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National Children’s Museum DC: A Real Mom Review

Chelsea — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 00:42:18 +0000

Looking for a children’s museum in the DC area? The National Children’s Museum in DC has officially opened after five years. The new DC Children’s Museum is 33,000 square feet of interactive and STEAM-focused exhibits—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—with an emphasis on combined digital and hands-on learning aimed at children from the ages of 0-12. The museum features hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, fun learning centers, athletic zones and a massive climbing structure with 50- foot metal slide. Many of the exhibits are tech-focused for even the littlest innovators.

Where is the National Children’s Museum DC located?

The National Children’s Museum DC is located in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.

How do I get to the children’s museum Washington DC?

Driving to the children’s museum DC area: Park at the Ronald Reagan Building (starting price is $20 for 1-2 hours). The parking entrances require your car to pass through security, so don’t forget to stop at the guard gate for a quick inspection.

Proceed down to the public parking. If you can’t find a spot, free valet is provided, so feel free to use it.
Locate the elevators and then head to the Concourse level (there are helpful tickets located at the elevator so you don’t forget where you’ve parked).

Once at the concourse level, follow the signs to the metro. You’ll see the entrance to the left just as you pass a security checkpoint. This is their current entrance location as of March 2020. Eventually, the entrance will be on the top floor and kids can enter directly into the Dream Machine.

Taking the Metro: The entrance is steps away from Federal Triangle metro station and three blocks from Metro Center. Nearby bus routes include 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 34, 36, D6, and P6.

What is the current National Children’s Museum ticket price?

Tickets cost $10.95 for all children (age 1 and older) and adults. Click HERE to purchase yours from the National Children’s Museum website.

All tickets are timed entry and it is highly suggested that you purchase your ticket ahead of time because there are limited tickets available for same-day purchase.

There are currently no discounts for military, teachers or seniors.

What is the current National Children’s Museum membership price?

Membership packages range from $130 for a one-year admission for two adults and all the children in the household and up to $1,000 for exclusive access and VIP events.

At the cost of $11 per person, if you have more than 5 people in your family, you’ll recoup your cost in only two visits.

When is the Children’s Museum DC open?

They are open from 9:30 AM till 4:30 PM, the last entry is 3:30 PM. They are closed on all major holidays.

What should I expect from a visit to the kid’s museum DC?

As soon as you enter, you’ll pass through a bag check, so be ready. Then your tickets will be scanned (for advanced purchase) or you can purchase tickets at the desk. A waiver is required to enter and you are not able to complete a waiver online, at this time. Once that is complete, kids are off to explore.

Note: There aren’t any bands, stamps or tickets unlike other museums where adults and children are checked before exiting. There is security montioring the play areas and staff.

There are multiple areas to visit. Currently, all of the open exhibits are on one floor, minus the two-story climbing structure. Each exhibit is individually reviewed to give visitors an idea of what to expect during their visit and to determine if the children’s museum in DC would meet their family’s needs. So without further ado, let’s check out the new children’s museum, Washington DC.

Re-entry: You are able to exit and re-enter, just let a staff member know.

Dream Machine:

A three-level climbing structure with fiberglass spheres, white net climbing tunnels and metal slides that whisk children down to the bottom. It is the National Children’s Museum DC crown jewel.

The large climbing structure is for ages 5 and up. Please remove your shoes at the entrance (cubbies are provided for storage).

If you have smaller children, there is a smaller climbing structure with a slide for their enjoyment so that everyone can enjoy their visit to the new kid’s museum DC.

Also located near the Dream Machine is a bubble maker where children can pull a chain and put themselves inside a bubble. There are also bubbles on the ground floor with various interactive displays inside.

Innovation Sandbox Green Screen: (Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association)

Located close to the Dream Machine, children will delight with donning capes and masks to venture into a world of superpowers. Children can toss leaves at the flick of their arms, bounce rainbows between their hands, create clouds, shoot lightning bolts and toss snowballs as they move around the stage. The images change on the screen as the children interact with the immersive digital experience. Don’t miss the Winter mode, if you stay still, you’ll turn into a little frozen ice cube that you can break out of.

Climate Action Heroes:

Next to the green screen is a fun diagram printed on the group where children can answer different questions to find out which superpower they would fall into, “arbor avengers” to “mighty meteorologists.”

Paw Patrol:

It’s time to build, fly and put some fire out with the paw patrol friends Rubble, Skye and Marshall. Push the button by Rubble and he will ask you to build a tower or construct a bridge. Skye delights little learners with her air-powered machine where scarves can fly high. Lastly, Marshall needs help to put out the fire with the air cannons. Paw Patrol is on a roll!

Sponge Bob:

Interested in being an anchor for your own TV show? Adjust the camera and hit record! Make your own clip with Sponge Bob and his friends, then add some stickers and email it to your friend.

Slime Zone:

Squish, stomp, and venture into the world of slime. Don’t worry parents, it’s all safely stored in the floors, walls, and displays.

Little Dreamers Toddler/Baby Zone:

Located next to the Paw Patrol zone, parents with younger children will enjoy a dedicated area where the littlest explorers can discover, read, crawl and search for hidden coves. The lights are soft and the materials are inviting. There are many sensory opportunities and a small dress-up area.

There is a nursing room located in the toddler/baby zone. It features small soft toys for siblings, a comfortable chair and peaceful décor.

Data Science Alley:

Children delight with pom-poms flying through tubes and popping out over their heads. Change the wind pattern by closing and opening vents throughout the display. See if you can figure out where the pom-pom will pop out next!

Continue your data collection at the Washington children’s museum by using magnets to measure your friends and see who is the tallest or the shortest. Then jump to measure the distance between your height and how high you can jump.

Little Movers:

This is the second area for the littlest visitors. Build those fine motor skills in a safe soft play area.

Sports Zones:

Learn how to throw the perfect curveball, hit a waffle ball off the t-ball mount into a screen (digital baseball field) or score some points in basketball. Little sports fans will enjoy the science and tech versions of the activities.

Miniature Car Race:

Little inventors can build a wooden car with a variety of materials and then race it down the track. Scientists can adjust the track in order to decrease or increase speed as well as redesign their car to see what happens.

Tinkerers Studio:

This open studio with glass walls is part arts/crafts studio and part innovators classroom. The workspace is dual purpose with craft materials as well as laptops for coding projects. It is mostly utilized by field trips and workshops, but there are also unguided opportunities to create. The national children’s museum, Washington DC also offers free field trips for Title I public and charter schools in the DC area, funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Current Visiting Hall Exhibition: Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego: Let’s Explore!

Children will delight with their favorite tv show friends to explore fun interactive exhibits. Climb aboard a boat to help the pirate piggies share their treasure, dress up as an animal rescuer and help to save the jungle animals or climb around rock walls and along hidden trails.

Learning about space by adding constellations to the night sky, zoom down a space slide or help to drive a rocket ship.

Love STEM toys? Check out our favorites.

Weekly Events:

STEAM + storytime: Read along, sing, and play! We invite our smallest dreamers (ages 1-3) to investigate colors, numbers, and more every Wednesday from 10:00-10:30 am.

Birthday Parties:

Looking for a unique birthday party location with fun for everyone? A maximum of 30 guests can enjoy a visit to the children’s museum with a dedicated private space for food/fun and birthday celebrations. Birthday parties are only available on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am or in the afternoon at 1:30 pm. Email the museum to enquire about their three package options ranging from $425-$600. https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org/birthday-parties/

Overall Thoughts:

With so many wonderful children’s museums throughout the United States, it can be hard not to compare them. Check out the table below comparing the National Children’s Museum in DC, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore the Children’s Museum of Richmond, VA.

National Children’s Museum	Port Discovery Children’s Museum	Children’s Museum of Richmond
$10.95 pp	$17.95 (Discounts available)	$9 (Discounts available)
33,000 sq feet	80,000 sq feet	44,000 sq feet
Handicapped Accessible, Sensory Days	Handicapped Accessible, Sensory Sundays	Free Parking
Exhibits: Climbing Zones, Race Car, Interactive Green Screen, Dora and Diego Animal Rescue, Paw Patrol Rescue, Sports, SpongeBob Film Recording, Science and Toddler Area.	Exhibits: Climbing Zones, Captain of a Cargo Ship, Chef in a Diner, Studio Workshop, Theater/Music/Dance, Grocery Store and Gas station, Sports Zone, Egypt Adventure, Puzzles/Games, water play zone and Toddler Area.	Exhibits: Art Zone, Carousel, Hospital/Ambulance, Farm, Tree House, School House, Service Station, Water Play, TV studio, Bank, Books, Cave, Dig Pit, Children’s Garden, and Toddler Area.

FAQ:

Can I bring in my own food to the new National Children’s Museum DC? Yes, there are tables available in the center of the museum with trash cans.

Are there nursing facilities at the Washington children’s museum? Yes, there is a nursing room located in the baby/toddler zone with a plush chair, space for siblings and privacy.

Is food available for purchase? There will be, but the café is currently closed. There is a large food court located in the Ronald Reagan Building that you are able to use. You will have to pass through security to enter the food court.

Can I access the exhibits in a wheelchair? Yes! All of the exhibits are wheelchair friendly, meaning access for everyone. There is an elevator to access the two floors.

Is there stroller parking? Yes, there is stroller parking located just beyond the concourse level entrance. It is located inside the museum.

What is offered for children with Autism? There are two rooms with low levels of light, sensory experiences and calming colors. You can also ask for a sensory backpack with noise-reduction headphones and fidget toys at no cost.

Looking for a quieter, less crowded experience? On select Saturdays, the Museum opens its doors early for children with sensory sensitivities or developmental disabilities and their families.

My child is hearing impaired, is there anything I should know about visiting the national children’s museum Washington DC? All audio devices feature closed captioning.

I want to book a field trip, where can I get more information? Click here to learn more about field trips.

Where can I find more photos of the National Children’s museum in DC? Check out the gallery below!

I created this travel blog to help other families to explore the world with their kid. I hope this review inspires you to visit the new National Children’s Museum DC. Feel free to reach out with any questions about this review or updates as the museum expands.

Leave me a comment or find me on Facebook or Instagram. Ready to plan another adventure? Head back to my homepage to discover more of our favorite places to travel with kids around the globe.

Check out more posts about traveling in the United States.

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Best Family Vacation Ideas for 2020

Chelsea — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 12:34:15 +0000

Looking for the best family vacation destinations? Check out the best family vacation ideas for 2020 including the best places to travel with kids. We will share some of our favorite family vacation spots around the globe, highlighting kid-friendly attractions and what makes each destination family-friendly.

What do you consider great family vacation spots? Is it kid-friendly accommodations? Sights and activities for both parents and kids? Or can any location be considered a great family vacation destination? Check out this list and then let me know your favorite family-friendly vacation spot.

Without further ado, here are the best family holiday destinations in the world!

1. Costa Rica

If Costa Rica hasn’t been on your list, it should. As one of the best family vacation spots in the world for adventure travel with diverse wildlife, beautiful sandy beaches, jungle rainforests and a range of activities for all ages to enjoy. Costa Rica was one of our favorite family getaways this year.

Listening to your children squeal as they race along a zipline high over the jungle, giggle as they watch capuchin monkeys playing in the branches overhead or learn about volcanos up close, there are a plethora of opportunities. Plan your next trip for 2020 to see what “pura vida” (pure life) is truly about in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – beautiful tropical beach

When to travel: December-April to enjoy the dry season.

Why Costa Rica is great for kids: the little ones in your family will enjoy safe beaches, calm shores, and plenty of watersports, resort pools, and temperate weather year-round.

Older children will enjoy plenty of activities ranging from ziplining, white water rafting, and waterfall rappelling. In addition, kids will enjoy hanging bridges, chocolate tours, parasailing, and night tours to find fun creepy crawlies. Children as young as the age of five can participate in a full range of activities.

Fresh fruit, smoothies and simple dishes are on local menus for easy dining and high chairs are available upon request.

Best for families that enjoy the great outdoors, wildlife, animal encounters, adventure travel, and relaxation.

Where to go in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a beautiful country from the northwestern coasts with plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from to the towering Volcano and the beautiful town of La Fortuna with its thermal baths and activity hub.

You could also head up high into the cloud forest to the region of Monteverde or head down to the Southern beaches of Manuel Antonio to explore the Manuel Antonio National Park.

How much time to spend in Costa Rica? I highly suggest two weeks, but a week at a minimum.

Recommended Resort: Tulemar Bungalows and Villas.

2. Lapland, Finland

Looking for one of the best family vacation destinations in the winter? Lapland, Finland is a winter family vacation paradise with dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, Santa Claus visits and elf school where your little ones will pass through a magic door to discover the secrets of becoming an elf in an indoor Santa Park.

Soak up the Christmas magic near the Arctic circle while roasting s’mores while hunting for the Northern Lights. Visit arctic animals at the world’s only arctic zoo and enjoy the evenings soaking in a hot tub under the stars. Finland is magical year-round, but especially in Winter.

When to travel: December-February for a winter wonderland.

Why Finland is great for kids: Hop aboard the overnight Santa Train from Helsinki and it will drop you off in 12 short hours near the Arctic Circle. Kids will love the bunk beds and walking along the train cars in their PJs. Once you reach Finland, there are plenty of family-friendly activities including dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, posting cards with an official Arctic Stamp and of course, playing in the snow.

Even little ones can take part in the calmer activities and children of all ages can soak up the ambiance of a winter Christmas wonderland year-round. Friends who have booked said that is has been one of their top family vacations.

Best for families that enjoy being outdoors in the snow, winter activites, and Christmas cheer.

Where to go in Finland: The capital city of Helsinki is great for at least a day or two to explore the Christmas markets, taste your way through the food market and check out the historic museums and churches in the town.

If you want to skip the city, head straight to Lapland, Finland near the town of Rovaniemi. Here you’ll find the Santa Claus Village, indoor Santa Park, the Ranua Zoo (arctic zoo), the cute town of Rovaniemi and all the activities described above.

How much time to spend in Finland? If you are visiting in the winter months, around five days is plenty of time to see and do everything or pair your trip with Levi, Finland to do some skiing.

Recommended Resort: Santa Claus Village Cabins

3. Croatia

Looking for some dalmatian coastal sunshine? Hoping to get a bit more value for your money? Croatia continues to hit the charts for a country where you can enjoy traveling, but save a bit of cash. It is also one of the best places for a family vacation with crystal clear blue waters, stunning national parks with waterfalls and ancient cities to explore.

Need a place to relax for the whole family? Include a stay at Family Hotel Amarin with free childcare in the state of the art kids zone, enjoy world-class meals throughout your stay and let the kids run free in the giant net climbing zone, as well as indoor/outdoor pools, and a plethora of outdoor playgrounds. Family Hotel Amarin is one of the best places to travel with kids if you are looking for some family fun for everyone.

When to travel: May/June or September/October to avoid the high tourist season and the sweltering heat.

Why Croatia is great for kids: Croatia is meant to be relaxing for both the parents and the kids. With warmer weather, there is less to pack and what kid doesn’t love a beautiful beach? Spend time splashing in the waters, let the children roam in car-free cities, eat ice cream as you explore the promenade and play hide and seek in ancient palaces.

Croatia is also home to beautiful islands just off the shore. Hop on a boat to explore the islands and truly soak up the Croatian lifestyle.

Best for families that enjoy the beach, warmer weather and history.

Where to go in Croatia: Croatia is a beautiful country from the Northern fishing towns to the famous walled city of Dubrovnik in the south. Dubrovnik is a highlight for Game of Thrones fans but requires babywearing for little ones while exploring the city. However, there are plenty of options for day trips from the city to delight the whole family.

