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

The Secret to Getting Teens Up Early on Vacation — Take Them to Harry Potter
ByEileen Ogintz July 8, 2010June 28, 2023

Thanks, Harry. Suddenly, young people, who wouldn’t spend much vacation time with their folks, much less get out of bed this early if they didn’t have to, think family vacations are fun again, especially when mom and dad or grandpa pay for the trip and pop for $100 wizarding robes (yes, despite the 90-degree Florida heat, fans traipsed around the park in the floor-length robes, wearing Hogwarts ties as belts) or $30 wands.

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Families & Groups | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Food and Dining | Travel Diaries

On Norwegian’s new megaship Epic
ByEileen Ogintz July 7, 2010June 28, 2023

The kids can’t wait. We’re aboard Norwegians new megaship Epic (153,000 tons!) that has forged a partnership with Nickelodeon that means kids—and their parents-have the chance to get slimed, get up close and personal with SpongeBob, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer, Diego and Jimmy Neutron at breakfast or “meet and greets.”.

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Cruises & All-Inclusive | Taking the Kids Blogs

Is bigger better?
ByEileen Ogintz July 2, 2010June 28, 2023

The cruiselines certainly think bigger is better. I’m heading out for a quick look-see of Norwegian’s new EPIC (http://epic.ncl.com) — 153,000 tons! — which is being billed as the world’s largest floating entertainment venue.

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

Taking the Kids to a Theme Park This Summer
ByEileen Ogintz July 1, 2010June 28, 2023

I smile thinking of that hot day at Disney World when my son and older daughter worked so hard to convince their little sister that she really was “grown up” enough (and tall enough) to ride Space Mountain. “So cool!” they told her. “Not too scary,” they promised.

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Backyard Vacations | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

Day Two in Provincetown — kids in discovery mode
ByEileen Ogintz July 1, 2010June 28, 2023

We’ve started off on a morning walk on our second day in Provincetown and about a mile from town. We come across an inn at the top of a hill so striking we have to stop for a look. Land’s End Inn is not only spectacular with amazing ocean views but kid friendly too with a pile of kids’ games.

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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Travel Diaries

Two days in Provincetown MA and some whale watching
ByEileen Ogintz June 30, 2010June 28, 2023

Had this been the 18th Century, we would have been hunting whales from Provincetown, MA, especially after the whales’ oil and bone

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Families & Groups | Parks & Outdoors | Taking the Kids Blogs

Not even for a minute!
ByEileen Ogintz June 28, 2010June 28, 2023

On one of the hottest days of the year so far, the Department of Transportation reminds us that hyperthermia caused by kids being left unsupervised in cars kills at least 27 children every year. That makes it the number one non-crash vehicle-related cause of death for of our nation’s kids.

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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

Day Two at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
ByEileen Ogintz June 26, 2010June 28, 2023

”The wand learns from the wizard and the wizard from the wand,” the Wandkeeper tells us, standing behind the counter in the small room that is lined floor to ceiling with shelves packed with wands in all kinds of boxes.

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Backyard Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries

Two days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
ByEileen Ogintz June 25, 2010June 28, 2023

The much anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter has just opened and even the most avid fans who planned their trip to Orlando around the new attractions seem unprepared for the crowds. But that doesn’t stop the fun.

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Beach Vacations | Cruises & All-Inclusive | Destinations | Families & Groups | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors

To the Caribbean in Summer
ByEileen Ogintz June 24, 2010June 28, 2023

Finally, a Caribbean beach that’s everything a Caribbean beach should be – quaint, with hammocks strung from palm trees, crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first-rate beach bar and enough water toys to keep the kids happy (banana boat ride anybody?)

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Explore Freely, Travel Smart

Inspiring Places

Travel Better

Dining Destinations

Traveler Stories

The Georgia Backroad Locals Say You Should Never Drive After Dark

Deep in the Georgia mountains, there’s a road that locals whisper about when the sun starts to set. GA-180, known as Wolf Pen Gap Road,…

9 North Carolina Restaurants That Stay Packed Without Ever Advertising

North Carolina hides some of the best food secrets in the South, and you won’t find them on billboards or flashy commercials. These restaurants don’t…

This Hidden California Lake Might Be The State’s Prettiest Secret

California is packed with popular lakes that draw massive crowds every summer. But what if you could find a place where the water sparkles like…

Pennsylvania’s Forgotten Park, Frozen In Time

Deep in Pennsylvania’s woodlands lies a place where history whispers through overgrown paths and crumbling stone foundations. Rock Point Park Natural Area once thrived as…

Bags Packed?

The Secret to Getting Teens Up Early on Vacation — Take Them to Harry Potter

On Norwegian’s new megaship Epic

Is bigger better?

Taking the Kids to a Theme Park This Summer

Day Two in Provincetown — kids in discovery mode

Two days in Provincetown MA and some whale watching

Not even for a minute!

Day Two at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Two days at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

To the Caribbean in Summer

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The Georgia Backroad Locals Say You Should Never Drive After Dark

9 North Carolina Restaurants That Stay Packed Without Ever Advertising

This Hidden California Lake Might Be The State’s Prettiest Secret

Pennsylvania’s Forgotten Park, Frozen In Time

Haven’t Found Your Dream Destination Yet?

Where To Go Next

Food is central to the experience in Lyon France

Discover The North Carolina Lakeside Escape Locals Don’t Want You To Know About

The Charming California Town You’ll Want To Add To Your Day-Trip Bucket List

9 Forgotten Arizona Ghost Towns With An Unforgettable, Haunting Beauty

Nature’s Retreat

The Virginia Drive-In Theater Keeping The Golden Age Of Cinema Alive Week After Week

The Scenic Navajo Nation Byway In Arizona That Leaves Visitors In Awe

Pennsylvania’s Forgotten Park, Frozen In Time

This Magical Florida Garden Is Every Kid’s Dream To Explore

Plates Worth The Trip

11 Florida Soul Food Spots Serving Sunday-Dinner Comfort Seven Nights A Week

This North Carolina All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Is So Good, Foodies Say It’s A Must-Visit Destination

12 Louisiana Creole And Cajun Restaurants So Good People Cross The State To Eat There

11 Pennsylvania Spots Proving You Don’t Need Fancy Décor To Serve Amazing Hot Dogs

The Seasonal Edit

10 Florida Escapes That Combine Sandy Shores With November Fall Charm

Locals Love This Hidden Oregon Lake For The Perfect Fall Picnic

These Small-Town Pennsylvania Festivals Capture The Spirit Of Fall

This Beloved Tennessee Buffet Is The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Destination

The Best Times And Spots To See Kansas’s Fall Foliage In 2025

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