Wilmington, North Carolina may not scream “exotic” like, say, Rio de Janeiro or Hong Kong might. Yet, there is so much to do and see in this town on the southeast coast of North Carolina. Plentiful beaches, kid-friendly attractions, and fun food options make Wilmington a wonderful spot for a family getaway.

Rana’s daughter, Stella, at one of the beaches near Wilmington

The Ocean
Let’s start with the water. There are quite a few beaches to choose from, but my favorite is Carolina Beach (also referred to as Pleasure Island), very near Wilmington. To get around the island, rent a Jeep, bicycles, or a golf cart (completely street legal!). The north end of the island is very relaxed and a tad less touristy. The beach is a bit more flat there so you can park the fam right by the water and let the kids loose to explore. Call on Pleasure Island Rentals where they will set up and take down your choice of beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and tons of other beach necessities for very reasonable rates. You can pay them by the day or week.

Carolina Beach has plenty of vacation houses available to rent on the cheap. Pelican Watch is a condominium rental option located right on the water. It offers a community pool and rental units with newly remodeled full-service kitchens.

Kure Beach (the locals say curry, like the spice), is further south by 10 minutes and also has some awesome beach houses to choose from. Wrightsville is about thirty minutes away, and some venture to say is a little more luxurious. Wrightsville offers fantastic hotels, but parking for the beach is expensive.

Attractions
Wilmington is brimming with fun things to do with the kiddos. For starters, the outstanding Children’s Museum of Wilmington is full of interactive play stations sure to entertain children for hours.

The Cape Fear Serpentarium is resplendent with snakes and amphibians. If you can stomach it, they have feedings every day at 3-4 pm.

Tregembo Animal Park, located near Carolina Beach, is home to over 10 acres of exotic animals like giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras, bears, and monkeys. You can buy bags of corn and peanuts on-site to feed the more docile animals. There is also an extensive gift shop on-site (just warning you!).

Jungle Rapids is an outdoor water park for those summer days when you tire of the beach. It can get expensive ($22 for the kids, and $30 for you), but it is your one-stop-shop for fun that includes not only water slides, but also go-karts, laser tag, and a rock climbing wall. While food is available for purchase, you may want to pack a picnic lunch for tastier fare.

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, try Greenfield Park with its cool playground and a picturesque 150-acre lake. You can rent paddle boats here- but beware of the alligators! Try the 4.5-mile walk around the water; it’s such a sight to see. Concerts are offered in the amphitheatre on select nights in the summer.

Mama and baby out for a stroll at Greenfield Park

Eats
During your visit to Wilmington, you HAVE to try Flaming Amy’s. There are two locations with its own twist on a similar concept – Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn and Flaming Amy’s Bowl. Personally, I love the bowl. Here’s how it works: fill a bowl with your favorite veggies and meat at the toppings station and then give it to the chef to cook right there in front of you. They will ask you what kind of noodles (or rice) you want and what type of sauce as well. It’s unlimited so you can go up as many times as you like. On Sundays, kids eat for 99 cents, which makes it even more family-friendly.

For dessert try the Fuzzy Peach, a frozen yogurt shop that offers a slew of toppings. You can stay healthy by choosing from an array of fruits or go wild with the pound cake, brownie, and cereal toppings!

In Carolina Beach, make sure you hit Pop’s Frozen Custard for some homemade ice cream and fried goodies. Located on the boardwalk, Britt’s Donut Shop is a local favorite – they’re cheap, too, at 90 cents apiece.

No matter what you do in and near Wilmington, I hope you have a fabulous time with your family…and grab a donut from Britt’s for me!

Rana Mancini Cavanaugh is a new mom to her daughter, Stella, and a recent college grad who just got married to her childhood sweetheart. While following her dream career, traveling every chance she gets, and learning this mama thing, she recently moved to North Carolina. Check out her blog, Chic Traveling Mama.

Do you have a favorite Wilmington beach, attraction, or treat? Tell us about it in the comments below!

