Portland, Oregon is a beautiful river city known for its aesthetics and culture. Its a great place to find outdoor adventure, a thriving arts & music scene, and access to all sorts of eco-friendly experiences. There is plenty of family fun to be had in the downtown area and the rest of the Willamette Valley. Trekaroo is proud to be launching Portland this week and looks forward to exploring the rest of the state of Oregon with all of you wonderful members of the Trekaroo community.
So, what have Trekaroo families shared thus far?
- 236 Activities listed in the Portland/Willamette Valley Region alone! Have you been to any of these kid-friendly places? If so, add your insight! Did you see something we missed? Be sure to share your experiences.
- Activities and hotel reviews across the 4 main regions of Oregon: Willamette Valley (Portland), Southern Oregon, Central Oregon, and Mt. Hood / The Gorge
- A list of Kid-friendly hotels in Portland waiting to be rated by parents like you
- Lots of fun lists like:
- Top Kid Activities in Portland as voted by Trekaroo families
- 5 Family Activities for $5 or less in Portland
- Cheap and Fun Eats in Portland!
- Things to see and do around Portland with Children
- Favorite kid-friendly restaurants in the Portland Metro Area
- Favorite Rainy Day Activities in Portland
- Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Oregon with Kid Programs
- Favorite places to walk or hike in Oregon
Have you experienced Portland or any other part of the beautiful state of Oregon with your kids? Tell us all about your experiences – good and bad. Join now and start writing reviews. New members get to take advantage of Welcome Rewards. A gift card to Amazon, Starbucks, or REI was enough to convince me to join way back when!
What location is next? Georgia! Be part of the founding team to help launch Georgia on Trekaroo by sharing about activities you like and the best places to stay.
Special thanks to the 47 families who have collaborated to build a list of fantastic kid-friendly recommendations with their reviews! In particular, special thanks are due to PDXBloss, pitstopsforkids, bayareababyblog, Beaverton Mama, Living Beaverton, Camillegrimshaw, thriftyportlandmom, Leigh Anne, fani*fam, McPippi, and naturalist who have gone above and beyond to inside scoop and create such helpful lists for Portland and Oregon.
And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who sacrifice so much to pull it all together.
Put on those rain boots and get out there!
Esther Lee (thelees3) – CEO
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Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
A few weeks ago, we visited the California Academy of Sciences specifically to check out the new Extreme Mammal Exhibit. Our 7 year old is an “animal expert”, so a visit to the Academy of Sciences is always huge treat. When we first entered the Academy, we were greeted by the teaser section of the Extreme Mammal exhibit. It was really neat. In addition to a HUGE sculpture of the largest mammal, there is also a scale where people can compare their weight to that of other mammals. That part was fun. The kids delighted in the hands-on aspect of this portion of the exhibit.
Pangolin at Extreme Mammal Exhibit Photo Credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
Once through the ticket queue, you enter another queue with informational posters. After a moment, the doors to the exhibit were opened for us by a young man. He explained we were entering a temperature controlled environment and to not take any pictures. He also said to make sure we did not touch any of the exhibits unless a sign specifically said so. No worries – there is plenty here to see and touch.
Kinkajou Skeleton at Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo by: Woolly Monkey Fossil in the Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/R. Mickens
While the exhibits were arranged in an old-school museum style, the flow of the rooms was great. One topic naturally lead to another. The information in each section was short and informative. While my kids rushed through somewhat, there was enough to interest them and get them talking. My son, Josh, was particularly moved by the section on endangered species and has been studying the causes of extinction since we came home.
Giant Ground Sloth at Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
My only complaint with the exhibit – and it’s a minor one – is that, even though it was a new exhibit, it already had a worn appearance. Some signage was damaged, ripped, or falling apart, and some interactive materials weren’t working properly. The condition of the exhibit made me feel as if the exhibit was being neglected. It did not impact my ability to learn and enjoy the exhibit, just my ability to view the exhibit in a completely positive light.
