Halloween Fun for Kids With Special Needs

In general, Halloween can be a tricky holiday to plan for. Some kids are going to have a very low tolerance for “scary”, while others will thrive on it. Kids with sensory issues could be overwhelmed by flashing lights and background music that consists of screams and odd noises. Here are some Halloween events that are much more friendly for kids who have special needs. On September 29, 2012, there will be a Zombie Walk that is designed to accommodate kids who have special needs, and their families. It will take place in Canton, Ohio. Dress as a zombie, and … Continue reading

Thousands Will Lose Unemployment Benefits Mother’s Day Weekend

Earlier this year, Congress passed an extension of unemployment insurance benefits. This extension cut down the maximum number of weeks that a person can receive unemployment benefits. Thousands of people are about to see their unemployment insurance benefits disappear this week, just in time for Mother’s Day. In February of this year, Congress passed an extension on the payroll tax, the Medicare reimbursement cut, and the length of unemployment insurance benefits. It reduced the number of weeks that a person can receive unemployment benefits from 99 weeks to a maximum of 73 weeks. It also allowed states to require people … Continue reading

Family Fun in the Sun

Where are you planning to spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? For many families, the holiday allows them the chance to get a jumpstart on their summer tan while spending quality time with grandma, grandpa, cousins and other members of the extended clan. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far to have fun in the summer sun. The following popular vacation destinations offer family-friendly activities that don’t require draining your bank account to visit: Florida: If you decide not to do Disney this season, then opt to entertain the kids in Tampa. The city is home to affordable attractions … Continue reading

Memorial Day Family Fun

For most families the Memorial Day holiday weekend provides a taste of summer fun. Unfortunately, most schools don’t break for summer vacation until June, so the long weekend is typically reserved for abbreviated, wallet-friendly family activities. If you are looking for affordable Memorial Day getaways, consider the following kid-friendly picks: PENNSYLVANIA Seven Springs Mountain Resort, located in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, kicks off its summer season this weekend with a slew of family-friendly events. The resort is sponsoring live entertainment all day and well into the night. In addition to the concerts, the resort is offering climbing wall races, fishing demonstrations, … Continue reading

Christmas Fun in North Pole… Alaska

Yesterday I wrote about several U.S. cities that sport Christmas-themed names, including Noel, Missouri; Santa Claus, Indiana; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Christmas, Florida. Thanks to an astute reader I’m back again with one more-—North Pole, Alaska. North Pole, Alaska—-not to be confused with the planet’s geographic North Pole—-is located roughly 12 miles from Fairbanks amid the Arctic Ocean. Alaska’s North Pole has a population of 2,200 and got its name back in 1953. Each year despite the bitter cold tens of thousands of residents and visitors turn out for the city’s annual ice festival and sculpting contest. This year’s big North … Continue reading

Holiday Geography Fun for the Whole Family

Do you know where in Missouri the city of Noel is located? How much do you know about Santa Claus, Indiana or Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Could you find them on a map? Noel, Santa Claus, and Bethlehem are just a few U.S. cities with Christmas-themed names. Heck, there’s even a Christmas, Florida. This time of year these merry locales see a surge of visitors, and locals do their best to make everyone feel welcome. Out-of-towners who make the trip are treated to spectacular holiday light displays and other seasonal attractions. If you are looking to spend some quality family time with … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Travel Deals to Florida

Florida is sizzling hot this summer with affordable travel deals to some of the state’s most popular cities. Take a look: MIAMI Attention pet lovers! Forget about leaving your four-legged furballs at home while you jet off for some fun in the sun. Miami’s Aqua Hotel is offering you the chance to bring your furry friend along for the ride. The hotel’s “Pets Are People Too” package includes a welcome basket with gourmet dog food, a chew bone, and bottled water for your pooch and complimentary breakfast for you, all for just $135 per room per night. HOLLYWOOD Reconnect with … Continue reading

Summer Travel: American Girl Fun and All-American Flower Display

If you have an American Girl fan in your home you might consider heading to Cincinnati’s Museum Center at Union Terminal this weekend. That’s where hundreds of tween admirers of the American Girl franchise (from dolls to clothes, books to movies) will be gathering today and tomorrow. “Kit’s World Tour” serves as the kick-off to next weekend’s nationwide release of the new big screen feature “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.” The film is based on the books about a 10-year-old budding journalist in Depression-era Cincinnati. Admission to the event is $10 per person and includes Kit-related activities such as climbing … Continue reading

Fun With the Kids

On the weekends, around our house we always try to do something fun. It usually involves packing up the car and heading out to somewhere out of the ordinary. We just moved to Central Florida, so you can imagine the stuff there is to do around here. The problem is always, MONEY. How much can we spend this weekend and stay within the budget? Usually, it’s not very much so I search for fun stuff that is very inexpensive. The kids don’t care as long as they have fun. Museums are a fun way to stretch little ones minds and … Continue reading

Weekend Fun In Florida

The Green Bay Packers have a bye week this Sunday so my neighbors are going to Florida. (Nice, huh?) They are season ticket holders who don’t travel if it means missing a home game. So, they are off the hook for a couple of weeks. And (sniff) here I sit (sniff, sniff) watching them pack up their motor home from my window (they leave first thing in the morning) wishing I could smuggle my own bags—and body–in their cottage on wheels. We’ve picked up more than 3 inches of rain since Sunday and I would give anything to escape the … Continue reading