You might also like:

• Family-Friendly New Orleans on a Budget

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

• Plan a Girlfriend Getaway…and Appreciate Home More

• South Alabama for Kids & Grown-Ups

I’m a hotel pool addict. It started when I was a kid. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of splashing around with my brother and sister in indoor hotel pools in the Midwest and having “silliest jump” contests off the diving board in my family’s pool after we moved to the Arizona desert.

As a parent, some of my happiest moments with my kids take place in the water too. We are a family of beach-goers, water park aficionados, and hotel pool enthusiasts. Apparently, I am not alone. One of the most popular posts ever on Travel Mamas is 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World.

I wanted to share some more spectacular pools with you water lovers, focusing on destinations in the good ol’ USA. To compile this list of 10 best hotel pools in America, I asked some of my fellow Best Family Travel Advice bloggers to tell us about their favorite family-friendly hotel pools from their travels. Of course, I included a couple of my picks too.

The Monorail-themed pool at the Disneyland Hotel all lit up at nighttime (Photo by Colleen Lanin)

Most Thoroughly Themed Pool
Disneyland Hotel
Anaheim, California
As the ultimate pool lover, you can imagine my awe when I laid eyes upon the newly remodeled, monorail-themed pool at the Disneyland Hotel. Swimmers zip through a replica Monorail Car at the entrance of two main slides before twisting and turning their way to the water below. Younger kids can glide down a two-lane mini-slide and play in bubble jets. The only problem? Getting the kids out of the water and over to the theme parks!

The River Bluff Water Experience at JW Marriott San Antonio Resort & Spa (Photo by Colleen Lanin)

Supremely Scenic Pool
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, Texas
The River Bluff Water Experience at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is not only a big bunch of fun, but also it’s a gorgeous spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Texas Hill Country. You’ll almost feel like you’re on a real river as you meander along the Cyprus tree-lined 1,200-foot lazy river, with walls made from a compilation of stones. For some mischievous entertainment, kids can spin and pump various mechanical doo-dads to spray other guests afloat on the river. The zero-entry pool is paradise for little ones with its animal-shaped fountains and three small water slides. Meanwhile, bigger kids and grown-ups can zoom down two thrilling water slides.

Silver Mountain Resort’s Indoor Water Park (Photo Courtesy of Silver Mountain Resort)

Best Indoor/Outdoor Pool
Silver Mountain Resort
Kellogg, Idaho
“The pool at the Morning Star Lodge within Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho is far more than just a pool; it’s an entire indoor/outdoor aquatic complex with water slides, a lazy river, and surf simulator. Perfect for a break from skiing in the winter or a rainy afternoon in summer, this complex, dubbed Silver Rapids, is included in resort guests’ room rate. There’s even a zero-depth entry and water play area for infants and toddlers.”

- Amy Whitley, Pit Stops for Kids

The palm-lined pool at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa (Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency)

Ultimate California Dreamin’ Pool
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Huntington Beach, California
“Set on a scenic stretch of Southern California’s Pacific Ocean, the only thing that will get your kids running off the beach is Slyders water playground at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. The water playground has three mellow but fun water slides, an enormous 25 person hot tub, a wading pool for little ones, a family pool, and private cabanas perfect for getting the kids to actually sit down and eat when you order lunch from the poolside café. Keep the swimsuits handy for when the sun sets, because that’s when dive-in movies and s’mores making begins.”

- Dana Rebmann, Ciao Bambino

The Octopool at Pink Shell Resort (Photo by Mara Gorman)

Most Playful Pool
Pink Shell Resort
Fort Myers, Florida
“The Octopool at the Pink Shell Resort in Fort Myers was a huge hit with my kids. It’s zero-entry on one side for the little ones and is deep enough on the other to be fun for older kids. You can drink or dine right next to the pool and on Friday evenings, kids can watch a movie on a huge inflatable screen while they float on inner tubes. Best of all — the octopus’ eyes light up at night!”

