Lydie's Lists

7 Chinese New Year Parades that you do not want to miss

Chinese New Year falls on January this year (2012) and will start the Year of the Dragon and Lunar Year 4080. At different dates, all around the US, Chinatowns will unveil their Parade. These are celebrations you do not want to miss, even if you are not Asian. The Parade usually includes marching bands, floats, lion teams, dragons and this year, a special emphasis on the dragons of course. “ Gung Hay Fat Choy”!

1. San Francisco Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade
It is reported to be the one of the grandest outside...
2. Los Angeles Chinatown
The 111th Golden Dragon Parade will be held on...
3. New York City (Flushing) Chinatown
The parade will take place on February 4 and will...

Martin Luther King Events around the US

Dr. Martin Luther King, a civil rights activist, was born on January 15, 1929. This year, on Martin Luther King's Day, the Monday following his birthday, January 16th, go out and participate in one of the events honoring Dr King. Make it a day of reflection, sharing, and acknowledgment of others.

1. Willamette University
Willamette University celebrates Martin Luther King...
2. Paramount Theatre
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr in music. Attend the...
3. Museum of the African Diaspora
The Museum will be free on Monday January 16th and a...

Where to enjoy Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

Enjoy the warm weather and stroll down the many neighborhoods in the Los Angeles Area to admire the Holiday Lights.

Note that this holiday season, the annual Griffith Park Holiday Light display has been cancelled.

1. Candy Cane Neighborhood
Stroll down the neighborhood and enjoy looking at the...
2. Mission Inn
The Festival of Lights will be on from November 25th...
3. Disneyland Park
This is definitely Holiday Wonderland. Main Street...

Where to enjoy Holiday Lights in Portland

Christmas is around the corner and this is the time to go out, brave the cold, and admire the Holiday Lights that are flourishing across Portland.

1. The Grotto
Come admire the Festival of Lights from November 25th...
2. Oregon Zoo
Zoolights will be on from November 25th till January...
3. Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway
You will not recognize the Raceway. From Thanksgiving...

Where to enjoy Holiday Lights in San Francisco

The City by the Bay provides plenty of opportunity to admire Holiday Lights. So be merry and enjoy the Holidays!

1. Ghirardelli Square
Drink a hot cocoa from the Ghirardelli Cafe while...
2. Fisherman’s Wharf - Pier 39
Come admire the majestic Christmas tree and the...
3. Hyatt Regency San Francisco
The lobby of the hotel is decorated with cascading...

Where to enjoy Holiday Lights in Seattle

The Holiday Lights in the Seattle area are simply wonderful and magical. So brave the cold and enjoy the displays!

1. Zoolights
You can admire the Lights at the Zoo from November...
2. Holiday - The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp
On December 1-4, 8-11, 15-23,26-28, one million...
3. Waterfront Park
Welcome to Toyland Village where 50 large displays...

Holidays Events around the Bay Area

Thanksgiving is behind us and the Holidays are be upon us. This is a very festive season and much is happening in the Bay Area. Enjoy time with your family and friends.

1. Bay Area Discovery Museum
On Saturday, December 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., go...
2. Union Square
Attend the Lighting of the Candle on every night from...
3. California Academy of Sciences
Do not miss the opportunity to meet a pair of live...

Places to have a Pilgrim's Thanksgiving

December 4th, 1619 marks the day when the English settlers gave thanks for the very fist time as they landed in Virginia. Two years later, the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts and gave their first thanks a year later as they enjoy a feast made out of the produce and products of their harvest. If you are visiting two of these states or close by New Hampshire in November, make sure that you attend a Pilgrim's Thanksgiving celebration.

1. Annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration
Do not miss two days of festivities from November...
2. Plimoth Plantation
You can tour the indoor exhibit 'Thanksgiving:...
3. The Provincetown Museum and Pilgrim Monument Tower
Attend the “Pilgrim Party” on 11-11-11, the...

Spooky festivals & attractions for kids in North. California

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.

Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. Adobe Pumpkin Farm
They not only sell pumpkins but they also host a...
2. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
Do not miss roaming around their 4 acres cornfield...
3. Wolcott's Haunted Graveyard
Every night in October and on Halloween night,...

Spooky festivals & attractions for kids in South. California

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.

Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. Safe and Fun Halloween Downtown
On Halloween Day, head down to downtown Paso Robles...
2. Mr Bones Pumpkin Patch
This pumpkin patch is open every day in October for...
3. Los Angeles Zoo
On October 29 and 30 from 10 am to 4 pm, children can...

Spooky festivals and attractions for kids in North Carolina

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.
Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. NC Zoo
Do not miss Boo at the Zoo on October 29 and 30 from...
2. North Carolina Transportation Museum
On October 29 from 10 am to 3 pm, kids can celebrate...
3. Carowinds
Do not miss Howl-O-Fest's boo blast! This is a very...

Spooky festivals and attractions for kids in Pennsylvania

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.

Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. Sesame Place
This will be a Spooktakular month at Sesame Place....
2. Hersheypark
Enjoy spooky attractions as well as Halloween and...
3. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Every October week-end, come to the park and enjoy...

Spooky festivals and attractions for kids in Massachusetts

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.
Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. Davis Farmland and Megamaze
On October 22,23,29 and 30 come enjoy the Fright...
2. Winslow Farm Animal Sancturary
Bigger kids will enjoy going through haunted trails...
3. Franklin Park Zoo
On October 29 and 30 from 11 am to 3 pm, come for Zoo...

Spooky festivals and attractions for kids in Florida

October is such a fun month! Festivals and events are happening every week-end all around the state culminating with a big Day on the last day of the month.

Make sure that the events you are going to are suitable for your children. Some children are more sensitive than others so it is not really a matter of age but rather how easily they can get scared.

1. The Magic Kingdom - Disney
Attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in...
2. Peghorn Nature Park
Visit the trails of Terror from 8 to 11 p.m. Oct....
3. Forever Florida
Enjoy the 12th Annual Howling Halloween at 7 p.m., on...

Museums Exhibits You Don't Want to Miss this Summer 2011

Many museums all over the United States are hosting wonderful exhibits really worth your time. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from Wicked Plants to British Royalty and live Anatomy. These special exhibits are either geared towards kids or cover topics that will fascinate children.  Best of all, the whole family will be intrigued.

1. Anchorage Museum
Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age...
2. Experience Music Project-EMP
Avatar: the Exhibition from June 4th, 2011 through...
3. Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
Webster Woods Art pieces can be discovered as you...

7 places for lego lovers

Boys and girls love Legos. So make sure you visit one of these wonderful  parks, discovery centers, stores, or museums this summer to have even more fun with those colorful blocks.
And mark you calendars: a new Legoland will open his doors in Florida in October.

1. Legoland Water Park
Welcome to the only waterpark from Lego in the world....
2. Legoland
Enjoy 60 Lego rides and attractions. Your whole day...
3. Toys R Us Times Square
Discover the Statue of Liberty, King Kong and others...

15 Family-Friendly Factory Tours you do not want to miss

Our family love touring factories. It feels like lifting the veil of secrecy. We always learn so many fun and useful information and we go back home with a new appreciation of the brand and/or product.
For children, it can also be the starting point of a conversation on how people can support the country economy by buying products manufactured in the US.

As a reminder:
- check out if there is a minimum age requirement for children
- make reservations if necessary
- Arrange to tour during a weekday as machinery may not be operating during the week-end.

1. Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
This will be a fascinating tour. It is unbelievable...
2. Mrs. Grossman’s
This is definitely one tour not to be missed if you...
3. Taylor Guitars Factory
Go behind the scenes and discover how these world...

Mother's Day Fun in the San Francisco Bay Area

There is so much that is happening on May 8th! Between chocolate walking tours, cruise, music, and brunches, it will be hard to make a choice.

1. Napa Valley Wine Train
Enjoy a special Mother’s Day 3 course lunch or...
2. Rythmix Cultural Works
Come at 2PM for a representation of La Traviata by...
3. Palace Hotel - Luxury Collection
The Palace Hotel is a magical and elegant place that...

5 San Francisco Bay Area Gardens to Visit for Mother's Day

Enjoy a visit to these wonderful gardens on May 8th.

1. Berkeley Botanical Gardens
Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy Spring! On...
2. Conservatory of Flowers
Mother's Day will be the perfect day to discover the...
3. San Francisco Botanical Garden
Take a peaceful walk and let the children run after...

Kite Festivals in the US from March to December 2011

Kite festivals are wonderful ways to spend a very relaxed day with the kids. Children can make their own kite or you can buy one, and professional will be on hand to show you how to make it fly. The sky will be filled with small kites and giant kites, a feast of colors in the clouds!
Festivals are free (only the Berkeley Kite Festival is $10 per person).
  

1. Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
Come on Sunday April 17th from 11 am to 4 pm and...
2. Annual Huntington Beach Kite Party
March 12 - March 13, 2011; Every day (11 a.m.)...
3. Blossom Kite Festival
March 27th, 2011- 10 am to 4 pm. Formally the...

10 Civil War Reenactments you do not want to miss

Witness American History come alive as you attend a Civil War Reenactment. Young children may be sensitive to the noise (cannons do not come silent) and battle scenes but for older children, this will be a very fulfilling experience and will bring them a great understanding of the Civil War.

1. Fairview Park
On April 16-17, come and attend the Battle of Costa...
2. Civil War Recreated
The Battle Of Kirksville, Missouri. August 6 - 9,...
3. Las Mariposas Civil War Days
Come to Mariposa on April 16th and 17th to the...

Easter Egg Hunts in Texas - 2011

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Enjoy their Annual Easter Weekend on April 23rd...
2. Milburn Park
Imagine 79 000 pieces of candy waiting for you! That...
3. McMaster Athletic Complex
Bring your basket to collect some of the 25 000 candy...

