Weekly Column

A rich archive of weekly “Taking the Kids Columns” in newspaper syndication since 1992

Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column

Early American history comes alive in and around Philadelphia
ByEileen Ogintz June 30, 2011June 28, 2023

The Continental Army. Here in the heart of historic Philadelphia on a steamy summer day, we’ve time traveled back to the heady days of the American Revolution, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the making of Betsy Ross’ famous flag sewn at the request of General George Washington — all right where it all happened — thanks to 30 terrific costumed “History Makers,” as well as 40 first-rate storytellers from the nonprofit Historic Philadelphia organization .

Read More Early American history comes alive in and around Philadelphia
Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Snow Vacations | Weekly Column

More very upscale resorts begin catering to families
ByEileen Ogintz June 23, 2011June 28, 2023

A growing number of ultra deluxe resorts around the world, which once never saw kids or barely tolerated their presence, have changed their tune as more wealthy parents are bringing their kids along. The good news for those of us without unlimited resources: Choose your dates wisely and you may be able to vacation like the rich and famous

Read More More very upscale resorts begin catering to families
Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Weekly Column

Finding a Beach Bargain in the Caribbean and Hawaii
ByEileen Ogintz June 16, 2011June 28, 2023

This summer, if you are willing to fly, you may find a better deal in the Caribbean or even Hawaii than in traditional beach resort towns like Newport, R.I., or Cape Cod, Mass. In fact, when Travelocity named summer’s Top 10 family destinations, after Orlando, they included Cancun and Puerta Vallerta, the Hawaiian Islands, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

Read More Finding a Beach Bargain in the Caribbean and Hawaii
Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Disney | Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column

To Orlando for the first time? Here’s how to make the most of it
ByEileen Ogintz June 9, 2011June 28, 2023

According to recent polls from Travelocity and Orbitz, Orlando is the number one destination for families this summer. It is affordable with some of the summer’s best room rates (plenty of hotels and condos under $100 a night and special deals for those in the U.S. military) and flights. And we all know you won’t run out of things to do

Read More To Orlando for the first time? Here’s how to make the most of it
Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Weekly Column

Among East Coast cities, Baltimore is sometimes an afterthought — WRONG!
ByEileen Ogintz June 2, 2011June 28, 2023

Sometimes in our rush to take the kids to see major museums and historic sites, we skip smaller cities like Baltimore — ideally located 40 minutes north of Washington, D.C., and 90 minutes south of Philadelphia — that are not only easily navigable (even free buses) but can be easier on our wallets.

Read More Among East Coast cities, Baltimore is sometimes an afterthought — WRONG!
Families & Groups | Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Getting There | Weekly Column

Despite high gas prices, families will hit the road this summer
ByEileen Ogintz May 26, 2011July 2, 2023

This summer, with every electronic accoutrement and despite high gas prices — the current national average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline is $3.95, $1.04 more than last year — most of us will still hit the road, according to AAA, though nearly four in 10 of us will adjust our travel plans as a result, suggests a new survey from TripAdvisor

Read More Despite high gas prices, families will hit the road this summer
Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Weekly Column

It’s the era of boutique hotels — and they’re getting family friendlier
ByEileen Ogintz May 19, 2011June 28, 2023

Across the country and even abroad, such small unique hotels are gaining a following among families who appreciate the intimate atmosphere, the service and the fact that they have, well, more personality than big chain hotels. Small hotels don’t necessarily cost any more and in some cases they cost less.

Read More It’s the era of boutique hotels — and they’re getting family friendlier
Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Volunteer & Service | Weekly Column

San Francisco — a museum-goer’s paradise
ByEileen Ogintz May 12, 2011June 28, 2023

Whether your kids are science geeks, future engineers or artists, or you just want them to have a unique experience, San Francisco’s two-dozen museums deliver. The California Museum of Sciences — one of the city’s top tourist draws since its move to Golden Gate Park — is the only place in the world to combine a natural history museum, aquarium and planetarium in one building. It’s the greenest museum in the world.

Read More San Francisco — a museum-goer’s paradise
Families & Groups | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Food and Dining | Weekly Column

Taking the Kids — On a Cruise to Europe
ByEileen Ogintz May 5, 2011June 28, 2023

Aboard a cruise ship you can relax and meet families from around the world, instead of schlepping from city to city. And after an exhausting day of touring, you return to a place where most everyone speaks English and there are big swimming pools, familiar food and, with morning-till-night youth activities, a welcome break for mom and dad..

Read More Taking the Kids — On a Cruise to Europe
Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Weekly Column

On a Safe and Green Trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya
ByEileen Ogintz April 28, 2011June 28, 2023

Locals and tourists scoff at the notion that they might not be safe here or along the Riviera Maya (www.rivieramaya.com), which stretches south of Cancun to Tulum. “Mexico is a big country and the violence is so far away from here,” explains cab driver Fernando Morales, who has lived in this area all his life. “Once people get here, they relax.”

Read More On a Safe and Green Trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya