Multi-generational travel Archives - Page 2 of 2

Top 10 Family Friendly …

October 17, 2017 By admin

School may just have started but I’m already gathering ideas for summer vacations. At the recent Momtrends Night Out, I had the chance to meet with the Visit Williamsburg team and today I’m sharing my picks for the Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia.

With my third-grade history buff daughter who loved our Charleston getaway and my College of William & Mary graduate husband who loves anything Virginia, it is just a matter of time before we get down there to check these out firsthand!

I was truly amazed at the variety of adventures that are available but I purposefully picked a mix of excitement, culinary treats, cultural activities and some R&R to keep all three of us happily entertained.

Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia

1) Colonial Williamsburg

No surprise that well-known Colonial Williamsburg tops my list of family-friendly attractions. Choose from more than 20 guided tours (included in the admission price) or explore the historic sights at your own pace. Go back in time with reenactments, savor tavern fare (don’t miss the “gambols” at Josiah Chowning’s Tavern), check out the shops of Merchants Square, try your hands at candle making, golf, go undercover as a spy, savor sweet treats at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery and so much more. Insider tip: Don’t miss the life-size maze in the gardens behind the Governor’s Palace.

Top 10 Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia

Da Vinci’s Cradle at Busch Gardens

2) Busch Gardens

Our family loves amusement parks so a day at Busch Gardens is a must. From daring roller coasters and thrill rides to animal shows, seasonal events and Broadway-style shows, there really is something for everyone in the family. Year after year, this is voted one of the most beautiful theme parks and the grounds are divided by countries similar to Epcot.

Williamsburg’s Tasting Trail features wines, micro-brewed beer and distilled spirits

3) Williamsburg Tasting Trail

Did you know that Williamsburg Winery is one of the top wineries in the country? Plan a low-key day exploring the area’s tasting trail and sample the areas famed wines, micro-brewed beer and distilled spirits and enjoy family-friendly special events. Don’t miss the newest addition, Billsburg Brewery which features artisan craft beers and Jamestown River views. I sampled a few varieties including Strawberry and honey-based drinks at the Momtrend’s Event and they were delicious.

4) Historic Jamestowne

Learn about Jamestown’s 92-year run as the capital of Virginia through archeology tours and museums and step back in time as you follow in the footsteps of Capt. John Smith and Pocahontas. Enjoy lunch overlooking the James River and be sure to stop at the Glasshouse of 1608 for glassmaking demonstrations.

Colossal Curl at Water Country USA

5) Water Country USA

We’re fans of Splish Splash and Kalahari so I know Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest water park, will be one of the highlights of our trip. With more than 40 water rides and attractions (including this mom’s favorite, the lazy river) and KIDsiderate play areas, this is a great spot to spend a day.

6) The College of William & Mary

Because my husband (and both his siblings) went to school here, we will definitely spend some time checking out the college’s famed Colonial campus located at the edge of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic district. You won’t want to miss the President’s House, Sir Christopher Wren Building and Muscarelle Museum of Art. Grab a sandwich (my husband recommends the combo with house dressing) from the nearby Cheese Shop of Williamsburg and enjoy a low key picnic as you watch the students run from class to class. Fun fact: The Wren Building anchors one end of the main street in Colonial Williamsburg and it is exactly a mile to the Colonial Capital at the other end of the historic district.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

7) Historic Yorktown

The NEW American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a must see which allows visitors to experience the impact of the Revolution through an introductory film and expansive gallery exhibits plus kids can fire a real cannon! Be sure to visit the three ships at Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battlefield and savor the area’s riverfront charm. Tip: If you go, skip the highways and drive the scenic Colonial Parkway.

Scoops Kid Spa at Great Wolf Lodge

8) Family Spa Time

All that amusement park time needs to be balanced out with some relaxation so I recommend checking out the area’s spas. From a pampering couples massage at Colonial Williamsburg Spa or The Spa at Kingsmill to the Scoops Kid Spa at Great Wolf Lodge, the options are varied.

Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure

9) Outdoor Adventures

From biking in Colonial Williamsburg to hiking and kayaking at York River State Park, golf galore and treetop zip adventures at Go Ape Freedom Park, outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty of options to choose.

10) Family Bonding Time

Make sure to add in some time to kick back and enjoy some family time. My personal picks for this include a sunset cruise with Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours, an in-theater dining experience at Movie Tavern, exploring the waterfront at Riverwalk and checking out the area’s woodlands and wetlands.

Have you visited Greater Williamsburg? Tell me your favorite Family Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia below in the comments.

Thanks to Meredith Corp. and Visit Williamsburg for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for attending this event and writing this post but all opinions are my own.If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Best Rides at Splish …

June 19, 2017 By admin

We’ve started a family tradition of kicking off summer with a visit to Splish Splash Waterpark and this year was no different. After a crazy cold spring, we finally had the chance to visit last weekend and today I’m sharing the scoop on the Best Rides at Splish Splash for every age. Splish Splash is located in Riverhead, Long Island, about 90-minutes from Manhattan making it a great day trip to escape the city heat.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island.

From babies to grandparents, everyone will find a favorite attraction at Splish Splash Waterpark. Splish Splash is a great option for a multi-generational visit since the rides are fairly close to each other, there is plenty of shade and seats plus attractions even a grandma who wants to keep her hair dry can enjoy. Read on for the best rides at Splish Splash for everyone in your family.

The Octopus Pool at Splish Splash is perfect for babies at toddlers.

BEST SPOTS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

The Kiddie Cove section is where you’ll be spending most of your time if you’ve got tiny kids. The Octopus Pool has the cutest baby swings, sprinkler fountains and super shallow wading pool. Across the way are three kiddie water slides that are pretty slow and end in a shallow pool so they are perfect for toddlers and little kids. There are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas so parents can set up camp or rent a nearby cabana.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island. The Yellow Submarine area is a hit with little kids.

BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS (3-8 and under 54″)

For children, the Pirate’s Cove shipwreck area and Yellow Submarine area feature small climbing and sliding structures in shallow pools. The Monsoon Lagoon is a larger play area that features a faster waterslide, canons and climbing ropes area. Little kids will also love the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool and the Lazy River. For rides, Dinosaur Falls and Mammoth River are the tamest raft rides and Bootleggers Run is a great family roller coaster ride for kids 42″ and up.

Best Splish Splash Rides for big kids

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR BIG KIDS (8-12)

Big kids have their pick of rides at Splish Splash since most rides have a 42″or 48″ height requirement to ride solo. Bootleggers Run is a favorite for this age as well as Hollywood Stunt Rider and Dragon’s Den tube rides, and the Giant Twister and Max Trax body slides. For kids who love dark rides, the Abyss tube slide and Barrier Reef body slide are great options.

Best Splish Splash Rides for teens and adults: Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

Cliff Diver sends riders down an 8-story slide making it a great choice for adventure seekers. If dark and twisty rides are your thing, Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror will be a favorite. One of my favorite rides to watch is Shotgun Falls where riders plunge into a 10-foot pool so I would recommend this one only for strong swimmers.

Mammoth River is a great choice for the whole family.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a slow interactive water ride where you can shoot water from the ship or from water cannons on land. Other picks are the lazy river, Kahuna Bay Wavepool (the whistle means the waves are coming), Soak City pool area and Mammoth River (you will get wet on this one). In addition to rides, families can enjoy a Tropical Parrot Show from June 17 – September 4 at 12:30, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30.

Ready to visit? Check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and save $5 per ticket with this Splish Splash coupon code.

