Trekaroo parents have been on the streets and in the mountains around Knoxville, Tennessee and we’ve compiled a list of their favorite destinations for their kids.  A simple look at the horizon leaves no doubt that the Great Smokey’s are a near perfect place to explore nature, but parents have also shown that with this unique geography comes unique parks, museums and entertainment.  So take a wander through some of the most visited and enjoyed places in the Knoxville area by parents and their kids.

#1 Kid-friendly Activity and Best Amusement Park for Kids: Dollywood

Parents all around the Smoky’s and beyond loved their family outing to Dollywood.  This southern-styled theme park is a short drive from Knoxville and boasts country music star Dolly Parton as its owner. One Trekaroo parent, Mom Most Traveled, liked the bit of Dolly history found in the park.  ”I particularly enjoyed the veritable shrine to Dolly Parton within the amusement park [...].”   Despite Dolly’s unique story, most kids will be attracted to the  rides.  Krisco32′s kids loved the rides that resulted in a good soaking.  ”The River Battle ride was fun, but really wet; and you are pretty much stuck at the mercy of anyone outside the ride who decides to shoot you.”  For those who can resist the thrill of being targeted by water cannons, there are plenty of water-free rides to fill the day.  Kjsbristol’s family particularly enjoyed their subterranean journey on the “unique vertical climbs and dark tunnels” of the Mystery Mine.  Dollywood makes a great effort in trying to have something for all ages and tastes.  ”For those too small for most of the rides, there are two playgrounds on opposite ends of the park,” said RunnerGrrrl.  On top of the rides and playgrounds, the park also has mkmom’s favorite BBQ and all the frills and thrills of a great tourist stop.

Photo Credit: Trekaroo/kjsbristol

Best Place to Sight the Local Animals: Cade’s Cove

Just a hop and a skip from Dollywood is Cade’s Cove, flaunting nature’s grand display of mountains, forests, and wildlife.  Locals like josalynandpeytonsmom love Cade’s Cove with it’s “waterfalls, trails, and wildlife inside the park for all to enjoy.”  StephanieSays had “never seen so many deer in [her] life” before her visit to Cade’s Cove.  ”There were so many different animals to see and kids can ooh and ahh to their heart’s content.” The area is within the National Park and offers many options for enjoying the scenery, from driving an 11 mile loop to exploring the numerous nature trails that meander through the beautiful mountains.  There are also many different sights to see, “Off the loop are many nature trails, historical cabins and homesteads, and picnic areas,” said knoxvilledoula.  It’s a great area for all styles, whether your want to drive, hike or bike.  Cade’s Cove promises unforgettable sights to the entire family.

Photo Credit: Trekaroo/jenc17

Most Exciting Museum for the Kids: Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

About 25 miles outside of Knoxville, Trekaroo parents have found a museum that their kids adore.  One Trekaroo parent, going by the moniker Hyperpraise, said, “This museum was so nice that my children ask to go back.”  These repeat customers were drawn to the large-scale doll house, capable of accommodating the munchkins of many sizes, as well as a climbable space ship and castle.  Krisco32 found stumbled upon the museum while searching for a nearby destination, but her family wound up loving this fortunate mistake.  ”It was one of the only times I’ve been lost that actually turned out to be better than what we’d planned,” she said.  Children’s Museum aficionados may find this museum to be similar to many others, but Knoxvilledoula said it best, “So long as the kiddos like it, that’s what is important.”  And the kids have kept their parents going back again and again, which is why the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge tops the list.

Photo Credit: Trekaroo/RunnerGrrrl

Best Place for Kids to Play: World’s Fair Park

Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, this park is a massive stretch of land that includes grass fields, fountains, water falls, and a great playground, but most importantly Trekaroo parents and their kids find it grand!  Kristen, a Trekaroo parent, said the park is a wonderful destination during those hot and humid Tennessee summer days.  Near all the water works is a great playground for kids to climb and swing to their heart’s desire.  More than anything, the World’s Fair Park has a great atmosphere and community.  Lldenton describes the scene, “On a given day, with nice weather, the park is full of children playing on the new playground, college students studying, and many others lounging or passing through.”

Photo Credit: worldsfairpark.org

Most Entertaining Performance for Kids: Dixie Stampede

Pigeon Forge is an entertainment center in the middle of the Smokies, thus it is no surprise that Trekaroo parents would find the most entertaining show for their kids at this locale.  Lemonyemilyo describes it as a “non-stop rodeo theater” and gives an overwhelmingly positive endorsement of the food saying it’s “very yummy”.  With this winning combo of good entertainment and good food, kids can’t help be entertained (and satiated).  Srwstars describes the show like this: “The Dixie Stampede has amazing energy. You can’t help but be excited while watching the amazing show. It’s an interactive show that gets people from the audience to help with skits and playing games.”  All this excitement does cost a pretty penny, but Lemonyemilyo assures us the “experience is worth it.”

Photo Credit: flickr/Jim Moore

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 families have the inside scoop, and the word on the ‘roo is that the Orlando area has a slew of magical adventures for the little ones. Cities within the city were even specifically built for youngsters (and their wallet-toting parents, of course). Orlando boasts Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, gigantic water parks as well as thematic journeys through Medieval Times and the Holy Land.  Yet, Orlando is not all leg-achingly gigantic parks, it’s a city growing fast in may directions with unique venues for locals and tourists alike. It is also in the midst of vibrant natural areas with diverse wildlife.  Trekaroo parents have given us an inside look to the best of the best in the Orlando area.

#1 Activity and Best Amusement Park for Kids: Disney’s Magic Kingdom

“You can’t skip Disney. You MUST visit Disney at least once in your life.” There’s not much room for disagreement with this imperative from Lilkidthings.  With 73 Trekaroo families giving unanimously positive reviews, it’s clear as the crystal that Disney is an amazing destination. “You don’t go to Dinsey unless you plan to have a fun filled day,” says bukosker. Even a skeptic will believe in magic by trip’s end.  Take bejolly65′s comment: “I was so hesitant and cynical when we decided to go to Disney World. [...] But I guess there is a reason that Disney World is so popular. They really know what they are doing.”  The kids need no such convincing.  Many a trekaroo family speaks of how enchanted their child was seeing Cinderella or taking a magic carpet ride. “The girls loved Magic Kingdom, because as we all know Cinderella’s Castle is there,” says Trekaroo family metro927. While kids will be excited just being in the Kingdom, Trekaroo parents all agree that a day at Disney needs to be planned for maximum magic to occur and they have left a goldmine of suggestions. Keebz, an iPhone equipped mom, downloaded the Disney app and scoped out wait times. Don’t be alarmed if the plan falls apart, it’s only natural as parents and kids alike get lost in the atmosphere. As Travelingmom says, “This place can make an infant out of a grown man!”

Photo Credit: flickr/ninjapoodles

Best Museum for Kids to Explore: Orlando Science Center

From hurricanes to space shuttles, the Central Florida area is one of the most interesting places for science and the Orlando Science Center works hard to capture the creative energy of the area.  Trekaroo family apalanza says that the Science Center is great for all ages, but suggests packing your own lunch to save some cash.  For locals, WE3REEDS suggests the annual membership that allows unlimited access throughout the year. “Imax is included as well as all their special events.”  For denizens of more distant lands, the Orlando Science Center is a great excuse to get away from the parks and explore the town.

Photo Credit: OSC

Best Place to See Animals in Action: Sea World

While Disney may have your kids singing “Under the Sea”, Sea World journeys under and over while riding on the back of an orca whale.  Trekaroo parents concur that Sea World magnifies the wonders of ocean life with spectacular shows.  ”All the shows were great and VERY entertaining,” said akotash.  But it’s not all just high-flying whales, mischievous sea lions and acrobatic dolphins.  ”The last time I was at SeaWorld, we were able to get up close and touch the dolphins as we fed them,” commented Kat569.  Sea World offers many opportunities to get close to the animals and for some extra greenbacks, you can take behind the scenes tours.  Younger kids will certainly be amazed by the high-energy shows and every child will love the massive playground area in Shamu’s Happy Harbor.   What parents love most, though is seeing the look of amazement on their child’s face as the animals show their power.

Photo Credit: flickr/Big C Harvey

Best Natural Experience for Kids: Kelly Park

With an amusement park on nearly every corner, it’s easy to forget that Orlando is set among natural wonders of its own.  Kelly Park is a great place to get away and experience Florida’s abundant flora and fauna without having to drive too far from the city.  Shauna, a Trekaroo mom, commented that Kelly Park is “a great family outing for next to nothing!”  With a cost of ONE dollar, it will be by far the cheapest activity of any Orlando vacation. Shauna also suggests renting a tube and floating down the river as a great way to eco-tour Central Florida.  Even without the aquatic journey, there are plenty of reasons to pay the park a visit.  Volleyball courts, picnic tables, nature trails and even camping make the park a relaxing destination that is close enough to escape to on a whim.

