From our ongoing multigenerational travel series with Grandparents.com: Ludmilla Alexander shares a few much-needed tips  on how to make the most out of a visit to a children museum with the grandkids.

Make the Most of a Children’s Museum

Did you know there are right ways and wrong ways to visit a children’s museum?

Grandfather Jim and I headed to the Boston Children’s Museum with our two grandchildren — Kara, 4 1/2, and Timmy, 2 1/2 — without really taking the time to make an efficient plan. Because we were on a weeklong visit from California, we were eager to cram in as many outings as possible with our two little Bostonians.

Do as We Say, Not as We Did

Mistake No. 1: This turned out to be — you guessed it — over-scheduling their day. We started out by taking a Boston Duck Tour aboard an authentic World War II amphibious-landing vehicle that travels on the streets of the city, then, with a switch of gears, turns into a boat on the Charles River. Kara and Timmy enjoyed it, especially after Kara was allowed to drive the “boat” for a short time.

By the time we arrived at the Boston Children’s Museum, however, the kids were hungry and tired. They were oblivious to the giant aardvark mascot, Arthur, sitting on the roof of the three-story glass building. We stopped to have lunch at a nearby restaurant and that’s when we made…

Mistake No. 2: Not knowing what food they would eat, Timmy, a picky eater, refused everything on the menu except fruit. I accidentally spilled his dried-fruit snack on the floor and he had a meltdown. So far, our outing was not going well.

When we entered the museum and the kids saw the New Balance Climb, they perked up considerably. The New Balance Climb is a three-story structure made of netting and curved platforms that meanders upward above the lobby floor. Kara started climbing immediately, bypassing children who were hesitant about going higher.

Timmy followed behind, but when he lost sight of his speedy sister, he decided he had had enough. He became confused about how to maneuver down against traffic. We yelled instructions and encouragement to him from the ground floor. Finally, he crawled down himself, a bit shaken but proud of his accomplishment.

Mistake No. 3: Stopping early in the visit at an exhibit you know they will love. Our third mistake was taking Timmy into the PlaySpace area geared for children as old as age 3. This area held Timmy’s favorite toys — little trains. Fascinated with the lavish layout, he rolled one train along the tracks, then another. We waited for him to tire of the trains. He didn’t. Timmy didn’t budge even when we promised him better exhibits in adjoining rooms. Finally, Grandfather Jim lifted him up and carried him screaming in protest to the next room.

The drama didn’t last long. Both Timmy and Kara became fascinated rolling balls down curved and straight tracks. They also enjoyed floating boats in an 800-gallon tank, dancing with Arthur and his cartoon friends on a video screen, and dressing up as construction workers to climb on ramps and bridges. Jim and I spotted the Parent Tips that were posted on many of the exhibits. Reading the sign above the steel beam in the Construction Zone, Grandfather Jim asked Kara, “Is it easier to balance if you hold your arms out to the sides?”

Ease Into a New Environment

While we learned a few tips for a successful museum outing through trial and error, Grandmother Betsy Hanscom of Scarborough, M.E., has become an expert on children’s museums. She chooses a children’s museum as a mid-point rest stop when transferring her grandson, Nathaniel, age 4, from her car to his parents’ car during the little boy’s long ride from Maine to his home in Albany, N.Y.

“When we’re visiting a new museum, I have learned to let him play at what interests him,” says Hanscom, who sees her grandson about 10 times a year. “At one museum, he wanted to play on the playground instead of going inside. I argued that he could always swing and slide, but he couldn’t always see the exhibits. He insisted, so I gave in. Sure enough, after five minutes, he found the playground boring and we went into the museum.”

Depending on the museum’s specialty, Hanscom explains the science principles or the environmental habits of the animals they’re about to see beforehand. “I try to make the information fun, not a lecture. If Nathaniel doesn’t listen, I don’t force the issue,” she adds. She also packs a picnic lunch to eat outside because she knows his food preferences — and it’s cheaper.

Hanscom’s biggest fear — losing Nathaniel in a crowd — occurred at the Children’s Museum of Maine in Portland. Because they go there often, Nathaniel runs from one favorite exhibit to another. One minute he was in sight, the next minute he was gone. “Of course, I panicked,” she says. “When we were reunited, I explained to him how important it was always to tell me when he was leaving an exhibit so I could follow him.”

