While I knew why her opinions were a bit negative I will admit I was thrilled to find so many fun family activities near Phoenix; some purely fun, some with sneaky education and many delicious.

Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction

Our trip took us to the communities of Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Apache Junction; each town with its own unique flavor of fabulous.

Family Fun in Chandler, Arizona

My daughter would say that some of her best fun was in the pool at the Hampton Inn.  This new hotel has all the amenities a family would want- including a refrigerator in the room and complimentary hot breakfast.  Comfy beds and free wifi won top points with me.

Chandler hosts a Third Friday Art Walk downtown which shouldn’t be missed.  Artisans of all types set up booths around the square, showcasing everything from jewelry to paintings, blown glass to cuddly creations.  Wandering through the booths is great fun!  Tip: bring cash!

Arrive early –like 5pm- and have dinner at Serrano’s, the oldest continuous family owned business in Chandler.  Be sure to try the Prickly Pear Margarita (also available without alcohol)- it’s yummy!  Finish your evening at Paletas Betty for a delicious frozen treat.

Paletas from Paletas Betty, Chandler

If you need to wear the kids out take them to Jump Street, an indoor trampoline park.  With a dozen massive trampolines, a trampoline dodge ball court and a special area just for kids under 7, this is really fun for kids of all ages.

Fun at Jump Street Trampoline Park

For a sweet treat make a stop at Sweeties Candy, the largest candy store in the state.  You’ll find holiday themed treats as well as nostalgic candies from way back when.

Family Adventures in Apache Junction, Arizona

The highlight of Apache Junction is the Superstition Mountains.  Tales of the Lost Dutchman mine still draw treasure hunters hoping to discover his vein of gold.

At the base of the Superstition Mountains is Goldfield Ghost Town, a recreation built in the footprints of the town that disappeared overnight.  Here you can explore the town as it was in 1892, wander the shops, take a mine tour and maybe even see a gun fight.

Horseback Riding at Goldfield Ghost Town

Goldfield is also a base for Jeep, horseback riding and hiking tours along the Apache Trail, into the Superstitions or the closer Goldfield Mountains.

While you’ll find plenty of dining in Goldfield Ghost Town, a quick drive to the Mining Camp Restaurant takes you back to the days of Cook Shanties, where the miners would gather to eat.  Meals are served family style, all you can eat, with fresh rolls and sweet cactus jelly.  Take your time eating because the “Amazing McNasty Brothers” put on a fun show filled with music and good humored banter.

The McNasty Brothers perform at Mining Camp Restaurant

Museums and More in Mesa

The Arizona Museum for Youth is what I like to call “sneaky education”.  Fun activities like a life size Lite Brite, puppet theater and creation stations will keep kids entertained for hours.  For the little ones the ArtVille play place is designed for exploration that can’t be wandered away from.

Life Size Lite Brite at Arizona Museum for Youth

For your future paleontologists a visit to the Arizona Museum of Natural History is a must.  Not only are there rooms of dinosaurs- and a Paleo Dig-  but you can explore territorial jail cells and pan for gold!

Just outside Mesa is Superstition Farms.  This working, family-owned farm offers tours starring their herd of dairy cows.  New calves are a common site in the maternity pen if you’re alert.  Cuddle a bunny or chicken, hand feed goats and pet the calf in the petting zoo, then try the farm’s Udder Delights homemade ice cream.

Feeding a goat at Superstition Farms

Turtles and Tigers in Tempe

Built inside the massive Arizona Mills shopping and entertainment center, the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium was built to engage children.  Filled with touch pools and interactive centers, this aquarium will entrance kids of all ages.  One of the most incredible displays is the Ocean Tunnel, a 360° viewing area filled with 161,000 gallons of water.

Ocean Tunnel at SeaLife Aquarium

On the very edge of Tempe, in Papago Park, is the Phoenix Zoo (which totally brought back memories of my African safari trip planning that started here).  One of the top 5 zoos in the US for kids, you’ll find a animals from warm climates (sorry, no polar bears or penguins here).  Bighorn sheep roam the nearby mountain while giraffe and Watusi Cattle roam the savanna.  Don’t miss the Monkey Village where you are inside the habitat with the adorable squirrel monkeys.  Be sure to bring comfy walking shoes and a stroller for the little ones.  You can easily make a day of your trip by packing a lunch and drinks- coolers are allowed inside the zoo grounds (just don’t bring alcohol or glass bottles).

Feeding Giraffe at the Phoenix Zoo

This is just a handful of the fun family vacation activities you’ll find near Phoenix.  Next time you fly in for a trip to the Grand Canyon take a day or two to explore Sunny Arizona!

Photo credits: Jody Halsted

Disclosure:  I would like to thank the SunnyAZ CVB for hosting us and arranging our itinerary for this trip.

McKinney Falls State Park sits on the southeast corner of the city and can be enjoyed every day for just $5 per person. The park offers shaded campgrounds for tents and RVs, as well as plenty of outdoor recreation for the day visitor. Biking and bouldering are among the most popular – and will burn the health conscious the most calories – but long walks and fishing can keep the laid back crowd in touch with Mother Nature.

As the name suggests, McKinney Falls State Park is also home to some photogenic scenery, including the upper and lower waterfalls. While small, the falls are beautiful and give kids a chance to get up close and personal with the rushing water as the rocks that form the falls can actually be traversed by foot.

Austin’s weather makes McKinney and other local parks enjoyable all year long, but the extreme heat of the summer does call for safety precautions like ample water and shade breaks. The mild winters are perfect for throwing out a sweatshirt and getting out into the sunshine.

Photos: Britt Reints

As an American, I reassure myself that I can return to the Grand Canyon. But what if your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event? What if you didn’t know you could return – and really, none of us is ever guaranteed another trip anywhere – and you wanted to make the most of your moment? Rather than pick one lookout point on one rim on one day, many international travelers choose to soar above and below the Grand Canyon, taking in the view with the gluttony of a Las Vegas buffet.

The Papillon tour company shuttles visitors by from Vegas hotels to the Boulder City airport, where customers await their turn to board one of 48 helicopters. Standing in the airport lounge waiting for my name to be called, I heard party after party called from Spain, Brazil, the UK, Canada, and other countries around the world. Only once did I hear a state beside my own welcomed. Perhaps, as Americans, we take for granted that we will have endless opportunities to explore our own natural wonders; maybe we just don’t realize how impressive our native countryside is.

Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer a unique opportunity to fly above the canyon and dip below the rim, covering more miles in a two-hour tour than you could hope to cover by bus or hiking boot in days. On select tours, the aircraft will descend 4,000 feet to the canyon floor, setting down beside the Color River where passengers can then explore on their own. After time for photos and a celebratory champagne toast, visitors can climb aboard their helicopters and effortlessly scale nearly a mile of rocky terrain.

The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel that should be experienced rather than seen. It’s plateaus and Godly staircases beg to be conquered. From my helicopter seat, I vowed to return and go deeper, stay longer, get closer to the rocks that sipped past my window. But I remembered, too, that future adventures are never certain, and I was grateful the chance to stuff this visit and my memory with as many vistas as possible.

Just in case.

Photos: Britt Reints

Grand Canyon view from Desert Watchtower on South Rim

All my life, I thought the Grand Canyon was a place to stop in the middle of the desert and take a picture. Sitcoms, movies, and even travel articles I’d read mentioned pulling the station wagon over for the requisite photo opp and then almost leaving a child or two behind as everyone made a mad dash for the real vacation destination.

It wasn’t until my own recent visit to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim that I realized that the canyon is itself a worthy destination.

So what do you do when you’re at the Grand Canyon after you’ve taken that “look, Ma! The Grand Canyon!” photo?

What to Do at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim

1. Hike the Timeline Trail

Start at the Yavapai Geology Museum and listen to a park ranger explain why the Grand Canyon exists in the northern Arizona desert and nowhere else. Once you’ve gotten a quick geological history lesson, you can walk just over a mile along the South Rim, stopping at rock samples from different canyon layers. Along with the educational experience, the trail has numerous spots to stop for a stunning view of the canyon. And, yes, you’ll want to take pictures.

2. Hike below the rim

There are trails to fit all skill levels and schedules. Spend an afternoon hiking just below the surface, or plan to hike to the bottom and spend the night before hiking back up. Even if you can only make it a mile or two down, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas and a rare perspective of the Grand Canyon.

3. Climb the Desert Watchtower

At the east edge of the South Rim, at the end of Desert View Road¸ is an old watchtower created by Mary Colter. You can climb 85 steps to get a 360 view of the canyon and step outside onto the roof of the first floor for a rare glimpse at the Colorado River. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.

Cowboy Up in Fort Worth

Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive

Fort Worth has a flair all it’s own. It’s a modern city that respects its roots.

5 Things to Do in Fort Worth

• Watch a cattle drive.

• Take in a rodeo.

• Visit the Cultural District.

• Eat at Joe T Garcia’s- where the locals go for Mexican.

• Stay in the Kids Suite at the Omni Mandalay (you won’t want to leave!)

Southern Comfort in Nashville

Loveless Cafe Famous Biscuits

Nashville may be known as Music City, but there is a lot of family fun here- even if you don’t like country music!

5 Things to Do in Nashville

• Visit Civil War forts and battlefields

• See unbelievable cars at the Lane Motor Museum

• The Nashville Zoo is at historic Grassmere Plantation; zoo animals, plantation farms and beautiful gardens

• Eat at the famous Loveless Cafe

• Spoil yourself with a stay at the magnificent Gaylord Opryland. Even if you don’t stay, make sure you stop for an afternoon visit!

History Lives in Boston

Paul Revere House, Boston Freedom Trail

Think history is boring? A few days in Boston will change your mind. History lives here.

5 Things to Do in Boston

• Walk the Freedom Trail. See the burial sites of some of our Founding Fathers, wander through Boston Common, sit in a pew in the Old North Church.

• Boston is the Ireland of the US. Get a taste of an Irish Pub at The Black Rose.  It’s near Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail- you can’t miss it!

• Head south to Plimoth Plantation. See how the pilgrims lived and step aboard the Mayflower II.

• Eat fresh seafood and chowdah.

• The beach may not be warm, but a seaside rental south of the city is fabulous any time of year.

Museums and More in Chicago

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Chicago

Chicago in March is crisp and, of course, windy. But with so much to do the weather won’t bother you a bit!

5 Things to Do in Chicago

• The Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum sit next to each other. Do not try to tackle both in one day.

• Take a spin on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and take your picture at “the Bean” in Millenium park.

• Get your food with attitude at Ed Debevick’s.

• You can’t visit Chicago and not shop along the Magnificent Mile. Kids will love the Disney Store; take girls to the flagship American Girl store if you dare.

• Spread out and relax in the all suite Omni Chicago Hotel.

Meet Me in St. Louis

Gateway Arch, St Louis

While St. Louis is the “Gateway to the West” it is also one of the most family friendly cities we have visited!

5 Things to Do in St. Louis

• You can’t be in St. Louis and not visit the Gateway Arch. Admittance to the Arch and the museums is free; a ride to the top will cost you, but the views are incredible.

• The St. Louis Zoo, on of the country’s best, is free. So is the incredible St. Louis Science Center.

• Young kids will adore The Magic House. Older children will love City Museum.

• The Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour is also free, and very interesting.

• With so much within walking distance, the boutique Omni Majestic in downtown St. Louis is the perfect place to rest your weary family.

Where do you plan to spend Spring break this year?

Photos are the author’s own.

Voo doo dolls in a New Orleans gift shop

The first time I visited New Orleans it was to attend a conference and hang out with friends. It’s no surprise, then, that I spent a few nights on Bourbon Street and got very familiar with the Crescent City’s reputation for a good party. I had a blast, but I was a little nervous about how my routine visit – one I planned to make with two small children in tow – would compare.

Visiting New Orleans with kids definitely involves fewer hurricanes and mechanical bulls, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had. In fact, most of New Orleans is very family friendly.

Kid-Friendly Things To Do in New Orleans

1. Grab beignets at Cafe du Monde.

This 24-hour coffee stand was practically made for children. After all, who loves fried pastries smothered in powdered sugar more than kids? Fortunately, the coffee with chicory, while a local treasure, is optional. People watching and listening to the street musicians, however, is mandatory. Lucky you.

2. Play at New Orleans City Park.

This is one of the best metropolitan parks I’ve seen in the United States, and I’ve visited many. It’s beautiful and bustling. You can take a walk along the water, climb ancient live oaks, or play with other kids on the playground equipment. You can also fish, walk your dog, have a picnic, or visit the free sculpture garden that’s located inside the park.

3. Visit a cemetery.

Sign up for a cemetery tour and let a knowledgeable guide introduce you to the fascinating history that lies with old stone crypts. Cemetery tours should be taken during the day no matter who you’re traveling with, so there’s no need to worry about kids getting freaked out. In fact, your kids will probably think the above-ground graves and elaborate monuments are pretty cool.

4. Listen to live music in the French Quarter.

You don’t have to go into a bar to get an earful of the New Orleans music scene. Spend some time walking around the French Quarter and you’re sure to come upon a musician or a band giving free shows to tourists. The polite thing to do, of course, is to show your appreciation for being entertained with a tip.

5. Ride the streetcar.

For a few bucks, your family can grab the streetcar at Carondelet at Canal Street and ride it 13 miles down and through the Garden District, past some of New Orleans oldest and most impressive homes. If you’ve got a little more spending money, hop off at Audubon Park and visit the city’s zoo.

Photos: Britt Reints

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

What Does the Groundhog Have to Do with Spring?

The history of Groundhog Day in the US is traced back to Pennsylvania Germans during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The groundhog, which the German immigrants thought to be quite similar to the European hedgehog, who would fortell the weather on Candlemas Day. The Germans would recite:

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
So far will the snow swirl until the May.

The groundhog, being a sensible animal, would venture forth if he saw no shadow, which foretold an early spring. Seeing a shadow would cause the wise groundhog to return to his warm burrow for 6 more weeks of hibernation.

Where to Celebrate Groundhog Day in North America

The largest, and most well known event takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This location, made famous by the movie Groundhog Day, has held celebrations since 1886. Entertainments include live music, crafts and lots of food. Gates open at 3am for the trek to Gobbler’s Knob for Punxsutawney Phil’s Prognostication.

Quarryville, in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, is home to Octoraro Orphie, who has never been wrong in his prediction in the 103 year history of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge.

Woodstock, Illinois is a late comer to the Groundhog Day celebration, after hosting the town square filming for the movie Groundhog Day. The first first prognostication on the square was held in 1999. The four day festival now includes a pancake breakfast, dance, walking tour of film sites, movie showings, and, of course, the prognostication.

In Lilburn, Georgia, General Beau Lee, Ph.D., lives in a groundhog sized mansion o the grounds of the Yellow River Game Ranch. He is awakened by the ringing of an antique bell and makes his way out for his annual state-of-the-winter report. ‘Beau’ is a very media savvy groundhog, and even handles his own twitter account.

The first North American groundhog to make a prediction each year is Shubenacadie Sam, at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife park in Nova Scotia. After official proclamation by a town crier, there will be refreshments, hot cocoa and fun activities.

Wiarton Willie, the famous albino groundhog from Ontario, is celebrated every February 2 with a local Wiarton Willie Festival. Though the original Willie is now deceased, ‘Wee Willie’ oversees this celebration which features dances, parades, hockey tournaments, pancake breakfasts and a fish fry.

Whether or not you take part in this ancient tradition or dismiss it as mythic hooey, it’s always fun to see whether or not the groundhog knows more then our meteorologists.

