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Posts Tagged ‘San Diego’
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
Twin horses named Sunny and Angel save Christmas this year at San Diego’s Helen Woodward Animal Center. Thanks to a giveaway on TravelMamas.com, one lucky family is headed to this holiday event for free this weekend. They’ll listen to a holiday story all about this special pair of horses and other animal friends at the shelter, go on an educational tour to meet the story’s characters, color Christmas pictures, play with make-believe snow, eat holiday snacks, and pose for a picture with Santa. The kids will even receive a stuffed toy and a personalized letter from Santa.
Sunny, one of the stars of the event
Congratulations to Holly! She is the winner of a pair of tickets to this event for use December 10 or 11, 2011. For her entry she said, “This looks like so much fun! My oldest (7 years) informed me last night that ‘Santa is absolutely real! What parent would buy all those toys for their kid?’” I’m sure Santa would love to hear your daughter’s thoughts on his generocity this weekend at the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Sunny and Angel Save Christmas giveaway on TravelMamas.com. A winner was chosen at random using Random.org. The winner must claim the prize within 24 hours of email notification or the prize will be forfeited and another entrant will be selected.
If you didn’t win, you can still join in the animal fun. Learn more about Sunny and Angel Save Christmas or register now!
You might also like:
• Christmas at Knott’s Berry Farm with Snoopy & Friends
• 5 of California’s Best & Most Diverse Beaches
• 10 Tips for SeaWorld San Diego with Kids
• World Tour of the Web – Africa Edition
A Note from The Travel Mama: My family and I received complimentary passes to Sunny and Angel Save Christmas from the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. I have paid for my children to attend many other fun and educational programs through this charitable organization.
Tags: Christmas, giveaway, Helen Woodward Animal Center, holiday, San Diego, Sunny and Angel
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways | 2 Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011
The kids learn about animals, you skip the lines for Santa at the mall, and everyone has a merry time at Sunny and Angel Save Christmas at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California. Read on to find out how to win a pair of tickets to this fun and festive event for this weekend, December 10 or 11, 2011.
My family visited the rare, real-live twin horses Sunny and Angel this past weekend. To kick things off, children gathered around to listen to a story about why Santa has come to visit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Most of the kids (besides my 3-year-old) seemed enraptured by this story, which included mentions of resident animals, such as Willy and Billy the goats and, of course, Sunny and Angel.
Next, everyone was led on a little tour to meet some of the animal shelter’s residents, like Oreo the sheep. Most of the animal visit time was spent learning about the stars of the event, the twin nearly two-year-old horses. We stopped by Angel’s stall while we learned about what makes this duo so special. For starters, there’s a one in 10,000 chance that twin horses will be born alive.
Sunny, one of the twin horses
After our tour, families were treated to cookies, hot cocoa, and peppermint candies. Kids could color Christmassy horsie pictures or play with a big tub of make-believe snow. My children had the most fun making their own snow by pouring some magical white powdery stuff into a cup and adding water–which spontaneously grew into fluffy, slightly chilly white “snow.”
We also got a chance to meet Rina and Ricochet, service dogs dressed up in their holiday best. Ricochet is quite the celebrity for his surfing abilities. He loves to surf with kids who are disabled. Both dogs love to be petted, lick a human hand or two, and give sweet puppy dog eyes in return for attention. You can read more about Ricochet’s adventures on SurfDogRicochet.com.
Ricochet the Surf Dog, with his pal, Rina
Soon enough, our kids were called to have their session with the big man himself—Santa! Whereas visits with Santa at the mall tend to feel incredibly rushed, our visit was more leisurely with lots of chitchat about wish lists and reindeer. Of course, our family had a photo taken with Mr. Claus. Santa gave both kids their choice of a stuffed puppy to take home. Each child even received a personally addressed letter from Santa!
Then it was back to the crafts and the faux snow to await our photo. Many families spent this time perusing the adoptable cats, dogs, and other creatures at the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. My family, however, has enough pets already and my husband and I could not trust ourselves on such a journey.
My kids making snow at Helen Woodward Animal Shelter
We received our Santa photo in a sparkly paper frame before we left. We weren’t given the option to purchase wallet sizes and whatnot like at the mall. We did, however, snap a few shots with our camera so we can order photos from an online store like Snapfish or Shutterfly.
Are you looking for a sweet holiday event that is fun AND educational for kids? Sunny and Angel Save Christmas is the ticket! The cost is $20 per child and $8 per adult, which includes the story, educational tour, crafts, a Santa photo, holiday snacks, a stuffed toy, and a personalized letter from Santa.
Santa was quite impressed with the pile of homemade gifts my daughter brought for him
Here is the mission of this non-profit organization: “Helen Woodward Animal Center’s passionate belief that animals help people and people help animals through trust, unconditional love, and respect, creates a legacy of caring. Sharing this philosophy with others, the Center inspires and teaches, locally and globally, the importance of the animal-human bond.” Find out more about the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter!
Enter to Win!
If you are a San Diego resident or plan to visit San Diego VERY, VERY soon—you can enter to win a pair of tickets (for one adult and one child) to Sunny and Angel Save Christmas at the Helen Woodward Animal Center for this weekend. Tickets can be used on December 10 or 11, 2011. Shows are every 30 minutes, 10 am-2 pm.
To enter, just leave a comment below about why you’d like to win!
For a bonus entry, do a status update on Facebook about Sunny and Angel Save Christmas at Helen Woodward Animal Shelter that includes @TravelMamas (so I see it!) and leave another comment below (so your entry is counted!).
Enter now because this contest ends Thursday, December 8, 2011 at noon Pacific Standard Time! The winner will be selected at random using Random.org. If the winner does not claim the prize within 24 hours of email notification, another winner will be chosen.
Can’t wait to win? Register for Sunny and Angel Save Christmas.
You might also like:
• Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Passports with Purpose Prize Pack
• Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• The Best of the San Diego Zoo with Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: My family and I received complimentary passes to Sunny and Angel Save Christmas from the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. I have paid for my children to attend many other fun and educational programs through this charitable organization.
Tags: California, Christmas, giveaway, Helen Woodward Animal Center, holidays, San Diego, Sunny and Angel
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways | 8 Comments »
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
I shared five tips for traveling with children on CBS San Diego KFMB Channel 8 news today. I have done video blogging and radio interviews, but this was ever-so-much-more intimidating. Click the image below to watch the segment and read on to learn the good news and the bad news about my television debut.
Click on the image above to watch the segment
THE GOOD NEWS
1. I didn’t mess anything up too horribly. I made a concerted effort to stay, as Oprah would say, “present” for the segment. Although being on TV was way outside my comfort zone, I did not want to just swallow the experience whole like some bad-tasting medicine. I focused on simply talking about my favorite topic in the whole world: traveling with children. I didn’t fumble over my words and I got all my points in.
2. The KFMB News 8 people were so downright kind. I was greeted at the studio by Associate Producer Gentre Macomber, a sweet 20-something gal, who told me at least three times how good I looked. Surely she says this to every guest (or at least every female guest) but it boosted my confidence. Then I met my interviewer, Weather Anchor Kimberly King, whose bubbly personality made me feel at ease, or at least less terrified. At commercial break, the woman anchor, Adrienne Moore, called over to me, “I love your shirt. I have the same one. It pops with the blue background” as she threw me a thumbs-up. Even the man who set up my mic (I don’t remember his name; forgive me, I was a tad preoccupied) was upbeat and kind. After my bit he said everyone thought I had been on TV before and they were all surprised it was my first time. Again, this could be pure smoke-blowing but I’ll take it! I’d love it if every day I could hang out with people who lavish me with compliments and smile at me encouragingly, willing me to succeed.
3. Travel Mamas got a big shout-out. My logo was prominently displayed, Kimberly introduced me as a the founder of TravelMamas.com, and there were a couple more mentions of my website in the graphics and during our short conversation. I have heard complaints from other bloggers who have gone on the local news (on different channels/in different markets) who were disappointed when their blog’s name was not mentioned or the incorrect web address was given, so I am grateful I got such spectacular exposure.
4. My family was mega proud of me. My husband called my cell phone the second my segment was over. He poured on the, “You did so great! You killed it!” Even my 6-year-old thought it was pretty dang cool that mama was on real-live TV.
THE BAD NEWS
1. Watching myself on TV was excrutiating. I thought it would be so fun to see the segment once I got home, but it made me want to crawl out of my skin. This was especially true when I started blathering on about the packing list. What is WRONG with me? It’s a freakin’ packing list. People can figure it out. Why did I go on and on explaining it like it’s the Davinci Code?!
2. I looked fat. True, I have gained five pounds since I went to Disney’s Aulani Resort in September and I have been living in sweatpants because my jeans must be unbuttoned when I sit. But, television really does make you gain 20 pounds. It doesn’t help that I was seated next to teensy tiny Kimberly, or that I was sitting at an angle that gives you the broadest view of my body, or that I was wearing a shirt whose ruffles added to my girth. Still, I am starting a diet tomorrow. I swear.
3. Getting up at 3:15 am was tough. I don’t sleep well as it is, so as you might imagine, the night before my appearance was not the most restful. I couldn’t just roll out of bed to get there for the 6:20 airtime either. Oh no, I had to have time to slather on gobs of makeup and put forth some serious hair effort.
Overall, this was a terrifying, exhilarating, awesome, embarrassing, fun experience. I am relieved I got my television debut over with. Now that it is done, I know what to expect and I will be less nervous next time. There will be a next time, right?!
You might also like:
• How Did I Become The Travel Mama?
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• On-the-Go with Barilla’s Piccolini TV
Tags: channel 8, gentre macomber, kfmb, kimberly king, news, San Diego, television, Travel Mamas, tv
Posted in Family Vacations, Mixed Baggage, Travel Tips | 21 Comments »
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter is a hip spot for a family vacation, girlfriend getaway, or romantic escape. I was invited to check out these hotel digs as part of a Residence Inn slumber party of sorts for a handful of BlogHer 2011 attendees. After a couple of days of listening to lectures in conference rooms, shmoozing with PR folks and other bloggers, staying up way too late and getting up way too early–it was just what this Travel Mama needed!
Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter lobby (Photo from Residence Inn website)
Located just a couple of blocks from San Diego’s Petco Park baseball stadium, this Residence Inn is in a prime spot for vacationners seeking an urban retreat.
I’d already spent a couple of nights away from my family so I begged the hubs to bring the kids to the hotel for a little dip in the pool before the slumber party commenced. It is no secret that I am a bit infatuated with hotel pools. This lovely rooftop pool sits in an outdoor courtyard of sorts with a view of the San Diego skyline.
My kids in the rooftop pool, with the historic mural behind them
The mural on the wall adjacent to the pool is the last remaining mural in the Gaslamp District. Residence Inn preserved the mural when they moved into this Historic Landmark, which was built in 1900. The mural, depicting San Diego pioneers at the end of the 1800s, was added during a restoration after a fire that destroyed the second floor in 1925.
We splashed about for a good giggle-filled hour or so before it was time for the kids to depart (with promises of cupcakes from a nearby shop) and it was time for me to get dolled up for the evening’s festivities.
Bar Vie (Photo from Residence Inn website)
The blogger slumber party started off with a leisurely hotel tour. I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel’s swanky, modern boutique feel. The Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter has all of the convenient touches for which this brand is renowned: suites with full kitchens, an outdoor grill for barbecues, a 24-hour in-lobby market, and an on-site fitness center. Similar to other Residence Inn locations, this hotel also offers budget-savers like complimentary evening socials, free hot breakfasts, included Internet access, and discounts for longer stays. They’ll even go grocery shopping for you at no additional charge (besides payment for the groceries, of course).
After our tour we chatted for a bit over drinks at the hotel’s Bar Vie. This modern lounge is outfitted with over-sized chairs, comfy couches, a dual-sided fireplace plus outdoor seating to enjoy San Diego’s sunny weather. You can munch light fare here like salads, sandwiches and appetizers. Or just sip a cocktail, like their Vie-tini made with white rum, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and a splash of lychee liquor.
My dear friend and fellow blogger, Laurie Cooper, and me
Next we set sail aboard a sailboat operated by Sail San Diego. We bloggers chatted over platters bursting with colorful fruits, nuts and cheeses while sipping wine and taking in views of the gorgeous San Diego Bay, which, as a local, I sometimes forget to appreciate. The best part was catching up with some of my favorite in-real-life blogger friends and past travel buddies (like Laurie Cooper with Guessing All the Way, Andrea Fellman with Savvy Sassy Moms, and Candace Broom with Mom Most Traveled) and making new friends too (like Chelsea Day with Someday I’ll Learn).
We docked at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island. Originally opened in 1953, this Polynesian-themed restaurant has recently undergone a remodel. The menu offers plenty of seafood and land-based fare with Hawaiian and Asian influences. After a busy, event-filled weekend, by the time our shuttle arrived to return us to the hotel, we were all nearly falling asleep on our Pupu platters.
Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island
The next morning we were treated to a poolside session of yoga (a special touch just for us bloggers). I had a hard time dragging my booty out of bed for this bout of group exercise but I was glad I did, especially after I chowed down on the tasty complimentary hot breakfast!
As a travel writer and local, I am always being asked for hotel recommendations in San Diego. For anyone looking to stay in a hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp with family-friendly conveniences, I would most definitely recommend the Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter.
Want a chance to stay at this hotel? You could win a $300 gift card to be used at any of over 600 Residence Inn locations! Enter to win the Residence Inn-Travel Mamas Giveaway now!
You might also like:
• Best San Diego Gaslamp Restaurants by a Local Foodie
• Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
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• Win $100 from JetSetBabies to Make Your Travels Easier
A note from The Travel Mama: Thank you, Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter, for inviting me to experience your hotel!
Tags: bali hai, bar vie, bloggers, gaslamp, hotel pool, residence inn, sail san diego, San Diego
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews | 11 Comments »
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
San Diego is a mecca for traveling families with its abundance of child-friendly attractions like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, the world famous San Diego Zoo, sandy beaches galore, and so much more. Are you planning a vacation with a baby or toddler to this gorgeous seaside city? Or, are you a San Diego auntie, grandparent, or friend looking forward to hosting a little one at your home? Then you’re going to love this giveaway because Go Baby Go!, a San Diego County baby equipment rental company, is giving away a $75 travel gear rental to one Travel Mamas family!
Go Baby Go! full-size crib with organic linens
Go Baby Go! opened three years ago after Owner and Mom Heike Caldwell had a difficult time lugging baby equipment during a trip to Europe with her two children. The airline broke her double stroller on the way there. In order to get a refund for the damaged stroller, she was instructed to keep the stroller with her in Europe and bring it back with her to America. She said, “I was traveling by myself with my kids on that trip. Moving across airports with two children, our luggage, and a broken double stroller was extremely unpleasant. That’s when I thought there had to be an easier way to travel with small children and all the necessary gear you need.”
As a mom of two, Go Baby Go! Owner Heike Caldwell wants to make travel easier for parents with young children
What can you get with your $75 baby and toddler travel gear rental?
A weekly rental of:
- Full-size crib with organic linens ($75)
- Double jogger ($50) plus a standard convertible car seat ($25)
- Beach Package with two high-back beach chairs, a beach umbrella, four beach towels, and a bag of sand toys plus ($50) plus a high chair ($25)
- Or your choice of Go Baby Go! rentable items. The combinations are seemingly endless…Go Baby Go! has got you covered from playtime to bathtime to bedtime and beyond.
Go Baby Go! Discount
Can’t wait to win?! You can receive a 15% discount off your travel gear rental order from Go Baby Go! Just enter “Travel Mamas” at check-out. The winner is not eligible to use this discount when claiming the $75 prize.
Enter now!
There are two ways to enter this contest. Do either or both, it’s up to you! Enter using each method once for a total of two maximum entries.
- Fill out the simple entry form on the Go Baby Go! website. Be sure to make a comment below to let us know that you filled out this form!
- Like Go Baby Go! on Facebook and make a comment on the page about your favorite spot in San Diego or what attraction(s) you’d most like to visit during your visit. Be sure to leave a comment below about your Facebook entry for this to count!
The winner will receive a $75 rental from Go Baby Go! Delivery charge is not included. The prize must be redeemed November 1, 2011 – August 30, 2012.
The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified via email. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours, the winner will forfeit the prize and another winner will be drawn. This giveaway ends on Monday, October 31, 2011. This contest is now CLOSED. Find out who won now!
Want to be notified of other giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com? Sign up for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter now! Mailings are typically sent out once per month.
You might also like:
• Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wishes Giveaway
• LEGOLAND Splash Zoo for Toddlers & Beyond
• 10 Tips for SeaWorld San Diego with Kids
• The Best of the San Diego Zoo with Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: As a Travel Mamas advertiser, Go Baby Go! received a discounted rate to run this giveaway. Want to advertise with Travel Mamas or run a giveaway with us? Click here to learn more.
Tags: baby, giveaway, Go Baby Go, San Diego, toddler, travel gear, win
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Toys & Gear | 9 Comments »
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
Do you like hip boutique hotels in awesome vacation destinations like San Diego, New Orleans, Montreal, and Washington D.C.? Of course you do! Omni Hotels & Resorts is offering a free two-night stay to one lucky Travel Mama or Travel Daddy at any of its 43 family-friendly hotel locations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Oh, how I love a rooftop pool, especially one like this at the Omni San Diego
Omni for grown-up getaways
I got a chance to experience Omni first-hand recently when celebrating my 10-year wedding anniversary with my husband, Phil. We played tourist in our hometown at the Omni San Diego for a mini romantic getaway while the kiddos were at home with a sitter. We felt like out-of-towners experiencing a rare night out in the Gaslamp District. We started our date with a lunch of fresh seafood and a panoramic San Diego Bay view at Top of the Market. Then we checked into our sleek, modern room at the Omni (and nabbed a couple of delicious cookies from the concierge desk). Afterwards, we enjoyed a round of cocktails by the hotel’s rooftop pool.
Free cookies from the concierge? Yes, please!
Get this, the Omni San Diego Hotel is connected by skybridge to our gorgeous baseball stadium, Petco Park. There was something quite exciting about walking across this skyway and right into the park to watch a ballgame. We scored seats just 17 rows behind homeplate. You may think this was an odd way to spend our tenth wedding anniversary, but believe me, any night out on the town sans kids feels like a glorious romantic retreat to us! We were able to watch the game (uniterrupted), munch on hotdogs and sip beers, and complete an entire conversation! Before turning in, we walked through the Gaslamp District, soaking up the energy of San Diego’s downtown. Omni San Diego, in the heart of downtown across the street from the San Diego Convention Center, was just a short stroll (or pedi-cab ride) away at the end of a fabulous evening.
Bridge from Omni San Diego to Petco Park baseball stadium
Omni for family vacations
Of course, Omni isn’t just for grown-ups! In fact, Omni is going out of its way to welcome its youngest guests. Upon check-in, children receive an Omni Sensational Kids Pak backpack stocked with goodies like a Frisbee, magnifying glass, Hackey Sack, activity-filled map, washable crayons, and Twizzlers candies. Last month Omni sent a sample Kids Paks for my children to evaluate. The result? Two very happy kiddos! The magnifying glass is a favorite for my three-year-old, who likes to inspect all of his toys and books with this handy tool. Both kids still don their little backpacks to tote around their Omni prizes plus their own toys and doo-dads.
My 6-year-old daughter sporting her Omni Sensational Kids Pak
Kids receive milk and cookies delivered to their guest room on the first night and can request to borrow a rolling backpack full of toys, books, and games. Select Omni Hotels in California, Texas, and Boston also offer Kid’s Fantasy Suites. These sweet suites (with a connecting room for the parents) have special kids’ bedding, bean bag chairs, an art table, books, games, and toys. Omni Executive Caryn Kboudi enlisted the help of her then ten-year-old daughter and friends to help pinpoint what young travelers would like in their hotel room. Caryn said, “We want our youngest guests to feel special from the moment they arrive. Since the suites were designed by kids for kids, they offer the amenities of home that they miss while on vacation.”
Enter to win!
There are two ways to enter to win a two-night weekend stay at any Omni Hotels & Resorts location. Be sure to make a separate comment below for each entry to count. You can enter this contest up to twice every day, using each entry method once per day.
1. Take a look at the 43 Omni Hotels & Resorts and add a comment below about which property you’d most like to visit. Choose a different location every day, or stick to the same one. It’s up to you!
2. Bonus Entry! Follow @TravelMamas and @OmniHotels on Twitter. Then copy and paste this tweet below. Provide a link to your tweet in the comments section too!
I want to win a 2-night stay at any @OmniHotels http://tinyurl.com/3cx2r7x from @TravelMamas #giveaway
Prize value is approximately $250-$750, depending on location selected and time of travel. This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, September 11, 2011. Blackout dates apply. The winner will be chosen at random using RANDOM.org and will be notified by email. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of notification, the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be selected. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Find out now who won!
Would you like to be notified of other giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com? Sign up for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter now! Mailings are typically sent out once per month.
You might also like:
• Best San Diego Gaslamp Restaurants by a Local Foodie
• Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget
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• 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA
A note from the Travel Mama: Omni Hotels & Resorts hosted my stay at their San Diego location and will provide the prize to the contest winner.
Tags: baseball, children, giveaway, kids, Omni Hotel, Omni Sensational Kids, petco park, San Diego
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews | 476 Comments »
Monday, August 8th, 2011
As a California resident, former SeaWorld annual pass holder, and parent of two – I have been to SeaWorld San Diego more times than I can count. I’ve gathered up a list of 10 tips to make the most of visiting this watery amusement/education park when visiting with kids.
Blue Horizons Show
1. Schedule your day around the shows
Grab a park map at the entrance and plan your day around the show times listed on the back. There are nine different shows to choose from (three of which only take place at night), ranging from 5 minutes in length (the Into the Blue Fireworks show) to 20-25 minutes. Get to the shows a little early to nab a good seat. Doors to shows close promptly and they do sometimes fill to capacity, especially during high tourist seasons like spring break and summer weekends. My family’s favorites are the Blue Horizons show (with leaping, spinning dolphins and humans dressed up like birds performing Cirque de Soleil-like acrobatics in and out of the water) and Pet’s Rule! (a humorous show filled with land animals like dogs, cats, ducks, and pigs performing tricks galore).
2. Remember clearly where you park
I have lost my car more at SeaWorld San Diego than anywhere else. Rows are marked but the signs are widespread so take note of exactly how close you are to the row letter and number.
3. Budget meal money and calories
You can bring small kid-sized snacks into the park, but not full meals. Yes, they do check your bags at the entrance and make you return forbidden food to the car, pack the items into a rentable locker, or dump it out. As at most amusement parks, the food is not cheap. There are plenty of deep-fried and sugary temptations, but you can also find healthier options like salads, barbecue-smoked chicken (at the Calypso Bay Smokehouse), and fresh fruits.
Elmo’s Flying Fish ride in the Sesame Street Bay of Play
4. Get in line for popular rides first thing
If you want to ride Journey to Atlantis (a roller coaster with two big splashy dips), Shipwreck Rapids (a very wet water ride), or Riptide Rescue (a spinning thrill ride) — get in line first thing when the park opens in the morning. Lines can get quite long (an hour+) as the day goes on. These rides are located quite a distance from each other, so you have to prioritize. Journey to Atlantis is probably the most popular, so hit that one first. The Bayside Skyride (a gondola ride over San Diego Bay) and the Skytower Ride (the tall needle-shaped ride in the center of the park that provides 360 degree views of the park) are more mellow and wait times are typically more manageable. There are also three fun rides for young children in the Sesame Street Bay of Play area of the park.
5. Prepare for A LOT of time in the sun
If ever you were going to pack sunhats and slather on the sunscreen, do it at SeaWorld. There is no shade for the shows and sitting on the aluminum benches under the beating Southern California sun (particularly in summer), it can feel like the hottest place on the planet.
6. Cool down & bring swim gear
There are plenty of watery opportunities to cool down at SeaWorld: fountains at the Sesame Street Bay of Play for young children, Shipwreck Rapids and Journey to Atlantis water rides for big kids and adults, and sitting in the splash zone at the park’s many shows. Bring along swimsuits and towels for little ones who will get soaked in the Sesame Street splash area. If you forget, you can buy Elmo, Zoe, and other Sesame Street character-themed gear there. You can walk through the chilly Wild Arctic attraction (with polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses on display) or the Penguin Encounter.
Journey to Atlantis
7. Keep kids busy while waiting for shows
Kids can get antsy waiting for shows to start, so use toys and snacks as entertainment while you wait. Pack a few little distractions in your day bag or purse like mini bubbles, toy cars, or Sillybandz. Food is allowed into shows (and peddled by SeaWorld employees inside), so this is a good time to break out the snacks to busy the kids.
8. Stay hydrated
You will be doing a lot of walking, probably in the sun. Don’t get so busy that you forget to stay hydrated. There are plenty of beverage carts throughout the park. The Frozen Lemonades are deeeeelicious!
9. Keep it fun by alternating activities
Especially with children, it’s important to alternate mellow activities (like watching shows or walking through the park’s numerous aquariums) with busy fun (like climbing the giant rope structure in Sesame Street Bay of Play or feeding sea lions at Pacific Point).
Turtle Bay Aquarium
10. Tell children what to do if you become separated
During one visit to SeaWorld, I found a little boy (about age 5) by himself with tears in his eyes. I asked him if he was lost and indeed he was. We walked back with him to Guest Relations/Lost & Found and stayed with him until his aunt was located. Before exploring any large tourist attraction, remind children what to do should they become separated: Stay where you are until your grown-ups return, or approach a MOM with children of her own and tell her you are lost. (And, parents should keep eyes open for children who could use a little help finding their families!)
For more information, check out the SeaWorld San Diego website. Additional SeaWorld locations are in San Antonio, Texas and Orlando, Florida.
Do you have a SeaWorld tip or favorite attraction to share? Tell us in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Best San Diego Gaslamp Restaurants by a Local Foodie
• LEGOLAND Water Park: Joy Is Good, Right?
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
A note from The Travel Mama: My family and I recently received complimentary media tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. All opinions are my own.
Tags: California, children, kids, San Diego, SeaWorld
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks, Travel Tips | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011
Know what I like as much as travel? FOOD! I believe delicious local cuisine is an essential part of a memorable travel experience. As a travel writer and resident of one of America’s favorite destinations, San Diego, I am often asked for restaurant recommendations by those traveling to my fair city. Here are my 10 favorite San Diego restaurants located in (or near) the downtown Gaslamp District.
Gelato at Chocolat Cremerie
Most Decadent Dessert
Step into what feels like a gelateria in Italy at Chocolat Cremerie. Choose from flavors like Basil Lemon, Chocolate Pear, and Gianduia Chocolate (with hazelnut and almond paste). Wear your big girl pants – there are also tarts, crepes, and brulees to be had!
Swankiest Seafood
With our location along the Pacific Ocean, San Diegans are big fans of fresh fish and seafood. My go-to restaurant of choice for a celebratory meal downtown is the Oceanaire Seafood Room. You’ll feel like you’re stepping aboard a luxury ocean liner from years past when you enter this swanky dining room. If dining with a big group, start with the Chilled Shellfish Platter, an array of fresh crab legs, jumbo shrimp, and other ocean goodies served atop crushed ice in an impressive display. Absolutely not to be missed is the Jumbo Lump Crabcake appetizer. Words. Cannot. Describe. You’ll have a hard time picking something not incredibly delicious from the daily fresh fish offerings here. For dessert share the old-school Baked Alaska with your dinner mates. A flaming dessert always makes a meal feel so divine, dahling!
Tastiest Pancake Breakfast
Richard Walker’s Pancake House makes the best pancakes I’ve ever had, besides my mama’s. And let me tell you, my mama makes one heckuva pancake! If you are looking for thick, garbage can lid-sized cakes, go somewhere else. These are thin and light with an ever-so-slight golden crispiness. The omelettes, waffles, and crepes are also quite good. For a carbo-licious delight, get the massive Apple Pancake with Granny Smith apples and cinnamon glaze. Beware: on weekends there is always a wait.
View from Top of the Market
Best Restaurant with a View
Take in the view of the San Diego Bay while dining with kids at The Fish Market. My favorites here: Ginger Lime Prawns appetizer, the homemade Danish blue cheese salad dressing (I get it atop the Caesar), Au Gratin Potatoes side dish, and any of the fresh fish selections served Cajun-style. For date night, climb the stairs to their fine-dining restaurant, Top of the Market.
Best Burger
Rejoice, for the best burger in all the land has arrived in San Diego’s Gaslamp! Burger Lounge‘s signature sandwich is made from organic, grass-fed (never-frozen) beef but you can also choose a turkey burger, salmon burger or veggie burger (made from organic quinoa, brown rice, garbanzo beans, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, garlic, panko, parsley, chipotle, Monterey Jack cheese). The burgers are topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, homemade Thousand Island dressing, grilled or raw onions and served between two buttery buns. My picky children adore their chicken skewers off the kids’ menu. The fries are to die for, but the salad with roasted corn, jicama, and other veggies is also delicious if you’re looking for something lighter.
Most Delicioso Fast Food
To locals, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill is a staple in our diet. A week does not go by that my family does not eat at Rubio’s. This chain restaurant has locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado but it all started here in San Diego. Fish tacos are the signature dish; batter-fried filets are served in a corn tortilla with cabbage and a creamy white sauce. Looking for something healthy? I love the blackened salmon tacos (skip the white sauce if counting calories) or get the street tacos, which are served with cilantro and chopped onion instead of sauce or cheese. The carnitas? Oh Dios Mio! (Technically, there is no Rubio’s in the Gaslamp, but there are a mulititude of locations throughout San Diego County.)
Breakfast at Mary Jane’s
Best Breakfast Evah
Yeah, I said it. MaryJane’s is the best breakfast you’ll eat. Evah. If you are looking for a greasy, fat-loaded meal to soothe a hangover…this is it, my friend. Leave your calorie-obsessed, uptight self at home and do some righteous all-out munchy-indulging at this eatery in the Hard Rock Hotel. Even the omelets seem imbued with some sort of magic potion (cream, I suspect). Whatever you do, get one of their fluffy buttery biscuits. And the hashbrowns. Oh…the hashbrowns!
Most Fabulous Fish N’ Chips
Every oceanfront town has one (or should have one)…the place where you go for fabulous fish n’ chips along the harbor. Head to Anthony’s Fishette next to the cruise ship terminal for an inexpensive, incredibly delicious seafood meal. You can try the chowder, salads or sandwiches, but nothing beats the hand-battered, delightfully crisp fish with French fries. Sit outside and watch the seagulls dip and dive into the water. Afterwards, take a tour of the Star of India and other boats harbored just next door.
Best Restaurant with Live Music
Croce’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar is credited with revitalizing San Diego’s once struggling Gaslamp District. Ingrid Croce, widow of folk music legend Jim Croce, created this upscale restaurant and live music venue in 1985. Go here for consistently good steaks, chops, pastas, and more while listening to the tunes of nightly live bands.
Sweetest Ice Cream Parlor
Ghirardelli’s old fashioned soda fountain offers shakes, malts, cones, and sundaes galore. My favorite is the Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae, but dark chocolate lovers will revel in three Intense Dark Sundaes: Espresso Escape, Midnight Reverie, and Mint Bliss. For a fun, messy treat for a group, dive into The Earthquake, with its eight scoops of ice cream, eight toppings, bananas, whipped cream, chopped almonds, chocolate chips, and cherries. Peruse the shop filled with Ghirardelli chocolates afterwards to purchase a sweet souvenir.
What is your favorite restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Best Cupcakes in California…Maybe in the World
• My Santa Monica Top Chef Confession
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
• Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
Tags: food, gaslamp, restaurants, San Diego
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Restaurant Reviews | 1 Comment »
Monday, April 11th, 2011
The Omni Hotels & Resorts Giveaway to celebrate the second anniversary of TravelMamas.com was a lot of fun! I got a kick out of reading which Omni properties you are dreaming of visiting. With 43 stunning options, it’s hard to choose! Popular contest destination choices included Tucson, San Francisco, New York, Orlando, Montreal, and Cancun.
Omni Berkshire Place is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan (Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts)
Personally, I am dreaming of a stay at the Omni Royal Orleans in the historic French Quarter. I’ve never been to New Orleans and this looks like such a luxurious spot for a romantic getaway. Plus, it has an outdoor rooftop pool with a view and boasts award-winning fine-dining at its famous Rib Room restaurant!
Rooftop pool at Omni Royal Orleans (Photo courtesty of Omni Hotels & Resorts)
I would also love to check into my hometown’s Omni San Diego Hotel, which is connected to PETCO Park. Baseball lovers can take advantage of Omni’s current All-American Baseball package, which includes two tickets to a Padres game and apple pie delivered to your room. Play ball!
Omni San Diego Hotel is connected to PETCO Park by skybridge (Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts)
It was so fun to read contest comments on the Travel Mamas Facebook page about what you like best about this site! I am sure this feedback will help me to post content that is useful to readers. Some of you shared your favorite story of the year or said you like the Travel Tips, Travel Resources, or the always popular Packing Lists best. Lindsay White cracked me up with her comment:
“1. I like lists
2. You make lists
3. I like your blog because of your lists.”
Sure, some entrants seemed to have made up something solely for purposes of the contest and probably had never even visited Travel Mamas before (although I hope they’ll return)! Other respondents made my day with praise for the site. Bridget Hay Vigue said, “LOVE, love, love this site! Travel is so important, for so many reasons and this blog helps me to share it with my children. From options for families beyond the obvious, to how to deal with kid-stress on vacay, your blog is indispensable! Thanks for all you do; you are an inspiration!” Well, Wow. Thank YOU, Bridget!
Omni Royal Orleans in the French Quarter (Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts)
I know, I know…what you REALLY want to know is…WHO WON?! The winner of a two-night stay at the Omni Hotels & Resorts property of her choice is Erika Marie. Her comment was chosen at random using Random.org. If the winner does not claim the prize within 48 hours of notification, another winner will be selected. She said, “It would be a dream come true to stay at the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.” Truly, I had already picked the Omni Royal Orleans as a favorite before I realized the winner had too. Good choice, Erika! Maybe I’ll see you there?!
Well, this is a Travel Mamas first. I am sorry for Erika’s sake to say that despite two email notifications, a couple of tweets on Twitter, and a few posts on the Travel Mamas Facebook page…it has been over 48 hours and I have therefore drawn another winner for this giveaway. The winner is now Debbie, who said, “A 12th anniversary/first family vacation (terrible, I know, not to have taken the kids anywhere yet…I will….someday!) trip to Montreal or Denver look wonderful to me! They look like places where I want to go…places with no allergies!” If this isn’t a sign to finally take that family vacation, I don’t know what is! Enjoy!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Omni Hotels & Resorts Giveaway! If you would like to be notified of future giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com, sign up now for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter. Mailings are sent out approximately once per month.
You might also like:
• Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget
• New York City’s Best Sites, Activities & Restaurants for Kids
• Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
• The Ups and Downs of San Francisco with Kids
Tags: baseball, giveaway, new orleans, Omni Hotels & Resorts, San Diego, Travel Mamas
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Nearly 1,000 spas across the U.S. are celebrating this year’s Spa Week April 11-17. Tired mamas can take a mini vacation from the dishes piled in the sink, mounds of laundry, and never-ending to-do lists with a spa service for just $50. These treatments normally cost anywhere from $75-$500. Each location will offer two to three of their most popular spa services at the discounted Spa Week price. I was lucky to preview a service from EnviouSkin, a participating spa in San Diego. What a wonderful and affordable way to indulge in some much needed me-time!
Photo courtesy of Spa Week
Options & Locations Galore
Choose from treatments like a 60-minute Intensive Hydrating Facial at Visible Difference Day Spa in Lexington, MA; a 70-minute Package with Herbal Mineral Bath and Wrap with Light Therapy Treatment at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa in North Bonneville, WA; or a 60-min Pain Killer Massage at Elixir Mind Body Massage in Denver, CO.
Childcare Available
Need a babysitter? That’s no excuse! Eighty-two LifeSpa locations are offering FREE child care while you get pampered during Spa Week.
EnviouSkin treatment room
EnviouSkin Review
I was invited by San Diego’s EnviouSkin spa to check out one of their Spa Week offerings firsthand. I received a thoroughly relaxing 50-minute Selenite Crystal Massage (normally $145 for 90 minutes). Located in the eclectic University Heights neighborhood of San Diego, where bookstores, independently owned coffee shops, and unique cafes abound – EnviouSkin specializes in skin care, massage, and waxing.
First my massage therapist, Orlando Ramos, offered me a choice of which scented lotion I preferred: Kukui nut, lavender, or orange blossom. After sniffing each, I selected the Kukui nut, an alluring scent reminiscent of coconut oil and a warm day at the beach. The Selenite Crystal Massage uses traditional massage techniques blended with soothing strokes using heated smooth Selenite crystals to help ease away tensions. Orlando said, “I’m a huge believer in the healing power of crystals and the healing power of touch. This combines both.”
 Selenite crystals at EnviouSkin
The spa’s youthful owner, Kim Schweizer, hails from Frankfurt, Germany where she attended school to become an esthetician for three years. The same schooling takes just six months in the United States. Kim said she wants to bring the European experience to her clients, adding, “Nothing is more rewarding than making people feel good.”
Well, my trip to EnviouSkin during Spa Week certainly made this mama feel great!
Book Your Spa Week Treatment
You deserve some me-time too! Browse the $50 Spa Week directory now and book your treatment ASAP because spas will book up before you know it.
What is your favorite spa or spa treatment? Please share in the comments below!
You might also like:
• JW Marriott San Antonio – Where Luxury Combines with Good Ol’ Family Fun
• Romantic Getaway at Scottsdale’s Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
• Sedona’s Enchantment Resort Review – Worth a Splurge?
• 7 Tips for a Cabo San Lucas Girlfriend Getaway
A Note from The Travel Mama: I received a complimentary treatment at EnviouSkin as part of this Spa Week promotion.
Tags: EnviouSkin, me-time, San Diego, spa, Spa Week, vacation
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways, Mixed Baggage | 5 Comments »
Saturday, October 9th, 2010
When I was a kid, I had just one shot at wearing my Halloween costume each year while trick-or-treating through my suburban Minnesota neighborhood. Most years I had to wear a thick winter coat over my bunny rabbit, princess, or ballerina outfit. This often led to my crying, whining, and general tantrum-throwing. Not so for lucky kids visiting Southern California during October! Families can celebrate the holiday all month long at LEGOLAND California. In San Diego’s mild climate, kids can collect treats in their Halloween garb coat-free and maybe even snag a prize in the process!
My son on one of the Brick-Or-Treat Trails at LEGOLAND
Brick-Or-Treat Trails
Kids don’t need to wear a costume to gather goodies at the treat stations set up along two Brick-Or-Treat Trails in LEGOLAND, but what kid doesn’t like an extra chance to be a super hero or pirate? Trick-or-treaters aged 12 and younger can gather candies, apples, crayons, and more from one of the trails located along the Enchanted Walk (open weekends 12 to 5 pm plus Saturday evenings during October) or at the Miniland Overlook (open October Saturday evenings 5 to 9 pm).
If you didn’t have time to put together a costume or your kiddo wants to add a little flair to their ensemble, elaborate face-painting is available in Castle Hill. Choose from designs for fairies, monsters, animals, and more. Prices range from $12 to $19.
Mail Order Monsters
Mail Order Monsters Show
Starring ten-year-old Princess Playwright and some grown-up “monsters” like Jester Funny Bones, Mail Order Monsters is a not-too-scary slapstick show for families. My kindergartner and toddler laughed at the actors’ antics but they were not at all interested in meeting the monsters (especially the zombie!) when the characters climbed down from the stage after the show to mingle with the crowd. Of course, my daughter was fascinated by the princess and ran up to her get a better look at her sparkling orange dress.
Performances take place several times throughout weekend days and Saturday evenings in October at the Courtyard Theater. There are no seats besides a couple of benches at the back, but kids and adults didn’t seem to mind standing or sitting on the ground.
Special Halloween treats available for purchase
Halloween Sweets
If the kids didn’t get their fill of sweet treats from the Brick-Or-Treat Trails, you can purchase Halloween-themed goodies at eateries throughout the park. Choose from Jack-o-lantern cookies, caramel apples, orange-colored crispy rice treats drizzled with chocolate, Halloween cupcakes, and hot apple cider. Or, stop by Sir Scoops A Lot for a pumpkin ice cream shake.
My kids were afraid of these jack-o-lanterns until I pretended this one was eating my hand
“Spooky” Decorations
Everywhere you look you’ll find LEGO brick-shaped ghosts and skeletons plus live pumpkins and man-made jack-o-lanterns. You must stop by the Giant LEGO Pumpkin made entirely of LEGO bricks and the Giant Ghost to snap adorable photos of the kids.
One of the “hidden” candy corns at Haunted Hideaways
Candy Corn Scavenger Hunt
Halloween or not, one of my kindergartner’s favorite LEGOLAND attractions is The Hideaways, a gigantic playground perfect for kids five and older. At this time of year, it is transformed into Haunted Hideaways with spooky music and “hidden” candy corn pictures that kids can count while they climb across rope bridges and zoom down slides.
To participate in the Candy Corn Scavenger Hunt, just fill out a form with how many candy corns your child spotted and your contact information for a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to LEGOLAND California.
Howlin’ Howie’s Contest at Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights
Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights
There is no additional cost to attend the Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights, which take place 5 to 9 pm every Saturday in October. In addition to the Halloween fun outlined above, most of LEGOLAND’s regular attractions stay open. Plus, there are special shows, activities, and contests just for partygoers in Castle Hill.
Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party
Kids can compete to howl the loudest and proudest in Howlin’ Howie’s Contest at the Courtyard Theatre twice each night. Watch the Spirits of Brick-Or-Treat Light Show, where friendly spooks and pumpkin luminaries light up and sing on the castle rooftop in celebration of Halloween every half hour, starting at 6:30 pm. Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party starts at 5 pm and culminates in the Ultimate Dance Off at 8:30 pm, when six of the best dancers are chosen to dance onstage. A final winner is chosen by show of applause.
Here’s Mikayla (age 11), a “Creative” Halloween Costume Contest entrant
The Costume Contest draws some truly innovative costumes in the categories of Heroes, LEGO, and Creative. Registration begins at 4 pm. The contest is open to kids aged 12 and younger. A panel of judges chooses one first-prize winner from each category.
Get Your Halloween On!
A regular admission ticket allows you to enjoy the daytime Halloween fun and includes entrance to Brick-Or-Treat Nights for $59 online or $84 at the door. If you only want to attend the nighttime activities, you can purchase a Brick-Or-Treat ticket for $30 online or $40 at the door. Go to the LEGOLAND California website to purchase tickets and learn more.
Where is your favorite place to celebrate Halloween? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Halloween with a Disney Twist
• LEGOLAND for All Ages
• LEGOLAND Water Park: Joy Is Good, Right?
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
A note from The Travel Mama: My family and I received complimentary passes to LEGOLAND California to experience the park’s Halloween festivities.
Want to read about more Halloween fun? Check out the Halloween blog carnival over at Best Family Travel Advice or on Trekaroo’s Spotlight Thursday.
Tags: brick-or-treat, California, costume contest, Halloween, legoland, San Diego
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 12 Comments »
Monday, September 6th, 2010
San Diego’s Balboa Park is overflowing with fun things to do with kids. As locals who have visited nearly all of the park’s 15 museums and who are annual members of its world-famous San Diego Zoo, one of my family’s favorite Balboa Park attractions is its Rose Garden. With approximately 2,500 roses of nearly 200 varieties, this garden is free to the public, doesn’t take all day to tackle, and makes a fun and fragrant outdoor field trip for visitors of all ages.
Sometimes family vacations are so jampacked with activities, it’s easy to forget to slow down and savor the moment. Here’s a little pictoral tour of Balboa Park’s Rose Garden, a relaxing spot to visit on your next trip to San Diego.
Balboa Park Rose Garden in San Diego, California
 My daughter, Princess Karissa, and the rose
Take a close look – this rose has a visitor!
My son, Leo, is more interested in rocks & dirt than in flowers (such a boy!)
Every time we visit, Karissa and I select our favorite rose – this time the winner was this perfect Sheila’s Perfume bloom
My daughter loves to collect (already fallen) rose petals to stuff in her pockets as a natural souvenir
After wandering through the Rose Garden, you may want to mosey through the neighboring Desert Garden, which is filled with over 1,300 cacti and succulents. Be sure to keep toddlers in strollers to avoid getting pricked! Both of these gardens are located North off the Park Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, across from the San Diego Natural History Museum and the big fountain (for which I could not find a name). Here’s a map of Balboa Park to help you find your way.
Do you have a favorite public garden? Please leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• 5 of California’s Best & Most Diverse Beaches
• San Diego Botanic Garden – An Enchanting Place for Children
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• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
Tags: Balboa Park, California, rose garden, San Diego
Posted in Family Vacations | 4 Comments »
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Oh, how I love water parks! To be an “authentic” traveler, I guess I’m supposed to only like nature-y, educational, culturally enriching, good-for-you stuff. But here’s the thing about water parks…they’re FUN! They induce pure joy for my children, and let’s face it, for me! Joy is good, right?
I kept seeing television ads and hearing radio spots for the new LEGOLAND Water Park, located at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, California (just North of San Diego). I couldn’t take it any longer; I had to check that place out!
Build-A-Raft River
For the Whole Family
Looking for something to keep everyone happy? Head to the Build-A-Raft River. This lazy river meanders through the water park and welcomes guests of all ages, including lap-held babies. Be ready to get doused or hop off to steer your vessel away from squirting cannons and pouring buckets poised along the watery path. Upbeat, summery tunes like Beatles remakes and “Brown-Eyed Girl” bopping through speakers add to the fun. Kids and grown-ups alike enjoy stacking foam LEGO bricks on the perimeter of their rafts before setting sail. While waiting in line for the more daring slides, I was entertained watching floaters of all ages who busied themselves rearranging their LEGO creations while as they floated down the river.
Especially for Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids
My favorite part of this park is the DUPLO Splash Safari. True, this is partially due to the fact that my kids are the perfect ages (two and five) for this attraction. But, LEGOLAND shines best when catering to younger children, as evidenced by its abundance of kid-centric rides while offering just a few relatively tame “thrill” rides.
Our friend, Mat, sliding side-by-side with his daughter, Isabella (age three)
The three small-scale waterslides do not have any height requirements but curiously do not allow parents to ride with children in their laps. Instead, you must ride side-by-side. I found this to be a precarious way to keep my toddler, Leo, safe while sliding together and it resulted in him getting a noseful of water on one splashy entry.
Kids Creek, a lazy river just for children
My kindergartner, Karissa, appreciated the freedom (under her parents’ watchful, yet distant supervision) that this kids’ area allowed. She zipped down the slides again and again, without any help from mom or dad. She also loved setting sail on Kids Creek, a miniature lazy river, whenever she wanted, no parents’ permission or assistance required. LEGOLAND life guards help kids board their rafts and keep a close eye on them as they float along the circular river.
Polar bear-shaped splash fountain
The squirting polar bear, alligator, and elephant fountains provide oodles of entertainment to the youngest park goers. Plus, they allow for adorable photo opps to parents of tots.
Fun for Big Kids & Grown-Ups
There are five big waterslides at the LEGOLAND Water Park. The blue-colored Splash Out was closed the day of my visit, which I think added to our long wait times. Be forewarned that kids cannot wear life vests on any of the bigger slides besides Orange Rush. Karissa and I waited 10 minutes in line for one of the two red Twin Chasers tube slides before someone alerted us to this fact, at which point I had to walk back to DUPLO Splash Safari to deposit Karissa with her dad. I then rejoined the line and waited an additional 30 minutes before I could take a turn (it’s a tough job being a travel blogger, but someone’s gotta do it!). I liked the Twin Chasers well enough but they were’nt the zippiest of slides. In fact, I got stuck midway and had to scoot myself down to keep going.
The Joker Soaker and big kid waterslides
The most exhilarating slide, by far, is Orange Rush. My daughter and I sat in a gigantic inner tube to glide and spin our way down and around to the bottom. I thought Karissa might get nervous when we spent half of our journey backwards-facing, but it didn’t seem to phase her one bit. She tends to be a bit of a daredevil when it comes to amusement parks; if you have more timid ride-goer, take heed. I asked Karissa what was her favorite part about the LEGOLAND Water Park and she said, “Oh! Oh! Going down the slide with you!” Why? “Because I got to ride with you!” (Awww!)
My daughter and my favorite LEGOLAND waterslide, Orange Rush
Although we didn’t partake, the Joker Soaker near the big slides appears to be a big hit with grade school boys. It’s a big clock tower that gushes buckets of water periodically on those below it. There are also water guns the kids delight in aiming at one another. Another fun spot is Imagination Station, where LEGO fanatics can build creations in a watery environment.
Kids hard at play at the Imagination Station
Useful Stuff & Tips
There is no option to visit just the water park. You must pay for entrance into the main park plus an additional, nominal fee for the LEGOLAND Water Park. As someone who has been to LEGOLAND numerous times and whose family loves water parks, this extra fee makes sense. If you think you will be too busy riding roller coasters, eating apple fries, and building with LEGO bricks, you might not have time enough to squeeze the water park into your day. Keep in mind, you can always cool off in Pirate Shores, a splashy land that comes with the cost of admission to the regular park.
Bring your own beach towel. They aren’t provided but you can purchase one if you forget yours at home.
Lockers (at an additional cost) and changing rooms (for free) are available.
Kids’ life vests are available at no extra charge. Even if your child is a good swimmer, using a life vest for little kids can help you to relax a bit and enjoy the day. Life guards stand watch over all areas of the park but parents must still be vigilant to keep an eye on their children.
My son, Leo, sporting his life vest
Go midweek if possible. On a Saturday, Karissa and I waited nearly an hour (in the shivering shade) for a chance to whoosh down Orange Rush. While it was worth the wait, if you want to make the most of your day, avoid Fridays and weekends when the park is more crowded.
Check for LEGOLAND online specials. You should never pay full price to go to LEGOLAND. There always seems to be a LEGOLAND discount somewhere.
The LEGOLAND Water Park hours vary from those of the amusement park. Check their website for the LEGOLAND schedule. You can always go early or stay late and spend some time enjoying the rides on dry land to round out your day.
What’s your favorite water park? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
• LEGOLAND for All Ages
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
A note from the Travel Mama: My family received free 1-Day LEGOLAND/LEGOLAND Water Park passes. We have visited LEGOLAND many times on our own dime too. In fact, we have purchased two years worth of annual passes in the past.
Tags: Carlsbad, lazy river, legoland, San Diego, water park, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Headed to San Diego with a baby or toddler? Check out my latest article for San Diego Family Magazine Baby It’s Hot Outside about summer fun spots for tots in my sunny hometown. Want to see the pretty version with the photos? Click here and flip to page 94.
The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden miniature train
at the San Diego Botanic Garden
The article covers four places that are particularly popular with little ones, including the San Diego Botanic Garden with its two children’s gardens, the San Diego Zoo’s best attractions for wee ones, San Diego’s most baby-friendly beaches, and what to be sure to see at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps when visiting with a young child.
What is your favorite San Diego attraction for babies and toddlers? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Wild Animal Park
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• San Diego Botanic Garden – An Enchanting Place for Children
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
Tags: aquarium, babies, beaches, botanic garden, San Diego, toddlers, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations | 1 Comment »
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
From themed rides and LEGO brick building stations to musical fountains and roller coasters, LEGOLAND California has something to please everyone. Read on to learn about the best this park has to offer for babies, toddlers, tweens, teens, and grown-ups.
LEGOLAND California’s Miniland Cruise Ride
Last month I spent a day at LEGOLAND California with the woman who literally wrote the book on LEGOLAND. My daughter and I rode rides, explored play areas, and ate apple fries with the author of The Unauthorized Guide to LEGOLAND, Bridget A. Smith, and two of her three kids. It was like having our own personal tour guide to the park! From questions about the best rides for my five-year-old, to where we could find the closest bathroom, Bridget was there to guide the way.
Bridget is a LEGOLAND aficionado and mom to Justin (age 11), Destiny (age six), and Jared (age five). She decided to write this guidebook because, “I live down the street here in Carlsbad. LEGOLAND is a wonderful park but there were things I thought I could share that would help families with children. And there are a lot of undiscovered areas people may have never explored before.” The book helps you navigate varying height and age restrictions; which rides can only be ridden by a solo child; and when to hit certain attractions to avoid long lines. She even lists fun indoor activities for rainy days. You can read Bridget’s blog and purchase her book at FamilyAdventureGuidebooks.com.
Bridget with her daughter, Destiny, at LEGOLAND
While I am not as knowledgeable about this park as Bridget, I have been to LEGOLAND numerous times and I like this amusement park more each time I visit. I asked Bridget to share her thoughts on the LEGOLAND’s best attractions and food. Here are some of her picks with a few of my favorites sprinkled in.
Attraction that Makes You Fall in Love with LEGOLAND
Water Works Magical Fountain (Explore Village: All Ages)
While Bridget and I watched our kids playing at the Water Works Magical Fountain, I said, “This is my favorite attraction at LEGOLAND.”
Bridget said, “Me too!” She bubbled, “This fountain is why I fell in love with LEGOLAND. I came here with the kids and we saw this fountain and I thought, Why haven’t we been here before? This place is awesome!”
The Water Works Magical Fountain is made of musical instruments formed from LEGO bricks. Kids stomp on the circles in front of the drum, trumpet, harp, or other instrument and its musical sound chimes in. It’s just a joyful, unique experience.
My daughter, Karissa, making music at the Water Works Magical Fountain last year
Toddler Time
If you will be visiting LEGOLAND with a baby or toddler be sure to check out What to Do When You Are 2 for ideas to keep young children content.
DUPLO Playtown (Explore Village: All Ages)
This play area is filled with slides, pretend vehicles and buildings, and a crawl-through maze. This is a great place to relax a bit while the kiddies play.
My son, Leo, exploring DUPLO Playtown
LEGOLAND Express (Explore Village: All Ages)
This adorable train ride is tucked into a corner of DUPLO Playtown. Bridget recommends this train even for ride-phobic little ones. In her guidebook she says, “I love the mix of real California crops and LEGO brick produce. Make sure to point out the artichokes and fresh strawberries.”
Preschooler & Kindergartner Play
Volvo Junior Driving School (Fun Town: Kids Ages 3-5)
What kid doesn’t want to drive a miniature car around a track all by himself? To quote the Unauthorized Guide, “This ride is a great rite of passage. At the end of the ride your child will receive an official LEGOLAND driver’s license.” The Volvo Driving School is next door for kids ages 6-12.
The Royal Joust (Castle Hill: Kids Ages 4-12 & Height Restrictions)
This is a favorite of both Bridget’s daughter, Destiny and my daughter, Karissa. Kids straddle pretend horses that trot through a forest dotted with life-sized LEGO knights and other characters.
Destiny aboard a Royal Joust horse
Grade-Schooler Stuff
Build & Test (Imagination Zone: All Ages)
I never really understood the appeal of this attraction until I saw how much Bridget’s son, Jared, loved playing with LEGO bricks at this and other hands-on building stations. The guidebook advised, “At the main desk big kids check out a set of wheels with axles, then build vehicles with a wide assortment of big kid LEGO bricks. There are a number of tracks with timers, and the kids can race their vehicles to see who has the fastest car.”
Bridget’s youngest son, Jared, playing with LEGO bricks at Build & Test
The Dragon (Castle Hill: Height Restrictions)
Karissa and I love this roller coaster! It starts out with a mellow riding tour through a castle filled with humorous LEGO medieval scenes. Then, as the guidebook explains, “Suddenly the roller coaster takes hold and you find yourself outside in a roller coaster that has some zip to it.” I like that it’s fast enough to get your heart pumping a bit, but not so scary to deter brave young children. I also appreciate the details of the funny markers on the gravestones in the make-believe cemetery through which you wind if the line is long.
The Hideaways (Castle Hill: All Ages)
Bridget and I had a grand ol’ time yapping away here while our kids zipped up, down, and through this play area. According to the book, “This is one of the best places to get a lot of energy out. Kids can climb, slide and wiggle through a variety of obstacles…Luckily the entrance to the Hideaways is also the exit so you can stake out a spot nearby and make sure you catch your little one before he or she can escape. Don’t plan to see your kids anytime soon however, this area is so engaging it may be a while before they are willing to leave.”
Teenager Rides
Knight’s Tournament (Castle Hill: Height Restrictions)
This is Bridget’s oldest son, Justin’s all-time favorite ride. The guide says, “It is not for the faint-hearted. I have never seen anything like it at another park. Giant robotic arms like the one used in automotive assembly plants to weld on car doors spin you around and almost dip you into a slimy moat.” Riders can pick the intensity level of the ride.
The Knight’s Tournament is LEGOLAND’s most thrilling ride
Lost Kingdom Adventure (Land of Adventure: Height Restrictions)
This is one of my family’s favorites. It’s like a ride plus a carnival game all rolled into one during which you explore Egyptian ruins made of LEGO bricks. In the Unauthorized Guide Bridget says, “Blast targets with laser guns in order to recover stolen treasure…A computer records every shot, so at the end you can compare scores with your riding companions.”
Family-Time Fun
Fairy Tale Brook (Explore Village – All Ages)
This is a ride all ages can enjoy it together. As described by Bridget’s guidebook, “Take a sweet boat ride through a LEGO world populated by many of your child’s favorite story book characters…This ride provides a quiet break and is good for small children.”
Miniland USA (All Ages)
Bridget says, “This signature attraction of LEGOLAND California is fun for the whole family. Miniland is a collection of American landmarks from seven different geographical regions of the United States constructed with more than 20 million LEGO bricks at a 1:20 scale.”
The U.S. Capital Building in Miniland USA
Tastiest Eats
Granny Apple Fries (Castle Hill)
Bridget describes this unusual sweet treat as, “The fried Granny Apples are dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They are served with a vanilla cream dipping cream. Everyone in our family loves this treat.”
Fun Town Market Restaurant (Fun Town)
My husband always insists we eat at this made-to-order buffet-style restaurant for its outstanding Philly cheese steak sandwiches. You can find something to meet everyone’s needs here from oriental chicken stir fry, to an extensive soup and salad bar, and kids’ meals. We save money (and room in our bellies!) by splitting a sandwich so we can indulge in Granny Apple Fries afterwards.
Best Way to Cool Off
Pirate Shores (Various Age and Height Restrictions)
On a hot day, you will definitely want to bring swimsuits and towels for the kids and head over to Pirate Shores. This area encompasses several splashing attractions. Bridget explains, “This is one of the most fun areas at LEGOLAND and a great place for parents to take a break. There is only one entrance to the area, so you can keep an eye on the kids. Any kid who loves water play will want to stay there for hours.”
SEA LIFE Aquarium
With a LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper pass you can visit the adjoining SEA LIFE Aquarium during a visit to LEGOLAND California. There are plenty of fish and marine life on display in educational, fun displays. Pop-up bubbles where kids can get a feel for what it would be like to live under the sea make this aquarium stand out from others.
Karissa peering at fish through a plastic pop-up bubble at the SEA LIFE Aquarium
Enter to Win!
Post a comment below about which LEGOLAND feature you would most like to experience and why to win a four-pack of 1-Day LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper passes plus a copy of The Unauthorized Guide to LEGOLAND. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Find out who won!
LEGOLAND will provide the park hopper passes (worth $308) and Bridget A. Smith will provide the guidebook (worth $17.95).
This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, May 15, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected.
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about which LEGOLAND feature mentioned in the post you would most like to experience and why. Please be specific! General comments like, “Thanks for the contest” or “I want to go to LEGOLAND” will be disqualified.
• BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy the following phrase into Twitter:
Win a 4-pack of @LEGOLAND_CA park hopper passes on @TravelMamas http://bit.ly/cemnsU
• BONUS ENTRY: “Like” Travel Mamas on Facebook and add a comment. Copy and paste the following phrase (filling in your answer) on the Travel Mamas Facebook Page. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!
I want to win tickets to LEGOLAND on TravelMamas.com because________________.
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
You might also like:
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, & Treats
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides & Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
A note from the Travel Mama: My family recently received free 1-Day LEGOLAND/SEA LIFE Hopper passes to LEGOLAND California. We have visited many times on our own dime too. In fact, we have purchased two years worth of annual passes in the past. I also received a PDF version of The Unauthorized Guide to LEGOLAND from Bridget A. Smith for purposes of this blog post.
Tags: aquarium, babies, California, legoland, roller coaster, San Diego, sea life, teen, toddlers, unauthorized guide
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Theme Parks | 140 Comments »
Sunday, April 25th, 2010
Our family loves to visit botanical gardens when we travel. It allows us to spend time outdoors and we get a feel for the personality and natural beauty of our destination. Plus it gives the kids a chance to run around and get some of their wiggles out!
A plant sculpture at the San Diego Botanic Garden
In our hometown, we are members of the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly named Quail Botanical Gardens). This is one of San Diego’s best hidden gems. It contains not one but TWO children’s gardens full of hands-on activities. Plus there are plenty of walking paths lined with beautiful plants and flowers from around the world. In total, there are 27 themed gardens to choose from.
The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden miniature train
is always a hit with kids
Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden
This garden is all about simple pleasures for toddlers and preschoolers. There are buckets of soapy water with tons of wands for blowing bubbles. A sand pit hides small plastic dinosaurs perfect for little hands to dig up. Kids can pretend to be mommy or daddy in a child-sized wooden house outfitted with a kitchen and utensils. Children can get their hands dirty doing a bit of gardening by transplanting tiny succulents from one container to a take-home plastic pot, filling it up with a wee bit of soil and then spraying their new treasure with a spritz of water. My train-loving toddler’s favorite part of the Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden is the miniature train that chugs through the garden.
My son, Leo, digging for dinosaurs last year
Hamilton Children’s Garden
This newer children’s garden is much bigger than the cozy original and is geared for a slightly older audience of school-aged children. The Hamilton Children’s Garden has less greenery and shade, but it is ever-so-fun nonetheless. The centerpiece is Toni’s Tree House, complete with rope bridges, tunnels, and a spiral staircase for exploring.
Leo climbing Toni’s Tree House
The Incredible Edibles teaches children about the plants and herbs we eat. The Pencil Arbor and Bonsai Sketching Area is equipped with coloring sheets and a trellis on which children can hang their creations. Garden Rhythms encourages children to make music with instruments made from items found in nature, like rocks, sticks and water. There’s a labyrinth, a sundial, a giant tic-tac-toe board, and more to discover in this sprawling garden.
The Spell & Smell Garden is filled with labeled potted plants, each of which starts with a different letter of the alphabet.
Tropical Rain Forest
After visiting one or both of the children’s gardens, you can meander through the rest of the gardens. All are beautiful, but one of my personal favorites is the Tropical Rain Forest. I love Hawaii and this feels like a wee slice of Polynesia in San Diego. This is a great place to sit on a bench to listen to the sound of waterfalls and breathe in the sweet scent of over-sized flowers in a lush landscape…for as long as your children will let you.
A waterfall in the Tropical Rain Forest Garden
Subtropical Fruit Garden
A visit to the Subtropical Fruit Garden is fun and educational because children can see with their own eyes how some of their favorite fruits, like bananas and oranges, actually grow on trees; they are not manufactured in a factory and delivered to grocery stores just so people can eat them!
A bunch of bananas growing in the Subtropical Fruit Garden
Mexican Garden
The Mexican Garden is a darling spot filled with plants in a fiesta of colors. There is also a fountain decorated with painted Mexican tiles and sculptures of a mariachi band and a flamenco dancer formed from greenery.
The fountain in the Mexican Garden
Bamboo Garden & Bamboo Pond
A walk through the giant stalks of bamboo feels otherworldly. Read the signs aloud to the kids so they can learn that Bamboo is actually a grass that can grow up to 30 feet in one season! The Bamboo Pond is filled with lilly pads and a hoppy frog or two.
My daughter, Karissa, in front of some of the smaller stalks of bamboo
Old World Desert Garden
Those unfamiliar with the desert landscape should walk through the Old World Desert Garden to get a peek at cacti, succulents and bright desert flowers. Just be sure to keep toddlers in their strollers in case they want to pet the prickly plants!
A splash of vibrant desert flowers amongst succulents and cacti
What Else You Should Know
The San Diego Botanic Garden is located in Encinitas, a little over a half-hour drive north from downtown. If you are on a tight budget, visit on the first Tuesday of the month when entrance is free. Plan to do a lot of walking up and down hills here – your glutes will definitely get a good workout, especially if you’re pushing a stroller!
The San Diego Botanic Garden holds special events throughout the year, like a children’s Fairy Festival in the summer and a Garden of Lights holiday celebration in December.
The Gift Shop and Nursery sells gardening tools, plants, wind chimes, and gardening books. The bad news (or the good news?!) is that there are very few toys or souvenirs for the kiddies here.
The Kona Koffee Hut sells coffee drinks, sodas and juices as well as simple snacks like string cheese, Goldfish crackers, and ice cream treats. On the counter, a tongue-in-cheek sign states, “Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy.” Go here if you’ve got a bit of the munchies, but if you want to have a picnic in the gardens, you should pack your own lunch.
San Diego is so stuffed with fun things to do that this family-friendly attraction often gets overlooked. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of a theme-park-packed vacation, a visit here gives the whole family a chance to slow down and connect with nature.
Do you have a favorite botanical garden? Please tell us about it in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Orange County with Kids – Beyond Disneyland
• Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Wild Animal Park
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
Tags: botanical garden, miniature train, nature, quail, San Diego, San Diego Botanic Garden
Posted in Family Vacations | 6 Comments »
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
I was asked to share a few of my happiest travel memories to coincide with Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit, a campaign that showcases the moments of simple happiness that people treasure most. Share one of your happiest travel memories in the comments below for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Southwest Airlines, provided by Lay’s potato chips!
Happiness is Family
When we travel with family, the focus isn’t on work, school, and never-ending to-do lists. Family vacations allow us to spend quality time with people we love, live more fully in the present moment, take notice of our surroundings, and enjoy life. This must be why my daughter often cries at the end of a vacation, “But I don’t wanna go home!”
And, it must be why so many of my happiest childhood memories took place while on a family vacation…swimming in indoor hotel pools with the gleeful calls of “Marco! Polo!” echoing against the walls…playing 20 questions in the backseat of our spitfire orange station wagon…or knowing I was safe on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride because my dad told me my green Mickey Mouse ears would protect me. I am pictured above at age four (sporting my magical green mouse ears) with my brother and Pluto at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Happiness is Getting Away from it All
One of the happiest moments of any trip for me is after I arrive at my destination and I realize, “Hey, I’m on vacation!” Here I am pictured with my son, Leo, with my hometown San Diego in the background on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico. A sweet thing about a cruise is, the minute you step onboard, your vacation starts!
Happiness is Being Together
Since my two siblings and I live in three different states and we each have families of our own, it is a very rare occasion when we, our children, and our parents are all able to meet in one place. We made a point to get together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a few days of family fun in the sun before my brother, a naval officer, was deployed to Iraq for six months.
While it was thrilling to swim with dolphins in The Bahamas and to climb a waterfall in Jamaica, most of my happiest travel memories take place when doing simple things with people I love. By far my favorite memory of this trip was simply splashing around in one of the hotel’s pools with the whole family.
In total, there were fourteen family members who went on this multi-generation vacation. From left to right, pictured above are my niece Siobhan, husband Phil, nephew Trevor, and sister Karen hamming it up at the pool at Solmar Resort.
Happiness is Relaxation
It is a happy moment indeed when children successfully take a nap while on vacation! This is especially true when such a nap takes place poolside at a beautiful resort, allowing for a mid-day snooze or dip in the pool for the Travel Mama and Travel Daddy! Here’s a photo of my daughter, Karissa, asleep in her stroller at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.
Happiness is Dreaming
I spent a lot of time visualizing taking my baby to Disneyland to distract myself from contractions during a very, very, very long labor with my firstborn. I couldn’t think of a happier place to be. It is, after all, The Happiest Place on Earth!
So, for my daughter’s first birthday rather than throwing her a birthday party, we took a three-day trip to Disneyland. Did the trip live up to my expectations? I think this picture of Karissa clapping with joy on her inaugural Disney ride aboard Dumbo’s back says it all!
Happiness is Simple
The message of the Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit is that the happiest moments in our lives are truly the simple ones. From the online exhibit, select photos will be chosen to be featured on millions of Lay’s potato chip bags. You can submit photos that showcase simple, happy moments to Lays.com. Submitting photos on the Lay’s site does not affect your chance of winning the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com but it sure would be fun to see your photo on a bag of Lay’s potato chips!
Happiest Travel Memories Contest Sponsored by Lay’s Potato Chips
I shared just a few of my happiest travel memories with you. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below describing one of your happiest travel memories for a chance to win a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card. Lay’s potato chips will provide the prize to the winner.
This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. To find out who won and to read my favorite entries, read Thanks for Sharing the Memories.
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about your happiest travel memory. Please be specific! General comments like, “I love to travel” or “I have many happy travel memories” will be disqualified.
• BONUS ENTRY: 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:
Share a happy travel memory on @TravelMamas to WIN $200 for AIRLINE TIX from Lay’s potato chips http://bit.ly/arRHw7 #giveaway
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment like the one below, filling in the blanks, on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!
If I win the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com I will go to ___________ because _______________.
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
You might also like:
• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Onboard Activities for Kids
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
• Why We Travel with Children
Tags: cabo san lucas, California, Cruise, disney world, disneyland, Florida, hawaii, kauai, lay's potato chips' happiness exhibit, Mexico, multi-generation vacation, pool, San Diego, vacation naps
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways | 357 Comments »
Sunday, January 24th, 2010
I’ll be honest with you. I wanted to attend the Roar & Snore sleepover at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park) because I was looking for an easy way to go camping with my daughter, not because either of us had a hankering to sleep near lions or attend hands-on encounters with animals. I had been toying with the idea of escaping suburban life for a camping getaway to reconnect with nature but I was daunted by the prospect. I don’t own any camping gear or know how to pitch a tent. I didn’t want to plan a camping menu and pack all of the food and other necessities we’d need. This program seemed like a manageable and unique way to experience camping with a child.
Campers sleeping near the lion enclosure may wake to the roaring of these huge cats in the morning
As members, my family has spent a tremendous amount of time at both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its sister location, the San Diego Zoo. The camping tents on a hill near the lions at the Safari Park piqued my curiosity during one visit. I learned the tents house Roar & Snore sleepovers. Participants are outfitted with a pre-assembled tent, sleeping pads, and camp chairs. Pricing includes all snacks, meals, activities, and crafts. For an extra charge, beds, wood floors, and electricity are available in the fancier Premium tents, but that seemed too posh to count as camping to me.
I suggested attending a Roar & Snore to my four-year-old daughter, Karissa. She was familiar with the idea of camping from bedtime stories like Curious George Goes Camping and Just Me and My Dad, about Little Critter’s father-son camping adventure. With my daughter’s enthusiastic approval, I signed up!
My daughter, Karissa (age four), in our tent
Settling In
Since I was leaving my husband and baby boy at home, I invited my friend, Vessa, and her son, Tanner (age four), to join us. The four of us checked-in during the late afternoon. We made our way to our assigned tents to explore our temporary digs. Each family got its own tent cabin, which slept up to four. Karissa and I had plenty of room to spread out, with our friends housed just next door. We unrolled our sleeping bags (purchased especially for this excursion) and donned the blue Roar & Snore t-shirts provided as part of the package.
Tanner Phillips (age four) peeking out of a Roar & Snore tent
Evening Activities
Due to our late start, we had to rush a bit to attend the first of several animal encounters. A zoo employee brought out an animal, like a great horned owl or a spring haas (a rodent that looks like a cross between a rabbit and a kangaroo). Then she discussed it at length before allowing everyone to get an up-close look and maybe even pet it.
At dinnertime, we were served a buffet of hot dogs, chicken, hamburgers (and veggie burgers for vegetarians), macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and an ice berg lettuce salad with fruit punch or water to drink.
Afterwards, it was time for a craft activity. Kids were given paper grocery bags cut into wearable vests to decorate with colorful paints. While the creations were hung to dry, the children ran wild, self-directing themselves to crawl, hop, and growl like animals.
Next, zoo employees led small groups on walking tours, giving campers a behind-the-scenes peek at animals like tigers, elephants, cheetahs, and lions.
A fellow camper, Jameson Cooper (age nine), carrying his wayward little brother Colston (age two) back to the barbecue
Nighttime Fun
After the animal walks, we reassembled to enjoy s’mores, popcorn, and hot cocoa or coffee. There were also grown-up beverages available for purchase. Vessa and I each enjoyed a cup of wine to take the edge off the whining that surrounded us. Most of the children were in the midst of major meltdowns by now because it was already later than 8:00 pm, past most of their bedtimes.
After the sun descended, it was campfire time. From the jubilant looks of it, this was the highlight of the event for most of the kids! The children donned their painted paper vests and paraded around a giant fire pit. Zoo workers stood guard around the fire for safety’s sake. Upbeat music played while the children were instructed to act like monkeys, elephants, snakes and more. They hopped, slithered, tooted, and growled in joyous, cacophonous circles.
Campers hanging out by their tents (Photo courtesy of San Diego Safari Park)
Time to Snore
Finally, it was bedtime. We got into our jammies and lined up to use the group bathrooms to ready for bed. Showers were available and some folks even used those. Toys, besides a favorite lovey, were not allowed but we did bring some children’s books to read. Karissa and Tanner took turns traipsing back and forth between the tents to say goodnight over and again. An orchestra of chirping crickets and croaking frogs lulled Karissa and me to sleep around 10:30 pm – after very long night for a little kid (and her mama!).
Here Comes the Sun
Around 4:00 am, we woke to the loopy calls of crazy birds. Karissa complained that it was too loud, but I convinced her to sleep some more. It felt as if we were at the center of a rock concert performed by nature’s creatures. Some participants with tents closest to the lions’ enclosure said they heard the sounds of lions roaring as the sun came up. Alas, we did not.
The first official wake-up call sounded at 6:00 am and breakfast was served an hour later. The breakfast buffet consisted of pancakes, sausages (and veggie sausages), scrambled eggs, and various breakfast beverages. Beware that coffee was served from the same large container as was fruit punch the night before. My daughter thought she was getting a cup of punch but instead burned her fingers with hot coffee.
After breakfast, we took part in more animal encounters and went on more walks to learn about animals. It was all very educational and the Safari Park staff went of their way to make sure we all got our money’s worth, but it proved to be too much for the kids in our party. After such a late night the evening prior, both Karissa and Tanner splayed out during one of the presentations and dozed off.
A San Diego Safari Park’s education department representative, Laurie Haven, showing a baby python to a group of fearless children
Summary
Did it satisfy my camping craving? Somewhat. Everyone enjoyed seeing the animals up-close and learning from the expert zookeepers, but I was seeking to connect with nature and with my daughter. Therefore, the high points of the sleepover for me were quiet moments away from all of the program’s activities, like pointing out the sparkling stars in the fiercely black sky to Karissa, and lying side-by-side in the tent with her as we listened to the rowdy sounds of nature’s nighttime chorus.
Would I recommend the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Roar & Snore to other families? Absolutely! It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your child will always remember. A year later, Karissa still talks about her “camping trip” with her mama. Whenever we go the Safari Park she asks if we can sleep in the tents again, this time with her daddy and brother, Leo, too. I tell her yes, we can, just not until Leo is at least age six. Although children of all ages (including babies!) can attend, I suggest attending with older children who have the attention span and stamina for the jam-packed schedule.
Do you have any questions, tips, or stories about the San Diego Safari Park’s Roar & Snore sleepovers? Please leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic see:
• Camping & Outdoor Pursuits
• San Diego’s Birch Aquarium: A Worthwhile Alternative to SeaWorld
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
• The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations
Disclosure: The San Diego Wild Animal Park provided free Roar & Snore passes to my daughter and me. We paid for our own entrance to the park using our San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park annual membership passes.
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Tags: camping, safari park, San Diego, Wild Animal Park, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews | 9 Comments »
Sunday, January 17th, 2010
Many San Diego visitors forego visiting the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in favor of the more glitzy SeaWorld. The aquarium offers a wonderful, low-key alternative to its famous competitor.
The Birch Aquarium’s Kelp Tank in the Hall of Fishes
If you only have a few days in San Diego, you have some cash to spare, and you want to see killer whales and dolphins performing splashy tricks, then go to SeaWorld. If you are on a tight budget, you are looking for an educational hands-on experience, or you are traveling with a baby or toddler who will have little interest in shows, choose Birch Aquarium. Admission prices are significantly lower and parking is free. Also, the aquarium’s interactive exhibits encourage children and adults to think, not just be entertained.
Here’s a bit about what the Birch Aquarium has to offer…
“The Legacy” Whale Sculpture Fountain & Memorial
The impressive “Legacy” Whale Sculpture Fountains greet visitors to the aquarium. Kids love dipping their hands in the water and chasing each other around the giant whale statues just outside the aquarium’s entrance.
“The Legacy” Whale Sculpture Fountains
Hall of Fishes
Wander through the Hall of Fishes and peer at amazing creatures like jelly fish, eels, and colorful fish from around the world. The octopus exhibit is my favorite. When my daughter was a baby and I held her up to the glass to view the eight-legged creature, the normally fuchsia-colored octopus shrunk itself into a small white ball before violently throwing itself against the exhibit’s glass. From reading the exhibit information, I learned the octopus will change colors before attacking prey or when agitated. Apparently my infant looked like a yummy (or threatening) snack!
Jelly fish in the Hall of Fishes
Another crowd pleaser is the large Kelp Forest Tank, which spans an entire wall and is filled with leopard sharks and other fish, huge and small. This is a nice place for parents to rest a bit while the kids climb up and down the carpeted bench seats and gaze at the giant display of fish.
Tide Pool Plaza
In the outdoor Tide Pool Plaza kids can pet animals like sea cucumbers and sea stars. Staff and volunteers are pleased to share their knowledge of the sea life with you. The sweeping view of the ocean in the distance isn’t bad either.
Feeling the Heat: The Climate Change
This exhibit uses interactive videos, games, and displays to teach how the actions of human beings impact nature’s delicate balance and what we can do to have a positive impact on our oceans’ future.
One of the many interactive displays in the
Feeling the Heat: The Climate Change exhibit
There’s Something About Seahorses
Learn about seahorses and seadragons, as well as tricks these unique animals and others use to camouflage themselves in There’s Something About Seahorses.
My son playing in the Camouflage Corral, where kids can attempt
to “hide” stuffed sea creatures in manmade seaweed displays (2010)
Smargon Courtyard
The Smargon Courtyard is an outdoor area where you can ham it up in a giant model of a shark’s mouth, view tropical shark tanks in the Shark Reef, and learn about water through play. I always have a hard time pulling my children away from the Wonders of Water display, where kids build dams, create rapids, and race plastic boats in tables of moving water.
My mom and daughter posing for the camera at the aquarium (2005)
Splash Café
The aquarium’s outdoor café offers sandwiches and salads. The food is fine but my advice is to bring a sack lunch or plan to eat elsewhere before or after your visit. Whereas at some sites, the food is part of the experience, here the marine life and exhibits are the stars.
The Birch Aquarium’s Splash Café
Book & Gift Shop
Visitors can find an array of ocean-themed toys, books, wind-chimes, and other tchochkes in the aquarium’s Book & Gift Shop. Proceeds benefit the aquarium, which is a non-profit. Those with wheelchairs or strollers will exit through here. For an inexpensive souvenir of your visit, imprint a penny with a shark, whale, or fish design in the machines just outside the store.
Why I am a Member of Birch Aquarium
I have nothing against SeaWorld. I have visited the amusement park numerous times with my family. But as a San Diego resident, I renew my membership year after year to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The cost of membership is reasonable and comes with a pack of passes and discount coupons for friends and visitors. Plus, I feel good knowing my money is going towards saving our oceans.
The beauty of a visit to the Birch Aquarium is its simplicity. The focus is on education and conservation, not big shows and rides. Its small size and low cost make it an easy activity to tackle with children. And, kids just love getting upclose to learn about fish and other sea creatures!
Which are you more interested in visiting, the Birch Aquarium or SeaWorld? Please leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic see:
• San Diego Zoo’s Best Beasts, Eats, and Treats
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Tags: aquarium, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, California, San Diego, SeaWorld
Posted in Family Vacations | 6 Comments »
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
As a fifth-year San Diego Zoo member and a mama of two young children, I have spent a lot of time at this world-renowned zoo. I know the best places to eat, which animals kids love to see, and the special extras that make a visit memorable. This zoo is huge so if you have little ones who need to nap or you just don’t want to spend an entire day gazing at animals, you should focus on the best the zoo has to offer instead of trying to see every single animal in one day. I provide the location of each recommended attraction in parentheses. View a map of the zoo.
The flamingos and ducks are favorites for the zoo’s youngest visitors.
An Unexpected Favorite – Flamingo and Duck Pond (Lost Forest)
Imitate the flamingos standing on one leg and “quack” at the ducks at this pond. This is an easy exhibit to work into your schedule since it is located near the zoo’s entrance. Even though you will see many more exotic animals at this zoo, these birds are always a favorite, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.
Mama panda Bai Yun is one of the zoo’s most beloved residents.
Best Path to the Zoo’s Most Famous Residents – Pandas (Panda Canyon)
The zoo’s most popular residents are its pandas, Bai Yun and her newest baby, Zhen-Zhen. On busy summer weekends you may have to wait in a long line to see the Oreo-colored bears. There are several paths to reach this exhibit in the zoo’s center, but I recommend taking the Monkey Trails through the Lost Forest. View monkeys and apes of all sorts as well as pygmy hippos and more along this route. If you have a stroller or a wheelchair, you will need to walk through Owens Aviary (past colorful birds and flowing water) and along the Sun Bear Trail (past bears and more monkeys) to reach Panda Canyon. Other visitors can take a more direct route via stairs at the end of the Monkey Trails. View the live Panda Cam.
Most Beautiful Exhibit – Gorilla Exhibit (Lost Forest)
This lush exhibit is overflowing with waterfalls and greenery. Get a sense of just how big these apes are by placing your hands in gorilla-cast imprints. Kids love climbing on the life-size sculptures of the gorillas.
Most Elaborate Exhibit – Elephant Exhibit (Elephant Odyssey)
This newly updated area of the zoo is definitely worth seeing. Learn about the world’s largest land animals and their prehistoric relatives, the mastodons, while wandering past live Indian and African elephants. You will also see camels, jaguars, and lions, among other animals. View the live Elephant Cam.
That’s me with my daughter, Karissa, aboard the SkyFari Aerial Tram in 2006.
Most Uplifting Experience – SkyFari Aerial Tram (Discovery Outpost and Polar Rim)
You can board the SkyFari Aerial Tram near the Children’s Zoo in Discovery Outpost or near the lovely water-filled polar bear exhibit in the Polar Rim. The ride sends you soaring above the treetops and gives a birds-eye view of the animals below. It’s also a handy way to get from one side of the zoo to the other. View the live Polar Bear Cam.
Best Hands-On Experience – Feeding the Giraffes (Urban Jungle)
If you’re visiting during the summer or on a weekend, check the schedule for giraffe-feeding times. Your kids won’t soon forget handing branches of leaves to these sweet, towering animals.
This koala surprised me by climbing the branches of this eucalyptus tree
rather than engaging in its usual koala activities – eating leaves or sleeping.
Cuddliest Creature – Koalas (Outback)
A visit to the cuddly koalas is probably a necessity, especially if you are traveling with an elementary-school-aged girl. Take a peek at nearby adorable creatures like wallabies and tree kangaroos while you’re at it.
Here’s the Discovery Playground in the Children’s Zoo.
Best Place for Kids to Play – Children’s Zoo (Discovery Outpost)
This is a great place to let the kids get their wiggles out. The Discovery Playground has a twisty slide and climbing equipment but beware that toddler feet will likely get caught in the rubber climbing netting. There is a petting zoo with goats, sheep, pigs and the like. The playful otters who take up residence in the Children’s Zoo tend to be a big hit with children and adults alike. Also, kids love to watch mice crawling through the Mouse House, which is fashioned from a giant loaf of real bread.
Best Way to Squeeze it All in – Bus Tour (Near Zoo Entrance)
If you want to see most of the zoo (75%) during a short timeframe, you can cough up a few extra bucks for the bus tour. You see a multitude of animals with the added benefit of the driver’s educational commentary. Plus, most kids love sitting on the top level of the double-decker bus. However, if you have a child age three or younger, skip it. The tour takes 35 minutes+ and you’ll spend most of your time placating your little one rather than enjoying the ride.
Best Food – Sabertooth Grill (Elephant Odyssey) and Canyon Café (Asian Passage, near Panda Canyon)
The Sabertooth Grill is one of the best eateries in the park. Most zoo food comes deep-fried and tastes like, well, zoo food. However you can find healthy, tasty options like wraps and salads at this restaurant. Their soups are surprisingly delicious.
At my other favorite zoo restaurant, Canyon Café, I recommend the chicken taco platter. It’s not the best taco you’ll eat in San Diego, but it may be the best food you’ll find at the zoo.
At restaurants throughout the zoo kids’ meals are served in plastic buckets, which are perfect for taking to the beach. They are filled with standards like chicken strips, hot dogs, or quesadillas depending on the restaurant. Outside food and drink besides baby food are not allowed but the zoo is pretty lenient when it comes to packing children’s snacks.
A ride aboard the Balboa Park Railroad Miniature Train
is a fun way to top off a day at the zoo.
Best Finale for Good Behavior – Balboa Park Railroad Miniature Train and Balboa Park Carousel (Outside the Zoo’s Entrance)
A miniature train located just outside the zoo’s entrance typically runs every day during the summer and spring break but only on weekends during off-season. If sharing a train with a gaggle of school-age children, beware that field-tripping kids scream in unison through the tunnel. It’s best to wait for the next train.
The Balboa Park Carousel, built in 1910, is one of the few carousels left in the world that still offers the brass ring game. Big kids and adults who want to play choose an outside horse and reach out to grasp the small rings on each spin. Iron rings don’t count; only the rider who nabs the brass ring wins a free ride.
Do you have a favorite exhibit or zoo activity not listed above? Or do you have any questions about how to make the most of your visit to the San Diego Zoo? Leave a comment below!
For more information on this topic see:
• Best San Diego Gaslamp Restaurants by a Local Foodie
• Roar & Snore Campout at the San Diego Safari Park
• Stop to Smell the Roses in San Diego’s Balboa Park
• 10 Tips for SeaWorld San Diego with Kids
Tags: Balboa Park, California, carousel, San Diego, train, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations | 10 Comments »
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