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

6 Great NYC Shows for the …

December 6, 2016 By admin

New York City is one of the most magical places to spend the holidays. While most visitors are busy checking out the bedazzled store windows and ice skating under the big tree, one of my favorite family friendly activities is taking in a great show. This year, I’m sharing some of my favorite holiday picks for everyone on your list. Show tickets make great holiday gift ideas, especially for those people who have it all. Book soon and enjoy because many of these are in town for a limited holiday run…

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season

These shows are all family friendly but I’ve categorized them by family members I think would especially enjoy each one.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Waitress is the perfect feel good Broadway musical for the holiday season.

BFF DATE: Waitress the Musical

Grab your besties and go see this Broadway love story that highlights relationships, friendships and baking. The acting, singing, and choreography are all fabulous and the characters truly come alive on stage. You’ll fall in love with the storyline and show’s heroine as you watch the show’s twists and turns. Best of all, little mini pies are sold at intermission. What more do you need for a night out with the girls?

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – That Golden Girls Show!

SISTER DATE: That Golden Girls Show

If you grew up in the 80’s, That Golden Girls Show will not disappoint. This is the perfect outing to take your sister (aunt, mom or grandma) or invite the whole family. I was wondering if it would be distracting to see a puppet show with the puppeteers on stage but turns out, their unique personalities just added to the adorableness of the show. You’ll laugh at the old jokes and antiquated references and will leave humming the “Thank You For Being a Friend” theme song. This off-broadway show is in the lively Union Square neighborhood so you can check out the famed gift market or farmer’s market before or after. Playing now through December 31, 2016.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Fiddler on the Roof

MOM DATE: Fiddler on the Roof

My mom and I have a tradition of seeing a new Broadway classic every year and this year we saw the newest incarnation of Fiddler on the Roof. The themes in Fiddler on the Roof are timeless, the dancing is AMAZING and the songs will keep you humming for weeks. The show is closing on December 31, 2016 so if you haven’t seen it yet, the holiday season is the perfect chance.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – The Illusionists – Turn of The Century.

HUSBAND DATE: The Illusionists – Turn of the Century

If your husband doesn’t like Broadway musicals (I know, I know), The Illusionists is the perfect Broadway theater date night for the holidays. My husband and I were absolutely amazed by the optical illusions and magical performances that took place in The Palace Theater, the same theater where Harry Houdini once performed. From beds of nails, knife throwing, and card tricks to comedy acts and classic performances (yes they cut a woman in half!), every act was better than the next. Be sure to have some unique things in your purse in case you get called on stage by The Clairvoyants. This is a great family show for ages 6 and up. Now through January 1, 2017.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Peter and The Wolf at The Guggenheim Museum.

COUSINS DATE: Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim Museum

I’ve gone to sooooo many kids shows since becoming a mom and some are enjoyable for parents too and some aren’t. Lucky for me, Seeing Peter and The Wolf narrated by Isaac Mizrachi at The Guggenheim Museum was great fun for all. Mizrachi steals the show with his humorous storytelling and each character has their own instrumental pairing so the music really helps kids follow along. This show is a perfect choice to see with cousins and then you can explore the museum afterward. There are three remaining shows on December 9, 10 and 11, 2016.

6 Great NYC Shows for the Holiday Season – Pip’s Island

KIDDIE PLAY DATE: Pip’s Island

I took my daughter and her pal on an after school adventure to Pip’s Island and they gave it a 9 and a 10! I still can’t explain this interactive show but think Willy Wonka meets a magical tree house with snow, bubbles, fog and mystical characters minus the candy. Parents go along too so be warned there is a crazy fast slide and no photos allowed. It’s perfect for kids 5-10 and near Chelsea piers, the High Line and art galleries making it a great weekend adventure. Check it out now through January 8, 2017.

Have you seen any of these shows? Tell me below in the comments.

