TravelPangs's Passport
 | Been to 317 Attractions |
 | 193 Reviews |
 | 121 First to Review |
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Send a ComplimentHometown:
SF, California, United States
About Me & My Family
I'm a mother
3 Kids 0-8 years old boys and girls
3 Kids 0-8 years old boys and girls
When we travel, good food and adventure always abound. Our family loves to push the limit of what we can do with children. Our mantra has always been - have kids, will travel. However, this doesn't mean I'm unlike most frantic moms before a trip. Wanting adventure and being a control freak can sometimes be a lethal combination.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, independent, spontaneous
We Just Got Back From
Northern California and Oregon
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Hawaii
A Place We'd Love To Visit
New Zealand, Argetina, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Cambodia
Favorite Vacation Memory
Climbing Machu Picchu with a 4 month old infant in a slight and having all the locals stop us to ask what happened to his feet which were all bundled up. They just couldn't believe it wouldn't be bow legged.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Getting to the airport on our way to Scotland with my 15 month old and discovering that my husband's passport had expired. Instead of rebooking all of our flights, we decided that I would do the first leg of our journey on my own with baby. Unfortunately, we had not packed for me to be flying by myself. I could bearly walk to the runway with all my bags and a 15 month old who would get distracted by everything along the way. He then proceeded to sleep only 1 hour of the entire 11 hour journey (red-eye). It was pretty miserable.
Websites I Like:
Fall Time Local Mini Adventures Around San Francisco
My kids started school this week. After having a such an adventure filled summer taking lots of road trips, it's hard to set our wanderlust aside and hunker down with homework. Fortunately, Labor Day is a perfectly placed break that gives those of us who are unwilling to transition out of summer schedule an opportunity for a last summer hurrah. If you've been too busy hanging out at Target picking up school supplies and filling out paperwork to plan some local adventures for Labor Day Weekend, here are some ideas for good kid fun with little effort in the San Francisco Bay Area.
8022 Moss Landing Rd
Monterey, California
Comment:
Rent a kayak at Kayak Connection and explore this wonderland of native birds and shore life. The Moss Landing Marine Laboratory is also a great stop before you head out where kids can learn about the area they will be exploring. Elkhorn Slough holds the California record for the most species of birds seen in one day. The Kayak tour is best suited for older kids who can handle a Kayak, but if you have a younger child, pick up a double Kayak and your child can sit between mom and dad and enjoy the ride. Or take a boat ride with Slough Safari.
3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy, California
Comment:
This amusement park is great for young kids. This park has lots of unique and fanciful landscaping. Gilroy is still sweltering at this time of the year so head straight for one of two water play areas if the kids need to cool off. Moms and Dads on Trekaroo love this place. Until Nov 30, $9.95 per person (75% off with coupon) but its only open on the weekends.
1401 Coast Road
Santa Cruz, California
Comment:
Tired of the scorching heat in the south and east bay, load up those bikes and head out to the cooler coastal area for a bike ride at Wilder Ranch that is perfect with kids. Wilder Ranch has a bike trail with wonderful coastal views and wide dirt trails.
reviewed on: January 16 2012
"Wow! Made me happy to be alive"
After reading the reviews here on Trekaroo, we decided, it was time to check out Wilder Ranch for ourselves and I must say, it was well worth the 1.25 hour drive! Our family lives a mile from a beach, further up the coast, and were spoiled by panoramic ocean views from our home for about 10 years, yet, the Ohlone Bluff Trail at Wilder Ranch State Park really took my breath away. Today was one of those cloudless blue sky days in Northern California and the Pacific Ocean was a bright rich blue. From the bluffs, we saw sea birds playing on the surf, and the ocean crashing relentlessly against the colorful sandstone cliffs. The wide, flat (unpaved) trail hugs the edge of the bluffs tightly, meandering in and out, providing so many different views of sea caves, small beaches, the bluffs that looked more like dramatic sculptures set against the blue ocean and sky. I cannot think of a more beautiful place for a bike ride with the family. The wide dirt path is well compacted and very even as far as dirt paths go. Along the bluff trail, the path is very flat, making is perfect for young children. Best of all, the views will inspire even the most reluctant young biker. I always worry about poison oak along coastal hikes and I kept a look out for this nasty weed. I'm happy to report that i saw none at all. This means, even if your child looses control of their bike, you won't have to worry about them falling into poison oak. The only thing, is that if you have a 2 or 3 year old, you'll have to keep a keen eye on them, as there are many areas where they could walk right off the cliff. Perhaps keeping your young child in a backpack carrier or a stroller would be a better idea. Yes, this trail is very stroller-friendly. Only the short trail from the parking lot out to the Ohlone Bluff Trail was a little uneven. Even so, a regular stroller would have made it through without too much difficulty. Don't miss the historic farm buildings near the old Victorian and Interpretative center. They were fun to walk around for about 10-15 minutes. I totally agree with the other reviews, the big hit with the kids were the awesome climbing trees and cactus bushes. We saw kids as old as 12 or 13 having a great time, but even toddlers couldn't get enough of weaving their way through cactus tunnels, and balancing on great big tree roots. There are several picnic tables in this area, so bring your lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet while the kids just hang out and play in nature's playground.
It can be windy and chilly even on sunny days, so dress in layers and bring along a wind breaker for everyone just in case.
1 Ferry Building
(Multiple locations) San Francisco, California
Comment:
After a foggy summer, labor day often has lovely weather. 2009 is no exception! There is no better way to enjoy the San Francisco Bay in all it's glory than to take a ferry ride from San Francisco to the charming towns of Sausalito or Tiburon. Don't forget the stroller.
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy
Fremont, California
Comment:
Lake Elizabeth offers fantastic paved bike paths and several extensive playgrounds. It is also home to Aqua Adventure, a new water park run by the city of Fremont. It's perfect for a lazy morning or afternoon. Don't forget to download the Monday everyone gets to pay kid's price coupon on Trekaroo: http://www.trekaroo.com/attachments/aqua_adventure_waterpark_coupon.jpg
1 Main Street
Monterey, California
Comment:
Inspire your child for the school year with a visit to The National Steinbeck Center where they will get to know this famous author who they will no doubt study sometime in junior high or high school. Trekaroo parents say that this museum is uniquely kid-friendly.
5355 Graham Hill Road
Felton, California
Comment:
If you have a little train enthusiast, you'll really delight them with a train ride through the redwoods from the Santa Cruz Mountains down to the beach. There are couple of rides you can choose from. At $19.50-21.50 (adults) for a hour plus ride, it may sound a little steep, but the ride does take you over the steepest gauge railroad in the United States.
201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, California
Comment:
There are very few places where young kids can feel comfortable getting into the water at the beach, but not at McNear Beach because this beach is on the bay side. With calm waters it's perfect for a beach day with kids who are nervous about large waves like my little one is. Bring a kite and a picnic basket and chill out for the day.
2531 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, California
Comment:
Natural Bridges State Beach is a fabulous place to explore tide pools and see natural rock formations that result from wave erosion. It is a great place to pique the curiosity of young scientists and geologists and inspire them for a great year of learning at school.
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, California
Comment:
A local museum that moms and dads love for it's educational exhibits suited to young children. Kids simply love the aviary full of local birds, the reptile cave, and the adorable sea otters. Coyote Point also has a large playground that kids can run off lots of energy. At $7 for adults and $5 for kids for museum entry, it's a bargain local outing.
reviewed on: September 10 2008
"Great Playground"
Plus is that is a very large new playground perfect for 4-12 year olds. Lots of space to run and castles to climb. Down side is that there are tons of geese that call the grassy field by the playground home and with them come lots of germ infested bird droppings. Not so great if you have a little one that wants to pick up everything. The geese are also kinda mean hissing and being generally scary. (Sorry, I really have a thing about birds.) Some nice biking trails that are flat with nice bay views. Sometimes it's too windy to feel that you can stay out very long.
4900 Highway 1
Stinson Beach, California
Comment:
This lovely canyon offers beautiful scenery and lots of bird watching. Kids will enjoy the short tour at the Point Reyes Bird Observatory. Lovely short hikes down the nature trail offers opportunities to look through telescopes to view egrets and other birds nesting.