Ellesmere Island Diorama at the Extreme Mammal Exhibit - Photo credit: AMNH/D. Finnin
All in all, my 7 year old son who’s a huge animal fan was very moved by the extreme mammal exhibit. My 5 year old daughter was just slight of bored during our 45 minute tour of exhibit. Definitely visit with your kids 6 and up who can read and digest all the wonderful information, However, you might want to skip over this special exhibit and head straight for the wonderful aquarium with younger kids.
Related:
- Reviews of the California Academy of Sciences
- Activities for Kids in San Francisco
- Kid-friendly Hotels in San Francisco
Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary visit to Academy of Sciences. I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
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Heather Tanner is a 2010 Trekaroo Superoo who visited the California Academy of Sciences on assignment to check out the Extreme Mammal Exhibit.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Whether you are visiting Pensacola, Panama City Beach, or Destin, you will likely feel the “gift” of the Florida Panhandle heat and humidity. On even the mildest summer days, you can walk outside and feel like you just stepped into a steam room . The best way to beat the heat is to find a cool water feature. The Florida Panhandle may be synonymous with sandy white beaches, but the beaches aren’t the only way to cool off on those sweltering summer days!
Rivers and Lakes
Falling Waters State Park - Photo by: www.floridastateparks.org
Falling Waters State Park (Chipley, Florida) – Falling Waters State Park boasts Florida’s tallest waterfall…even if it is just a little trickle most of the year! Camp under the trees, walk up and down the boardwalks to view the waterfall and the sinkholes, and then go swimming in the two-acre lake.
Blackwater River State Park (Holt, Florida) – We love tubing down Blackwater River on a hot summer day. There are several companies that will rent you an inner tube and bus you up to the starting point. Hop in your tube and drag your cooler along with you. When you float by the perfect spot, beach your tube and enjoy a picnic lunch. When you are ready, float down the river to your car! If tubing isn’t for you, there are also canoes and kayaks available for rent.
Blue Springs Recreational Area (Marianna, Florida) – This recreational area has playgrounds, crystal clear springs for swimming, and for the really adventurous there is even an opportunity for cave diving!
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park (Ponce de Leon, Florida) – The springs were named after Ponce de Leon, the famous explorer looking for the fountain of youth. The springs stay a perfect 68 degrees year round and are a beautiful turquoise color.
Krul Lake Recreation Area (Munson, Florida) – Spend the day playing in this 6.5 acre manmade lake that is recharged from springs nearby. The first half mile of the Sweetwater hiking trail includes a suspension bridge over Sweetwater Creek.
Water Parks
Shipwreck Island - Photo by: www.shipwreckisland.com
Sam’s Surf City (Pensacola, Florida) – Sam’s is a small water park that everyone in the family can enjoy but I particularly love the activities available for the 3 – 7 year old crowd. There is a Junior Activity Pool with slides perfect for children that are at least five years old. We spend a lot of time at the Kiddie Pool where the toddlers can splash and slide. There are also larger water slides (you must be at least 7 years old and 42”) and a lazy river.
Big Kahuna’s (Destin, Florida) – The kids will love playing in the Fun Fountains, Pleasure Island pools, the shipwreck and Crocodile Flats. The tweens, teens and adults won’t be able to get enough of the tube slides, river runs, and speed slides. This park is located right across the street from the sparkling blue ocean so when you are finished playing take a walk on the beach and watch the sunset!
Shipwreck Island Waterpark (Destin, Florida) – If you can drag the kids away from the Ocean Motion Wave Pool, there are so many slides and pools to explore at Shipwreck. We spent most of the day at Tadpole Hole where the kids explored the submarine and chased each other around the shallow water.
Splash Pads
Destin Commons Kids Zone - Photo by: Dustin Commons
Plaza de Luna (Pensacola, Florida) – This beautiful splash pad is located right on the water. It is great for the kids to run around. There is a large grassy field to play on and when you are all tuckered out, stop by the concession stand and get an ice cream or a tasty po’ boy! On Thursday nights during the summer, hear live music and meet cool characters at Sunsets at the Plaza.
Destin Commons (Destin, Florida) – This outdoor shopping mall has enough stores to keep any shopping mom or dad happy. When you are finished with your shopping, take the kids to the large splash pad and let them run around. There is also a small playground next to the splash pad.