I received media tickets to some of these shows for review purposes but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Rockettes New York …

July 5, 2016 By admin

Seeing the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall is one of my favorite New York City winter activities. Watching their synchronized dancing, fighting the Rock Center crowds and seeing the iconic Christmas tree just never gets old.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

When my daughter saw a poster for The New York Spectacular, the Rockettes’ summer show, she immediately begged to go and I secretly cringed inside. My expectations were low but I figured it would be a fun outing to celebrate the end of the school year. I invited my mom to join us and planned a big NYC girl’s day to kick off summer.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Awesome Summer Fun for Families

It turns out, the New York Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes was indeed spectacular! In fact, all three of us thought it was better than the Christmas show. I was pleasantly surprised to see how family friendly the story line was but what was most impressive were the amazing sets, cool technology, fun music and the choreographed dance moves that really made New York City come alive on stage.

The show follows two kids who accidentally get lost from their parents. The kids make their way around the city’s popular sights and attractions until the family is finally reunited at the end. Its a great sightseeing tour of NYC, as they visit the Empire State Building, Wall Street, Central Park, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fashion Avenue and other popular sights.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular - Awesome Summer Fun for Families

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Met comes alive on stage.

Along the way, famous statues and artwork come alive as the kids search for clues to find their parents.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Alice in Wonderland statue from Central Park.

The show opens with Taylor Swifts’s “Welcome to New York” and closes with Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” In between, the acts feature a mix of classic show tunes and modern music as well as an interactive scene that gets everyone dancing in the aisles. Some of my favorite musical scenes were the Rockettes tap dancing to “Singing in the Rain, dancing to “Money, Money,” surrounded by giant dollar signs and projections of stock-market tickers” and prancing around in a stunning red, white and black fashion show set to Madonna’s “Vogue.”

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Singing in the Rain.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Money, Money.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – The Vogue fashion show was amazing.

Kids will have no trouble following along with the story line and they will especially love seeing Central Park’s Alice in Wonderland statue come alive and watching the famed New York Public Library lions Patience and Fortitude perform a rap number. Its a little hokey but it all works.

The Rockettes New York Spectacular – Outside the New York Public Library

And of course the grand finale stole the show…

If you want to escape the heat and see NYC from the comfort of Radio City Music Hall, head over to the New York Spectacular before it ends on August, 7, 2016. There is no intermission during the 90 minute show so plan snacks and bathroom breaks accordingly.

Have you seen a Rockettes show? Tell me below in the comments.

This post is not sponsored. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for …

June 21, 2016 By admin

The only thing more fun than an indoor waterpark is an outdoor waterpark! If you’re heading out to Long Island this summer, be sure to stop by Splish Splash Waterpark for a family friendly adventure sure to please travelers of all ages.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

On our recent visit, my family had so much fun enjoying our favorite rides and tackling some new ones. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families…

Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and use this Splish Splash coupon to save $6 off each ticket.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

1) Kahuna Bay Wavepool

If you and your kids like playing in waves, you won’t want to miss the Kahuna Bay Wavepool. Every ten minutes, the waves start small and finish big (think four foot waves!). Small kids and grandparents can stay in the shallow end while big kids and parents ride the waves making this a great attraction for all families. Life jackets are available and plenty of lifeguards are on hand to be sure everyone stays safe.

Mammoth River is full of twists and turns.

2) Mammoth River Raft Ride

Grab a raft (fits up to five people) and the whole family will enjoy an adventurous twisting tube slide ride. No swim skills are necessary for this ride making it a great option for families with young kids (minimum 36″). Prepare to get splashed along the way and at the end of the ride.

More adventurous families will enjoy Bootleggers’s Run at Splish Splash.

3) Bootlegger’s Run

Think roller coaster meets water slide for this one! The four-person family-friendly raft goes uphill using new generation hydromagnetic technology and flies down like a roller coaster without rails. This one features a combination of open and closed tubes making it a great pick for kids who are scared of dark rides.

The Lazy River at Splish Splash is the perfect spot for families to relax.

4) Lazy River

Families will love this relaxing tube ride on the gentle current of a beautifully landscaped river. Along the way you’ll find spraying fountains to cool you off. All family members can participate in this one but if you want to keep your hair dry, you’ll have to duck around some of the fountain areas.

