The Top Eight Things to Do in NYC This Fall

November 1, 2015 by 1 Comment

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NY Fall Foliage Tour

Cross the George Washington Bridge and soak up the vibrant autumn colors of the Hudson Valley with this 4.5-hour fall foliage tour. Scenic stops include the 18th-century Fort Montgomery, Lookout Inn—the highest point of Palisades Cliffs—and West Point Academy.

Pumpkin Picking

Looking to get out of the city for some family friendly fun? New Yorkers can take the ferry to Staten Island, where the Historic Richmond Town Pumpkin Patch welcomes kids with a cornstalk maze, hay rides and a farmhouse tour. Other farms that offer pumpkin picking include Stuart’s Farm in Westchester County, Secor Farms in New Jersey or Elwood Pumpkin Farm in Long Island.

Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour

When the summer heat finally subsides and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better time to cruise around Central Park. This two-hour bike tour includes all the park highlights, from Belvedere Castle to Bethesda Terrace to Shakespeare Garden.

New York Ghost Walk

From the paranormal to the eerie, the New York Ghost Walk will reveal the spooky underbelly of the West Village—right in time for All Hallows’ Eve. Discover a grave site buried beneath one of New York’s most popular parks and the hangouts of the ghosts of Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe on this 2- hour walking tour.

Village Halloween Parade

One of the most beloved Halloween traditions in New York City is the Village Halloween Parade that marches up 6th Avenue on October 31. Don your most elaborate costume to fit in with this artistic extravaganza, complete with music, puppets, dancers and live bands.

Blood Manor

Embrace the spookiness of the season by wandering through a haunted house like no other. Blood Manor is made up of 5,000 square feet of fear-inducing fun, from themed rooms to long dark corridors.

World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruises

For all the joys of Thanksgiving without any of the clean-up, leave the cooking to someone else this year and make a reservation for a World Yacht Thanksgiving Cruise. The cruise sails along the Hudson River, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and a holiday feast with all the traditional fixings.

This is a guest post from NewYork.com. NewYork.com is a leading and trusted expert on New York City and the only existing website to plan and book a complete New York City itinerary, ranging from hotels, Broadway shows, dining, attractions and tours.

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The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine

October 15, 2015 by 9 Comments

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The Nonantum Resort is is Kennebunkport, Maine and is one of the prettiest seaside villages in New England. Their waterfront rooms are surrounded by sandy beaches and shores that can be enjoyed during any season of the year. You can easily walk into Dock Square and visit shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The resort is open from mid-April to mid-December. You will experience and enjoy the hospitality that the resort has to offer and start many traditions of your own on your visit.

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When you stay at the resort, there is now a complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of the resort. This is available the third week of June through Columbus Day. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, and on Friday and Saturdays from 10 am to midnight. Anywhere you need to go within five miles of the resort, you can get to by the shuttle service and that includes the Amtrak DownEaster Station in Wells.

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There are lots of activities for children to enjoy when they are vacationing no matter what age they are. There is the Kids’ Corner Crafts, Follow Me Kayaking Excursions, Family Movie Nights Under the Stars, Kids’ Ice Cream Parties, Princess & Pirate Parties, Stand-up Paddleboard Demonstrations, Family Campfire Sing-A-Long’s and Marshmallow Roasts, and Lobster Cracking 101 Demonstrations. The resort also serves a children’s friendly menu at each of their dining places.

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If you are curious about what kind of opportunities there are for the kids you can take a look at the 2015 Activities Schedule. Enjoy kayaking, biking, tours of the coast, hiking, paddleboarding or you can just simply relax around the pool while the kids enjoy the activities that are just for them.

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You can also take your family on a Lobster Tour on the Rugosa. The Rugosa is a restored 1963 oak-planked Lobster-style boat that will take you on 1-1.5 hour tour of the Kennubunk River and allow you to see the coastline. You captain will educate you on your trip about all the techniques of catching/trapping lobster. You will learn the life cycle of the lobster, the process of mating and molting, the migration of the lobster, and of course the laws and regulations that are set in place to help protect the Maine fish population.  The kids get to help and take part in this exercise, and band lobster claws.  (All lobster are thrown back, as they were when they were caught- it’s all good.)

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After your tour of the coastline, you will then get to haul in some traps. You can put everything that you have learned now into action. You will hook and haul traps, measure, band, notch, and determine what sex your catch is. The other activities you will take part in is baiting, throwing the catch back, and inspecting other creatures, such as crabs, urchins and sculpin that may have found their way into the lobster pot.

