An Expedition Mom farewell

This is the most difficult post I have ever had to write. It is with a sad heart that I announce the departure of Lesli Peterson from Expedition Mom.

Many of you have been on this journey with us from the humble (and still humble) beginnings. Two mommies overwhelmed with the newness of motherhood and staying home, found in each other the same struggles, desires and a common vision. Out of that we accomplished together what neither of us could have done apart. Out of that we poured our heart and souls into sharing our love of adventures and travel through the creation of Expedition Mom.

Please join me in thanking Lesli for all that she has created and shared over the last two years.

Neither Expedition Mom nor Lesli will be going away. A strong foundation has been created upon which Expedition Mom will continue to share a passion for building memories and strengthening family bonds through our love of travel.

All my love, support and well-wishes go with Lesli as she embarks on a new adventure as Travel Editor at Homeschool.com. Be sure to follow her on her journey at Homeschool.com. Through her partnership with them, I expect many exciting things to come.

Lori Brown, Family Travel Editor at Expedition Mom

Family on the Loose: The art of traveling with kids

You’ve read posts about other people who travel with their kids.  You know it can be done.  But do you want to know how to do it? Do you want practical advice about preparing for and taking a trip with the young ones in your life?  Family on the Loose: The art of traveling with kids delivers. Authors Bill Richards and E. Ashley Steele from Family on the Loose have 40 countries under their belt and extensive experience traveling with their two daughters.  Their go-to guide for traveling with kiddos doles out printables, checklists, hints and ideas to make traveling easier on you and more fun for the kids.

Section one gives usable advice on preparing for travel with kids.  Read tips on including the whole family in selecting a destination and making an itinerary. One of my favorite pieces of advice offered on planning an itinerary is “don’t travel everyday”; give the kids down time at a playground or a park.  Review a series of ideas on getting the kiddos excited about going (crafts, maps, and more), and learn how to best handle the chore of packing.  There are packing lists included, even a picture based list for your non-reader. Learn the efficiency of a ‘day bag’, what to put in it, and how best to use it.

Section two extends practical advice about the actual journey.  Discover suggestions for plane gifts, 14 quiet activities for the airport, and how to handle bumps and layovers.  Get tips on keeping souvenirs in check, managing meltdowns, and staying safe in foreign environments.  One of my favorite chapters, ‘Learning as you go’, provides exciting ways to enrich your kid’s education while traveling. Use the examples of ‘museum sheets’ for exploring new attractions, and delve into an entire chapter devoted to building a travel journal with the kids!

Section three provides pragmatic ideas for managing post-travel emotions.  Learn about about reaching out to the places you visited (or want to visit in the future) with pen pals, adventure books, and more.  Discover new ideas about exploring your own hometown, and bring some culture to your friends and family with international parties and fun-day ideas.

You don’t have to be regularly jet setting across the globe to find value in this guide; if you plan to take even a single adventure with your kiddos (road trip, plane trip, cruise, or any other mode of transport) this book is worth the investment.  Even after the initial cover-to-cover read, I refer to the tips and tricks in this book before (and after) our road trips.  It packs so much information that it is almost impossible to digest in just one read; consider it a reference tool. My personal copy is dog-eared and highlighted extensively. We’ve twice used the picture packing list, obtained an “allergy” bracelet from CVS with my son’s contact information, and executed on more suggested travel games than I can mention here.

You can buy your copy of Family on the Loose: The art of traveling with kids on Amazon, or ask your local bookstore to order your copy. Whatever you do, don’t take another trip without it!

 

by Lesli Peterson

 

Selecting A Kid-Friendly Hotel

Cooper enjoying the suite at Country Inn & Suite BuckheadYou’ve spent months deciding where to take the family on vacation, weeks planning what to see, and days packing for the trip.  How much of that effort went into selecting where you would bed-down each night? A hotel with the right family friendly amenities can save you money, ease the stress of the trip, and provide a better vacation experience.  We’ve talked to six family travel experts about their hotel must-haves, and we have added a few of our own.   

When traveling with my kids, I love it if the room has a microwave. You can make oatmeal or Easy Mac mac and cheese, cook bacon (bring your own plates & napkins), pop popcorn, or heat up frozen dinners or leftovers. Although we don't want every meal out of the microwave, it's a lifesaver for a quick breakfast, a snack or a late dinner. – Karon Warren, AllThingsLifestyle.net

As a mother of a baby and toddler a mini fridge is essential to our family's morning when we travel. My toddler treats a milk like his cup of coffee in the morning. It is also a great way to save money when we travel, or sleep in a bit. With milk and cereal in the room, we can get the kids fed while we get ready for our day; no hunger meltdowns necessary. – Keryn Means, Walkingontravels.com

The best way to keep your kids happy throughout a long day of travel, play or sightseeing is to make sure they start their day off with a good breakfast! Breakfast can be expensive (we just spent $45 on breakfast for 4 in the airport in Madrid, Spain!) so finding a hotel with breakfast included is like getting a 'free' meal! While some breakfast buffets are better than others you can generally find yogurt, cereal, fruit and bagels/bread to ensure your kids are satiated and ready to begin their day! – Andrea Botham, Passportsandpushchairs.com

Most of us have the need to unplug and recharge during family vacations. Use technology as a compliment, not a distraction, to your vacation and family time. Being mindful of your technology use while travelling can set the example for your kids as well. Free wifi can allow you to preplan for the next day of travel and sightseeing AFTER tucking the kids into bed. I think we'd all agree that 'change of plan' surprises are best discovered before driving up to a closed attraction. Access to the internet gives you the chance to do your travel homework and keep your trip on track...and that means more time to relax as a parent. – Ann McDermitt, MundaneMagic.com

Our daughter's first airplane trip was across the sea to Europe. It was a 16-day trip with my entire in-law family, and we had more luggage than we could handle. We selected only hotels and apartments that could provide a crib or pack-n-play. It was a tremendous relief! Now that she is older, we ask about bed rails, but I have found that these are often not available and can rarely be guaranteed. If you find yourself without bed rails in a hotel, ask for extra pillows. A tightly wedged pillow under the fitted sheet makes for a perfectly soft and safe bolster. – Julie Kahle, BalancingMama.com

Traveling with children keeps you locked in the same closed in room. Some hotels offer Kid Suites that allow for a little privacy. With walls between the areas early morning cartoons can commence without having the main TV waking the whole room. Same goes for late night TV watching for the parents! – Meghann Cooper, YeahLetsGo.com

Baths can help calm children’s nerves and give them an opportunity to play. As kids get older, bath time also gives mom and dad some down time to watch the news, eat a bite, or catch their breath.  Many budget hotels are outfitted with only a shower stall so be sure to ask the reservation desk about the bathroom.  In a pinch with younger kiddos, put the hand towel over the drain and create a makeshift mini bath.

Look for a mini grocery store in the lobby.  Kids tend to play harder and longer when on vacation; they are excited about all the new experiences.  This often leaves them famished; or more famished that normal.  At 11pm when the snacks you brought with you are all gone, you need a solution that doesn’t involve finding a 7Eleven.  Many lobby groceries now contain selections like fruit, microwavable meals and popcorn.  And for mom and dad, several chains are now stocking chilled bottles of wine.

Before kids, I never considered looking for a hotel with a pool. I was on vacation in a new city. Why would I want to spend time in the hotel pool?  Since having kids, though, I have learned the value of such an amenity.  Children cannot always handle a full day of exploring, and the idea of spending several hours in a hotel room can be debilitating.  An onsite pool can resolve this issue. It is also a wonderful way to wind down after dinner before preparing for bed.

What are your must-have hotel amenities for adventuring with kids?

   

by Lesli Peterson

 

6 Awesome Outdoor Kid Activities in the DC Area

Watching koi at Winkler PreserveOur nation's capital is known for it's momuments and museums, but there is much more to experience in this metropolis.  Below you will find six of our favorite outdoor adventures, which are the perfect way to welcome the warm weather.

Huntley Meadows  Fairfax, VA   You can hike the trails, walk the ½ mile boardwalk or watch wildlife.  View over 200 species of birds, as well as beavers, frogs, dragonflies and more.  With kids, the boardwalk over the Potamac-soaked wetland is exceptionally fun. Bring a magnifying glass for children to examine their finds.

 
National Arboretum Washington, DC   With over 400 acres of gardens, there is much to explore.  A park this large can be overwhelming with children. For kid-friendly exploration, park the car at the Administration Building and tour the Aquatic Center, Koi Pond, Friendship Garden, Herb Garden and Asian Gardens. These beautiful areas are adjacent to each other and are a great place to view the cherry blossoms. There are also bus and tram tours, and guided hikes.

