Disney Simplifies Generational Family Travel
Taking the Kids Correspondent Susan Finch navigates the many parts of Disney World with her daughter, utilizing time saving Disney technology
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Disney Gets High Tech with a Personal Touch
Taking the Kids Correspondent Susan Finch discovers the new high-tech services provided at Disney World take some of the stress out of travel and line management
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Walking in the Cotswolds – so much for families to see and do
There are literally thousands of footpaths that crisscross the Cotswolds in Great Britain. We found so much for families to see on do on just a few of them.
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How families can celebrate Halloween all October long
Halloween is coming. Here are some places to find haunted houses, corn mazes, theme park parties and more for your kids and family
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In the Cotswolds, like walking onto the set of Downton Abbey
I feel like I’ve walked onto the Downton Abbey set. Actually, we’re at Ellenborough Park in the Cotswolds in Great Britain that dates back to the early 16th Century.
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English History at Sudeley Castle in Cotswolds
We learn some English history at a bonafide castle that was home to kings, queens and now a 21st Century family headed by an American—Sudeley Castle is in Britain’s famous Cotswolds
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Sherlock Holmes: major exhibit to open at Museum of London
He’s one of the most famous residents of London and a brilliant detective known all over the world — so famous he now has a museum exhibit devoted entirely to him.
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London’s food scene takes it to a new level at Camden Lock
The Global Food Kitchen at Camden Lock Market in London is famous not only for good eats but for its shops and stalls—more than 200. No wonder it attracts 6 million visitors a year and is the hub of the growing street food movement here.
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Curry, beigels and bacon sarnies on a family food tour of London’s East End
London’s East End famously was home to immigrants for centuries—French, Irish, Jewish, and most recently Indian (the famous Brick Lane lined with Indian curry restaurants is here). There are also hipsters and artists — the area is as famous for its street art and pop up shops these days.
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Half Moon Bay, CA, gets ready for families with lots of pumpkins
Farmer John Muller, a third-generation California farmer, is also the mayor of Half Moon Bay, which bills itself as the World’s Pumpkin Capital. The coastal climate here, with warm days and cool nights, is perfect for growing pumpkins.
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Two London hotels that treat kids like royalty that lives across the street
The Rubens at the Palace and Egerton House hotels in London offer families an upscale experience. The kids are treated like the royalty that live across the street from the Rubens.
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Kids discovering “Horrible Histories” of spies at the Imperial War Museum in London
Real spies know there are a lot better ways to disguise your looks—like putting cheek pads in your mouth to change the shape of your appearance. At the Imperial War Museum in London, kids gave a thumbs up to the Horrible Histories Spies exhibit.
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A Family Day in Denver: Bikes and Botanic Gardens
Taking the Kids Correspondent Allison Tibaldi says Denver is one America’s most bike-friendly cities and its bike-sharing program makes it easy to get around on shiny red bikes.
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When the kids aren’t in school yet this fall, get out and play
For once, be glad you’re toting a stroller and safety seat. When everyone else has headed back to school, you can head off on vacation with your toddlers and preschoolers.
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Families & Groups | Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries | Volunteer & Service
A Kid Facing Fears and Pushing Limits at Mount Snow Family Camp
Sheri McDonald writes that her children have all gone to summer camp, but it was really special to be with them together at Mount Snow Family Camp while they gained confidence and took on new challenges
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The Family Table at Mount Snow Family Camp
Sheri McDonald says it easy to grab a plate of food and sit in front of the television or keep working while we eat. On her recent trip to Mount Snow Family Camp she had a reminder of how valuable the family table is.
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Families love Vermont in Fall for more than the colorful foliage
If you think visiting Vermont in fall is just about the foliage, glorious as it may be, think again. There are mountains to climb, golf and disc golf, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking to try.
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Unplug and Reconnect at Mount Snow Family Camp
Sheri McDonals’s son was having trouble imagining a week with no iPod, computer or video games. Once they arrived at Family Camp, they didn’t think about wifi again.
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All you need for date night – Denver’s Larimer Square
Situated in the heart of Denver, Larimer Square is a host to many delicious restaurants, bars and entertainment – we never even left the square during our date night.
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A mountain biking lesson well learned at Smugglers Notch VT
It’s a lot different to bike on a mountain trail with uneven terrain, rocks and tree stumps. All the more reason to take a lesson, like we did at Smuggler’s Notch VT
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Puerto Vallarta Mexico has something for every family
Puerto Vallarta has something to offer everyone who ventures upon its shores. Beyond the pristine beach lies the opportunity to immerse oneself into the untapped beauty of nature.
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Small museums everywhere provide great value for families
I realized when I stopped at the Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco, how much fun a visit to a smaller museum can be for visiting families.
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Kids and grownups zipping through the treetops in Northern Vermont
We’re at ArborTrek in Jeffersonville, VT right near Smuggler’s Notch Resort about to set out on what USA Today has dubbed a top zip line adventure in the country
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Kids learning farming and history at Shelburne Farms in Vermont
I’m at the Shelburne Farms Children’s Farmyard near Burlington, Vermont where there is also a cow, goats and the fanciest chicken coop I’ve ever seen — home to 60 chickens.
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A family outing for late summer beauty in Northern Vermont
I’m at the Topnotch Resort Spa, one of the largest in the quintessential New England mountain town of Stowe, Vt. where I’m indulging in the Little River Stone Massage, one of the expansive spa’s signature treatments that uses hot stones, cold stones, massage and aromatherapy.
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Great way to stretch your vacation dollar – Orlando
There’s a lot more to Orlando than theme parks—and a lot of ways to stretch your vacation dollar while having plenty of fun, especially in September, the cheapest month of the year to visit with deals up to half off.
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New Orleans, swamps, plantations and other family haunts in Louisiana
Want a marshmallow? The 6-foot-long alligator, dubbed Otis by the locals, who’s minus one foot and swimming alongside our boat certainly does.
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Families flock to the World War II Museum in New Orleans
Jack Lucas became the youngest Marine ever to receive the United States’ highest military honor. The wallet he had in his pocket that day tells just one of the many stories at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
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Kids cooking it up for their parents in New Orleans hotel
I like that Omni is as interested in encouraging kids to expand their palates when they are on vacation as in feeding their parents. As part of its Sensational Kids program
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Hello gator! On a eco swamp tour in the Louisiana bayous
We’re on a Pearl River Swamp Eco Tour in the Honey Island Swamp in Slidell on Louisiana’s Northshore in St. Tammany Parish, about 40 minutes across Lake Pontchartrain from downtown New Orleans.
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On a culinary tour of New Orleans with a former history teacher
We’re in the so-called Mystery Dining Room at Antoine’s in New Orleans, the famous restaurant that has been operated continuously by the same family since 1840, our first stop on a wonderful New Orleans Culinary History Tour through the French Quarter led by former history teacher Naif Shahady.
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An old-fashioned family crab boil in Lake Charles, LA
I’m at a Fais-Do-Do, A Cajun Dance party, at Travel Media Showcase and Marilyn Dawdy, I learn, mid-lesson, is catering the big event for the conference in the Lake Charles Civic Center overlooking Lake Charles.
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Farm-to-table family fun on Martha’s Vineyard
At the nonprofit Farm Institute on Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, the local and vacationing kids who attend summer day camp here tend the expansive vegetable garden, gather eggs and care for the animals. Older kids may learn the art of composting and carpentry.
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Visiting the theme parks with the youngest members of the family
Wherever you and your toddlers and preschoolers find yourselves this summer, you’ll find plenty to amuse and entertain, even when they’re not walking yet. Go after the older kids go back to school and you can avoid the crowds. According to Visit Orlando, September is the cheapest month of the year to visit there.
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Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
A Family Friendly Guide to The Florida Keys
Riding down the highway towards the Florida Keys, I caught a glimpse of aqua marine colored medians, and even they began to soothe my stressed soul.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Farmer John knows how to grow pumpkins in Half Moon Bay
Farmer John Muller, who is a third generation farmer and happens to be the Mayor of Half Moon Bay, knows how to grow a great pumpkin!
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Fish right out of the water, strawberries, goat cheese and more
At Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay near, where we were staying at the Beach House, locals either have downloaded the free FishLine App or call 650-726-8724 to see what fresh-caught fish commercial fishermen are selling “off the boat.”
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Half Moon Bay, CA — no crowds or rush yet near San Francisco
My daughter is planning her wedding near Half Moon Bay. I can see why she loves this area — between the mountains to the East and the Pacific to the west. The best part—it’s not busy or crowded, though we’re less than hour’s drive from San Francisco.
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
Sonoma County: the right locale for a trip with a grown-up kid
Who says grown kids don’t want to travel with their parents? I don’t get to see my daughter that often and was determined to make our few days together as fun and as stress-free as possible for both of us. The key, I discovered, is choosing the right locale.
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Relaxing in the mineral pools at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Water Yoga anyone? What a way to start the day. I’m moving from one mineral pool to the next at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
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Exploring Bodega Bay CA – bike rides, redwoods, great food
People come to Bodega Bay to watch the whales, hike among the huge Coast redwoods — some are 1,000 years old and 250 feet tall like in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville — and of course, eat.
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Families up close with African animals – in Sonoma County CA
Who knew there is the chance to see so many rare endangered African animals right in the middle of Sonoma County, just 75 miles north of San Francisco
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Discovering the family and foodie side of Sonoma County CA
Sonoma County CA – Twenty coastal beaches… soaring Coas Redwoods… 11 state parks, 27 historical landmarks… 120 farms open to the public and 12 farmers markets… 400 wineries and more than 500 restaurants committed to bringing you food grown locally.
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Families love meeting future baseball stars on Cape Cod
We’re sitting on the grass with several hundred parents and kids on a balmy summer night in Falmouth, Massachusetts on Cape Cod watching the Falmouth Commodores play the Orleans Firebirds.
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A Two-Nation Vacation to Roosevelt’s Campobello and Downeast Maine
Campobello is an island off the Maine coast, located in New Brunswick, Canada. Unless you’re a U.S. history buff, you might not know that our longest serving President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, spent countless summers vacationing on this Canadian island.
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Summer Family Fun in Colorado: The Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Telluride, Colorado holds a festival almost every weekend throughout the summer. From the film festival, to the mushroom festival, and its renowned fall Blues and Brews festival, I’ve heard it said before…”Telluride pretty much holds a festival for everything.” But the most famous event the town offers is the annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
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Learning about oceanography in Woods Hole, MA
WOODS HOLE, MA – Do you recognize the name of this small port on Cape Cod? It has something to do with the Titanic, right?
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Families get up close and with the animals at Busch Gardens in Tampa
Welcome to the state-of-the-art Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida — a unique 16,000-square-foot facility opened a little more than two years ago where visitors can watch how the park’s veterinarians take care of the animals that live here
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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries | Volunteer & Service
At the Farm Institute on Martha’s Vineyard with the kids
Kids learning about food at the Farm Institute on Martha’s Vineyard, MA. These 180 acres at the edge of Edgartown has been farmed since the first Europeans arrived in the 17th Century and before that by the local Wampanoag.
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Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Exploring historic and family-friendly Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Does a summer night get any better? Not on Martha’s Vineyard at the historic Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown that dates back 123 years. We loved sitting on the rocking chairs on the porch
