Somewhere in between a nature walk and enjoying my morning coffee on the beautiful south shore of Lake Tahoe, I came to understand why Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina has been a favorite all-season destination resort since 1924. Like Disneyland, Camp Rich offers enough activities to keep you on-site your entire trip. I’ll see your Tomorrowland and raise you Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in North America! This knotty-pine paradise comes complete with miles of sandy beach, a mountain sports center, ice cream parlor, general store and deli, lakeside restaurant, its own full-service marina with boat rentals, and a HUGE personality!

Camp Richardson is your fun headquarters!

During the warm seasons families can enjoy hiking, biking, beach-going, water play, boat rentals, fishing, and more. Kids can become honorary forest rangers as they explore majestic Lake Tahoe the  other lakes in the Lake Tahoe basin that deserve our attention. Just across the street from the main entrance. Camp Richardson Corral offers guided trail rides, hay wagon rides, steak rides, and winter sleigh rides. For riders 5 and younger, Camp Richardson Corral offers pony rides. Snowy season offerings include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow play and nearby ice-skating and sledding.

Mountain Sports Center is your on-site resource for all your recreation needs from full suspension mountain bikes, tandem bikes, bike accessories & repairs, hiking information and maps, cross-country ski rentals and trails, snowshoe rentals, to moonlight cross-country skiing and sleds.  Recently voted “Best Place to Cross Country Ski” by Tahoe locals, the Sports Center offers groomed and marked trails and is a great place to ski along the shores of Lake Tahoe. In winter, the miles of summer bike trails are magically changed to a beautiful white wonderland for skiing and snowshoeing as Camp Richardson hosts its own 35KM cross-country ski track.

The Camp Richardson Marina offers everything from an on-site water ski school to Seadoo, power boat, paddle boat, and kayak rentals. With the closest marina to Emerald Bay and one of the lake’s longest piers, this marina offers an endless array of ways to explore the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe. A gas dock, as well as launching and mooring facilities are available for those who would like to bring their own boat to the lake. During the summer months, the marina is open seven days a week.  oh, and if you see a purple mitten floating in the lake, grab it for me. My toddler chucked it in the lake from the pier during our visit!

Grab a Rum Runner and enjoy the view!

The Beacon Bar and Grill, located right on water’s edge at Camp Richardson Resort, is the perfect place for families to dine. The Beacon’s kid’s menu is excellent! There’s a nice variety of dishes to choose from with several healthy options. I’m happy to report, the prices are very reasonable (we paid $8 per child for very generous portions). When the weather heats up, patrons flock to the Beacon’s outdoor patio to soak up the sun, enjoy the beautiful view, and drink the Beacon’s famous Rum Runners and thick slices of fried calamari. For off-site dining, try Camp Richardson’s Fresh Ketch Restaurant, located right on the water at the Tahoe Keys Marina (about a 10 minute drive). The Ketch was voted, “Best Seafood” by Tahoe locals! In the summer, patrons can watch a Tahoe sunset from the waterfront lawn. If you need to stock up on supplies or grab a quick bite, The General Store & Cafe with Deli offers groceries, beer & wine, camping supplies, books & maps, gifts & apparel, sundries, ice, ATM, and Wi-Fi. Breakfast and lunch are served daily year-round. During the summer months, be sure to grab an ice cream cone. It just seems to taste better when eaten the fresh Sierra air.

A wide variety of lodging options to fit every budget and need.

Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina offers year-round lodging to fit every need. In the summer, reservations are made by the week only.

• Year round cabins – Sleep 2 to 8 people, studio, 1 and 2 bedroom units offer a gas fireplace, full kitchen (including microwave, coffeemaker and toaster), with utensils, linens and towels provided.
• Summer-only cabins – Studio and 1 bedroom units offer a basic kitchen (including coffeemaker and toaster), with linens and towels provided.
• Camp Richardson Hotel – 26 rooms sleeping from 1 to 4 people. Within the Hotel, the grand hall great room offers a social area with Wi-Fi, cozy seating, and the largest (and most gorgeous) fireplace I’ve ever seen.
• The Richardson House – A completely remodeled 7 bedroom, 5 bath house that sleeps 20. The home is furnished with modern amenities, hardwood floors, multiple TVs, a huge stone fireplace, a game area, and a formal dining area that sits 10 guests, making it perfect for family reunions.
• Beachside Inn – This 7-unit motel offers king and two double bed units. Perfect for those who want immediate access to the lake and the beach.
• Marina Duplex – Two adjacent two story units, each with sleeping for six, with basic kitchens, TV’s and phones. The Marina Duplex is in the center of activities during the summer.
• RV Village – Three campground areas are available.  New this year, a fully furnished, turn-key RV ready for your arrival. The “Hide Out” trailer is 27 feet and sleeps 6 people with a queen bed, a twin bunk, and a fold out double sofa sleeper. Also includes a bathroom with tub & shower, flat screen TV/DVD player, surround sound stereo, heat and air.
• Camping – 210 tent sites in two locations nestled in towering pine trees. Badger’s Den Campground and Eagle’s Nest. Campsites go early in the summer so it is recommended families book a couple months in advance.

