It’s the Easter Bunny, no, it’s the a Superoo!
Trekaroo’s Superoo Council presents:
The Extraordinary 2012 Superoos
Meet all the 2012 Superoos
Every year, the Superoo Council recommends Trekaroo families who have demonstrated exceptional Superoo powers. What powers are those you ask? Well, like any Superhero, they’ve stepped into the world of traveling and exploring with their kids with boldness. They’ve shown their quick wit and keen judgement through their reviews. Most of all, they’ve shown just how much they’ll give towards making the world of family travel better for all of us moms and dads.
Our Destination Guroos have been busy finding fun assignments to send our Superoos to over the past year. They have been reporting back to us about the best family friendly spots in North America. Here is a small sampling for fun places we reviewed last year.
- Skytop Lodge – Pennsylvania
- Omni Berkshire Place – New York
- Four Seasons Scottsdale – Arizona
- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass – Arizona
- Lakeway Resort and Spa – Texas
- Glenwood Canyon Springs – Colorado
- Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort
- Dinosaur Expeditions Whitewater Rafting Trip
We’re looking forward to another year of awesome Superoo assignments.
To find out more about our Superoo program for elite reviews and how to get selected, read more about Superoos here.
Please join me in congratulating our 2012 Superoos!
LiLing Pang (Travelpangs)
CEO & Co-founder
As a SoCal resident, I am lucky to enjoy Disneyland frequently. Without a doubt, I can say that Disney is magic; the joys and memories made are well worth the price-tag as Disney provides quality, top-notch entertainment that permeates every inch of their parks.
However, with a “down-turned” economy, a single-family income, and three kids, Disney can get expensive. Here’s your guide to the best Disney Vacation Deals (and a few to avoid!).
Spring 2012 Promotions & Special Offers
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
-Through May 28, 2012, get 3-day Park Hopper tickets for $199. Visit both parks in one day!
-Southern California Residents can Go Wild and visit twice for $99; now through June 1, 2012. You pick the park, you pick the day.
-Active and retired U.S. military can enjoy a 3-day park hopper ticket for their families (up to 6 people) for just $99 through September 28th, 2012. Special hotel rates are also available to military on select days.
-The Southern California CityPASS includes 3-day Park Hopper tickets to both Disney parks as well as one day tickets to Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The pass can save you over $100 if you bought individual tickets to each activity and is good for 14 days from first use.
-Score up to 25% off Disneyland Resort hotel rooms when you book a vacation from April 16th- June 9th.
- Trekaroo keeps tabs of great hotel deals near Disneyland
Walt Disney World
Photo by: Trekaroo/lilkim00033
- Book a 5 night/6 day Magic Your Way Package before May 18th to get a FREE DINING PACKAGE for your entire family! (Select availability between August 25- September 29, 2012). This special package can save your family up to $848 on dining!
-Florida residents can enjoy the Wild for 3 Pass; a 3-day ticket to a Walt Disney World theme park—for just $99. Tickets must be used by May 24, 2012. You can add a 4th day for just $30 more! Folks who call the Sunshine State home can also a special “after 2pm” water park annual pass.
-Active and retired U.S. military can buy a 4-day Park Hopper pass for their families (up to 6 people) for just $138 through September 29th, 2012. For just $27 more, the pass can be upgraded to the Park Hopper and Water Parks, Fun & More pass for even more value. Special hotel rates up to 40% off are available on select days.
-Save up to 30% off at select Walt Disney World hotels for travel between April 13th- June 14th. (Book by March 31st!)
- Trekaroo watches for the best hotels deals near Walt Disney World
Cruises
Photo by: Flickr/twodolla
-Book your cruise online to receive an extra $25 onboard credit.
-Florida and SoCal residents, keep checking in as new promotions are posted frequently.
Tips on buying tickets
The absolute best resource for finding an awesome deal on Disney vacations is to head to the source: Disney constantly offers special packages on their own websites and the prices online are almost always cheaper than buying your tickets at the door. Check back often as promotions change throughout the year. Disney’s California Parks | Disneyworld | Disney Cruises
Don’t buy tickets from eBay, Craigslist, or anyone else offering you what seems to be too good of a deal. Scam artists are very eager to prey on budget-conscious tourists by offering passes at low rates. The catch is you have no way to guarantee that the ticket they are selling is real, or has any days left. Don’t be sorry, buy your tickets from Disney’s offical site or from reputable resellers or travel agents.
