Texas Hill Country is a beautiful place to explore. The region encompasses 14,000 square miles in the center of the state and is made up of 55 cities/areas including San Antonio and Austin. Although many people associate the Hill Country with bed & breakfasts and antique stores, there are also plenty of places to explore with your kids. The best part? Many of these activities are inexpensive or free of charge. 

Here are my five favorite Hill Country activities:

1.  Zilker Park and the Zilker Zephyr
Zilker Park is a great place to spend the day. You can take a swim in the Barton Springs pool, stroll down the winding walking trails, fly a kite in an open field, or visit this city park’s large playground. Our daughter’s favorite Zilker Park activity?  The Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that makes a 20-minute loop through the park.

The view of the Austin skyline from the Zilker Zephyr train

2. Greune General Store and Cowboy Kringle
The town of Gruene, located north of San Antonio, is filled with Texas landmarks, including the famous Gruene Hall.  Among this town’s treasures is the Gruene General Store, a place brimming with Texas personality. Old wooden floorboards that creak as people walk by and a counter where you can sit and order an sundae or soda make this a place you’ll remember. If you visit during the holiday season, stop by the general store to meet Cowboy Kringle, the Texas version of Santa Claus!

Downtown Gruene is a great place to eat, listen to live music, or meet Cowboy Kringle

3. Cibolo Nature Center
A short drive from San Antonio is the Hill Country town of Boerne, where you’ll find the FREE Cibolo Nature Center. It consists of hiking trails, prairies, marshes, a creek…in other words, 100 acres of wilderness. Consider bringing a picnic lunch. You can nab a perfectly-located picnic table near the creek.

Have a picnic at this lovely spot at the Cibolo Nature Center, near the beautiful creek and the twisted roots of tall trees

4. Yummy Treats and Some Texas History in Castroville
Haby’s Bakery specializes in delicious baked goods that have a European flare. From traditional desserts to colorful cookies, this bakery offers a wide variety of treats at reasonable prices. Take your goodies with you and eat them down the street in a small park called September Square. Next, visit Landmark Inn State Historic Site. This park/inn/historic site is a beautiful place to talk a stroll and learn a little history along the way.

Landmark Inn Historic Site in Castroville is a beautiful place to take a stroll…and a nice spot to eat those pastries you picked up at Haby’s

5. A Walk through Downtown Fredericksburg
This area is filled with historic buildings and fun shops. Make sure to stop in the town’s Marktplatz (Main Square). Here you’ll see a distinctive octagonal building called Vereins Kirche, which now houses a small museum. After your visit, head to the Clear River Pecan Company to enjoy an ice cream cone.

Market Square in Fredericksburg is a great place to pose for photos

Hill Country encompasses what Texas is all about: a rich historical tradition, good food, and plenty of personality. I’m not a native Texan, but I think the Hill Country is really the heart of the Lone Star State.

What Texas Hill Country activity would you most like to try? Please leave a comment below!

You might also like:

• 5 Yosemite Kid-Sized Adventures

• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats & Treats

• The Ups & Downs of San Francisco with Kids

• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio

b) Times Square, New York City, NY

c) National Mall and Monuments, Washington, DC

d) Niagara Falls, NY

e) Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL

(Scroll down for the answer…)

Answer: d) Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls, NY is number eight on Forbes Traveler’s List of Top 25 Most Visited Tourist Sites in the US.

Here are the top five:
1) Times Square, New York City, NY (35 million visitors)
2) The Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV (31 million visitors)
3) National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC (24 million visitors)
4) Faneuil Hall and Marketplace, Boston, MA (20 million visitors)
5) Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL (17.1 million visitors)

Are you planning a trip to any of these locations? Please leave a comment below!

Here are Travel Mamas blog posts on a few of these popular locations:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation

• Las Vegas with Children?

• New York City’s Best Sites, Activities & Restaurants for Kids

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I am looking for some additional talented bloggers to write for Travel Mamas! Bloggers of all kinds are welcome, whether you specialize in travel or not. I am interested in stories on travel with babies, children, tweens and teens as well as stories about babymoons, girlfriend getaways, and romantic escapes. I would love to see how-to-travel pieces, round-ups of activities (such as water sports or skiing) or venues (like amusement parks or spas), or tips for travel to a particular location.

