A One Day Family Itinerary of Things To Do in Orlando with Kids

January 10, 2019 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that my family loves the Orlando area. From golf courses to amusement parks, we’ve explored the popular tourist destination to its fullest, and found many of the best things to do in Orlando with kids.

Like most families, our top priority when in Orlando is usually visiting the theme parks! Checking out all four parks at Walt Disney World in one day was exhausting, but amazing. And we all loved the rides and pop culture at Universal Orlando.

But I knew from our many trips down International Drive that the city itself had just as many things to do in Orlando with kids. And so, on our most recent vacation, I decided that we would spend a day exploring some of the best family attractions and activities the city has to offer.

Wondering where to start when looking for things to do in Orlando with kids? This one-day itinerary had the whole family smiling when we headed home!

A Ride on ICON Orlando

We started our day with a ride on the ICON Orlando observation wheel. This 400 ft. ride is the largest observation wheel on the United States’ East Coast. It’s a popular nighttime attraction, since the city and theme parks look so magical when they’re lit up. But it’s equally enjoyable during the day, and we loved finding all the places we’d visited in the past from above! [Read more…]

7 Things To Do in Idaho

November 30, 2018 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

Regardless of whether you’re planning a multi-day trip, a long weekend or even a family excursion of a lifetime, Idaho has something for everyone. It doesn’t matter what kind of holiday you end up choosing, Idaho has a way of providing experiences you won’t get elsewhere else.

If you’re searching for an ideal place to spend a getaway, there are many different cabin rentals in Idaho that will provide a great base to relax, explore and have some adventures.

lower-falls-yellowstone-idaho

Wondering how to spend your days? Here are some of my top things to do in Idaho:

Roaring Springs Waterpark

This is the biggest waterpark in the American Northwest and is situated in Meridian, just six miles from Boise. This year-round attraction offers a wide range of rides for all ages and incorporates many speed slides, kid slides and wave pools to enjoy. Many of the rides are ideal for little ones, making the waterpark a great family choice.

You can also visit the Pinz Bowling Center and Wahooz Family Fun Zone via the connected walkway. The way that one spot provides a variety of different activities in addition to the slides and wave pools make this one of the best water parks I have ever seen.

Yellowstone Bear World

Yellowstone Bear World could best be described as a drive-thru wildlife park. Here you can observe dim wolves, moose, wild bears, white-tailed deer and other different creatures indigenous to North America. The park is located near Yellowstone National Park, making it an ideal way to kill two birds with one stone and visit both.

You can even take part in getting up-close and personal with the bear cubs while bottle-feeding. This is a truly unique experience that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in North America. In addition, the park has a great petting zoo and a number of amusement rides for children to enjoy.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

road-to-schweitzer-resort

Schweitzer is king of the mountain (no pun intended) when it comes to ski resorts in Idaho. There are over 2900 acres of beautiful land that is just waiting to be explored. With over 92 ski runs snaking through the resort, there is truly something for skiers of all levels. Don’t worry if you have never skied before either, lessons are available to help get you started!

The location in the Selkirk Mountains also gives the resort some glorious views of Lake Pend Oreille on the southeast and of the nearby Bitterroot and Cabinet mountains. The summit is 6,400 feet high and has a number of chairlifts that make this one of my favourite places to ski in all of North America (yes, Canada included).

Museum of Clean

It might sound a little confusing when you hear the name, but the Museum of Clean in Pocatello is a place that everyone should visit if they are in the area. The complex is huge, with around 75,000 square feet, and is especially great for children.

The museum itself focuses on the importance of cleanliness in all aspects of our lives. This doesn’t just mean being clean at home, but also with our water, air and food sources, and practically anything that needs to be clean to benefit our lives. The exhibitions are very hands on and it is definitely great to spend a few hours here, but you probably won’t see everything in a day!

Lava Hot Springs

The Lava Hot Springs has become something of an Idaho favourite and the reason is a pretty simple one. Bubbling hot springs boast mineral-rich water that doesn’t have any sulfur, so there are no unpleasant smells! It’s amazing to think that over two million gallons of water gush through the springs each day.

This also means the springs clean themselves and makes for an amazing place to relax all year round. The springs are around 102 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit and are great in any weather. The facilities are also top notch too with an indoor aquatic centre (open all year) and an outdoor swimming complex (open in the summertime). The Springs themselves are open 363 days every year, so there is no excuse to miss them!

Silverwood Theme Park

idaho silverwood theme park

Silverwood had a humble beginning with just a steam train and a few other rides. The park has grown significantly in size over the years and is now one of the most popular and fun-filled amusement parks in the northwest. You can find the park around 47 miles from Spokane, near Coeur d’Alene.

Stone Beach Water Park was added in 2003. The park has around 65 rides, slides, and other attractions. The highlights are definitely the Riptide Racer, Aftershock, Corkscrew and Panic Plunge. It is also great to see the familiar faces of the park mascots Garfield and Odie strolling around the park.

Sun Valley Resort

This is a winter resort like no other, located between the inclines of the Bald and Dollar Mountains. The resort has a variety of attractions to suit all kinds of travelers. The skiing is fantastic here, making the resort a great winter destination. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t a summer destination too. It offers some amazing hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and a number of other sports. A definite highlight is taking the gondola up to the Roundhouse and enjoying the sunset over a glass of wine and the roaring fire.

If you are looking to unwind, there are naturally a number of spa and wellness options to suit everyone. Sun Valley Resort is truly an everyman’s holiday destination for all seasons.

Whether you prefer kid-friendly amusement parks, adventurous ski hills or getting hands-on with nature, Idaho really does have something for everyone. Pick a few must-try activities and plan your trip today!

The 10 Rides Your Family MUST Try at Universal Orlando Resort

March 29, 2017 by Kathryn 35 Comments

My first visit to Universal Orlando Resort two years ago was a little like discovering a magical portal to another world. I hadn’t really known much about the park, so the rides, attractions and restaurants were all completely new to me, and I loved every one of them. After visiting, I shared my 7 Must-Try Unique Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.

And this year, I had the chance to introduce my boys to the fun of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the first time too! So a few weeks ago, my husband, his parents, the boys and I packed up a few snacks and got ready to spend a day of fun and excitement at the two parks that comprise Universal Orlando Resort. Wondering what rides you won’t want to miss? These were our family’s top 10 picks!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

1) The Incredible Hulk

Our family loves roller coasters, and The Incredible Hulk is definitely a new favourite for all of us! Unlike a classic coaster with a slow climb followed by a speedy ride down, The Incredible Hulk launches the cars out at top speed right off the bat! Zackary was so excited to try this roller coaster for the first time and was grinning ear to ear when he stepped off at the end. He loved the speed, thrills and spins of the bright green coaster, and insisted on riding multiple times.

2) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

This ride was one of the first 4D attractions at Islands of Adventure and personally, it’s still one of my favourites. I knew my boys would love it just as much and expected Benjamin especially to be a big fan. I wasn’t disappointed. From avoiding the heat of the flames shot by villains to feeling the spray of water when splashing into a lake, travelling with Spider-Man was nonstop excitement and the boys couldn’t get enough of it. [Read more…]

Las Vegas as a Family-Friendly Destination

November 10, 2016 by Kathryn 1 Comment

The stereotyped image of Las Vegas is as the home of casinos and all-night gambling but in recent years, it has attempted to balance this with a reputation for more family-oriented activities. Vegas is easy to get to by plane these days and boasts a hot climate that appeals to many holidaymakers, meaning there are plenty who are eager to enjoy its family-friendly fun. Wondering what your family could do in the city that never sleeps? Check out these fun and family-oriented activities!

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

This Las Vegas show gives you the opportunity to witness some spectacular action while also enjoying a fabulous meal. Costing $59 per person, with children aged three or below admitted free of charge, it sees medieval knights on horses jousting with each other, ensuring an action-packed event. Once you get inside you will be assigned a seating area and asked to select one of the knights to support as he engages in sword battles against his opponents. Food consists of a three-course meal that you eat with fingers and soft drinks are served in flagons, making this an ideal day out for the whole family. [Read more…]

3 Memorable Monuments Everyone Should Visit on a South Dakota Family Vacation

August 26, 2016 by Kathryn 32 Comments

One of the things that often amazes me about travelling is discovering how many majestic places are hiding just a short distance away from our own home. This summer, Jeremy and I decided to discover some of those places by driving to the Black Hills region in South Dakota to check out some of the wonders it had to offer. From our home in Southern Saskatchewan, the drive is less than eight hours.

We had the chance to take the brand new 2016 Ford Edge on our adventure and it made every minute of our trip a smooth, comfortable experience for both us and the boys. Once we were there, I only wished we’d visited sooner! If you’re planning on making a trip to the region, these three mind-blowing monuments should be on your family’s must-visit list. [Read more…]

Have Half a Day Free in Orlando? Try These 3 Fun and Affordable Family Activities

June 28, 2016 by Kathryn 17 Comments

In my opinion, one of the best things about a family vacation is finding a fun activity that adults and kids alike can enjoy during that inevitable free half day or so. And in the Orlando area, there’s no shortage of activities to fill a family’s extra time! If you have a few extra hours in Orlando and you’re wondering how to spend them, you’re in luck! These three excursions are affordable, tons of fun and sure to create lasting memories.

1) Wild Florida Airboat Rides

Getting out of the city and into nature is as easy as heading to Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, just 45 minutes from Orlando. And once you’re there, an airboat ride is the perfect way to see the untouched natural beauty of Florida. Choose between a thirty minute or a one hour ride and get ready both for high speed thrills and serene natural beauty as you cruise through the Florida Everglades.

I’ve wanted to go on an airboat ride since my first trip to Orlando, so I was thrilled about finally getting the opportunity. I was surprised by just how loud the airboat was, and grateful that optional ear protection was included! We cruised over the water in search of wildlife and from birds to alligators, there was plenty to be seen. I was surprised by how clear and shallow the water was and had a great time learning about the plant and animal life in the area. Best of all, once the ride ends, families have the option of checking out exotic animal shows, gator feedings and ranch buggy tours too! [Read more…]

Blast Off for a Day of Fun at the Kennedy Space Center

June 24, 2016 by Kathryn 31 Comments

One of the great things about the Orlando area is that it’s in such a prime location for day trips to nearby cities, beaches and other locations. And recently, I had the chance to make a day trip to a place I’d been wanting to visit for some time: The Kennedy Space Center. This family-friendly complex on Merritt Island is only about an hour’s drive from Orlando…but there’s enough fun and learning once there to keep a person busy all day!

The main grounds feature a variety of attractions about outer space, ranging from 3D IMAX movies to the Rocket Garden of replica space ships. The brand new Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit is a must-visit. In addition to tons of interactive exhibits that let visitors train like an astronaut, the building is home to the retired Atlantis Space Shuttle.

The shuttle program was a revolutionary development in space travel since it created the first ships able to be reused for multiple trips. In fact, it was because of these shuttles that the International Space Station was able to be built! Actually seeing a ship that had been in space up close gave me chills, and seeing the Canadarms from my own home country was a special treat! [Read more…]

Go Beyond the Amusement Park! 3 Must-Visit Orlando Areas for Families

June 22, 2016 by Kathryn 29 Comments

If there’s one city that’s really perfected the art of family fun, it’s Orlando, Florida. From its many amusement parks to its top-notch attractions and entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re visiting this sunny Florida metropolis.

But because its amusement parks are such a big part of its appeal, some of Orlando’s other areas tend to get overlooked. And that’s a shame, because there are so many places in the city worthy of a visit! Wondering what areas you should check out? These three locations are my top picks for must-visit Orlando hotspots!

ICON Orlando 360

This brand new complex on International Drive is home to a ton of fun-filled attractions, including the hugely popular ICON Orlando, a 400 ft. observation wheel that opened just last year. In addition to ICON Orlando, the indoor complex also holds Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. A ticket for any one of the attractions is $25, while tickets for all three are $49, making this a great bargain choice.

I have to admit that I was impressed by just how much fun the wax museum was. In large part, Madam Tussauds is a place for photos, and I loved the fact that it included props and costumes so that visitors could pose in style as they snapped their pictures. But many of the displays also included fun facts about the famous figures and entertaining mini games to keep even the youngest visitors entertained.

Whether I was shooting hoops with Shaquille O’Neal, busting a move with Michael Jackson or taking an intelligence quiz beside Einstein, I was constantly entertained during my experience. And of course, getting a few pictures with my favourite wax celebrities was tons of fun too! [Read more…]