Best Easter Egg Hunts in California - 2011

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. University of California Berkeley
The easter egg hunt will take place on April 23rd,...
2. Union Street
Starting at 10:00 am on April 24th, 2011, enjoy a...
3. Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad
You will take the train to Bear Mountain to hunt for...

Easter Egg Events in Washington DC - 2011

If you missed the registration for the White House Egg Hunt, there are still a couple of events you can enjoy if you are in Washington DC for Easter.

1. National Zoo
April 25, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This Easter Monday...
2. Tudor Place Historic Home
April 23rd, 2011 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Tickets...
3. Lincoln Park
Get ready on April 23rd, 2011 (1-3pm) to go to the...

2011 Easter Egg Hunts in Northern California

Enjoy some fun Easter activities all over San Francisco and the Bay Area.

1. Alameda Crab Cove
On Saturday April 9th, enjoy some fun activities....
2. Jelly Belly Candy Factory
Meet the Easter Bunny at April 15-16-17 and take some...
3. San Francisco Zoo
On April 22-24, enjoy the Easter celebrations with...

2011 Easter Events in New York State and New York City

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open for...
2. 5th Avenue Easter Parade
On Easter Sunday morning, just put a bonnet and go to...
3. Pierrepont Playground
There will be fierce competition to look for the eggs...

2011 Easter Egg Events in North Carolina

Every community will have a special event for Easter but here are some events you may not want to miss.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!.

1. High Point Museum and Historical Park
On April 16 from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday April...
2. Adventure Landing
On April 16th, go egg hunting as over 2,000 eggs will...
3. Hickory Grove Recreation Center
On April 22nd, children aged 3-6 will enjoy free egg...

2011 Easter Egg Hunts in Washington State

Every community will have a special event for Easter but here are some events you may not want to miss.

1. Greenbank Farm
On Sunday, April 24 from noon till 1 p.m. Greenbank...
2. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
Meet the train at the Depot located in Elbe and then...
3. Sound Life Church
On April 23rd, from 9 am to noon, come to the largest...

2011 Easter Egg Hunts in Florida

Relax and enjoy hunting the Easter Eggs under the Florida sun.

1. Atlantis Dive Center
On April 24th, you can experience a very different...
2. Miami Seaquarium
Visit the Seaquarium on April 22,23 and 24 and enjoy...
3. Pines Recreation Center
This is a massive egg hunt, 26 ooo eggs to hunt on...

2011 Easter Egg Hunts in Massachussets

Enjoy the following Easter events if you are spending Easter on the East Coast.

1. Danvers Church of the Nazarene
On April 17th the day begins at 10:30 am with a free...
2. Peg Noonan Park
On April 23rd at noon, let's meet at the Peg Noonan...
3. Winslow Farm Animal Sancturary
On April 2,3,9,10,16,17 and 23d, come to the farm and...

10 best Chocolate Factory Tours

It feels just right to have a special list for chocolate factory.  Children love chocolate and that would be a special treat for them to get a pick and see how one of their favorite treat goes from a simple bean to a bar.
As a reminder:
- check out if there is a minimum age requirement for children
- make reservations if necessary
- if your child suffers from allergy to nuts, a quick phone call to the factory is necessary just to be on the safe side.
- Be aware that the machinery may not be operating if you tour during the week-end

1. Big Island Candies
Between surf, water, and scuba-diving, why not take a...
2. Theo Chocolate Factory
The words organic, fair trade, and bean-to-bar will...
3. TCHO Chocolate Factory
Visit the only chocolate factory in San Francisco. It...

20 Best Food Factory Tours

Families will have a wonderful time learning where their favorite food items are coming from and all the steps that need to be put into place to go from a raw material to a finished product that will hit the shelves.
A hit with everybody: free sample and tasting at the end of almost every tour.

As a reminder:
- check out if there is a minimum age requirement for children
- make reservations if necessary
- if your child suffers from allergy to nuts, a quick phone call to the factory is necessary just to be on the safe side.
- Arrange to tour during a weekday as machinery may not be operating during the week-end.

1. Liberty Orchards
Visitors will be amazed to see how many steps, hands,...
2. Tillamook Cheese Factory - Visitor's Center
167,000 pounds of Tillamook Cheese are being...
3. Jelly Belly Candy Factory
One hour away from San Francisco, enjoy seeing how...

20 Vacation Spots For Kids Who Love Horses

Horses are animals that have captured the hearts of children and adults for generations, and for anyone who loves horses, there is nothing more heavenly than spending a whole week in the company of these mighty yet gentle animals.  Even if you've never had any experience horseback riding, a visit to a good dude ranch will be sure to make a rider out of you.  They'll take you patiently through the very beginning steps all the way through advance galloping rides. The perfect age to begin learning to horseback ride is about 6 or 7 years old.  Many ranches will also offer childcare services for younger kids during riding hours.