John Duncan Memorial Children’s Park (Navarre, Florida) – Splash in the fountains, play on the gigantic playground, say hi to the ducks or have a picnic lunch. There is so much to do at this park that you could find yourself spending the greater part of a day here.
Jennifer Close loves to explore and take new adventures with her family down the street, across the country and around the world. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
Related:
- Water Parks in Florida
- Water Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Splash Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area (Peninsula)
- Splash Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay)
- Water Parks in Washington State
- Great Places to Cool Off with kids in Texas
- Great Places to Cool Off with Kids in the Chicago Area (Chi-town)
7AM came early this morning. Luckily, it also came with a ton of excitement. Today was the day I had been hoping for since we first decided to participate in the Country Inns and Suites 1K adventure; we were going to the Gateway Arch! After spending the night in the beautiful riverfront town of St Charles (Main Street was incredibly charming. I had no idea St Charles had so much to offer!), I was excited to step foot in St Louis and see one of country’s most famous landmarks. Two of the main travel goals I was hoping to accomplish while on this journey were to visit a state I had never been to (and I have been to the vast majority of them) and to visit a National Park installation that I had never been to. Seeing the Jefferson Memorial in Missouri accomplished both of those goals.
We arrived at the Jefferson Memorial (see our video clue here) just before nine and were greeted by a television camera man who was there to film a story about our adventure (you can see the online version of the story here). As excited as I was to see the television camera pointed in our direction, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the fact that we were STANDING UNDER THE GATEWAY ARCH!!! It was even more impressive than I had imagined. Most of the time when I visit monuments, I tend to think they look smaller in person than the do on television. This time it was the opposite. The arch is massive and truly beautiful. We went under the arch and into the museum below to get our National Park Passports stamped and buy tickets to go up to the top of the arch. Tip- if you have plans to go up in the arch, get there when it opens. We went up at 9 AM and by the time 10 AM rolled around, the crowds were forming.
The elevator trip up to the top of the arch was unlike any other elevator I had ever been in. Families sit in small pods that seat 6 and go up at a slight angle (since it is an arch) until they reach the top. From the top you can walk through the middle of the arch and peer at the world from 630 feet above. Everyone but Ben loved entire experience. I don’t think he was a huge fan of the elevator pod.
When we got back down to the bottom of the arch, we took some time to explore the Museum of Western Expansion. The museum is filled with great exhibits about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and what life was like for early western settlers. Lewis and Clark began their infamous journey in St Louis, and there is a statue of the pair near the shore of the Mississippi River not far from the arch itself (though when we were there, most of the statue was under water. As a matter of fact, most of the parking lot was under water! We parked our Ford Flex about a foot from the Mississippi River).
After we had thoroughly explored the park around the arch, we dialed in for our secound clue (here). This stop was nothing more than a rest stop along the side of the interstate, but as always this Suite Stop had significance. We were driving down the very first stretch of interstate highway ever built, Interstate 70, and stopping at the rest stop was paying homage to the interstate system that helps make so many road trip vacations a possibility.
The third stop of the day (here) was the first ever Suite Stop to give us options. Our choices? Putt or pedal. We chose pedal because after all, we just hadn’t spent nearly enough time in a vehicle lately. Our stop was at Perche Creek in Columbia, MO, and our mission was to ride the go-karts. We put the pedal to the medal and had an absolute blast whipping around the curves of the racetrack. After our go-kart time was over, we just couldn’t leave the Perche Creek without doing a little putt putt as well. Perche Creek was generous enough to let us ride the go-karts and play mini golf free of charge. If you are ever in Columbia, MO, I highly recommend you stop by for some family fun!