Head up North to the city of Split to wander the promenade, explore Diocletian’s palace and take a boat out to the famous Golden Horn to enjoy a nice sandy beach. Day trip to Krka National Park for gorgeous waterfalls, wandering streams and forest boardwalks. Continue further north, stopping in Zadar to listen to the sea organ and watch the dancing lights of the “Greeting to the Sun”. End the trip near Rovinj at the kinder hotel “Family Hotel Amarin” to take a break from your trip and relax.

Plitvice National Park is a bit of a side trip but can be done from Split or Zadar. It is absolutely stunning, but best with older kids who can walk a few miles or babies in carriers.

How much time to spend in Croatia? Croatia is best explored with at least 10 days to two weeks. That allows enough time to explore from the North to the South without moving hotels each day. If you have a shorter amount of time, stick to exploring either the North or the South.

Recommended Resort in Croatia: Family Hotel Amarin

4. Grindelwald, Switzerland

With snow-capped mountains, views that will take your breath away, delicious cheese fondue and Swiss cows that will delight you with the jingle of their bells, Switzerland is absolutely stunning. Although it is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, it offers an expansive train system that makes traveling throughout Switzerland a breeze.

If you are looking for kid-friendly vacation spots that include stunning views, alpine playgrounds, waterfalls cascading into lush green valleys and children’s trails to explore, then Grindelwald, Switzerland should be considered.

When to travel: May till September for the best hiking weather.

Why Switzerland is great for kids: Kids under 16 travel free with parents on major railways throughout Switzerland. Switzerland is perfect for kids because the majority of the activities take place outside and there is always a playground to explore nearby, even at cafes and restaurants. Restaurants are able to provide high chairs and often have kids packets in tourist towns such as Grindelwald.

Kids will enjoy riding cable cars up to the tops of mountain peaks, exploring kid-friendly theme trails and if they are brave enough, exploring obstacles along cliffside walks (completely safe). Older kids can enjoy toboggan runs down the mountain, swimming in the crystal clear lakes and challenging themselves on ropes courses. It is one of the best places to vacation with kids who love being outside!

Best for families that enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and alpine activities.

Where to go in Switzerland: Switzerland is a stunning place to visit, from it’s larger cities of Zurich and Bern to its sleepy car-free towns of Murren and Zermatt.

If you prefer to stay in a city with multiple amenities, but still be close to the mountains and family-friendly activities, I suggest staying in Lucerne. There is a fabulous transportation museum (Swiss Museum of Transport) that you can spend the entire day explore, or you can head up into the mountains via funicular or cable car.

Alternatively, escape the hustle and bustle to Grindelwald where you can easily spend 4 days exploring the mountain peaks, valleys below and activities in the surrounding areas.

How much time to spend in Switzerland? This question really depends on your budget. Switzerland is expensive, so I recommend a shorter visit of around 5 days. You can also easily pair a trip to Switzerland with the neighboring countries of Italy (Lake Como), Germany (Bavaria) or France (Annecy).

Recommended Resort in Switzerland: Hotel Gletschergarten

5. Quebec City, Canada

If you want to enjoy a European city without a long haul flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Quebec City is full of charm and family-friendly sights to enjoy. With quick flights from major cities along the east coast, it is easy why it tops the charts for one of the best family vacation ideas.

Beautiful year-round, but especially during the Christmas markets in December, Quebec offers world-class museums, forts to explore and nearby waterfalls to delight. Top it off with amazing culinary dishes and french pastries that every child is sure to love.

When to travel: Quebec City is beautiful year-round. December- Christmas Markets; February- Winter Carnival; May-September- Summer activities.

Why Quebec City is great for kids: The Old Town of Quebec is easy to explore by foot, making it perfect for families. Kids will delight running along the terrace in front of the Chateau Frontenac, riding the funicular between the upper and lower town, looking for tasty treats along the famous car-free Rue du Petit-Champlain and visiting the children’s section of the Museum of Civilization.

Even in Winter, Quebec City makes sure families are having fun. Take a ride on the toboggan slide, take part in the children’s sing-alongs and crafts in the Christmas Market. Take a side trip to nearby Montmorency Falls to see it in its frozen state and let little ones play in the snow.

Need a break from the city? Valcartier is a resort 30 minutes from the city that features over 100,000 sq ft of an indoor waterpark. In the summer, the outdoor area is transformed into a massive waterpark with slides for everyone. In the winter, the outdoor area becomes the largest snow tubing park I’ve ever seen.

Best for families that enjoy culture, outdoor activities and amazing food.

Where to go in Quebec City: Be sure to stay in the old town of Quebec City to ease of exploring. The upper old town area features historic churches, pedestrian-friendly squares (featuring the European Christmas markets in Winter) and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac towering over the harbor and lower town. The Fort Museum across the square offers a nice show and depiction of the history of Quebec City.

Ride the funicular down to explore the quaint streets of Rue du Petit-Champlain before crossing over to the Museum of Civilization. Explore along the harbor and don’t miss the Old Market at the Port of Quebec for delicious lunch options.

During the summer months, families will enjoy exploring La Citadelle de Québec and nearby fort. There is also ferry service across to explore the splash pads on the nearby banks of the Lawrence River.

How much time to spend in Quebec City? It is easy to explore Quebec City on a long weekend. If you’d like to stay longer, pair your visit with Quebec City to include the resort Valcartier or nearby Montreal.

Recommended Resort in Quebec City: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

6. Amish Country: Lancaster, PA

Don’t have a passport? No problem! There are plenty of wonderful locations in the United States to enjoy a family vacation. Lancaster is best for families with younger children who will enjoy the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, train attractions, including riding on a genuine steam train and doing a farm stay where they can wake up to farm chores (milk a cow, feed calves, collect eggs) each morning before a hearty breakfast.

Teens will enjoy nearby Hershey Park and the ropes courses at Refreshing Mountain. Dutch Wonderland is also located close by.

Learn about the Amish culture, take a horse and buggy ride to see the covered bridges or sample Amish made goods in this small farm town. The Lancaster Central Market also shouldn’t be missed with wonderful locally sources foods and lunch options (open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday).

When to travel: April- October for the best weather.

Why Lancaster, PA is great for kids: Lancaster is best for younger children, teens will likely get bored quickly. Children who are train enthusiast will delight taking a 45-minute ride on the Strasbourg Railroad (oldest continually operating train in the US). The train passes through a huge farm with a 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, slides, wagon rides, a petting zoo & kids’ festivals which is open from Spring till Summer.

There are plenty of indoor train museums and mini train attractions, including a wide array of buffets for a family-friendly meal. Round out your stay with a farm stay to get even more interaction with farm animals. We stayed at Verdant View Farms and loved the morning chores and then homemade breakfast to start out the day.

Also located nearby are Legoland Discovery Center, an indoor lego play area. Turkey Hill museum and exhibit where you can sign up to make your own ice cream. Or head North to Refreshing Mountain to play on their ziplines and ropes courses.

Best for families with younger children who are looking for an affordable vacation.

Where to go in Lancaster: Lancaster is a relatively small town with an Amish population of over 75,000 and it is best explored by car.

How much time to spend in Lancaster? You can easily spend 5 days exploring all the activities in Lancaster and the surrounding area, but you can also do a weekend trip (if you are short on time). If you plan on doing an east coast trip, Lancaster pairs well with Philadelphia (don’t miss Diggerland across the border in NJ).

Recommended hotel in Lancaster: Fulton Steamboat Inn

7. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia is an absolutely gem and one of my top family vacation destinations suggestions. Slovenia is located just north of Croatia and is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and sights to visit. Lake Bled is a picture-perfect town with a tiny church on top of an island located in the center of the crystal clear lake with the towering Bled Castle above.

Families can base themselves in Lake Bled and then take day trips throughout the country to the capital city of Ljubljana (fabulous food market on Fridays). Don’t miss the Postojna Cave and Postojna Castle, it is built into a cave with a heroic tale.

Looking to explore and hike? Head over to Lake Bohinj where you can ride a cable car up to the top of the mountain for views and hike, or explore the trail around the lake itself. Grab a pizza and a local beer while the children play on the playground, need I say more?

When to travel: April- October for the best weather.

Why Slovenia is great for kids: The whole family will find activities to enjoy while visiting Slovenia. There are playgrounds at every corner, calm lakes to enjoy splashing around in and plenty of outdoor fun with hikes in gorges to cable cars up to Mt. Vogel.

Kids will also enjoy the train into Postojna Cave, looking for hidden dragons throughout the capital city of Ljubljana. Many attractions are free for children under the age of 15 or are severely discounted. If you have older children, don’t miss the opportunity to do some white water rafting.

Restaurants cater to kids with nearby playgrounds, highchairs and kids menus with family favorites (chicken, fries, sandwiches). Kids will also love staying in a treehouse or tent at eco-friendly Garden Village Bled.

Best for families that like to explore outside, have a sense of adventure and like visiting lesser known places.

Where to go in Slovenia: I suggest basing yourself in Lake Bled, Slovenia and exploring from there by car. Alternatively, split your time between the capital city of Ljubljana, Piran (coastal town) and Lake Bled.

Families will enjoy the short drives between attractions, ease of finding family-friendly hotels and helpful locals.

How much time to spend in Slovenia? I highly suggest at least a full week to explore at a relatively easy pace. At a minimum, four days to enjoy the highlights and you can pair Slovenia with nearby Croatia.

Recommended Hotel in Lake Bled, Slovenia: Garden Village Bled

8. The Netherlands

Great family vacations are a mix of fun for everyone, including the adults. The Netherlands (Holland) is a great blend of stunning landscape, cheese farms, big cities like Amsterdam and theme parks to make it a wonderful destination for families in 2020.

The Netherlands is around the same size as Maryland, making it an easy country to explore by car. With the capital city of Amsterdam in the upper left of the country and surrounding farming towns and open-air museums. The coastal beaches are perfect for families, as well as Efteling (a fairytale theme park) on the southern border with Belgium.

Castles, 18th-century windmills, tulip farms, feeding baby goats bottles of milk at local cheese farms and the ability to ride bikes safely through Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Reserve near Efteling. Even the large city of Amsterdam is packed with fun with the Anne Frank House, boat rides to explore the canals and the NEMO Science Museum.

When to travel: April- October for the best weather.

Why the Netherlands is great for kids: The Netherlands is honestly one of the most kid-friendly countries to visit in all of Europe. The food is fresh and plentiful, with options for ‘grab and go’ in major supermarkets. Locals are welcoming, speak wonderful English and are helpful.

There are plenty of cafes to grab a quick bite and restaurants have highchairs and kid’s menus. Bike shops are outfitted with trailers and children’s bike seats. Kids under the age of 5 are free at most attractions and children under the age of 17 receive a discount.

Children will enjoy the variety of playgrounds, farms, coastal towns and plenty of opportunities to get fresh air.

Best for families that enjoy outdoor activities, sightseeing and flowers.

Where to go in the Netherlands: Most families will fly into Amsterdam, so I recommend spending a few days exploring the city. Take a canal boat cruise, visit the NEMO Science Museum and wander the streets and Albert Cuyp Market. Older children can tour with their parents to see the historic Anne Frank House or those with younger children can trade-off.

Then rent a car and head to the countryside. Rent an Airbnb in Aalsmeer, Netherlands and explore the nearby Keukenhof Gardens, ride a bike through the tulip fields (Spring) and visit the local cheese farms. Visit Clara Maria to learn how clogs and cheese are made and be sure to say hello to the calves in the barn nearby.

Explore Castle De Haar or head to the coastal town of Scheveningen, near The Hague. Ride the Ferris wheel, visit the aquarium or soak up the sun at the beach. Don’t miss visiting Kinderdijk with the world-famous windmills.

Head to the south to stay a night or two near Efteling, a theme park based on the Grimm Brother’s fairytales. I highly recommend staying at a cabin in the village nearby. Then rent bikes and explore the nearby sand dunes at Loonse en Drunense Duinen. The nearby Trappist monastery also brews some incredible beer, be sure to make reservations for a tour, it’s family-friendly.

How much time to spend in the Netherlands? You can easily spend two weeks discovering the beauty of the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can spend a long weekend in Amsterdam with a day trip to the countryside. I suggest at least a week with a visit to Amsterdam and then another stay in the central Netherlands to explore the other smaller towns.

Recommended Hotel in Amsterdam: Ambassade Hotel

Book an Airbnb in Aalsmeer, get $55 off your first trip.

9. Northern California

The beauty of the west coast is well documented and Northern California is a nature lovers paradise. From Redwood National Park, coastal towns with stunning sandy beaches and adventure sports in the area, it is the perfect place to get away without leaving the comforts of the US.

If you are looking for some family trip ideas that include a balance of adventure and laid back days, then California should fit the bill. I highly recommend pairing your visit with a white water rafting adventure with OARS on the Lower Klamath River. Kids as young as the age of four can enjoy the 2 night/3 day rafting trip with fully catered meals and full guides.

When to travel: April- October for the best weather. *June-August for Rafting

Why Northern California is great for kids: The Redwoods are stunning and the trails are easy to hike with trees you can climb inside and under. Kids from preschool up to middle school age will enjoy earning pins through the Junior Ranger program offered by the National Park System and the best part, it is free.

There are plenty of stunning beaches (College Cove Beach and Trinidad State Beach) to explore and play in the surf. Little ones can play safely in the streams that feed into the ocean. There are also plenty of opportunities to find ocean creatures in the tide pools.

There are also multiple trails located nearby to hike, such as the fern canyon and trillium falls trail. Kids will enjoy the temperate weather and lack of bugs.

Best for families that enjoy taking part in outdoor activities.

Where to go in Northern California: Stay in close proximity to the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The nearby towns are Orick and further south, Trinidad. Either of these locations will give you a good base for exploring the National Parks, trails and coastal beaches.

The Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy is one of the best drives to enjoy the Redwoods and many of the trails start from and end on this parkway. Be sure to pick up the Junior Ranger book at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center before you beginning your hikes. Trails range from less than a mile to 5-6 miles. They are all relatively easy with minimal elevation gain.

You can mix hiking with days spent at the beach, visiting lighthouses and looking for wildlife.

How much time to spend in Northern California? Some visitors drive up the coast from San Fransisco and stay one night, but that hardly does the area justice. I’d recommend at least 3 days and it pairs well with a rafting trip, for a full week’s adventure.

Recommended Hotel near the Redwoods: Elk Meadow Cabins

10. Budapest, Hungary

During our travels, Budapest really surprised me with how many family-friendly attractions the city offered. It is high on the list as one of the top family vacation destinations, even in the winter. Touted as one of the most affordable major cities in Europe, it is a perfect choice.

Families will love the culture of the city with historic buildings all along the Danube river including Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Be sure to take a cruise at night to see the building bathed in lights.

Kids will delight playing with miniature trains at Miniversum, explore one of the world’s oldest zoos, play in warm thermal baths, and let loose at the waterparks. Central Market Hall is a hub of activity and smells, and the children’s railway (run by children) is a fun way to explore the northern hills of Buda.

When to travel: Wonderful year-round. Christmas markets run from Thanksgiving till Christmas.

Why Budapest is great for kids: Families will find a mix of historic places to visit mixed with playgrounds, indoor kid play spaces, science museums and activities for everyone to enjoy.

A car isn’t required with easy transportation within the city. Kids will enjoy riding the trams and funiculars up to the top of Buda. If you plan to do quite a bit of sightseeing, the Budapest Card comes with free transportation.

If you are visiting in the winter, don’t miss the fabulous Christmas markets surrounding the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica. A light show plays in the evening, which is a delight for children. Children will also enjoy seeing the city from above in the Budapest Eye in Elizabeth Square.

Best for families that enjoy larger cities with lots of activities and sightseeing.

Budapest, Hungary – December 2017: Christmas market in front of St Stephen Basilica

Where to go in Budapest: Stay on the Pest side of Budapest to be close to all the attractions and activities. Spend the first day taking a tour of Parliament (great playground nearby), walking along the Danube and grabbing lunch supplies at the Central Market Hall. Let the kids learn about Budapest as well as play with trains at the Miniversum.

By day two, head across the Danube to explore the Buda side. Ride the Funicular up to Fisherman’s Bastion, tour Matthias Church and grab sweets at the nearby Ruszwurm Confectionery. End the day with a rise on the Children’s Railroad.

With the remaining days, explore the thermal baths, visit the Budapest Zoo or catch the free bus to AquaWorld.

How much time to spend in Budapest? I would suggest at least a long weekend (4 days). Budapest is best to be enjoyed without having to rush. Enjoy the restaurants, the car-free streets and parks.

Recommend Hotel in Budapest: Aria Hotel

I hope this list inspires you to book your next trip for 2020 with your family. Create wonderful memories exploring new cities and locations around the world, take part in new activities you’ve never tried and learn about cultures and traditions. With so many places in the world to visit, I hope I’ve shed some light on a few of the best vacation spots for kids.

Do have a favorite family-friendly vacation destination? Feel free to leave a comment or find me on Facebook or Instagram. I created this travel blog to help other families to explore the world with their kids and I hope I’ve inspired you. Want to read mroe about our travels? Head over to my destinations page and explore my interactive map, it’s pretty fun. Until next time!

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The Best 3 Day Itinerary: Acadia National Park

Chelsea — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 17:59:37 +0000

Ready to plan your trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, but you aren’t sure how many days you’ll need to see Acadia National Park? I’ll help you plan the perfect trip where you’ll be sure to see all of the Acadia National Park attractions with either 3 days in Acadia National Park, add on a few days to have 5 days in Acadia National Park or even how to enjoy a quick stop with one day in Acadia National Park.

I’m a planner, so having the perfect Acadia National Park itinerary is important in order not to miss the best Bar Harbor activities, tours, and things to see in Acadia National Park. After multiple visits to Bar Harbor and Acadia, I can assure you that this is the best Acadia National Park trip itinerary for couples, families, cruise ship visitors and visitors across the globe.

Without further ado, check out the best 3-day itinerary for Acadia National Park

Best time to visit Acadia National Park

The best time to go to Acadia National Park is between late May and early September. Maine and Acadia National Park are located in the Northern Hemisphere and just across the water from Nova Scotia. Summer highs vary between 59 degrees and 79 degrees (July/August), which is also the height of the tourist season.

I do not recommend visiting Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine from November – February where it is extremely cold with night temperatures dropping below 0 degrees and high totals of snow accumulation. However, I would suggest visiting some of the many amazing Maine ski resorts to enjoy the winter season.

How to get to Acadia National Park

Most tourists fly into Bangor International airport located just over an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor, Maine. Then you have a few options for how you want to get to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Option 1: Rent a car.

Option 2: Downeast Transportation provides bus service between Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, and the Bangor airport and Concord Coach bus depot every Friday and Monday.

Option 3: The Bar Harbor/Bangor Shuttle is a private shuttle service that operates June through October on a reservation basis.

Interested in driving? Check out the distances and estimated driving time from these major cities.

-Portland to Acadia National Park: 170 Miles, 3 hours
-Boston to Acadia National Park: 280 Miles, 4.5 hours
-NYC to Acadia National Park: 480 Miles, 8 hours

If you plan to include Portland, Maine as a part of your itinerary, check out this great guide to visiting Portland, Maine.

Once you reach Bar Harbor it is a short 5-10 minute car ride or trolley ride to the entrance of Acadia National Park.
-Bar Harbor to Acadia National Park: 5-10 minutes driving

Looking for more places to visit in Maine? Check out this Maine Travel Guide for all of your travel needs.

Day one: Best of Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the top National Park in the US and you’ll quickly see why with its immense beauty, fun hiking trails, carriage roads and a multitude of Acadia National Park activities that you can take part in.

Start off day one exploring the many Acadia National Park attractions including sand beach, thunder hole, Jordan Pond and the many cliffside lookouts and tidal pools. I’ve included this interactive map below that highlights all of my recommendations for Day 1. Click on each icon for a photo and suggestion for each sight.

Morning: Things to do in Acadia

With your 1^st full day, let’s hit the main attraction, Acadia National Park.

Feeling adventuresome? Wake up before sunrise (check the charts here) and head up to Cadillac Mountain to be one of the first persons in the US to catch the sunrise. If not, totally fine, I also suggest catching the sunset and doing some stargazing, more on that later.

After you’ve enjoyed your sunrise or some breakfast at Café This Way head 5 minutes towards the park entrance.

Looking for recommended restaurants? Check out my Full Guide to Bar Harbor Restaurants!

Important Information for your Acadia National Park Vacation:

Acadia National Park Hours: Acadia National Park is open 24 hours year-round, however, the visitor center opens from Mid-April till Mid-October from 8:30 am – 4: 30 pm. (Sumer Hours: 8 am – 6 pm)

Acadia National Park Fees:

Private Vehicle: $30 (Valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $25 (Valid for 7 days)
Per Person: $15 (Valid for 7 days)
- Hiker/pedestrian
Acadia Annual Pass: $55 (12 months)
- Includes Passholder and Passengers
Active Duty Military Service Members: FREE
- Show your ID at the Visitors Center

Don’t want to deal with lines at the Visitor Center or plan on entering the park before hours? Buy your park pass online HERE.

Stop #1: Sand Beach:

Start your visit at Sand Beach (located on your left). There is a parking area located walking distance to the beach and since you are arriving early, you’ll have no problem finding a spot. You’ve got 2 options for this stop!

The Sand Beach, at Acadia National Park, Maine.

Option 1: Hit the beach, explore the tidal pools and soak up the beauty.

Kid-Friendly Tip: There is a nice stream that runs inland from the beach that is much warmer and safer to play in. Head down the beach until you see the crossing.

Check out my favorite packable beach gear!

Option 2: Head across the road to the Beehive trail. The trail is only recommended for adventurers who are sturdy on their feet and able to climb metal rungs and traverse cliff edges. You’ll want to hit the trail early to beat the crowds. Be sure to pack water and snacks for the ascent.

Stop #2: Thunder Hole:

Be sure to look up the tide schedule if you really want to see Thunder Hole in all of its glory. Either way, it’s fun to check out the whole structure and climb around the cliffs to look at the coastline. If you visit during low tide, there are a few places where you can check out tidal pools below the cliffs.

Stop #3: Boulder Beach/Otter Cliffs:

If you have time, take a peek at Boulder Beach and Otter Cliffs, otherwise, continue on the one-way road.

Afternoon at Jordan Pond:

Continue on the one-way road to the Jordan Pond House. Be sure to make reservations for lunch if you are traveling during the busy summer travel season. I highly recommend the popovers, but everything on the menu is delicious. With the beautiful Maine weather, it is nice to sit outside overlooking the pond.

Forgot to make reservations and it’s over an hour wait? Pop into the store and there are some grab and go sandwich options.

If you are feeling like a nice jaunt, take a walk around the Jordan Pond. It is a 3.5-mile roundtrip hike without any incline and relatively flat surfaces. Great for travelers of all ages.

If you have additional time in your schedule, I highly suggest arranging a horse-drawn carriage ride or renting bikes to explore the Acadia National Park carriage roads and the many stone bridges located in Acadia National Park. The interior of the park is much less trafficked because it is pedestrian/carriage/horse transportation only.

Evening: Bar Harbor

Head back to Bar Harbor for an early evening walk along the Shore Path. Depending on where you are staying, you’ll find multiple entrances to the Shore Path located in the neighborhoods as well as in the center of town near the wharf. There are opportunities to explore the tidal pools, watch the lobster boats and cruise ships head back into port as well as views of the lighthouse and islands.

After a nice walk along the shore path, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many places to eat in Bar Harbor. I highly recommend your first dinner at the Side Street Café.

Enjoy your evening lingering over dinner, walking around Bar Harbors shops with a scoop of ice cream from Mount Desert Ice Cream or hitting one of the many parks to linger and do some people watching.

Looking for recommended restaurants? Check out my Full Guide to Bar Harbor Restaurants!

If you only have one day in Acadia National Park, then this 1st day will pack in the highlights of the park. Doing an Acadia National Park day trip gives you at least a sample of what the area has to offer and I bet you’ll want to return for more! Staying for another night? I’ll show you how to spend 2 days in Acadia National Park next!

Want to spend more time in Acadia? Check out my favorite things to do in Acadia!

Day Two: Bar Harbor Activities

With another full day explore, I highly suggest one of the many boat tours located in Bar Harbor. We really enjoy learning about the local area when we travel, so we suggest Lulu’s Lobster Boat Tour, but you can also check out sailing boat tours, whale watching and more.

Here is another interactive map that covers all the sites, restaurants and places I recommend on Day 2. Click on the icon to see a photo and personalized recommendations.

Morning: Boat Tour

Lunch: After your tour, you’ll be ready for a nice seafood lunch. I highly recommend heading over to the Trenton Lobster Pound if you want the full Maine lobster experience. Looking for a bit of a varied food experience, then I also recommend The Thirsty Whale Tavern.

Looking for recommended restaurants? Check out my Full Guide to Bar Harbor Restaurants!

After lunch, it’s time to explore the Bar Harbor shops. Check out some of my favorite shops below!

Bar Harbor, Maine 07-31-2008 Town of Bar Harbor, Maine on a sunny summer afternoon.

Favorite Shops:

In The Woods– This beautiful shop is full of wood carved items. From children’s toys (including a giant rocking horse) to unique puzzle boxes, wooden bowls, and walking sticks. The shop is filled with products created by local artisans. They donate all profits to land conservation efforts.

Cool as Mouse– If you are looking for a souvenir shop filled with wooden boats, lobster gifts, t-shirts and more, then this is the place to check out. The local blueberry jam is a favorite.

Bark Harbor– If you have a furry friend in your family, this is a great local shop. They have everything from treats, collars, clothing, and toys. Support a great cause as they share profits to support the local pet pantry and SPCA. Our pup wasn’t along on the journey with us, that we picked up a lobster toy for him to squeak to his heart’s content!

Christmas Spirit Shop: if Christmas ornaments are your souvenir or choice or you just can’t help but enjoy wandering around Christmas shops, then this is the place for you. Be sure to check out their personalized ornaments.

House Wine: This spot is a bit further up Maine Street, but it’s a great spot to pack a picnic. Grab a bottle of wine, check out their selections of meat and cheeses, add some crackers and you’ve got the perfect picnic.

Bar Harbor is the type of coastal town that is meant to be wandered. Take a break to window shop, peek into various stores and see what fun discoveries you’ll find. Tired of walking? Head over to the many green parks where you can relax on a picnic bench or lay in the crisp green grass. Slow down and soak up the coastal ambiance.

BAR HARBOR-OCT 17: Bar Harbor architecture in downtown near Frenchman Bay in Maine, USA on October 17, 2015.

Afternoon: Sand Bar out to Bar Harbor Island

Check the tide schedule and shift your schedule around if needed, but walking along the sand bar path to the Bar Harbor Island is a delight for visitors and highly recommended. You can park along the side streets and take your shoes off while you look for sea glass and shells. There is a short hike up to the top of Bar Harbor Island with views back to the shore. Just make sure you time your visit to make it back to dry land before the tide rolls back in.

Late Afternoon: Back to Acadia National Park

If you have the time, head back into Acadia National Park to hike the Bubble Trail. It’s a relatively easy 1.4-mile roundtrip hike up to views over Jordan Pond and massive 14-ton boulder that had found itself perched high on the rock.

Evening: Star Gazing and Dinner

After your hike, drive up to Cadillac Mountain for a late sunset and some stargazing. I recommend packing a picnic dinner to linger a bit longer. It is park policy that no alcohol is permitted, but feel free to bring other drinks. Side Street Cafe will do take-out if you call ahead.

If you are an avid stargazer, then be sure to time your visit with Acadia National Park Night Sky Festival in September. The festival includes speakers, special events and stargazing on sand beach. It’s a festival not to be missed!

If you’d prefer a nice dinner, check out the stars and then down for a late-night dinner at Geddy’s.

Looking for recommended restaurants? Check out my Full Guide to Bar Harbor Restaurants!

This concludes another full filled day in Bar Harbor. If you are only able to stay for 2 days in Acadia National Park, then my suggestion will certainly give you a taste of the beauty that Acadia National Park has to offer and the surrounding harbor town of Bar Harbor.

Day Three: Things to do Near Acadia National Park

When planning a trip to Acadia National Park, the beauty of the surrounding towns and attractions can be often overlooked. Day three will cover areas within a short drive of Bar Harbor. From the Bass Head Lighthouse to the beautiful gardens and small harbor towns, it’s the perfect mix of nature-based fun with plenty of opportunities to relax.

Breakfast- Choco-Latte

Start off your third full day with Breakfast at Choco-Latte with their home-baked bagel sandwiches and baked goods to go along with the amazing coffee! Then jump into the car and drive over to wander through the beautiful Azalea Gardens.

Morning: Asticou Azalea Garden

The Asticou Azalea Garden was created in 1956 by John Savage, who was a longtime resident in the area and was financed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. It is a garden filled with delights and colorful flowers. Enjoy the smells as you meander through the winding paths or sit for a while to soak it all in. It is part Japanese garden and part azalea garden.

Admittance to the garden is free, but it is managed by volunteers and owned by the Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve, so donations are appreciated. The garden is open 7 days a week (sunrise to sunset) from May till October. There are restrooms available and plenty of nice benches to rest, but please do not bring a picnic because food and drinks are not allowed. Pets are also not welcome due to the beauty of the gardens.

If you love visiting beautiful gardens, then located nearby is Thuya Gardens and Lodge. The Thuya Garden and Thuya Lodge are preserved from a long-time summer residence Joseph Curtis. He was a Boston landscape architect that wanted to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Northeast Harbor. When Curtis dies in 1928, the 140-acre property was gifted to the residents of Mount Desert and is now managed by the Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve with a community of volunteers. in 1956, Charles Savage a landscape designer helped to transform the gardens into what you see today.

Lunch: Southwest Harbor and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

After exploring a bit, head over to Southwest Harbor for a nice lunch at the Quiet Side Café and Ice Cream shop (360 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04679).

Bass Harbor lighthouse is located in northern Maine’s Acadia National Park

After lunch, head over to the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. You can’t go into the lighthouse, except on special occasions, but you can explore around the base of the lighthouse, as well as trails along the shore to have nice views looking back at the lighthouse. Parking is free and it is a popular spot for photographers who want to capture the perfect sunset with the lighthouse in the background.

Evening: Bar Harbor

After your visit to the Bass Harbor Lighthouse, head back to Bar Harbor for your final dinner at Galyn’s.

Looking for more things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine? I’ve got more great ideas below!

What to Pack for a Trip to Maine

Even in the height of summer, Maine doesn’t often reach temperatures that we would associate with warm summer weather! Be prepared to layer with cooler mornings and then nice afternoons on a sunny day. Be sure to bring sunscreen because even though the sunshine feels good with a cool blowing breeze, you’ll easily end up with a sunburn.

Acadia National Park is also all about getting outdoors! That means you need to bring some good shoes to climb around the rocks and tackle some fun trails. Grab a rain jacket as well because the weather can be a bit unpredictable and rain keeps the beautify of nature nice and green.

Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated with a packable water bottle and a daypack to haul your raincoat, snacks and extra gear. You’ll be glad you were prepared and then you’ll get to focus more on the trip!

Book your trip!
Discover the best hotels in Bar Harbor.
Rent a car with our favorite rental car company.
Check out these guides for more Maine travel ideas.

