Category: Family Friendly

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Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

300 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 334-4000

It might take more than a day to try to see most everything at the Children’s Museum. After all, it’s the world’s largest, with nearly 500,000 sq. ft. of floor space. There’s also a 7.5-acre outdoor section – the Sports Legends Experience – that’s packed full of family friendly activities. Among the notable attractions at the museum are an authentic Indy race car, Jurassic collection and its vintage carousel. Winner of multiple awards, Children’s Museum is the top family friendly attraction in Indianapolis. It’s also been called one of the coolest places in the world for kids. That’s to say nothing of the educational value you can provide for your children while visiting. Either way, make sure to set aside at least a half day to see the museum’s highlights.

Advance Ticket Sales

Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. At this time, admission to the museum is limited to less than 50 percent capacity. However, you should check with the Children’s Museum directly to find about the latest on health policies. Chances are, the capacity limits will have gotten better by the time you visit.

Eagle Creek Park

7840 W. 56th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
(317) 327-7275

Just north of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Eagle Creek Park can be the perfect setting for a family friendly day trip. Among the largest municipal parks in the country, it offers outdoor activities like boating, hiking and swimming. Eagle Creek also has an adventure park and zip-lining at Go Ape. The expansive park additionally features a dog park, café and a top rated public golf club with two championship-caliber golf courses. That’s not to mention the Earth Discovery and Ornithology centers. Please check online for current vehicle entry rates. All in all, it might be worth your while to visit Eagle Creek Park during your Indianapolis vacation.

Another excerpt from a family friendly story

One of America’s best and most popular family-friendly traditions is camping in the great outdoors.. However, with rising fuel costs across the nation and peak rates for lodging, many families will have to tighten their travel budget. Fortunately, there are thousands of affordable campgrounds to consider in America. However, if you hope to camp this summer, you should make reservations as soon as possible.

Top Recommendations For Family Friendly Camping In America

White Mountains, New Hampshire (credit: Randy Yagi)

Ashland-White Mountains Jellystone Park

35 Jellystone Park
New Hampton, NH 032562
(603) 968-9000
www.abcamping.com

The popular cartoon the Yogi Bear Show ended its television run way back in 1962. Nevertheless, the legacy of this popular cartoon character lives on at many Jellystone Park Camp Resorts. This includes the Yogi Bear-branded campgrounds in the White Mountains. As with any other family friendly location, the Ashland-White Mountains Jellystone Park is extremely kid friendly with several great amenities. For instance, there are two heated pools and a kiddie pool and ping pong tables. Additional family friendly things to do can be found all around the White Mountains. For example, Newfound Lake is just a short drive from the campgrounds. Not only is Newfound Lake a great spot for kayaking and hiking, it’s a great spot to extend your trip. If you are traveling a bit further, consider visiting the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods. Also nearby is the family friendly Cog Railway.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-8861

Nestled within the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin State Park is California’s oldest state park. Founded in 1902, Big Basin covers over 18,000 acres and with 2,500 years old redwoods. The main attractions are old growth redwoods and the Skyline to the Sea trail. However, you don’t have to hike all the way to the coastline on an outing. Instead, there are over 80 miles of trails with varying lengths. Although you might have plenty of things to do in Big Basin, you can explore other local attractions. For instance, it’s an easy drive Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the popular admission free seaside park. Roaring Camp Railroads is even closer to Big Basin in Felton.

Note: After being closed for nearly two years for renovations, Big Basin State Park is reopening this summer. In fact, day use parking will be available by reservation on July 22. In addition, a temporary visitor center that day, as well as temporary restrooms and some hiking trails. Please check the Big Basin website for the latest, up-to-date information.

Door County Jellystone Park

3677 May Road
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-9001

Another exceptional Jellystone-branded campground can be found in beautiful Door County. Camping options include standard, hook-up and premium campsites. In addition, rates include two adults and up to three dependent children. What’s more are cabin and trailer rentals. Door County Jellystone Park offers several family friendly amenities. In detail, two heated pools, kiddie pool and 18-hole miniature golf course. Even if you just have a Coleman sundome, Jellystone is a great spot for family friendly camping. While you’re in Door County, you should visit some of the popular attractions. For instance, you can see the goats that relax on the rooftop of Al Johnson’s restaurant in Sister Bay. Lastly, stop by Wilson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim for some classic treats. For instance, you can order a banana split, chocolate sundae and Wilson’s own root beer floats.

