I love walking. I used to walk all the time. It was my escape, my calm, and a way to center myself and organize my thoughts. I don’t walk like I used to when I lived in the U.S. There I could walk for hours breathing in the clean air on the curved walkways and the treelined trails. Now that I live in Indonesia, the hot, muggy weather, crowded streets, and lack of sidewalks keep me inside. I walk indoors on the treadmill, but it’s just not the same as my cherished outdoor walks on the other side of the world.
But today, I decided to give it a try and went on an outside walk. As I mentioned, it was hot, crowded, and busy. Despite that, I found myself caught up in the scenery as I was walking through the streets of Jakarta. I saw the street vendors, tall buildings, the mass of scooters, beggars, beautiful flowers, trees, street cats, lizards, and more. In particular, the leaves on the ground sparked my memory and reminded me of the leaves that would crunch under my feet while walking in America. It caused me to reflect on how far I’ve come in my walking journey. I let my mind wander to the first walk I took by myself. It was during a tough time in my life that left me with mixed feelings of wanting to stay in bed all day or wanting to escape everything. I was working full-time, and I had a family to take care of, so neither was an option, and I decided to take one step at a time. Literally.
I am a natural-born scaredy-cat, and venturing on a walk by myself wasn’t something I’d typically do, but for the sake of my mental health, I knew I had to do something. On my first walk, I walked around my block once. The next day I walked around it twice, and the following day, three. It wasn’t long before I wore out my shoes, walking around my block. I would turn on my music and walk fast until I was ready to come home. Soon, I started walking early in the morning before my kids got up. Sometimes I would walk twice a day so that I could see the sunrise and the sunset. It felt good, but I never ventured from my block because I was comfortable.
I’ve heard it said that when you’re comfortable, you’re not growing, and I found this to be true.
I grew as much as I could walking around my block, and now it was time to take a step towards something else so I could grow—and that’s exactly what I did. Something about the other side of the street caught my attention. It fascinated me, and after a couple of weeks, I gained the courage to cross the street and take my next first steps. I started walking on unfamiliar ground, and with every step, I gained courage. It wasn’t long before I was walking miles and miles of trails throughout my neighborhood.
Taking that first step caused me to get out of my comfort zone, gain courage, and allowed me to move forward.
Since then, I have traveled the world and have walked in places I never imagined my fearful self would go. I’ve walked where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River valley, hiked to the mountain tops of Petra, walked the ancient grounds of the Roman Colosseum, climbed the holy steps of Scala Sancta, navigated the narrow steps leading to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hiked the many, many steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower, crossed London’s famous Tower Bridge, explored the hills of St. Thomas USVI, shuffled along the insanely crowded streets of Tokyo, explored the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, descended below the surface to the wet and rocky ground of cenotes in Mexico, and now the sidewalk-less streets of Jakarta.
My walk today was a good reminder of how far I’ve come in my walking journey and my life journey.
I’m not perfect, and life hasn’t been easy, but along the way, I’ve taken steps to stand up for what’s right, to choose grace, and to ask for forgiveness. I’ve taken steps to move forward, to say no, and to ask for help. I’ve nervously taken the first step to start new jobs, go back to school, and set boundaries. I’ve taken steps to write books, take trips, and speak even when my voice shakes.
Regardless of where it’s leading, taking the first step is usually scary, especially when you feel like it’s impossible to move, but it is crucial. It may not feel like much at first, but each brave step allows you to move forward and gives you the courage to navigate through whatever life throws at you.
My hope for you is that you take your next first step today, wherever it leads because it is worth stepping out of your comfort zone for.
Jamie is married to her high school sweetheart and has three beautiful daughters. Through years of experience working with children, and raising her own, she knows how difficult parenting can be. She is an advocate for children's mental health and is best known for her creativity, optimism, and kind heart.
With Emily in Paris trending on Netflix, we’re all putting Paris on our bucket lists! We already loved the show for the Parisian scenery but, if you haven’t caught it yet (spoiler alert!), Emily has a food allergy too which makes us love it even more. Inspired by this year’s hottest show, our guide includes all the best allergy-friendly spots to eat and devour some treats. We think Emily would approve!