Resources
Want more detailed information? Pick your park:
Disneyland | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap | Character Map | Best Rides for toddlers| school aged kids | teens & tweens
Disney California Adventure | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap
The Magic Kingdom | Reviews | Best rides for teens & tweens
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Reviews | Fastpass | Special Events
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Reviews | Fastpass
Planning your day | Busy Day Activities | Apps | Ridemax | Resort Hotels | Children’s activity centers | Best Pools Near Disneyland | Hotels offering Kids Camps Near Disney World | Hotels near Downtown Disney | Special Needs | Best Disney World Restaurants | Parades | Resort Hotels with Story Rooms | Hotels for Large Families or Groups | Dinner Shows | Disney World Special Events |
Check out what is new for Disney in 2012.
Share your favorite Disney tip with other Trekaroo readers. Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Magic Kingdom | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Don’t forget to enter to win our Disneyland Resort Vacation!!
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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 | UT | VA | WA
-America the Beautiful, Katharine Lee Bates
The majestic beauty of the state of Colorado served as the inspiration to this classic American hymn. The Centennial State is so rich in natural beauty and diversity that it just begs for you to get outdoors and explore all it has to offer. No matter what season of the year you visit Colorado, you are sure to find an amazing adventure.
10. Jump off a Cliff
Photo by: Soaring Treetop Adventures
Parents, take a deep breath: thrill seeking families will love all the extreme sports and activities available in Colorado. Hike or climb your way up one of Colorado’s 54 “fourteeners”, mountains peaking out at over 14,000 feet! Take to the heights in a hot air balloon, or paraglide out over the landscape below. Rent a jeep and take on the rugged terrain with all four wheels driving. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s giant canyon swing launches daring riders 1300 feet out and over the Colorado River trailing below! The park’s “wild” cavern tour, alpine coaster slide and zip line are a must! The largest zip line course in the world, Soaring Treetop Adventures in Durango, is accessible to kids and adults from age 5 and up!
Hit the sky with Colorado’s Zip Lines | Hang-gliding | Hot Air Balloons
9. Follow Ancient Footprints Back in Time
- Photo by: Trekaroo/gbkgwyneth
Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado is home to the remains of Colorado’s oldest inhabitants, the Pueblos. The park offers easy, short hikes to ancient ruins and longer guided tours to some amazing must-see cliff dwellings from 1500 years ago! Active families can climb ladders, crawl through tunnels and really get into the dwellings. Nearby, visit Hovenweep National Monument to explore six ruins during a 1 ½ hour, peaceful and easy walking tour for all ages and stages. The Canyons of the Ancients, which boast the largest density of known archeological finds in the nation, is easily accessed from the Anasazi Heritage Center, a federal museum and ruins site (and a good spot to use restrooms and enjoy the picnic grounds!)
Centrally located, Durango is the perfect place to stay & play while enjoying the ancient ruins.
8. Hit the Water
Photo by: Trekaroo/slofamilylife
In late spring and summer, snow melts away to a white water river-rafting paradise. The Arkansas River is America’s most rafted on river and offers trips varying from family-friendly class II waters all the way to extreme class V rapids for experienced riders. Numerous rivers and outfitters across the state offer safe, family expeditions to get you started, and on calmer waters you can enjoy a variety of types of boats for experiences from lazy to crazy. Fishing picks up when the waters begin to tame, so be sure to take advantage of the plentiful rivers of Colorado.
Find family-friendly rafting trips in Colorado | across the US
7. Tour Natural Beauty in Old-Fashioned Style
Photo by: Trekaroo/Kimmy
Enjoy Colorado’s scenic beauty without the stress and frustration of driving. Start your enthusiasm for trains by visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum, designed as an 1880’s train depot with replica trains and an awesome array of hands on activities for the little ones. When you are ready to journey for yourself, ride one of the state’s numerous railways boasting open air cars, incredible scenery, and impressive bridges. The Royal Gorge travels first class along the Arkansas River and has numerous dining options available, even fine dining for a special occasion, while the Cog Railway in Colorado Springs travels to the top of Pike’s Peak (14,000 feet). The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates year round through the San Juan National Forest and includes entrance into their freight museum with ticket. Many of Colorado’s trains host special events for year-round holidays, offer exceptional dining options, and even offer your teen the chance to solve murders on board a murder mystery train.