Since our previous day had been so long, Team Country decided to give us all a break and let us arrive at our destination a little early today. We took some of the extra time and visited with a friend from college who now lives in Columbia, then headed on down the highway to Kansas City. Our spirits were high and we were excited about getting in to Kansas City early and maybe even sample some of that famous barbeque. We arrived in Kansas City and pulled off the interstate just as the lady who lives inside the GPS told us to do. After a couple miles of driving off the interstate, things seemed a bit off. We were deep into a residential area and we thought that it was an awfully strange spot to put a Country Inn and Suites. Finally, we pulled over and did some further investigating. It seem that Paul had read the address wrong and failed to notice that we were going to Kansas City, KS, not Kansas City, MO. Oops! We were about 30 miles out of our way with about 50 miles of gas left in the tank. We entered the correct address and followed the GS directions in to Kansas. Unfortunately, the lady who lives in the GPS must really like to explore residential neighborhoods because this time us getting lost had nothing to do with human error. I will be honest, I have never been a GPS girl. As a matter of fact, this is the first trip I have ever taken where I have given complete control over to electronics. 9 times out of 10, the GPS is wonderful and leads us to exactly where we want to go but that tenth time, it makes me want to pull my hair out!!! I am neurotic about knowing exactly where I am at all times and when Miss GPS gets me lost, I go into freak out mode. My advice? Always have a map for backup. GPS nagivation is wonderful, expecially when in a big city, but sometimes the GPS systems are wrong and nobody likes to spend an extra hour and a half in the car if they don’t have to.
Finally, after a phone call to the hotel, we coasted to a nearby gas station on fumes, filled up, and then let out a cheer as we pulled into the Kansas City, KS, Country Inn and Suites for the night. The property is directly across the street from the Kansas City Speedway so Nascar Fans should definitely keep this hotel in mind if they are ever in the area.
Now its bedtime for the Earnshaw Clan. We have had a great time driving through Missouri and I couldn’t be happier to be in yet another state I have never been in. Rumor has it tomorrow is going to be a day filled with lots of driving so wish us luck! I have no idea where we could be heading next but I can’t wait to see where the road takes us.
I hope this post has inspired you to take your own Road Trip Adventure. For more information on how to create your own trip to remember check out http://www.countryinns.com/1kcountry.
Want to follow us on the adventure as it happens? Be sure to follow @doubleadventure on Twitter and the hastag #CIS1K to see what all the families are up to every day of the Country Inns and Suites 1K!
Disclosure: A significant portion of the costs and resources for our family’s participation in the 1K Country Adventure was provided by Country Inns & Suites By Carlson.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
It takes my breath away every time! That first glimpse of majestic Yosemite granite always hits me like a rock.
It’s experiences like this that make me grateful to the National Park Service (NPS) for making these wonders of nature accessible not just to the hardiest of explorers. I am grateful that our 4 and 7 year old boys can feel, touch, smell and see in person some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in this great land. Over the last almost 100 years, more than 400 entities have come under the protection and management of the National Park Service.
Families all over America and the world love exploring America’s National Parks. In Part 1 of our endeavor to unlock America’s National Parks for families, we bring you 6 of our favorite National Parks and some of the most popular National Monuments. You’ll find a unique list of kid-friendly activities for toddlers through teens and family-friendly lodging.
Now it is up to National Park loving families to fill in the gaps with their personal recommendations.
Acadia National Park with kids – Home to Cadillac Mountain in the East Coast. Families love the granite peaks and exploring tide pools along Maine’s coastline. Elementary aged kids enjoy the ranger narrated boat rides
Photo by Flickr/woodleywonderworks
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Grand Canyon National Park with kids - a 277 miles of water carved canyons make for a majestic landscape that families can enjoy via scenic drives, white water rafting and by mule-pack. Best to be enjoyed by children elementary school age and up.
Photo by: J Elchmann
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Olympic National Park with kids - At Olympic National Park, you’ll find lush rain forests, mountains and green meadows as well as rocky beaches that families really enjoy.
Photo by: Flickr/stevevoght
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Rocky Mountain National Park with kids – this high altitude National Park is filled with stunning scenic vistas, fishing, hiking and home to lots of wildlife.
Photo by: flickr/jakesmome
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids - renowned for it’s diversity of plant and animal life as well as remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Photo by: flickr/alex_ford
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Yosemite National Park with kids- this vast National Park is distinctive for it’s magnificent granite monoliths, some of the highest waterfalls in the continent, and stately redwood groves.
Photo by: Flickr/the_tahoe_guy
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Yellowstone National Park - psychedelic thermal hot spring pools, geysers, boiling rivers, majestic waterfalls, and stately elk. Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique places on earth.
