Four pit stop-worthy children museum holiday exhibits

‘Tis the season to travel, and while braving those interstates, you and your family will need places to stop along the way. What better opportunity to visit one of these four children museum holiday events  at children’s museums across the country! Each are sure to get your family in a festive mood during the holiday travel season!

breakfast-with-santa

If traveling on I-75:

Stop at the Cincinnati Museum Center (the history museum location off Public Landing) and see the Duke Energy holiday trains! A beloved holiday tradition in Cincinnati, the exhibit is open to the public with ticket purchase. There’s also a 1/3 scale locomotive rumored to have been built by Santa himself.

Admission: Museum costs are $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for children; on the site linked above, get free vouchers for the trains.

Open: Nov. 7th-Jan 4th, 10 am to 5 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.

Directions: Located at 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati OH. From I-75 south, head toward downtown Cincinnati. Take the right side exit, Exit 2A, Western Avenue. Merge onto Western going south (do not turn); Museum Center entrance is on the right at the third traffic light.

If traveling on I-95:

Take a break at the Connecticut River Museum to check out their holiday train display. This museum recently withstood a fire, and needs all the support they can get from the local community and those passing through! While you’re there, learn more about the Connecticut River and its history.

Admission: $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)

Directions: Located at 67 Main Street, Essex, CT. From Interstate 95, take Exit 69 (CT Route 9 North). Take CT Route 9 North to Exit 3 (Essex) and follow signs to Connecticut River Museum and Essex Historic Waterfront. Steamboat Dock is located at the foot of Main Street on the Connecticut River.

If traveling on I-10:

Learn about holidays from around the world at the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Seasons of Sharing exhibit tours kids around the world with holiday traditions, meals, celebrations, and gifts. Tour a block-long neighborhood of holiday houses, each with a different celebration inside. And if you’re traveling on a Thursday, you’re in luck: Thursday nights are free!

Admission: $9.00 adults and children over one year

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Tues-Sat) Noon to 6 pm (Sun)

Directions: Located at 1500 Binz, Houston, TX. From I-10, take 610 South, then 288 North. Exit on Binz (take a left). Museum is seven blocks on the left.

If traveling on I-65:

Have breakfast with Santa at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, a holiday event that opens November 30th and goes through December 14th. Eat with Santa, then create your own slide bag to ride down the museum’s ‘yule slide’. Combine breakfast with a day at the museum!

Note: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore.

Admission: $19.50 for adults, $14.50 for children

Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tues-Sun)

Directions: Located at 3000 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN. From I-65 South, head into Indianapolis.
Exit at the 21st Street exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left on 21st Street. Follow 21st Street east to Illinois Street. Turn left on Illinois and continue north to 30th and Illinois Streets.

Lake Placid lodging: Crowne Plaza Resort

My family and I have visited Lake Placid in late summer, and although we have a great time kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, I continually thought to myself “OK, but I really need to come back in the winter!” Well, the snow fell, and we headed back to the Adirondacks last February, this time for some skiing and snowshoeing. Because Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympic games (1932 and 1980), it has a wide variety of off-the-slopes entertainment, including ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and—for the adventurous types in your group—bobsled and skeleton racing. Because my kids are on the young side (3 and 5), we stuck to some hikes, exploring the town, and downhill skiing.

crowne-plaza-lake-placid

Lake Placid lodging: the Crowne Plaza Resort and Golf Club at Lake Placid is a great place to make your home base for exploring the area. It’s just a short walk up the hill from the Olympic Center and Main Street Lake Placid with restaurants, shops, and even a toboggan run onto Mirror Lake. Because it’s up on a hill overlooking Mirror Lake, it has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, especially from the main lobby of the hotel. We stayed in a suite in the Adirondack wing of the hotel, with a separate bedroom (with soaking tub!), kitchenette, and a pullout couch in the spacious living room.

crowns-plaza-lake-placid

The Crowne Plaza has plenty of amenities—including restaurants on site, a fitness center, and a pool and hot tub. The pool, and especially the hot tub, was busy in the afternoon with the after-ski crowd. We visited during February break, which may have increased the number of families, but it was great to see so many kids splashing and warming up after a day on the slopes! (For those looking for a quieter getaway, I would avoid visiting during school vacations.)

crowne-plaza-lake-placid-pool

The dining options at the Crowne Plaza turned out to be very kid-friendly as well. We had breakfast each morning at MacKenzie’s Restaurant in the hotel, which includes a breakfast buffet complete with an omlette bar, pancakes, eggs, oatmeal, and much more. One night we had dinner at the slightly fancier Lake Placid Club Boathouse. I had some reservations about this, because my kids are not great eaters under ideal circumstances, and sometimes behave like wild animals when let loose on a restaurant. But we had an early dinner (5:30 reservations) and the restaurant was practically empty (probably a little too early for those doing a full day at Whiteface). The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the food was great. My 5-year-old told me that the next time we go there, I should have the noodles with butter, because it was delicious…must be a house specialty!

kitchen-in-crowne-plaza

Winter rates at the Crowne Plaza range from about $125/night midweek or $200/night weekend for a standard hotel room with two queen beds, to $350-$400/night for a suite like the one we had. They also offer “Ski and Stay Getaway” packages, which include breakfast and a lift ticket to Whiteface. These packages cost $119/person, /night midweek, or $169/person, /night weekends. The midweek package has the option of booking a third night and third day of skiing for free. Considering that an all-day adult lift ticket at Whiteface is $85/day, this is a pretty good deal!