Check out eight Scenic Railways across Colorado to explore.
6. See the Wild Life
- Photo by: Trekaroo/Gretchen
Colorado has your animal fix covered! The Denver Zoo is lauded as the most popular cultural attraction in all of Colorado; despite the 1.6 million annual visitors, Trekaroo users say their visits are relaxed and calm. Free summer programs are the highlight for many visitors. More animal encounters can be found at the nearby Butterfly Pavilion and Downtown Aquarium (which also hosts mermaids!!). The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in scenic Colorado Springs, sits at an altitude of 6,800 feet and boasts over 200 animal species. For a change of pace, ride the historic carousel or take the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the top of the zoo to play on the kid-friendly playground. If you’re looking for buffalo, head about 20 miles west of Denver to Genesee Park’s Buffalo Preserve where you can get up close & personal with a herd of about 40 wild buffalo, for free!
Colorado Springs is a beautiful vacation spot. Start your planning here.
5. Make your Home on the Range
Photo by: Flicker/woodleywonderworks
Iconic scenery, big sky and beautiful weather make Colorado a rancher’s dream. If you can splurge for an all-inclusive resort, try your hand as a cowboy at a dude ranch. Family programs, camp-outs, cattle drives, entertainment and exceptional dining will draw your family together with a lifetime of cherished memories. If a day trip is more likely to fit the bill, check out one of Colorado’s numerous ranches and farms open for tours, horseback riding, and chuck wagon dinners.
Explore Colorado’s Ranch Vacations | Day-Tripping Ranch Locations
4. Experience Education
Photo by: Trekaroo/Zoe Ocampo
At the Children’s Museum of Denver, hands on education takes place in such clever and creative ways that your kids might not even know they are learning. Giant dinosaurs, a planetarium and a space odyssey highlight the best of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which consistently receives rave reviews on Trekaroo. If you have a free afternoon, venture to The Wildlife Experience just south of Denver. This museum focuses on learning about wildlife habitats through hands-on-displays and films best geared to school age kids and up.
Check out the top ten children’s museums across the US.
3. Explore the Mile High City
Photo by: Flickr/Larry Johnson
Sitting at an altitude of 5,280 feet, Denver was founded by miners less than 150 years ago, and is still full of youth and excitement. Downtown, take the free US Mint tour where you can watch the amazing transformation of money and learn about minting history. Denver Botanic Gardens is set in the beautiful tree-lined Cherry Creek area and has its very own 3-acre children’s garden just perfect for exploring and observation. The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater hosts year-round concerts set in front of stunning red rock mountains; come on an off day and tour the facilities and the beautiful red rocks and then stop at the nearby Dinosaur Ridge where you can touch dinosaur bones and walk in their footprints! If your little ones need to get some energy out, head to Westlands Park in Greenwood Village for more than just the typical play structures, but also water fountains, tree houses, climbing walls, music makers, a skate park and plenty of picnic space. This park has been voted the “Top Playground” of the Rockies and we are sure you will agree.
Find the best deals on lodging in Denver. Hungry? Enjoy super-cool restaurants in Denver for kids.
2. Glide through Powder
- Photo by: skiloveland.com
The impressive hills and vast terrain of the Rocky Mountains, coupled with snow fall levels up to 465 inches a year, Colorado is a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. The state has 26 ski resorts, many with kid’s clubs, ski schools, awesome packages for families, and even a resort boasting the world’s highest Starbucks (at 10,850 feet). The winter season in the mountain towns like Keystone, Aspen and Vail can sometimes extend well into spring offering skiers the chance to enjoy an impressively long season. If, like me, the idea of your kids (or self) flailing head-over-heals in a cartoonish avalanche of snow scares you away, never fear. The soft mountains of snow are also just right for good, old-fashioned (and not so terrifying) cross-country skiing, sledding, making snowmen and snow ball fights.