 
Gravelly Point Park Arlington, VA  Lay out the picnic blanket and watch planes fly out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport only 400 feet away, play soccer, and watch boats launch into the Potomac River. Shaded spots are a premium, but the breeze off the river keeps the temperature just right.  

Clemyjontri Playground McLean, VA   This two acre playground is designed around a beautiful carousel.  This multi-sensory playground is a wonder for all children. It gives special consideration to children with developmental and sensory issues, including lowered monkey bars, swings with high backs, Virginia's first Liberty Swing for wheelchairs, and more. Four outdoor ‘rooms’ include The Rainbow Room, The Schoohouse and Maze, The Transportation Area, and Fun and Fitness.

Adventure Quest Washington, DC   Experience the capital from a unique perspective with this outdoor scavenger hunt centered around the National Mall.  Kids of all ages can use a smart phone, with your assistance, to count artifacts and decipher puzzles.  Hunters wind their way around such exciting places as the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, ending at a great place to grab a bite to eat.

Winkler Botanical Preserve  Alexandria, VA   Children and adults will enjoy walking among wildflowers, watching birds skim the lake for bugs, and tipping their toes in the stream.  This park holds a special treasure for children: a hobbit house.  Kids can enter the small underground house and peek out the doors and windows. Bring your camera for unique photos.

Disclosure: Thanks to Urban Adventure Quest for our complimentary scavenger hunt. While our hunt was gratis, our opinions cannot be bought and are honest and completely our own. 

By Lesli Peterson

Google

15 Things To Do With Kids In The Golden Isles

The Golden Isles offer more than the typical beach vacation.  Sure, you can lay out an over sized towel, eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from a cooler, and watch the kids make sandcastles and play in the waves, just don’t stop there! The islands of St. Simons, Jekyll and Sea, and mainland city of Brunswick offer a myriad of fun and adventurous opportunities for kids of all ages.  Below, we’ve highlighted 15 exciting things to do with the kids in the Golden Isles.

St. Simons Island Lighthouse (St. Simons Island)

Climb 129 cast iron steps to the top of the (still operational) lighthouse.  Once at the top you can see the coastline for miles, and nearby Neptune Park and Village Pier.  The kids will get a kick out of the large compass and replica cannons on the grounds below.  Your ticket also includes a tour of the Maritime Museum, with a climb to the watchtower.

Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island)

Driftwood Beach is a natural playground for children.  Large, majestic oak trees have died in repose on this beach making them awesome climbing structures for kids. Go at low tide to find shells and sea debris hidden among the trunks. Definitely don’t forget your camera; this is the best place on the island for getting shots of the kids playing.

Fort King George (Darien)

As adults take in the history of this British outpost, kids are free to run and roam over the fort.  The park offers wooden guns at the door, helping to bring the flavor of this site to life for children.  Children can run around the grounds playing ‘Army’, climb ladders in the fort and hide in the bunkers. This unique experience allows them to use most of their senses to experience Georgia history.

Navigate the island (Jekyll Island)

Jekyll offers a number of exciting ways to see it’s landmarks including bikes, electric cars and Segways.  The terrain alone at Jekyll makes bicycling with your kids a memorable experience, but you can kick it up a notch by renting specialty bikes on the island including Surrey’s and tandem bikes. Electric cars can be rented for 2, 4 or 6 people and for reasonable daily rates. This transportation method is less strenuous than biking and the open structure allows your family to soak in the sun’s rays. Families can also take a guided Segway tour, which is a fun way to learn about plant and animal life on the island.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (Jekyll Island)

Visitors tour the museum, learning about sea turtle life such as how they lay their eggs and how ocean pollution affects them.  Turtle stamp stations guide kids through the exhibits and keep younger ones interested in the educational aspect of the center.  After touring the exhibits, head to the second building to see the turtle rehabilitation tanks.  The story of each turtle and their journey from illness and rehabilitation are mounted next to their tank.

Shrimpin’ Excursion on Lady Jane (Brunswick)

This refurbished shrimp boat takes visitors to the St. Simons Sound where they can help biologists catch shrimp and sort them from other sea animals such as sand sharks and puffer fish.  While on board, your freshly caught shrimp is boiled and served for a shrimp feast like no other. Enjoy the sunshine on the open decks or view the water from an air-conditioned cabin window.

