Tofino whale watching with Remote Passages

I'd heard the West Coast of Vancouver Island called the Galapagos of the Northwest, and never is that more apparent than while on the water, whether families are exploring tide pools, kayaking, or in this case, on the open ocean on a Remote Passages whale watch in Tofino BC. Tofino whale watching: Our Tofino whale watch with Remote Passages just may have been the crown jewel on the treasure … [Read more...]

Hearst Castle State Park

Families traveling on a California Highway 1 road trip will want to stop at Hearst Castle State Park, especially if their car-load comprises of school-aged kids, tween, and teens. Visible (and impressive!) even from the highway, Hearst Castle is a half-day stop right outside San Simeon, CA. From the visitor's center located near the coastline, guests can choose from several tour options before … [Read more...]

San Francisco Pier 39 attractions for kids

Families touring San Francisco could easily dedicate a full day to the busy, touristy region of Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. And while not to replace visiting other parts of the city, a day here is well spent. We definitely suggest beginning your day with a family tour of Alcatraz Island, but this still leaves you with an afternoon and evening to fill at the wharf. Here's our picks for how to … [Read more...]

Nantucket with kids: guide to beaches and biking

The island of Nantucket, Massachusetts is well-known as a summer playground for travelers of all ages, but with so much to do in the immediate vicinity of the harbor, the further reaches (only a few miles in any direction!) are often overlooked. Ferrying your car to the island is expensive, rentals even more so, but that's ok: biking is more affordable, more fun, and easy to do on such a flat and … [Read more...]

Boston with kids: walking the Freedom Trail

A must-do when visiting Boston with kids, the Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads to 16 historic sites, every one an important piece of the road to American freedom. I've heard of families worrying this tour would be too dull for kids, but we didn't find that to be true at all! Not every site garners kids' full attention, but it's ok to gloss over a few in order to fully … [Read more...]

Boston with kids: Boston Duck Tours

Before visiting Boston, I kept hearing about Boston Duck Tours, and how it was a must-do with kids. Turns out, their reputation precedes them for a reason! This tour is the perfect way to gain an overview of the city while the kids (and adults) are highly entertained. The fun begins as soon as you board your 'duck', a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle, and are introduced to your … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: HeliTahoe Helicopter Tours

If you're looking for a truly unique experience during your winter family vacation in the South Lake Tahoe area, book a helicopter tour with Tahoe's only helicopter sightseeing operation, HeliTahoe! With tour prices starting at just $70 per person, this breathtaking tour of the lake is no more extravagant than a day of skiing or afternoon of snowmobiling, and it's a treat no one will … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Zephyr Cove Resort Snowmobiling

During our week-long stay in our HomeAway vacation home in South Lake Tahoe, we were only minutes away from skiing, snow play, and other area attractions. On Christmas Eve, we took the opportunity to try a snowmobiling tour with Zephyr Cove Resort, located just past the Nevada border on Tahoe's South Shore. Our tour was scheduled for 2 pm (they offer 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm tours daily during … [Read more...]

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

110 Railroad Avenue Hood River, OR It's that time of year...when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and … [Read more...]

Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole

Bet you never knew the North Pole is in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho! Celebrate this holiday season while in the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho area with a family Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole, hosted by the Coeur d'Alene Resort. These 40 minute cruises offer spectacular views of the many floating holiday light displays decorating lovely Lake Coeur d'Alene. The most memorable point in the … [Read more...]