Amanda Black, a former member of the youth staff at the Children’s Museum of Maine, says some children like to explore by themselves, whereas others are shy and need guidance. “It’s always best to let children figure out an exhibit by themselves and not give help until asked. Children, ages 8 and older, often wander off by themselves with instructions from their parents or grandparents on where to meet at a certain time.”

“Still,” said Amanda, “it always surprised me to see adults sitting by themselves in the lobby, reading or talking on the phone. Children’s museums are fun for all ages. Why wouldn’t you want to experience it with your grandchild? My best advice is to get involved and have fun together.”

Have you ever taken your grandkids to a children’s museum? If so, did you experience an epic meltdown or were you one of the lucky ones who actually found some quality bonding time? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments!

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Author Bio: This feature was brought to you by one of our hand-picked travel partners, Grandparents.com.

Even teens will admit to their parent’s that summer in San Diego is awesome!

Alice Cooper said it best, “No more teachers, no more books…school’s out for summer!” When the final school bell rings and summer break begins, there’s no better place to bring your kids than San Diego, especially teenagers. San Diego has great teen activities known to cause many of them to happily lay down their smart phones and join in the fun. Here are a few “teen-tested, mother approved” San Diego activities that my own two teenagers enjoy every summer.

Boogie Boarding

The beach and boogie boarding go hand in hand, like San Diego and sunshine. With 70 miles of gorgeous beaches, there’s plenty of surf for everyone. The best thing about it, just about anyone can do it. Teens love boogie boarding, and smaller kiddos and adults can jump right in for unlimited wave action too. Boogie boards can be rented at any of the surf shacks close to the beach.

Surf Lessons

Surfs up! Surfing is a way of life in San Diego, but if your teens don’t know how, don’t fret. Try Surf Diva Surf School located in La Jolla Shores, which is recognized world-wide and offers surfing lessons year-round. There’s also Menehune Surf School in La Jolla, founded and staffed by local school teachers who will have your teens up on a board and riding waves in no time. Or, if you want to experience “sheet wave” technology, try The Wave House in Mission Beach, which harnesses the power and challenge of the ocean in a man-made, closed system that gives you non-stop action.

Gather Around the Fire Pit

Most Southern California teens (including my own) love hanging out at the beach around a roaring beach bonfire. The Hotel Del Coronado offers “S’Mores on the Beach” where you can sit around a crackling fire pit under the stars, toes in the sand, and snack on the classic combination of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. Other options for fire pits are Mission Bay Park, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores and Moonlight Beach in North County.

Bike Riding

The great thing about riding a bike is that most teens never outgrow it. San Diego has an abundance of biking trails for you and your teens to ride along paths with awesome views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the beach and boardwalk, there are ample places where bikes can be rented.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Petco Park

During baseball season, my teenage son loves watching the Padres at Petco Park, one of America’s newest baseball stadiums. But in the off season, your teens can catch all the MLB action with a behind-the-scenes tour, offered seven days a week. Discover “writer’s row” in the press box or explore the Padres dugout. The crown jewel of downtown San Diego, Petco Park serves up baseball Southern California style-complete with swaying palm trees and a sandy beach beyond center field.

Shopping

Both guys and girls will find plenty to browse for at Seaport Village, Old Town, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, which are the usual suspects, but offer one-of-a-kind San Diego souvenirs. There are also major malls, boutiques, surf shops and incredible outlet stores throughout San Diego County that offer big brand names and big discounts to match for fashion-progressive teens.

> Find more to do this Summer in San Diego

Tell us where you and your teens like to spend time in San Diego!

The post San Diego Summer Fun – “Teen Tested, Mother Approved!” Activities appeared first on San Diego Travel Blog.

Secret Canyon area

The lightning-caused Secret Fire which ignited on Saturday June 15th  is burning 30 south of Flagstaff in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.  As of Monday morning it was 40 percent contained, however access to the Loy Canyon, Secret Canyon and other trails in the immediate area are temporarily closed. Although it’s usually too hot to hike there this time of year, be sure to check with the forest service before planning a visit to the area.
INFO & MAP:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5424426

The entrance to The Linq is between Flamingo and The Quad, on the corner where O’Sheas used to sit.

The section of the marquee that says “The Linq” was being hoisted by crane above the sign’s support post, and lowered into place guided by ropes. It’s a little hard to describe, so we felt compelled to capture a far-too-long video of the process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MQPyKD9OqE

Simmer down. It’s just a sign being installed.

Anyhoo, the portion being lowered onto the post weighed about 700 pounds, while the support post itself weighs in the neighborhood of 20,000 pounds. Because you can never have too many useless facts in your head.