- Mara Gorman, Mother of All Trips

The view from the Four Seasons Biltmore pool (Photo by Sharlene Earnshaw)

Best Pool with a View
Four Seasons Biltmore
Santa Barbara, California
“If you are looking for the pool with one of the best views in America, look no further than the luxurious yet family friendly Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California. Guests of the resort have access to the legendary Coral Casino Beach Club, which is directly across the street and features a massive 160-foot-long pool which overlooks the Pacific and Channel Islands beyond, along with a children’s wading pool and spa.”

- Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo

The Broadmoor’s outdoor pool (Photo by Kara Williams)

Swankiest Poolside Service
The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, Colorado
“The outdoor pool at The Broadmoor, a luxury resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gets high marks from my kids for its two water slides. I like that it’s adjacent to gorgeous Cheyenne Lake and surrounded by mountains. The service is top notch: when you walk into the pool area, you’re greeted by a pool attendant who will get big fluffy towels for your whole family and walk you to empty lounge chairs — whether you want to park it by the zero-depth entry (great for toddlers) or sit under umbrellas in a quieter grassy spot away from the action.”

- Kara Williams, The Vacation Gals

Forest Oasis Pool at the Woodlands Resort (Photo by Kayt Sukel)

Most Awesome Pool for All Ages
Woodlands Resort
Woodlands, Texas
“Kids of all ages will love the Forest Oasis Pool at the Woodlands Resort in the Woodlands, Texas. Not only does it have two thrilling water slides, game areas and a play fountain, the Forest Oasis also has great out-of-water activities for pruny fingers including a scavenger hunt, a clown and roving waitstaff who love to bring Moms and Dads fun and fruity cocktails.”

- Kayt Sukel, Travel Savvy Mom

Grand Wailea Pool (Photo by Anne Hartzel Taylor)

Best Luxury Hotel Pool
Grand Wailea
Maui, Hawaii
“We love Maui with kids and hands-down our favorite luxury hotel pool is the luxurious water playground at the Grand Wailea on the island of Maui in Hawaiian Islands. With an abundance of waterslides, caves, a rope swing, sand-bottom baby pool, a volcano-esqe hot tub and the world’s only water elevator, this pool has something for every family with kids of any age. Tip: Position yourself poolside down by the bottom of the lazy river to watch the kids as they make their way to the bottom of the pool!”

- Anne Taylor Hartzell, Hip Travel Mama

Splashtopia at Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa (Photo courtesy of Rancho Las Palmas Resort)

Best Year-Round Pool
Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
Palm Springs Area, California
“The Palm Springs area is one of the few places in America with swimming weather year-round. Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage has taken full advantage of sunshine and created Splashtopia, a large pool complex complete with water slides, a lazy river, a sand beach for tots, and a large pool which features Dive In Movies on the weekends.”

- Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo

What’s your favorite family-friendly hotel pool in America? Tell us in the comments below!

You might also like:

Huntington Beach with Kids – The Ultimate Surfer Town

LEGOLAND Water Park: Joy Is Good, Right?

10 Best Beach Hotels for Kids

10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

Splash Zoo in the LEGOLAND California Waterpark is beyond adorable. This new water play area is outfitted with DUPLO animals (a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, a polar bear, and two penguins). Each animal has an interactive feature, like a wheel on the giraffe that makes water spout from its mouth and ears. A seesaw sprays riders when toddlers make it teeter up and down. There’s also a crawl-through tunnel and a fountain that shoots water 25 feet in the air.

LEGOLAND Water Park Splash Zoo

Although built specifically for children ages one to three, there were plenty of other kids splashing around in the Splash Zoo on its opening day. At first my six-year-old balked at this attraction being “for babies” but after she saw other big kids hamming it up on the water features, she joined in the fun.

I worried about keeping an eye on two young children all on my own so I didn’t bring my three-year-old son to opening day of this attraction. I was wracked with guilt the minute I laid eyes on Splash Zoo because I knew how much he would go bananas for this colorful, watery area. Apparently, Karissa felt a tad guilty too. Upon arrival, she said, “Mommy, I feel sad for Leo that he’s not here.”

