Summer Family Fun in Ohio

Posted on May 17, 2013 by mlevine

It won’t be long before school gets out and summer vacation starts up.  Now that the kids are home, it’s the perfect time to plan some family fun that the kids will actually want to go to. We’ve put a list together of some of our favorite things to do in Ohio. Get ready…get set…it’s summer!

Enjoy the Summer in the Water
Whats better than taking the kids to the lake? Taking the whole family to a lake that doubles as a water park! Baylor Beach Park is the perfect fun spot that the whole family can enjoy. Kids can enjoy the water park, while adults can swim in the lake, or enjoy the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches. Have a picnic on one of the grassy areas, or challenge the family to 18 holes of mini golf.

Make it a Challenge
Inspire a day of friendly family competition at Goofy Golf.  Start off on a challenging mini golf course to determine who the Arnold Palmer of the family is, then head over to the bumper boats for a chance to splash the competition.  See who gets the family title of NASCAR champion with a few laps around the kart track. End the day with a little time in the gaming arcade, where we’re pretty sure the kids will have the upper hand.

Get Excited about the Outdoors
There’s plenty of fun outdoor family activities to be had at Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center.  Take the whole family down into the limestone caves where you’ll learn about the history of the cave and see rare natural occurrences like pearls stuck to the limestone walls and an underground lake. Afterwards, you can head to the mining station where you and the kids can look for real gemstones and fossils!  Scale the rock climbing wall or go for a walk through the butterfly house.

Run with the Animals
Everyone loves going to the zoo, but we suggest trying out a few of Ohio’s animal parks that get you a lot closer to our four-legged friends. Check out Rolling Ridge Ranch Animal Park where you’ll get up close and personal with over 100 exotic animals as you ride in an open wagon through the park. For a super close encounter with exotic animals go to Lagoon Deer Park, where you’ll be followed by animals as you explore.  Feed and interact with the wildlife for a unique experience that the whole family will love.  There is also a great stocked fishing area so you and the kids can spend an afternoon baiting hooks, casting out, and reeling in the fish!


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Miami Summers Are All About Fun for the Kids

Posted on May 15, 2013 by mlevine

We love when kids get out on school vacation, but we know it can be hard to keep them from getting bored after being out of school for only a few weeks. Don’t fear the summer slump. We have plenty of ways to make sure the whole family has a summer that’s full of all the fun they can handle!

Swing Into Summer
Take the kids to Monkey Jungle where they’ll be surrounded by some of the coolest tree swingers around. Kids can see all different kinds of monkeys up close as they roam freely throughout the park. It’s an animal sanctuary unlike any other, and it’s sure to excite and amaze the kiddos. If marine animals are more their thing, you can head to the Miami Seaquarium where you’ll get a poolside view of all of everyone’s favorite underwater critters. They even offer “animal encounters,” where you can swim with the dolphins and seals.

Build Summer Memories
What kid doesn’t grow up loving to build things out of LEGO® blocks? You can build a great family fun experience at LEGOLAND® Florida, where you’ll be surrounded by truly impressive and massive LEGO creations and over 50 LEGO-themed rides.  Younger kids will love DUPLO® village, and older kids will love the roller coasters.  If you need to cool off, you can check out the new LEGOLAND Water Park.

Escape The Heat
Take the whole family to Florida’s biggest water park: Rapids Water Park. This is the perfect thing to cool off on those scorching summer days.  Go for a relaxing ride along the Lazy River or a wild ride on the Flowrider. It’s the perfect way to make sure your kids have the coolest summer ever.

What About Rainy Days?
What do you do with the kids when the rain cancels your outdoor plans, and you’ve already seen the latest blockbuster film?  Not to fear – we have your solutions here. Bring the kids to the Miami Children’s Museum for some indoor entertainment. With fun hands-on exhibits that foster learning, you’re likely to forget it’s even raining (and they’ll forget they’re learning). If you have older kids and teens to think about, a trip to the K1 Speed indoor kart race track will get them away from the TV and videos games. Get the whole family to go in on a kart race and see who the fastest family member really is. There’s nothing like a little family competition!

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School’s Out in Philly and New Jersey

Posted on May 15, 2013 by mlevine

Summer is on its way and that means the end of school (at least for now). Kids are home for summer vacation, and we know that it can become boring very quickly without any kid-friendly summer activities to keep them entertained. We’ve got a list of things around the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas that will pick you and the kids right out of that summer slump and keep summer vacation fun all the way through September.

Amusement Parks
Every kid loves an amusement park. With rides, games and shows, Six Flags Great Adventure is sure to give kids an experience they can’t wait to talk about on their first day back to school. Take them to Keansburg Amusement Park for an all-ages day of fun that has kiddie rides and an adult racing track. That way, you’ve got something for everyone.

See the Animals
Take the kids to the Philadelphia Zoo to see all of their four-legged friends!  Make a memorable day with the lions, tigers and bears, and pack a picnic and eat lunch outside. Brighten up a rainy day and head indoors to see some of your favorite sea creatures at the Adventure Aquarium where kids can touch some of the like jellies and rays.