But if a Dude Ranch vacation isn't quite in your budget, this list also includes some horse-themed vacations that won't break the bank, but will bring lots of joy to any one who loves horses.   I have to confess that I've always been a little weary of of horses myself, but after putting together this list, I am now thinking of taking my family on a horse-themed vacation too.

So check out some of these wonderful ranches and equine facilities and plan to visit one of them soon.

1. Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Peaceful vacation: here we come. This is a 9,000...
2. Wild Horse Sanctuary
As the name indicates, wild horses live here in a...
3. Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch
With miles of horseback riding trails adapted to each...

Martin Luther King Events around the US

Dr. Martin Luther King, a civil rights activist, was born on January 15, 1929. This year, on Martin Luther King's Day, the Monday following his birthday, January 17th, go out and participate in one of the events honoring Dr King. Make it a day of reflection, sharing, and acknowledgment of others.

1. Willamette University
Willamette University celebrates Martin Luther King...
2. In the Name of Love - Musical Tribute for MLK Jr.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr in music. Attend the...
3. Museum of the African Diaspora
The Museum will be free on Monday January 17th and a...

Animal Spotting from Point Reyes to Pismo Beach

From December to March, enjoy 10 stops and more than 300 miles of Northern California coastline spotting animals as little as Monarch Butterflies and as big as gray whales.

1. Point Reyes National Seashore
You may be able to watch gray whales strolling by....
2. Marin Headlands
34 miles away. You will be able to spot Harbor Seals...
3. Fisherman’s Wharf - Pier 39
9 miles away. You will find the seals laying on the...

12 things to do around San Francisco on New Years' Day 2011

Ever feel like New Year's day is a little anti-climatic especially for kids because everyone has no idea what to do with themselves?  In putting together this list, I could hardly believed how many fun museums and activities are actually open on New Year's Day 2011.  So, if don't feel like seeing bored kids moping around the house, here are a list of activities and museums that are open on January 1, 2011 you might want to plan an outing to for New Year's Day.   Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year 2011.

1. Shrek the Musical at the Orpheum
Shrek the Musical will close on January 2nd. So make...
2. Bay City Bike
Let's start the year in a very sporty way. Riding...
3. Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco
There is a lot of things to do on Fisherman's Wharf...

Holiday Events You Want to Share With Your Kids

The end of the year is a wonderful time to rejoice as a family and share memories that will last for a lifetime. I have selected 10 events that are sure to delight parents and children alike.

1. Leavenworth Bavarian Village
This is pure Christmas Magic, assorted with a close...
2. Madonna Inn Resort & Spa
Staying at one of the Madonna Inn's room is already a...
3. Disneyland Park
The whole Park will be transformed into Christmas...

Places to see fall foliage with kids in Tennessee

Tennessee IS fall foliage. Wherever you are going to travel in the state, you will be treated with wonderful sceneries. Fall foliage does not happen at the same time in all of Tennessee, so make sure you visit the Tennessee Office of Tourism website before going to a particular location: www.tnvacation.com.

1. Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center - Cades Cove
This is the place to be in October. Problem is: you...
2. Ocoee Scenic Byway
This is the road you want to drive if you do not feel...
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park
There is a campsite so you can even make it a...

Places to see fall foliage with kids in North Carolina

Time is the essence if you want to enjoy nature own burst of colors. Fall foliage own schedule varies upon the rain and the sun that the trees receives. We have put together a list of places you do not want to miss. Make sure you also go to Northern California Tourism Office website for a daily update on fall colors at www.visitnc.com.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you are in for a...
2. Mount Mitchell State Park
As of beginning of October, this is an area that...
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Follow the Highway 441 over Great Smoky Mountains...

15 Family Friendly Hostels to book now for next summer

Hostels are one of the least expensive way to get lodging when you travel. They usually have separate dormitories for men and women but they also can have some bedrooms for the family. Travelers can be asked to share bathrooms and toilets and they also share a kitchen, ideal to save on the restaurant bills.  You can be asked to do some chores (or you can ask the kids!) and will have to abide by the rule that if you used it, you clean it.

Since they are on the cheapest way to find sleeping and they have less rooms than hotels, they get fully booked fast. So here is a list of popular hostels that you should book right now for your next summer vacation.

1. Hedonisia
With only ten beds, you will have to hurry to book...
2. Green Tortoise Hostel
This is the ideal package for the budget savvy...
3. Marin Headlands Hostel
This is the ideal hostel for families who want to be...

10 places to create messy art in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area provides great place for children and youth to be creative.  These 10 places are among the best in the Bay Area and great places to take your children whether you are visiting the area or a resident. Make sure you consult the calendars before going to make sure that the event is indeed happening that day and the theme is something that you will enjoy.

1. Habitot Children's Museum
Habitot is the place you want to take the kids before...
2. Adventure Playground
This is for children aged 7 and older. This is not...
3. Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)
MOCHA has week-day and week-end drop-in Art programs....

20 Best Themed Restaurants to Take Kids to

Children LOVE to go to themed restaurants. The family will never forget the special touch and the whole experience behind that special lunch or dinner. They are perfect to celebrate a birthday or a milestone.