4-H Tidelands Nature Center (Jekyll Island)

This nature center offers a modest exhibit area with a touch tank and live animal viewing stations. The baby turtles housed here are used for educational purposes; some even make their way to Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium.   Kids and adults will enjoy riding canoes on the lake, or touring the marsh in a kayak.  Don’t miss the guided nature walks and other special programs offered here.

‘Passport to the century’ Tram Tour (Jekyll Island)

The tram tour takes you into several homes of the millionaires that made Jekyll Island famous. Kids will enjoy riding the tram pulled by a Jeep and feeling the wind in their hair.  Take in the grounds of the Jekyll Island Clubhouse including a stop at Rockefeller’s vacation home where kids can climb aboard an electric car he kept on the grounds for his grandchildren.

Fly a kite on East Beach (St. Simons Island)

East Beach extends along the ocean side of St Simons Island and is the best beach to enjoy typical beach activities.  The beach is free and there are several places in which to access the sand.  Gould’s Inlet, one of the public access points, is on the northern part of the island. There is an observation area, a small fishing pier, and a distant sandbar that makes bird watching a busy activity.  The shower and water hose are convenient for cleaning off feet before packing into the car.  Purchase a kite at Fredrica Station Gifts at Village Pier.

Tree Sprits (St. Simons Island)

Make a scavenger hunt of finding the various Tree Spirits on the island.  There are five locations on public property (and several more on private property) where visitors can see hauntingly beautiful faces carved into the bark of grand oak trees. These works of art by Keith Jennings commemorate the lives of many souls lost aboard ships from St. Simons Oak. Kids will love seeking them out and adults will appreciate the intricasy of this art.

Village Pier (St. Simons Island)

Park free  at Village Pier and explore the unique shops that line both sides of the street.  Go early to 4^th of May for a filling breakfast and Mimosa; they have a basket of books and toys for the kids. Brogen’s serves a shrimp salad that is heavy on shrimp and easy on the mayo, with a small arcade area for the kids to play while you eat. There are two playgrounds at the adjoining Neptune Park including one surrounded by a fence with a single entrance so adults can relax a bit, too.  Dolphins feasting and frolicking in the water’s edge frequent the pier; visiting as the tide rolls out will increase your chances of seeing them. Be sure to get an ice cream at St. Simons Sweets before you leave.

St. Simons Island Trolley Tours (St. Simons Island)

Take a tour of St. Simons Island via a vintage trolley. The driver is a wealth of information about the history of the island, and he delivers it with a clever humor that keeps you wanting. See the Bloody Marsh, Fort Frederica, Retreat Plantation and more.  Near the end of the tour the trolley stops at Christ Church where riders are encouraged to walk the grounds of the church as the history lesson continues.  The kids will appreciate riding in the seats that line the sides of the trolley, enabling them to sit on their knees and peer out the windows while driving by each landmark.

Jekyll Island Miniature Golf (Jekyll Island)

This putt putt location provides two courses, one more challenging than the other so that children of multiple ages will enjoy playing.  Younger kids will enjoy the 3D statues at each hole including a dinosaur, a lighthouse, and more.  There is no shade on this course; if you get hot then head across the street to Great Dunes Park.  This sprawling beach with large pavilion is great for water play or having a picnic.

Geocaching (various locations)

Children will love the novelty of using a GPS to explore the islands, and adults will appreciate the landmarks covered by this high tech scavenger hunt.  The Golden Isles is home to thousands of caches. They can be found in such locations as Hofwyl-Broadfield, Driftwood Beach, Bloody Marsh, and many more. 

Cap Fendig Dolphin Tour (Brunswick)

Take a 60-minute tour exploring the marshlands where dolphins are abundant.  Because the waters of the inlet are calm, young children can also participate in this adventure. The boat tour takes passengers along the bird sanctuary and the lighthouse.   Cap Fendig is known to be charming and full of life.  If you have an opportunity, consider the sunset tour to top off the expedition.

Need more information?

Read our favorite local foodie blog, Marie Let's Eat, about more places to eat while in the Golden Isles.

Try www.goldenisleskids.com for all things kids while in the Golden Isles.

Is this article missing your favorite thing to do with kids in St. Simons, Brunswick or Jekyll Island? Leave us a comment below.

Disclosure: Thanks to Jekyll Island Authority and the Golden Isles CVB for our complimentary tickets. While our visit was complimentary, our opinions cannot be bought and are honest and completely our own. 

By Lesli Peterson

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