I will provide a link to the guest blogger’s site as well as a brief biography. Accepted stories will appear on the Travel Mamas home page for one week and reside indefinitely on the Travel Mamas Blog Page. A link to the story with a byline will also appear in one issue of the bimonthly Travel Mamas e-newsletter. Only new material please! Find out more about writing for Travel Mamas under Content Submissions on the Contact Us page.

It has been such fun to include stories by other Travel Mamas and one Travel Daddy (so far!), who love to travel as much as I do but whose areas of specialty vary greatly from my own. My kids are still little so I don’t know much about traveling with teens, but Lisa T. Bergren of TheWorldIsCalling.com sure does. I love the outdoors, but I wouldn’t be the most knowledgeable source for camping tips – that’s where Roy Scribner of CampingBlogger.net comes in handy with his tips on camping with kids. Check out Travel Mamas Guest Blogs by these writers and others!

Got a story idea in mind? Send it my way!

My son, Leo, climbing the stairs up to La Villita
from San Antonio’s River Walk

Here are five San Antonio experiences not to be missed, no matter how long your stay!

1) Explore River Walk
When I asked what we had to see in San Antonio, everyone but everyone suggested River Walk. After wandering along the picturesque paths lined with shops and restaurants aplenty, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular choice. Be forewarned that River Walk is not especially stroller or wheelchair accessible. (This meant a lot of stroller lugging for the hubs!)

A Travel Mama from Houston suggested we take a river taxi through the River Walk Extension to float through raising and lowering locks à la the Panama Canal. Alas, we did not have time to venture to the extension. We did, however, take a Rio San Antonio Cruise through the main waters of River Walk. The boat tour was a fun little adventure for the kids, while the entertaining commentary about San Antonio by the boat’s captain was educational for the adults. I was impressed by how San Antonio has taken such strides to preserve its history and culture over the years, rather than bulldozing over its past like so many other American cities.

One of the many San Antonio River Walk bridges

2) Try a Paleta Bar
While exploring River Walk, we asked a couple munching on popsicle-like goodies for directions. This incited my daughter to beg for ice cream. They explained the frozen treats were not ice cream but Paleta Bars, a Mexican frozen fruit dessert on a stick. The duo pointed us up the hill to Bolivar Cafe in La Villita where we could purchase some bars of our own. When locals tell me I need to taste something, I listen! These yummy all-fruit treats (in flavors like coconut, lime, strawberry, or mango) were worth the climb.

After your snack, mosey through La Villita, San Antonio’s old town, which is now a charming cluster of galleries and shops.

My daughter, Karissa, gobbling up a strawberry Paleta

3) Visit the Alamo
You can’t leave San Antonio without a visit to The Alamo, right? While it may not be as graceful as the Eiffel Tower or as awe-inspiring as the Egyptian Pyramids, there is something about visiting a place you’ve heard of your whole life. I got that sense of, “So this is the Alamo!” The Alamo was built originally as a mission and was fortified and used for military purposes over the years. I was surprised to find it smack-dab in the middle of downtown (just a couple of blocks from River Walk). I had pictured it as a lone building in the middle of the desert somewhere. 

Walk the Alamo’s lovely grounds, toss pennies for luck into a fountain, wander through the compound’s three buildings, and read about why we should “Remember the Alamo,” all for free!

Me with the kiddos at the Alamo

4) Get Tex-Mex
Every other restaurant in San Antonio seemed to specialize in Mexican cuisine. There were numerous selections along the River Walk to choose from. A famed location that we stumbled upon along the freeway after our evening flight arrival was The Alamo Café. This place was big on atmosphere, with mini rivers running throughout its interior and giant American and Texas flags draped across one wall. The highlight for my five-year-old daughter was watching the ladies in traditional Mexican garb rolling out handmade flour tortillas. They even tossed her some dough to play with!

Karissa intently watching the tortillas being made at the Alamo Cafe

5) Eat a Big Ol’ Steak
I don’t eat much red meat but I figured, when in Texas, I should eat like a Texan! I ordered a porterhouse at the upscale, yet rustic 18 Oaks at the brand-spankin’ new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The restaurant overlooks the resort’s gorgeous golf course and smells of wood burning in the hearth. They serve all local, organic grass and oat-fed beef. They may have converted me to a meat-eater. I keep daydreaming about that dang steak.

