scoop? Here it is!
Bridget Smith, the author of The Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook not only shared with us her Top Tips for a Legoland Adventure with Toddler and Preschoolers, but now gives us some great ideas about Fun Things to Do After Visiting Legoland, California. Bridget spent countless hours in Legoland one year and made more than full use of their family’s season pass to bring us the blow-by-blow of making the most of your visit to Legoland. Follow their family’s other adventures on her blog: Family Adventure Guidebooks
The Q Family isn’t local but lives to travel. If you have 5 days to spend in San Diego, here’s their list of the Must See Attractions with Kids in San Diego. This is a family who’s constantly on the go! The Q Family Adventures Travel Blog chronicles their adventures with wonderful photos, fun stories and helpful tips.
Balboa Park is a wonderful urban park that families love. But when hunger strikes, Carolina has a list of Kid-friendly Dining in Balboa Park. She is the mom behind the blog Kids Go West. As a public school teacher, mom and freelance travel writer, she shares her insider tips on all the totally awesome places to go with kids in her home state of California. Bookmark her blog if you’re heading to California.
Rockinmama loves to mix fun and learning. She recommends these 5 Fun and Educational Kid Activities in San Diego. On her blog Rockin Mama, she writes with great humor about pregnancy. She also write prolifically about parent-friendly products. If you’re looking for the inside scoop on new products for parents out there, this rockin mama’s got it.
Ciao Bambino brings us San Diego: Favorite Family Hotels . Ciao Bambino is a one of Trekaroo’s favorite partners because we share a common passion – inspiring families to travel. Ciao Bambino provides tips and advice around all things related to traveling with kids and is a guide to the best kid-friendly hotels.
Sarah Wyles runs Toddler’s Travels – a local baby equipment rental company for visiting families. Naturally, she’s a guru on Fun Activities for Toddlers in San Diego. Instead of lugging all those bulky items on the plane, rent it when you arrive from Toddler’s Travels.
Colleen of TravelMamas has the scoop on the 5 Best Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego County. Her blog, Travelmamas, gives tell-it-like-it-is tips about traveling with kids. Relying on her own family’s experience as well as the advice from other traveling parents and experts, she gives loads of practical advice on traveling well with kids.
La Jolla is one of the most beautiful suburbs of San Diego and La Jolla Mom shares with us her list of Things to Do in La Jolla With Kids. Her blog La Jolla Mom has become a meeting place of sorts for local moms looking to connect. Her Family Fun section is full of popular and off the beaten path places to go with kids. Hop on over and see why La Jolla is a town you must stop at when visiting San Diego.
Other Resources for San Diego, CA
- All 104 Activities for kids in the San Diego County
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around San Diego County
Which Hotels came up at the top?
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Next stop, Denver, CO (that’s right, the launch of Colorado is coming soon)
The Trekaroo KidsMobile is a blog carnival with a twist. It’s designed to provide a unique opportunity for mom and dad bloggers to be featured on Trekaroo while
1) expressing their unique point of view
2) getting a web of link exchanges.
Join us for one of our next stopovers.
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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL WA, and DC
The last time our family visited San Diego, we discovered a wonderful cave at a beach with our 2 year old. It was a discovery too good to keep to ourselves and that’s where the idea for Trekaroo took birth. I love San Diego because it has that Southern California vibe without the insanity of LA and there are a ton of fun things to do with kids. So, this is what Trekaroo families voted to the top for 2009.
#1 Place to take Kids and #1 Animal Attraction: San Diego Zoo
With a total of 27 votes, this world famous zoo is not only the most popular attraction in San Diego with families. It also receives a remarkable 5 star rating on Trekaroo. Rockinmama says it’s the “Best Zoo for Children”. Kidsgowest says it’s “Zoo Heaven”. Knoxvilledoula declares it’s “worth every penny.” The most popular exhibit is the large number of adorable pandas. However, expect some waiting time to see these cuddly bears.
Photo credit: Flickr/thenickster
Best Kid-friendly Museum - Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre and Science Museum
Flying high with families is the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre and Science Museum. Some families like to cool off in this indoor space. TheQFamily says “don’t let the smarty name fool you. This musuem is a great hands-on interactive museum that even a toddler can enjoy.” Kids’ City is an entire child-size town popular with toddlers. A another big favorite with Trekaroo families is the Blockbuster room with tons of blocks that kids can build just about anything with. Wanna be astronauts get a kick out of pretending to sit at NASA command central.
Photo credit: www.rhfleet.org
Most Interesting Neighborhood – Old Town Historic San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a “Step back in time” (kidsgowest) that take us back to the Mexican and early American periods in the history of San Diego. Enjoy the architecture and ambiance of mariachi music and colorful papel picado. There is eye candy at every turn. Familyadventureguidebooks recommends taking hte Coaster train to Old Town. Grandma Dot loves how it sparks a kids imaginations of “Mexican cowboys with sombreros riding their horses through town”.