Photo Credit: flickr/systemslibrarian

Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Kid-friendly Hotels in Orlando?
Top Kid-friendly Hotels 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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Stephen Wanta 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

Portability and safety seem to be the features of choice. Congratulations to Comment #69, Brandi Westmoreland. You’re the new owner of a fabulous new Snazzy Baby Travel Chair.

One of the reasons I love Trekaroo is how I’ve got a community of thousands of parents keeping me up-to-date on what’s hot when traveling kids. One our newest Trekaroo members, Kailani (the mommy blogger behind An Island Life) tipped me off to the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the Snazzy Baby Travel Chair has been awarded the Most Portable Travel Chair by Trekaroo. It also fits into any diaper bag!!! Woo Woo! (Here’s the full article on Best Travel High Chairs).

The Steal – Win the Most Portable Travel High Chair

We knowing that eating outside the house is often difficult for kids who are more eager to play than eat.

Number of Winners: One (1)

Prize: 1 Snazzy Baby Travel Chair in Red for Valentine’s Day

To enter:

Tell us what feature(s) is important to you when shopping for a portable high chair.  You can leave a comment below, tweet your thoughts to @trekaroo, or leave a comment on Facebook.

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.

• Subscribe to The Talking Trekaroo’s feed
• Follow Snazzy Baby on Twitter
• Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway
• Fan Snazzy Baby on Facebook
• Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
• Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Snazzy Baby

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only
• Multiple entries allowed per person

Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 11:59PM PST

A Sweet Valentine’s Deal

Purchase a Snazzy Baby travel chair for $34.99 and get a free pair of leg warmers (value: $7.99) for your special little Valentine. Just go to http://www.snazzybaby.us/shop and enter in the code: TREKAROO when you purchase a Snazzy Baby Travel Chair and a free pair of leg warmers will be added to your purchase. You just choose the color! (Available in for funky colors: Wild Blue , Pink Pizzaz, Jungle Green and Oceans Blue.)  Jump on this deal before it expires at the end of the month on 2/28/2010.

Don’t need a pair of leg warmers. Purchase the chair on Amazon for $29.59 and it’s eligible for free shipping savings .

Related articles:

• Best Portable High Chairs for Travel
• Best Baby Travel Cribs
• Best Travel Toys for Babies and Toddlers
• Toys on the Fly
• Pack for Baby Without Bringing the Nursery

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.

Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage.

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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 | TX | VA | WA

From Charlotte to Greensboro to Raleigh and everywhere in between, the Piedmont region of North Carolina is bustling with vibrant city life juxtaposed against the enduring presence of nature. The diversity in landscape lends itself to a cornucopia of activities for kids from tikes to teens. With endorsements flowing in from parents who either live in or have visited the area, we’ve composed the superlatives of the region based on the votes from you, our wonderful Trekaroo families!

• Best Place for Kids in the Piedmont
• Best Science Museum for Kids
• Best Playground
• Best Amusement Park
• Best Thrill-seeking Fun
• Best Outdoor Attraction for Kids
• Best Free Attraction for Families

#1 Rated Place for kids in the Piedmont and Best place for kids to see the Animal Kingdom: North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro

The North Carolina Zoo is by far the most popular Piedmont destination on Trekaroo, with nearly twice the votes as the next most popular activity! With over 1100 animals, the NC Zoo boasts an amazing diversity of animals separated by geographical habitats, so there is something for every kind of animal lover.  KMCole says, “ My son prefers North America, because he loves Alligators and Turtles. My daughter prefers Africa, because she loves the elephants.”  As for the exhibits, many families share christinembyrd’s sentiment that the “zoo has worked very hard to make the animals’ areas as close to their natural habitat as possible.”  This also means large exhibit areas that are very spaced out, which leads to the nearly unanimous caution to wear your walking boots and bring a stroller!

Read or write reviews about North Carolina Zoo >

Photo Credit: NC Zoo

Best Science Museum for Kids: Museum of Life and Science in Durham

Lilkidthings says the Museum of Life and Science is “all about the outdoors.”  The museum combines interactive exhibits and places to get close to wildlife, like the butterfly and insect house.  For the renaissance child, this museum may have almost too many possibilities: train rides, space exhibit, playgrounds (outdoor and indoor), and a dinosaur trail. Even children still learning to say Tyrannosaurus Rex will find reason to smile in this educational fun zone.  TedsMom said, “We have already taken our one-year old son here twice because he had so much fun!”  As TedsMom said, kids will enjoy going back again and again.

Read or write reviews about Museum of Life and Science >

Photo Credit: ncmls.org

Best Playground: Dan Nicholas Park and Campground in Salisbury

From searching for gems to a train ride on the Spencer Moose express, the Dan Nicholas Park is a playground’s playground. “They have the most playground equipment I have seen since I was young,” says KMCole.  There is no dearth of activity at Dan Nicholas Park.  Mayasmom says her daughter “loved the animals and the putt putt course.”  All of this fun comes reasonably priced, too.  Carolinamama and her two kids had a blast for just one Andrew Jackson.  “Three hours of fun for $20 is pretty good!”  Trekaroo parents have unanimously given Dan Nicholas Park a five-star rating, which makes this a must-play destination when visiting the Piedmont Triangle.

Read or write reviews of Dan Nicholas Park and Campground >

Photo Credit: dannicholaspark.net

The Best Amusement Park for Kids: Carowinds in Charlotte

Carowinds is the largest and highest rated amusement park by Trekaroo parents in the Piedmont Triangle.  The rides are as high as the reviews, making Carowinds a thrill seekers destination. Even for those who don’t love a zip and zoom through the air, there is still plenty of fun to be had.   Krisco32 says, “The roller coasters are awesome, and little kids will love the Nick theme and characters.”  Some parents caution, though, that the park is geared towards older kids.  However, as jpocock says, “The waterpark is fun for all!”  As with most amusement parks, Carowinds can be a bit pricey, but there is definitely something special about this park.

Read or write reviews of Carowinds >

Photo Credit: Carowinds

Best Thrill-seeking Fun: NASCAR SpeedPark in Concord

M&M sponsored cars aren’t the only reason kids are fans of NASCAR.  Putting the pedal to the metal to cross the finish line is enough to get anyone’s heart pumping, especially the aspiring professional driver.  While nobody is hitting 200 mph at the NASCAR SpeedPark, the five, twisty kart tracks will keep your kids entertained for hours.  Trekaroo parent bukosker says that there is plenty of fun to satisfy all ages, including adults, with activities like laser tag, mini-golf, and kiddie rides.  Many trekaroo moms use NASCAR SpeedPark as a daddy-run daycare, like cinnamonsugah, “My husband took the kids here while I shopped at Concord Mills Mall.”  Tracie4 concurs that the “park is in a great location.”

Read or write reviews of NASCAR SpeedPark >

Photo Credit: nascarspeedpark.com

Best Outdoor Attraction to Visit with Kids: Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury

Nature is the imagination’s favorite playground and Hanging Rock State Park is one of the best play structures.  Trekaroo parent asenic waxes  nostalgic about this park: “I have such fond memories of going to Hanging Rock with my dad. I love the sandy beach they have to offer, the beautiful walking trails, waterfalls and scenic views.”  There is a network of trails with varying lengths to accommodate the varying sizes of legs doing the trekking.  TMNbecky suggest the “shorter, easier trail to the waterfall,” rather than the scenic trail to the top of the mountain for those traveling with kids. After the hike, kids will enjoy a dip in the lake.  “The beach is worth the couple of dollars and perfect for the little ones in your group,” mentions kikismom.  No matter what path you take at Hanging Rock, your kids will be amazed at the sheer cliffs and waterfalls they see.  And on those hot summer days, they’ll enjoy a good splash in the cool mountain lake.

Read or write reviews of Hanging Rock State Park >

Photo Credit: ncparks.gov

Best FREE Attraction for Families: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

Dessia’s two girls loved their visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.  They really enjoyed “the room they get to dress up like all sorts of animals and insects.”  With four floors of exciting adventures to be found, there is plenty of space for excitement.  “From dinosaurs to sea life to bugs, its an adventure from start to finish,” says kitkat324.  For families with ages and tastes as different as dinosaurs and butterflies, have no fear!  Familiarycerz’s four children ranging from 3-10, rarely find a compromise on museums, but the NC Museum of Natural Sciences was a big hit for all.  With all the praise Trekaroo parents give to this museum, perhaps the most amazing part about it is that it’s FREE!

Read or write reviews of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences >

Photo Credit: naturalsciences.org

Stephen Wanta 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