If you’re looking to splurge on a delicious steak dinner slathered in parsley garlic butter, head here! You can choose from six sauces; I sampled the blue cheese and the peppercorn. They were both so heavenly, I can’t decide which was better!

I was presented with a variety of steak knives to choose from at 18 Oaks. Hey…a great steak deserves the right knife!

What is your favorite San Antonio activity or food? Leave a comment below!

You might also like:

• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico   

• Phoenix Restaurants Worthy of Craving

A note from the Travel Mama: I stayed at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa with my family for three nights for free in preparation for an incredible giveaway that will run March 22 – April 3, 2010 on Travel Mamas. My meal at 18 Oaks was complimentary but I would never recommend a product, service, or steak I didn’t like! I will always let you know if I receive any sort of discount or complimentary goods or services related to a blog post.

Travel Mamas isn’t affiliated with this contest. It just sounds like a lot of fun! Need to be convinced? Check out my blog post Plan a Girlfriend Getaway…and Appreciate Home More.

What’s your favorite girlfriend getaway? Leave a comment below!

If you like this, you might want to check out other Quick Tips.

Here we are outside Ross Castle outside Killarney. Although you can get to the castle by car we hired a jaunting cart to take us from Killarney to the castle and back.

Irish travel often fits into three categories: pub crawls, romantic vacations, or bus tours filled with “well seasoned” travelers. What you don’t often see are families venturing through Ireland’s countryside to explore ancient castles, search for faerie raths, and dance to traditional music.

It’s truly unfortunate that more parents don’t take their children to Ireland. The country is as well known for its friendliness as it is for being green. Children are welcomed and catered to in a way I have yet to experience anywhere else. Ireland encourages imagination and blends it with history to weave an enchanting realm filled with magic and exploration.

If you’re considering a trip to Ireland, these five tips will help you remember your holiday fondly:

5) Drive Yourself
When you travel anywhere with kids it is best to have your own schedule. Many travel agents will recommend a tour- complete with a driver, a non-flexible itinerary and limited free time.

In Ireland you drive on the “wrong side” of the road, sit on the “wrong side” of the car, and shift with your left hand. It’s not as difficult as it sounds and you’ll enjoy your trip more if you have control over where you go, what you see and when you do it.

Car Tips: Most cars in Ireland are manual transmission. While you can rent an automatic transmission car, it will cost you quite a bit more. Also, rent the smallest vehicle you can comfortably squeeze your family into. Fuel is sold by the liter and costs about three to four times as much as in the United States.

This sign, near the Cliffs of Moher is wonderful in its warning

4) Avoid Hotels
Ireland is known for her hospitality and is full of bed and breakfasts. A B&B provides personalized service and gives you a chance to talk to your hosts. They can give you tips on where to visit, what to avoid, and the best restaurants in the area. Your hosts are an invaluable resource; besides, I’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t love to hear the lyrical Irish brogue.

B&B Tips: Do your research. I like use the Definitive Irish Bed and Breakfast Guide,  Irish Farmhouse Holidays, and The Hidden Ireland to find accommodations. Then I follow up with emails or phone calls to answer any questions. Often booking direct with the B&B will save you more money than booking with a company and using vouchers. 

Many of the castles have estates with play areas for young children

 3) Visit a Pub
Pub is short for public house or a place for the public to gather for food, music and craic (pronounced “crack” it loosely translates to fun and enjoyment). Early in the evening you’ll find many families here, though their numbers drop as the kids need to get to bed. Many pubs will often have live music; either a band or an impromptu session (a gathering of local musicians). It’s a great way to feel like part of the community.

Pub Tips: Ask your hosts which pubs are most child-friendly and if any have live music.  Don’t expect to be waited on; wander up to the bar to place your orders and chat with the locals.

2) Visit a Castle
This probably goes without saying. Ireland is dotted with castles, abbeys, and walled towns – many of which are restored to their former splendor and waiting for your knights or princesses to explore. A few even double as hotels. Take your time exploring and let imaginations run wild.

Castle Tips: Dromoland Castle, 15 minutes from Shannon airport, pampers children with games, robes, and golf carts for exploring the estate.  Also near Shannon is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Here you can explore the village, have fun at the play area, enjoy Irish Night, or experience a Medieval Banquet.

