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
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.
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Southern California! There may not be snow on the ground, and the shining sun may make it feel like the perfect 75 degrees, but decorations are popping up at every corner and special holiday events are being held almost daily. There are so many special activities to enjoy with your family that we’ve tried to pare down the list to just 10. If you live or vacation in Southern California this December, we hope you enjoy one of these events! If you call another part of the country “home”, check out the lists of local activities below. Enjoy the season, and Merry Christmas!
Boat Parades
Photo by: Flickr/YoTuT
Millions of twinkling lights covering cleverly decorated boats float through harbors and canals up and down the Pacific Coast of Southern California. Families who don’t mind bundling up their kids in the cool marine air will enjoy sitting and watching this quintessential SoCal event. Check out the harbor city near you for specific dates and times. Be sure to find out where the parade starts so that you know the approximate time of when it will float by your location.
Choose from the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights, Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Long Beach’s Parade of 1000 Lights, Channel Island’s Harbor Parade of Lights in Oxnard, Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland, and the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade.
The Nutcracker
Photo by: Flicker/kelsey_lovefusionphoto
Dancing Sugar Plum Fairies and sword battles with monkey kings will delight many children, but really only those who can sit still for long periods of time. If you have young boys like me who like to blurt outloud, “those tight pants look funny” in a quiet theater, you may enjoy one of these special Nutcracker performances for kids. The 45 minute narrated ballet with an audience of young children is a great way to enjoy this delightful holiday tradition. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa will be performing the Nutcracker for kids on Dec 10. The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents a kid friendly performance of the Nutcracker at the historic Casa Del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park. Check websites for ticket and show times.
Special Teas
A good friend of mine loves taking her daughters with their grandma to a special Christmas tea every year. My active little 3-year-old girl may perhaps be ready in a couple of years to sit pretty with me at one of these special events. Pelican Hill Resort of Newport Beach is hosting a Nutcracker Tea Holiday Party on December 17 from 12-3:30 pm for parents and children. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena will hold their annual Teddy Bear Tea on December 10, 11, 17-23 at 10 am for a story time, photos with Santa and a marionette puppet show. The Grand Del Mar in San Diego celebrates the holidays with a Nutcracker Holiday Tea with an abridged performance of the ballet and child-friendly tea service. The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad is hosting a Teddy Bear Tea from December 2 – 19 on Friday – Sunday at 1 pm. All tea events require reservations. Please see details on resort website for ticket prices and reservations.
Amusement Park Fun
Photo by: Flicker/Thom Watson
Southern California is known for it’s many amusement parks. Each one celebrates the holidays in grand style with extensive decorations and special events. Visiting these parks during the Christmas season can be twice as fun, extra special, and provide decorative backgrounds for really great photos of your kids! Knott’s Merry Farm celebrates a “Charlie Brown Christmas” with parades, carolers and a special Christmas shopping village. The Disneyland Resort makes memories magical during the holidays. Trekaroo has even created a list just for Disneyland to help you find all the great holiday events. SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, LegoLand, and Universal Studios Hollywood all celebrate the holidays with special events, decorations, parades, and are tons of fun.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Photo by: Flickr/SonnyandSandy
Gliding over the ice, or rather, inching along with your clinging son at your side, can be a great event that creates memories through laughter and exercise. Skating outside is twice as fun with sparkling holiday lights and music. Check websites for details on times and ticket prices for the following outdoor ice rinks. Ice at Santa Monica, Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles, Holiday on Ice a the Irvine Spectrum, The Strand at Huntington Beach, Horton Plaza, and the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.
Special Light Displays
Photo by: Mission Inn
All during December I hear my little 3 and 5 year olds shouting in the back seat of the car, “Christmas Lights!!!” at the top of their lungs, just to make sure I see any and all of the twinkling lights that delight them. We often enjoy driving around neighborhoods with hot chocolate or walking the streets with sticky candy canes to enjoy the lights of the season. Here are some extra special places to visit this year. The Festival of Lights is held at the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside and is open to the public to enjoy thousands of lights and decorations, visits to Santa, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and live reindeer. The San Diego Botanical Gardens host the Garden of Lights from Dec 2-23, 26-30 and invite people to enjoy a stroll through the wonderland of lights in the garden, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa, and hot beverages. At the Del Mar Race Track drive your car through the Holiday of Lights from Nov 24 – Jan 1 or take a Holiday Hayride Dec 2, 9 and 16. Here is a list of Where to Enjoy Holiday Lights in Los Angeles.