I hope you love Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park as much as we have. Please feel free to message me with any questions, updates, favorite parts of your trip. I love connecting with my readers. Happy Travels!

See my recent posts to inspire your future travels!

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Maine Dining Guide: Best of Bar Harbor, Maine Restaurants

Chelsea — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:20:11 +0000

Bar Harbor, Maine is well known for its food scene. With its coastal location, Bar Harbor is known for its fresh seafood that is caught daily, especially the lobsters, right off the shores. The Bar Harbor Restaurants are plentiful with cuisines to suit every palate including Italian, Mexican, Asia, American and of course Seafood. I’ll include my favorite Bar Harbor, Maine Restaurants are we are frequent visitors to the area.

The majority of my recommendations for the best restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine are located within walking distance of downtown, but I’ll also note a few that are located out of the main tourist area. I’ll not only mention the top restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine, but also the best coffee shops, ice cream shops, places to buy local beer and wine as well as which restaurants serve the best lobster and restaurants that are open in the winter.

After a day exploring Acadia National Park, the surrounding towns of Northeast Harbor and boat tours out on the water, you’ll no doubt work up an appetite and the Bar Harbour Restaurants will be sure to satisfy. So without further ado, let’s explore the best of Bar Harbor, Maine Restaurants!

Need help booking your trip? Check out my 3 Day Itinerary

Best Restaurants Bar Harbor, Maine

I’ve included some of the best restaurants Bar Harbor as to offer with the address, hours (breakfast, lunch dinner) and recommendations for what to eat. If you click on the name of the restaurant you’ll be redirected to their website for additional information, if available.

I’ve dined at each of these top restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine on my repeat visits. Acadia is one of my favorite National Parks and Bar Harbor is the perfect jumping-off point to explore.

If you want to read more about what to do inside Acadia National Park, you can read my post by clicking this link.

1. Side Street Cafe (Bar Harbor)

The Side Street Cafe has something for everyone in this family-run cafe. The friendly staff serves sandwiches, soups and is one of the downtown Bar Harbor restaurants that is sure to impress. As its name suggests, it is on a side street just a few blocks from the main tourist area. This is where the locals dine and enjoy the island vibe!

Cuisine: American

Location: 49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am – 10 pm

Recommendations: BEST Lobster Rolls, Macaroni and Cheese, Blueberry Pie

Things to Note: Gluten-Free Options, Vegetarian Options, Indoor/Outdoor seating options, Popular- so make reservations or dine early/late.

2. Geddy’s (Bar Harbor)

Geddy’s is a family-friendly restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere (pub-style) and has been a staple in Bar Harbor for over 40 years. Located off the main street and near the town pier, Geddy’s serves a variety of fare including lobster, burgers, pizza, and fresh drinks. With a fun atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s another popular spot for locals and tourists.

Cuisine: American

Location:19 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am – 9:30/10 pm

Recommendations: Pizza, Lobster Rolls, Blueberry pie

Things to Note: Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Friendly, tell the kids to color the menu for a free prize in the gift shop, store below has great souvenirs, organic produce.

3. Stewman’s Lobster Pound (Bar Harbor)

If you are looking for waterfront dining, then Stewman’s Lobster Pound is the place to visit. Its menu focuses mostly on seafood options, including their lobster bake with melted butter for dipping and a choice of side. They also have sandwiches, salads, burgers, and non-seafood fare. Open seasonally, this is the place to enjoy the surrounding harbor and the benefits of fresh seafood caught and delivery daily.

Cuisine: Seafood

Location: 35 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am – 9:30/10 pm (Memorial Day- End of October)

Recommendations: Lobster Experience: lobster, corn, clam chowder, mussels, and blueberry pie.

Things to Note: Outdoor seating with views, on the pricey side, large portions.

4. The Thirsty Whale Tavern

The Thirsty Whale Tavern is a great option if you are looking for a laid back place to enjoy some good food. The staff is friendly with quick service and the food is pub style and delicious. You can order the typical lobster dishes or switch things up with fried oysters, hearty sandwiches and a good drink from the bar. This spot also offers affordable prices.

Cuisine: Bar and Grill

Location: 40 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am – 1 am (Open Year Round)

Recommendations: Fried pickles, fish sandwich, beers/local root beers, and fish & chips.

Things to Note: Large portions, fast service, kid-friendly with coloring sheets and crayons (just ask), and great local root beers. Vegetarian options (veggie burger).

5. Cafe This Way (Bar Harbor)

Looking for a great place for breakfast and locally sourced foods? Be sure to add Cafe This Way to your list of place to eat during your visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. The interior has a fun vibe with retro-tables, comfortable chairs, and funky decor. The restaurant prides itself as part casual and part gourmet with it’s international cuisine.

Cuisine: Cafe

Location: 14 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Breakfast from 7 am-11:30 pm (Mon-Sat) and Sunday from 8 am – 1 pm. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Recommendations: Breakfast: Kit’s Burrito, Egg’s Benedict, Blueberry pancakes, and corned beef hash.

Dinner: Fish cakes, fried brussel sprouts, cauliflower hummus, and fish cakes.

Things to Note: Vegetarian and Vegan options, kid’s menu, outdoor seating, gluten-free substitutes.

6. Trenton Lobster Pound (Trenton Bridge)

If you are looking for a traditional lobster pound, then head to Trenton where they’ve been cooking up delicious seafood for over 60 years. This is where you’ll find fresh seafood boiled over an open fire in large pots of saltwater. The restaurant is simple and the focus is on the food. Pick out the lobster of your choice and then sit back while it is cooked. The menu also includes clams, blueberry pie, sandwiches, and drinks. This is one of the top voted Bar Harbor seafood restaurants, so don’t miss it!

Cuisine: Lobster Pound

Location: 1237 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605

Hours: Open in the Summer Mon – Sat, 8:00 am – 7:30 pm (Open Sunday on Holidays weekends)

Recommendations: Lobster and seafood!

Things to Note: Non-Seafood Option available: ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Seating is outside (covered or uncovered).

7. Galyn’s (Bar Harbor)

Galyn’s Restuarant has been a staple in the Bar Harbor area for over 30 years. Located right off the main street in downtown Bar Harbor, it is an easy place to locate and pop into for a nice lunch or dinner. This family-run restaurant is housed in a building originally used as a boarding house for local sailors and now has two floors of dining space with views of Agamont Park.

Cuisine: Seafood Restaurant

Location: 17 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am- 10 pm.

Recommendations: Lobster tails, shrimp scampi, crab cakes, and filet mignon

Things to Note: Family run with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Sitting on the front porch is a great place to people-watch while you eat. Make reservations in the busy season.

8. West Street Cafe (Bar Harbor)

The West Street Cafe re-opened in 2018 with a beautiful new interior and a revamped menu. They are best known for their “Downeast Special” which includes 1 1/4 lbs of fresh Maine lobster, a cup of clam chowder, french fries, coleslaw and a slice of blueberry pie. Yum!

Cuisine: Seafood Restaurant

Location: 76 West St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open for Lunch and Dinner from 11 am- 8:30 pm.

Recommendations: Clam Chowder, Lobster, Fish Sandwiches, blueberry pie, and stuffed shrimp.

Things to Note: Early bird dining options between 11 am – 6 pm daily. Children’s menu is available.

Looking for more Things to Do in Bar Harbor? Click HERE!

Best Seafood Restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine

Looking for the best Seafood Restaurants in Bar Harbor? With its coastal location, you can be assured that the seafood is fresh and often caught directly off the shore. The following restaurants are our favorites for their seafood options and fresh taste.

Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound– Fresh seafood, cooked to order with a focus on great seafood! One of the best lobster restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Side Street Cafe– Voted one of the best Bar Harbor lobster restaurants for their lobster rolls and lobster stew.
Galyn’s Restuarant– For a more upscale option with full lobsters and sides.

Bar Harbor Restaurants Open in Winter

Not sure which restaurants in Bar Harbor, Maine are open in winter? The following restaurants are open year-round. Always be sure to check their website just in case they change their hours as some will still close in February/March.

Side Street Cafe
Geddy’s Bar and Grill
Siam Orchid
McKay’s Public House
Choco-Latte
Havana

Coffee, Tea, and Bakeries in Bar Harbor

Mornings in Bar Harbor are a treat with some wonderful options for a delicious coffee, tea and sweet treat to start your day. During the busy season, you’ll often see lines forming out the door!

1. Choco-Latte (Bar Harbor)

Up early and looking for a place to grab a coffee and bagel or breakfast sandwich, then head over to Choco-Latte located just off the main street in downtown Bar Harbor. Known for its home-made bagels, delicious chocolates and baked goods sourced from nearby Mount Dessert Bakery (also on our list). They also have amazing coffee that is nitro infused to get your zip in the morning! Not a coffee drinker? The hot chocolate is divine!

Cuisine: Coffee Shop

Location: 240 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open ALL day from 7 am – 8 pm (Off-season hours vary)

Recommendations: Hot chocolate options, choco-latte, breakfast sandwiches, and blueberry muffins.

Things to Note: Fun unique flavors like blueberry latte and pumpkin spice. It gets busy in the main tourist season, so get there early for a seat.

2. Coffee Hound Coffee Bar (Bar Harbor)

Specializing in hand-crafted specialty coffees from around the world, this coffee bar is sure to serve something to delight your palate. Need a bite to eat with your coffee or smoothie, they also serve crepes varying from savory (ham and cheese) to sweet (Nutella and powdered sugar). Yum!

Cuisine: Coffee Shop

Location: 27 Main St B, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open May-October from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Recommendations: Crepes, signature coffees (Acadian Turtle is my go-to), and lattes. Grab a blueberry to go pie on your way out.

Things to Note: Zero plastics- so enjoy those recyclable and compostable cups and straws! Check out their monthly coffee subscription service for amazing coffee delivered right to your door.

3. Mount Dessert Bakery (Bar Harbor)

A bit off the beaten path, but less than a mile away from the Main Street, you’ll find this Bakery oozing with delectable treats that are baked fresh daily. A family-run operation that prides itself on bread and pastries baked from scratch. So cozy up and enjoy a slow morning with coffee in one hand and a pastry in the other.

Cuisine: Bakery

Location: 122 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open 7 am – 4 pm Monday-Friday, 8 am – 3 pm on Saturday, Closed Sundays

Recommendations: Everything! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time making a decision. Pick up a blueberry pie to share for later too!

Things to Note: Free wifi, friendly staff, and light lunch options.

Ice Cream and Sweets

Summer is the perfect time for ice cream and sweet treats. Downtown Bar Harbor has no shortage in places to grab a scoop, or a few candies to enjoy while you walk. With so many choices, I’ve narrowed down the best places to visit.

1. Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium (Bar Harbor)

Do you have a bit of a sweet tooth? Indulge that sweet tooth and Ben and Bills. Handmade candies, fudge and ice cream will delight you. Are you daring enough to try the Lobster Ice Cream?

Cuisine: Candy Store

Location: 66 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open daily 9 am – 11 pm

Recommendations: Blueberry ice cream in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone is always a favorite!

Things to Note: The place gets busy on the weekends, so wiggle in. A bit pricey, but large portions, so you might want to share a scoop. Sorbet options for those with lactose intolerance or vegans.

2. Mount Desert Island Ice Cream (Bar Harbor)

Another great ice cream shop to help melt away the summer sun. Perfect for enjoying while window shopping, lazing in nearby Village Green or sitting on a bench and people watching along Main Street. Made with real ingredients and made in small batches to keep the ice cream fresh and ready for you!

Cuisine: Ice Cream Shop

Location: 7 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open Spring-Fall from 11 am – 9 pm. Summer hours a bit longer from 10 am – 11 pm.

Recommendations: Blueberry sour crumble is amazing! Crunchy caramel bits with smooth blueberry ice cream flavor. Another favorite is the Sweet Maine cream, yum!

Things to Note: There are multiple locations, but this recommendation is for the Firefly Lane location off Main Street. It’s a popular spot, so the line is often out the door. Lots of unique options, so open your mind and try them, but if the kids MUST have chocolate chip, you’ll be out of luck.

3. Jordan Pond Ice Cream & Fudge (Bar Harbor)

Delicious ice cream and fudge with free samples, need I say more? Located near Agamont Park and closest to the harbor, it’s a great spot to grab a sweet treat before lazing in the park to enjoy free music in the summer and watching the boats come and go from the harbor. Support a local business who has been around for over 80 years!

Cuisine: Ice Cream Shop

Location: 45 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open Spring-Fall from 11 am – 9 pm.

Recommendations: Blueberry ice cream, coffee with heath bar, all creamy with a great texture. Ask for samples to decide.

Things to Note: No single scoops, but you can split a double into two cones. Classic and fun flavors to choose from.

Beer and Wine

Looking for a nice bottle of wine to enjoy at your Bed and Breakfast or Hotel? The following recommendations are places to grab a nice bottle of wine or beer during your visit to Bar Harbor.

Assorted Beers in a Flight Ready for Tasting

1. House Wine (Bar Harbor)

We loved this shop during our visit to Bar Harbor. On our second visit, our son was around 6 months and we wanted a nice bottle of wine with a cheese/charcuterie plate to enjoy after he fell asleep. House wine has a great selection of local, regional and international wines to suit every palate. They also offer beer, but no liquor. The staff is friendly and helpful in pairing your items together. They also offer wine tastings on select days, check their website for more details.

Cuisine: Wine and Beer Shop

Location: 227 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open daily from 10 am – 9 pm.

Recommendations: Check out their local wines, the blueberry wine is delicious!

Things to Note: They are open early, so grab a cheese/meat platter to enjoy inside Acadia National Park or in the many green spaces scattered throughout Bar Harbor, Maine. They have a great 6 bottles for $60 deal!

2. Atlantic Brewing Midtown (Bar Harbor)

Do you have a beer lover in your family? Then don’t miss a visit to Atlantic Brewing Midtown in downtown Bar Harbor. They’ve been around for almost 30 years and have expanded quite a bit over the years with two locations in the Bar Harbor area. Check out their late afternoon tours (Knox Road location) or stop by their tasting room with samples. Then grab a few options to enjoy during your visit in their salesroom.

Cuisine: Brewery

Location: 52 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609/ 15 Knox Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am – 9 pm. Tours seasonally (Memorial Day- Mid-October) at 2 pm, 3 pm & 4 pm.

Recommendations: It depends on which type of beer you like, but be sure to try their local Blueberry Ale!

Things to Note: Take the 20-minute tour with 15-minute guided tasting (Knox Road location). Can’t make a tour time, stop by the tasting room to enjoy some samples or grab a few options to try in their store. Non-beer drinkers can enjoy blueberry soda and other specialties.

3. Bar Harbor Cellars (Bar Harbor)

Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor Cellars is a winery ready to impress. For $6 you can pick up to 6 different wines to taste. Then after your tasting, you’ll be offered a free tasting of their Hard Cider using local apples. The blueberry wine makes a great gift.

Cuisine: Winery

Location: 854 ME-3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Hours: Summer Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, shorter hours in the Spring and Fall from 10 am – 5 pm.

Recommendations: Be sure to try the blueberry wine! (Are you tired of blueberry everything yet?) Try the locally made chocolates for a great pairing with your wine.

Things to Note: Great pricing for tastings and you can $3 off if you buy 3 bottles. It’s a smaller winery, so get there early on busy weekends in the summer. We loved the friendly staff.

So that’s the round-up of the best Bar Harbor, Maine restaurants. Are you feeling as hungry as I am? I’m ready to hop a flight and head back up to Maine for another visit! Leave me a comment with your favorite restaurant from the list, or if I’ve missed one and need to try on my next trip. Happy to answer any questions. Happy Travels!