Cool off at the Water Park
The temperature is rising and it’s important to remember to stay cool. Why not go to one of Philly or New Jersey’s water parks, where kids can have fun in the sun while staying refreshingly cool. Sahara Sam’s Indoor and Outdoor Water Park and Mountain Creek Waterpark are both great kid-friendly places to go when you need a place to cool off and have fun.  Ride the water slides or take a trip down the lazy river. Whatever you choose it’s sure to create memorable family moments.

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Summer Tours in Boston

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Elizabeth

Since Boston is situated on the water, it’s a given that many of the tours will involve ending up in the water or checking out the animals that live there. We’ve come up with a list of our favorite ways to see this awesome city – by land or sea (or somewhere in between).

Duck Tours: You really can’t visit Boston without seeing a Duck Tour go by. During the summer, they’re one of the most popular ways to see the city. Check out Super Duck Tours or Boston Duck Tours. Both offer great experiences for great prices, and a unique way to see Beantown. Perfect for a family trip.

Boston by Segway: Certainly one of the newest ways to tour Boston, Segway tours draw a certain amount of awkward attention, but once you do it once, you’ll never want to see a city any other way. Your experience is similar to a walking tour in that you’re outside, but you’re able to see landmarks at a much faster rate. Check out Segway of Boston or Boston by Segway for a rollin’ good time.

Boston by Foot: Do it the old fashioned way! Boston is known as America’s favorite walking city and rightly so. This summer, book a walking tour with an experienced guide and check out everything that Boston is famous for. We’re a fan of Boston by Foot, but there are plenty of other great options out there too.

Whale Watches: Whale watches are truly a New England thing. There’s nothing quite like venturing out into the ocean and seeing whales in their natural habitat. You may have to venture a few miles outside of Boston, but we promise that it’s worth it. Check out Cape Ann and Captain Bill and Sons Whale Watch.

Harbor Tours: Boston has an amazing harbor that’s even more beautiful when seen from the water. And while they don’t promise any whale sightings, they do promise a beautiful view. Boston Harbor Cruises offers the opportunity to visit surrounding islands (and a whale watch, too), while Classic Harbor Line will take you out on a sailboat.

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Summer Tours in NYC

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Elizabeth

This summer check out the variety of tours available in New York City for you to take advantage of. We’ve got something for everyone – from families to friends. So, strap your fanny pack on, get your camera ready and let’s dive right in.

TMZ Tours: From those that brought you the TV show and website, TMZ Tours shows you all the hot spots in the Big Apple. TMZ tour guides will provide you with all of the juicy gossip on your favorite celebrities, as well as background on the local spots they like to hang out. A state-of-the-art bus shuttles you around town while you check out famous celebrity haunts, which are supplemented by hilarious on-board videos.

On Location Tours: Check out where all of your favorite TV shows and movies were filmed. Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll see plenty of filming locations in Central Park, the Flatiron, Chelsea, Midtown and more. See where Carrie and company prowled or head out to Jersey to see where The Sopranos was shot (pun intended).

Circle Line Sightseeing: This tour company has all types of tours and allows you to see NYC almost any way you want. Depending on how much time you have, you can see all of Manhattan, parts of it or just the major landmarks. A night tour and a speedboat ride are also available for those interested in seeing the city in a unique way.

Bike and Roll NYC: See New York by bike and get some exercise at the same time. Bike and Roll offers all kinds of bikes for adults and kids as well as in-line skates and Segways. Guided and self-guided tours are available.

Liberty Helicopter: Splurge and see the world’s greatest city from a bird’s eye view. You can choose from a variety of tours (based on the length of the trip you want). You’ll get a professional pilot/guide and an amazing story to tell your friends back home.

New York Subway Station

Stay out of here and see New York City how it was meant to be seen.

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Hot Events to Make Your Summer Cool

Posted on May 10, 2013 by mlevine

Cooling off on the lake is a must when the summer starts heating up.  We’re always looking for fun new ways to enjoy time at Lake of the Ozarks, and we’ve found the two things that are sure to get your summer swinging into the fun and exciting.

  • If summer days on the lake are fun, then summer nights are an absolute blast! The Hot Summer Nights Cruise on the Bagnell Dam Strip is a five-part cruising series that will be fun for everyone.  The event will happen once a month on Fridays from May through September.  There will be classic cars, face painting for kids (and adults who want to feel like kids), giveaways, great food, and a DJ.  This free event is bound to provide a good time for all.
  • Boaters get ready for the greatest afternoon of the summer with Aquapalooza! The massive celebration is coming back on July 20th for an afternoon of boating, family, friends, gaming, and prizes plus a totally free concert with live bands that will set the scene for a perfect summer afternoon on the boat. The Dog Days Bar and Grill, invites you to come and celebrate summer on the lake at Aquapalooza!

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Things are Blooming in the Berkshires

Posted on May 10, 2013 by mlevine

It’s usually nice and quiet out in the Berkshires, but if you’re looking for something a little livelier to do after removing your snowsuit, we’ve come up with a few things to do in this beautiful area.

Catch a Comedy Show (May 10th & June 6th)
Laugh it up at the Colonial Theater this spring.  See Joan Rivers on May 10th, or one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-ups of all time – Jim Breuer – on June 6th.  There’s a laughing good time to be had this season.

Berkshire International Film Festival (May 30th-June 2nd)
Are you unafraid of subtitles, love seeing the films that other countries have produced or just love film any way you can get it? Check out the 8th Annual International Film Fest. With films from all over the world this festival works to show shorts, films and documentaries from many different world perspectives.

Hill Town Spring Festival (June 1st)
Take the kids out to celebrate spring at the Hill Town Spring Festival with music, arts and crafts and more.  With live music, local food vendors and an emphasis on sustainability, this festival promises to be just what you need to get you into the spring spirit.

Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival (June 15th-August)
Dance enthusiasts rejoice! The Pillow Dance Festival will soon be back, bringing with it a diverse schedule of dance and art.  With over 300 free and ticketed events you’ll be able to find just what you’re looking for.

Flowers

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The Jersey Shore is Springing Back into Action

Posted on May 10, 2013 by mlevine

We aren’t talking about the TV show when we say we’re excited for this season at the Jersey Shore. Nope, we’re talking about the boardwalk, the water, and the spring events happening!  Here are some of our picks for this spring’s Jersey Shore events.

Captain Kidd Pirate Day (May 18th)
Ahoy Mateys, there’s fun for the whole family in Wildwood at this swashbuckling event. Kids can dress up and participate in the pirate parade, or hunt for their very own buried treasure. Gift cards, bikes, weekend stays and other prizes will be given out during the day!

NJ State Chili and Salsa Cook Off (May 18th)
Downtown Toms River is going to be spicing it up with their 24th Annual Chili and Salsa Cook Off.  Whether you fancy yourself a chili artisan or you just have a taste for hot and spicy foods, this is one event you won’t want to miss out on with tasting and prizes for the top chili and salsa creations!

Steel Pier (May 24th-27th)
Okay so we know that Steel Pier’s season doesn’t officially start until June, but why not get a head start on some boardwalk fun? Take advantage of Steel Pier’s pre-season hours for family friendly fun without all those summer crowds.

Catch a Concert (All spring)
Head on over to Caesar’s Atlantic City for some great tunes this spring.  See Mary J. Blige on May 25th and 26th, or if country is your thing, catch Trace Adkins on May 17th. See the full line up here!

Jersey Shore Summertime

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Musuems, Art and Culture in Ottawa

Posted on May 10, 2013 by mlevine

Ottawa is ready for the warmth of spring! Now that the snow has melted and people are starting to pack up their winter wardrobes, it’s time to make plans to get out of the house! We’re helping the move into spring with our picks for the best way to shake off the winter blues and celebrate spring.

International Museum Day (May 18th)
Check out International Museum day with free admission to many of Canada’s museums including the Canadian Museum of Nature. Celebrate history art and cultural preservation with one of Canada’s great museums.

Open Doors 2013 (May 25th-26th)
Take part in the culture and history of Ottawa during Open Doors 2013.  Over  37 sites will be open to the public free of charge, where you can immerse yourself in art and history, and maybe even go bowling! Check out Brockville Tourism for more info.

Calypso Theme Waterpark (June 6th)
Take advantage of the warming weather and head over to Calypso Waterpark for their season opening.  There’s nothing better than water slides and pools as the weather starts to climb the thermostat.

 

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Fun In Palm Beach – concerts, markets and more!

Posted on May 3, 2013 by mlevine

Florida is getting back its characteristically warm climate and we know you’re wondering about what’s going on in the Palm Beach area, now that winter is officially gone. We’ve gone ahead and put together some of the things we think you’ll want to get involved in this spring in Palm Beach.

Clamatis by Night (Thursdays)
Looking for something cool to do on a Thursday night? Look no further than Clamatis by Night.  This weekly concert series is in downtown West Palm Beach. Catch some great local and live music while enjoying the rising temperatures.

Cool off in the water
Check out our favorites – Beach Watersports and Rapids Waterpark for a way to cool off this summer. From parasailing to water park rides to snorkeling, Palm Beach is a great location to try out these fun activities. Perfect for a group or friends or a family.

GreenMarket (Saturdays)
Come celebrate the local fresh foods of West Palm Beach at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket! Every Saturday from 9 AM to noon, you’ll be able to get the freshest ingredients right from the people who grew them in the first place.

Art & Wine on the Promenade (May 31st)
On the last Friday of every month come down to a free event with wine, art, and much more! At Art & Wine on the Promenade you’ll enjoy live entertainment, and meet Mo & Sally from Kool 105.5.  Don’t worry about parking, that’s free too.

Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is always a fun trip, whether you’re going to see the animals or trekking there for one of their special events. Check out their Aldabra Tortoise Experience or one of their daily events like the “Wild Things Show” or the “WOW – Wings Over Water” experience.

Things to do in Palm Beach

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