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This is the perfect experience for someone that may not have all the knowledge of what it takes to be out on the water for the first time. Adventurers that have been out on the water before will also enjoy this one of a kind experience for a little bit of adventure outside their element. The Rugosa tour has something for everyone to enjoy from scenic views to hands on participation.

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The Rugosa is available for you to either book from the hotel or to privately charter, and can fit up to 30 guests. The boat has hardwood, cushioned seating and a covered canopy as well as many open spaces to be able to socialize. The tour is $30 per adult and $20 for children. The private charter rate is $600 for a two hour trip.

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So with so much to explore and do on the coast of Maine at Nonantum Resort, visiting here no matter in the spring, summer, or fall- it is the right choice for a little change in pace from your average hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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The Beach House Inn, Maine

September 23, 2015 by 7 Comments

The Kennebunkport Area is one to explore in Maine and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. The Beach House Inn is a great hotel that you could go to stay whether it be for a family vacation, a getaway as a couple, or a seaside escape from the city. The Beach House Inn is a relaxing place to rest your head, no matter what your reason for visiting may be.

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Explore the beaches (just down the street in either direction), head into the village or Dock Square to dine or browse the shops, or visit the playground. You could also take the chance to visit the Breakwater Spa and treat yourself to a day of pampering bliss. If you just don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere you can enjoy the view of the ocean from your room or one of the porches that wrap around the building.  The hotel offers beach towels and beach chairs for use free of charge, as well.  Just sign them out with your room number and you are good to go.

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Just a few things to do when you are in the area are visiting Maine Antiques, Kennebunkport Shopping, Kennebunkport Brick Store Museum, Seashore Trolley Museum, golf courses, whale watching, nature walks, sailing, the gyms, art galleries, shore walks, the beaches, and the First Families Museum.

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The First Families Museum is an 1853 Greek Revival house reflecting the lives of its early residents Charles and Celia Perkins, whose fortunes were connected to the thriving shipbuilding era of Kennebunkport, making the town one of the wealthiest in New England. Original furnishings and French wallpaper (in it’s original state, and full of arsenic if you can believe it!) reflect the luxurious living of the family. The guided tour presents stories and artifacts from sea captains and shipbuilders to rusticators to Kennebunkport’s most famous summer residents, former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their family. It’s a fun stop to learn about the area, it’s residents, and the former president.  It doesn’t take long to get through, and yes- it has a gift shop.

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After you have had a long day of enjoying Kennebunkport, you will be hungry. Why not visit one of the local favorites, Stripers Restaurant. (Yes, the Bush family have eaten there among other famous diners.) Many, if not most of the tables offer views of the water and lobster boats that are heading to and from the ocean. Stripers Restaurant is delicious, and offers the best of coastal Maine.

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Enjoy New England seafood classics, locally sourced, as well as beautiful views. The sunsets are amazing. Feel free to take your food outside and dine on the waterside deck. Before you get started, there are cocktails and appetizers available on the Adirondack chairs on the riverfront lawn or at your table. For lunch or dinner, there are local fish, lobster, and shellfish meals-  if seafood is not your style, they do have alternatives for you.

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The dining area at the Beach House.

The lunch menu is a little lighter with salads, burgers, and sandwiches along with specialty seafood dishes. Make sure that you try their truffle fries or oysters on the half shell while you are there.  There is also a Sunday Brunch offered as a Kennebunkport  tradition with lobster omelets, Stripers burger and Bloody Mary mixes. If you would rather something more casual while you dine, The Sunset Lounge would be perfect for you. There is a huge selection of daily specials, cocktail menu and wine list for you to choose from.

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When you head back to the Beach House’s cozy rooms to get ready to relax for the evening, remember there is a fire pit outside that can be lit.  Pull up a rocking chair, grab some marshmallows or a s’mores kit  from the front desk, and enjoy your evening.  (There are no sticks to roast the marshmallows with, so make sure to bring your own).  The rooms are spacious, and have nice views and cross breezes- even though we were there in August, we didn’t need to use the air conditioner at all.  In the morning, breakfast is served in the front, and you can eat indoor or outside.  There is also a “snacktime” at around 5, when there are teas, coffees, cookies, muffins, and other food and beverages out.

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So come and enjoy the view and the great food at Beach House Inn and Stripers Restaurant. The duo is one of the best in Maine and will do the best to make sure that you have a full heart and a full stomach when you leave.  Make your reservations here.

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Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island

September 16, 2015 by 9 Comments

Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas is home to sand, surf, and family-friendly accommodations (like the mega-resort Atlantis), but families on spring break will find that the destination also offers immersive and educational experiences fit for kids and adults alike.  Have you ever considered taking the kids to Atlantis in the Bahamas? There are so many things offered that will make this a vacation to remember, from Dolphin Cay (an experience on 14 acres and almost 7 million gallons of crystal clear water) to Aquaventure (the island’s water park on 141 acres) and more pools and slides then you will have time to visit in a long weekend. Then there is the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, where you can learn how they are working to conserve the reefs. Should you care to venture off the resort, Paradise Island has many activities that your children can enjoy at any age.

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Atlantis has a great habitat that supports marine life and animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities. You can see tanks and aquariums all over the resort, which is enormous.  You have to take buses all over in order to get from place to place- it’s as big as a town, for sure.  Walking would be nearly impossible.  You pick up the buses in the lobby of your hotel, and each of them has the names of the stops they make on the side and top of it.

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Aquaventure is of course the water park and has non-stop action. There are Atlantean-themed towers, water slides and a mile long river that has rolling rapids. This thrill of a place has over twenty million gallons of water, 20 swimming areas, a kids water play fort, and 11 swimming pools. Everything is connected together by a tropical environment and is sure to please everyone visiting from young to old. There is also a “Cartoon Lagoon” which looked very cool, but we were not able to try out.  Turns out you need to make an appointment to use it, and it often fills up months in advance for a time slot, so if you want to use it, book it when you book your stay, and don’t be late or forget to show up or you miss your chance.

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There is a fun cartoon character parade through Atlantis, check with the desk for times and locations.  You can also see Caribbean dancing, music, and more depending on the date and time. My son loved seeing his favorite TV toons in person!

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As I mentioned,  you can learn how scientists are conserving the coral reefs through the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation. You can ask about any of the Blue Adventures at the center that is operated by Stuart Cove. As you learn, you will also be donating to the foundation as a portion of the the proceeds of each adventure goes to help the foundation.

You can also experience activities that involve fitness, golf, shopping, pottery, rock climbing, Atlantis theater and of course a spa. The Mandara Spa brings together Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies and natural elements that are specific to the Bahamas. The Taking of the Waters has both warm and cool pools as well as steam and sauna rooms for you to enjoy. There is even a Couple’s Spa Suite and a women’s aromatherapy area. Men can experience  time for themselves too with barber services and a plasma TV in the lounge. The Earth and Fire Pottery Studio was a big hit with my son, who loved making and taking home his own painted creation (note- you only paint it, you don’t mold it).

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Kids will fall in love with the colorful sea creatures they will get to see, the water slides, and of course searching for treasures on the beach. There are things that will surely bring a smile to their faces and they will remember always. As tweens and teens, they will also want to explore Atlantis on their own and not just with their parents. Atlantis has something to offer for them, too. Preteens can have tons of fun in the sun by going on snorkeling and scuba adventures to come face to face with marine life. Atlantis also has a kids-only nightclub along with them adventure play rooms and an “underwater” video arcade.

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Teens that vacation on Paradise Island can have non-stop fun and excitement with the Aquaventure Waterpark, up close encounters with dolphins, and rides in the shark filled lagoons. And as the sun goes down, there are multiple activities such as a nightclub where there are no parents allowed, the “underwater” video arcade, and the Atlantis Movie Theatre.  There are also movies and TV shows offered on a large screen on the lawn each night (weather permitting) for everyone to enjoy.  We were able to see “We Bare Bears” before it was on TV back home, which thrilled my boy.

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Also available (for an extra fee) is  in room babysitting- all sitters are CPR-certified. You will have to call one week prior to travel in order to book the babysitting. Something else to think about is that children must be free of diapers and pull-ups to go to the Atlantis Kids Adventure Club, and proof of their age will be required. Some of the waterslides that the children will want to get on will have the requirement that  they are at least 48 inches tall.

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Atlantis aims to please those of all ages. With all that there is to do in paradise, you can be sure that you will be wanting to come back again and again to experience the thrills that Atlantis has to offer- this will be a vacation to remember forever. As your children get older there will be different things that they can enjoy, there is something for everyone and all ages.