Art and Culture
Photo by: Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
We drive by the Sawdust Art Festival every summer on our way to the sands of Laguna Beach and I always think, “I want to take my kids there!” I’ve heard of the fun crafts, art demonstrations, and beautiful displays that kids and parents enjoy. I was surprised to find that there is a Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy that would be equally delightful this season. Other cultural and artistic events are taking place all over the southland to celebrate the holidays. Las Posadas, a nightly tradition of acting out the journey of Mary and Joseph through the streets of Nazareth takes place at Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles Dec 16-24. Pinatas and live entertainment make for a special cultural holiday event. A special Irish Holiday Festival will take place at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Dec 11 from 12-4pm. Families will enjoy live music, dancing and special holiday treats.
History
Photo by: Flickr/Patrick Denker
Celebrate Christmas at historical sites in So Cal and let an old-fashioned Christmas come alive for your family. Christmas at the Mission will take place Dec 3 at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Christmas comes to Heritage Hill in Lake Forest with a Victorian Christmas on Dec 3 and a Candlelight Tour on Dec 10 and 11. Children will learn history through butter churning, candle dipping, and decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus. Storytelling in the old one-room schoolhouse will delight children and parents. The La Mesa Village transforms into an old fashioned Christmas in the village with Victorian decorations and special events on Dec 9 and 10. The Queen Mary, the grand ocean liner docked in Long Beach, will hold it’s annual free Christmas Tree Lighting in honor of the military, the police and fire fighters on Wed, Dec 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
Train Rides to Visit Santa
Photo by Irvine Park Railroad
Visiting Santa is often at the top of most family’s checklist for the season. How much more fun to visit them on a farm or at the end of a train ride! Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, north of San Diego is hosting Christmas in the Valley on Dec 9 and 10. Take a Polar Express Hay Ride to visit Santa and then enjoy live entertainment, crafts, a living nativity, and more. Take the Christmas Train on the Irvine Park Railroadto visit Santa during December. Kids will be delighted to find Santa at the North Pole after their nighttime ride on the train through the park.
Rose Parade
A list of holiday events in Southern California would be grossly inadequate without the famous Tournament of Roses Parade held every January 1 in Pasadena. Every year that I watch the parade and see the sun shining down on the beautiful floats covered with flowers, I am reminded of the blessing of living in sunny So Cal. Our family hasn’t been able to make the commitment of spending the night on the street, nor buying a ticket for the grandstands, but we did drive down Colorado Blvd. 2 days before New Years and our kids were fascinated with the preparations for the grand parade. I can’t wait to take them to the Showcase of Floats at the end of the parade to see the amazing structures up close.
Looking for more holiday-fun activities? Check out your neighborhood below.
California: San Diego | Orange County | LA & Environs | Bay Area | Lake Tahoe | Sacramento
Other US cities: Dallas | NYC/NJ | Philadelphia | Salt Lake City | Seattle
Don’t see your city?? Make a list of fun activities in your neck of the woods to share with Trekaroo users.
Michelle McCoy (aka: McFam) is the Southern California Destination Guroo for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
October is an ideal time to visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park- the summer crowds are gone, the weather is pleasant, and kids are free! From now through October 31st, families looking for a great outing at an amazing bargain will be happy to know that children under the age of 11 can visit two of the top zoological parks in the world at no cost. Since my family hadn’t been to the Safari Park since it took on its new name (for the previous 38 years it was known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park) and we decided to take advantage of the free entry for kids and head to the park to check out the new cheetah run.
Truth be told, I kind of have a thing for cheetahs. You know those little girls who spend their childhoods pining away for pony? Well that was me, but with cheetahs. So as soon as I heard that guests now have the opportunity to see a cheetah run off-leash on a 330-foot track at 70 miles per hour, I knew the kids and I were going to have to head down to Escondido to experience that for ourselves. I figured we would love the experience but I had no idea just how much it would blow us away!
Every day at 3:30PM, park goers are encouraged to gather around the track to watch one of three cheetahs run the track. Last time most visitors saw these cheetahs was two years ago when they were tiny little cubs that stole the hearts of everyone who passed by their nursery window. Now cheetahs like Johari, are super stars as they chase their favorite toy on a lure at speeds normally seen on the interstate. You definitely want a front row view for this sprint because it is unlike you have ever seen.
There are a couple different ways to experience Shiley’s Cheetah Run. One way is from the bridge near the kids’ cool zone. This advantage point is great because it puts viewers at the end of the track where they can watch a cheetah run full speed in their direction. Another great spot to watch the cheetah run is from the preferred viewing area. For a $15 fee, viewers will get the chance to get an up close view of the cheetah at take off. Cheetah’s can run from 0 to 60mph in only three seconds so watching an animal accelerate that fast must be spectacular. Thanks to the Safari Park, my family went with the ultimate option- the Cheetah Safari Experience.
If you or your kids love cheetahs and want an up close personal experience, then the Cheetah Safari is definitely for you. The first part of the experience is a pre-show of sorts where guests get to meet an animal ambassador. We met a rock hyrax which looked like a cross between an overgrown guinea pig and a rabbit but is actually the closest living relative to an elephant. My kids got a kick out of having the luxuriously soft animal hop into their laps and watching it the little guy try its best to stay in our little viewing area where the treats were plentiful instead of having to go back to its enclosure with the trainer.
After that, we lined our private side of the fence to watch the cheetah speed by. First the dog companion of Johari the cheetah, Yeti, ran the track. My kids were certain that nothing could run as fast as the dog. Then the cheetah burst from its cage and ran with grace and incredible speed. Tears welled in my eyes- it was more than I could have imaged. I turned to the kids and saw huge grins on their faces. Even a five year old knew that seeing a cheetah run was like witnessing magic.
Johari ran 330 feet in 5.12 seconds- a new park record! She took a few minutes to regain her breath and pump some oxygen back into her blood before she have us one more show- 5.62 seconds. Then she joined us Cheetah Safari guests in our special seating area for a meet and greet. We sat a few feet from Johari, listening to her purr as she happily licked on her bloodsicle. Her trainers gave us a private talk about the cheetahs at the Safari Park and answered our questions about the animal that managed to leave me speechless. While our group wasn’t able to stand near the cheetah for pictures, I was told some groups do get that opportunity, dependent on a wide variety of factors.
Picture or no picture, our Cheetah Safari experience was incredible. My kids have told everybody who would listen about the “super fast cheetah with a doggy friend” and I fulfilled a cheetah lover’s dream. Of course, there are plenty of other great reasons to head to the Safari Park- including the chance to see the newest member of the gorilla family, Monroe.
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Sharlene Earnshaw is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
It’s the first few days of summer, do you know where your vacation is? Perhaps your family loves the smell of pine trees and is looking for a place with the adventures of horse back riding and rock wall climbing. Or your ideal vacation is a spot on the warm sand of the sun-kissed California beaches. Whether your kids love the outdoors or the indoor Wii lounges, hotels and resorts are offering lots of fun activities and clubs to make your family vacation one that you will never forget. If you are looking for a fun place in Southern and Central California to take your family this summer that has special activities for kids, here are some great ideas!
MOUNTAIN VACATIONS
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is nestled in the foothills and pines below Yosemite National Park and offers summer activities that families will love. An Adventure Club, climbing wall, horseback riding, ice skating, an arcade and the Yosemite Kids Camp are offered to families looking for a great mountain vacation. Daycare services are offered for parents to enjoy the Ascent Spa which offers services such as massages, facials and body treatments. This summer historic Summerdale Campfire BBQs begin in are offered on Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday evenings at 6PM. The barbeque features an open fire, picnic tables, and live entertainment.
Read reviews of the Tenaya Lodge at Trekaroo.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang is a one-of-a-kind working ranch resort perfect for a horse-loving family or for those who love the outdoors. A breakfast horseback or haywagon ride is offered twice weekly to the Old Adobe. Other activies include fishing at the lake, archery, air rifle shooting, visiting barnyard animals and golf.