Photo credit: Aaron Silvers, via WikiCommons, Creative Commons Share Alike

American Gothic House, Eldon, Iowa

This humble house, built in the early 1880′s, caught the eye of Iowa artist Grant Wood because of its beautiful Gothic window which he called, “pretentious for such a small house.”  After asking permission to use the house as a background for a painting, Grant Wood went on to create an icon recognized the world over.  In fact, Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2012″ lists the American Gothic House as one of the “Top 10 Places to Put Yourself in the Picture”.

Visiting The American Gothic House

Tiny Eldon, Iowa is located in the south east corner of the state.  Most people who find the house are following the Grant Wood Trail or are luck upon it on their way to the Villages of Van Buren.

Next to the American Gothic House is the Visitors Center.  This free museum shares the history of Grant Wood, including letters donated by his sister Nan Wood Graham, who was his female model for the American Gothic painting (the male model was his dentist Dr. B.H. McKeeby).

My favorite part of the exhibit was the many parodies of American Gothic, including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Muppets, Barbie and Looney Toones.

American Gothic Parodies

Put Yourself in the Picture

The friendly staff at the American Gothic House Center are happy to help you get the right photo.  Just ask and they will advise you on the best place to stand and even take the photo for you.  You can even get the true American Gothic feel by dressing up in provided costumes and holding a pitchfork.

American Gothic Style

Of course you’ll want to take a “traditional” American Gothic photo- but then ham it up a bit!  Poke your partner with a pitchfork or add a bit of modern times to your image.

Don’t leave without a stop in the gift shop; the American Gothic House is free to visit so any purchases made help support the site (donations are also accepted).

Tips for Visiting American Gothic House:

Open daily year round:

May-September: Sunday & Monday 1-4pm; Tuesday thru Saturday 10am-5pm

October-April: Saturday thru Monday 1-4pm; Tuesday thru Friday 10am-4pm

Closed for observed holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday After Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

If the weather is bad a cut-out version of the house is available for indoor photos.

Mix It Up

I love going to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and marveling at the paintings of the Impressionist Masters. My brother inherited all of my mother’s artistic abilities, so I have always wondered what it felt like to be able to create or replicate something beautiful. When we were invited to a friend’s milestone birthday party at The Paint Bar in Newton, my only question was whether or not alcohol would be served. That’s the only way I could survive an evening of painting lessons.

Our Guide For The Evening

With the word “bar” in the name of the place, it was confirmed that beer and wine would be available and so I confirmed our attendance. When we arrived that evening, we found a very bright and packed room filled with blank canvases awaiting our creative works. After being outfitted with smocks, the appropriate paint, brushes and an adult beverage, we chose our stools and awaited instruction. I must say that the example of the painting we would be recreating as a group that evening was incredibly intimidating. Why couldn’t the birthday girl have selected something perhaps less pretty but far easier looking?

Our Incredible Teacher

Our instructor, Ellie, for the evening was vibrant, fun and reassuring. She made everything idiot-proof and empowering. We were not treated like children (though family days on Sundays are a big hit) or artistes, but instead were considered able adults with hidden talent simply needing to be coaxed out. I knew we were in good hands when she pointed out the importance of distinction between your drink container and your brush water. Picking up a cup of watered down paint instead of your beer or wine is not a mistake you want to make. The lesson here? Pay close attention to your task rather than getting lost in the beauty of your art.

Beer On The Left, Brush Water On The Right

At The Paint Bar, your instructor guides all in attendance through the step by step process of recreating a sample painting chosen in advance. Which brush to use, how much paint to apply, when and how much to mix colors and brush stroke techniques are all provided along the way. As your instructor demonstrates on their canvas, you paint along on your own. While you are completing your efforts the instructor wanders the floor and answers any questions or doles out individual advice as requested. Criticism and comparison are discouraged. Focus on your own creation.

Music of all varieties is played for entertainment and there are those beverages for sale to keep you loose and smiling. During drying time, be sure to grab some take-out from next door so that all those drinks don’t go to your head and interfere with your fine detail strokes. They sell vending machine style snacks and you can bring in your own cake or other food item if you like, but there isn’t much room to lay it out or time to eat it up. Your two hours are mostly spent creating that work of art.