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Should you feel like spending time off resort, head to some of the very cool museums and see what the island is all about.  The The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas will give you a brief history of the island (complete with real and original artifacts on display) and houses a collection of items spanning more than a 1000 years . The Pirates of Nassau Interactive Museum is not to be missed, either. From 1690 to 1720, Nassau had the highest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. At the Pirates of Nassau Museum, which provides the perfect mix of entertainment and education, kids and parents alike will love learning about the Golden Age of Piracy. Guests can board the “Revenge,” a replica of a real-life pirate ship, and feel as if they’ve gone back in time for a truly interactive history lesson.

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For more information, and to book your stay visit www.nassauparadiseisland.com.

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A Visit to Dutch Wonderland @FunatDW

August 11, 2015 by 5 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat and long, boring summer days is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, Lancaster PA,  it’s a great place to spend a vacation, too.

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Dutch Wonderland has tons of rides and games, as well as many food and drink stands. Some favorites are the “Panda Party”, which is an adorable ride in which the kids ride in Panda Bears and go around the beehive in circles, the Leapin’ Frogs, which bounce around causing the kids to erupt in giggles until the ride hops to a stop, and the Double Splash Flume, a classic ride with two drops (but not too scary or steep that would frighten the kids).

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We were there on a very wet and stormy day, where much of the park was closed due to severe thunderstorms in the area.  It did eventually clear up and we were able to get on rides again- it just took about 2 hours.  The good news is 2 rides were open, as were most of the games and some of the food stands as well.   When they opened back up, the lines were almost non-existent, which was great.

Last year they opened Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them.  We had hoped to visit again this year, but they remained closed.  We did get to see the dinosaurs last year, and it was a lot of fun- my son really enjoyed it.

“Exploration Island is a rediscovered island of adventure and fun where guests will have the opportunity to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains, take a spin on the newly relocated and lengthened Turnpike ride and travel the Island canals on the classic Gondola Cruise.
This once under-utilized area of the Park has been re-purposed to house not only our dinosaur families, but our Turnpike ride as well. The Turnpike was one of the four original rides at Dutch Wonderland when it opened in 1963. We have moved this classic ride to Exploration Island and more then doubled the ride length in the process giving guests more spectacular views of dinos and the surrounding farm landscape.
We’ve also discovered dinosaur fossil remains and set up a permanent archeological dig at Dino Dig, where young explorers can unearth the fossil remains of dinosaurs. Brushes, buckets and diggers are available for use.”

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Floating thought Duke’s Lagoon

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Cedar Point Hotel Breakers

July 30, 2015 by 6 Comments

Cedar Point Hotel Breakers has been totally restyled and refreshed for 2015. The hotel has been totally redone for the ground up. For those that have never been before, it will be a new experience, and even for those that have been to Hotel Breakers before it will still be a new experience then the hotel that you knew.

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Hotel Breakers has always been a place to share a great time with your family and friends. 110 years ago, the guests arrived by train and ferry and were looking for the same type of fun as the guests that still travel there today. Of course, 110 years is a long time ago and so the scene has changed a bit, but has only gotten better with time.

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Hotel Breakers is located just shy of the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point. As Cedar Point will delight you during your visit, Hotel Breakers will be the perfect place to come back to after a day filled with fun. Each room has an LCD TV, refrigerator, microwave, and of course funky new bedding and decor.

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The view from our room- it was a rainy night!

 

The pool area has now been extended to include a water play area that has a zero-depth entry. Your little ones can now enjoy water play and not have to get in too deep. The hot tub doesn’t hurt either to relax those muscles after a long day at the park. And if it’s coffee that you are craving, Starbucks is now proudly served! There is also now a Surf Lounge Bar, but if you are used to the old favorites, TGI Friday’s, Perkins, and TOMO Hibachi Grill are still there.

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As Cedar Point has also transformed within the last, year so has Hotel Breakers. To tip you over the edge of wanting to go to, there is now a new coaster in town, Rougarou – an entirely new riding experience for fans and guests. Also, the Mantis stand-up roller coaster will be converted into a new floorless design that will deliver completely new thrills next summer.

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If you are thinking about a trip to Cedar Point make sure that you book at Hotel Breakers.  It’s just steps away from the park, and has all sorts of easy access.  My son and husband love Cedar Point, and your family will too.

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Lake Tahoe’s Granlibakken

July 29, 2015 by 6 Comments

Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty will draw you in and make you never want to leave. With entertainment and year-round activities, there is always something to be done and to discover. Granlibakken, nestled in the trees above Lake Tahoe and steps from Tahoe City, is your ideal spot for your next getaway.