The Grand Del Mar in San Diego is a luxury resort that offers an Explorer’s Club for kids, pony rides, trail rides on horses, nature guided walks in Penasquitos Canyon and a family pool featuring underwater music with food and beverage service.
Destination Guroo, Mcfam, and her family were stunned at just how amazing and kid-friendly the staff and activities are at the Grand Del Mar. Swimming with underground music, hiking in the canyon with a naturalist, and playing hide and go seek in their large rooms were some of the things her kids loved to do, but eating gelato as a reward for the scavenger hunt was definitely their favorite!
BEACH RETREATS in Central California
Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo offers a Suite Beach Retreat. A reserved beach location will be set up for your family including oak beach loungers, a shade umbrella and a table. A practical fee includes volleyball, sand toys and bocce ball.
Read reviews of the Embassy Suites San Louis Obispo on Trekaroo.
Quality Suites in San Luis Obispo offers family adventure with their Kayak Tour Package. Experience a half-day kayak tour through Morro Bay, including going through an oyster farm, and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a beautiful setting.
Read reviews of Quality Suites on Trekaroo.
BEACH VACATIONS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Catalina is the perfect spot for families looking for a small town escape near a metropolis. Catalina Island offers 2 great family packages for families on a budget. Hotel stays at the Hotel Atwater or the Pavilion Hotel are offered along with transportation on the Catalina Express, kayak rentals, Glass Bottom Boat Tours, miniature golf, and a discount on the Zip Line at Descanso Beach Club.
Read reviews of the Pavilion Hotel on Trekaroo.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is just steps from Huntington Beach and features Slyders, a water playground that kids love because of it’s 3 water slides, a wading pool, and a large Jacuzzi. Toes on the Nose, the onsite activity shop, offers paddle boarding, bike rentals, kayak tours and a beach butler service. To top it all off, kids can participate in supervised recreation activities at Campy Hyatt including water slide relays, cookie decorating, Hoola Hoop competitions, story-telling sessions and more.
Blog Editor, Sharlene Earnshaw, says that when she took her kids to the Hyatt she couldn’t imagine a more quintessentially Southern California beach experience than the time they had at the Hyatt and Huntington Beach. “Their was a great family friendly vibe throughout the resort and sitting on our balcony with views of the pool and beach beyond were hard to beat!”.
Read reviews of the Hyatt Huntington Beach on Trekaroo.
Jamaica Bay Inn in Los Angeles/Marina Del Rey is a brand new hotel on the beautiful harbor of Marina Beach. Families can walk onto the beach from the hotel to enjoy swimming, kayaking, volleyball and the beautiful California sunshine. Parents will find the beachfront amenities convenient, including shaded picnic areas, a comprehensive playground complete with pirate ships for young buccaneers, and lifeguards on duty during summer weekends.
Superoo izdat and her family admitted that they were basically beach bums most of the time they enjoyed at Jamaica Bay. ”The sand beach was excellent, and the kids really enjoyed the beachfront playground. My kids tend to be very cautious at ocean beaches, so it was great that they could fill their own buckets in the water without being afraid of waves.”
Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa in Dana Point features an exciting Splash Zone where kids can play in the fountains, surfboards and water cannons. The Kahuna Laguna Kids club provides supervised arts and crafts, games and poolside fun. Ages 5-12 are welcome. Family movie nights round out the great fun.
Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel is the place to visit if your family enjoys the Sawdust Art Festival and The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Various packages include tickets to these amazing events.
Read reviews of the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel on Trekaroo.
BEACH RESORTS IN SAN DIEGO
Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa is the place to find a summer vacation you’ll never forget with the Summer Value Package. Front row seats for the evening fireworks show from SeaWorld, breakfast at Acqua, Kids Klub activities for ages 5-12, Kids Night-Out passes and s’mores ingredients to enjoy a bonfire and marshmallow roast on the beach will make a great family vacation.
Read reviews of the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa on Trekaroo.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego offers discount SeaWorld tickets along with water taxi trips to the park. Relaxing spa treatments, fireside S’mores and waterslide relays are just some of the fun activities families can expect to enjoy in Mission Bay.