 Good to know before you go:

• Camp Richardson Resort has a strict no pet policy.
• While you are visiting Camp Richardson, don’t feed any animals. Never leave food out on a picnic table or in a tent. All food, coolers, and food containers should be put away inside your car. Garbage should be disposed of in animal-proof dumpsters.
• Mai Dalton is the poised and passionate Lodging Operations Manager. If you run into her don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. She has lots of fun Camp Richardson stories to share.

Want more Lake Tahoe fun? Check out reviews of  family friendly activities in the Lake Tahoe area.

Tina Buell (aka: imsnow) is one of NorCal’s Destination Gurus and a single mom to a 3 year old boy. She loves to travel with her mom and son to as many places as her schedule and budget allow.

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

“Rooms begin at around $400 a night.” The words made my stomach twist. Yes, it is Disney and yes, it is Hawaii- but $400? Wow.

My family is on a budget (nobody becomes a travel blogger to get rich) so if we were to spend $400+ a night on a hotel after paying for flights to Hawaii, it would have to be worthy of the “big trip”.  You know, the trip that you scrimp and save for.  The trip that you still talk about 20 years later while you munch on turkey and yams at the Thanksgiving table. That trip.

After spending 3 nights at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, as part of the grand opening celebration and media event I have come to this conclusion- THE AULANI IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE COST. Disney knew that us fans had ridiculously high expectations for the new resort and still managed to exceed every expectation I could have had. Here are some of the highlights of this world class paradise:

The Pool Area

Everyone who has ever traveled with kids (or been a kid!) knows that nothing is more important than a great pool.  Disney, who happens to know a thing or two about what kids want, created the Waikolohe Valley- a spectacular recreation area in the center of the resort. Waikolohe is Hawaiian for “mischievous waters” and  plenty of water and mischief can be found throughout the valley. Two water slides start atop the resort’s “lava” outcropping and wind through rock formations. The tube slide ends with a refreshing plunge into a shallow pool and the raft slide ends in Waikolohe Stream, the lazy river.  Guests floating along the stream will discover fountain springs spouting to life and float through a cavern filled with gurgling water.

Families with small children will love the zero entry pool and the Menehune Bridge, a water play structure featuring 3 slides and plenty of opportunities to get drenched.  Adults looking for some quiet time will appreciate the tranquility of the Wailana Pool which is removed from the main hub of activity. Sunset lovers of all ages should definitely find time to experience the fire ball dipping into the ocean from one the resort’s two infinity spas which overlook the lagoon.

More Water Fun

As if the pools and play areas weren’t enough, Disney has given us even more reason to spend time in the water.  Young snorkelers will love Rainbow Reef, a 3,800 square-foot snorkel lagoon teeming with tropical fish.  For $20, guests are given snorkel gear, a flotation device, and access to the reef.  I watched a preschooler float alongside his father with his face in the water, completely delighted by the fish swimming below him. If you have a sea life lover traveling with you, you may want to splurge on some time at the Makai Preserve, a conservation pool where guests can wade in alongside stingrays, starfish, and anemones.

Tip: The best snorkeling near the Aulani can be found by following the waterfront path past the JW Marriott until it ends. Then walk along the rocks at water’s edge and two coves up, just past the Paradise Cove Luau, you will find a protected cove filled with dozens of brightly covered fish.  The scuba gear given to you at Rainbow Reef is yours until 5:00PM so why not make the most of it?

Of course, one water feature that can’t be overlooked is the pristine ocean lagoon that Aulani shares with neighboring JW Marriott.  The water is calm, warm, and impossibly blue.  While the lagoon may not be great for surfing, it is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. I experienced the latter and took a one hour lesson for $39.00 which I booked right on the sand at the resort’s rental stand. Paddleboarding in the calm lagoon with Aulani as my backdrop ended up being the highlight of my stay.  My friendly and encouraging guide gave me all the confidence and instruction I needed to feel right at home on the longboard.  He told me that children as young as six were welcome to take lessons on their own boards and younger children are happy sitting on their parent’s board while mom and dad paddle.

The FREE Kids’ Club

Most resort’s charge close to $100 a day for children to participate in their kids’ club but Aulani is not like most resorts. Aunty’s Beach House is open to potty trained children ages 3-12 and is hands down the best kids’ club I have ever seen. I would literally have to drag my children out of this place!  There are games, dress-up closets full of Disney princess costumes, crafts, computers, a backyard playground,  and even a movie room featuring classic Disney flicks.  Did I mention it is free?  There are some premium activities available for a fee, such as professional hula lessons, but kids can definitely find plenty of great things to entertain them that won’t cost a dime.

The Spa

The spa at Aulani, Laniwai, features treatments that reflect the islands such as Lomilomi massages or the Magical Niu coconut scrub and wrap (which the Vacation Gal’s Kara Williams speaks quite highly of).  A hydrotherapy garden is sure to make any parent want to move in permanently, but this spa is not designed with just adults in mind. Teens will be heaven at Painted Sky, a spa designed specifically for them (aka: mom and dad are not welcome).  This space is meant to be a place for teenage guests to hang out and connect so in addition to spa treatments, teens can also enjoy Xbox Kinect games, mixology stations, and a yogurt station. I am told that contrary to popular belief, the boys seem to like hanging out in the spa just as much as the girls- though they may end up passing on the french manicure.

One unique experience offered at the spa is rental of  the Ohana room. Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian and here, families enjoy a group spa experience. While one parent is receiving a massage from a professional, the remaining parent and children learn how to give massage to one another.  New parents can even use the Ohana room to receive massage and learn how to massage their newborn which helps aide in digestion and calm baby down for nap time.

The Details

The true Disney magic is always in the details.   According to Imagineer Joe Rhode “[Disney] really tried to do things that children will notice before adults”.   Case in point- little wooden menehune statues are hidden all around the resort, many of which are at a preschooler’s eye level.  Authenticity was also incredibly important to Disney when designing the property. While the average guest may not realize that the hotel room drapes were designed after a traditional Hawaiian kapa cloth created by renowned kuma kapa Dalani Tanahy, the efforts towards authenticity will add an important layer to to the magic of the  entire Aulani experience.  It is these little details that in combination of one another, make the Aulani experience unlike any other. Here are a few more details that I especially enjoyed:

• The resort is built to reflect the topography of the Hawaiian Islands.  The lobby is the  high point, or mauna, and the surrounding flora reflects the lush vegetation that would grow in this ecosystem while the recreation area reflects flora that would be seen in the drier valleys. Instead of the typical array of tropical flowers leading up to the entrance, Aulani features taro fields and tropical fruit trees which reflect the island’s agriculture.
• A crib/playpen is waiting for families in the closet of every room, along with sheets and a mini-fridge. Bed rails, bottle warmers, outlet covers, booster seats, and high chairs can also be checked out from the front desk, making packing for the big trip to Hawaii a little less stressful.
• When fully completed, the resort will have 481 Disney Vacation Club (DVC) 2 bedroom suites with full kitchens and plenty of space for families to spread out. While most of the DVC rooms will be occupied by DVC owners, there will be a small percentage of these rooms available to the general public, making Aulani an ideal place (and great value) for larger families to visit.
• Aunty’s House, the Aulani kids’ club, is one of the few kids’ club in Hawaii to accept children as young as 3. In order to accept three and four-year-olds, Disney had to go through additional licensing requirements which include having a credentialed teacher on staff.  Another bonus- most of the counselors at Aunty’s House have a background in youth recreation.
• Dozens of excursions can be booked at the Holoholo Tours and Travel desk in the lobby. Many of these excursions were put together by Adventures by Disney and include catamaran cruises which take families snorkeling and dolphin spotting, surf school with real Hawaii fire fighters, a cooking class in Honolulu’s Chinatown with celebrity chef Sam Choy, and sea kayaking off Oahu’s lush windward coast.  These tour guides are top notch and use storytelling to add an additional element of fun and education to each experience.
• While the Hawaiian Island  and culture are the focus of this resort, touches of classic Disney are still present.  Mickey, Minnie and a few of their friends are on vacation at the resort so character breakfasts and photo opportunities are available.  There are also a few “hidden Mickeys” to be found in rooms and around the resort. Best of all, the Disney quality that we have all grown to love and expect is present in every last aspect of the Aulani so families can book their trips with confidence.