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a great option for family fun.

5) The Battle of Mutiny Bay

This kind of interactive water attraction was completely new to my family and we loved it. Up to four people can ride in the pirate ship which features water spraying cannons in every seat. As the ride circles around Mutiny Bay, guests engage in the largest water gun fight imaginable as the landlubbers squirt the “pirates” from large water cannons. Split your family up and see which team gets soaked.

Ready to visit? Use this Splish Splash Coupon to save $6 off the gate price. FYI, on our visit some attractions were closed so be sure to call ahead if there is a ride you don’t want to miss out on.

Have you been to Splish Splash Waterpark? Tell me your favorite attraction in the comments below…

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on #DisneySide: …

March 8, 2015 By admin

Since we’ve been snowed in for much of this winter, I gathered our close friends and family for a fun filled Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate to celebrate our DisneySide and share our warm memories. Read on to see how much fun we had…

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Spotlight on #DisneySide: Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate

Since NYC apartments are not built for crowds, we gathered at grandma’s cottage in the woods where the kids had room to run around and the grown-ups could kick back. As you can see, the adults and kids did a great job of getting into character as princes, princesses and other Disney favorites.

My daughter really enjoyed decorating and setting up for our guests. I think we’ve got a mini Martha Stewart on our hands…

Spotlight on #DisneySide: Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate

Activities for the little kids included coloring and word search puzzles, princess dominoes, pin the smile on Mickey Mouse and make your own pizzas.

Spotlight on #DisneySide: Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate

Our group included moms, dads, cousins, sisters, aunts, grandmas, daughters and granddaughters which was perfect since our official #DisneySide playdate theme was “multi-generational.” Disney sent us a party pack that included some fun family activities including a Make Your Own Family Tree Kit that everyone got along with HP photo paper to print their party photos at home and some other goodies.

Spotlight on #DisneySide: Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate

The adults enjoyed answering the Disney Trivia questions and reminiscing about their Disney vacations. We took my daughter on a multi-generational Disney Cruise a couple of years ago but she has yet to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland so its time to start planning. While the kiddies played, the adults dined on Teriyaki salmon (made with Soy Vay) and a Caribbean inspired salad that gave us a glimmer of hope that spring will soon be here.

Spotlight on #DisneySide: Winter Wonderland Princess Playdate

It was a great afternoon full of fun, friends and family and we can’t wait to plan our next get together. Want to show your #DisneySide? Check out DisneySide.com for ideas on hosting a celebration of your own.

Thanks to Disney Parks and MomSelect for providing us with a DisneySide @Home Celebration Kit. As usual, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Family Vacation Trends: …

February 10, 2015 By admin

If you (or your husband or kids) have a hard time relaxing sans electronics on vacation, the new Digital Detox program at Mexico’s Grand Velas Resorts is here to help.

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Family Vacation Trends: Mexico’s Grand Velas Resorts Introduce Digital Detox Program

To encourage families to power down this year and spend quality time together, Mexico’s Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit boast a Detox Concierge who will “cleanse” all electronics from the guest suite and replace them with classic board games. They will also keep the family’s electronic gadgets (iPads, phones, laptops, etc.) locked away for safe keeping. In exchange for trading-in their electronics, guests receive a bracelet that guarantees them access to a choice of activities including: bike tour, ecological tour, snorkeling and facials and massages!

Bye, bye email, hello relaxation! Move over juicing…massages and facials sound like my kind of cleanse. If you’ve got a workaholic, Instagram addict or a texting-obsessed teen in your family, this would be a great option. And don’t worry, after earning four activities in four days, the detox is complete.

In addition to the detox activities, guests at both resorts can also enjoy complimentary activities like yoga, kayaking, beach picnics and campfire sessions. Both hotels feature luxury suite accommodations with all-inclusive meals, beverages and amenities making them a great option for a family getaway. Beautiful beaches await so visit Velas Resorts to power down reconnect on your next family getaway.