Because these restaurants are geared towards families, you will find high chairs, booster seats, changing tables in the bathrooms as well as kid menus.

1. Rainforest Cafe
Welcome to the world of gorillas, elephants, fish,...
2. Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
This is the restaurant you do not want to miss while...
3. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Imagine eating on board of one of 6 pirate ships and...

10 Places to Learn about Environment Conservation

This is our duty as parents to educate our children on the subject of environment conservation. Those amazing centers will be a great place to start making the children aware of the nature and the environment in general.

1. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Center takes care of orphaned and/or injured wild...
2. Lindsay Wildlife Museum
The Museum has the vision and objective as the Alaska...
3. California Academy of Sciences
Every feeding time at the Academy of Sciences (and...

10 Places to Create Messy Art with Kids

On vacation or on a regular day, places to create messy art are a God send for children, especially young ones. They will be a welcome break in busy vacation week and some fresh air when a day does not start right.
And should I mention the air conditionning?

1. Children's Museum
There is a perfect mix of art and play in a museum...
2. Habitot Children's Museum
Habitot is definitely a winner when it comes to messy...
3. Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)
Drop in and start to get REALLY messy, this is the...

10 Exceptional Living History Museums Kids Should Not Miss

Living History Museums are a wonderful place to spend the week-end. They tend to be more interesting for elementary children and older children as they tend to be more technical than the Living History Farms (see my other list). Nonetheless, they are a nice opener for younger children but you should plan for a shorter day if you go with them.
They are a perfect complement to the classroom education and your children will love sharing their newly acquired knowledge with family, friends, and classmates.

1. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Going to Coloma is like going back in time when and...
2. Alcatraz
Take the ferry to the Alcatraz island and enjoy a...
3. High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum rescues animals that were...

10 Exceptional Living History Farms Kids Should Not Miss

Living history farms are great places to spend a day. There is no better way to learn about Life in a farm than actually seeing the work being done or even better doing it yourself. Children will leave the farms with a better understanding  and respect of the circle of an animal life.
Check the farms website on a regular basis as they have special events happening all year long.  Toddlers and elementary school children never get tired of going to the farm and even my tweenager girl can not resist the sight of cute little piglets!!

1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Little ones will enjoy visiting the coffee farm and...
2. Ardenwood Historic Farm
Ardenwood is the little working farm that could. It...
3. Museum of Appalachia
There is plenty to do in that museum; it goes from...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - Dallas

Several museums in Dallas are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from learning about Kiwis (the animal, not the fruit) to the wonderful world of Peter Rabbit and his friends.

1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
PETER RABBIT'S™ Flower Village T ill July...
2. West End Historical District
Bodies Till August 29th, 2010. In this exhibition,...
3. Museum of Nature and Science
Math Midway Till May 18, 2011. In that special...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010- Los Angeles

Several museums in Los Angeles are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from exploring trees to discovering Air Force 1. And let’s not forget that museums are air-conditioned so they would be a welcome stop in the middle of a hot California summer day.

1. California Science Center
Exploring Trees Inside and Out From May 28th to...
2. The Skirball Cultural Center and Museum
Making Faces: Playful Portraits of People You Know by...
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Myths, Legends, Fables, and Cultural Renewal till...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - Chicago

Several museums in Chicago are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from exploring trees to learning about the difference between Mammoths and Mastodons. Get ready for hours of fun.

1. Chicago Children's Museum
Exploring Trees Inside and Out Chicago from October...
2. Museum of Science and Industry
Smart Home: Green + Wired Till January 09, 2011. It...
3. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Sanctuary: flight of the majestic Monarch Starting on...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - San Francisco

Several museums in San Francisco are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from learning and observing carnivorous plants to discovering the fabulous world of Pixar drawings.

1. Conservatory of Flowers
Chomp 2! Return of the Carnivorous Plants. May 7 to...
2. Bay Area Discovery Museum
Living In Space about the International Space Station...
3. California Academy of Sciences
Extreme Mammals. Till September 10,2010 The...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - New York City

New York City museums are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from learning about Curious George writers to facing lizards and snakes. Get ready for hours of fun. The air-conditioned museums will also make a nice stop during a hot day.

1. The Long Island Museum
America’s kitchen. Till October 17th, 10. If our...
2. Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Toys: The Inside Story. Till September 18, 2010....
3. The Museum of Modern Art / MoMA
Till August 30, 2010. Children are going to love...

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - Boston

Several museums in the Boston area are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy visiting. From cyber chasing to the world of worms, there is something for everybody. Get ready for hours of fun.

1. Ecotarium
Cyberchase: The Chase is On Opening June 30. The...
2. Harvard Museum of Natural History
Headgear: the natural history of Horns and Antlers...
3. Boston Children’s Museum
Out On a Limb. From June 21 to September 6, 2010....