Brenna takes a break at Ross Castle

1)  Don’t Let the Rain Stop You 
If the Irish waited for it to stop raining, nothing would ever get done! Just come prepared for any weather and remember it will likely blow over quickly. And if it doesn’t… well, go back to tip #3 because if it’s too wet to be outside you’ll likely find much of the village “down the pub.”  Join in!

Rain Tips: An Aran sweater is the best Irish souvenir you can buy.  It will not only keep you warm but also it will keep you dry. Don’t forget an umbrella.

Ireland is a magical place that can’t be described with mere words but must be experienced. A word of caution, though…one trip won’t be enough!

Do you have a favorite tip or family-friendly destination in Ireland? Leave a comment below!

You might also like:

• How to Travel Like a Local      

• Mother Knows Best: An Old School Road Trip

• Paris with Kids – C’est Magnifique!

• Road Trip Tips

Even though it is becoming wildly popular, Twitter feels like a wonderful secret I can’t seem to convince my friends and family to get in on. I never can seem to explain to them the benefits of Twitter. Thankfully, I don’t have to. Metropolitan Mama does it for me in her post 8 Reasons to Consider Starting a Twitter Account.

Here’s reason number 9: You can win cool stuff on Twitter! As a blogger, I love being able to spread the word about Travel Mamas giveaways on this social media site. As a person who likes to win stuff, I love being able to enter contests on Twitter! So far, I have won a $100 gift certificate to Marriott and a Frommer’s Mexico guidebook. I’m sure I could win more cool stuff if I tried a little harder. In fact, there are tweeps (yes, that’s Twitter talk for peeps) who join the site seemingly just to enter contests.

So, take the leap, future tweeters! Join Twitter! Oh, and uh, don’t forget to follow @TravelMamas.

Answer: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Here’s another funny one from Answers.com: Every Person Comes Out Tired. It’s true that my family did come out tired, but we loved Epcot! Check out my latest blog post Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids & Toddlers to find out why.

Epcot at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida opened in 1982. Read about Walt Disney’s original vision for Epcot on AssociatedContent.com.

The other two guests on the program were Cynthia Herriman, author of Take Your Kids to Europe, and Sara Keagle, flight attendant, author of the The Flying Pinto blog, and (coincidentally) the winner of the first Travel Mamas blog contest for her story, The Bright Side of Flying with Kids.

One of the things we discussed on the show was an article in USA Today, A Father’s Advice on Flying with Kids. While the article’s author provided some great travel tips, I took issue with his statement that, “Ninety-nine percent of the issues with kids on planes are not the kids, but the parents.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Leave a comment below!

In planning your visit, keep in mind that Epcot is huge. In fact, it’s double the size of the Magic Kingdom. On two separate days I thought I could get away with using just one single stroller for my twenty-three-month-old, and twice I wound up renting a second stroller for my almost-five-year-old’s tired tootsies. To maximize your walking efforts, here are eight attractions and simple pleasures that you might want to squeeze into a visit any Epcot visit with a child or toddler.

World Showcase Attractions

Street Performers
Each of the 11 pavilions representing different countries in Epcot’s World Showcase has its own culturally-inspired form of live entertainment. While it’s tempting to hurry the kids along to the next country on the park’s map, take a moment to stop and watch these performances as you come across them. My kids were enthralled by the Chair Balancing Act in France, the Taiko Drummers in Japan, and the Dragon Legend Acrobats in China.

The Taiko Drummers in the Japan Pavilion

The United Kingdom’s Hedge Maze & Toy Shop
It’s easy to miss the hedge maze tucked in the back corner of the United Kingdom. Despite its small size, my kids could have played here for at least an hour if I hadn’t nudged them along after a few giggle-infested run-throughs. Afterwards, be sure to pop into the UK’s darling toy shop, The Toy Soldier, especially if your little one is obsessed with trains as is my son. Why? There’s a Thomas the Tank Engine table complete with wooden tracks and choo-choos aplenty. If you need a reprieve from the lines, the heat, the cold, or the whining – a visit here will buy you some time as the kids zoom the trains around the tracks.

My daughter zipping through the United Kingdom Pavilion’s hedge maze

Germany’s Model Railroad
Speaking of trains…the model railroad in the Germany pavilion is another delightful low-key attraction that young children adore. My kids literally jumped for joy when they first caught sight of the miniature trains chugging around a scaled-down version of a German village.

The miniature train in the Germany Pavilion

The Outpost’s Drums
The Outpost is not one of the main country pavilions. This little area representing African cultures is sandwiched between the Germany and China pavilions. Its only restaurant is a fast food stand called the Refreshment Outpost. But The Outpost does have one major draw for kids of all ages…big ol’ drums! It was hard to pull my kids away from the joy of thumping on these instruments! There are drums and other African-inspired instruments for sale at an adjoining store.

My son beating a drum in The Outpost

Mexico’s Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
This ride featuring Donald Duck and two other animated “cowboy” bird characters is reminiscent of another toddler favorite, It’s a Small World (minus the annoying song). The Gran Fiesta Tour is one of only two rides in the World Showcase. The other one, the Maelstrom in Norway next door, should be avoided with very young children. While it’s not a very fast ride, the troll and dark theme frightened both my kids to pieces.

The Gran Fiesta Tour in the Mexico Pavilion

Future World Attractions

Living with the Land
I was surprised by how much both my children were intrigued by Living with the Land. Teens looking for thrill rides might find this one boring, but my young kids enjoyed naming all of the veggies in site on this mellow 14-minute boat tour of futuristic greenhouses that grow real plants.

Edible flowers and herbs growing in the Living with the Land greenhouse ride

Club Cool
This is a tasty little distraction for all ages. Go here for free samples of Coca-Cola Company drinks from around the world. Even my 23-month-old got a kick out of putting his little cup up to the dispenser and pressing the button to fill it up (with my help)…again…and again…and again. My favorite was the red berry Fanta Colita from Costa Rica but my kids, who had never tried soda before and didn’t like the bubbles, preferred the non-carbonated Japanese Vegitabeta health drink.

Free refreshments and fun at Club Cool

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
This ride was the absolute highlight of my daughter’s Walt Disney World vacation. In fact, it is because of The Seas with Nemo & Friends Ride that Karissa has declared her preference for Epcot over the Magic Kingdom. Her Grandma Ellen took her on this ride six times in a row, thanks to short lines on a very chilly February day. Both she and her brother were mesmerized by the Nemo characters interspersed with real-live fish, as they rode along in their huge clamshells. Afterwards, we walked through the 5.7 million-gallon Sea Base and Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium to view more fish, sharks, manatees, and dolphins. Don’t miss Turtle Talk with Crush for an interactive, animated 3-D show where kids can really chat with Crush, the surfer-dude turtle from the Finding Nemo movie.

Real-live “Nemo” fish in the aquarium in the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion

There is so much to see and experience at Walt Disney World, it’s easy for kids to become over-stimulated and for parents to feel frazzled. My favorite Disney vacation memories occur when I slow down and focus on the little moments…like the look of pride on my son’s face when he held out his little cup to fill it up with a colorful drink at Club Cool all by himself (well, with a little help)…and the joyous sound in my daughter’s voice when she asked (for the fifth time), “Can we ride Nemo again?”…and the way my kids jumped up and down, and shouted, ”Choo-choo!” when they spied the miniature train in the Germany Pavilion. That’s what Disney magic is all about.

What is your favorite Epcot ride, attraction, or memory? Leave a comment below!

Here’s a fun little video I created about our vacation with photos of my family members using a free Disney program. You can create one too using your own photos. Check it out! It’s fun!

I’m starring in my very own magical Disney Vacation video, check it out!

You might also like:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation          

• Inspiration from a Disney Expert

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore

• Top 10 Disneyland Rides & Attractions for Babies & Toddlers

A note from the Travel Mama: I attended the Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World in February 2010 along with other blogging moms and dads. The cost to attend this three-day event was $350, which included conference attendance, lodging for four, some meals, Park Hopper tickets, and some swag. I will always let you know if I receive any sort of discount or complimentary goods or services related to a blog post. Learn more about Disney Social Media Moms and read blog posts specifically about that event on 5 Minutes for Mom.

But…this show made me long for a vacation focused on nature and family and being a part of something bigger than our every day stresses. After watching this show and reading this week’s guest blog post on Yosemite, I hope to include a trip or two to an American National Park this or next year. A grander goal of mine is to visit all of America’s National Parks before I die. Check out the PBS site for local television listings so you can watch the series. You can also watch video clips or purchase a DVD collection of the series online.