Photo by: Flickr/AlaskanDude
- A List of National Monuments to Visit with Kids
Tips on Exploring National Parks and Monuments:
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- Trekaroo Families’ Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
- 5 family-friendly hikes in Yellowstone National Park
- Bryce National Park with Kids
If you’ve got the inside scoop on any of these National Parks, don’t hold back! Share reviews, tips, photos and memories. Tell us all what are your favorite hikes for kids, what ranger programs and privately run tours shouldn’t be missed, and which campsites and lodging are the most kid-friendly.
Don’t forget all your reviews can be entered into our $1000 Summer of Travel Contest. It’s your chance to win free cash for your 2010 summer family vacation.
Giveaway: National Parks Pass
To celebrate the launch of these 6 national parks, we’re giving away an America Is Beautiful National Parks Pass. Entry requirements are very simple!
The Pioneers:
Along with the Trekaroo team, I would especially like to acknowledge these Trekaroo families who have been key in getting the ball rolling: DGL19652003, Womanofsalt, arial, Familiarycerz, Dan, fani*fam, mamateresa2007, Mom Most Traveled, Travelersbarista, pitstopsforkids, zerbut, JulieCC, Nene, Christinebyrd and Grandma Adele.
Coming soon: and Zion National Park – be the pioneer and help us launch it with your reviews.
- “This land is your land, this land is my land
- From California to the New York Island
- From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
- This land was made for you and me.”
Esther Lee
CEO of Trekaroo
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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 | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
The original inhabitants of the Yosemite Valley called the place Ahwahnee, which translates to something like “large mouth”. The area was said to resemble a gaping bear’s mouth, but it is also an apt description of the effect this rugged and vast landscape has on visitors of all ages. It’s a stunning view that makes the soul feel big and the every body seem small and allows a child’s imagination to fly wild in the high sky of the Sierras. Trekaroo parents attest to the majestic qualities of this national park and through their contributions they have given us a list of the top spots to visit while in Yosemite with the youngsters:
The Pinnacle of Wonder for Kids in Yosemite: Glacier Point
There’s something about perspective that changes things and at Glacier Point it’s all about perspective. The spectacular view from the top may have your child forgetting all about their Nintendo Wii bowling score for at least a few minutes while they contemplate the grandeur of the world around. Half Dome looms in the distance, allowing parents to briefly appreciate not having to trek 14 miles up that rock with the youngins. As trekaroo parent Lydie says “[Glacier Point is a] beautiful view without having to hike for hours.” However, if hiking is part of your plan, Trekaroo mom Sarah assures us “there are hikes that start and end here.” Whether hiking or driving to the top of this Yosemite landmark, Trekaroo parents rank this as one of the best places to visit with their kids. Shinyhappypeople has this advice: “If it’s your first trip to Yosemite and you don’t have much time, put Glacier Point at the top of your “must see” list. You won’t regret it.”
Best Place for a Kid-Friendly Yosemite Education: Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center
The Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center is frequented by many a mom and dad at the start of their pursuit of the great outdoors. It’s a great place to begin with plenty of maps and advice to go around. “If you aren’t an experienced camping/hiking/walking the trails family, you should stop in at the visitor’s center. You’ll find maps and hopefully a park employee to answer any questions,” says familiarycerz. Besides gaining your bearings, the Visitor’s Center offers other educational activities for kids. Trekaroo mom arial confirms that this is a great way to start your child’s Yosemite adventure: “Not only can you learn about the surroundings and environment, but you can also watch a great free video that is full of history.” With so much to see and do, first time visitors will especially benefit from the resources at the Visitor’s Center and find the most enjoyable way to explore.
Photo Credit: uSchmarol
The Most Classic Yosemite Journey for Kids: Yosemite Falls
It’s on the postcards and in the films, but there’s nothing quite like watching massive amounts of water fall a few thousand feet. It’s quite a step up from the bathtub faucet. Trekaroo parent doubleadventure reminds us that this aquatic wonder truly is for everyone, “Even the tiniest munchkins and those who are disabled can get up close and personal with the Lower Falls”. Many a youngster (including this author at the ripe age of 7) has made the trek up this towering fall. Trekaroo user Arial also waxes nostalgic about her childhood journeys up the Falls and gives the recommendation of packing a good hearty lunch for the trek. Whatever level of physical exertion you choose, the kids will no doubt be awed by the sight and sound of the three falls the make up this beautiful trademark of Yosemite.
