Imagine amazing ocean views, large luxury appointed villas, and a one-minute walk from your room to the white sands of the Pacific.
Photo by: the Retreat In Laguna
If you’ve been looking to add a bit of luxury to your vacation life, consider The Retreat in Laguna, a brand new property set on the stunning Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, CA. The Retreat offers the best of two worlds; unsurpassed hotel luxury seamlessly mixed with the comforts, flexibility, and convenience of a private villa. All of the villas are stocked with full-size modern kitchens, patios, and expansive rooms making The Retreat in Laguna the perfect getaway for a home-away-from home vacation.
Photo by: The Beach House
Don’t worry about missing hotel amenities, The Retreat will arrange an in room private chef or deliver catered dinners from partner restaurants like the Beach House, featuring one of the most stunning views in SoCal, or Savannah Chophouse, an upscale casual American restaurant featuring sustainable practices and divine food! Concierge services are available to arrange local tours & activities, like a guided walk with the OC Wildlife & Beach Tour , or a dolphin and whale watching experience with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. In room spa services and yoga are available and access to the Laguna Health Club is included.
Read full reviews of:
The Retreat in Laguna | Savannah Chophouse | The Beach House | Dana Wharf
The Steal: Win a Lauguna Beach Luxury Villa Vacation Valued at $3,000!
Details: One lucky winner will receive:
- A 2 night stay at The Retreat In Laguna (subject to availability, excludes holidays)
- Welcome tote bags from the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau
- 2 mornings worth of breakfast vouchers for four at The Beach House
- Low Tide walk for family of four with OC Wildlife & Beach Tour
- Dolphin and Whale Watching trip for four with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
- Dinner for 4 at Savannah Chophouse
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Simply click on the rafflecopter box below and follow the directions. We’ve got lots of entry options on this one, so be sure to snag them all.
Typically when most people think of Newport, Rhode Island they think of beaches, boats, and summertime fun. While all of this is certainly part of the city’s identity, there is much more to Newport for you and your family to enjoy. We recently got to spend a weekend in Newport during the Annual Newport Winter Festival. Even with the winter weather, we enjoyed our time outdoors. The beauty of the Atlantic Ocean is everywhere and there are so many family friendly activities to take advantage of to enjoy the area and learn about its rich and mischievous history. Newport Rhode Island is a renowned ‘tres chic’ community. Before our recent visit,I knew about its history of opulence and grandeur but was not aware of the roguish past.
Rogues to Riches History-Yo ho ho
Local history is well preserved by Newport citizens. During the Revolutionary War, Newport was a very active port and much of that history, preserved by the Historical Society, can be seen at their downtown museum and through interactive tours. My family enjoyed a Lantern Tour of Historic Newport by a very knowledgeable docent from the Newport Historical Society. We learned that many colonists seeking relief from persecution landed in Newport as did many pirates running rum. These are the rogues that put Newport on the map many years after the natives discovered this rich piece of paradise. Our kids’ sentiments- “no pirate’s life for me”.
The Newport Mansions are reminders of the decadence of the Gilded Age and the opulence of summer cottages before taxes. The kids marveled at the grandeur of the staircase at the Elms mansion and the size of their kitchen, even though it was not modern. This ‘cottage’ was built for the Edward Berwind family who had made their fortune in coal. Our kids were able to see how their cottage vacations of today compared to those of the wealthy from the Gilded Age. Ours are a bit homier, to say the least. There are 10 mansions and facilities owned by the Newport Mansion Preservation Society that are open to visit. It’s easy to imagine being a princess walking into these beauties.
Wintertime waterfront fun
Pirates running rum once sailed the very waters we could see right from our hotel .We were lucky enough to stay right on the harbor at the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina. The weather, although sunny while we visited, was tremendously windy. We watched the boats rock outside our hotel window and were able to shop in the stores across America’s Cup Avenue.The wind could not deter us from enjoying another outdoor activity: Ice skatiing. The Newport Skating Center is located a block from the hotel and we enjoyed skating outdoors right on the harbor with the ocean in sight.
If you would like to enjoy Newport more like the pirates before you, get on the water. Seal safari’s from Seal Watch Cruises and other tours are available year round. If your family is more the landlubber type head for one of the city’s beaches which are open year round and feature free parking in the off season. Easton’s Beach is a quick drive or longer walk from the center of Newport. The water may not be inviting for swimming in the winter, but beach combing is definitely in order. The crowds are nonexistent and the shells and sea life are plenty. This beach also offers up a carousel and small aquarium making it a great way to spend a few hours. The beach is also close to the historic Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile walk with history dating back to native days. The walk follows the Newport bluffs past fabulous estates and historic mansions.
Eat
The New England coast is known for its fresh and tasty seafood. On a trip to the Barking Crab we indulged on a meal of crab, clam and lobster. A family that came in behind us decided on a 10 pound lobster from the tank and my kids said adios a lobster friend they had just made upon entering. Seafood is not all Newport has to offer. We sampled a bunch of tasty wings from a dozen local establishments at a chicken wing cook-off at the Newport Hyatt Regency. Newport knows wings. The winner was Nikolas Pizza, my youngest daughter’s favorite. My roguish son was even temped by the suicide wings at Wings to Go. It was a flaming feast he won’t soon forget!
Annual Newport Winter Festival 2012
The city of Newport and its 1 million citizens make for a community focused city. During February they host a Winter Festival that lasts over a period of 10 days. There are shows, restaurant food contests, craft stations, music, and much more. Purchasing a Winter Festival button for $9 allows discounted admission into a number of attractions as well as discounts off area restaurants, making it a great way to experience the city!. One of our favorite experiences was family day at Easton’s beach where we dug for wooden blocks like pirates digging for treasure and won kites. We spent some time taking advantage of the wind with those kites and created some great memories. The Newport Art Museum had a theater ‘whodunit’ production requiring audience participation. The play followed household help from a mansion during the Gilded Age and all of their antics. After the production we searched the museum for clues and interviewed the suspects still in character. It was a great way to spend a night with the family. There are so many activities in Newport we actually had to choose which we would participate in. The Winter Festival is held each February so you can experience the rogues to riches of Newport each year and not just in the summer.
This post is based on a trip our family took to Newport. We were provided a 2 night stay by the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina and a VIP pass to some attractions. My review was not influenced and all opinions are my own.
Michelle Brennan is Trekaroo’s New England Destination Guroo
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
When most people visit Disney theme parks with their kids, their biggest worry is the 3PM meltdown due to the lack of nap. For those of us who have children with special needs, approaching any family vacation takes a bit more planning and consideration. My son is on the autism spectrum and I credit many of his advances to both the incredible early intervention therapy he has received and our family’s commitment to travel. Travel allows children to take a step outside of their normally scheduled programming (aka: the happy place for most autistic kids), helping them learn to adapt to a variety of situations outside the norm. It also allows these children to experience the same things that typical children get to experience, with those same ear to ear smiles of pure joy. I have never been a fan of keeping a special needs child from experiencing life just because the logistics might be more difficult. Visiting a place like Disneyland may be harder with a special needs kid (I promise it does get easier with each visit) but the rewards can be incredible. Many children have breakthroughs while experiencing the Happiest Place on Earth and many parents realize that their kids are capable of so much more than they imagined. Here are some tips to get you ready for your first Disney trip with your beautiful, huggable, perfect-the-way-God-made-him special needs child.
Photo courtesy RachelColeman.com
Read about all the fun Rachel’s adorable daughter had at Disneyland.
Before you go
- Pack a copy of your child’s diagnosis in the bag you will be taking to the Disney parks. There are some less than moral people out there who have tried to work the system by committing disability fraud so you may be asked for this letter at Guest Relations. It will also help Cast Members make sure they are issuing you a guest services pass that will help appropriately accommodate your child’s level of disability.
- Bring a recent picture of your child with you. Nobody ever plans to have a child wander away but it does happen.
- Don’t plan too much into each day. It is better to go into the parks expecting to take it slow with lots of breaks and then be pleasantly surprised when your child is up for more fun.
- Pack things that will comfort your child. Special blankets or lovies can help calm a child in the event of over stimulation, familiar snacks will calm the picky eater, and games or toys can entertain a child while in line.
- Food allergies: Those with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food items into any Disney theme park. If you are questioned at the bag check area (I have never been) then simply inform the Cast Member of your child’s issue and they will be happy to let you pass. Most table service restaurants within the parks that accept reservations are able to accommodate food allergy issues. Friends who have visited the parks with a child with severe food allergies have been pleasantly surprised by how many food options their child had.
When you arrive
- Head to Guest Services first. This is where you will able to rent a wheelchair or stroller, pick up your “guest assistance pass”, and have any questions answered. The pass is good for up a party of up to six people and the child with the disability is required to be with you in order to use it (ie: no skipping the line for Space Mountain unless your child is planning on riding with you). If you have a service animal, it will be allowed in the park and special guidelines will be given. If you would like a sign language interpreter, one can be provided with two week’s notice. Be sure to bring your child to Guest Relations with you because you will need to prove he or she actually exists (again, another side effect due to those who have tried to scam the system in the past). Let the Cast Member know of any specific concerns you might have; Disney wants everyone who visits to have a magical experience and may be able to make specific accommodations.
- Head to the area of the park your child is most excited about first. If your child loves Buzz Lightyear, take him to the Astroblasters. If your daughter loves music, let her sing along with dolls from around the globe in It’s a Small World. Something familiar and beloved will help ease any apprehension your child might have about this new experience.
- If sensory overload should occur, ask a Cast Member for the nearest quiet location. A meal in a quiet corner of park or a ride on the monorail may be great places to slow down and reload.
- Have fun! Expect the unexpected and enjoy the moment. If things get difficult, take a deep breath, address the situation, and then get back to experiencing all the Disney magic. Oh- and take lots of pictures. They are only little once!
Have tips for visiting a Disney park with a special needs child? Please share your wisdom in the comments section.
Resources
Want more detailed information? Pick your park:
Disneyland | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap | Character Map | Best Rides for toddlers| school aged kids | teens & tweens
Disney California Adventure | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap
The Magic Kingdom | Reviews | Best rides for teens & tweens
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Reviews | Fastpass | Special Events
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Reviews | Fastpass
Planning your day | Busy Day Activities | Apps | Ridemax | Resort Hotels | Children’s activity centers | Best Pools Near Disneyland | Hotels offering Kids Camps Near Disney World | Hotels near Downtown Disney | Special Needs | Best Disney World Restaurants | Parades | Resort Hotels with Story Rooms | Hotels for Large Families or Groups | Dinner Shows | Disney World Special Events |
Share your favorite Disney tip with other Trekaroo readers. Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Magic Kingdom | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Don’t forget to enter to win our Disneyland Resort Vacation!!
Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
-America the Beautiful, Katharine Lee Bates
The majestic beauty of the state of Colorado served as the inspiration to this classic American hymn. The Centennial State is so rich in natural beauty and diversity that it just begs for you to get outdoors and explore all it has to offer. No matter what season of the year you visit Colorado, you are sure to find an amazing adventure.
10. Jump off a Cliff
Photo by: Soaring Treetop Adventures
Parents, take a deep breath: thrill seeking families will love all the extreme sports and activities available in Colorado. Hike or climb your way up one of Colorado’s 54 “fourteeners”, mountains peaking out at over 14,000 feet! Take to the heights in a hot air balloon, or paraglide out over the landscape below. Rent a jeep and take on the rugged terrain with all four wheels driving. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s giant canyon swing launches daring riders 1300 feet out and over the Colorado River trailing below! The park’s “wild” cavern tour, alpine coaster slide and zip line are a must! The largest zip line course in the world, Soaring Treetop Adventures in Durango, is accessible to kids and adults from age 5 and up!
Hit the sky with Colorado’s Zip Lines | Hang-gliding | Hot Air Balloons
9. Follow Ancient Footprints Back in Time
- Photo by: Trekaroo/gbkgwyneth
Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado is home to the remains of Colorado’s oldest inhabitants, the Pueblos. The park offers easy, short hikes to ancient ruins and longer guided tours to some amazing must-see cliff dwellings from 1500 years ago! Active families can climb ladders, crawl through tunnels and really get into the dwellings. Nearby, visit Hovenweep National Monument to explore six ruins during a 1 ½ hour, peaceful and easy walking tour for all ages and stages. The Canyons of the Ancients, which boast the largest density of known archeological finds in the nation, is easily accessed from the Anasazi Heritage Center, a federal museum and ruins site (and a good spot to use restrooms and enjoy the picnic grounds!)
Centrally located, Durango is the perfect place to stay & play while enjoying the ancient ruins.
8. Hit the Water
Photo by: Trekaroo/slofamilylife
In late spring and summer, snow melts away to a white water river-rafting paradise. The Arkansas River is America’s most rafted on river and offers trips varying from family-friendly class II waters all the way to extreme class V rapids for experienced riders. Numerous rivers and outfitters across the state offer safe, family expeditions to get you started, and on calmer waters you can enjoy a variety of types of boats for experiences from lazy to crazy. Fishing picks up when the waters begin to tame, so be sure to take advantage of the plentiful rivers of Colorado.
Find family-friendly rafting trips in Colorado | across the US
7. Tour Natural Beauty in Old-Fashioned Style
Photo by: Trekaroo/Kimmy
Enjoy Colorado’s scenic beauty without the stress and frustration of driving. Start your enthusiasm for trains by visiting the Colorado Railroad Museum, designed as an 1880’s train depot with replica trains and an awesome array of hands on activities for the little ones. When you are ready to journey for yourself, ride one of the state’s numerous railways boasting open air cars, incredible scenery, and impressive bridges. The Royal Gorge travels first class along the Arkansas River and has numerous dining options available, even fine dining for a special occasion, while the Cog Railway in Colorado Springs travels to the top of Pike’s Peak (14,000 feet). The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates year round through the San Juan National Forest and includes entrance into their freight museum with ticket. Many of Colorado’s trains host special events for year-round holidays, offer exceptional dining options, and even offer your teen the chance to solve murders on board a murder mystery train.
Check out eight Scenic Railways across Colorado to explore.
6. See the Wild Life
- Photo by: Trekaroo/Gretchen
Colorado has your animal fix covered! The Denver Zoo is lauded as the most popular cultural attraction in all of Colorado; despite the 1.6 million annual visitors, Trekaroo users say their visits are relaxed and calm. Free summer programs are the highlight for many visitors. More animal encounters can be found at the nearby Butterfly Pavilion and Downtown Aquarium (which also hosts mermaids!!). The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in scenic Colorado Springs, sits at an altitude of 6,800 feet and boasts over 200 animal species. For a change of pace, ride the historic carousel or take the Mountaineer Sky Ride to the top of the zoo to play on the kid-friendly playground. If you’re looking for buffalo, head about 20 miles west of Denver to Genesee Park’s Buffalo Preserve where you can get up close & personal with a herd of about 40 wild buffalo, for free!
Colorado Springs is a beautiful vacation spot. Start your planning here.
5. Make your Home on the Range
Photo by: Flicker/woodleywonderworks
Iconic scenery, big sky and beautiful weather make Colorado a rancher’s dream. If you can splurge for an all-inclusive resort, try your hand as a cowboy at a dude ranch. Family programs, camp-outs, cattle drives, entertainment and exceptional dining will draw your family together with a lifetime of cherished memories. If a day trip is more likely to fit the bill, check out one of Colorado’s numerous ranches and farms open for tours, horseback riding, and chuck wagon dinners.
Explore Colorado’s Ranch Vacations | Day-Tripping Ranch Locations
4. Experience Education
Photo by: Trekaroo/Zoe Ocampo
At the Children’s Museum of Denver, hands on education takes place in such clever and creative ways that your kids might not even know they are learning. Giant dinosaurs, a planetarium and a space odyssey highlight the best of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which consistently receives rave reviews on Trekaroo. If you have a free afternoon, venture to The Wildlife Experience just south of Denver. This museum focuses on learning about wildlife habitats through hands-on-displays and films best geared to school age kids and up.
Check out the top ten children’s museums across the US.
3. Explore the Mile High City
Photo by: Flickr/Larry Johnson
Sitting at an altitude of 5,280 feet, Denver was founded by miners less than 150 years ago, and is still full of youth and excitement. Downtown, take the free US Mint tour where you can watch the amazing transformation of money and learn about minting history. Denver Botanic Gardens is set in the beautiful tree-lined Cherry Creek area and has its very own 3-acre children’s garden just perfect for exploring and observation. The Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater hosts year-round concerts set in front of stunning red rock mountains; come on an off day and tour the facilities and the beautiful red rocks and then stop at the nearby Dinosaur Ridge where you can touch dinosaur bones and walk in their footprints! If your little ones need to get some energy out, head to Westlands Park in Greenwood Village for more than just the typical play structures, but also water fountains, tree houses, climbing walls, music makers, a skate park and plenty of picnic space. This park has been voted the “Top Playground” of the Rockies and we are sure you will agree.
Find the best deals on lodging in Denver. Hungry? Enjoy super-cool restaurants in Denver for kids.
2. Glide through Powder
- Photo by: skiloveland.com
The impressive hills and vast terrain of the Rocky Mountains, coupled with snow fall levels up to 465 inches a year, Colorado is a skiing and snowboarding winter wonderland. The state has 26 ski resorts, many with kid’s clubs, ski schools, awesome packages for families, and even a resort boasting the world’s highest Starbucks (at 10,850 feet). The winter season in the mountain towns like Keystone, Aspen and Vail can sometimes extend well into spring offering skiers the chance to enjoy an impressively long season. If, like me, the idea of your kids (or self) flailing head-over-heals in a cartoonish avalanche of snow scares you away, never fear. The soft mountains of snow are also just right for good, old-fashioned (and not so terrifying) cross-country skiing, sledding, making snowmen and snow ball fights.
Best Colorado Ski Resorts for Families | Ski Resorts offering schools and daycare | Colorado Sledding & Snow Play Spots
1. Discover diverse National and State Parks
- Photo by: Trekaroo/thelees3
Colorado’s land is incredibly diverse and the park systems reflect a unique display of beauty. At Great Sand Dunes National Park, the highest sand dunes in North America, your climb is rewarded with a year-round, non-dependent-on-weather “sand”board or sled down the hills. Rocky Mountain National Park offers abundant animal life, gorgeous scenery and plenty of family hikes and campgrounds. Just outside Denver, Roxborough State Park offers a unique juxtaposition of swaying prairies and jutting red rock formations. In the northwest, experience the closest thing you can get to a jungle at Rifle Falls State Park. Take the short 5 minute hike in the morning to the falls for a sweet, sunlit view of three majestic waterfalls surrounded by lush foliage. From prairies, lakes and plains to stunning mountain tops and forests, Colorado’s parks cannot be beat.
Need more info? Try our handy guide on exploring Colorado’s national parks.
______________________
Want more 50 states fun? See more posts in our series:
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Alaska
Top Ten Things for Families to do in California
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Massachusetts
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Nevada
Top Ten Things for Families to do in New Mexico
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Pennsylvania
Top Ten Things for Families to do in South Dakota
Top Ten Things for Families to do in Utah
Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC| FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR| PA| TN | TX | VA | WA
Taking a summer trip to Alaska has been one of my family’s greatest memories. My kids remind me often of the times we spent picking wild strawberries and raspberries, taking a train ride through a gold mine, trying to fall asleep at 10pm while it was bright daylight outside, and spending more than three weeks with their favorite cousins.
As I was planning for our trip, I naturally assumed that the further north you travel in Alaska, the colder it would be. I was pleasantly surprised to find this not to be true! Fairbanks is warmer in the summer than other parts of Alaska because it is further away from the ocean. Even though it rained on us frequently during our visit, many days were a balmy 75 degrees and sunny. With almost 24 hours of daylight, the wild berries were ripe for the picking any time of the day.
If visiting Alaska is on your “bucket list”, I would highly recommend visiting Fairbanks. Most tourists only make it to the southern sections of this beautiful state, but visiting the central area is like discovering a pearl in an oyster. If you can fly into the area and spend a week discovering all that it has to offer, I’m sure that your family will create memories to last a lifetime.
Our Top Family Friendly Activities in Fairbanks
Riverboat Discovery
We took a three hour Riverboat Discovery cruise down the Chena River on a 4-story paddle wheeler that showed us the heart and history of Alaska. Nearly everything I wanted my kids to experience in Alaska happened during those three hours. We watched a float plane take off and land, viewed a team of sled dogs race through the forest, tasted smoked salmon, visited a native Athabascan village, learned their early methods of arctic living, and grew to love the state of Alaska. This was the most “touristy” activity we participated in during our vacation, but it is definitely recommended.
Need a place to stay in Fairbanks? Try the Hampton Inn & Suites, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, or Sophie Station Hotel
Pioneer Park
Large and free, Pioneer Park is often visited by tourists and locals alike because it features museums, fun playgrounds, and a train ride. Our proudest moment while at the park was braving the -40 degree icebox to get a sense of what it feels like outside in Fairbanks during the winter. It was incredible to throw hot water into the air and see it fall down in ice crystals. After using a frozen banana to pound in a nail, I was more than happy to open the door and step outside to more reasonable temperatures.
Been to Fairbanks in the winter? Tell Trekaroo readers all about it!
Georgeson Botanical Garden
Everything is big in Alaska, including the vegetables and flowers. At Georgeson Botanical Garden, a kid friendly garden maintained by the University of Alaska, families will enjoy seeing massive cabbages and zinnias the size of a dinner plate. My children absolutely loved playing in the hedgerow maze and in the little log cabin, both located in the children’s garden.
Have you been to the University of Alaska Museum of the North?
El Dorado Gold Mine Tour
Gold fever struck our family after finding eight or nine flakes of real gold in our pans at the El Dorado Gold Mine Tour. This tour is a great mix of history, excitement, and adventure in finding gold. Complete with a train ride, a sluice box demonstration, and instruction in proper panning techniques, all ages will appreciate the time spent here. Perhaps the greatest treasure for my kids was finding the free cookies and hot chocolate in the gift shop.
Eat a “miner’s dinner” at Gold Dredge No. 8
Alaska Pipeline
I vividly remember learning about the Alaska Pipeline in my elementary school Social Studies class and was amazed at how it could stretch all the way across the largest state in the US. Seeing an “Alaska Pipeline” sign on the side of the road to the El Dorado Gold Mine got me quite excited to see this big thing up close and personal. Looking at a big pipe might not be on everyone’s “must-see list,” but I appreciated the history, diagrams, and viewpoint of this great pipe. And it made for a great place to take a picture of our family in Alaska!
View more of the Alaska Pipeline on the Dalton Highway and stop at the Artic Circle Trading Post.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Walking through the quiet boreal forest was one of my favorite memories of Alaska. At Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, boardwalks line the path through the white-barked birch trees, while ferns and various conifers dot the landscape. My kids spied sandhill cranes enjoying a lunch in the meadow. A series of trails takes visitors by the meadow and through the forest with interpretive signs to explain the unique features.
Check out the beautiful Wedgewood Resort with trails to Creamer’s Field.
Fairbanks Visitor Center
I do not normally spend much time in visitor centers so stopping by the downtown Fairbanks Visitor Center was a pleasant surprise. Our kids traveled through the museum-like rooms with displays on the distinct seasons of Alaska and how animals, plants, and humans have adapted to the harsh winters. They got to enter a “cabin” in the woods and see how homesteaders started life in the early days. We watched a movie in the theater, eyed the many books and souvenirs in the gift shop, and then headed outside for a self-guided tour of Fairbanks.
While in downtown Fairbanks, visit the Ice Museum and see Alaska winters in the summer.
Looking for a place to eat in Fairbanks?
Knotty Shop
Just 30 minutes south of Fairbanks sits a cleverly named gift shop that takes its name from the unusual growth of burls in spruce trees. This wood is then handcrafted into a variety of beautiful wood pieces that make for excellent gifts. The kids posed with the knotty wooden animals in the front yard and then we headed inside for some of the best ice cream I have ever tasted. Mounted wildlife lined the walls of the store, which was filled with authentic Alaskamade gifts. It was definitely worth the drive.
While south of town, visit North Pole and the Santa Claus House.
Been to Fairbanks? Share your scoop!
Want more Alaska fun? Check out Family Friendly Summer Activities in Fairbanks and read more about the 49th state:
Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 3 to 11. They love traveling to National Parks and 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.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