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-If you’d like more information about Acadia National Park, check out my post about the top things to do.

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-Check out TripAdvisor for more reviews and restuarant recommendations in Bar Harbor.

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Things to do with kids in Lancaster PA | Amish Country

Chelsea — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 02:19:00 +0000

Things to do with kids in Lancaster PA | Amish Country

Discover the best things to do with kids in Lancaster PA. Plan the perfect Amish vacation with Amish attractions, train museums, farm-to-table food and farm stays. It’s the perfect escape from the city and an extremely family friendly area to explore.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country is home to 75,000 Amish families (almost 25% of the population). There are plenty of opportunities to learn about the Amish culture and their simple life.

In addition, Lancaster County is home to the Strasburg Railroad, which is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the western hemisphere. Sprinkle in theme parks, farmers markets, and a huge adventure farm, you can see why Lancaster, PA is a top family destination.

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Verdant View Farms Bed and Breakfast Lancaster PA

Visiting Lancaster PA had always been on my list, so when my husband had to travel for work and we still had 3 more weeks of summer, my son and I took off on a mother-son trip around Pennsylvania together. We started driving up to Diggerland (click the link to read more) in New Jersey, through Philadelphia to the outskirts to play at the Legoland Discovery Center (click the link to read more) and then down to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Planning on combining this trip with a trip to Philadelphia, check out these tips on what to see.

We spent 3 nights at the Verdant View Farm doing a farm stay. If you want to read more about the farm stay, click the button below. I highly recommend Verdant View Farm because we were able to have the farm experience, a farm-to-table breakfast and a wonderful location to explore each day. My son always enjoyed finding new friends and playing with Scooby, the farm dog.

Best Things to do in Lancaster, PA

Looking for the best Lancaster, PA attractions? The following Lancaster activities are perfect for the whole family! I’ve included some free things to do in Lancaster, PA as well as many things to see in Lancaster, PA that have paid admission. I’ve also divided the Lancaster attractions by theme, feel free to use the table of contents below to jump to a particular section of interest.

Learn about the Amish culture and way of life. There are multiple Amish tours in Lancaster, PA, but I’m only going to suggest the ones that we visited personally. I read reviews and asked locals, so I can say that the following Amish things to do in Lancaster, PA are the best options for learning about the Amish.

The Amish Farm and House

This historic site is dedicated to to sharing information pertaining to the practices of the Amish. You have a few options to visit, but we chose the guided tour of the home and visit to the farm with the one room schoolhouse. They also offer bus tours, but we took a few self-drives and would only take a bus tour if we had limited time.

For Kids: Be sure to grab a scavenger hunt before you head outside. Complete it and return to the gift shop for a treat! There are also farm animals to feed, playgrounds to play on and interactive elements like a buggy you can climb into and a cow you can “milk”.

Abe’s Horse and Buggy Rides

Enjoy a private ride through Amish Country on a traditional Amish buggy. You can pick from varying lengths and prices, we choose the 30 minute ride and it was the perfect length and on a nice road passing by farms, a schoolhouse and pond.

We picked Abe’s Horse and Buggy Rides because they offered private rides, a petting zoo, playground and the horses were well cared for. If you choose a different company, please make sure you do your research.

For Kids: Buy food to feed the animals, enjoy the playground while you wait for your carriage ride and take the reins to help drive the carriage!

Train Attractions:

There are so many amazing train related activities in Lancaster County. The Strasburg railroad is the main attraction with its large black engine and wide variety of train car options to enjoy a 45 minute ride through the Amish farmland. It was one of our favorite Amish country PA attractions. There are also three train museums to enjoy as well as a train themed hotel.

Strasburg Railroad and Train

Calling all train lovers! Be sure to catch a ride on the oldest continuously running train in the Western Hemisphere. There are multiple train car options that range from Presidential all the way down to open-air cars to fit any budget. You’ll enjoy a 45 minute train ride through Lancaster County’s scenic farmland on a one-way track.

We chose to sit in an open air car since it was a beautiful day with clear skies and nice temperatures. My son enjoyed laying his head on the window ledge and walking to the front to watch and hear the engine. At the 1/2 way mark, we watched the train uncouple and switch to the front of the train for the return journey.

For Kids: Before or after your train journey, be sure to enjoy the Strasburg Rail Road activities! Visit the large playground, let the kids ride on the mini train or try taking the cranky cars for a spin. There are also shops and cafes available.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Visit the Strasburg Train Museum, which conveniently sits right across from the Strasburg Train station. Take an up close look at the many engines, train cars and passenger trains featured in their interactive exhibits. Don’t miss seeing the restoration work and outdoor train yard.

For Kids: The kids will really enjoy the Stewart Junction area with train tables, electronic trains you can control (for age 8+) and lego train displays with action buttons to push. It was a favorite area for my son! There are also areas to shovel coal, look inside the trains via stair platforms and go underneath a train.

Get Outside:

Lancaster, PA beckons visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. The blue skies, fluffy white clouds and crisp green grass welcome you to feel the sunshine upon your skin and slow down. Two wonderful family friendly attractions located close to Lancaster are the Crest View Adventure Farm and Refreshing Mountain.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Looking to let the kids run off a bit of steam? Cherry Crest Adventure Farm was one of our favorite family activities in Lancaster, PA. It is a 300 acre family owned farm with tons of great activities for kids. Visit with the farm animals, wander the maze, crawl through hay tunnels and jump on the jumping pillow! Great for toddlers up to elementary aged children.

For Kids: Everything! Don’t miss the slingshots, baby chicks inside the Discovery Barn and the Sproutsville mini town with interactive activities inside each building.

Refreshing Mountain

Refreshing mountain retreat and adventure center is located 30-45 minutes north of Lancaster County. The center is surrounded by 80 acres of beautiful Pennsylvania woodland and the adventure center offers ropes courses, rock walls, outdoor pools, giant swing, archery and a wildlife center.

The adventure center is best for ages 5 and up (minimum age for most activities). There is a nice playground area for younger children to wait while older children take part in activities.

My son and I participated in their ropes course with zip-lines and giant swing. It was a bit challenging and I’d only recommend it for adventuresome children since you are quite high in the air and children must follow all safety directions. The giant swing was a highlight for my son and he had no hesitation in pulling the cord.

Buffet Restaurants and Must Try Treats:

Home cooked food is a specialty in this area and it is featured at “all you can eat” buffet restaurants, also called smorgasbords. During our stay, buffet restaurants were perfect dinners for the two of us, so we tried quite a few options in the area. I’ll share my favorites!

We also asked the locals for the best places for ice cream, pretzels and lunch. All of those recommendations were spot on, so I’ll share all those spots with you.

Buffet Restaurants (Smorgasbords)

Smörgåsbord actually originated in Sweden, when buffets were served with multiple hot and cold dish options to guests. Lancaster takes this tradition and puts a “home cooked” spin on it.

Make sure you are nice and hungry before you arrive because you’l be greated with buffet stations full of soups, salads, meats, vegetables, h’orderves, ice cream, pies and more!

We visited three different buffet restaurants: Millers, Bird-in-Hand and Shady Maple. They were all a bit similar, but Shady Maple and Millers were favorites for their food quality and taste. We also liked the salad/soup option at Millers, for those that want a buffet without quite so much food.

Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant

Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA

$ 25 49

Adult Price: Dinner

$3 online coupon
Soup/Salad Buffet Option
Wide Variety of Foods
Friendly Staff

Popular

Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant

Old Philly Pike, Bird in Hand, PA

$ 22 39

Adult Price: Dinner

Kids Buffet Option
Soup/Salad Buffet Option
Food was a bit bland
Locally Sourced

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Toddy Drive, East Earl, PA

$ 20 49

Average Adult Price, Varies by Night

Nightly Dinner Feature
Thursday Kids Night
Large Selection
Many seating options

Best Value

Pretzels, Ice Cream and more!

One of my favorite parts of Lancaster was the access to so many wonderful markets, roadside stands and locally made products during our visit to Amish Country, PA. Traveling with a young son means plenty of times for snacks! So where are the best places to eat in Lancaster you ask? Here are our favorites.

Fox Meadows Creamery: (2475 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522)

The ice cream is made daily and in-house with milk from the farm’s cows. You can see the process through the glass windows in their shop with locally sourced specialty foods. With so many ice cream choices, you might need a scoop or two! Be sure to ask for a waffle cone too.

There is ample seating on the wrap around porch, in the garden or out near the playground. You’ll have views of the surrounding farms while you enjoy your tasty selection of ice cream.

Bird-in-hand Bakeshop: (542 Gibbons Rd, Bird in Hand, PA 17505)

This is where you go when you need to pick up gifts for friends and family or some treats for yourself. They specialize in making homemade baked goods with a large selection of breads, cinnamon buns, cookies, whoopie pies, shoo-fly pies (voted #1 ten years in a row), and more! There is also homemade ice cream, seasonal crafts, gift items, canned goods and a playground nearby with picnic area and petting zoo.

*Please note the address, this is not the bakery located off Old Philadelphia Pike.

Another favorite is the pretzel truck that sits just outside. Be sure to bring cash and purchase a few pretzels because they are THAT good! Open only Wednesday-Saturday, so plan accordingly.

Achenbach’s Pastries: (375 E Main St, Leola, PA 17540)

Everything is delicious and homemade! We picked out a few donuts for a late morning treat and each one was moist, flavorful and melted in our mouth. They are also well known for their muffins, pies, cookies and custom cakes.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery: (219 E Main St, Lititz, PA 17543)

Want to learn how to twist your own pretzel? You can take a tour at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for a few dollars. You’ll also get a history of the bakery, the process for making hard pretzels and then get a little bag to sample.

Lancaster Central Market

One of the oldest markets dating back to the 1800’s. The gorgeous brick building houses produce from local farmers, local meat shops, cheese shops, as well as Amish and Asian snacks. It has become a multi-cultural market over the years.

My son and I enjoyed walking the aisles to see the variety of produce before making our selections for lunch and snacks. We ate at Lancaster Salad Company with their delicious made-to-order salads and soups. Then we each picked out a sweet treat from the many desert vendors.

Indoor Activities (Lancaster, PA):

Looking for some fun indoor things to do in Lancaster, PA? The area features multiple children’s museums, play areas and indoor attractions for the whole family. The following Lancaster kids activities are highly recommended for visitors with children and multi-generational trips.

Turkey Hill Experience

Check out this massive 17,000-sq.-ft. center exploring ice cream & iced tea making with interactive activities and classes that you can sign up for. My son and I both really enjoyed the interactive experience where you can explore, play and learn about ice cream and iced tea production (and more), with unlimited free samples!

We also signed up for the ice cream making class where you mix your own flavors, toppings and inclusions to make you very own flavor! It was a highlight and recommended for ages 4 and up since it takes about 40 minutes.

Lancaster Science Factory

Check out this great museum where the kids can explore hands-on displays to learn about science, engineering and more. It’s perfect for Pre-K up to Middle school students with wind tubes, airplane launch zones, water labs, building zones with k’nex, musical stations and fun illusions.

Even with younger kids, you can help bring the fun down to an age appropriate level. Be sure to take your time to explore all the various areas, but you’ll likely only spend a few hours since it is a smaller space.

Tiny Town

Let’s the kids run in a town that’s just the right size for them! Tiny town is one of the best things to do in Lancaster with kids because kids will love the tiny fire station, hospital, garage, cafe, market, theater and more!

The best part, a cafe area for adults to sit and enjoy a coffee or snack with free wifi and the ability to see all the play areas.

Free Activities (Lancaster, PA):

Looking for some free things to do in Lancaster PA? I’ve got you covered. There is plenty to visit in Lancaster that doesn’t cost any money. Taking a nice driving tour of the backroads, driving under covered bridges and have a picnic at the park while the Strasburg Train rolls by is all light on the pocketbook, but packed with fun.

Covered Bridges

Lancaster County is home to dozens of beautiful wooden bridges and each one is a bit unique in it’s own way. We decided to take a scenic drive through the back roads on our way down from Philadelphia and enjoyed stopping to admire multiple covered bridges and I’ll share some of my favorites.

Zook’s Mill Covered Bridge (1049 Log Cabin Rd, Leola, PA 17540)
- - Originally built in 1849, this covered bridge has a wonderful history.
  - There are two pull offs before and after the bridge, as well as a plaque.

Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge (1335 Hunsicker Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601)
- - Constructed in 1848, it is the longest single-span covered bridge in Lancaster County.
  - There is a slight pull off on the West side of the bridge.

Kurtz’s Mill Covered Bridge (Kiwanis Dr, Lancaster, PA 17602)
- - Built in 1876 at another location, then repaired in 1975 and moved to its present location.
  - Located inside a park, so less traffic and better photo opportunities.

Strasburg Rail Road: Groff’s Picnic Grove

Do your kids love watching trains and playing outside? Be sure to visit Grodd’s Picnic Grove located close to the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Pack a picnic to enjoy the shaded grassy fields with picnic tables and play structures for the kids.

Another delight is when the Strasburg Train passes through the Picnic Grove, picking up and dropping off passengers to enjoy the farm nearby. Hear the puffing of the engine and the toot of the horn as it passes through multiple times a day.

I hope this post provided some great suggestions on fun things to do in Lancaster, PA. My son and I really enjoyed our visit with the variety of attractions and ability to be outside with farmland for miles. The people were friendly, the little shops were fun to visit and there was plenty to keep us busy.

Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.

Plan This Trip!

Check out some family-friendly hotels in Lancaster.
Before you go, check out the PA Dutch Country’s Website for information about the Amish’s history, beliefs, customs and traditions. Please remember that Amish and Mennonite residents do not want their photos taken, especially of their faces. Also keep in mind Amish run businesses will be closed on Sundays.

Like this trip and want to see some of the other places that we’ve traveled? Head to our menu to explore. Like being outside and having family friendly attractions? We loved our trip to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. A beautiful area to visit, especially in the summer. Click on the links to read all about our trip to Maine.

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Enjoying a Working Farm Stay: Pennsylvania, Amish Country at Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast

Chelsea — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 21:28:07 +0000

Enjoying a Working Farm Stay: Pennsylvania, Amish Country at Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast

Escape the city and experience what it is like to live on a working farm at Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster, PA. Stay on a farm and wake up to the morning chores of milking a cow, feeding the baby calves, looking for chicken eggs, visiting with the bunnies and feeding the goats. It’s a farm vacation that you will remember for years to come!

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A Working Farm Stay at Verdant View Farm

Verdant View Farm is a 4th-generation dairy farm in the heart of Amish Country run by Patrick and Elisa. Elisa grew up on the farm and continues to share her passion of farming with her guests. The 115-acre farm has hosted guests for over 50 years, with her grandparents opening it’s doors in 1967 when the farm was called Sleep Haven Farm.

The entire staff is welcoming and happy to share their farm with the many guests that pass through the doors. Located only minutes from Strasburg and the many area attractions, Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location for exploring Amish Country PA.

My son and I spent three memorable nights at the farm enjoying all the activities, animals, and exploring the surrounding area. The farm was so enjoyable that I had to convince my son to depart each morning to visit other area attraction! He quickly made friends with the many other children staying on the farm and it was fun to see the kids playing with Scooby, taking turns on the swing and exploring.

Rooms at the Bed and Breakfast

Nine guest rooms in various sizes are located in two different houses, the white house and the farm house. The farmhouse features 4 rooms on the second floor, with a separate entrance in the back. There are two single rooms with a shared bathroom and two larger units with their own bathrooms. (There are renovation plans in the works for a suite and additional bathrooms.)

In the white house located near the street and a short walk to the farm has three units. They each feature a fully-equipped kitchen, private bath, and small living room. Families can enjoy a playground located behind the house. You also have the option to rent the entire house for larger groups.

We made our reservations only a few days before our arrival, so the only rooms left were the single rooms with shared bathroom. Since it was just my son and I traveling together, it worked for our needs. The shared bathroom wasn’t ideal, but the other room didn’t have any guests, so we had it to ourselves and I peaked inside to snap a photo (see below). It might be a good option for friends who want to rent both rooms or budget travelers. The bathroom is older and the water pressure isn’t ideal, but it’s clean and doable.

I look forward to when the renovation is complete and all the rooms have private bathrooms. I’d recommend making reservations far enough in advance to get a larger room with private bath, coffee maker and ample space for the whole family. The single rooms do not feature a coffee maker, which would have been a deal breaker if my husband had come along. There is a common use fridge outside in the shed for use during your stay.

What’s included with overnight accommodations at the Lancaster farm stay?

Morning chores at 7:30 am – feed the baby calves, milk a cow, grab some chicken feed and look for eggs, visit with the bunnies and hang out with the goats. Participate as much or as little as you’d like.

In additional to the farm animals, Scooby the dog is eager to play ball and there are plenty of cats to enjoy a nice snuggle.

This is true highlight of vacation farm stays, getting to interact with the animals and experience what it would be like to work on a farm. We stayed three nights and took part in the farm chores each morning. We started off mixing formula for the three calves. Jonah was only 4 weeks old and such a sweetheart. The two older calves were four months old. You can see some adorable photos below mixing the milk and feeding the calves.

After feeding the calves, we headed over to a mama calf to try our hand at milking. It always seems to look easier than it really is, doesn’t it? After a few tries, we all managed to get a bit of milk out. The farm no longer is a dairy farm, but they want to offer the experience for their guests, full disclosure.

Does the barn smell? It’s a barn with animals, so yes, but honestly you get used to the smell in about a minute or two. There is a hand washing station located inside the barn and also out between the goats and chickens for sanitary needs.

We headed upstairs into the barn to scoop feed for the chickens and headed into the two coops to search for eggs and make sure all the chickens had their breakfast. Feel free to pick up a chicken, feel their soft feathers and hear the rooster crow.

Visit with the bunnies and pick a few four leaf clovers to give them a nice treat. The bunnies enjoy a bit of attention and are so soft!

End the farm chores by visiting the goats. Head into the pen and say hello to the mamma and baby goats. Want to do some goat yoga? Just bend over and make a nice flat back, they will hop right up!

Farm-to-Table Breakfast

Breakfast is at 8:30 am- Hear the bell ring and head into the large dining area for breakfast. Greetings are shared, hands are held as the Johnny Appleseed song is sang and then feast on farm-to-table breakfast served family style.

Start with a fruit, then enjoy a freshly baked bread/muffin, scrambled eggs, a meat option and then a warm pie straight from the oven. Complete breakfast with milk, tea and coffee.

On Sunday you’ll be provided with a voucher to enjoy breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

The breakfast is plentiful, home-cooked by Amish and non-Amish staff and delicious. There were plenty of options for vegetarians and they offer to help work around any dietary restrictions (within reason). We made quite a few friends during our visit and there is a little basket of toys for the children to play if needed.

A highlight was actually seeing a cow escape from the barn and start munching on the grass in front of the house. The staff disappeared in seconds during breakfast to herd her back towards the barn. The true realities of living on the farm I guess! Experience so much fun on a farm stay in Lancaster, PA.

Verdant View Farm Tours: Lancaster, PA

If you aren’t able to stay on the farm, no fear, you can still sign up for a farm tour and experience the Farmer’s Apprentice Tour! In addition, you can add on ice cream making, cheese making and soap making. There is certainly something for everyone!

FAQ: Find the Answer to Your Questions!

Does Verdant View Farms offer an Amish Farm Stay?
- - The farm is not owned or operated by an Amish family. However, they are friends with the Amish farmers who live next door and employ some Amish families to work on the farm and help with the B&B. We enjoyed watching the family next door harvest their corn in a traditional Amish manner.
Why should I pick this Lancaster bed and breakfast farm?
- - Verdant View Farms has hosted guests in their guest rooms for over 50 years and they pride themselves on a welcoming family atmosphere. The farm chores are simpke, but fun and educational, the staff is friendly and the breakfast is delicious. Their location is ideal with multiple attractions minutes down the road to the left and right. The Strasburg railway runs behind the farm!
What should I bring for my farm stay: Lancaster, PA?
- - You don’t have to bring anything in particular. Closed toed shoes are ideal and rain boots are perfect if you have the space to pack them. We wore our everyday clothes and didn’t change before going out for the day.
    - - Don’t have a pair of boots, but want to grab a pair before your visit? Check out some great options here.
What do the Verdant View Farm Reviews say?
- - Feel free to check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.
    - - Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

If you are looking for B&B Farms in Lancaster, PA….Look no further than Verdant View Farms and experience the joy of getting your hands a bit dirty and caring for the animals on the farm. I can promise that you’ll want to return again very soon in the future! My son is still talking about how much he wants to return.

Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.

Want to read more about our travels, including posts about the US and Europe, head over to my destinations page to check out my interactive map!

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A Full Review of Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia: An Indoor Legoland Experience for the Whole Family

Chelsea — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 01:32:04 +0000

A Full Review of Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia: An Indoor Legoland Experience for the Whole Family

Do you have a child in your family that loves playing with LEGO or duplos? Our son has been playing with Duplos and now LEGO since he was the age of 2. It’s amazing to see him build structures, come up with his own creations and act out various scenes with fire trucks, police cars and recently a space shuttle!

The Legoland Discovery Center in Philadelphia is the perfect place to visit. It is a Legoland Indoor Playground with 10 different areas to build, experiment, design and play located in the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

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The LEGO Discovery Center Pennsylvania opened in Spring 2017 and it has been a wonderful addition for LEGO fans. Located 3 hours North of DC, 2 hours North of Baltimore and 30 minutes outside Philadelphia, it delights LEGO lovers with a Indoor LEGO Playground.

My son and I spent 5 hours inside the Legoland Philly location and we will share all the tips and tricks to making sure you have the perfect day and get the most out of your ticket purchase.

Arrival and Entrance: Legoland PA is located inside the Plymouth Meeting Mall about 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Park near the California Pizza Kitchen, walk into Entrance 4 and then down one level to the Legoland Discovery entrance. You can’t miss it, it’s right across from the carousel.

Legoland Hours and Prices: You can pre-purchase your tickets online and either print or save in a digital format. Then you’ll just scan your tickets and enter. Be sure to check for Legoland Discovery Center Coupons Here.

$29.95 for a standard ticket (at the door)
- - Save up to $10 by booking online
$37.95 for a flexi ticket if you aren’t sure which day you want to visit (only available online)
$69.95 for an annual pass

Tickets are for a timed entry, but you can stay as long as you’d like. Afternoon (1pm+) tickets are cheaper if you want to save a bit of money. Any child over 2 requires a tickets. Adults can only visit with children.

Legoland Discovery Center Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10 am-7 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am – 7:30 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

*NOTE: You may not re-enter if you leave. So plan accordingly.

Starting the adventure: You’ll enter the Legoland Discovery Center in one of two ways: Either by riding on the interactive ride or by walking through the doors directly into the LEGO discovery center.

The ride is a nice start to your visit and only takes a few moments. During the ride you’ll use your magic wand to interact with various elements to help find a map and your way to the entrance of the Legoland Discovery Center. You’ll accumulate points for popping bubbles, cracking open treasure chests and more for a fun little family competition.

Want to ride again? No problem, you can enter the line once inside to ride it again and again!

*Note: Strollers will have to pass through the regular entrance as well as handheld infants.

Legoland Discovery Center: Once inside you’ll be in a large indoor area with multiple zones. You’ll have a chance to purchase the photo taken from the ride or head into the different themed areas. We will discuss them in a clockwise manner

Pirate Climbing Structure: Arrrrghhh me maties!!! Need to let the kids run a bit and let off some steam? Then this is the perfect place. Great for kids between 3-5 feet tall. Be sure to have a pair of socks (you can purchase a pair for $1 if you forget) and store those shoes before you climber around the soft play zone.

There is an attendant checking heights at the gate and keeping a watchful eye to make sure little ones don’t escape the play area without a parent.

There is also a Pirate building zone located next to the gated play area. See if you can hide some treasure for someone else to find.

Ninjago: Test your reactions and see how fast you can hit the lights, train as a Ninja warrior inside the interactive laser training area and add new creations in the building zone.

Parents, try your hand at a game of checkers near the building zone. There is plenty of seating nearby while the kids play.

Lastly, build a creation and race it down the zip lines to see who wins.

Legoland Philadelphia Miniland: Discover all the fun in this recreation of Philadelphia! Built with nearly 1.5 million LEGO bricks, it’s a fun place for a scavenger hunt. Be sure to check out all the interactive buttons to make construction workers pound cement, drive boats and turn lights on and make minifigures move.

Be sure to visit during daytime and nighttime to discover all the fun elements of Miniland. The fireworks display is a fun treat.

Duplo: The perfect area for beginning builders. Build tall castle walls with the flexible foam blocks or add fun elements to the Duplo Christmas tree. There is plenty of places to “free build” and lots of cars and trucks.

A fun slide sits in the middle for more fun for little ones that aren’t old enough for the pirate playground.

Build and Test: Build a car and then test it’s speed on the race track. There are various levels for all ages including Duplo, traditional LEGO and technics. You can even race your car down the slide with human and LEGO car slides side by side.

Another fun zone in this area involves trains! Add more track, make a train and off you go to explore the city, mountains and bridges.

Creative Workshop: Looking for some unique ways to build, keep an eye out for the scheduled openings at the Creative workshop. The classes vary, so feel free to ask before you join.

During our visit, an instruction gave us special brickpaper for our 2D mosaic design. It’s a fun way to learn about mosaics and the classes are taught step by step.

The creative workshops vary, but ours was best for ages 4+. Be sure to arrive at the beginning of the class time. No entries are allowed once the class begins. We had to wait a few times because we always seemed to wander past in the middle of a class. Classes run every 45 minutes.

LEGO friends: Hang out with your favorite friends in this fun building area. LEGO friends was created as a girls options, but we saw plenty of boys and girls enjoying the fun building zone.

Arctic World: Another fun an interactive area with brick building. Check out the screens with instructions on how to build three fun winter creatures! There is also a Duplo block crush center in the corner and a fun massive LEGO Polar Bear!

LEGO Theme Park 4D Theater: located to the far right of the Legoland Discovery Center is the 4D theater. They play at least two movies throughout the day, so you shouldn’t have to wait long for one. We saw LEGO City and it was a cute film. Be prepared to get a bit wet with light spray.

NOTE: Not suitable for babies. One person per seat.

Coffee Shop and Cafe: Located on the right side are the restrooms and restaurant. Since you can’t re-enter once you leave, we had lunch inside the restaurant as well as a late afternoon snack. There are multiple options including pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks and drinks.

For $12 kids can purchase a LEGO lunch box with a choice of sandwich, side and drink (kids milk, juice or water). Without the special box, $8.

Minifigures are also available for purchase.

Build Challenge Center under the Round Top: This is where all the special events take place! Everything from character meets, dance parties, scavenger hunts and building challenges. Participate and you’ll be rewarded with fun little gifts. The schedule is limited Monday-Friday.

Enhance your Legoland Adventure: Purchase the activity pack either as you enter or from the restaurant. You can complete various activities around the Legoland Discovery Center and stamp your pack as you complete them.

FAQ:

What is the Legoland Discovery Center? It is an indoor LEGO experience with building zones, soft play climbing zones, 4D theaters and plenty of fun for all ages.
How long do families stay at LEGO Discovery Center PA? It depends on how much your kids love LEGO and how much time you have. We spent the entire day at the Legoland Discovery Center and had a blast! But the Legoland Discovery Center recommends at least 2-3 hours.
Does the restaurant have options for vegetarians? Yes, they have a veggie sandwich, cheese pizza, hummus, fruit cups, applesauce and other snacks.
Is it worth the Legoland ticket cost? I think so, especially if you decide to spend the day here exploring. With dozens of building zones, fun events throughout the day, indoor soft play zone, a 4D theater and more, there is plenty to do.
Where are some other Legoland locations? There are only two Legoland Theme Parks in the US located in Orlando, Florida and near San Diego, California. (New York opens Spring 2020). Want to read about visiting Legoland Florida? Check out my post with all sorts of great information. There are 13 Legoland Discovery Center Locations throughout the US and one in Canada. Check out the LEGO Discovery Land website for more details on specific locations.
Where is Legoland Plymouth Meeting PA located? The Philadelphia location for the Discovery Center is located inside the Plymouth Meeting Mall in Pennsylvania. I recommend parking near the California Pizza Kitchen, entering by Entrance 4 and then heading down the escalator to the entrance.

Tips for the perfect day:

Pre-purchase your tickets for quick admission.
Arrive early to find parking and be one of the first inside the center.
Take your time to explore! There is more than meets the eye. We visited sections multiple times.
Play with your kids!
Check the screen under the round top.

Stay and Play

Driving up to enjoy Legoland Discovery Center from the DC area or beyond? Consider staying the night nearby. Both Hilton and Marriott are right across from the Mall. We enjoyed our stay at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting with large family rooms, a heated indoor pool and room service!

Living in DC, the closest Legoland Theme Park is in Florida (which you can read about by clinking on the link), so it was nice to have an option to enjoy playing with LEGO’s in Philadelphia. With so many family friendly things to see and do in Philly and just outside, the Legoland Discovery Center PA is the perfect location.

Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.

Want to read more about our travels, including tons of US adventures, head over to my destinations page to check out my interactive map! Do your kids love trucks and cranes? Head across the border to NJ to visit Diggerland!

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Disclaimer: Pack More Into Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Top Tips When Visiting Diggerland USA: A Construction Theme Park in New Jersey where Adults and Kids can play!

Chelsea — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:49:47 +0000

Top Tips When Visiting Diggerland USA: A Construction Theme Park in New Jersey where Adults and Kids can play!

Looking for a unique place to take kids who love construction vehicles? Or perhaps the kid in us all wants to drive a digger, fly around in a bucket truck or experience what it is like to drive a skid steer. Well look no further! Diggerland New Jersey has something for everyone!

A one of a kind construction theme park where you get to drive all the big machinery. I’ll give you all the insider information to make sure you have the perfect day at Diggerland NJ. A huge thanks to Diggerland for the complimentary tickets during our mother/son trip. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Planning your trip to Diggerland USA? Be sure to read the tips below to make the most of your time at this fun construction amusement park. I’ll tell you which rides are best for each age and what you can and can’t bring to the park. Let’s start with the basics about tickets, where Diggerland is located and some rules you should know.

Where should I buy my Diggerland tickets?
- - You can purchase tickets at the gate, but I highly suggest purchasing tickets online to save a bit of cash. Diggerland offers discounts for AAA members, Active Duty Military and First Responders, and even good grades!
  - Check the Diggerland USA website for current offers and promotions.
  - Seniors over 65 and children under 36″ are free
  - Save even more by checking for online coupons, Groupon and Certified Kid deals.

Where is Diggerland located?
- - Diggerland USA is located in Berlin, NJ about 35 minutes outside Philadelphia, PA. Diggerland is also 3 hours north of DC, 2 hours from New York City and 2 hours from Baltimore

Any rules I should know?
- - Diggerland NJ does not allow food or drinks inside their parks. You can bring one sealed water bottle per person.
  - No smoking is allowed.
  - No dogs are allowed, with the exception to service dogs (medical needs).

What age is best for the Diggerland Amusement Park?
- - A child should be at minimum of 36″ to enjoy some of the park attractions. Siblings are welcome for free, but there are limited attractions for them to enjoy.
  - If you want to take full advantage of the entire park, then your child should be at least 42″.

Tip #1: Beat the Heat!

The Diggerland Amusement park gets HOT in the summer. We were visiting on a 90 degree day and so we were certainly melting after a full day in the park. Here are some tips to enjoying the park on a warm summer day.

Wear shorts or pants that cover your legs when you sit. The seats are black and get HOT. There were a few times that my legs were burning. An alternative is a small towel to sit on.
Pack a reusable water bottle. There are a few water fountains located in the park. We like our insulated bottles and then grab a few flavor packets like these to make it taste great.
Wear breathable clothing and locate the misters, water sprayers and fans. There are umbrellas and shade structures throughout the park, so try to take advantage.
Grab your food and head into the air conditioned eating area. It’s located to the left of The Lunch Pail eatery.

Tip #2: Go Slow and Take Advantage of the Whole Park

It may seem like Diggerland is a small park, but it packs a punch with over 25 attractions to explore and enjoy. We tried our best to circle around the park, but on a weekday, the park was a bit slow to open and we had to back track a few times.

There are so many fun vehicles to drive! We tried to alternate between driving vehicles and riding the rides or operating the diggers.
Kids need a break from the lines? Check out the huge playground, the massive ropes course, rock wall or the play area at the entrance with duck runs, connect four XL or a gem mining zone (extra cost).
Be sure to try all the various digger games. You can dig in the coal, knock over bowling pins, try to pick up ducks floating in the water or dig around in the sand.

Tip #3: Need a bit of a thrill? Don’t miss these attractions!

If the kids are over 42″ you can ride all of the following attractions. You’ll have to check for kids between 36″ and 42″ because each ride is different. The following rides pack quite a bit of thrill.

Soaring Eagle: New to the park in 2018, soaring eagle is a zip line ride where two guests can ride side by side as they are pulled 130 feet into the air and then fly back down to the ground on a 700 foot zip line. My heart dropped a few times while seated next to my four year old son with only a lap belt holding us in!
Spin Dizzy: Yes, it’s just like it sounds. You are seated into the bucket of a JCB JS220, lifted high into the air and then spun multiple times in both directions before you are finally returned to the ground. I’m a roller coaster fan, but this one made my stomach churn.
Ropes Course: It’s one of the worlds tallest ropes courses, need I say more? Tackle your inner Tarzan and head up the stairs to multiple levels of ropes, balance beams and more.
Sky Shuttle: This one is best for those that like heights. You’ll get some great views of the park when you are 50 feet up!

Tip #4: EXTRA EXTRA….Check out these Special Events!

Diggerland offers some really fun special events, especially in the summer! Check their website to make sure you plan accordingly. A little birdie also told me that weekdays are busy than weekends due to school and event groups.

Mascot Mondays: Hang out with the Mascots and take photos.
Truck Tuesdays: A weekly parade or touch a truck event.
Wacky Arcade Wednesdays: Play in the arcade for 1/2 price (during certain times).
Car Crush Thursdays: Watch an XL Digger smash a car!
Family Entertainment Fridays: Enjoy acts by magicians, musicians and more!
Saturday/Sunday: Various Events such as BMX stunt shows, Family Campouts, Parades and more!

They also host fun event throughout the year. We saw them setting up for Fall with activities pertaining to the season.

Tip #5: What Should I NOT Miss?

After exploring the whole park with my son, here are our favorite attractions!

Big Diggers and Mini Diggers: There is nothing more fun than operating a digger! We loved the various “games” we could play ranging from digging in sand/coal, knocking down bowling pins and attempting to catch some elusive ducks.
Ground Shuttle: A laid back ride in a telescoping handler around the track. It’s a bumpy ride with nice views.
Backhoe Adventure: I wished my son was a tad older to get to drive the backhoe, but the driver was kind enough to let him lift and lower the bucket after a bumpy ride around the dirty track.
Excavator Express: Hop aboard the Diggerland Train for a nice preview of the park. The kids will be yelling out which attraction they want to visit first!
Various Vehicles to Drive: Pick your favorites to take a drive around the track. Fancy a tractor? Or a Skid Steer? How about Drum roller? You can take your pick!
Fun Extras: See if you can pull a full size or mini tractor! See who can win the most arcade games or buy your child a fun mini construction best.

What about the big kids? Tell me more!

Adults can pay to play in Diggerland XL with huge construction machines. Smash a car, stack tires and explore what it is really like to drive these machines.

We got a bit of a preview of this area during the car smash on Thursday. There was an added bit of fun when the forklift got stuck and the other machines ran to it’s rescue

Final Thoughts: Both my son and I had a really fun day at Diggerland USA. It is a unique amusement park that offers plenty of attractions to enjoy “playing” with construction equipment. We felt safe at all times, the staff was friendly and we feel like the park is a great value. Be sure to check it out!

Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.

Want to read more about our travels, including tons of US and European adventures, head over to my destinations page to check out my interactive map! Looking for more to do on the East Coast, check out some of our most popular articles from our trip to Acadia Maine and visiting the Tiny Cabins near Shenandoah and DC.

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Disclaimer: Pack More Into Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Getaway House DC Review: Glamping in a Tiny House Cabin

Chelsea — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 17:20:51 +0000

Getaway House DC Review: Glamping in a Tiny House Cabin (and why we loved it)!

I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of camping. We did take a family whitewater rafting trip this summer in Northern California that required two nights of camping and it didn’t kill me, so when the Getaway House reached out to come stay with them, I knew it was the perfect mix of glamping and experiencing the great outdoors. We had so much fun and my son is begging to return! I’ll share a full review of the tiny house rental at the Getaway House DC location.

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Getaway House: Tiny Cabins near DC and Shenandoah National Park

Looking for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Then look no further than the Getaway house near Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With over 30 tiny cabins in two configuration styles: 2 person with one queen bed for romantic getaways and a four person with bunk bed style queen beds for families spread out over 20 acres. Reconnect with loved ones, teach the kids how to build a campfire and then crawl into your cozy beds with huge window of the surrounding forest for a peaceful nights sleep!

The Getaway House concept is all about “getting away”. Yep that’s right, ditch the phones, the internet (no wifi provided) and soak up the ambiance and family time.

They also have Getaway House locations in Atlanta, NYC and Boston, so be sure to check them out.

Getaway House DC Location:

The Getaway House tiny cabins are located near Stanardsville, VA and the Swift Run Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. Located about two hours from the DC area. With multiple routes down to the area, it’s a relatively easy place to reach.

If you don’t have a car, you can Amtrak to Charlottesville and then arrange transportation from there. We saw a few daily rental cars as we walked around.

The tiny cabins are scattered throughout the forested area. Most of the cabins are nestled into groups of 3-4 tiny cabins. You can see your neighbors, but only through the treeline and the big window by the bed faces the woods. We felt as though it was private, but not secluded.

You’ll be given your “road name” and “cabin name” a couple hours before you are set to check-in. It wasn’t overly difficult to find. They will also send you a text and an e-mail with the code to enter the cabin. You can use either e-mail or text in order to reach a staff member with any questions and someone will respond relatively quickly.

Note that there aren’t any shops or services located on the property of the getaway house. You’ll have to head 5 minutes down the road to the nearest gas station and grocery store for provisions.

There is a nice walking trail located along a stream. You’ll see the sign for the trail as you enter the property (just after the main house), off to the right.

We were staying just above the trail on the hill and discovered it while wandering around the tiny house. Just follow the orange colored blaze marks.

Ready to Book?

Use the code "CHELSEAKS25" to save $25 off your first stay at the Getaway House Tiny Cabins in DC

Click Here to Save

Fun Facts about Getaway DC Tiny Cabins

Getaway Tiny House Cabin:

Enter your entrance code or send a text to the message on your phone and voila, you’re in!

You’ll notice a very well kept, clean and tiny little home awaits you with comfortable mattresses, fluffy towels and the amenities you would expect from a nice hotel. It features a generator for electricity, well water for cooking/bathing needs and a thermometer to adjust the temperature to your liking.

Bedroom Area:

The bedroom either features one queen size bed in front of a large window looking into the woods or a set of queen beds arranged in a bunk bed style without the feeling of claustrophobia on the bottom. Soft linens, plenty of pillows and outlets with USB or traditional outlets for your electronics. They also provide a USB charging lantern, a nice touch.

Dining Area:

On the table you’ll find a welcome letter, booklet with helpful information, a card for check-our and perhaps a bit of a welcome gift. There is seating for 4 at the table, but it is a bit tight so we enjoyed the majority of our meals outside at the provided picnic table.

Kitchen Area:

The kitchen is ample for simple preparations. I highly suggest preparing your food as much as possible and getting rid of packaging to utilize the mini fridge.

The kitchen features a sink, mini fridge, two burner stove, kettle for coffee/tea and kitchen supplies. We had everything we needed to prepare breakfasts and two dinners. Extra trash bags and paper towels are provided, along with dish soap and utensils for four. Our cabin only had two smaller bowls, but we used a cup when needed. The plates, bowls and cups are metal camping style.

The kitchen also has a drawer of foods and coffees for purchase in case you forgot something. See the price list for each item. You’ll also see the cost for firewood and fire starters if you decide to cook over the open fire or roast s’mores.

Salt, pepper, creamer and sugar are provided free of charge.

Full view of Kitchen Area

Items for purchase

Knives, fire starter, can opener

Pots and tableware

Dish towels, creamer, salt, pepper, cutlery

Kitchen area

I suggest bringing some items to cook while you are staying at the cabin. I pre-prepared the food in order to fit everything in the mini fridge and to limit the amount of preparation needed. We made burgers (vegetarian), roasted vegetables, veggie sausages, macaroni and cheese, scrambled eggs with avocado toast and popcorn over the fire.

Bathroom Area:

Up a step or two is the bathroom with a toilet and standing shower. Towels are located just above the toilet and are soft and fluffy. The shower features biodegradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners for use during your stay. It’s a tight shower, but doable, even for taller visitors (my husband is 6’3”). I will say it isn’t great for kids because the shower spout doesn’t angle down enough, but doable for a short visit.

There are two hooks in the bathroom and then additional hooks outside the bathroom, just behind the main entrance.

Privacy and Security:

We really liked the glass door on the entrance so we could leave the main door open and just enjoy the natural light filling the cabin. It also made it much easier during meal times to come in and out.

For security and privacy, there is a flip bolt for the entrance door and window shades for all the windows.

There is a landline phone for emergency purposes in case your phone does not have WiFi. There is a also a small first aid kit in the bathroom.

Other Amenities:

The tiny cabin includes a radio, some interesting books to read (cabin porn anyone?), a box to place your cell phones for safe keeping (need a detox from email and social media?) as well as a usb charging lantern.

Forget to bring your coffee? Enjoying a nice evening and don’t want to venture out for dinner? The Getaway House has you covered! There is a small drawer full of items such as coffee, pasta sauce, pasta, snacks and more for a small fee. You’ll be charged at the end of your stay for the items that you choose to use.

Bringing your electric car? They have plugs available for use.

Outdoor Area:

There is ample parking for at least two vehicles relatively close to the cabin. We did see a few cabins with a parking spot located a short walk to their cabin, but nothing too far. We had a metal bucket and there is an outdoor water spigot to put the fire out at the end of the evening.

No fire pit tools are provided, but a stick is an easy compromise.

Outside each tiny cabin there is a fire pit with grate for cooking, 2-4 Adirondack chairs depending on the cabin style and a picnic table. There is also a storage bin with firewood bundles and starters for an extra fee.

Can I bring my dog?

Well behaved dogs are welcome to stay for an extra fee. We saw plenty of dogs during our stay and brought our own pup Calvin along on our adventure.

There is a dog lead outside the cabin, which is nice to enjoy some time outside by the campfire with the whole family while the pup gets to roam a bit.

Items to Note:

There are a few things to note about the tiny cabins.

No Mirrors: That’s right! You won’t be able to look at yourself. 🙂 It’s a part of the whole relaxation and not worrying about what you look like. However, if you wear contacts or want to apply some makeup, it might be something to note. After our rafting trip this past summer, I added this packable mirror to my travel gear.
No WiFi: Sorry, the computer work will have to wait. There aren’t any TV’s either. I promise you won’t miss either of those items. You’ll be having to much fun reading a good book, playing games (a few included with your stay) and playing with the kids.
No Ice: Not a deal breaker, but the freezer wasn’t really cold either, so the ice packs weren’t frozen when we had to pack up and leave. I’d recommend bringing some ice for drinks in a small cooler.
No Grilling Utensils: We cooked the majority of our meals by the campfire and had arrived prepared with items to cook with. However, we didn’t see any grilling utensils and carefully used the wooden spoons included in the cabin. Something to note depending on how to plan to cook.
No Microwave or Toaster: We made popcorn over the open fire, grilled our toast in a pan on the stove and used the kettle to warm up some milk for hot chocolate, but it’s worth noting.
Child Safety: The four person cabin has a ladder to the top bunk and there is enough separation between the window and the mattress for a small child to fall through to the platform below. We stuffed a pillow under the mattress pad and created a barrier. You could also have the kids sleep on the bottom bunk if that was a concern. There are also many steps and ledges, even my four year old took a spill off the edge of the dining bench while playing with his toys. He was fine, but something to note when traveling with small children that you’ll have to keep an extra eye on them.

Ready to Book?

Use the code "CHELSEAKS25" to save $25 off your first stay at the Getaway House Tiny Cabins in DC

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Suggested Items to Bring:

You will want to pack light because the cabins are limited in storage space and no one needs a bunch of clutter on a peaceful getaway into nature! I’ve included the essentials (although you could roast s’mores on a stick). Click on the items to see our personal recommendations for items to purchase.

Things to do in the local area:

Some guests might prefer to stay near the tiny cabins, read a book, catch up on some sleep or walk around the property. Others might enjoy visiting some of the area’s local attractions. I’ve included some of our favorites in the area.

Massanutten

Located 30 minutes from the cabin is a large resort with many amenities. We’ve stayed on the property before and have personally taken part in many of their activities. Massanutten features a large indoor and outdoor water park, arcade, ropes course, zip line, summer tubing, bounce house, pony rides, golf course and much more!

Shenandoah National Park

No visit to the area is complete without a visit to Shenandoah National Park. The Swift Run Gap entrance is located 15 minutes away from the Getaway House tiny cabins. Entrance fees to the park do apply, but you can easily spend the majority of your day exploring the multiple visitor centers, scenic pullovers and hikes. One of our favorites that is located close to the entrance is South Run River Falls Trail.

Visiting the tiny cabins with kids? Check out this list of the best things to do in Shenandoah.

Monticello and Charlottesville

Located 45 minutes from the Getaway House is the town of Charlottesville and the historic home of President Jefferson’s Monticello. Spend the morning wandering around the mansion, slave plantation and museums at Monticello. Then head over to Michie Tavern ca. 1784 for a historic southern meal served in an old tavern. Enjoy an afternoon stroll in downtown Charlottesville. Be sure to visit the Charlottesville Downtown Visitors Center.

Wineries and Vineyards

Virginia is quickly becoming a hot spot for wineries. The Shenandoah valley is no exception. Here are a few recommendations for wineries to visit in the area.

Early Mountain Vineyards: Open 11am -6 pm (closed Tuesday), $14 tasting fee (6 wines), $20 (9 wines). Food Offered. Check their website for more information.

Barboursville Vineyards: Open 10am-5pm most days, $10 tasting fee (17 wines). Guided tours on weekends. Food offered. Check their website for more information.

Burnley Vineyards: Oepn 11 am – 5 pm (Friday-Monday, Thursday March-December), $4 tasting fee (14 wines). Check their website for more information.

We had such a great time at the Getaway House DC and hope to make a return visit.

I can’t wait to hear about your plans to stay at the Getaway House near DC! Leave me a comment or connect with me on social media.

I continue to share lots of great family friendly destinations, like our trip to Acadia National Park in Maine or a weekend at the KOA in Cape Hatteras. Feeling more adventurous? We’ve traveled all over Europe and have so many wonderful adventures to share with you. Check out our interactive destination map to discover them all.

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Disclaimer: Pack More Into Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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River Rafting California on the Klamath River with OARS, a full review

Chelsea — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 19:31:45 +0000

River Rafting California on the Klamath River with OARS

We are an adventure loving family and are always looking for fun ways to include the whole family in the great outdoors. I stumbled upon this family friendly rafting trip in Northern California and knew it would be perfect! Kids can participate as young as four years old and all the details are taken care of by the amazing staff. Check out why you should book your next white water rafting California trip with OARS.

Connect with me! Follow along on our many adventures, get inspired and plan trips to spend more time together as a family!

OARS White Water River Rafting Company

OARS, Outdoor Adventure River Specialists, is a family run company that started in 1969. Five decades later they have river rafting adventures and sea adventures that span the globe from California to the Galapagos Islands. OARS is at the top of its class with many accolades such as being named the “Best River and Sea Outfitter on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure. They are also featured as the top 2 outfitters in the world by Outside (Active Travel Awards).

In addition, OARS likes to give back to the community. They had a recent partnership with the National Park Foundation to open up the great outdoors for kids around the country by donating a portion of their proceeds to the foundation. Not only are they a wonderful company that cares about their guests, but they are also making strides to better the world we live in.

With so many river rafting companies, OARS has the history of being one of the best. Your family would be in safe hands on any of their family river rafting trips!

Klamath River Rafting Trip Highlights

Our family river rafting adventure took place on the Lower Klamath river in Northern California. We spent 3 days and 2 nights exploring about 20 miles of the meandering river in the Klamath National Forest. It was the first trip of the season in mid-June with unusually hot temperatures in the mid 90’s. Our group featured six adults and three children with three trained guides and one trainee. The Lower Klamath trip is one of their featured “family white water rafting trips.”

The minimum age for children to participate on this northern California rafting adventure is age 4. This is the perfect trip to try out what it is like to do some white water rafting with kids.

Even so, the Klamath River white water rafting for kids can also be a bit intimidating, so it is best to know your children and if they would enjoy this type of trip.

The Klamath rafting featured one nice rapid on the first day and then the major rapid on the second day that they would classify as a Class II or III depending on the height of the water. A perfect mix of laid back fun and adrenaline on our family rafting trip.

White Water Rafting Northern California Video:

We’ve put together this video montage to help highlight the family fun on our trip with OARS. Get a glimpse of the rapids, preview the delicious food options and don’t miss the part where my husband tosses me out of the kayak in a rapid!

Get a real sense of what is is like to enjoy the lower klamath river rafting adventure.

Whitewater Rafting Adventures with OARS Guides

I can’t say enough amazing things about our guides. These men and woman truly go the extra mile to make sure that you enjoy your experience on the river. Our group featured three trained guides and one trainee who was just learning the ropes.

From our very first introduction, my son fell in love with Suzy. She was our lead guide and had a special connection with the kids. She was quick to say hello to all the kids and before we knew it, she was applying fake tattoos, having nail parties, dancing in the boats along the river and jumping off rocks hand in hand with the little ones.

She steered the gear boat with true precision, taught the kids on the trip how to become a river guide and cooked up a mean steak! Always with a smile on her face, she truly made the trip memorable and my son still talks about her weeks later.

Sam was our paddle boat captain. A young man with a passion for the great outdoors. This was his first year as a guide and you could tell how comfortable he was. Interacting with the guests, pulling lifeguard duty in both the kayak and by the beach, he was a jack of all trades.

On the first day we spent some time in the paddle boat and Sam shared his passion for rafting with the children by teaching them how to row and staying patient as they learned.

David is a seasoned guide who is returning to the river now that his kids are older. A man of true wisdom and a passion for sharing his love of the river with guests, he was patient, kind and always willing to lend a hand.

From rowing the second gear boat down the river to setting up camp, making sure the groover had a nice quiet location and cooking up some delicious eggs Benedict, he was integral into making sure the trip ran smoothly.

Alyssa, or “curly” as she was affectionately called was learning the ropes. With close ties to the family that runs OARS, she wanted to get some experience as a river rafting guide. It was fun to see her blend right into the crew and she looked like a natural on the paddle boat by day 2. We all enjoyed celebrating her first official river meal on Day 1.

Best White Water Rafting Boats and Gear

Each trip is unique depending on the location and number of guests along for the ride. Our boats included two gear boats, one paddle boat, one inflatable double kayak and one inflatable single kayak for this whitewater rafting California trip.

The gear boats were large with all the gear for our trip loaded up with space in the front for a few guests. This is the type of boat where no work is required and you can just enjoy the scenery, chat with the guide and soak up the ambiance. There are ample places to hook in your day pack for quick access.

The paddle boat is for those that want a bit more action. Grab a paddle and help the guide maneuver through the rapids at his or her commands.

Even the little ones can get in on the action! My son at the age of 4 loved padding, splashing into the waves and giggling with delight as we flew through the rapids.

Need a bit more action? Hop into an inflatable kayak to feel the surge of the water, the crash of the rapids and keep cool while sitting low in the water. This was a favorite for my husband and I. As you can see, there is the potential for going for a swim!

As always, safety is a number one priority, so kayaks are sandwiched between two large boats and are advised on which path is the best for the rapids.

The OARS policy for children riding in the kayaks is a minimum age of 7 years old. Even when the little girls that was eight years old was riding in the whitewater kayak, the first boat was always keeping an eye out on the rapids as we were approaching and children were quickly loaded if it was determined the rapid wouldn’t be appropriate.

Our son was dying to ride in a kayak, so during a period of flat water with a couple ripples, he jumped in to ride with my husband and I in the double. A true delight!

In addition, each guest is given one day pack as a part of their rafting gear. Bring a carabiner to lock the bag into the boat. You’ll have access to this bag all day.

Check out what we packed into our day pack! (Click on the item to purchase via Amazon)

OARS Leave no Trace Policy

As the environment continues to show a major impact from humans, OARS is conscience to make sure they leave as minimal of an impact as possible. They ask that all guests bring products on the trip that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and reusable.

Meals feature separate trash and compost bins, as well as reusable dinnerware. You’ll be kindly asked to do your dishes, but the kids loved this part and asked to do the adults dishes as well!

Even human waste is properly disposed of. Pee goes into the river and poop goes into the groover, which is taken care of at the end of the trip. More on the groover later.

Delicious Food

During our three-day, two-night river rafting experience, we were well fed! Starting with lunch on the first day consisting of appetizers, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and cookies.

Then later while we played along the shore, set up our tents and played in the sand with the provided sand toys, Suzy and Alyssa were busy in the river kitchen preparing a feast for dinner!

Our first dinner that evening started with bruschetta as an appetizer accompanied by steak, salmon, macaroni and cheese, fresh salad, mashed potatoes and s’mores for dessert. If that wasn’t enough, we had beer and wine, along with soft drinks for dinner.

By morning, we arose to find some breakfast starters to fill our bellies. Yogurt with a variety of toppings, hot water to make tea or hot chocolate, as well as coffee. Later we had French toast, bacon, veggie sausage (for vegetarians) and fresh fruit.

Around lunchtime we pulled out by a rushing stream and the guides set up the tables with starters to munch on while they prepared sandwiches. Again, it was a wide variety to suit everyone’s palate with fresh fruit, chips, dip, vegetables, sweet treats and a choice of juice or water.

You could play by the stream, find a shady spot and linger over the appetizers. Then we had sandwiches with all the fixings!

Our second night of dinner featured burritos! Chicken was served for the majority of the crew and we appreciated the tofu mixture for those of us vegetarians. Add beans, rice, fresh guacamole, salsa, lettuce and tomato to make the perfect burrito.

Then for dessert, we had chocolate fondue! Can you image? Chocolate fondue in a beautiful campsite under the twinkling stars, it can’t be beat.

OARS also provides reusable insulated containers for use during meals. They are the perfect size with a little label to add your name for ease of finding your cup. Then you get to take your cup home at the end of your adventure as a keepsake.

If you are planning your own white water rafting trip and don’t plan to haul water, check out these great filtered water bottles.

Handwashing stations are set up at each meal time with soap and water that you’ll use with a pump. Air dry your hands and you are ready to eat!

Camping along the shores of the Klamath River

So what is it really like to camp with OARS? I’ll share all the details! I will say that I am not a huge fan of camping, but OARS made sure we had a comfortable nights sleep. You can either choose to bring your own sleeping bag and pad or rent one from OARS for $25 (known as a sleep kit).

Since we were flying in from the East coast, we elected to rent the kits. Also, since our family featured two adults and one child, we were given a “family tent” that fit the three of us easily.

The Klamath River campgrounds featured sandy areas to pitch your tent, trees for a bit of shade and along the river for soothing sounds of the rushing water to lull you to sleep. When you arrive at camp in the early evening, you’ll form a gear line to off load the boats.

All the adults and some of the kids line up to pass the bags up from the boat to the center location of camp. From there, you’ll grab your bags, designated with your name and then pick a spot to camp.

If you’ve rented a sleep kit, you’ll be given thick sleep pads that go directly under your tent to give you a nice soft surface. Luckily my husband has some camping experience, so he and my son set up the tent, added a tarp for a little entrance and voila!

Your kit will include a sleeping bag and small pillow. In hindsight I should have packed an extra pillow since I like to curl up with one in my arms, but my husbands fleece also did the trick.

Klamath River camping is a fun experience with the sound of the rushing water and the beauty of the forest around you.

In addition, we brought a gear line to hang inside the tent, flashlights, headlamps and a small portable fan (don’t laugh, you know you’ve thought about it). We stored most of our gear just outside the entrance and only tossed in the items we needed for that night and the following day. We also had portable chargers to keep our phones and cameras charged.

Everything else for camp life is provided. You’ll have small camping chairs to sit down and relax after a day on the river. A bucket full of various sand toys were provided since we were on a family friendly rafting trip and there were games like bocce ball.

Drinks are in the cooler with a variety of sodas, beer, hard ciders, sparking juices and more. We also had wine in the evenings for dinner.

In the evenings while the guides were busy cooking up dinner, we were able to enjoy playing along the river, swimming and just enjoying time as a family. There was no need to worry about setting up anything besides our tent and we appreciated the family time.

Using the restroom was one of the first things on my mind when I thought about doing a river rafting trip. OARS has the perfect solution! During the day you’ll typically go in the river, which isn’t hard when you want to go cool off anyway.

Then in the evenings they set up two “toilets”. One is called the groover and this is where #2 will go. It is a metal container with a traditional toilet seat with a lid. Then the second is more of a bucket with a toilet seat and a lid, which is for #1.

The groover and the extra bucket are set up just outside the main camping area around the corner with a large tree or a log. It is a private location, but you are still in the great outdoors. I’ll say it was quite the change of scenery from a small bathroom, but also quite relaxing.

You’ll be provided with a “toilet key” that contains toilet paper. When the key is missing, the toilet is in use. There is also a hand washing station located out by the toilet so you can wash your hands when you return.

Whitewater Adventures and Exploring

Each trip is slightly different, and our trip didn’t feature many hikes, but we were able to do plenty of exploring if we checked in with one of the guides first. On the second day, we pulled off to scout the rapids. All of us scurried along the riverbank, clambering over boulders to get a view of the river below.

The guides took their time to watch the river and plan a course of action. It was determined that the four-year olds would be walked to a meeting point while the older kids and adults would attempt the rapid.

The rapids were a blast and even better in the inflatable kayak! My husband and I worked as a team and tried out best to navigate the rapid, but in the end the front got swamped with water and just as fast at the water poured out, I went out as well.

I floated down the rapids a bit before my husband came to my rescue to scoop me back up, all to the cheers of my son on the riverbank, safe and sound with the guides.

In addition, we stopped twice during our trip to jump off rocks into swimming holes. Our son thought about jumping the first day, but decided it was a bit too much adventure. Both my husband and I took turns jumping, as well as quite a few other guests. The water felt good on those 90-degree days.

Another favorite memory was floating down a side stream on the sleep pads during our afternoon lunch break. David and Sam played lifeguard while the kids and Suzy went back and forth giggling with delight.

If you think your kids will be bored floating down the river, you will be delighted to hear that there is plenty to keep them busy! Kids can ride on different boats throughout the day, engage in water fights using provided water guns, learn to row the boats with the guides, take part in group rowing on the paddle boat or find a spot on top the gear in the “crows nest” to get a view above everyone. Then add in the various ripples, rapids and local wildlife.

Stress Free Vacation

I think this section is key! Yes, you can get the permits, rent the gear and head down the river on your own, but I’ll tell you that the money was well spent with OARS. Not having to worry about how to tackle a rapid, especially being early in the season with high water, as well as having experts who knew where to camp and were on hand to prepare all the food.

On day one we were told to leave everything up to the guides, to relax, soak up this time with our families and have a blast. We took their advice 100%! We slowed down, we splashed in the rivers, played in the sand with our son and shared in the moments that I’m sure he won’t forget. OARS has everything covered so that you can enjoy the trip!

It’s a perfect way to enjoy rafting Northern California’s Klamath River while making fun family memories.

White Water Rafting California Tips

Be sure to call OARS when you are interested in booking a trip. Ask who else has booked the trip and if there are other kids attending. It was really nice to have other children for my son to play with and the water fights on the boats were pretty epic between the kids! Family rafting trips are best with friends.
Enjoy the aspect of being out in nature and make sure your kids like being outside as well. You’ll be outside the entire time and in the elements. Bring bug spray, make sure you have a really nice sunhat and don’t forget the glasses. Our son really enjoys being outside and attended a forest preschool when we lived in Germany, so we knew he would have a blast. However, he was not a fan of having sand in his shoes, who knew! Luckily, we had a couple pairs of wool socks that he wore with his shoes and that fixed the issue.
Following the packing list! Yes, read all the articles that OARS has on their websites and don’t think you are the expert. If it’s on the list, bring it. Sure, we didn’t use all the gear, but we were glad that we had it. I’d also add a few items such as a mirror for the ladies (must easier to do hair and a bit of makeup).
In addition to following the packing list, be sure to stay organized! We used gallon sized baggies to divide up all the gear. We had all the items for Day 1 in a pack, Day 2, cold weather items, rain gear, extras and camp clothing. This made it so much easier to stay organized in camp and minimize digging around in our packs.
Bring the kids favorite snacks. Yes, there is plenty of food and snacks are provided on the boat (just ask), but kids are kids and sometimes they like their favorite granola bar. It doesn’t take much to throw a couple items into your bag. Be warned that the chocolate does melt into a gooey mess. Even our little pack of gummy bears turned into “gummy goo” as my son affectionately called it.
Don’t forget to tip! The guides work hard all day to provide a wonderful experience for you. Be sure to remember to pack a check or envelope of cash and include this in your overall budget planning. My husband got a bit wide eyed when we first talked about it, but then he increased the cash after the trip was over. The guides are hands down exceptional.

Our OARS Rafting Trip on the Klamath River was honestly one of our favorite family adventures. We really enjoyed spending some quality time together away from all the distractions.

Feel free to leave me a comment or message if you have any questions.

Want to read more about our travels including some great family friendly hikes? Check out my post about Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint in nearby Southern Oregon. Visit the waterfall and climb over the boulders for lots of family fun.

Or check out my interactive map to explore the over 20 countries we’ve visited!

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Disclaimer: Pack More Into Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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