Read reviews of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay on Trekaroo.
Paradise Point Resort in San Diego is set on Mission Bay and features over one mile of sandy beaches, 5 swimming pools, a lake and a lagoon. The Island Adventures Club offers daily activities and fun for kids. Surf and paddleboard lessons, exclusives to SeaWorld and adventures at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center await families.
Read reviews of Paradise Point Resort on Trekaroo.
Rancho Bernardo Inn of San Diego has a “Kids Rule, Parents Drool” package that says it all. This deal for kids ages 4-11 includes free meals at the veranda, pizza parties, Wii lounge access, fountains walking tour, Little Picassos Chalk Art, Access to the Blue Sky Ecological Preserve, and free smoothies. Equally great is the “Teens Too Cool” package for kids 12-16. This package offers reserved private cabanas, 30 minute golf lesson, Dive-In Teen movie, and a select spa option.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina provides free poolside activities for families and discounts on the many activities, tours and attractions of San Diego. Poolside Dive-in Movies are held Friday and Saturday evenings. With the family package enjoy a choice of 4 trackless trolley tour sightseeing passes or tickets to the San Diego Zoo, bike rentals, in-room movie and free meals for children 12 and under.
Read reviews of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Trekaroo.
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.
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Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
I have a confession. Every year when Mother’s Day rolls around, I shyly harbor hopes that Dad and my two boys would make a big deal of me. (Blush!) 
My idea of a perfect Mother’s Day would involve being greeted with an enthusiastic morning greeting and a brunch at a kid-friendly restaurant with great food or a picnic at a beautiful location. The key – I don’t have to lift a finger.
I figured there are lots of other moms everywhere who harbor secret wishes of the prefect Mother’s Day celebration just like me. Every mom is a little different. Some of us just want a day to ourselves, others want some pampering at a spa, others of us would like nothing more than quality time with our family where we didn’t do all the planning.
So, I took the question to Trekaroo moms, and here are the dream mother’s day ideas they’ve come up with. From wonderful spots for brunch to beautiful gardens to picnic in, to decadent chocolate events. Some require advanced reservations, but others, you could just pack a picnic and head on out.
So Dads, if you’ve been trying to read mom’s mind to figure out what would make her feel really loved, here are some great suggestions brought to you by none other than moms themselves. Share this list on Facebook or Twitter and help out all the Dad’s out there who are probably scratching their heads desperately trying to figure out plans for this Sunday. Moms, here’s your chance to voice your secret wishes to Dad. Sign in to Trekaroo and create a list of your own or leave a comment below with your dream spot to celebrate Mother’s Day idea.
Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC - Free Admission on Mother's Day
Awesome Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner Spots in Southern Oregon by PitStopsForKids
CALIFORNIA
Mother’s Day Brunch and Ideas for Family Fun Around San Francisco by Lydie
5 San Francisco Bay Area Gardens to Picnic at for Mother’s Day by Lydie
Mother’s Day Brunch and Family Fun Ideas in San Diego, CA by McFam
Mother’s Day Brunches and Family Fun in Orange County, CA by McFam
Perfect Mother’s Day Brunch and Treats in the Inland Empire, CA by filmdncr
Mother’s Day Brunch and Fun Activites in Temecula, CA by B’s Mom
MIDWEST:
Mother’s Day Brunch Spots and Fun Events in St. Louis by Natalie’s Mom
Favorite Mother’s Day Ideas in the Midwest by mama.bear.johnson
TEXAS
Best Mother’s Day Ideas and Events in Texas by slofamilylife
Mother’s Day Brunch Spots in Austin, Texas by slofamilylife
Best Mother’s Day Brunch Spots and Fun Ideas Around Dallas by slofamilylife
PENNSYLVANIA
Mother’s Day Ideas and Brunch Spots in Philadelphia by Travelpangs
NORTH CAROLINA
Mother’s Day Ideas Around Asheville, North Carolina by PrincessTrioMom
FLORIDA
Best Mother’s Day Brunch and Ideas for Family Fun in Florida by Cavaletta
Photo by: Flickr/Dawn Huczek
Liling Pang is Editor and CEO of Trekaroo – a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids. We’re powered by a community of travel savvy parents.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