Photo Credit: bunny_mama
The Best Place for Kids to see their Parents Looking Up: Mariposa Grove
In Mariposa Grove the trees are nearly as tall as your child’s imagination. “There are amazing trees here, really big ones, that you can walk through,” says morrobaykim about this precious forest. HDinSoCal enjoyed the walk to “Grizzly Tree” with the family, “This tree was the best tree worth seeing.” Amongst these cousins of the Redwoods, there are many ways to meander through the towering, millenniums-old trees by foot or by guided tour, whichever suits your motion fancy. Trekaroo parents warn, however, that the parking lot is frequently full, especially in the summer.
Photo Credit: flickr/Jared Hawkins
The Best Place for Kids to Reflect on Life’s Big Questions: Mirror Lake
Even mountains can have a bit of vanity, which is why Mirror Lake rests below the towering façade of Half Dome. There are adventures to be found along the trail, such as TravelPang’s see-saw discovery. And the destination itself is a spectacular way to relax the afternoon away with a packed lunch and swimming trunks. The hike is accommodating as maimai19 puts it, it’s a “nice hike for anyone, young and old.” The trail is stroller accessible for those who can’t quite carry all their own weight yet. Trekaroo mom, Arial, recommends this place for all-comers: “Whether you get here by biking, hiking, bus, car, or horse this is a great place for all to visit.”
Photo Credit: Giles Douglas
Trekaroo is seeking families who love National Parks! Sign in and share your reviews on Trekaroo. Every review you write over the next 3 weeks can be can be entered in the $1000 Summer of Travel Contest!.
Enter to win a National Park Pass
Related Articles:
- For more activities in Yosemite for Kids
- Kid-friendly lodging in Yosemite National Park
- Best Hikes for Tykes in Yosemite National Park
- 15 Family Friendly National Park Adventures
- National Park Junior Ranger Program
- 5 National Monuments Your Family Should Visit
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Stephen Wanta is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Congratulations to Lisa B and Joanne Schultz for being the two lucky winners
for The Miracle Worker Giveaway. Enjoy the show!
Growing up, I was blown away by the biography of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf girl whose teacher Annie Sullivan gave her the ability to communicate with the world. This amazing story is being retold on Broadway in The Miracle Worker through the amazing performances of Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) as Helen and Tony Award® nominee Alison Pill (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Annie at the Circle in the Square Theater in New York City.
Opening to the public just last week, our very own Beth Keklak recently caught a show and raved,
“I just saw the newest edition on Broadway, The Miracle Worker …with my cousin and 9-year-old son. I was unsure how my son would perceive this play since he had only ever seen musicals and New York plays are often better when you “leave the kids at home”. Let me just sum up our experience at The Miracle Worker with one word: phenomenal.” – Beth Keklak
For the full review of The Miracle Worker for families.
The Steal – Win 4 tickets to see the Miracle Worker
We’ll be giving away TWO sets of 4 tickets to see the Miracle Worker.
Number of Winners: Two (2)
Prize: Four tickets to see The Miracle Worker on Broadway (Value $468). Restrictions apply. The voucher tickets will only be valid for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday performances March 9th through April 29th.
To enter:
Step 1: Write a review on Trekaroo (not in the comments below) of a place that you’ve taken the kids. Unlimited entries, each new review is an entry. (Only reviews written between 3/9-21/2010 count) .
Step 2: Post a link to the URL of reviews you wrote this week with your username in the comment section below.
What should you write about? It could be a theater with kid shows, a hotel, an indoor waterpark, a bounce house, a kid-friendly restaurant … basically, any place that you think another family would want to know about.
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to leave a separate comment for each one:
- Fan The Miracle Worker on Broadway on Facebook
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
- Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
- Post this on your blog
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
- One entry per person
Deadline to enter: Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 11:59PM PST (deadline extended)
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.