Photo credit: mattanddolly
Top Amusement Park – Legoland
It was a tight race between Legoland and SeaWorld, both getting 5 stars on Trekaroo. But Legoland wins by popularity. Located about 30 minutes north of San Diego, Legoland is often the reason why families choose to visit San Diego. Jeff Legato raves that its a “really fun park – especially the water section”. Yangtheman believes it’s the “best amusement park for grade schoolers”. jrussobergman goes so far as to say you can “forget about Disneyland”. Their family loves that there were “so many rides for toddlers.”
- Photo credit: anniepants
Most Kid-friendly Beach - Mission Bay Park
Emdolly tells us that Mission Bay Park is “great for small children” because of the calm clean waters and lifeguard. It is also a “great place to bike” says chich. Lots of other outdoor recreation to be had here – boating, fishing, sailing, volleyball, softball, horseshoes, rollerskating, kite-flying…the list goes on and on.
Photo Credit: Emdolly
Best Place to Experience Nature with Kids - La Jolla Tidepools
La Jolla Tidepools are home to a nice colony of seals and a playground for many a kayaker. This is a great place for kids to experience nature in nature. Besides seals, Anniepants reported seeing squid and fish swimming close to the beach. It has a great international vibe and lots of happy friendly people.
Photo credit: flickr/hermmermferm
Which Hotels came up at the top?
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Other Resources for San Diego, CA
- All 104 Activities for kids in the San Diego County
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around San Diego County
- Top Tips for a Legoland Adventure with Toddler and Preschoolers – familyadventuremom
- Fun Things to Do After Visiting Legoland, California - familyadventuremom
- Must See Attractions with Kids in San Diego – theqfamily
- Kid-friendly Dining in Balboa Park – kidsgowest
- San Diego: Favorite Family Hotels – ciaobambino
- Fun Activities for Toddlers in San Diego – Toddler’s Travel
- 5 Best Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego County – Travelmamas
- Things to Do in La Jolla With Kids – LaJollaMom
LiLing Pang is a contributing writer for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA
San Diego is one city not lacking in natural beauty. With that comes some world class hotels and resorts where families are simply in heaven. Here are some of the best of the best that Trekaroo families love.
# 1 Top Luxury Family-Friendly Hotel with Great Kid Perks: Hotel Del Coronado
This KSL Luxury property is getting rave 5 star reviews from families on Trekaroo. Not only is this hotel rich in history and Victorian charm, it is rich in family-friendly amenities. Michipo says the “grounds are immaculate and the beach is beautiful”. Kids will enjoy it’s beach front location while mom and dad won’t be able to get enough of the splendid views and their extensive spa services. Their kids program caters to children of all ages with biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and all manner of water sports to entertain and amuse. Babysitting is can also be arranged through the hotel. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas. Until Dec 31, 2009, Hotel Del Coronado is offering family packages that include free meals for kids under 12. Rates start from $315/night
Read the full reviews from families on the Hotel Del Coronado| Check for Deals and Availability
Best Value Without Compromise Hotel: Catamaran Resort and Spa
The Catamaran Resort is located a short drive from SeaWorld (9 minutes) and the San Diego Zoo (15 minutes) on the north end of Mission Bay. Mission Bay itself is a treasure trove of water sports and outdoor fun. Catamaran Resort also offers accommodation and facilities that your kids will love at affordable prices. With a beachfront location, this resort also offers all sorts of water sports like sailing, surfing, water-skiing and more. They also offer babysitting services and a Kid’s Camp where parents can drop kids off for a fun filled day. In the evenings, enjoy a cruise on Bahai Belle on the house. Believe it or now, rates start at $109/night.
Read the full reviews from families on Sheraton Carlsbad | Check for Availability
Best Hotel Near Legoland: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa
The Sheraton Carlsbad has direct access to Legoland reserved for Sheraton guests. With a number of generously sized suite room that offer a separate room for mom and dad, plus a large family-friendly pool stocked with floaties, beach balls, this hotel gets top marks from Trekaroo families. Consider upgrading to the Club Level for an additional $20-40, so you can enjoy th breakfast buffet and after/evenign snacks which allows you to avoid a visit to the grocery stores for milk and kid-friendly food on the go. There are a few additional charges to beware for WIFI and parking. Rates start from $159/night
Read the full reviews from families on Sheraton Carlsbad | Check for Availability
Which Activities came up at the top?
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Other Resources for San Diego, CA
- All 104 Activities for kids in the San Diego County
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around San Diego County
- Top Tips for a Legoland Adventure with Toddler and Preschoolers – familyadventuremom
- Fun Things to Do After Visiting Legoland, California - familyadventuremom
- Must See Attractions with Kids in San Diego – theqfamily
- Kid-friendly Dining in Balboa Park – kidsgowest
- San Diego: Favorite Family Hotels – ciaobambino
- Fun Activities for Toddlers in San Diego – Toddler’s Travel
- 5 Best Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego County – Travelmamas
- Things to Do in La Jolla With Kids – LaJollaMom
LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA
