nataliesmom86's Passport
 

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Member since:
15 April 2011

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '12

Icon_pictureBeen to 46 Attractions
Icon_star46 Reviews
Icon_star112 First to Review
Icon_camera253 Photos
Icon_thumbsup20 Helpful Votes
Compliments
About Me & My Family

We are a family of four that LOVES to travel!!! Our goal in life is to see everything in the world that we possibly can. My job, as a stay-at-home mom, is to make each and every trip we take as cheap and enjoyable as possible. I do TONS of research before trips to save us the most money. I believe that any sort of travel can be done with kids of all ages. I try to include tips in my reviews that have something to do with babies/little kids, because I know I've struggled to find advice regarding attractions and babies.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, quiet, simple, energetic, spontaneous, easy_going, social_butterfly
We Just Got Back From
Mountain Home, AR
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Destin, Italy, Virgin Islands
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Anywhere!!!
Favorite Vacation Memory
Our favorite memory was watching our daughter feed the sharks at a little hole in the wall zoo in Branson, MO. It was the cheapest little place, and looked more like a warehouse from the outside, but it was so neat! We got to feed stingrays and sharks, hold lizards and snakes, and play in a free arcade. Our then 18 month old had the time of her life!
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
We rented a house at Table Rock Lake, MO last Spring. We had a wonderful time, but had some pesky neighbors! We caught them taking pictures of our daughter while she swam, then caught them on their front porch taking pictures of our license plates and my husband as he loaded up the car. We confronted them and it turned into a huge argument. Needless to say, the owner of the house heard about it from us!
Websites I Like:
trekaroo.com, facebook.com, budgettravel.com, kayak.com, vrbo.com, homeaway.com

Mother's Day Brunches and Activities in St. Louis, MO

Whether you want to treat Mom to good eats or a fun family day, St. Louis has you covered!

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4344 Shaw Boulevard,
Saint Louis, Missouri

Comment:
Brunch prices: $27.95 adults $13.95 children 5-12 Children under 5 free

reviewed on: April 20 2011

"Photographer's dream. Don't miss Japanese Festival!"
I've been to the Botanical Gardens MANY times. My family usually goes about three times a year: for the Japanese Festival in September, for the Christmas display in December, and once more during the Spring/Summer time just to explore the beauty of the Gardens. There's so much to see! A gigantic kid playground area, a Chinese Garden, a Japanese Garden, a koi pond, a rose garden, a water fountain, and SO much more.
The Japanese Festival is the most popular time for the Botanical Gardens. It is absolutely fascinating for people of all ages. The Candy Man does magic tricks to entertain kids. The kiosks sell unique Japanese cultural items. The Japanese food is to die for!! It's secretly my favorite feature. There is a huge indoor bonsai display. There is also PLENTY of entertainment: taiko drummers, sumo wrestlers, tea ceremony, martial arts, ice sculptures, geisha ceremony, and much more.
Our favorite thing: the koi pond (which is really a huge lake) where you can feed the koi! Don't forget your quarters!
Tip: Definitely bring a camera and a stroller!
Con: The only food available is in a cafe, and it's pretty pricey. I wish there was some sort of snack stand to just get a quick hot dog or pretzel for kids.

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#1 Theatre Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri

Comment:
Muny tickets make a great gift!

reviewed on: April 25 2011

"Wonderful outdoor theater"
The Muny is St. Louis' permanent outdoor theater. Every Summer, a series of shows are performed. It's always exciting what is playing each year. There's always at least one kid-oriented show included in the lineup. I've seen The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and more. The shows are always fantastic. Great acting, singing, special effects, props, sets, sound, etc.

Because the Muny is outdoors, you have to be aware of the weather. St. Louis summers are HOT and humid, so you have to dress accordingly. If it rains, you better take a poncho!

Prices: I find the prices to be reasonable. ($10-$68 depending on seats). There are free seats available, but get there early for these!

Warning!- Parking at the Muny (in Forest Park in general, actually) is terribly difficult. Allow plenty of time to find a spot, and be ready to walk.

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15193 Olive Blvd.
Chesterfield, Missouri

Comment:
Moms are free on Mother's Day! $6.00 General admission $4.50 Seniors (65+) $4.00 Children 3-12 Free Children 2 and under Free Missouri Botanical Garden members

reviewed on: April 17 2011

"Wonderful, but hot!! Wear layers!"
The Butterfly House is a very fun place for people of all ages. There is a display of different bugs before you go in. The actual butterfly garden is the perfect setting for beautiful pictures; just don't expect to stay inside for a long period of time. It's so hot and humid for the butterflies, it's almost unbearable. So make sure you wear layers to take off! Little kids like it, but it can be hard for them to understand that you can't touch the butterflies. In my opinion, the carousel is better! It's only $1 per ride! Can't beat that!
Advice: there are coupons in the St.Louis area Entertainment Book for the Butterfly House and for the carousel

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700 Clark Street
Saint Louis, Missouri

Comment:
Take Mom out to the ball game!

reviewed on: April 20 2011

"THE Baseball Experience"
What's not to love? Albert Pujols, amazing view of the Arch from your seat, one of the most well-known stadiums in the MLB, fantastic concession stands (I recommend the nachos!), Fred Bird, Build-A-Bear Workshop, fireworks, and so much more! The experience of going to a Cardinals game at Busch is something your family will treasure forever. Even parking is easy enough. There's a lot of different parking garages/lots surrounding the stadium, and the walk through downtown St. Louis is very pleasant.

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1 Government Dr
Saint Louis, Missouri

Comment:
FREE Mother's Day fun! Check out the baby zebras (Apr 2011) and the new Caribbean Cove!

reviewed on: April 16 2011

"BEST ZOO THERE IS!"
One word: free!! This zoo has SO many animals, you could easily make it a two-day trip. The zoo is extremely kid-friendly. Plenty of snack stands and restaurants, but we always save money by taking our own food. I recommend buying the zoo cups. You get $1 refills forever with the cups. The Children's Zoo and train rides each cost a little, but they are sooo worth it. If you get there early enough (before 9am), you get in to children's zoo free. If you're going to be in or around St. Louis, you can't miss the zoo!


217 South Main Street
Saint Charles, Missouri

Comment:
Great historic place for Mother's Day brunch.

reviewed on: April 25 2011

"Great food in an excellent location!"
Lewis and Clark's is the ideal place to go for a meal in historic St. Charles. It has the old-timey charm, Trail Head beer, and a great location. You do have to climb quite a bit of stairs to sit outside on the balcony, which I highly recommend! The view of the Missouri River and the cobblestone streets is breathtaking. The food is very good! I recommend the French Dip!
Tip: If you can leave the carseat behind, it'd be easier. It's a small place.


2028 Chesterfield Mall
Chesterfield, Missouri

Comment:
Treat Mom to some scrumptious dessert! She's worth it!

reviewed on: April 25 2011

"Cheesecake is to die for, but expensive!"
I can't say enough about the deliciousness of The Cheesecake Factory! If I could, I would skip right through dinner and go to the dessert! We save The Cheesecake Factory for special occasions because of the pricey menu. Everyone always has a blast when we go. The atmosphere is very family friendly. The wide variety on the menu can be overwhelming, but the food is good no matter what you decided to get.
Best Feature: the dessert, obviously!
Con: The prices pretty high


17384 Chesterfield Airport Road
Chesterfield, Missouri

Comment:
Take Mom to the Old Spaghetti Factory for a delicious Italian meal.



5634 High St.
Augusta, Missouri

Comment:
Mom will enjoy the beautiful views and pleasant atmosphere. A great afternoon getaway.



4595 Chestnut Park Plaza
Saint Louis, Missouri


reviewed on: April 25 2011

"Unique pottery! Get in touch with your creative side!"
Glazed and Confused is a family-owned attraction. You choose from the walls of blank pottery, then sit at a table and paint it however you want. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Kids LOVE to get their hands in the paint. I recommend making a dish or bowl with their handprints! Memories are made and treasured at Glazed and Confused.