Our Hidden Talent Revealed

As the time went by and the basic background and forms were done, our confidence grew and we were ready to be let loose with our painting to add our own personal flair – treating the guide painting as just that, a guide. At the end of the night, it was amazing to see all the different takes on the same work. I won’t say whose was better – that would be against the rules of fun. But we were pretty proud of ourselves. And of our friends’ interpretations too. We carefully stowed our nearly dry paintings in the car before moving along to snacks and drinks with a belly dancer down the street. It was a night of artistic expression after all. And thanks to The Paint Bar, we’ve got some new artwork hanging on the wall.

The Paint Bar
823 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02460
(617) 872-0720
www.thepaintbar.com

Post by and all photos credited to Molly G. @The Bumbles Blog

This year we will visit a few places new to our family as well as places my husband and I visited before we had kids, which we can’t wait to explore with the girls. Also included is a small “wish list” of destinations we would like to make it to, if time and money allow.

The Desert Southwest

Apache Junction

February will find my eldest daughter and I enjoying a long weekend in Chandler/Tempe/Mesa/Apache Junction, Arizona. I have visited in the past, but this will be Brenna’s first time seeing large cactus, mountains, and a real desert. We won’t get to the Grand Canyon, but have it on our “when the girls a re a bit older” list.

The Gaylord Opryland

View of Conservatory from Balcony

If you ever find yourself in Nashville, Tennessee you must stop, if only to see how magnificent this hotel is. My youngest daughter and I will be heading here mere days after I return from Arizona for the Blissdom Conference, where I am the Travel Community leader.

The most incredible feature of the Opryland Hotel is that it is a miniature city built inside a bio-dome. Magnificent gardens, a Delta riverboat cruise and a gorgeous Southern Plantation house will keep you occupied while half a dozen restaurants and nightclubs entertain you through the evening.

National Parks: Yellowstone, Big Sky, Paradise Valley, Little Big Horn Battlefield, Devil’s Tower, Mt. Rushmore

Devil's Tower

A 10 day family vacation at the beginning of July will take us to all these parks. From our Iowa home we will drive to Montana for a family adventure vacation with Austin Lehman. We will stop at Little Big Horn on the way out, see Yellowstone, Big Sky and Paradise Valley during our 5-day tour and hit Devil’s Tower and Mt. Rushmore on the way home. I’m tired just thinking about it.

The Ice Cream Capital of the World

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor

On our way home from vacation we’ll be passing so closely to LeMars, Iowa it would be a shame not to stop at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor.

While that is where our travel plans end, there are a few things that we would all like to see this year.

Play on a Beach and Swim in the Ocean

Laguna Beach

This is very high on my daughters’ wish list. While they have seen the ocean (we lived on the beach during a short relocation to Boston- in the winter) they have never gotten to play in it, or on a beautiful sandy beach. They aren’t picky about where, but I think the Irvine, California area could be a winner. We would have the beach, Disneyland, lots of parks and beautiful weather.

Door County, Wisconsin

Cana Island Lighthouse

This is Doug’s wish for a long adults only weekend. The beauty of Door County in the fall is legendary, and an adults only weekend is always a blessing.

Potter County, Pennsylvania

Potter County Courthouse

What is in Potter County, Pennsylvania? Besides a lot of parks and state forests, I’m not really sure. But Potter County holds a genealogical mystery for my family. My 4x great grandparents died here and it’s where our trail to the past grows cold. I would love to spend some time “digging” to see if we can find the missing part of our story.

What do your travel plans or dreams for 2012 hold?

Photo credits:

Apache Junction, Arizona from SunnyAZ CVB

Gaylord Opryland, Ice Cream Capital by the author

Devil’s Tower from NPS.gov

Laguna Beach and Door County Lighthouse from WikiCommons

Potter County Courthouse from PotterCountyPA.net

Jody Halsted shares her family’s travel

tales at Family Rambling.