Disclosure: I visited the Aulani as a member of the media attending the grand opening celebration. My airfare, lodging, and meals were complimentary in order to facilitate the writing of this story. Disney did not request that any specific opinion be expressed and all opinions, as always, reflect my honest opinion.

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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

Up until last summer, I associated Park City with only two things: the Olympics and snow.  So when I was planning our cross country road trip I only booked a stay in Park City to in hopes of getting a good deal at an off season resort while breaking up the drive between the Grand Tetons and Bryce Canyon.  It turns out that Park City was the biggest surprise of our trip!  I had no idea this mountain town had so much to offer families outside of the ski season.  Here is a taste of the summer fun that awaits families in Park City:

Ride a bobsled at Utah Olympic Park:

Riding in a bobsled is said to be one of the most intense experiences a thrill seeker can experience.   Anyone at least 14 years of age can take on 15 curves at 70 MPH with a trained professional in the pilot’s seat.  If the bobsled seems like too much of a thrill, children (and their parents) weighing at least 50lbs can try out the Ultra Zipline which follows the freestyle skiing hill and will still provide a safe, exhilarating thrill.   While at the park, be sure to take a free self-guided tour of the Olympic competition sites.  Its a great way to get a close up view of the place where so many Olympic dreams were reached.

Spend the Day at Park City Mountain Resort:

I couldn’t believe how much there was to do during the summer at this winter ski hot spot. When the snow melts, Park City Mountain Resort takes on a new identity.  Chair lifts take guests up to zip lines, alpine slides, and alpine coasters.  I am not sure who had more fun whizzing down the mountain on the alpine slide- me or the kids!

Back at base there are also kiddie rides in the Little Miners Park area, mini golf, a legacy launcher (those trampolines you jump on while harnessed in), and a rock climbing wall.  I only wish we would have set aside a full day to spend at this resort because we definitely enjoyed the time we did have to spend there.

Take a Hike or Ride a Bike:

Chair lifts can give hikers a head start on their way up to scenic vistas and help bikers skip the grueling ride up and get right to the fun of riding down the mountain.  The Town Lift on Main Street will take your family straight up to where the action is and trail guides are available at the chair lift ticket windows.  There are trails for all skills and abilities, and the fresh mountain air is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.  The Beaver Creek Trail is a good family friendly off-road trail that is fairly flat and perfect for beginning mountain bikers.

Golf the Day Away

My son may only be three, but he is already an obsessed golfer.  As he grows older, I have a feeling more and more of our vacations will include him getting in 18 holes with his dad.  Last year both Ben and his dad sat on our patio at the Hotel Park City and drooled as families teed off on the ninth fairway.  There are two public courses in the city (and 5 private) and both  are worth a visit for just the scenery alone.  Luckily for me, my daughter has inherited my interest in golf so I will always have someone to keep me company on a hike or at the spa while my boys chase that little white ball around.

Giddy Up in the Wasatch Range

While my son stares longingly at golf courses, my daughter dreams of life on horseback.   The Stillman Ranch is a highly acclaimed horseback riding facility and guest ranch just outside of Park City.   Families with children as young as six can enjoy riding around the 9,000 acre ranch on trail tours ranging from one hour to overnight.  For those of us who have children who are still too young to ride horseback but crave a horse related experience, a wagon ride with dinner through the gorgeous countryside will fit the bill just nicely.

Has your family spent time in Park City?  Share your experiences with Trekaroo families by reviewing all the hotels and activities you have enjoyed.  Let’s spread the word about this great family friendly destination!

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

Orlando is famous for some of the top theme parks in the world.  With warm weather year round,  Orlando is also home to some of the most fanciful hotels that make families feel like they’re in paradise.  With so many great hotels to choose from in Orlando, which ones do Trekaroo families truly love?  Here’s the our verdict for 2010.

#1 Kid-friendly Hotel Orlando and Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

Although this Disney hotel is the farthest from the theme parks, it’s seems that being able to wake up to giraffes and zebras at your window is an experience so unique and wonderful that it’s worth every penny.  Dancing Queen declares that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are “Beyond Fantastic…Nature hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, night vision goggle observation of the animals, fireside storytelling, it goes on and on.”  AuntieMie recommends getting a room with a balcony because “the animals, food, and surroundings are amazing” and kids will simply love gazing out their window.  Restaurant Bomo also gets a big thumbs up from families.