Kid-friendly Museum Exhibits in 2010 - Seattle

Several museums in Seattle are hosting wonderful exhibitions that the whole family will enjoy discovering. The exhibitions are quite diverse ranging from learning about Mars to admiring glass sculptures.

1. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway. Till Monday May 31,...
2. Pacific Science Center
Facing Mars. Till May 9, 2010 Hurry to experience all...
3. Museum of Flight
In Search of Amelia Earhart Till May 16, 2010. You...

5 Cross Cultural Experiences For Kids in Los Angeles

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. Museum of Tolerance
The Museum has a strong basis on the Jewish Genocide...
2. Museum of Latin American Art
It is important to know that this particular museum...
3. Japanese American National Museum
This museum will give you the opportunity to get...

5 Cross Cultural Experiences For kids in Washington DC

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. Freer & Sackler Galleries
That is the place to go to embrace Asian culture in...
2. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This festival is held every year in June and July....
3. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center
This will be more of a religious cross exchange but...

5 Cross Cultural Experiences For kids in San Francisco

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. Contemporary Jewish Museum
This is actually one of my favorite museums in San...
2. Museum of the African Diaspora
The African Diaspora museum helps rejoice the...
3. Asian Art Museum
This is the place to go in San Francisco to...

5 Cross Cultural Experiences For kids in Pennsylvania

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. African-American Museum in Philadelphia
Your children will have a better understing of...
2. Museum of Indian Culture
This museum focuses on the Leeni Lenape Tribe and...
3. Pocono Indian Museum
This Native American museum focuses on the Pocono...

5 Cross Cultural Experiences for Kids in Texas

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. International Museum of Cultures
You can not as diverse as that. Under one roof, you...
2. African-American Museum
Appreciate the African-American art and history...
3. Seminole Negro Indian Scout Cemetery
Black Seminole were amongst the best desert fighters...

5 cross cultural experiences in New York City

When raising children, it is important to make sure that they not only value their cultural background but that they are also open to other cultures. This cross cultural experiences will certainly help them in that process.

1. Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island was the last step for European...
2. El Museo del Barrio
You will come to the Museo del Barrio to get a better...
3. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum
When visiting the museum with children, you will want...

14 unusual hotels to stay with your children

When you travel with children, at the end of the day, everything slows down and you settle in a hotel room, apartment or home rental. Once you book a room in one of these 14 unusual hotels, your family will not able to wait for the night to finally come and settle in another adventure!

1. Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast
Imagine spending the night on a train surrounded by...
2. Out 'n' About Treesort
You will feel like the Swiss family Robinson, going...
3. Safari West
Have your children experience Africa. When you wake...

Easter Events in New York State and New York City

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. 5th Avenue Easter Parade
On Easter Sunday morning, just put a bonnet and go to...
2. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Saturday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Do not...
3. Pierrepont Playground
There will be fierce competition to look for the eggs...

Easter Egg Events in North Carolina

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!.

1. NC Zoo
On April 3rd from 9 am to 5 pm. discover the secrets...
2. Hickory Grove Recreation Center
On April 10 from 7 to 8 pm, enjoy a In the Dark Egg...
3. Ramblewood Park
On April 11, from 1 pm to 3 pm, enjoy families...

Easter Egg Hunts in Florida

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!.

1. Atlantis Dive Center
On April 4th, you can experience a very different egg...
2. Miami Seaquarium
Visit the Seaquarium on April 2,3 and 4 and enjoy...
3. Boomer’s Family Recreation Center
Their annual free Easter Egg Hunt will be held on...

Easter Egg Hunts in Massachussets

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. Winslow Farm Animal Sancturary
On March 21, 27, and 28 as well as April 3rd, come to...
2. Peg Noonan Park
On April 3rd at noon, let's meet at the Peg Noonan...
3. Mittineague Park
This event is for children 7 and under only. The egg...

Easter Egg Hunts in Washington State

To enjoy a drama-free Easter Egg Hunt with smaller children, go to an Egg Hunt where the children will be divided by age. If this is not possible, just make sure that you keep your toddler away from the bigger kids who can sometimes be pushy in their quest for the eggs.
If you have children older than 10, chances are that they will be barred from most Easter Egg Hunts.
And do not forget to bring your own basket!

1. Greenbank Farm
On Sunday, April 4 from noon till 1 p.m. Greenbank...
2. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
Meet the train at the Depot located in Elbe and then...
3. Sound Life Church
On April 3rd, from 9 am to noon, come to the largest...

Tubing and Sledding in Washington

Tubing and sledding is another way to enjoy those snowy hills. Make sure children wear a helmet and do not get overexcited while going down the hills.

1. Sledding and Tubing at Paradise
TUBING AND SLEDDING There is a designated snow play...
2. Hyak Sno-Park Sledding Hill
TUBING AND SLEDDING Make sure you get your sno-park...
3. Squilchuck State Park
SLEDDING The great advantage of this park is that...

Tubing and Sledding in Vermont

Skiing is definitely not the only option when the snow is here. Tubing and sledding are fun activities that younger and older members of the family can enjoy sharing.

1. Graftons Ponds
TUBING Enjoy tubing on their 600-foot hill. Snow...
2. Mount Snow
TUBING Enjoy their 5-6 lanes tubbing hill. Even if...
3. Stratton Mountain Resort
TUBING They have finished the construction of their...

Sledding and Tubing in Utah

Not everyone can, want, or enjoy skiing. Sledding and tubing can be a nice alternative or an other way to enjoy the snow. You can sled in the wild but make sure that that at the end of your sledding area, there is a long area where you can slow down and stop.

1. Park City Mountain Ski Resort
TUBING Gorgozal Park in Park City is one the places...
2. Soldier Hollow Cross Country ski resort
TUBING You will find the longest tubbing hills in...
3. Brian Head Resort
TUBING Brian Head Resort has among the best tubing...

Christmas Tree Farms in Connecticut

Enjoy picking your own tree and make it a family tradition that the children will cherish dearly.

1. Maple Row Christmas Tree Farm
After picking up your tree in their 200 acres farm,...
2. Hartikka Tree Farms
After picking up your tree, enjoy horse drawn hay...
3. Everett's Corner Tree Farm

Christmas Tree Farms in New York

Christmas Tree and Snow: a dreamy Holiday Season. Go pick your tree in one of those fantastic farms

1. Moore Tree Farms
After picking up your tree, you will have fun...
2. Critz Farms
You can enjoy this farm all year long but Christmas...
3. Evergreen Farm
This is a small and intimate family farm located in...

Christmas Tree Farms in New Jersey

Find the tree that will lit your holiday season in the Garden State.

1. Edwards Christmas Tree Farm
Their wreaths are freshly made and can also be made...
2. Hidden Pond Tree Farm
You will find more than 2,000 trees; Blue Spruce,...
3. The Village Tree Farm
As well as lots of beautiful trees and an Amish Barn...

Christmas Tree Farms in the Los Angeles Area

Most of the trees are brought from Northern States but that should not deter you from having fun picking one!

1. Christmas Tree House
You will find trees, wreaths, garland, mistletoe, and...
2. Richfield Pines
Their Monterey pine Christmas trees will be cut on...
3. Santa & Sons Christmas Trees
Selected by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the best...

Christmas Tree Farms in Florida

Enjoy picking your Christmas Tree under the Florida sun. You can even get a Christmas Cactus! Your children will enjoy spending time picking their own tree, knowing that they will get to do some fun activities after.

1. Oak Haven Farms
Christmas trees are available after Thanksgiving All...
2. Kandy Kane Christmas Treeland
They offer peanut boil on weekends, free coloring...
3. Ergle Farms
Free wrapping as well as a petting Farm, wreaths,...

10 best outdoor ice-skating rinks for families

I have selected what I believe are the nicest outdoor ice-skating rinks for families, they all have their own special identity and your children will have fun for sure.
When you go skating for children, it is best to go when the ice-skating rinks are the less crowded. If you have preschoolers, take them during week days when everyone else is at work or at school. If you have children in elementary schools and beyond, take them skating whenever they have a free day or a week-end early during the day when they still have a lots of energy and there are less ice-skaters on the ice.
Never take them when they are tired or at the end of the day as you may increase the risks of falling and getting hurt.

1. Ice-Skating rink at Curry Village
Close your eyes, and imagine circling a rink with...
2. Squaw Valley USA
First, you get to take the aerial cable car to access...
3. Hotel Del Coronado
From November 25,09 to January 3rd, 10, your kids can...

Christmas Tree Farms in Oregon and Washington State

Enjoy picking up your own Christmas tree at these fabulous Christmas Trees Farms. Make it a family event and a family tradition if it is not already one.

1. Harrison Road Farm
You will able to purchase Noble Fir trees and wreaths...
2. Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm
This is a U-cut Christmas trees farm. On the...
3. Lee Farms
This is a U-cut Christmas trees (Noble, Grand and...

Where to spend Halloween in the Bay Area

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year! Families can make it a full day family event. There is no excuse for not having fun. Just look at my picks and get ready for a spooky day!

1. Sacramento Zoo
For Toddler, preschooler, and elementary aged...
2. Randall Museum
For Toddler, preschooler, and elementary aged...
3. Yerba Buena Gardens
For Toddler, preschooler, and elementary aged...

Pumpkin Patches in the Tri-State Area

Enjoy picking pumpkins surrounded by the  beautiful fall foliage of the East Coast.  

1. Tim's Pumpkin Patch
You will enjoy doing the regular Pumpkin Patch...
2. Umoja Garden
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m....
3. Pumpkinville
Every pumpkin farm is special but this one has a Cow...

Pumpkin patches in the San Francisco Bay Area

Half Moon Bay is pumpkin capital of the San Francisco Bay Area.  There many different farms to choose from here.  But  you really don’t have to drive all the way out to Half Moon Bay to have a great time with the kids picking out that perfect pumpkin.  Here is a list of some of best Pumpkin Farms around the San Francisco Bay Area.