Yosemite National Park in California has a special place in my heart. I’m lucky enough to have spent at least of couple of weeks there almost every summer thanks to a family cabin in the park. As an adult, I have now begun to relive some of my most cherished childhood experiences with my kids (ages five and two).

Whether you’ve never been before or have visited annually since you were a kid, there’s always something to discover in Yosemite. My husband and I are especially keen on low-cost, off-the-beaten-path activities that are fun for the little ones. Here’s how you can enjoy five of our favorite Yosemite adventures:

Enjoy a stagecoach ride in Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center

1. Take a Trip Back in Time
I admit I’m partial to Wawona– a tiny town located about 10 minutes from the South entrance. It’s home to the family cabin and is a quiet refuge from the crowds that Yosemite draws every summer. Here you can stop by the historic Wawona Hotel with its enormous grass lawn that beckons you to enjoy a picnic or an afternoon snack.  

Another of Wawona’s gems is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, complete with historic structures from different eras of Yosemite history including a jail cell, blacksmith shop, and covered bridge. For just a few dollars, you can take a ride (albeit, a rather bumpy one) on a horse-drawn stagecoach with a driver who’s been giving rides since he was 14-years-old!

Insider tip: After roaming through the Pioneer History Center, cross the covered bridge and head down to the South Fork Merced River. Let the kids search for rocks to skip or dip their feet in the water. Pack a snack (or lunch) and plan to spend a few hours here.

Posing underneath the famous California Tunnel Tree at the Mariposa Grove

2. Head to the Big Trees
The Mariposa Grove, located just two miles from the South Entrance to the park, is home to roughly 500 giant sequoias. These trees are some of the largest living things on the planet. They stand so tall you’ll have to strain your neck trying to see the tops. This place inspired my oldest to utter one of his first words: “trees.”

There are hiking trails to explore as well as a one-hour tram tour. The Grove is open from April through November, weather permitting. You can reach the entrance by car or, during the summer, take advantage of the free Wawona-Mariposa Grove shuttle.

Insider tip: Skip the pricey tram ride and scout out the surroundings on foot. We usually take the short hike to two of the more famous trees in the Grove: The Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

Dreaming of the day he’ll become a Yosemite junior ranger

3. Become a Junior Ranger
Kids 7 through 13 can become a Yosemite Junior Ranger. This program allows kids to interact with the park at their own pace, then share their findings with a park ranger. To participate, simply buy and complete an inexpensive self-guided booklet at one of several locations throughout the park. To earn a patch, kids will also need to collect a bag of trash and attend a ranger-led program.

Insider tip: If your kids are too young to be junior rangers (like ours), you can still take advantage of ranger-led events. I always learn something new and I’ve got almost 40 years worth of visits to the park under my belt!

4. Visit the Nature Center
A visit to the Nature Center at Happy Isles is a great way to introduce kids to the plants and animals found in the park — and it’s free! There are plenty of hands-on, interactive displays, plus stuffed replicas of local wildlife. My kids love pressing the buttons to hear the sounds each animal makes.

Insider tip: Just outside the center are four short trails worth investigating. My five-year-old likes to play follow-the-leader on the short “hike” to the center from the shuttle stop. Don’t forget to stop and admire the Merced River flowing right alongside the path.

Tyke hikes need rewards, like this great waterfall view

5. Enjoy a Tyke Hike
No trip to Yosemite is complete without a hike. There’s simply no better way to see the park than on foot.

When it comes to hiking with little ones, success comes with short trails that offer big payoffs. Our favorites are the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and the path to Bridalveil Falls. If you’ve got older kids, take the steeper three-mile trek to Vernal Falls.

Insider tip: For a quieter experience, check out the Chilnualna Falls Trail in Wawona. The complete hike is more than 8 miles long, but kids will be content to stop about a quarter of a mile in, when you’re rewarded with two waterfall cascades.

Do you have a favorite spot or activity in Yosemite that’s great for kids? Leave a comment below!

If you like this story, you might also like:

• Camping & Outdoor Pursuits Resources

• How to Camp with Kids

• Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Wild Animal Park

• The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations

b) Chile

c) Dubai

d) Mexico

e) The United States

(Scroll down for the answer…)

Answer: b) Chile

According to the Guiness World Records, the largest pool in the world is the San Alfonso del Mar seawater pool in Algarrobo, Chile. It has an area of nearly 20 acres. Check out this Reuter’s video on YouTube about the pool.

For more on awesome pools, see:

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore (Part 1)

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time (Part 2)

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

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For more tips on packing for your trip, check out my Printable Packing Lists or read this roundup of great travel activities and diversions in The Best Travel Toys for Kids, from Babies to Teens.

Have you ever tried shipping your luggage ahead? Leave a comment below and let us know how it went!

Do you know some fun colloquialisms from Canada or another country that you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!

Want to learn more on how save money on travel? Check out 8 Tips for Great Travel Deals in Parenting Magazine for some ideas, including a few by yours truly! Also, check out the Travel Mamas List of Budget Travel & Discount Resources.

Do you have any tips for saving money on spring break? Leave a comment below!

While standing in line for the Tomorrowland Transportation Authority ride at the Magic Kingdom during our recent visit to Disney World, I overheard the young couple in front of us discussing the wait times for various attractions while looking at their iPhone. Okay, I was being snoopy…but I asked them about it. They told me I could download a free app from iTunes called Disney World Wait Times. I downloaded it right there in line. The app allows you to check out current wait times for all four of the WDW parks in the palm of your hand. I only wish I’d discovered this timesaver before our last day at the parks! Download it directly from your iPhone.

Do you know of an iPhone app that is great for travel? Leave a comment below!

I made reservations one morning for the Character Breakfast at the Nicktoons Café. Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Patrick the Starfish visited each table. Then all of the characters and other staff danced and sang in a chorus line for the diners. Dora, my daughter’s favorite, was in no rush to leave the kids. She happily played with all of the children, dancing to techno music and giving high-fives galore. It was the most diner interaction at a character meal I have ever experienced! There was an extensive array of hot and cold breakfast goodies. My favorites were the chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and the cooked-to-order omelets.

From the character meal to a pool-side lunch and sit-down dinners, my mom and I were both pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We had a sit-down dinner two nights at The Mall’s Nicktoons Café. We figured at a place where the focus is on kid-fun, perhaps quality food would not be a priority. Thankfully we were wrong and all of the food we had was quite tasty. We could also purchase food from a minimart or four fast food options at the Food Court. For poolside eats, grab a hamburger or chicken strips from the Lagoon Grill & Bar. The jerk-seasoned chicken sandwich was especially yummy!

On our last day at the Nick Hotel, we were determined to check out the hotel’s vast pool and numerous waterslides despite a cloudy, sprinkling sky. The giant structure of slides was a bit intimidating for my young children, but older child guests looked as happy as, well, kids at a water park! The highlight for big kids was the daily afternoon Mass Sliming, when 400 gallons of green “slime” poured over giggling children.

Our family kept warm in the heated zero-entry pool and over in the Kids’ Play Area with its five-foot slides and shooting fountain. My mom, Ellen, was the only adult in the kiddie area brave enough (or silly enough?) to ride the slides with the children to appease her grandchildren’s pleas of “Again, Grandma, again!” (Yes, that’s my mom – a true Travel Grandma – pictured below on the slide with my son, Leo.)

Think it’s all for the kids? I saw some adults riding those big waterslides! Plus, there’s a poolside bar that offers tropical alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverages for the parents!

The Nick Hotel is an affordable, fun way to visit Orlando with children. When the kids are occupied and happy (and not whining!), that’s when I’m happy (because it’s easier for me!).

Want in on the fun?

Book your Nickelodeon vacation and/or Enter to win a two-night stay in a two-bedroom KidSuite for a family of up to four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort! The winner will also be awarded one character meal (for two adults and two children), four 4-D Movie wristbands, 300 points for use at the arcade, and a gift basket of Nickelodeon goodies. Approximate value is $500. The contest ends on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected using RANDOM.org and will be notified via email. If the prize is not claimed within one week, the winner will forfeit the prize and an alternative winner will be selected. Based on availability. Not valid during Holiday Weeks, Special Events and Expected Sell-Out Dates. Two Night Accommodations (Room and Tax) Resort Fee Not Included. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. The winner will be announced on Travel Mamas on Monday, March 8, 2010.