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Families | Ski Resorts offering schools and daycare | Colorado Sledding & Snow Play Spots
1. Discover diverse National and State Parks
- Photo by: Trekaroo/thelees3
Colorado’s land is incredibly diverse and the park systems reflect a unique display of beauty. At Great Sand Dunes National Park, the highest sand dunes in North America, your climb is rewarded with a year-round, non-dependent-on-weather “sand”board or sled down the hills. Rocky Mountain National Park offers abundant animal life, gorgeous scenery and plenty of family hikes and campgrounds. Just outside Denver, Roxborough State Park offers a unique juxtaposition of swaying prairies and jutting red rock formations. In the northwest, experience the closest thing you can get to a jungle at Rifle Falls State Park. Take the short 5 minute hike in the morning to the falls for a sweet, sunlit view of three majestic waterfalls surrounded by lush foliage. From prairies, lakes and plains to stunning mountain tops and forests, Colorado’s parks cannot be beat.
Need more info? Try our handy guide on exploring Colorado’s national parks.
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Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska
Top Ten Things for Families to do in California
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Massachusetts
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada
Top Ten Things for Families to do in New Mexico
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Pennsylvania
Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah
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
Update on Utah Rewards:
(As of 11:59 PM PST on March 4) Utah Rewards is now closed. If you enjoyed writing reviews, keep on writing and you might be selected to become a Superoo Elite Reviewer.
Today, I’m very excited to announce that Utah is officially orange on the Trekaroo map! In celebration, we’re having a whole week of fun features and giveaways centered around Utah. We’re also offering a limited time Utah Rewards offer to kick things off. So help us get the word out about all the launch festivities by sharing with your friends on Facebook.
Photo by Flickr/s_mestdagh
There are several reasons why this launch is particularly exciting for Trekaroo. First, Utah is truly a beautiful state boasting some of our nation’s most beautiful National Parks including Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches. With a varied terrain of stunning mountains, stately plateaus, and unique geological formations, Utah is the outdoor family’s playground. Utah’s other iconic attractions for families also include Temple Square, Thanksgiving Point, and Dinosaur National Monument. Oh, and have I not mentioned that winter time brings some of the best powdery snow to Utah? Park City, Canyons, Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude are all ski resorts where the best kind of family memories are made. The list of kid friendly adventures seem quite endless, but a good place to start your bucket list is right here: Utah’s Top 10 Things to Do for Families.
Second, what’s got me really excited about this launch are the families who represent Utah on Trekaroo. This launch was a 100% grassroots effort of families who love to explore and share all the wonderful kid-friendly things to do in Utah. Who benefits from the inside scoop on of the best activities, hotels and restaurants this state has to offer? All of us travel happy families looking for new destinations to discover with our kids!
Leading the charge is Ann Anderson (akeisel), Utah’s Destination Guroo extraordinaire. Born and raised in Utah and a mom to 3 kids, she is a wealth of knowledge with great advice on everything kid friendly in Utah. However, since Trekaroo isn’t about one person’s advice, I’d like to acknowledge the 160 founding families who have contributed through their reviews to making Utah launch ready.
Top Utah Founding Families:
tvaughn | byudawn | twood | ash24u | jolynnforman | dtflake | clarkjulis | atwater31 | j-js-mom | brittnikat | crystalperry | kitebright | cuteirishdancer | stbw2009 | honeygraham | camillegrimshaw | edmundsa | glickfamily | twinsrus | kjandajsmom | crazycool | caitlinpcarroll | em-il-ie | tansween | reneeb5 | debrajoy87 | belem | tianan | jesseng | sassygirls22 | schacher801 | mamateresa2007 | rosevan33 | jrice | utahdealdiva | bryangrimshaw | autumnchristiansen | millie | nena
Here’s what Trekaroo families have amassed so far on Utah:
307 Activities or Kids in Wasatch Front- Salt Lake City Area alone!
95 Activities for Kids in Southern Utah
Reviews and Recommendations on Kid-friendly Hotels, Activities and Restaurants across the 3 main regions of Utah:
Wasatch Front – Salt Lake City,
Southern Utah – home to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park
Northeastern Utah – better known as Dinoland
A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Salt Lake City waiting to be rated by parents like you
Lots of fun lists like:
Sledding and Tubing in Utah
Utah’s Amazing National Parks with Kids
Family Friendly Hiking in Utah’s Wasatch Front
Top 5 SLC Area Outdoor Venues for Kids
Utah’s Wasatch Front: Stroller Friendly Hikes & Walks
Top 5 FREE {or dang close to it!} SLC Area Activities
Arches National Park Best Family Hikes
Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids
Limited Time Utah Rewards! Earn a Gift Card to Amazon.com
Update on Utah Rewards:
(As of 11:59 PM PST on March 4) Utah Rewards is now closed. If you enjoyed writing reviews, keep on writing and you might be selected to become a Superoo Elite Reviewer.
Have you experienced Utah with your kids? Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad.
Write reviews on activities, hotels, and restaurants in Utah and earn a gift card to Amazon.
10 reviews for $10, 20 reviews for $20
Limited to one gift card per user, until we hit our $500 limit
To qualify reviews must be:
- about places in Utah
- written between Feb 28, 2012 and March 15, 2012 March 4, 2012 (due to $500 limit being reached).
- original, based on your real experience
- helpful to parents
- well written
Step 1: Join and Start Writing Reviews.
Step 2: Claim your reward
We love reading your reviews….so yes, we will check them out when you submit your claim.
Did you miss our Monday Madness Giveaway?
Click here and learn how to win a Salt Lake City Family Getaway
Check back everyday this week so you don’t miss any of our fun Utah festivities and giveaways. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and we’ll be sure to let you know what’s going on.
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LiLing Pang is Trekaroo’s Founder, a wife, & a mom to two active boys and a 6 month old baby girl.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | UT |VA | WA
Trekaroo loves Utah! It is a state filled with immense natural beauty, world class skiing, and plenty of great family fun. We love the Beehive State so much that we have decided to dedicate an entire week to it. Tomorrow we will officially launch the Utah portion of our site but today we decided to do what do best on Mondays, host a great giveaway centered around Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City.
If your family is planning a trip to Salt Lake City, consider purchasing a “Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass” which gives access to 13 of Salt Lake’s best attractions. Passes are available for purchase at the Visit Salt Lake website or directly at the Salt Lake Visitors Information Center.
Check out what Trekaroo families are saying about some of the venues included in the Connect Pass:
- Clark Planetarium: “Star shows deluxe”
- Discovery Gateway: “A great place for parents and kids”
- Natural History Museum of Utah: “Hands on natural history”
- Red Butte Garden: “Beautiful!, Beautiful!, Beautiful!”
- Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort: “A refreshing change from the amusement park scene”
- Thanksgiving Point: “So much to do, so little time”
- This is the Place Heritage Park: “Stroll back in time”
- Tracy Aviary: “Surprisingly fun”
- Utah’s Hogle Zoo: “Great time all year round”
One lucky reader will win 2-Day Connect Passes for 2 adults and 2 children. The only bad thing about this awesome prize is trying to decide where to visit first!
If you need a family friendly place to stay, Hilton Garden Inn is a trusted brand and Salt Lake City’s downtown location has won Hilton’s “Hotel of the Year-Connie Award” for the past three years in a row, so you know you will be in good hands. The cooked to order breakfast and complimentary wifi are wonderful perks and families with young children will definitely appreciate the children’s menu, complimentary cribs, and high chairs. If your kids are anything like mine they will happy to hear that this highly rated hotel has a pool for them to splash about in. Psst…. that same lucky reader will win three nights at this, the queen of all Hilton Garden Inns.
The Steal: Win a Salt Lake City Family Getaway!
Details: One lucky winner will receive a 3 night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Salt Lake City Downtown for up to 5 people and Salt Lake City 2-Day Connect Passes for 2 adults and 2 children. An approximately $450 value.
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
In an effort to make easier to enter, we are now using Rafflecopter. Simply click on the box below and follow the directions. The more you do, the more entries you will receive!
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, March, 11 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,.
Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor in Chief.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