Located near numerous lounge chairs and a handful of rent-able shaded cabanas, this attraction makes a great spot for parents to chat and relax without worry while little ones play since there is no pool of water here - just fountains galore.

Splash Zoo is a perfect spot for toddlers and preschoolers

Nearby is Splash Safari with its child-sized waterslides and Kid Creek, a mini lazy river built just for children. Life vests are available for kids of all ages at LEGOLAND Water Park, so really, I could have brought both and managed just fine.

To be honest, I was craving a mommy-daughter day. It turns out, Karissa must’ve wanted a special day for just the two of us too. She told me she loved me (unprompted) at least 10 times that day, while splashing at the water park or standing in line for the rides in the amusement park.

My six-year-old getting into the Splash Zoo spirit

After a long day filled with waterslides, roller coasters, and ice cream cones Karissa didn’t even complain when she got a blister from her shoe. But she did suggest, “Maybe next time you should take Leo to LEGOLAND for a special mommy-son day.”

Sounds like a good idea to me!

Splash Zoo opened over Memorial Day Weekend 2011. Read more about LEGOLAND Waterpark and LEGOLAND California amusement park.

What’s your favorite LEGOLAND attraction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

You might also like:

• A Mommy-Daughter Vacation in Puerto Rico

• Huntington Beach with Kids – The Ultimate Surfer Town

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

• Top 10 Disneyland Rides & Attractions for Babies & Toddlers

A Note from The Travel Mama: My daughter and I received free one-day entrance to LEGOLAND California and the LEGOLAND Water Park. I always share my honest opinions, no matter who pays!

Cambodia might not immediately spring to mind as a family-friendly vacation destination, but it’s an amazing country that offers a lot of great things to do with kids. The Khmer people love children and are some of the most genuine, generous and happy people you will encounter anywhere in the world. Here are 10 things to do with children in Phnom Penh, an accessible city with numerous family-friendly attractions.

My daughter posing with a monkey statue at Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Visit the Playground at Wat Phnom 
A well-maintained playground with equipment for all ages sits just outside Wat Phnom, a temple on a hill known as one of the city’s landmarks. Buy some popcorn and fruit from the nearby venders to eat in Wat Phnom’s gardens but watch out for the monkeys. Although they are cute, the monkeys are can be aggressive if your children have food.

Ride an Elephant
Also at Wat Phnom, you’ll find Sambo, the hard-working elephant offering rides. You might even see him walking down along the waterfront in the afternoon in search of bananas. Bring some bananas of your own to feed him.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Explore the Royal Palace and Play Traditional Musical Instruments
Children will love walking on the silver tiles of the Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace for the clippity-clop noises their feet make. Then explore the gardens filled with flowers and giant topiary trees carved into the shape of animals, teapots and other amazing shapes. A Buddha grotto set on the top of a small manmade hill is the perfect place for a picnic. Keep an ear open for the sound of music coming from the traditional stilt houses near the exit. For a small donation the musician will let your children play the traditional musical instruments and even give them a lesson.

Music Lesson with traditional Cambodian instruments

Shop for Toys in the Markets
Phnom Penh has wonderful outdoor markets filled with handicrafts, wooden toys, hairclips, DVDs, children’s clothes and games. In Phnom Penh, the Russian Market, Central Market, and Weekend Night Market are all fantastic. If you’re visiting the Weekend Night Market be sure to have a picnic dinner with the other local families. Don’t worry if your children are fussy eaters – there’s a KFC stand if none of the local fare appeals to them.

Get Wet at the Phnom Penh Water Park

It’s a little run down but the Phnom Penh Water Park is well worth a visit. There are a variety of waterslides, a large jungle gym and lots of shallow areas for smaller kids to enjoy. Weekends are the best time to visit as the largest slides are typically turned off during the week. Make sure you take plenty of sunscreen as there’s not a lot of shade!