Parent Review of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

Rates begin at $237/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Really Near Magic Kingdom:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Located just a mile from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge got a raving review from HTanner who says it’s the “Best on-site hotel for families”.  Why?  Maybe it’s the beautiful architecture, or the two amazing pools complete with water slide and waterfall.  Perhaps it’s the more affordable prices and close proximity to Magic Kingdom.  That’s not even mentioning the funny waiters at the Whispering Canyon Cafe.  Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also has a kids club and myrid of fun activities for the whole family.  Amanda Lisk says, “This resort was less expensive than the Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary – but just as nice and convenient!”

Parent Reviews of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Rates begin at $219/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Epcot:
Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with it’s old southern charm received top votes by Trekaroo families.  Families on Trekaroo love what they get at this moderately priced hotel.  Metro927 summed it up by saying that they “LOVE this hotel.  Definitely going back”.  Their sentiment was shared by several other families.  Leigh’s “children LOVED the pool area, huge slide and kiddie pool area.”  Hope says this is their favorite moderately priced hotel because “the rooms are spacious and (they) loved the view in Alligator Bayou”.  Families also loved the large pool with a water slide and the shuttle to the theme parks as well as the excellent service and chocolate milk on tap.  A big bonus – many rooms accommodate a family of 5 in one room.

Parent Reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Rates begin at $136/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Universal Studios:
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Located just minutes from Universal Studios, Trekaroo families love Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  It’s no surprise, because this hotel has a fantastic pool designed to look like a South Seas Lagoon. This is not just a pool.  The landscape transports you to a tropical paradise complete with water cannons, fake beach, and water polo equipment.  You even get free use of the cool water taxi to Universal Studios, as well as no wait access to Universal’s parks and rides.  PaulaKaronline sums up her impressions, “The hotel was breakthtaking, the food was excellent and the pool area was fantastic…the staff was super-friendly and eager to please.”

Parent Reviews of Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Rates begin at $161/night.  Check Availability

Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Activities for Kids in Orlando?
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents

More Resources for Orlando

• All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
• Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida

• More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
• 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
• Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
• Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
• Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
• Water Parks in Florida

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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA

Trekaroo’s goin’ to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine,
Can’t you just feel the moonshine,
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine,
To hit me from behind
Yes, we’re goin’ to Carolina with our KIDS!
(To the tune of James Taylor’s “Carolina in my Mind”)

Why North Carolina? Because Trekaroo families have been taken it upon themselves to build a fantastic list of activities and hotel reviews that just had to be released to the public. From the famous sunny beaches of North Carolina to the winter fun in High Country, families love it in North Carolina. Looking for some indoor fun? There’s plenty to enjoy in North Carolina from a world-class zoo in Asheboro to exhibits of fascinating sea life in our three coastal aquariums. We’ve got family-friendly summer fun at minor league baseball games and Nascar races.

Photo by: Flickr/Texas_mustang

So, what have Trekaroo families shared?

• Over 650 activities for kids throughout North Carolina
• Activities and hotel reviews in all 4 regions: Piedmont Triangle, The Coast, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Great Smokey Mountains.
• A list of kid-friendly hotels in NC waiting to be rated by parents
• Lots of fun lists like:
  • Places to Hike with Kids Around Charlotte, North Carolina by PrincessTrioMom
  • Cheap Things to Do in Charlotte, NC with kids by JodyMace
  • Kid-friendly Hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina by SpencerSpellman
  • Fun for Dudes, Both Kids and Bigs Near Charlotte, NC by rjones64
  • Snow Tubing and Sledding Hills in North Carolina by thelees3
  • Ski Resorts in North Carolina with Kid Programs by thelees3
  • Best Activities for Kids in the Piedmont Triangle – voted by Trekaroo families by Stephen Wantas
    

In celebration of our launch, the Trekaroo KidsMobile Blog Carnival stopped in Charlotte, NC and invited local bloggers on board to share their local tips on kid fun around Charlotte.  Check out what they had to share.

Special thanks to christinembyrd, PrincessTrioMom, jamierippy, Grandma Adele, summerbreeze, Olgabow, jrhammlett, allison, frogsandladybugs for their love of North Carolina and sharing more than most about their adventures with  kids with the Trekaroo community. And of course, thanks to team Trekaroo who work around the clock to make get all the details in place.

Going to Carolina with my kids,

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 | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA