A rich archive of weekly “Taking the Kids Columns” in newspaper syndication since 1992
The secret to this unusual road trip bliss: A 36-foot rented RV where the kids can be safely strapped in seatbelts but still able to play games at the table between them
Families increasingly are seizing Thanksgiving week for a family vacation. Families explain it is typically a slow week at work and school — some kids have the entire week off, and there may be fewer family obligations.
Belize boasts more than 500 species of fish and marine life. The water is so clear you can see the reef, sea turtles, rays and more from a kayak too
When was the last time you spent a day biking or hiking with the kids, crunching leaves under your feet and seeing who can spot the most colorful leaves? It’s not too late for fall foliage
Zoos, aquariums and science museums can also be excellent places to explore this important topic and start a dialog with kids — even young ones — about what they might do to be good environmental stewards
If you thought you had weeks left to get those costumes ready, think again. That’s because Halloween is now celebrated — big time — from theme parks to zoos, children’s museums to hotels and resorts all October long
Private trips are growing more popular, whether a family wants to celebrate a 50th anniversary sailing on a Turkish gulet, go whitewater rafting, biking or to explore Italy or visit a national park
Dry your tears, empty-nesters. There are plenty of options this fall for a short (or longer) getaway that won’t break the bank.
Welcome to the Kids Market on Vancouver’s Granville Island, which draws 10 million visitors annually to its famous public market, restaurants, theaters, galleries, studios and pop-up stores
National Grandparents Day is Sept. 8, and you’re never too old for a new experience, especially one that will bring your far-flung family together
Having weathered college tours with three kids from upstate New York and New England to Colorado and California, I think a little pet therapy may be just the thing
If you are looking for a last-gasp summer trip to get out of the heat or a fall getaway with — or without — the kids, you can’t do better than a mountain town like historic Breckenridge, about 90 minutes from Denver
This is what scientists have dubbed “The Jurassic Mile,” for in these rocks is one of the most significant and exciting dinosaur finds in North America dating back 150 million years
Molly Brown, like others of her era, came to Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles north of Aspen and a three-hour drive from Denver, for the clean mountain air and to “take the waters” at the famous mineral Glenwood Hot Springs
Nelson Mandela would have turned 101 this year, at a time when South Africa has been rocked by political corruption and still fraught with the ills that Apartheid wrought
There are other new interactive options for junior paleontologists, their parents and grandparents to explore this summer, even the chance to join a dig
Is it safe to take kids to developing nations? To fly with babies when they haven’t yet been vaccinated for measles? To let them swim in the ocean?
Forgetting an essential when you travel can be a good thing. You have the chance to replace what you forgot with something new and better
Today Lady Liberty is a worldwide symbol of freedom — no more so than on July 4th. She attracts some 4.4 million visitors annually
For busy parents, it’s the luxury of not having to organize anything for a camping trip. Someone else has shopped for the food on this five-day trip and the always cheery guides cook everything from lasagna to steaks
Philadelphia is a terrific place to celebrate our country’s birthday. Not only can you walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and mothers (maybe even meeting one or two), but you can also celebrate big time with the Wawa Welcome America Festival, starting June 29
You don’t have to plan every minute of summer vacation (even if you are going to Walt Disney World). The unexpected — good and not-so-good — is what make a vacation memorable. Tell that to the super-planner in your house!
So how can you show your appreciation for all they do come Father’s Day? It just takes a little creativity (and not necessarily a lot of money).
You have to get up really early at Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island and get to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the sunrise.
Here’s a vacation idea that’s guaranteed to please those (sometimes) difficult-to-please teens — and get everyone to put away their devices. Let’s go camping!
Whether you like thrill rides, water rides, dark rides, immersive lands that take you inside your favorite movies, virtual reality or want something to entertain younger children, you’ll find plenty that’s new this summer at the 400 amusement/theme parks in the country
San Francisco is a terrific city to encourage kids to experience new foods, starting with dim sum where they can point to what they want to try on the cart and commit to just a bite or two, starting at $6 for a portion
She’s usually the chief vacation planner and packer, not to mention the on-the-go therapist, managing sibling disputes, the meal organizer and the first responder when someone is sick or injured.
Portugal, it seems, is drawing more Americans and American families. It’s safe. It’s affordable and there is great food and wine, of course. And plenty of sunshine.
April 22 is Earth Day — the time to celebrate our beautiful planet, and lend a hand to keep it that way. Especially if you are traveling, there is no better time to teach the kids an environmental lesson while having fun