Aunty Sarah, Hayley and Noah on the Riverfront in Phnom Penh

Take a Sunset Cruise
River cruises offer an interesting and amazing view of the city as you motor slowly for one to two hours along the Tonle Sap River past the Royal Palace and across to the floating fishing villages on the vast Mekong River. To arrange a cruise just head to the waterfront and look for the guys with boat signs.

Even if you don’t want to take a cruise, the riverfront esplanade in Phnom Penh comes to life in the evenings with families out walking. It’s a great place to meet local kids or watch fishermen bringing back their catches. You’ll also find food vendors selling local delicacies. Why not dare Dad to try a cricket, spider or snake?

Dig in the Sandbox at Le Jardin

Tucked away in the inner suburbs, Le Jardin restaurant is heaven for families. As well as serving great crepes and ice cream, the large gardens have a fantastic tree house and sandpit to play in.

Feeding fish at the National Museum

Feed Fish at the National Museum
The National Museum in Phnom Penh has amazing artefacts and photographs from historical sites around Cambodia. Plus, it offers a hidden treat for children – four ponds filled with large Koi that you can feed.

Visit an Indoor Playground at Sorya Shopping Centre
Sorya Shopping Centre, near the Central Markets, has two indoor playgrounds, a skating rink and amusement arcade. Purchase affordably-priced toys, clothes, and DVDs at the centre during your visit.

A tuktuk, a motorbike with carriage that can carry five people, is a great way to explore Phnom Penh

Learn Cambodia’s History through Books
While I don’t recommend taking you’re children to the Killing Fields or S21 for a crash course in recent Cambodian history, you might want to buy one of the many stories written for children on the history of the region on how children in rural Cambodia live or traditional fables. There are also many children’s stories about land mine victims that are well-written and will help your kids understand why so many street beggars, including children, are missing limbs. Monument Bookstore and many non-profit organizations stock a great range of locally written children’s books, with profits going to charity.

I love all that Cambodia has to offer families so much that one guest post couldn’t contain it all. Read my picks for the best kid-friendly spots in Cambodia’s Siem Reap!

Tracy Burns, her husband, Colin, and two young children are on an open-ended round-the-world trip to spend more time together as a family and find a place they’d like to call home. Colin works location independently while Tracy home-schools their children, coming up with ever more inventive ways to occupy the kids using only the resources that fit in their backpacks. She blogs about their travels at OurTravelLifestyle.com. You can also find them on twitter as @tracy_burns and @ccburns.

Would you consider a trip to Cambodia with kids? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

You might also like:

• Family-Friendly Singapore

• 4 Fun Things for Families to Do in Laos

• Kid-Friendly Sites in Sydney, Australia

• New Zealand in the Footsteps of the Lord of the Rings

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.

Whenever I visit Minnesota, I am struck by how green, green, green the landscape is. Leafy trees and expanses of lush grass as well as lakes both big and small abound. In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, a myriad of cultural activities like live music and theatre plus kid-friendly attractions galore can keep any family entertained.

The famous Spoonbridge & Cherry at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Each downtown area has its own feel; hilly St. Paul is filled with charming architecture and historic buildings, while Minneapolis is more modern and has a happening nightlife. Both have an extensive system of skyways for workers and shoppers who want to stay warm during the cities’ snowy winters. Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood is youthful and Bohemian, filled with kitschy stores, unique coffee shops, and breakfast joints serving bloody Marys to a somewhat hung-over crowd alongside families munching on eggs and pancakes.

What’s more, a hotel room at a five-star hotel in Downtown Minneapolis, for example, in the middle of summer for a family of four will cost you only about $150 a night! Of course, there are plenty of even more affordable options a little further out or at less fancy-schmancy accommodations.

Minnesota natives Ryan and Trevor (my nephews) paddling a boat
on one of the more than 10,000 lakes in the state

I spent four years of my childhood in Minnesota before we moved away when I was eight. I returned to visit my big sister every summer before moving back for a few years after college. Then I met a Minnesota boy, got engaged and retreated to the West Coast. Now we’re married and live in San Diego but we make annual treks to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to see our families and revisit where we first fell in love.

Here are five of my favorite family-friendly places to visit in the Twin Cities area:

Chain of Lakes (Minneapolis)
For me, no trip to the Twin Cities is complete without a walk around one of the five main lakes near Uptown. Minnesotans love the outdoors and go out of their way to enjoy each and every sunny day their state gives them! As soon as the snow begins to melt, the paths circling the lakes are filled with bicyclists, walkers, skateboarders and roller-bladers. Rent a canoe, paddle boat, bike or other fun stuff from Wheel Fun Rentals. In winter, go here for ice skating fun instead.

Lake Calhoun is probably the most popular (and crowded) but Lake Harriet is my favorite. It’s fun to make a game of choosing which of the gorgeous Victorian mansions that encircle the lake you’d pick as your own. Enjoy free concerts at this lake’s band shell and then grab an ice cream cone from the concession stand June through Labor Day. The best part is the darling Lake Harriet Rose Garden. I always feel like I’ve stumbled across a secret treasure when I find this garden tucked across the street from Lake Harriet. This sweet-smelling park is free to the public and filled with roses of all colors.

Lake Harriet’s band shell is a beautiful place to listen to live music concerts in the summer

Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
As a five-year annual pass holder to the world famous San Diego Zoo, I have pretty high standards for what makes a zoo worthy of a visit. The Minnesota Zoo is one of the best I have ever visited. The verdant exhibits give animals like caribou, moose, and brown bears plenty of space to roam. On a rainy (or snowy) day, stick to the indoor shark and dolphin exhibits or wander through the Tropics Trail.

Splash fountains at the Minnesota Zoo keep kids cool on hot summer days

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (Minneapolis)
Children adore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a grassy park filled with flowers and unusual, modern sculptures. What kid wouldn’t be enthralled by a giant spoon holding a shiny, red cherry?

A flower-filled walkway at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Mall of America (Bloomington)
I used to work 60+ hours per week as a full-time retail clothing store manager and part-time waitress at this massive mall. Believe me; it’s much more fun coming here to shop and play than it is to work! Wear some comfy shoes and plan to walk A LOT. Know that you will not be able to visit all 400 Mall of America stores in one day! There are two huge food courts plus numerous tasty restaurants to choose from. (My favorite is the Italian eatery, Tucci Benucch, with its wide array of pastas that both adults and kids gobble up!) Nickelodeon Universe is a themed amusement park that fills the center of the mall. Promise the kiddies a ride or two for good behavior after shopping, or make a day of it and purchase a wristband for the best all-day savings.

My daughter, Karissa, with her cousin, Siobhan, aboard a ride
at the Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe

Water Parks (Various Locations)
For a place covered in snow nearly half the year, the Twin Cities sure does have its fair share of water parks! Last year we visited Cascade Bay in Eagan with my sister and her family. With three 13-year-olds of varying levels of waterslide bravery, a toddler, a preschooler, and three adults – there were pools, slides, fountains, and a lazy river to keep everyone content. Here’s a list of more than a dozen Minnesota water parks (a few of which are indoors).

Here are Trevor, Siobhan, Leo and Auntie Kay-Kay
floating down Cascade Bay’s lazy river

The Twin Cities is a beautiful, fun-packed, and affordable choice for a summer getaway!

Which of these Minnesota attractions would you most like to visit? Tell us in the comments below!

You might also like:

• Discover Des Moines as a Family Vacation Destination

• San Diego Botanic Garden – An Enchanting Place for Children

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

• The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations

 

In my last post, I wrote about my experience at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort with my preschooler daughter, my toddler son and my mom. I told you about the family-friendly suites and many of the fun on-site activities at this themed Orlando hotel, like miniature golf, 4-D movies, and interactive live shows. I’ve saved the best for last…the character breakfast, the water park and pools, and the slime! Read on to learn how you can win a two-night stay and other Nick-style fun for a family of four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want in on the fun?