This blog probably could’ve just dead lifted it, but we didn’t want the hard hat guys to feel badly.

It takes teamwork and a windless day to pull off a maneuver like this one. And yes, if you look closely at the sign (see below), there are dudes in there to make sure it’s a snug fit. It goes without saying that on a hot Las Vegas day, this blog does not want to be one of those dudes.

Just another day having 700 pounds lowered down onto your head. No biggy.

We can’t wait for the full marquee to be unveiled in all its sparkly awesomeness. We suspect there will be no question as to where The Linq is located. Read more about The Linq at the official site.

If you’re headed to Prescott for Fourth of July festivities, consider adding to your itinerary a visit to Textiles & Textures Artisans Studio.

Located at 217 North Cortez Street (the same street with all those cool antique shops), Textiles & Textures is steps away from the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. The shop which opened for business a few months ago, is run by sisters Debra Owen and Donna Stirnaman.

To put it mildly, this studio/shop is a showcase of unusual and unique art and crafts. To put it more accurately, Textiles & Textures is so colorful and crafty you’ll think the popular website, Etsy.com exploded from the Internet into a downtown Prescott storefront! Much of the media is textiles, paper, wood, stone and ceramics. I was really impressed by all the racks of upcycled children’s clothing. That’s what this gallery-studio-store-workshop is all about: upcycling, re-imagining just about anything. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “upcycling,” think of it this way: Converting a used but colorful, print dress into a dust cloth is recycling; converting it into several sets of children’s pajamas is upcycling.

When we visited the shop during a recent Prescott visit, studio employees were busily designing new exhibits. Owners and staff were preparing for an event called “Tie One On Art Challenge,” an open call for art — a competition for artists and crafters to create works from men’s ties. Although the entry deadline has past, the competition submissions will be judged and exhibited July 2-28. A reception will feature the works Friday June 28 during the downtown Prescott Fourth Friday Art Walk. Check for more events and numerous photos on Textiles & Textures’ Facebook page.

The studio also offers a variety of classes and workshops, such as drawing and creating art journals. An upcoming workshop, beginning July 20, is Rag Papermaking by Annie Alexander. Participants will learn how to handcraft forms of paper to be used either as an art medium, or for a more functional purpose such as writing paper, cards or envelopes. Alexander’s paper art and original artist books also are available at the studio to purchase… or simply admire. Textiles & Textures’ shelves also boast creations by Chino Valley artists Roger and Jan Harlow. Find turned bowls, vases, tables, platters and more — executed from exotic wood pieces from throughout the world. Another noteworthy display includes large, colorful sand cast leaves by artist Chris Ryback.

Jewelry, apparel, painting, metal sculptures, art quilts, ceramics and paper art  – they’re all here. If you thought some of these crafts were “lost arts,” then consider them “found” at Textiles & Textures Artisans Studio. 

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I don’t know that I’ve ever encountered a destination where there are so many wonders to see and explore as there are in Yellowstone National Park.

The mountainous landscapes are very captivating, the abundant wildlife is a sheer joy, and then sprinkled between all of that are unusual wonders like this Chocolate Pot.

Gurgling out water and steam at 130°F, “the Chocolate Pots are colorful and unusual formations located along the Gibbon River and the road between Elk Park and Gibbon Meadows.

They are unique for their rich, dark-brown, chocolate color. The three to four-feet-high cones have green, yellow, brown and orange streaks formed by warm, water loving bacteria and algae. Mineral oxides are responsible for the dark-brown color. Iron, aluminum, nickel and manganese oxides compose nearly 60% of the pots, with silica composing an additional 17%”. (via Yellowstone National Park website)

Interestingly, NASA scientists have studied these Chocolate Pots in their quest to understand life on Mars.  The reddish color in the Chocolate Pots are formed by iron carbonates, which is also what gives Mars its reddish color.

While this was a fascinating site to behold, the gurgling water and steam served as a constant reminder that we were presently standing in the mammoth caldera of one of the world’s largest super-volcanoes.

Yikes!

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Beer Pairing Dinner

Chef Jeremy to serve Beer Pairing Dinner fit for a king!

Hop to it and take dad for out for a Beer Pairing Dinner at Jeremy’s on the Hill, located down the road from our famous Gold Rush mountain town of Julian. Partnering with Julian Brewing Company and Baileys BBQ Pit, Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Jeremy will serve a mouthwatering farm-to-table dinner dad won’t soon forget!

Where: Jeremy’s on the Hill - 4354 Highway 78 , Wynola, CA 92070
When: June 14, 2013
Reservations: 760.765.1587
Cost: $37 person/$68 for two

San Diego’s Gaudi – Hubbell/Ilan-Lael Open House

Architectural wonders at the Hubbell Open House

In nearby Santa Ysabel, famed architect/artist James Hubbell – “San Diego’s Gaudi” - opens up his fantastical art compound to the general public on Father’s Day, June 16. This 30th annual Open House sells out, so buy tix soon! This year, Hubbell debuts a new gallery building as dazzling as his art!

Where: 930 Orchard Lane, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
When: June 16, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $30-$75. Kids 12 and under – Free.
> Find out more about the Hubbell/Ilan-Lael Open House

Feed-a-Cat…a Big Cat!

Feed-a-cat at Lions, Tigers & Bears!

Grrrrrreat! Does your dad love Animal Planet and Discovery Channel? In the rolling hills of Alpine, he can experience wildlife up close and Feed-a-Cat – as in a tiger, lion or leopard (his choice!) at Lions, Tigers & Bears, a big cat and exotic animal rescue sanctuary. I’ve done it once and Thrilling is an understatement! If you bring the kids, they must be 16 or older.

Where: Lions, Tigers & Bears
Cost: $75
Book by calling: 619-659-8078

Borrego Springs

Galleta Meadows’ Giant Sloth in Borrego Springs!

Borrego Springs, San Diego’s desert oasis, is piping hot right now but don’t let the triple digits deter you. Summer means NO crowds and hours of poolside respite. I suggest staying at the swanky new La Casa del Zorro Resort (casitas with spas!). On the edge of town, check out the wild Galleta Meadows sculpture garden (free viewing!), featuring a cuddly new Giant Sloth. Book an off-road adventure with California Overland to take dad and the whole family to Fonts Point, “California’s Grand Canyon” – a contender for Virtual Tourist’s 8th Wonder of the World!

Happy Father’s Day and I’ll see you in East County!

The post Fun East County Finds for Father’s Day Weekend appeared first on San Diego Travel Blog.

First, several contestants visited Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace for a chance to prepare their own lunch.

Note to self: Miss USA contestants are up for just about anything.

The contestants got a hands-on demonstration on the finer points of fish preparation from the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Jeremy Berlin.

This blog would not do this. We tend to be a big baby. You go, Miss Idaho.

Also on the agenda was a visit to Nobu restaurant, also at Caesars Palace, where a group of contestants were treated to some world-class teppanyaki.

There are definitely perks to being a Miss USA contestant. It’s Nobu!

At another jucture in the contestants’ whirlwind tour of The Strip, they dined at Margaritaville at Flamingo Las Vegas.

Aside from a tasty lunch (yes, beauty contestants eat), this stop included a meeting with Jon Gray, the “Mayor” of The Linq project. A highlight was when Gray gave each contestant in attendance a cupcake with their state on top.

Relocation to Florida, anyone?

The cupcakes were provided by Sprinkles Cupcakes, one of the upcoming tenants in The Linq.

The reigning Miss USA even shared her cupcakes. Why would anyone do that?

The ladies donned their hard hats and were taken on a walking tour of the Linq construction site.

Miss Nevada can even work a hard hat.

The contestants got to sign a wall inside one of the new establishments in The Linq.

Las Vegas immortality comes in many forms.

Of course, the highlight of any Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas is pool day at Flamingo Las Vegas. And this blog is being completely objective about that.

Pool day, you are awesome beyond words.

The contestants work a bit (taping segments for the live broadcast), but also get a chance to lounge and enjoy the Sin City sun.

This blog’s fainting spell may or may not have been caused by exposure.

Here’s a little video to augment the Miss USA poolside experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9khnxQ5YWSI

Gosh, we’ve probably shared too many photos from the pool already. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Please, you’re getting in the way of our waterfall photo!

If it’s one thing this blog has learned, it’s that nobody is all that interested in photos of women, in bikinis, poolside. Especially photos like the one below.

Today’s game: Spot the ginger!

Look, we don’t make up the news, we just report it.

Seriously, we need to move on here.

We may have taken a few more bikini photos, so you may want to check out our exclusive photo gallery.

Best of luck to all the contestants, and make sure to watch the Miss USA pageant on June 16, 2013 on NBC. Visit the official Miss USA site for prelimiaries and more.

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