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A little back story is always fun about a place and the origin. Granlibakken is a Norwegian name and it means “hill sheltered by trees”. It’s the perfect name for this getaway spot. The Granlibakken Resort is family-owned and is on 74 wooded acres in a mountain valley. Lake Tahoe is just a few minutes away and the elevation is at a breathtaking 6,350 feet. If you’re lucky, you can even spot some wildlife saying hello during your stay.

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There are both townhome and suite accommodations that you can choose from that offer you all the privacy and quiet that you may be looking for. The hustle and bustle of your life may be weighing you down, but spending time getting back to nature will recharge you.  This quiet oasis is the perfect place to do so.

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Each room features the following amenities:

  • Cable television with DVD
  • Direct dial phone with voicemail and wired/wireless internet access
  • Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
  • In-room coffee maker
  • In-room fan

Different Lodging Types

Use the offer code SUM15 to get 20% off accommodations on select dates between June 15th and November 25th. This rate includes a delicious breakfast and there are miles of peaceful hiking trails, tennis courts, and an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Treetop Adventure Park, Day Spa and bike rentals are also on site for additional fees.

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Summer Activities At Granlibakken Conference Center & Lodge

There’s no shortage of activities and fun when the weather heats up in Lake Tahoe.

On-Site

  • Walking to Tahoe City or the Truckee River along our forest path (1.4 miles)
  • Playing a game of tennis on one of the resort’s five courts
  • Taking in the surrounding beauty on our private nature trail
  • Enjoying the sun beside our luxurious pool and hot tub area
  • Relaxing in our rejuvenating sauna
  • Building up a sweat on our outdoor par course
  • Hiking Tahoe’s Rim Trail, which borders the resort
  • Treetop ropes course and tours in our Adventure Park
  • Mountain bike rentals available on property, provided by West Shore Sports

Nearby

  • Pedaling the miles of mountain and road bike trails
  • Fishing either Lake Tahoe or the Truckee River
  • Hitting the links at any of the 43 golf courses within an hour’s drive (Tahoe City Golf Course is only 1 mile away)
  • Cooling off by taking a raft trip down the nearby Truckee River
  • Canoeing or kayaking along the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe
  • Enjoying the majesty of the Sierra Nevada on horseback
  • Motorboating or sailing Lake Tahoe’s clear blue waters
  • Exploring Tahoe’s history through its renowned historic mansions
  • Cruising along on the Tahoe Gal from Tahoe City

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When there is this much to do in such a tranquil environment, how can you go wrong? You can get the relaxation and stimulation you need and enjoy great scenery all in one place. So bring the family to enjoy all that Lake Tahoe and its surroundings have to offer. Every season gives you quite a different view and other relaxing activities, so you will have a great time no matter when you stay.

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The Philadelphia Museum of Art Summer Kid’s Program #ArtSplash @philamuseum

July 22, 2015 by 3 Comments

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My son loves art, it is one of his favorite things.  The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of his favorites, and they always have great kids and family friendly programming going on, which we both appreciate.  He loves the new program, art splash, and how he gets to get his hands on art, create, and learn about new ways to paint and use colors.  There is also an amazing new app that gives a kid’s eye view of the museum and the work hanging on the walls- you can borrow a tablet there, just leave a form of ID and pick it back up when you are done with it.

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Drawing with colored pencils

 

Art Splash 2015, an innovative ten-week summer adventure in creative play at the Museum—with a dedicated art exhibition especially for families, a huge Splash studio for hands-on activities, reading nook with colored lamps and age-appropriate seating, new mobile app, and a series of family festivals and performances upcoming, is perfect for your kids.

Using pastels, watercolors, salt, and wax crayons.

Using pastels, watercolors, salt, and wax crayons.

Families can enjoy the Museum A to Z when they dive into Art Splash.

Explore the lively exhibition, a mix of masterpieces and hands-on activities—with images of animals from around the world and scenes of rivers cutting across landscapes. See the Splash Studio–almost as big as a tennis court–filled with kid-friendly furniture and ready for activities.

His favorite room- the armor!

His favorite room- the armor!

Experience the Museum’s first in-house mobile app. Themed to the popular A is for Art Museum children’s book, the new app guides families on a discovery trek through the Museum.

Admission to the Museum is always free for children twelve and under, and admission is Pay What You Wish on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 until 8:45 p.m. and on the first Sunday of every month.

Family Festivals will take place on Sunday, July 5 and Sunday, August 2, with movie screenings of the Academy Award-nominated animated movie, Song of the Sea, and musical performances by Grammy Award and three-time Parents’ Choice Award–winning Okee Dokee Brothers.

Head to http://www.philamuseum.org/ and plan your trip now .

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