EAT
1. Noglu: “Had dinner here one night and visited their bakery as well. The dinner menu is a bit limited but absolutely delicious! Highly recommend.” —@rwmhawho manages Celiac
2. Jardin du Palais Royal: “This was my favorite restaurant in France! I called ahead of time to let them know about my allergies and once I got there they brought out special options for me so I didn’t have to miss out on any appetizers or desserts on the fixed menu!” —@avasatowho manages a tree nut allergy
3. Semilla: “Accommodated my daughter’s food allergies and made menu adjustments.” —@scmwho managespeanut, tree nut, and seed allergies
4. Les Patios: “We went here twice while in Paris. Both waiters spoke at least some English and were versed on allergy protocols.” —@splitsurroundwho manages tree nut, egg, fish, and pea allergies
5. Coutume Café: “The menu lists allergens. I was ok with their quinoa bowl since I don’t have a dairy allergy.” —@smmolinewho manages tree nut, egg, shellfish, wheat, sesame, avocado, fruits, and corn allergies
6. Café Latin: “Very helpful menus that list all ingredients in English and French!” —@awissinkwho managespeanut, shellfish, sesame, and fruit allergies
7. La Brasserie de L’Isle Saint-Louis: “…while visiting Paris for the holiday break I got several hot chocolates from La Brasserie de L’Isle Saint Louis.” —@ccwa2who managespeanut, tree nut, egg, fish, and shellfish allergies
8. L Entrecote Paris: “This place is awesome! It only serves salad and then steak and french fries…that’s it!” —@allergytravelrwho manages peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, shellfish, wheat, fruits, grains, MSG, and guar gums allergies, and Celiac
9. Le Consulat Restaurant: “French fries are fried in sunflower oil. The waitstaff were attentive to our cross-contamination concerns, limited nuts on the menu.” —@marcar411who managestree nut allergies
10. Café di Roma: “They had absolutely no nuts on their menu and were able to accommodate without an issue.” —@girlbehindhivewho managespeanut, tree nut, soy, shellfish, sesame, mustard, fruits, chicken, and legumes allergies, and Celiac
11. Corso Kléber: “Detailed allergen menu which permitted our ANA PN allergy twins to identify peanuts and lupin in the menu. We highly recommend this restaurant.” —@djconstazowho managesa peanut allergy
12. 5 Lorette: “The best place to eat in Paris with allergy.” —@nicolasschwho managespeanut, tree nut, and fish allergies
13. Au Pied de Cochon: “Restaurant uses sunflower oil instead of peanut oil. Staff was attentive and helpful, showing understanding of our concern for cross-contamination.” —@marcar411who managestree nut allergies
14. Chez Georges: “One of my favorite meals in Paris. The restaurant made my allergies a priority.” —@jbass12who manages peanut, tree nut, and shellfish allergies
15. Le Café Marly: “My favorite meal on vacation! They were able to make me plain chicken and rice. Knowing the food is definitely safe makes it that much more delicious!” —@girlbehindhivewho manages peanut, tree nut, soy, shellfish, sesame, mustard, fruits, chicken, and legumes allergies, and Celiac
16. Le Poulbot: “This place is so cute! I’ve eaten here at least five times!” —@allergygirleatswho managespeanut, tree nut, soy, shellfish, and seeds allergies
17. Tasca: “Tasca is my favorite restaurant in Paris! I ate there two nights in a row. Their entire restaurant is gluten-free and delicious!” —@passportmemoirswho manages tree nut, seeds, vegetables, and fruits allergies, and Celiac
18. L’Ecaille de la Mascotte: “This is a classic French brasserie located in Montmartre. Our daughter had steak and frites and they were very accommodating. They had English menus that were helpful!” —@susiewho managespeanut and tree nut allergies
19. Jules Verne: “I was extremely pleased with how seriously they took allergies at this restaurant. I called up beforehand and reminded the waiter of my allergies and they allowed me to order something safe – a filet mignon and greens – and still found a way to create a beautiful and delicious plate. The experience of eating on the Eiffel Tower alone is so worth it!!” —@gfnutfreemamawho manages tree nut allergies
20. Cafe de la Paix: “Had the best filet de sole and mashed potatoes that I’ve ever had in my life. Was decadent and utterly delicious. Called up the restaurant before and then reminded them as I arrived. They took it seriously and I felt comfortable eating there.” —@gfnutfreemamawho managestree nut allergies
TREATS
1. Noglu: “Sweets and breads were great. My son was finally able to taste a chocolate tart, brioche, and much more. Fine French pastries without the gluten.” —@rwmhawho manages Celiac
2. Chambelland: “Delicious gluten-free breads—the best in Paris!” —@phoebelapinewho manages Celiac
3. Berthillon: “The best ice cream in Paris and no peanuts used in any flavors.” —@ami532who manages a peanut allergy
4. Crêperie de St. Malo: “The restaurant is family-owned and the menu lists the ingredients in both English and French! They will gladly make accommodations for allergies and are so kindhearted and friendly.” —@awissinkwho managespeanut, shellfish, sesame, and fruits allergies
5. Helmut Newcake: “I talked to the lady behind the counter, handed her my French allergy card, and she checked every pastry they had!” —@thezestyeelwho manages peanut, tree nut, wheat, gluten, sesame, grains, and legumes allergies
Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.
Kay Jewelers is expanding its’ Disney Treasures Fine Jewelry Collection! Initially launched to a limited number of stores and Kay.com, shoppers can now find the the entire line in 900 Kay stores across the U.S.
Disney Treasures includes pendants, rings and earrings, all themed around your fave characters. Each item comes with specialty packaging, a Certificate of Authenticity and ranges in price from $129.99 to $499.99.
Kay Jewelers shares some of the top pieces from the collection which include:
• Mickey Mouse & Minnie styles in Mother of pearl and onyx
• Simba and elephant designs from Lion King
• Pooh Bear and red balloons from Winnie the Pooh
• Marie and Eiffel Tower pieces from The Aristocats
• Dalmatians and paw prints from 101 Dalmatians
In addition, the Disney Treasures collection is adding more designs inspired by Fantasia and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in October. For Fantasia, you’ll be able to shop earring and necklace sets that include Mickey Mouse’s sorcerer hat in sapphire and diamonds and a unicorn set in silver and rose 10K gold.
All pieces in the Disney Treasures collection are engraved for authenticity and are set in sterling silver with 10K yellow or rose gold accent. You can shop the complete collection at your local Kay Jewelers are on kay.com.
Staying at home for months on end means we’re all online, and shopping online, a lot more. Our New York City Editor Mimi O’Connor feels us. Brooklyn mom to an energetic eight-year-old (who had a #quarantinebirthday in June) we asked Mimi for her top 12 products that have gotten her through the pandemic, the summer and beyond. Read on to hear more from Mimi.
Like many spots in the country, things went sideways pretty quickly here in New York. Almost literally, in March, one minute we were debating attending a birthday party at a local movie theater, the next we were locked down, celebrating by watching E.T. “together” via Zoom. (It was actually pretty fun.) My initial pandemic parenting strategy (read: fantasy) was pretty ambitious, with weekly themes explored from a 360-degree perspective; i.e. “France”, with virtual visits to the Louvre, making crepes, building a LEGO Eiffel Tower, etc. In the end, my daughter had a short-lived love affair with Duolingo and I bought some flash cards. And while the subsequent months featured more screaming than s’il vous plaît we still have had our share victories, fun, and yeah, a lot of Minecraft. Here’s what’s helped us get through the spring, summer and likely beyond..
Mead Composition Books
Even though my immersive learning program didn’t work out, we still made use of these fun Mead composition books, which we labeled for each of my daughter’s subjects during remote learning.
When it was time to “Chalk the Walk”, I realized our chalk inventory was next to nil. We invested in this giant collection of chalk from Crayola, which has shades well beyond the basic.
My 70s childhood inspired this, one of my first pandemic buys, which enlists the help of the sun’s rays to make solar art prints. (Copyright 1975 from UC Berkeley, baby!)
Sapadilla Rosemary + Peppermint Biodegradeable Liquid Hand Soap
I’ve been trying to concentrate on little luxuries to stay sane in these times, and a nice hand soap to go with all of that hand washing seemed fair. This one is plant-based and biodegradable and the rosemary mint scent is refreshing but not overpowering.
Did I mention the Minecraft? (Or the watching of videos of people playing Minecraft…?) Some headphones became a must for the child as gaming, and remote learning kicked into high gear. These are comfortable, have good sound, and a removable mic.
I am a big proponent of tiny lights, both indoors and out. We have a small outdoor space and these lights are the bomb, making it a bit more magical and cozy. Not quite fairy lights, they’re a bit larger and a string is 200 bulbs, 72 feet-long, with eight different “modes” like flashing, etc. (I use “steady.”) Pick a sunny spot for the charging panel, string your lights and enjoy as they turn on every night at dusk.
Like many (most?) families who could, we bought an inflatable pool to weather summer in the city. It’s not like NYC’s free Olympic size-pools, but it gets the job done.
It turns out that our small front yard also happens to be the exact length of a slip and slide. Ours served as the focal point of a socially-distanced June birthday party and was a huge hit. (P.S. Literally our least expensive birthday ever!)
Out of all the presents my daughter received for her birthday, this relatively inexpensive set of slow rise squishies (they "bounce back" at a slower rate than others) might have brought the most joy. And while this is not representative of her general state, she even used them for an informal mediation class during breathing exercises, which she dubbed, "squishie breathing."
MaxUSee 70mm Refractor Telescope with Tripod & Finder Scope
Another birthday present, this was inspired by recent stargazing activity, and bought with the hope of using it when we head upstate for a bit later in the summer. (We use the free app SkyView Lite for help finding constellations in the city.) It's a nice combo of not too complicated, but with enough features to be a level up from basic.
Our daughter attends a Percy Jackson-inspired camp, for which kids make their own (safe) swords and shields out of cardboard and duct tape, and she in fact enrolled in an online camp for that very purpose this summer. Having a full arsenal of colors on hand is great for personalization, and our duct tape stash has come in handy for reenforcing forts, etc.
Like many families, we’ve been exploring online classes to engage our kid during this time. Our daughter has taken the Outschool class "Girl Power! Graphic Novels written by Women about Strong Girls” with Dr. Danielle Rhodes and has really enjoyed it. (We’ve already signed up for the second session, and Rhodes has now added a third installment.) The class meets once a week to discuss graphic novels from female authors with strong girl protagonists, some familiar, some less so.
Get a few of our favorites here, here and here, $7.44-$9.11
The Babysitter's Club
Netflix
Yes, it's a television show (i.e. screen time), but this Netflix adaptation of the popular YA series (now also in graphic novel form) is charming, smart and features a fun and diverse cast. It also doesn't shy away from complicated or nuanced situations, such as friend politics, divorce, health issues, etc. Recommend!
If you’ve ever wanted to rent a room inside of the Jersey Shore’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, here’s your chance. Guests will have a rare opprtunity to stay inside Lucy the Elephant on March 17, 18 or 19. The listing will go live on Airbnb’s website on March 5.
The interest in staying inside Lucy has been “tremendous” since the news was announced on Wednesday said Rich Helfant, executive director of the Save Lucy Committee.
“It’s not surprising,” said Helfant. “Lucy has graced the Shore for 138 years. As the oldest roadside attraction in America, she is the last of her kind, and older than both the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.”
In honor of the length of Lucy’s time in Margate, the rentals are being offered at $138 per night.
Don’t expect the deal to become a regular occurance, said Helfant “I’ll never say never, but we are only planning to make her available for these three nights for the time being.”
According to Lucy’s Airbnb profile, “I’ve seen a lot in my years watching over the Jersey coastline, and since I never forget (obviously, I’m an elephant), I’ve got plenty of stories to share with curious guests. As you step inside my walls (and up 25 steps), you’ll be transported back in time to the 1800s, where you will feel the Victorian Era come alive.”
Helfert reports that Lucy receives more than 130,000 visitors every year. “Lucy is a part of so many fond memories. Her charm, her size and her history capture the imagination.”
These days, Lucy has Wifi, but she doesn’t house an indoor bathroom, but there will be a private one available at the base for the guest’s personal use. The building, which has been taken care of by the Save Lucy Committee, features Victorian-era furniture and decor. Guests can climb the riding carriage on Lucy’s back for a 360-degree view of Margate and the surrounding area.
“House rules” include certain restrictions. No children or pets are allowed to stay over and guests are not permitted to smoke or host parties.
“One of the reasons why we were so excited to list Lucy on Airbnb was the opportunity to expand her access and reach, providing a new avenue to even more people to enjoy her. That said, we want to make sure we are primarily preserving her for tours, so that hundreds of thousands of visitors can see her all year long,” said Helfert.
Once the listing goes live, only those with a verified Airbnb profile can apply for the rental. Airbnb will make a donation to the Save Lucy Committee toward the landmark’s preservation.
Parents of little ones, be sure to check your toy box because there’s been a recall of the Sophie la Giraffe Bead Maze. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the wooden triangle shape piece fails to meet the mandatory federal standard for small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children.
The recall includes a round wood-based bead maze toy in the shape of the Eiffel Tower with a Sophie giraffe figure and three wooden shapes: Orange triangle, red heart and green star, that sort into the wood base. The gray Eiffel Tower stands 8 inches tall on a green circular base measuring 6 3/4 inches in diameter. This recall involves the following batch numbers:
Recalled Batch Numbers:
9321/J09504/022019
9474/J09504/042019
9549/J09504/052019
The batch number is found on the bottom of the base of the packaging above the barcode.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Sophie la Giraffe Bead Maze toy and check the bottom of the toy for the recalled batch numbers. If the toy matches the recalled batch numbers, consumers should destroy the triangle piece and contact Juratoys to receive a free replacement triangle piece.
This toy was sold at specialty toy and gift stores nationwide from February 2019 to November 2019 for about $25.
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
So your maternity leave is now up and it’s time to go back to the career you love. Let’s remind ourselves why we are in this situation. You obviously have a career because you studied something that you love and you want to continue doing it. Not to mention, help provide for your family monetarily. These are all wonderful things and you shouldn’t feel guilty about them, especially if you’ve worked hard at climbing the corporate ladder.
The best way to make your business travel experience enjoyable for you and the little ones at home is, of course, to be prepared. Here are 6 ways busy career moms can prep for their upcoming business travel.
1. Set Expectations
The expectation is super important when traveling for business, both for the parents and the child. Never spring the news of a business trip on your child last minute. Clearly explain when you are leaving, why you are leaving, and when you expect to come back. The ‘why’ is super important here. Both you and your child should understand that what you are doing for your job is important and you shouldn’t be ashamed of that. Be an example to your child that building a career is hard work and there are rewards.
2. Keep Kids Comfortable at Home While You Travel For Business
Whether the kids are staying at home or staying at Grandma’s, you want to make sure they are happy for your peace of mind. And there are some things you can do to get them excited.
Keep a packing list on your phone and make sure their favorite items are on there: cozy blanket, favorite pacifier or favorite stuffed animal that they can’t live without.
Stock the fridge with treats and goodies that you don’t normally get them like cupcakes or ice cream.
Leave them little notes or surprises around the house. You can leave them in toy boxes or their drawers. Nothing fancy, this could be games from the dollar store. Put a note on it to remind them you are thinking of them.
Do a countdown for when mommy gets home. This can be a simple chart with boxes that they cross off every day before bed.
Use a map to show where mommy is. This will help them to understand where you are and it will be a geography lesson!
3. Make a Detailed To-Do List
I’m a huge believer in list-making to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. I use the Paperless app to make many lists, including packing lists for each child. PRO TIP: Make a separate list for things you need to take to Grandma’s or the sitter’s house. If you are anything like my mom, she gladly keeps a ton of stuff at her house including clothes and pajamas so your regular packing list doesn’t apply, thankfully. You also want to make sure your packing list is up to date, and you stock the fridge before leaving. Finally, make sure to share your travel itinerary with your partner so that he or she knows where you are staying and when to pick you up.
4. Schedule Time to Connect with the Kids
You are going to miss those cute faces so you want to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see them. Most of my travel was in Europe so I knew that my lunchtime was going to be dedicated to FaceTiming with the kids.
FaceTime with the kids whenever possible
Make sure whoever is staying with the kids sends you photos and videos to light up your day!
Mail them a postcard
A really fun activity is to take one of their favorite stuffed animals with you. Take photos of the animal throughout your travels. Is their favorite animal friend visiting the Eiffel tower or sitting with you at a meeting? Either way, it gives your child a glimpse to what you are doing and connects them to something they love.
Schedule a fun activity for when you get back. It could be as simple as going to the ice cream shop or go big and visit a theme park. Point is, make sure you have a plan to connect with your family once you are back home. Phone free, of course.
5. Negotiate Additional Time at Home
I know this may not be possible for everyone but you’ll never know unless you ask! My company was very good about providing comp days for any weekend or holiday I was traveling. If you are lucky enough to get unlimited PTO, schedule a day or two before or after your business trip
6. Spoil Them Upon Your Return
Kids will be excited to see you when you come back but they also love when you bring something back! Don’t be afraid to use this as a teaching opportunity. Explain where you are going and what that place has to offer, such as See’s Candies from California. Let them pick what they want you to bring back. Or just bring back what they love. There was a Disney store by me in Vancouver so I picked up some princess pajamas for my daughter and a Lion Guard towel and goggles for my son.
So as you prepare to travel the world, know that traveling on your own can be very beneficial. Meeting new people is an incredible networking opportunity. I’m a strong believer that traveling can expand your mind and creativity. Use these opportunities to be empowered and inspired. You are a shining example to your children and they will see that as they get older.
Arianny is a travel and lifestyle blogger at Prepandshine.com. As a parent, she believes that if you are prepared properly, you will shine in everything you do. She is based in NY and you can follow her adventures on Instagram at @prep_and_shine.
If you’re worried about any looming travel plans with your kids—fret not! A slew of U.S. airports are wising up to the plight of parents and adding kid-friendly perks like playgrounds and nursing stations to their terminals. So whether your kids want to do yoga while they wait or pal around with airport pups, these airports aim to make layovers a little less daunting for kids.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport
It's no surprise that the city that's home to Disneyworld (and Epcot! And Universal!) has an airport that's ready to take on loads of excited little travelers. Escaped the theme parks without souvenirs? Not so fast. Kids will be dragging you to check out the Disney, Universal or Space Center stores (Hint: Be sure to get a picture with Snow White outside the Disney store)—all of which are located in the airport mall before through security. Video game addicts will want to head for the Power Arcade, an expansive game spot located before security on Level Three of Departures. Want to find Nemo? The airport has a 3,000 salt water tank located in the main terminal's food court, so keep your eye out for the real-life orange fish and his pals.
Hint: If you've got a lot of time to kill, the adjacent Hyatt Hotel has "day use rooms" (available from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for $109 per day) that allow you to unload your bags, hang out at the rooftop pool or sneak a nap in before your flight.
With seven play areas scattered throughout the airport, there's plenty for tiny travelers to do at DTW. Kids will also love riding the Red express tram train, which is operated by Delta and goes from one end of the concourse to the other. If you've got time, check out the groovy underground light tunnel connecting Concourses B and C, featuring 9,000 ft. of glass panels illuminated by LED lighting and set to an original musical score (you can check it out on Youtube first. The tunnel has a moving walkway running both directions, so your kids will probably want to go back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth) basically until your flight departs. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Besides the fact you'll have to explain, over and over, that slot machines aren't arcade games, little kids will have a blast in Vegas—even inside the airport. Check out the indoor play area located on the second level of the D gates, where aviators-in-training can run through the mouth of a life-size airplane engine and direct traffic inside a mini control tower. Older kids will want to check out the 3,000-square foot Aviation Museum (located on Terminal 1, Level 2, above baggage claim) which details the aviation history of southern Nevada.
Pssst: Make sure your kids check out the view as you're landing or taking off! Sin City's twinkling lights—as well as its Eiffel Tower, an Egyptian pyramid and towering Eye (the huge Ferris wheel)—make for great eye candy.
Two indoor play areas, free wifi, designated nursing stations and a killer outdoor play area are just a few of the cool family perks at Cincinnati's biggest airport (which is actually located in Kentucky). Kids hungry for food and play will want to check out the Funway Runway located near the food court in Concourse B. The indoor play area features high-tech educational games like an interactive floor that reacts to motion and an augmented reality ride that puts the rider's face into the game. Concourse B also has a small playground for younger tots sponsored by the Cincinnati Zoo and featuring animal-themed play elements.
Hidden perk: Got some time to spare before your flight? There's an awesome playground and viewing area just outside the airport with aviator-inspired play equipment and picnic tables. It's a great spot—located right next to the airfield—where you and your brood can hang and watch the planes roar by.
J. David Buerk/ Washington Dulles International Airport
Whether you take off from the nation’s capital or land there, your little aviator will dig on the NASA-designed Kids FunWay in the B Concourse when you’ve got time to spare. It’s where they can play with interactive games, climb around on the soft foam pieces and learn about aviation, from the fun facts posted around the playspace. Add in parent seating and charging stations along the wall and you’ve got a spot where the whole fam can take a load off while traveling.
If you're a local and want to arrange an aviator-inspired tour or birthday party, the airport is the place to do it! We are digging the "Dogs of Dulles" tour (offered for groups of 10 or more every fourth Thursday of the month) that shows kids the different types of K-9 teams that work at the airport and what kinds of things the dogs do.
Hidden family perk: Families who have kids with special needs can take part in the Wings for All program. It’s the dress rehearsal for the real thing!
Nursing stations, free Wi-Fi and charging stations are just the tip of the tarmac at this New York airport. The other big family draw is the kid's play area in JetBlue’s T5, where little travelers can climb, jump and run before getting buckled in for takeoff. Don’t forget to check out the T5 Rooftop for some fresh air if the weather’s nice. Be sure to snap a pic of your little city slicker next to the Big Apple at the entrance to the terminal.
Hidden family perk: Zip back and forth on the AirTrain. It doesn’t cost a thing, and the above-it-all views are sweet!
While most airports go with a flight-themed play area, LA has gone in a different direction. Little beach bums will love climbing, sliding and surfing at LAX’s beach-themed play area (Hint: Be sure to snap a pic of your little one catching a wave!). If that’s not enough to keep them smiling, check out the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center, located in the LAX Imperial Terminal.
Hidden family perk: Head to Terminal 4 to take a tasty tour of the rotating food trucks parked there. Yum!
Second only to Atlanta as the country’s busiest airport, Chicago’s O’Hare reigns when it comes to keeping kids busy on-the-go. Grab some Garrett’s popcorn and head over to the Kids on the Fly play space for starters. You sit back while they climb around the control tower and make repairs on helicopters and planes. When they’re ready to move on, take a ride on The Sky’s the Limit—the recognizable lighted moving walkway you probably recognize from that P-Diddy video. It’s one of those “never gets old” experiences your kiddo will love. Add plenty of mother’s rooms for feeding baby, yoga rooms for de-stressing, and free Wi-Fi, and you’ve got every reason not to sweat that layover. Get more O’Hare survival tips here.
If your flight falls prey to Chicago's famously unpredictable weather, take a load off and book a day use room (for as low as $79!) at the Hilton Hotel, which is connected to O'Hare via the underground walkway.
Hidden family perk: Breath easy in O’Hare’s aeroponic urban garden located in Terminal 3. The fresh veggies and herbs grown there are used in the airport’s restaurants.
This Tennessee airport is all about the kids. And keeping them busy with three themed play spaces is how the airport aims to make travel easy for families. Expect a mix of airplanes, animals, climbing walls and LEGO tables when you take your kidlet to play at the far end of any of the terminals. Then it’s off to walk, in search of fun kid shops, like Fly Babies or Nashville Zoo, before tracking down museum-worthy art exhibits.
Hidden family perk: Entertain your mini musicians with live music performances throughout the year. What else would you expect from Music City’s airport?
Whether your journey begins or ends in Seattle, there’s plenty to do with your sidekick here, starting with active playtime at the enclosed Playroom, located between the Main Terminal and the A Gates. It’s where kids can climb and jump around on soft, oversized baggage, a control tower and planes before take off. Then it’s time to watch planes and fill your tummies in the Main Terminal, and, if you’re lucky, catch some tunes there too. SeaTac rocks a daily musical lineup around the airport for passengers of all sizes to enjoy. Get the full scoop on SeaTac’s family-friendly finds here.
Hidden family perk: The number of nursing pods in the airport has tripled in the past year, helping families feed their babes with ease and privacy on the go!
Take your future pilot to play at Ready for Takeoff, the educational playscape at Philly’s international airport in the Terminals A-B connector. It’s got everything your kids needs to play at aviation, including radios that allow the pretendtower and play plane to communicate with each other.
Nursing mothers will want to locate the various nursing stations throughout the airport. These include the space capsule-esque Mamava pod, a 4-foot by 8-foot self-contained, mobile lactation room that features comfortable benches, a fold-down table, an electrical outlet and a door that can be locked for privacy. It's located post-security in Terminal F and is available at no charge. You can even download the Mamava app to receive notifications when you’re in the immediate vicinity of the pod, to unlock the room, and to monitor the availability status.
Hidden family perk: Download this free printable, developed by Philly International, before you head to the airport. Families also enjoy PHL's entertainment program Enjoy PHL which includes live performances and demonstrations by magicians, caricature artists, face painters, acrobat artists, singers and bands throughout the terminals and Food Courts. Children can read one, three, or five-minute stories as they wait for their flight using our short story dispenser in collaboration with the Free Library of Philadelphia in the Terminal D-E connector.
Soft play area? Check. Airport walking path? Check. DFW is all about keeping your kids happy and active when you touch down in the Lone Star state. Families can also channel their inner zen at the Airport yoga studios (Gates B1 & E31) or schedule a free 60- or 90-minute art tour before takeoff. Consider time spent here a pre-vacay treat! Find out more about the family-centric spots here.
Hidden family perk: Seek out DFW’s therapy dogs. There are 12 of them at the airport (hint: try Terminal B first) waiting for your mini animal lover to come over and say “hi.”
You’ll find not one, but two play areas in the Twin Cities airport, where it’s all about airplanes, control towers, and Snoopy (psst … Charles Schulz is a St. Paul native). Include plenty of parent seating (check!) and a slew of iPads attached to counters everywhere (screen time!), and you’ve got yourself an afternoon of airport fun. We’re also crushing on the Navigating MSP Airport program, that helps kids with autism ease their anxiety about flying with a preflight run-through. Kids can also play pinball and a few other games at Lucky Lindy's, a small arcade located at Terminal 1-F.
Hidden family perk: If you’ve got a wiggler, or need to stroll your wee one to sleep, check out the 1.4-mile walking path that runs throughout the airport.
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Peter Biaggi/ SFO Airport
Part museum, part play space, the Kids’ Spots in Terminals 2 & 3 are where wiggle worms burn off their extra energy before boarding. They’ll find plasma walls, climbing structures, and interactive activities about changing weather patterns, designed in partnership with the Exploratorium, to keep them busy. Still got time to spare? Wander through the Aviation Museum & Library in the International Terminal, or check out these brilliant ideas to keep your fam busy at SFO. If you or your little ones have the pre-flight jitters (or if you just love dogs!), SFO has a friendly, furry "Wag Brigade" always wandering the terminal in search of cuddles. Just look for the pooches wearing "Pet Me" vests.
Hidden family perk: If you’ve got downtime, take the self-guided Terminal 2 Tour with your sidekick. It ends with a prize!
There’s a reason why PDX has been named the best airport in the country for the last six years, and we’ll give you a hint—it’s not the stylish carpet (although that’s definitely a draw). Parents love it because they can get a good cup of Stumptown coffee there, kids love it for the play areas, Powell’s bookstore branch and a brand new mini-movie theater in the C-concourse that plays a G-rated 10 reel loop that everyone can enjoy. Weird? Maybe. Awesome? Definitely!
Hidden family perk: Looking for a private place to breastfeed your little one? Nursing mothers can find eight comfortable nursing rooms located throughout the airport.
LEGO lovers know that the sky’s the limit when it comes to building—you can bring any idea to life with those bricks. We’ve rounded up some seriously cool LEGO creations that will have your jaw on the floor, from feats of architecture like the US Capitol to artistic pieces that belong in a museum. Just read on to see what all the fuss is about.
At LEGOLAND California, you’ll find lots of jaw-dropping creations made by master builders. This replica of the US Capitol in Washington D.C. is one of our favorites, complete with a marching band and tourists milling around in front of the building.
Another gem from LEGOLAND California, you can get up close and personal with Santa and his reindeer during the holiday season. There’s enough room in the sleigh for a memorable photo op.
This eye-popping creation can be found at the newly opened LEGO House in Billund, Denmark. The waterfall crashes down into a play area that’s filled with LEGO bricks for visitors to build with. Ahem, excuse us while we book our flights to Denmark.
In LEGO House’s Masterpiece Gallery, you’ll find amazing creations like this one by expert builders. This ferocious dino is just one piece from the gallery’s rotating collection.