If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Girls Gone South Part 2: …

January 22, 2015 By admin

My mom, daughter and I visited Charleston for four days and we packed a lot into our multi-generational getaway. If you’re planning a trip to family friendly Charleston, read on to see my recommendations. As mentioned in Girls Gone South Part 1, we loved staying at the centrally located Embassy Suites Charleston hotel.

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Girls Gone South Part 2: Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina

Here is a recap from our trip and my family friendly recommendations:

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

INDOOR FUN: The day we arrived was cold and rainy so our first stop was the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry which was a few blocks away from our hotel. Little kids really need some unscheduled time to run around on vacation and if you can’t be outdoors, a children’s museum is always a great option. The museum was large (yet uncrowded by New York standards for a rainy day) with several fun, interactive sections (a boat, a science area, a water area, an arts and crafts area, a castle, a mini-supermarket, etc.) to explore. If you ask my daughter, she will probably say this was her favorite part of our trip. Look for BOGO coupons in the visitor’s guide before you go.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Getting Around Town

GETTING AROUND: We stopped by the nearby Charleston Visitors Center to get some maps and finalize our plans and I found the staff very friendly and welcoming which was a nice change from our typical NYC days. Charleston boasts a free downtown trolley service called DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) which has several routes connecting to most of Charleston’s attractions. This is a great resource for traveling families since adults don’t need to deal with directions or parking and kids will love riding the trolly. Once you get your bearings, it is very easy to navigate and I was so surprised by the nice, patient drivers. Another fun way to get around (especially at night) is by pedi-cab. Just have the restaurant call you one and within minutes, your chariot (and warm blanket) will whisk you right up to your hotel’s front door. Now that’s what I call Southern hospitality!

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: South Carolina Aquarium

AQUARIUM FUN: The next day was still cool so we headed to the South Carolina Aquarium. My daughter is obsessed with dolphins and sea creatures so this was a big hit. The exhibits were very well done and there were several interactive displays, touch tanks and play areas. The floor-to-ceiling fish tanks towered over my daughter who ran from window to window checking out the pretty fish, sharks, turtles and other animals. The Madagascar Journey area was especially fun as children got a passport to stamp as they explored the exhibit. The aquarium is relatively small and easy to navigate in an hour or two making it a great option for families with small kids. Be sure to check out the famed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge views from the lookout decks.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston Harbor Tours

EXPLORE BY SEA: From there, it was a quick walk over to Charleston Harbor Tours where we boarded the Carolina Belle for a 90-minute narrated harbor tour. We sat in the windowed downstairs area because of the cold weather and there was plenty of room for my daughter to roam around. This is a great way to get your bearings as you sail by Charleston and famed attractions like Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown and the stately waterfront homes on the Battery. The sights are stunning but my daughter’s favorite part were several dolphin sightings along the way.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Palmetto Carriage Works

EXPLORE BY LAND: The weather warmed up a bit the next day and we opted for a sightseeing tour with Palmetto Carriage Works. This horse and carriage tour kept us entertained as our driver pointed out historic sights and described the area’s different neighborhoods. We shared our carriage with another family and their young son and the one-hour tour was just long enough without boring the kids who especially enjoyed learning about the horses.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Explore by Foot

EXPLORE BY FOOT: Charleston is a very easy place to explore by foot with several distinctive areas. We especially enjoyed strolling along the King Street shops, exploring around the City Market area (great for souvenirs) and checking out the Rainbow Row neighborhood. For a small city, Charleston has some amazing shopping with everything from small mom and pop stores, family friendly clothing stores, local art shops, jewelry stores and fancy shmancy boutiques. Kids will especially enjoy the many candy, cupcake and ice cream shops. My favorite finds were some Bourbon and Bowties bracelets, made by proud Southern hands!

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Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Waterfront Park and Pineapple Fountain

CHECK OUR CHARLESTON’S FAMED PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN: A trip to Charleston is not complete without a visit to the city’s famed Pineapple Fountain and I was so happy when the sunshine came out so we could make our way over to check it out. Waterfront Park features several large family sized swings, grassy areas, scenic lookout points, waterfront paths and the gigantic Pineapple Fountain where tourists (and locals) are invited to wade. My daughter jumped right in and had a ball dancing around. If you like to take pictures on vacation, this is an awesome backdrop.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

TAKE IN SOME HISTORY: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a family friendly spot that showcases various aspects of Charleston history during the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. Children and adults will enjoy the Provost Dungeon where docents lead you through its eerie confines with entertaining tales of pirates and patriots. My daughter was a little spooked by the dungeon so we spent most of our time upstairs “signing” the Declaration of Independence but older children will love it.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Culinary Tours of Charleston

SAMPLE A CULINARY TOUR: Since my mom is a big foodie, I booked us on a Culinary Tour of Charleston with Bulldog Tours. While this 2.5 hour tour is not recommended for children under 12, my 5-year old daughter has taken foodie tours in NYC so I figured she’d be ok (I also had crayons and a coloring book just in case). Our guide was super informative and the many shops and restaurants we stopped in were all very accommodating to our group. This was a great way to sample some of the area’s famous flavors including: stone ground grits, Charleston Benne Wafers, locally made chocolates, southern pralines, sweet tea, collard greens, Lowcountry barbeque, spices, teas and more. We all had a great time and I highly recommend this if you’re a foodie family.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Joseph Manigault House

GO BACK IN TIME: On our last day we visited the Joseph Manigault House. I never know how much history a five-year old can handle but I was impressed how my daughter listened carefully to the tour guide. It was fun to see her little brain churning as she saw the old fashioned toilets and children’s toys and she was genuinely interested in how families lived way back when. If our trip was longer, I would have added in a visit to one of the area’s famed Plantations.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston Museum

VISIT AMERICA’S FIRST MUSEUM: Our last stop was the Charleston Museum conveniently located across the street from our hotel. The museum, founded in 1773, is relatively large with a very wide mix of historic artifacts (think Revolutionary and Civil War armory and uniforms, ancient Egypt, Rome and Greek art, dinosaur tracks, slavery badges and more), interactive exhibits, life sized animals and skeletons (and a gigantic whale bone frame) and an engaging kids section. My daughter insisted we all dress up in the hoop dresses and I loved watching her prance around like it was 1800-something. If you’ve got children in elementary or middle school, this is definitely a great spot to visit.

Family Friendly Charleston, South Carolina: Dining in Charleston

EAT, EAT, EAT: Charleston has a wide range of restaurants offering everything from Southern fare and Lowcountry barbecue to high-end dining and dive-diners. We sampled several family-friendly restaurants and I was impressed with their kids menus (featuring Hush Puppies and Charleston history word searches) and staff. Some of my favorites were Magnolias (Southern fare), Peninsula Grill (Fancy with must have Coconut Cake), Virginia’s on King (Southern comfort food), Fleet Landing (classic seafood favorites with a view), Fish (innovative, high end seafood) and Dixie Supply Bakery & Cafe (casual Southern fare for breakfast and lunch).

Want to see more? Check out this video:

NOTE: We visited in November. If you’re planning to visit during spring/summer be sure to check out the area’s family friendly beaches.

Bon voyage!

Special thanks to the Charleston Area CVB for providing us with a VIP Pass to explore Charleston. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Girls Gone South: Spotlight on …

January 20, 2015 By admin

My mom and I like to go on vacations together and lately my daughter has been coming along too. Typically, I do all the planning and they are very happy to come along for the ride. To celebrate my mom’s recent birthday, I decided to plan a family vacation in Charleston, South Carolina since I knew we would all love the area’s southern charm, warm hospitality, historic sights and great restaurants.