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also like:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation          

• Inspiration from a Disney Expert

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

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

With onsite activities like an elaborate water park, miniature golf, and live audience-participation shows, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida is a destination unto itself or an affordable hotel option for families who want to take free shuttles to nearby Disney World theme parks and other attractions. I recently spent four nights at the Nick Hotel with my daughter (Karissa, almost five), son (Leo, almost two), and mom (Grandma Ellen, 65). Read on to learn how you can win a two-night stay and other Nick-style fun for a family of four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort!

All of the rooms at the Nick Hotel are suites. (As a light-sleeper, all I can say is, Halleluiah!) We stayed in a two-bedroom KidSuite, with bunk beds in a character-themed room, a king-size bed in the master, and a pull-out queen sofa bed in the living area. There was also a kitchen area equipped with a small fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker – making simple breakfasts and snacks a snap. A suite allows for better sleep, and therefore less cranky pants and a happier vacation for all!

After a long day of air travel (with a screaming toddler) from San Diego, we wanted to take it easy our first full day at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. However, the overcast weather did not cooperate with our plans to explore the on-site Lagoon Water Park and Pool. I worried there wouldn’t be enough to keep us occupied, but there was plenty for us to do!

First we played a couple rounds of free miniature golf. Even my little guy got in on the action!

After lunch and naps, we headed to The Mall. From restaurants to entertainment and shopping, you can find all sorts of indoor fun here.

First, we checked out Nickelodeon’s 4-D Theatre. We sported 3-D glasses to experience stuff “jumping” out at us from the movie screen. The fourth “D” came in the form of misted water, scents (think flowers), and rumbling seats. You can pay per flick, or for a little more, get a wristband for unlimited viewing throughout your stay. My daughter was scared by the first movie, Deep Sea, about ocean creatures but she stuck it out nonetheless. Her brother, on the other hand, started crying less than one minute into the film so I had to whisk him away. I took Karissa back in for a viewing of Nick Jr’s The Wonder Pets: Save the Sheep! This show did not require the glasses and was more her speed.

Next stop? The Kid’s Spa. Karissa chose sparkly blue from a rainbow of colors for her finger nails. She’s quite the girly girl and loved the attention from her sweet nail technician. The spa also offered temporary tattoos (for both boys and girls), hair braiding, and pedicures.

Minding the pretty nails, we headed for The Arcade, where there were games for little ones (virtual bowling and mini basketball) to teens (ski ball, Guitar Hero, and air hockey). The kids earned points while playing, and redeemed them for little trinkets and toys.

Before dinner, we attended Nick Live Goes Wild, a high-energy audience-participation game show at Studio Nick. The losing team’s dad got a cream pie in the face, while the winning team’s tween son got doused with slime (which, apparently, was a really cool thing for a boy that age)! Late night shows included Family Improv, Who Knows Best?, and Karaoke.

Nick After Dark was also located in The Mall for children ages five through twelve. Alas, my children were too young to participate but backstage passes to the Nick Studio and hands-on slime-making would be enough to keep most kids happy for an evening while mom and dad slip out for some grown-up fun.

There was so much to do- I couldn’t squeeze all of the information about the Nick Hotel into one story! Check back next week to read about character dining and the resort’s fabulous water park in Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 2.

Want in on the fun? Enter to win a two-night stay below or book a two-bedroom KidSuite for just $99! That’s nearly 50 percent off the average standard rate! This awesome rate is being offered for a limited time to Travel Mamas readers only. The final date to book this deal has been extended to February 28, 2010. Learn more about this offer.

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

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

1) Make a comment below about why you would like to have the “slime” of your life at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. All generic comments like, “Thanks for the contest” or “I want to win” will not count as entries.

2) Tweet this contest! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter. Be sure to post another comment with a link to your tweet!
I want to have the slime of my life with a FREE 2-night stay at @NickHotel on @TravelMamas   http://bit.ly/dfvn7h

3 & 4) Read Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 2 to enter the contest two more times now!

For more information on this topic see:

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Vacation with Kids

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation          

• 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: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. We also received a free character breakfast. It was so much fun - we booked an extra night at a discounted rate.