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Spring Outdoor Fun

Even if you don’t live near a National Park and can’t take advantage of the free admission this week, don’t let that stop you from soaking up the gorgeous spring weather. Now that warmer days are here there’s no excuse for you to stay cooped up inside. Grab the kids, ditch the winter gear and get moving in the great outdoors. Children especially love exploring nature; however, too much too soon can be a recipe for disaster. While you may be itching to trek the entire afternoon away, if your children are young and not used to hiking, don’t force … Continue reading →

Trot, Trot to Salem

If you are looking for a Halloween adventure that involves real witches, ghosts and historic haunts, then head over to Salem, Massachusetts. The city, located just 16 miles north of Boston, was the epicenter for the legendary Salem Witch Trials, which began in 1692 and continued to the end of 1693. The infamous event led to the execution of 20 people, who were accused of being witches, and the imprisonment of dozens of young girls. While the mayhem was a sad chapter in the town’s history, these days, the area capitalizes on the heinous killings with the Salem Witch Museum, … Continue reading →

Hands-On Fall Travel Fun

School is back in session across the country, including for kids who don’t have to travel very far to get lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic. Yes, homeschool students are also back hitting the books this fall, though most enjoy way more field trips than students at traditional schools. In fact, the months of September and October are some of the best times for homeschool parents to take their kids to visit educational destinations. While most clans are staying put because the new academic year has just begun, homeschool students are free to tour some of the best hands-on learning … Continue reading →

Outdoor Spring Adventures

My daughter is dying to head outdoors and break in her new Razor scooter. She was fortunate to spend the month of January in Hawaii where she could scoot outside to her heart’s content (while giving my dad a heart attack in the process), but now she’s back to reality, dealing with the snow and cold that blankets the state of Wisconsin from October to June. Spring is officially here, though you’d never know it by stepping outside and feeling the chokehold Mother Nature has on our state. Still, if you are looking for ways to make the most of … Continue reading →

Hands-On Spring Break

If your teen is headed off to his first college spring break in sunny Cancun, Daytona Beach or South Padre Island, then you are probably hoping that he has a hands-off vacation. However, if you are spending your kid’s spring recess with him at the following educational vacation destinations, then the look but don’t touch rule doesn’t apply: Monticello: This Virginia hot spot is a haven for families looking to take an educational vacation. If you visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate be sure to give yourself extra time at the Griffin Discovery Room where nothing is off-limits. Kids can touch … Continue reading →

Educational Holiday Getaways

Who says kids can’t learn something while on Christmas vacation… besides not licking frozen lamp posts? The United States is home to a number of award-winning educational facilities designed to make learning fun for kids of all ages. If you are looking for tried and true boredom busters this holiday season, consider traveling to the following: Experience Music Project The Seattle-based Frank Gehry-designed music mecca is a haven for rock stars in the making. Experience Music Project boasts equipment that your tween can use for his fantasy jam session, plus there’s a section that showcases the likes of Seattle’s own … Continue reading →

Educational Holiday Vacation Destinations

Here’s a holiday gift any parent can appreciate: a membership to the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s the gift that keeps on giving in my opinion, and I can attest to its benefits first hand. My BFF gifted my young daughter with a family membership last Christmas and we’ve had a ball making the most of our visits. Most people would question gifting a young child a membership to such a serious “adult” art establishment, but you’d be surprised by how many child-centered exhibits the Art Institute houses. In addition to its awe-inspiring collections from masters, such as Monet, O’Keeffe, … Continue reading →

Family-Friendly Museums

Not all children’s museums are family friendly. Many establishments that market themselves as “kid-friendly” often pay more attention to toddlers than tweens. If your kids are older and don’t much care to take part in museum scavenger hunts or make pretend pizzas with plastic ingredients, don’t give up on educational establishments. Instead, plan a trip to the following museums across the U.S. that aim to stimulate families with members of all ages: Exploratorium, San Francisco Learning has never been more fun thanks to the Bay Area’s Exploratorium. The interactive San Francisco museum is a hands-on wonderland for tweens and teens. … Continue reading →

Family Travel—End of the Summer Deals on Educational Vacations

Score one for procrastinators! We are heading down the home stretch of summer vacation and for families who have yet to hit the road on an annual getaway your delaying a seasonal escape has finally paid off. Numerous hotels in the Washington, D.C. area are offering amazing end of the summer deals. The properties are located near some of the nation’s most historic attractions and can easily serve as the venue for a memory-filled educational vacation for the entire family. Take a look: GEORGETOWN EXPERIENCE For $150 per room per night you will receive accommodations at Georgetown Suites, where you’ll … Continue reading →

Education Vacation: The National World War II Museum

It’s the one place I wished my grandfather could have visited before he died. My grandpa was a member of the U.S. Army’s highly decorated 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry. It is the only remaining Infantry unit in the Army Reserve force structure. Many books have chronicled the heroic actions of the members of the 100th Battalion and 442nd Infantry. Many note that none have shed their blood more valiantly for America than the Japanese Americans who served in these units while fighting enemy forces in Europe during World War II. My grandfather was a proud member of this elite group … Continue reading →