You can enter a total of four times. To enter:

1) Make a comment below about which hotel attraction mentioned in this story or Nickelodeon Suite Resort – Part 1 your family would enjoy most and why. All generic comments like, “Thanks for the contest” or “I want to win” will not count as entries.

2) Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter:

Pick me! I wanna win a splashing good time with a 2-night stay at @NickHotel in Orlando on @TravelMamas http://bit.ly/dxuN3N

3 & 4) View last week’s post, Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 1 for two more chances to win now!

You might also like:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation          

• Inspiration from a Disney Expert

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

A note from The Travel Mama: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. It was so much fun; we booked an extra night at a discounted rate.

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This should take about, oh, one minute of your time! To vote for me, please do BOTH of the following: 1) Become a fan of the Ciao Bambino Facebook page. It’s a great resource for traveling parents; you’ll be happy you did! 2) Make a comment on this photo of my daughter, Karissa splashing it up in Zihautanejo, Mexico.

Grazie Mille! Thanks so much!

What’s that? Oh! You want to win a trip too? Well, I can’t send you to Tuscany for a week, but you could win a weekend in Florida on Travel Mamas! Enter to win a two-night stay in Orlando in a two-bedroom suite at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort with a character breakfast for a family of four and other Nick-style goodies.

P.S. This photo originally appeared in my story, Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. If you are looking for a little slice of heaven on Earth, this is the place to go!

The Vogel family with their bikes and gear in the Columbian Andes

Was it really 19 months ago that I stood in my doorway and stared at that pile of boxes in my driveway? Eight boxes of varying sizes filled with everything we would need for the next two and a half years. Life had been reduced to simplest terms – three bikes, two trailers, and three bins of gear. That’s it.

When I think back to that day – June 8, 2008 – I remember my fears and concerns. I remember feeling like I was standing on the edge of an abyss about to throw myself over with no safety net below to catch me. I was ready to take off from one end of the earth and pedal to the other – with my two precious sons.

Now, with 11,000 miles and 570 days behind me, I have a very different perspective. Now, I feel comfortable with our decision and know it was the best one we could have made. My husband and I have had a blast with our two children, and our boys have grown and matured into wonderful young men. Life is good and I’m finally standing on solid ground.

During our months on the road, we’ve experienced more than any family can reasonably hope to experience. We’ve pedaled alongside a wild bison and we pedaled faster and faster to try and keep up with him as he ran along sending small clouds of dust into the air with each thundering gallop he took. We’ve cycled past massive glaciers flowing down to the road and felt the frigid air blasting us from over the ice. We’ve crested 13,000 foot passes through cold, windswept grasslands and sweated like fevered pigs in Central American jungles.

It’s been a wild ride, and we’ve enjoyed each and every day of it. Yes, there have been tough days – days when we’re pushing our heavily-laden bikes up the impossibly steep Andean mountainsides or slipping and sliding on loose scree and struggling to maintain some semblance of control of our bikes. But there have also been many perfect days when the sun shines warmly on our faces and the wind flows gently through our hair. Days when people come out of the woodwork to help us out and add magic to our journey. Days when we stumble upon unexpected surprises that amaze and delight us…those are the times that keep us going.

All four of us are looking forward to the next year as we slowly make our way through South America toward Tierra del Fuego. We will awake each morning and wonder what challenges will confront us in the coming hours. We will eagerly approach each bend in the road and look forward to the unexpected surprises awaiting us up ahead. We are excited about meeting people from all walks of life who will be strangers one moment and good friends the next.

Life as a family on bikes is the best life we know – and we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to live it!

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The Vogel family pedaled away from the shores of the Arctic Ocean in June 2008 and headed south. They are still going south. At some time in 2011, the ragtag team of cyclists expects to get to a point where they can’t go south any longer and will decide what comes next then. For now, they travel throughout South America with all their earthly belongings lashed, strapped, or buckled onto their bikes and call home wherever they lay their heads. Read more at familyonbikes.org.

Are you inspired by Nancy’s story, or do you think she’s crazy for setting off on this journey, or both? Please leave a comment below!

If you like this story, you might also like:

• Inspiration from a Disney Expert

• Live and Love!

• The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations

• Why We Travel with Children