Related articles:
- The Miracle Worker Captivates Kids and Families
- Hot List of Best Places to take Kids in New York City (NYC)
- Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in New York City (NYC)
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.
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All Photos by Joan Marcus.
Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
by Beth Keklak (trekaroo alias BAT)
I just saw the newest edition on Broadway, The Miracle Worker by William Gibson play at the Circle in the Square Theatre with my cousin and 9-year-old son. I was unsure how my son would perceive this play since he had only ever seen musicals and New York plays are often better when you “leave the kids at home”. Let me just sum up our experience at The Miracle Worker with one word: phenomenal.
Prior to going to the show I asked my son if he knew who Helen Keller was. He had heard of her and knew she was both blind and deaf, but beyond that was unsure. He had not heard of Annie Sullivan, her teacher. I printed out the educational guide for teachers on the show’s website and reviewed it with my son to familiarize him with the story.
Upon entering the theater to take our seats I was immediately struck by the intimacy of the theater. It is arranged in an oval shape with no “real” stage. The stage is on the floor in the center of all the seats which are situated stadium style, looking down onto the stage. The patrons in the front row could literally reach out and touch the performers. The next thing I noticed was the lack of a set. There was no big backdrop and no flashy props. The only furnishings and props used were simple and necessary to the scene. The only object use to create separate rooms or an indoor/outdoor setting was a mere door frame. The rest was left to your imagination. This minimalist approach only added to the overall experience of the performance, keeping the attention on the performance itself.
The show opens to Katie and Captain Keller hovering over a cradle. The doctor assures them their daughter will live which sends relief through the worried parents. They quickly realize that she cannot see or hear them, which sent a new set of fears through them. We move on to see Helen as a 6-year-old child who is prone to throw tantrums. This seems to be her only way to communicate when she is frustrated. The family considers sending her to an asylum, but Aunt Ev insists they continue to seek the help of specialists.
It is here that Annie Sullivan is introduced. She moves from Boston to be Helen’s teacher. Annie has never had the chance to teach, having just graduated from the Perkins Institute. It is an adjustment for both Annie and the family, but her tenacity and determination enable her to teach Helen patiently and creatively. She immediately begins signing into Helen’s hand the names of every object she hands to her. Through games, discipline, a war of wills, and unending efforts, Annie gives Helen a language to use with the rest of the world.. Eventually, we see Helen’s brain begin to engage and understand the language that Annie has been trying to teach her. And as we often say, the rest is history.
I was surprised to learn that this was the Broadway debut for much of the cast. They appeared on stage as if they have been their all of their lives. The performances were extremely moving. I could feel the frustration and determination of Annie Sullivan played by Alison Pill along with the rest of the audience. 13-year-old, Abigail Breslin’s performance of Helen was believable. While she may not have needed to learn a lot of lines, the mannerisms of her character were captured beautifully. Overall, the show was very well written. It delivered the story of Helen and her Miracle Worker with a surprising infusion of light humor throughout.
My 9 year old son’s take on the performance:
“I liked it. I really liked the characters, especially how Annie Sullivan was teaching Helen to sign so she could talk. Even though it was a serious play it was a little funny too.” His observation that made me a proud mama and showed me he got it! “I can’t imagine being blind and deaf. It must be like living in a dark silent world”.
As a mom, I felt it was an appropriate play for my 9 year old and geared for children 8 years of age and up. I noticed other kids in the audience who looked to be approximately the same age. Due to the length of the performance and the intimacy of the theater, parents will need to use their judgment to determine whether their child can sit still in a $100 seat for a 2-hour show and enjoy it. (Kids under the age of 5 are not allowed to attend) If they are unfamiliar with Helen Keller, the synopsis sheet from the website’s educational guide was very useful in explaining the story to my son.
If you’ve got a tween or teen, be sure to bring them along to see The Miracle Worker. It will be a night they’ll remember. To purchase tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or buy online at Telecharge.com.
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Beth Keklak is a contributing writer on Trekaroo, a reviews website dedicated to helping parents explore and travel with kids. Tickets to review the show were complimentary and did not require the reviewer to express a particular point of view.