The Tree of Creativity is the centerpiece of LEGO House, and for a good reason—it’s 50 feet tall and packed with intricate details and fun surprises. Made from more than six million LEGO bricks, this piece is wow-worthy from every angle.
Who said you can’t make real art with LEGO bricks? This recreation of Michelangelo’s David sculpture, from the Art of the Brick exhibition in London, is a masterpiece in its own right.
Spotted at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, this giant wasp is seriously impressive (and a little intimidating). At least no one needs to worry about being stung!
This cool sculpture was created for the opening of a new LEGO Store in Edmonton, Canada. We love how it captures the movement of two siblings—spilled ice cream and all.
This intricate jungle landscape was on display at BrickCon 2014. With a wooden bridge, hidden pools and a rickety tree house, this creation holds enough details to tell an entire story.
This one's for all the little Avengers fanatics! At Comic-Con 2015, folks got to see an amazing LEGO recreation of the big fight between the Hulk and Ironman’s Hulkbuster armor. It took Master Builders 575 hours to design and build the Hulkbuster, using 78,083 bricks, with another 200 hours and 22,560 bricks to create Mr. “Smash” himself.
The Art of the Brick LEGO exhibition is a can’t miss for LEGO-lovers, and this particular sculpture is ob-la-di ob-la-da amazing. When the exhibition arrived in the UK, visitors were treated to a special section dedicated to British culture—including a life-size model of the Fab Four, crafted by Nathan Sawaya.
We’d like to think the founding fathers would be fully on board with this tribute. If you ever decide to take your LEGO touring to international levels, don’t miss out on the UK’s LEGOLAND Windsor, where an American monument gets the full building block treatment. It’s the largest model in the park, with a whopping 1.5 million LEGO bricks.
Raise your lightsaber if you’re a wannabe Jedi! Star Wars fans and Wookiees alike will be amazed by this out-of-this-world, full-scale X-Wing Fighter, the largest LEGO model in history. At 11 feet tall with a 44-foot wingspan, it’s 42 times the size of the commercial LEGO set you can build at home and was created to promote the animated series The Yoda Chronicles. Super impressive, it is.
Take me out to the miniature ballgame, take me out to the crowd! At the 2014 New Jersey Brickfair, people got a chance to see a whole other side of the Yankee Stadium, thanks to LEGO pro Sean Kenney. It was made over the course of three years, with the help of a Manhattan grade schooler, and it even features over 1,700 "microscale people."
You might just leave your heart in this LEGOLAND version of San Francisco. If you visit LEGOLAND California, keep an eye out for SF’s famous Victorian Houses. They’re part of a whole San Francisco-scape that includes cable cars, Pier 39 and even the sounds of sea lions.
Have you herd about these LEGO bison? A few years ago, they were some of 27 amazing LEGO sculptures created by Sean Kenney and a team as part of the touring Nature Connects LEGO exhibit. They started off at Iowa’s Reiman Gardens and will be moving around the country for the next few years, so don’t miss ‘em!
Created by Nathan Sawaya and featured in The Art of the Brick exhibition, this Lady Liberty is more than just a still statue. We love how dynamic this LEGO sculpture is—clearly, it was made with a lot of heart.
How terrific is this T-Rex? It’s yet another highlight of The Art of the Brick exhibition and clocks in at 80,000 LEGO pieces and a 20-foot length. Ol’ Rex also took an entire summer to build, each bone pieced together bit by bit. Talk about a LEGO creation for the history books!
Holy building blocks, Batman! These life-size LEGO sculptures of the Joker, Batman and Robin were spotted back at the 2013 Comic-Con, which is always chock-full of LEGO reveals and displays.
Sin City meets the Sunshine State! Located in LEGOLAND Florida, this Eiffel Tower stands tall at an impressive 13 feet. But instead of a Parisian influence, it's actually part of a LEGO recreation of the Vegas strip that also includes the MGM Grand, the Venetian, and even the iconic balloon sign.
The creator of this LEGO build, Andrew Lipson, truly got into the topsy-turvy spirit of M.C. Escher's famous Relativity drawing. You can get a glimpse of how this crazy 3D version was constructed by clicking here.
Hoth, Tatooine, Endor and the Death Star are all represented on this musical masterpiece. When the organ is turned, the carefully placed bricks touch mechanical sensors and the iconic Star Wars theme is played. Find out more here.
How do you take a LEGO creation to infinity and beyond? Make it a tribute to one of the best Pixar duos around. The movie versions of these pals may be tiny toys, but in LEGO stores across America, they get the extra-large treatment (Yet another reason to make a trip to your closest LEGO source ...).
Brickley the smiley sea serpent has appeared at many LEGO Stores around the world. Sometimes he's found winding his way in and out of rooms, and until a few years ago, he hung out in the waters of Disney World. He's made of over 170,000 blocks and even inspired a fun mini version.