Glimmerglass State Park

1527 County Highway 31
Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 547-8662

Ask any kid where he wants to go this summer and the answer is oftentimes a major amusement park like Disneyland. But another popular destination, is Cooperstown, the beloved home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame . For campers, one of the best spots in the in the area is Glimmerglass State Park, located along the shores of Otsego Lake just eight miles from downtown Cooperstown. Open year round, Glimmerglass State Park is popular for summertime activities like biking, hiking and fishing. Among popular winter activities are ice skating, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Although you will have plenty of fun things to do at the campgrounds, make sure to visit Cooperstown. In addition to the Hall of Fame, Cooperstown has a beautiful downtown area filled with boutique stores.

Half Dome Village

Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
(888) 413-8869

Formerly known as Curry Village, Half Dome Village offers heated and unheated tents, along with cabins with private bathrooms. In all, there are 481 guest accommodations, including 14 cabins with a central bath, 46 cabins with private baths and 403 canvas tent cabins for upscale camping. As the largest lodging facility in Yosemite National Park, the Village also features a gift shop and an outdoor swimming pool. A free shuttle service operates year round from 7 am to 10 pm.

Note: Reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park, whether you’re camping or not. In other words, due to its enormous popularity, camp reservations may already be sold out for the summer. If that’s the case, you will have to plan much earlier the next chance you have for a reservation.

Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA

80 O’Brien Road
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 457-5916

As the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has long been a reliable and reputable place to stay, especially for families with children. Among the best with a prime location is the Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA, filled with an assortment of amenities and activities and just a short drive from the enormous Olympic National Park. Another KOA you might like is the Winthrop/North Cascades National Park. At Olympic Peninsula KOA, you can enjoy all sorts of activities and special events. For example the swimming pool is open during the summer and bike rentals are available. The KOA also hosts fun events like wagon rides and Saturday Night Ice Cream Social.

Peaks Of Otter Campground

10454 Peaks Road
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-7321

The Blue Ridge Parkway often surprises travelers with its natural beauty filled with breathtaking waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. But what may surprise even more visitors is that it’s the second most visited park within the National Park System and has been for most of the past 70 years. Extending nearly 470 across the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway features eight developed campgrounds from May through late October and one of the best is Peaks of Otter, located about 26 miles northeast of Roanoke, Virginia. Of course, the city of Roanoke is also worth visit, if you have the time. For instance, the top attractions are the Taubman Museum, Mill Mountain Zoo and Hotel Roanoke. In addition, the Roanoke Star atop Mill Mountain is another worthwhile attraction. In fact, the Roanoke Star is the largest of its kind in the world.

October 11, 2022April 30, 2023 Randy Yagi Family Friendly, Holidays, Travel

America’s Best Dog Costume Contests for Halloween

Forget about the haunted houses and scary attractions this Halloween, dog costume contests deserve some attention too! After all, when it comes to costume contests, don’t the adults and children get all the attention? Furthermore, aren’t your furry friends a real part of your family? Get into the spirit by including your family pet for … Continue reading America’s Best Dog Costume Contests for Halloween

October 5, 2022April 12, 2023 Randy Yagi Family Friendly, Holidays, Travel

America’s Best Pumpkin Farms and Corn Mazes

Whether you like corn mazes or a hayride, now is the right time to visit a pumpkin farm in America. After all, it’s the peak of the pumpkin season and farmers across the country are welcoming visitors back for attractions, great food and of course, pumpkin picking. Although you may already have your favorite pumpkin … Continue reading America’s Best Pumpkin Farms and Corn Mazes

September 7, 2022January 13, 2023 Randy Yagi Business and Technology, Family Friendly, Museums, Transportation, Wine and Spirits

My Favorite Guided Tours of Chicago

One of the best ways to see the best of what Chicago has to offer is on a guided tour. This is especially true if you’re a first-time visitor looking for ideas on top things to do. Yet by the same token, these public tours can be quite informative for repeat visitors like me. In … Continue reading My Favorite Guided Tours of Chicago