 Date last visited:

February 17–20, 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Lake Placid is pretty remote, and is not really on the way to anything, but it’s still worth a visit! It’s about a 2 or 2 ¼ hour drive from Albany, about 30 miles off Interstate 87.

Directions / Contact:

The Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is located at 101 Olympic Drive in Lake Placid, NY 12946. Call or email them at 1-877-570-5891 or [email protected].

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I stayed at Crowne Plaza as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. Kids are the best critics, so you can be sure your little ones will enjoy Crowne Plaza as well!

West Palm Beach vacation: Marriott’s Oceana Palms

Interested in a West Palm Beach vacation? I was curious about the Florida coastline, so for my first trip to Florida outside of Orlando, I checked out the Palm Beaches area north of Miami. Um, it’s kind of ok here. Maybe I should venture beyond Disney more often!

where to stay in palm beach

I stayed at Marriott Oceana Palms, which is a Marriott Vacation Club property. I knew I’d be happy with the resort, as I’d absolutely loved my stay at the Marriott Vacation Club in Boston, and recommend it every chance I get. However, when many parents see the words ‘vacation club’, they think it must not be for them…they either assume they can’t book if they’re not a member, or worry they’ll be pitched to once on site. I can assure you: Marriott Vacation Club isn’t your grandparents’ time share. This points-based vacation ownership program is completely different, with tons of flexibility. However— and this is the kicker —you don’t need to be a Marriott Vacation Club owner to book Marriott Vacation Club villas, anyway.

Quite honestly, this is one of the best ‘think outside the box’ alternatives to booking standard hotel rooms. For the cost of one beachfront hotel room (usually with a square footage of under 400), families can reserve an entire two-bedroom villa with over 1000 square feet of living space, including a kitchen and washer-dryer.

singer-island

The Oceana Palms is a small, intimate resort right on the beach of Singer Island in West Palm Beach. It looks and feels like any other high-end Marriott resort: you get kids’ clubs, activities and programming, dining, pools and exercise rooms, and beach access.  There are two towers in Oceana Palms: the Sunrise Tower and the Sunset Tower. At first glance, it appears that the Sunrise Tower, which is closest to the beach, is the obvious choice. However, thanks to great architectural design, both towers have ocean views. And some villas in the Sunset Tower have larger balconies.

What’s in your villa:

All villas at Oceana Palms are the same: two-bedroom units with everything you need, right down to the whisk in the kitchen. You’ll find laundry soap next to the washer, dish towels and plastic garbage bags, and hair dryers and shampoo. Sometimes, when families rent vacation homes or units, they don’t know what will be waiting for them. We had one unfortunate trip to a vacation home in which we discovered the ‘full kitchen’ lacked an oven! At Oceana Palms, everything is here. You also get two full bathrooms, one on which has a walk-in shower and the other of which has a large tub. Free wifi is available in the rooms and across the resort. The photo below shows a view from a Sunset Tower villa. Get up-to-date room rate information here.

oceana-palms

What to do on site:

Oceana Palms boosts ideal beach access…the surf and sand is just steps away past the pool area. At the beach equipment stand, check in with Tony, who can hook you up with snorkel gear, boogie boards, and cabanas. Otherwise, lounge chairs are free for guest use. I split my time happily from beach to pool (which older kids could do on their own quite safely).

In the pool area, you’ll find a zero-depth entry area for young kids, plus a splash zone. On the other end, a lap pool is situated in a quiet corner, and additional pool space occupies the area in-between. Oceana Palms schedules quite a bit of daily activity, with DJs, movie nights, and lessons in everything from crocheting to guitar (a staff member actually learned guitar in order to teach it). If you’re an activities person, you’ll find as much here as you would in an all-inclusive resort. However, if you want a quieter environment, it is possible to escape it.

oceana-palms

For additional entertainment, the resort has small details that go a long way. Throughout Oceana Palms, you’ll find ping pong tables, pool tables, lawn games, BBQs for guest use, and a large, fenced play area for young kids. My children spend hours at simple entertainment venues like this!

Oceana Palms has a drop-in dedicated kids’ club space and a teen space, both of which are fun and inviting…and casual, which is nice for families on vacation. There is a casual dining Marketplace, plus poolside Reflections, both good for burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. You won’t find upscale dining on site, but that’s what your full kitchen is for: I recommend shopping before arrival and making many meals in your villa.

What to do in Palm Beaches:

juniper-inlet-lighthouse

You’ll want to venture off-site while at Oceana Palms. We took a short drive off Singer Island to Jupiter Beach, where to toured the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The guided tour includes a walk up the many spiral steps to the top of the lighthouse, where amazing views await, and a stop in the small but well-done museum. Pair your excursion to the lighthouse with lunch at Guanabanas, a waterfront bar and grill located adjacent. Guanabanas is more than a restaurant; it’s a full dining experience with the best ambiance I’ve seen for a classic Florida feel. The whole place is outdoors, with vegetation, overhangs, and straw roof shelter.

guanabanas

For another night out, consider heading to the Sailfish Marina on Palm Beach Shores. Part fish market, part marina, and part upscale seafood restaurant, Sailfish has something for everyone. The large building is fairly loud, which means kids will fit right in, and when they get squirrelly, take them outside to the marina, where they can purchase fish food to throw into the water. Wait for the feeding frenzy to begin!

How to get here:

Marriott’s Oceana Palms is located at 3200 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida. It’s just over the bridge on Singer Island, 15 minutes from the West Palm Beach airport.

Where do you stay in West Palm Beach? Would you consider trying a Marriott Vacation Club villa?

As I disclose whenever applicable, my stay with Oceana Palms was hosted, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Visit Whidbey Island with kids: Exploring Coupeville

Whidbey Island may be small, but it’s tall, as my sons have noted after a map study. When families come to visit Whidbey Island with kids, it’s useful to stay in the center of the island, within easy access of attractions such as Deception Pass to the north, and the Clinton ferry landing to the south. The best home base: Coupeville.

whidbey-island

Coupeville WA is located within the boundaries of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which means its historical buildings and landmarks have been preserved. What remains is a beautiful little town on the shore, with quaint shops, fun eateries, and a lovely pier. We recommend spending at least one full day exploring the island’s many state parks, then at least one more visiting its many farms, agricultural stands, and farm-to-table restaurants.

coupeville

Every year, Whidbey Island plays host to a free farm tour. Can’t make it? That’s ok: there are Whidbey Island farms perfect for kids at any time. Start at Greenbank, located in Loveland near Coupeville in the heart of the island. Greenbank has its own organic farm school, and 151 acres of public farmland as well as historic farm buildings. Families can visit the gardens, but kids and adults alike will really love checking out the shops onsite. Kids can sample pies, farm cheese, and numerous other artisan, local food items in the farm store.

coupeville-pier

If you can’t get enough farm store goodness, make 3 Sisters Market your next stop. Operated by 3 Sisters Beef, this shop sells the sisters’ (yes, they exist and we met them!) grass-fed beef and also showcases many other farm fresh products from around the island. It’s located on Holbrook Road in Coupeville.

In the town of Coupeville, visit Lavender Wind Farm, where you can not only buy island-grown lavender products, but kids can get a feel for the many uses of this plant. Sample lavender tea, lavender cookies, and lavender lotions. Across the street, stop by Bay Leaf for an artisan sandwich and a chance to see gourmet food products from France. They also sell Penn Cove Shellfish mussels, which are harvested right on the island.

lavender-farm

Stroll through town, and take time to walk the pier and see marine exhibits at the end. Coupeville also has a nice bookstore and toy store.

Where to stay:

In Coupeville, we stayed at Blue Goose Inn, a bed & breakfast in the heart of town. Blue Goose is comprised of two historic Victorian homes (side by side) and has beautifully appointed, comfortable rooms. The sitting rooms are historic but cozy to utilize to read a book or work on your computer (there’s wifi throughout), and the breakfast is served in a sun porch overlooking the water. The food was all homemade and primarily locally-sourced…another good hands-on lesson for kids learning about farm-to-fork eating.

blue-goose-inn

If you have young kids who cannot stay in a B&B room solo (rooms are double occupancy only at Blue Goose), there is a garden suite with kitchen and more space. We also recommend the family-friendly lodge units at Captain Whidbey, an historic inn just outside of town. This property is right on the water, with beautiful grounds and an on-site dining room for a nice meal in.

blue-goose-dining

Have you toured Whidbey Island? What did you like best?

 

Exploring Port Townsend with kids

Located at the very tip of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend has a lot to offer families. From the quaint waterfront town with its lively history to a storied military presence, exploring Port Townsend with kids includes hiking trails, fort batteries, ice cream shops, and touch tanks! Here’s what’s in store (and where to stay):

port-townsend

Downtown Port Townsend:

It’s easy to see the charm of this small town as soon as you enter, whether via road from elsewhere on the peninsula or by boat (more on that later). The shipyards are open to the public, which means boat-loving kids can see dry-docked vessels up close and personal, and Union Wharf offers great views of the ferry.

Start on Water Street, where kids will want to view the wooden boat outside the NW Maritime Center, then head across the street to City Hall Museum run by the Jefferson County Historical Society. We would have overlooked this museum had I not been taken there by a local: inside the historic courtroom, visitors can get an overview of the town’s history, then go downstairs to see old jail cells (Jack London is rumored to have spent a night inside) and exhibits on the region’s pioneering, Japanese, and native cultures.

port-townsend-history

 

Right nearby is Dogs-a-Foot, a hot dog stand with every type of hot dog desired. It’s a perfect lunch pit stop, with tables outside. Afterward, continue your stroll down Water Street for a stop at Elevated Ice Cream. This locally-owned and operated ice cream shop offers unique, locally-sourced flavors, and has a chocolate shop and candy store located next door.

Stop into any other shops that interest you; you’ll find a great local bookstore and numerous galleries. Note the historic architecture; Port Townsend has some of the best preserved buildings in the NW. If you have your car with you, don’t forget about ‘uptown’: historic Port Townsend built on both the wharf and in the hills, and families will find the best Victorian architecture overlooking the downtown region. This area features a lot of the town’s B&Bs, but you’ll also find wonderful bakeries, diners, and shops.

elevated-creamery

Note: If you’re in the downtown/shipyard area for breakfast, you’ll want to head to the Blue Moose Cafe on Haines for an authentic home-cooked meal. This local hangout is right in the shipyards, and has been overseen by the current cook (not chef!) for decades.

Fort Worden State Park:

fort-worden

We’re pretty sure Fort Worden State Park is the heart of Port Townsend as far as kids are concerned. This sprawling park is located just outside of downtown on the coast, with beach access, hiking trails, and picnic grounds. The central feature of Fort Worden is the fort, which served as defense against invasion during WWI. The invasion never came, but the many fort batteries remain, with platforms for artillery, ammunition storage rooms, and many more intriguing spaces for kids to explore. The batteries are open to the public, which is a very welcome feature in a world that has increasingly shut doors on historical sites. Kids will love climbing on them, running through their creepy, dark tunnels and hallways, and generally playing soldier. Parental supervision is absolutely needed, of course; small children could fall or get lost. Don’t worry, you’ll want to explore the batteries just as much! Prepare to spend hours here!

marine-science-center

In addition to the batteries, Fort Worden is home to the Marine Science Centerlocated right on Battery Way. It’s open from April through October, with innovative saltwater touch tanks. The center staff bring sea life into the tanks in the spring, and release all the creatures in the fall. Daily, fresh salt water from the ocean adjacent is flushed into the tanks. Kids can touch many marine animals, and see more in additional aquariums. Across the street, the education building houses a whale skeleton and other educational exhibits with a conservation theme.

marine-conservation

There are numerous walking trails through Fort Worden (grab a trail map when you enter) and some take kids to additional batteries (less crowded than the one near the beach). There are several campgrounds, and yes, the beach has swimming access. The Point Wilson lighthouse makes for a great backdrop to your Olympic Peninsula beach day!

Inland from the beach, the campus of Fort Worden remains, though quieter than in its active days. Currently, buildings and rooms can be rented for vacation stays, allowing families to further immerse themselves in the area’s history.

Yes, you can stay the night in Fort Worden!

fort-worden

Rentals include full homes on Officers’ Row, units in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Row, or dormitory rooms. I checked out an Officer’s Row house, where I stayed the night overlooking the campus and ocean. Officers’ Row houses include 1 and 1/2 bathrooms, four bedrooms, a parlor and a dining room, and a full kitchen. It’s fun to see firsthand how officers and their families lived during WWI. These houses are not newly renovated, but are comfortable and very spacious. Kids can play outside, and everyone can walk to the beach, the light house, and the batteries. There is no wifi, but in the check-in building (which is newer), there is a sitting room and a coffee counter where your java and wifi needs can be met.

fort-worden

Beyond Port Townsend proper, the Olympic Discovery Trail weaves 120 miles between the town and La Push, on the western coast, and of course, the rest of the Olympic Peninsula beckons with Olympic National Park and numerous additional hiking trails and beaches. Read more about Olympic National Park with kids!

How to get here:

puget-sound-express

Port Townsend and Fort Worden are located on Highway 20, which connects with Highway 101. Families can also take Washington State ferries directly to town from Whidbey Island (Coupeville) or take the Puget Sound Express from the San Juan Islands. We recommend booking a whale watching trip with this company, even if you don’t need them for transportation to the peninsula. On our trip with Puget Sound Express, we saw humpback whales, porpoises, and harbor seals.

Port Townsend

Washington DC with kids: International Spy Museum

If you have kids 10 and up, you’ll want to include the International Spy Museum in your Washington DC itinerary. We absolutely loved it. Even though there are many free museums to tour in DC, it’s absolutely worth the price of admission.

international-spy-museum

Why we loved it:
This museum is one of the most interactive we’ve seen. It was created by a 30+ year veteran of the CIA, and it shows. The first section allows you to pick a ‘cover’: a new name, occupation, and cover story for your ‘mission’. You are asked to memorize it, then continue to ‘Spy School’. This section includes exhibits on various spy skills: the art of disguise, but also observation skills and common practices of the trade, such as dead drops (and others I can no longer remember…I wouldn’t make a good spy). There are tests you can take, games to play, and video screen challenges to test your skill.

washington-dc-with-kids

After learning what it takes to be a spy, you continue the cover story game. On a bank of computer screens, you’re questioned about your cover, and, if you remember your details correctly, you’re given a second set of instructions (where to meet a contact, etc). Memorize these details, too, because you’ll need them at the last computer station. Tip: If you forget your details, you’ll be told the agent questioning your (in the computer game) is suspicious, and you may not get the info you need for the next part. Realistic, but frustrating. Since this first bank of computers is near the front where you picked your cover, it’s not too late to walk back and try again.

international-spy-museum

The next rooms in the museum take you through tools of the trade for soys through the decades, from packs of cigarettes that conceal cameras to the tiny bugs of today. It’s downright fascinating. Additional rooms detail the history of spying, from early cyphers to Civil War agents to WWII code breakers. Again, you’ll be entranced. At least we were.

At the end of this section, a last bank of computer screens will further test your knowledge of your cover, asking you to remember details from the earlier screens. It’s fun. Again, if you’ve forgotten stuff, your game will end early, but this time, it will be too late to go back for more info (unless the museum is very uncrowded). If you have younger kids in your group who struggle with this game, don’t worry: it’s a very small part of the overall museum. Our nine-year-old had a hard time with it, but our 12-year-old and 15-year-old loved it.

You tour the downstairs of the museum last. This large section is dedicated to James Bond villains. It’s cool, of course, but a bit intense for young kids. The good news is, it’s easy to skip this level with a convenient exit. Older kids who are not familiar with Bond will probably still be interested, because it shows various ‘bad guys’ and the techniques and weapons they used. Our older kids had seen Bond films with their dad and grandpa (avid fans) so they found it very interesting. There are a few more interactive exhibits here: for instance, kids can test their strength by hanging from a bar while wind whips around them and the bar shakes (simulating hanging from a ledge).

The last exhibit as you exit is on contemporary threats to communication, i.e., hackers. It showcases what may happen should a spy or terrorist hack into the US power grid. The result is quite apocalyptic. Young kids can be walked past this exhibit without grasping it’s meaning, but older kids may be alarmed. My older kids loved this exhibit best. They found it scary but also thought-provoking. To be honest, so did I.

The exit of the museum deposits you directly into a gift shop (of course), but it’s a quite fun one, with spy gadgets and lots of books and fun t-shirts. Kids may want to part with souvenir money here. Give yourself at least two hours to tour the whole museum. We had 1.5 hours, and were a bit rushed at the end.

Note: There are several additional programs run by the museum that we didn’t have a chance to try, including an hour-long spy game in the museum and a GPS-based scavenger hunt type game in the city. Both have an extra charge. If your older kids loved the museum and want more, I’d consider returning to play one of these games.

shake-shack

Date last visited:

July 2014

Distance from the interstate;

Right off the Mall, close to I-66 and I-395.

Admission:

$21.95 for adults (12 and up), $14.95 for kids (7-11). Kids six and under are free.

Hours of operation:

9 am to 7 pm in peak season. 9 or 10 am to 6 pm in off-seasons.

Dining:

There is no dining directly in the Spy Museum; however, the Shake Shack is located directly next door. This casual burger joint has the best frozen custard I’ve tasted!

Directions:

The museum is located at 800 F Street NW. The closest Metro station is Gallery Place/Chinatown. If you’re driving and parking (not recommended), use Panda Parking, which has partnered with the museum.

Wondering where to stay in DC? Check out our review of Grand Hyatt Washington.

Photos courtesy of International Spy Museum.

Family dude ranch vacation: a stay at Triangle X Ranch

There are many family dude ranch vacation options to choose from, and the time to book for next summer is…now. Dude ranches fill up fast, as many families book repeat visits. What sets Triangle X Ranch apart?

Let’s start with the family history. And I’m not talking about the Turner family history, even though this Wyoming family has owned and run the ranch for five generations (and counting). I’m talking about the guests’ family histories. During my time at the ranch, I talked to not one, not two or three, but the vast majority of guests who told me they’ve been coming to Triangle X for years, some decades. Parents brought their children, who now bring their children. Grandparents bring the grandkids. Children grow up coming, from age six up.

triangle-x-ranch

And yes, this is your view daily. When I asked one guest how he’d heard about the ranch, he explained that his parents had met here, and that none other than Harold Turner, current patriarch of the ranch, had been their best man. Triangle X may be owned by the Turner family, but longtime guests consider it pretty much theirs, and treat it with the appropriate care, bordering on devotion.

family-dude-ranch-vacation

Is all this history intimidating to new families, exploring Triangle X for the first time? It can be. The first day of our week-long visit, we watched multiple ‘Triangle X reunions’, as families embraced after a year apart. It felt as though everyone else knew where to sit in the Main House dining room, where to gather for a game of cards, and each others’ names. But it didn’t take us long to notice something else: everyone was welcoming. Without exception, every guest was quick to introduce themselves, and offer a tidbit of information about the ranch.

triangle-x-ranch

Due to communal dining and recreation, we quickly met other families who were at Triangle X for the first time. Our kids blended quickly and easily into groups where many children already knew one another, and thanks to social mixers, dances, and multiple riding options, we adults did the same.

triangle-x-ranch

Most people seem to hear about Triangle X by word-of-mouth, but those who find it through research learn that it’s the only dude ranch operating inside the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. It’s all-inclusive, focused primarily on horseback riding, and structured with a ‘family camp’ vibe. The setting cannot be beat—the Tetons are your backdrop for the entire week—and the children’s programming is at once intensive and casual. What you get is great riding in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Triangle-X-Ranch

It’s all about the riding.

While families can certainly take days or half-days off to hike, raft, or relax, the primary focus of Triangle X is definitely horseback riding. It’s a dude ranch in the traditional sense: on the Monday morning of each weeklong stay, each guest is paired with a horse who will stay with him or her through Saturday. Two rides per day are scheduled, with multiple options for all riding levels. Guests let the ranch know their riding abilities and experience pre-stay, and on check-in day (Sunday evening), head wrangler Megan comes by each cabin to introduce herself and answer any questions.

riding-at-triangle-x

During our stay, the following dizzying array of ride options were offered morning and afternoon: fast ride, medium ride (sometimes a fast-medium ride), scenic walk ride, lesson ride, kids’ ride, and teen ride. Within the lesson ride category, rides were organized into walking lessons, trotting lessons, and loping lessons. Not sure where to start? Ask Megan.

triangle-x-ranch

Tip: If you have little or no experience on a horse, a lesson ride is a great idea. Start slow: the week is long, and you’ll get plenty of time to step things up. In my experience, lesson rides are the only place to get instruction. All other rides will proceed assuming you know the basics. For kids and teens with little experience, the kids’ ride starts out slow, then divides into several smaller groups based on experience level. Parents can ride with kids and teens on their rides, but not vice versa; no kids on adult rides.

dude-ranch-vacations

Daily rides start from the ranch, and follow one of many trails in the national park boundary. My favorites meandered along the banks of the Snake River. Depending on the ride you select, the group may be loping long distances, forging streams, or navigating narrow trails. On every ride, a wrangler oversees the group. Safety is important, but only discussed on Monday morning, so as noted above, a lesson ride will help those with less experience. Rides depart at 9 am and 2 pm, and last a few hours each. On select days, additional or different rides are offered, such as a sunset cookout ride, an all-day ride high into the mountains, and a family ride. Guests can, of course, opt out of any scheduled ride, and do something else instead.

Kids and teens:

triangle-x-ranch

At Triangle X, kids and teens have their own distinct programs, and are separated from adults most of the time. This, of course, can be viewed as a positive or a negative. While we usually experience vacations as a family, I have to say my kids loved their uninterrupted friend time on the ranch. Kids age 6-12 eat in their own dining area, and ride together morning and afternoon. Teens 13-17 do the same. Both groups have their own dedicated wranglers. The kid and teen program is not as structured as a ‘resort program’, where kids are checked in and out and multiple activities are offered; rather, it’s an organic experience that seems to hold together like glue. Expect wranglers to be supervising during rides, but not during time around the ranch. At times, adult rides or activities would be scheduled during kid free time; you’ll want one adult to be on-hand to check in on your ‘free range’ kids. Children share cabins with their families, of course, and in the evenings and between rides, can opt for family time or friend time (they have the run of the ranch).

Lodging:

triangle-x-cabins

I’d describe the Triangle X cabins as ‘upscale rustic’. Our ‘Berry’ cabin slept six, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but most were smaller, with 1-2 bedrooms. Each has a covered porch with chairs, electricity, heater, and a small refrigerator. It’s worth noting that cabins do not have wifi, phones, or TVs. Maid service is available, or families can opt for fresh towels only. We were perfectly comfortable. Most cabins have views of the Tetons, with the exception of the few at the far end of the first row. These have wooded views, which I found just as charming.

Dining:

triangle-x-dining

Expect ‘camp’ or ‘ranch’ fare, and you’ll go home happy. We were completely satisfied with the dining service, but foodies should note: it is not gourmet. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served communally in the lovely dining room, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water available at all times. Beer and wine are BYO, and can be brought to the table. When away from the ranch, sack lunches can be requested (the night before). We were never hungry, but we were also never wowed. Since we hadn’t expected to be, we were perfectly content. All food is kid-friendly, and allergies or special preferences are accommodated.

Other activities:

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If (or rather, when) you need a break from riding, Triangle X also offers guided fishing trips and float trips. The Turner family knows their stuff, so you’re in good hands. The ranch is also only 10 minutes from excellent hiking, swimming, and and kayaking in Grand Tetons, and approximately 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Jackson Hole is 30 minutes away, where most families plan to attend the weekly rodeo.

snake-river

During our stay, we hiked directly from the Triangle X property, drove to Jackson Lake and String Lake in Grand Tetons, and enjoyed Jackson. On one day of the week, the teens head to town for a movie, and on another, the kids enjoy their own float trip down the Snake.

Cost:

Triangle X is an all-inclusive vacation, and the weekly rate ranges from about $1800-$2200 per person, in the peak season. See rates for full details.

Why consider a dude ranch vacation:

family-dude-ranch-vacation

After experiencing Triangle X, I favorably compare it to other low guest ratio inclusive vacation experiences like small-ship cruises, adventure travel operations, and boutique all-inclusives. You can unpack once, stay a week, and parents have nothing to worry about, from planning recreation to planning meals. Yes, you’ll need to enjoy horseback riding, but that’s stating the obvious. (You wouldn’t take a ski vacation if you didn’t like—or didn’t want to try—skiing, right?) After a week with Triangle X, we left saddle sore, but happy, relaxed, and ready to tackle the rest of our summer with renewed energy.

wildflowers

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Triangle X as guests of the ranch. Despite the fact that my kids wanted to move in, all opinions remain our own.

Washington DC with kids: Touring Mount Vernon

While you’re in Washington DC with kids, a stop en route to the city (or on your way out) at Mt. Vernon is definitely worth your time. We visited Mt. Vernon on our way into DC at the start of our trip, and spent approximately three hours. It’s definitely possible to spend more time.

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Travel tip: If you’ll be pairing your Washington DC itinerary with some time at the beach, consider a Virginia Beach vacation rental. Kids can have some downtime on the shore after studying history!

George Washington’s Mount Vernon includes a state-of-the-art museum, beautiful grounds, a working farm with animals, Potomac River access, outbuildings and living history events, and of course, the mansion where Washington lived and died.

Tickets include entry to all of it. We started with the 20-minute film depicting the highlights of Washington’s life, then proceeded to the grounds where we had a guided tour of the house via timed entry. We visited during a busy summer day, so we did wait in lines, even though we’d purchased our tickets online in advance. (The timed entry marks the time to get in line for the house tour, not the time you’l actually go in.) Bring plenty of water, as you’ll be waiting in the sun.

mt vernon gardens

The tour of the house takes about 25 minutes to go through, and shows Washington’s formal entertaining rooms, dining room, personal study, and several bedrooms, including the one he shared with Martha Washington and died in. You’re deposited outside, where you can tour the outbuildings on your own. During our visit, a team of university students were actively excavating an area behind the house, trying to find the site of the original well and other structures. It was nice to talk to them about their findings.

washington-dc-with-kids

We toured the stables, smokehouse, and kitchens, then the final resting place of Washington and slave memorial (Washington owned many slaves). There’s a wooded trail to a slave cabin that I remember being very interesting from a previous visit, but the day we were at Mt. Vernon, it was too hot to make the trek. The farm (adjacent to the grounds) is also a good place to go when the weather cooperates. During our visit, baby pigs had just been born, and young sheep jumped in the pastures.

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We saved the museum for last, relishing the air conditioning after so much time outside. Allow at least an hour for this space: there’s a lot to see about Washington’s life and American Revolution history. If you have young kids, look for the children’s activity room run by museum staff about halfway through the museum. They have daily crafts kids can do if they need a break.

potomac-river

Date last visited:

July 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Not far from I-95.

Admission:

Adults are $17 (12 and up), and kids are $8 (7-11). Under seven is free. When buying tickets online (recommended in summer to avoid long waits), select your tour time.

Hours of operation:

8 am to 5 pm, or 9 am to 4 pm, depending on the season. Open 365 days per year.

Dining:

Mt. Vernon has a food court, and the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, which serves Colonial style food. We packed a picnic, and ate it on the grounds before realizing we weren’t supposed to bring in outside food. If picnicking, eat before you head inside.

Directions:

The estate is located 15 miles from the city, at 3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway. Follow the parkway out from Alexandria.

This post written in partnership with VacationRoost.com.

Washington DC with kids: When you have an hour or less

There’s so much to do in Washington DC with kids, families cannot possibly do it all in one visit. However, sometimes, you may find yourself with an hour or so free on our around the Mall. Here’s what we recommend:

washington-dc-with-kids

National Archives:

Unless you plan to do some serious research on your family tree or a historical event, the main attraction in the National Archives is the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, all located in the Rotunda. Tickets are free, but run with timed entry, and should be reserved in advance. Reserve your time here. Be advised there is a $1.50 service charge, and no refunds. If you’re rather skip the charge, you can get timed tickets at the archives on the day of your visit (but may need to wait).

Once inside (past security) at the time of your visit, there will—depending on the season—be a wait to see the Charters of Independence (the documents listed above). We waited about 25 minutes for our turn. Was it worth it? Yes, absolutely. Adjacent to the charters is a small museum that shows how the archives work to store so much information, and includes some fun exhibits like letters to the president that have been archived. The museum is worth about 20 more minutes of your time.
Location: The archives are located at Constitution Ave between 7th and 9th streets, and open from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Ford Theater:

ford-theater

Ford Theater, where Lincoln was shot, and the adjacent home where he died, take about an hour to tour, depending on the season. It requires a free timed ticket, but even in peak season, we were able to get one the day-of, at the time we wanted, without a problem. Once you have your ticket, you go right in at the time designated, and sit in the theater, looking directly at Lincoln’s presidential box. Tip: for the best view, sit on the left-hand side. A park ranger gives a 15 minute presentation, describing what happened that night—John Wilkes Booth’s plan, how he accessed the box, and the timeline of the president’s evening. It’s very interesting.

Afterward, your ticket also allows entry to the house across the street where Lincoln died. Unlike in the theater, where every ticket-holder is allowed in en masse, ticket-holders are allowed into the home in smaller numbers. This means waiting in line outside. During our visit, we decided to skip this stop, because of the heat. If you wait to do it, allow closer to two hours to tour the whole Ford Theater site. There’s also a small but good museum to tour (also free, and included in some timed tickets…if you want it, your times are more limited.)
Location: Ford Theater is located at 511 10th Street NW, about three blocks up from the Mall.

Festivals on the Mall:

During most times of the year, the National Mall hosts ongoing outdoor festivals and street fairs. The Smithsonian institute runs several, including the Folk Festival in June and July. These festivals are free, educational, and colorful. They make for a good break from museum touring while in the area. During our most recent visit, we explored booths and checked out artisans from China and Kenya.

We were told the National Park Service has begun to limit permits for Mall festivals, so catch one while you can!

What’s your favorite pit stop in Washington DC?

Wondering where to stay in DC? Check out our review of Grand Hyatt Washington.

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Washington DC with kids: How to take a White House tour

Going into the White House was one of the highlights of our Washington DC trip. Many families are unsure how to take a White House tour. It’s not as complicated as most think! The tour is self-guided, and takes about one hour door-to-door. (In DC, ‘door-to-door’ to us means security check through exit.)

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The tour takes guests through a visitor entrance on the side, through a ground floor corridor. Families see 8-10 rooms, some of which can be entered (others are roped off). Rooms include the East Room, which is used for press conferences, among other things; the Green Room, used for receptions; the Red Room, famous as the First Lady’s place of reception and meetings; and the State Dining Room. The oval-shaped Blue Room is the closest visitors come to that better-known circular-shaped room upstairs, but it’s still very cool to see these ground floor rooms that are very much still in use.

In each room, Secret Service agents are on-hand to answer any questions. Definitely take advantage of their knowledge; you can practically make this a guided tour if you ask lots of questions and listen to the answers to others’ questions. They may be reluctant to tell stories of events they’ve seen recently in each room, but will be able to say what type of events take place. At the end of the tour, you go out on the South Portico overlooking the lawn, which is fun, too.

How to book:

Booking a White House tour is not complicated; however, it does take significant planning. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Six months before your trip (yes, really), start by deciding the exact day you want to tour. Go to this White House tour page to see which days of the week the building is open for tours (and if they’re even offering tours at all). You’ll need this information for the next step.
  2. Go to the homepage of one of your members of Congress. (If this takes a Google search of representatives, don’t feel bad…) On the homepage, there will be the option of ‘requesting a White House tour’ on the member’s contact page. Email the Congressman or woman, listing the date you want.
  3. A staffer of your representative will email you back with further instructions. You’ll need to submit the Social Security numbers and full names of everyone in your group.
  4. Wait. You’ll be notified that your tour request has been submitted fairly quickly, but you won’t know whether you got your tour until two weeks before the tour date.
  5. 5. When you get notice you’ve been approved for your tour, print the attached form with your reservation number.

What to expect the day of your tour:

Be at the tour start location—15th Street and Alexander Hamilton Place—15 minutes before your tour. Tours can be cancelled at a moments’ notice, so call this number the day before, to make sure your tour is planned to go as scheduled: 202-456-7041. We got there 30 minutes before our tour start time, and were glad we did; the only restrooms are a block away at the White House Visitor’s Center, so we used the extra time to make that stop.

At your tour start time, you’ll be led in a line through two security check points. At both, you’ll need to give your name and show ID (age 18 and older). Kids don’t need ID, but ours were questioned casually by the Secret Service agents. They asked their names, then singled one out (the youngest) and asked him to list his brothers’ names (also touring). It was done in a friendly way, but was clearly to ensure the kids were who I said they were.

Do not bring a backpack or even a purse on your tour. You won’t be allowed in, and there’s no place to store them. You are also not allowed any food or drink, including water bottles, nor cameras. I brought my cell phone and my wallet, and that’s it. (Cell phones are ok, but cannot be used.) Bring your confirmation number, but once we give the guards our name, they looked up our reservation and we didn’t need the paper.

Do not try to bring other people: only the people on your reservation will be permitted in, without exception. Also: don’t let your kids pet the guard dogs. The security experience is serious, but conducted in a causal way; my kids were not alarmed.

Tip: The White House tours are conducted by the National Parks Service. When in line, kids are offered a Junior Ranger booklet. We didn’t try to fill it out while on tour—there’s too much to see!—but right afterward, we took the booklet to the Visitor’s Center on the Ellipse, and earned Junior Ranger badges. It was a novelty to have a badge from the White House!

No photos are permitted inside (nor social media), so forgive the lack of photos in this post. Guess you’ll have to go yourself to know what it looks like up close!

Wondering where to stay in DC? Check out our review of Grand Hyatt Washington.

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Photo credit: Flickr commons.