1. Clancy's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees
Not up for a long drive. One of San Francisco’s...
2. Farm John's Pumpkin Farm
Farmer John grows a diverse variety of pumpkins...
3. Farmer Bob's Pumpkin Farm
At this pumpkin patch, you’ll be picking pumpkins...

Pumpkin Patches in the Seattle area

Have fun picking up pumpkins in the Washington state!

1. Fairbank Animal Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Each weekend in October, the farm opens to the...
2. Carpinito Brothers U-pick Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
You will love the Carpinito Brothers U-Pick Pumpkin...
3. The South 47 Farm
This farm is open from Wednesdays to Sundays. They...

Top 10 US Princess Destinations

I have put together a list of fun places where moms and daughters alike will feel like princesses. Of course, you will find the obvious: the Magic Kingdom is on the list but you will also discover that you do not need necessarily to go to Europe to find castles that will make you feel like a princess.

1. Iolani Palace
Visit the only official royal residence in the US. A...
2. Boldt Castle
Princess: you castle will only be accessible by boat...
3. Biltmore Estate
Pretend you are the Queen of the Castle and can start...

Egyptian Exhibits in the US

With the Tut Exhibition in San Francisco and Indianapolis and the new 'Take Me There: Egypt' , 13,000 Square-Foot International Cultural Exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 2009 is the year of Egypt. Check out the list, find an exhibition near you and go enjoy this fascinating civilization.

1. de Young Museum
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs till...
2. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great...
3. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Take Me There: Egypt Traveling to Egypt brings to...

2009 Museum Exhibits in the US

With a hot summer, a nice place to take the children is an air-conditioned museum.  Children’s museums are an option but do not stay away from regular museums. Here is a list of museums all over the United Stated that are hosting very interesting and diverse temporary exhibitions this summer.

1. Japan Society
From July 9 to August 16, 2009, the Japan Society...
2. Winterthur Museum
Winterthur is the ancestral home of Henry Francis du...
3. Museum of Science and Industry
Harry Potter Exhibition till September 27, 2009 This...

Father's Day Celebrations all over the US

If you go back to 1908, you’ll find the roots of Father’s Day in a small town in West Virginia. While listening to a sermon at church, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd thought that fathers deserved the same type of recognition as mothers did. After her mother passed away, Sonora and her 5 siblings was raised by her father William Smart. The holiday became official in June 1910, the birth month of William Smart.
Do you need some ideas on how to celebrate with your special Dad? Fun and original Father’s Day events will take place on Sunday, June 21st all around the US to celebrate our great Dads. Here are some exciting things to do that day across the US in AZ, CA, IL, NC, NY, PA, VA, WA and WI.

1. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours
Harlem Hip-Hop Tours, specializes in tours and events...
2. Spirit of New York Cruises
With the Spirit of New York’s Father’s Day Lunch...
3. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Spend Father’s Day with the Father of Our Country!...

Cherries picking farms around the US

Here is a list of some cherry farms around the US where you will be able to pick your own cherries. Keep in mind that updating the farm website is not a farmer’s priority when harvest season comes so it is wiser to call them to inquire about the best time to come cherry picking.

1. Alice's Orchard & Fruit Stand
This farm is part of the Hood River Fruit Loop. It is...
2. A & J Orchards, LLC
This farm is part of the Hood River Fruit Loop. It is...
3. Kiss Orchards
This farm is part of the Hood River Fruit Loop. It is...

Favorites places to go in the Bay Area

Here is the list of the places we have been going over and over again for the last 12 years.

1. Hakone Gardens
One of the nicest cutest places I have ever been
2. Golden Gate Bridge
We love to go where the ocean and the bay waters meet...
3. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
A hidden gem. History at your feet.

A week-end in Los Angeles

With elementary-age children

1. Universal Studios Hollywood
My parents and my children like it better than...
2. George C. Page Museum, La Brea Tar Pits
This museum makes it fun to learn!
3. Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
The pedestrian only shopping district, the beach, the...

Free and fun in San Francisco

It is nice not to have to pay all the time!

1. Cable Car Museum
It is small, noisy, but fascinating. You get to...
2. Wells Fargo History Museum
I just love the Wells Fargo Museum. It is located in...
3. Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Company

Green sites to celebrate Mother's Day in the SF Bay Area

Here is my selection of places to enjoy our special day with the children.

1. Hakone Gardens
Sometimes the nicest places are close to home. This...
2. Point Lobos State Reserve
You can never get enough of Point Lobos. The views...
3. Mount Tamalpais State Park

2009 Museum Exhibits in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area will be hosting very high quality exhibitions this summer. Make your pick with your children to make it an enjoyable family moment.

1. MOMA, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams till September...
2. de Young Museum
More than 3,000 years after his reign, and 30 years...
3. Museum of the African Diaspora
American Icons: Bay Area through July 11th, 2009...