In May we did something kinda crazy and took our kiddos out of school and headed on vacation. Somehow we managed to talk my sister and her family into joining us and let me tell ya, we had a BLAST! We did so many fun things in Orlando I just couldn’t wait to share them with all of you.

If you have any inkling of heading to Orlando, keep reading and I think you’ll be convinced. So many fun things to do and there really is something for everyone.

Fun Things to do in Orlando:

Disney World-

Let’s start with the obvious draw to Orlando…Disney World and Universal Studios. People are definitely flocking to Orlando to visit these fun theme parks, us included. None of us had been to Disney World but since we are Disneyland fans we had to give it a try.

Disney World has lots of the same rides and lands as Disneyland but they are separated into 4 different parks. And because they are separated by a large distance, your best bet is to choose one park a day. We decided we would only hit two of the parks because we wanted to experience more in Orlando than theme parks: Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. It was fun to experience some old classic Disney rides mixed with new ones. We had such fun riding rides and eating our way through both these parks. Here are some of our favorite treats at Disney World.

10 Best Disney World Snacks

Universal Studios-

Ok guys, Universal Studios was thee BEST! And it was hands down one of our favorite things we did in Orlando. My whole group absolutely loved it. We went to Islands of Adventure and left wanting more Universal. If you have teens and adults (like we did) Universal Studios is definitely a must go. I would leave yourself two days for Universal Studios so you can do both parks. There is so much to see and do at there.

Our group loved the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, hands down everyone’s favorite roller coaster ever! The other ride we all loved and is a must ride is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures. It is a really fun and different ride with unexpected twists. I won’t say more so you can be surprised!

Airboat Rides In Florida-

Have you ever been on an airboat? If not, now is the time. Seriously, such a fun experience and the perfect way to spend some time in Orlando.

My biggest recommendation for having fun in Orlando is to experience more than the theme parks. While they are so much fun, Florida has so many unique things happening. Make sure to leave time to experience some of everything.

We booked our tour through Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours. They were really knowledgable about the wildlife in Florida and worked really hard to find interesting things for us to see. Wild Willy’s is about 45 minutes outside of Orlando. I recommend booking an early tour so you have time to hit the beach after your tour. At that point you are already half way there. We headed to Cocoa Beach which was another 45 minutes from Wild Willy’s.

It wasn’t peak alligator season when we went so they were a little harder to find, but we manage to still spot one. The best time to see alligators is when the temperatures are low because they come to the top. When it’s hot out, they tend to dive deep. We were there in May so the alligators weren’t up top on the water. But we still saw this little guy…and by little I mean this 7 foot fella.

He was gracious enough to sit perfectly still while we chatted about him and took tons of pics. It was really a fun experience.

When our tour was over we were able to hold this baby alligator. I loved this shot with my cute niece, I think the alligator was even smiling.

Swimming with Manatees-

While we are talking about fun things to do in Orlando, this next activity is a must try! Swimming with Manatees.

Did you know that there is a large population of manatees in Crystal River, Florida? Well, there is and that means that you can swim with manatees year around. We went when the population of manatees was low because they move out of the area for the summer, but there was still plenty of manatees for us to swim with.

Our manatee swim was booked with Explorida and they are amazing. They made sure we found some great places to swim where the manatees were hanging out. It was such a different experience, the manatee are so large so when they come in close it takes your breath away but it’s AMAZING.

Crystal River is about an hour and a half west of Orlando, toward the gulf coast. We booked the first tour (yes, that meant getting up before the sunrise) but it was totally worth it. The earlier the better for clear water. And if you go early, you still have plenty of time for lunch and the beach…which is exactly what we did.

Once you are all suited up, Explorida takes you out on this boat and you head to the manatees. When manatees are spotted everyone jumps in the water and starts to snorkel near the manatee. They are very friendly, curious animals and often swam near us. It was so different and exciting.

Fun Places to Eat in Orlando-

I’m not sure if this is just me but I really love finding fun new places to eat while I’m on vacations. One of the best tips to finding great places to eat is asking the locals. That’s how we found this gem…The Crab Plant.

The Crab Plant-

This restaurant is located just around the corner from Explorida in Crystal River and it was the lovely people at Explorida that recommended this place and it was delicious.

First of all, let’s talk about the location. Does it get any more perfect? We chose to eat outside right on the water and it was literally perfection. And the food is absolutely amazing. When a group of 11 are all happy with their meals, I think that means we found a winner of a restaurant.

When you are in Florida I think it might be mandatory to eat some fried alligator? So we gave it a try and agreed, it tastes like chewy chicken. We also tried fried frog legs, which was a first for all of us.

We ordered a variety of food from seafood to Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and they were all delicious.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company-

Located at Universal Studio’s Citywalk, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has something for everyone. We went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. during our Universal Studio day. It was amazing to have a yummy and relaxing meal in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the theme park.

Not only was the food amazing at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company but the service was out of this world fantastic. Our server kept giving us Forrest Gump trivia questions…which we got correct almost every time.

I ordered shrimp (because is there anything else to order at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company) and it was simple divine. But if you aren’t a seafood lover no biggie, there are lots of other options.

My son ordered this drink and it came in this cool cup that lit up and we got to keep it. Such a fun take away.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen-

While you are visiting Universal’s Citywalk you may want to stop by the Chocolate Emporium for a sweet treat. They have anything you might be craving…plus some.

We thought these truffles were so beautiful. And guess what? They tasted as good as they look, maybe even better. We also tried several flavors of fudge but we ate that too fast to take a good picture.

Gator’s Dockside-

Another fun place to eat in Orlando is Gator’s Dockside. This came as a recommendation from our friends at Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours. Gator’s Dockside is a chain restaurant so you can find them in many locations. What I liked about this restaurant is the large menu with a wide variety of food options. Again, our group of 11 found something perfect. Definitely a good option for all ages and all group sizes.

Best Beaches Near Orlando-

We can’t talk about fun in Orlando without talking about beaches! Orlando is located in the middle of Florida which makes it perfect to hit both coasts which is what we did. Both coasts offer something totally different. On the Atlantic coast we visited Cocoa Beach. Cocoa beach offered bigger waves which the teens (and adults) loved. We all played in the water and had a blast. On the Gulf of Mexico coast we went to Clear Water Beach. Clear Water Beach is everything a beach should be…warm, soft white sand and amazing water. It was really a beautiful beach. The waves were smaller, but I thought it was perfection. If you are heading to Clear Water Beach allow plenty of driving time. There is only one way in and out and traffic gets quite backed up, but we thought it was totally worth it.

We had such a fun vacation and found lots of fun things to do in Orlando. We can’t wait to go back.

Have Fun on your visit to Orlando!

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Are you planning a trip to Disney World? If so, I’m here to introduce you to some yummy must try Disney snacks you need to taste.

We all know Disney World is full of some really amazing rides and attractions, but have you tried all of the fun Disney World treats? Well, it’s time to start eating your way through your Disney experience.

One of the things that have changed at Disney World is how to get treats. When you download your Disney App (which is a must), you’ll see a cell phone next to the dining areas that need to be pre-ordered. Don’t let this scare you from trying your favorites because it’s super simple. You can order your food from your App and they will let you know when you can come get your order. It’s really quite convenient.

Best Disney World Snacks:

Green and Blue Milk (Galaxy’s Edge)

Pre-Order

If you are going to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios you are probably going find yourself immersed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And as much fun as the Rise of the Resistance ride is, you may want to consider another stop while you are there. Located at the Batuu Milk Stand, you’ll find blue and green milk. While both are delicious and slushy, our group voted blue as our favorite.

Wookie Cookie (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)

If you need something a little more than a quick drink in Star Wars Land this Wookie Cookie is quite a treat. It’s a soft oatmeal cookie with a creamy frosting middle. And the best part is that this cookie is large enough to share with the whole family.

Cake Pops (Trolley Car Cafe)

While you are taking a stroll in Disney World’s Hollywood Studio don’t forget to check out Trolley Car Cafe. This charming little cafe offers lots of Starbuck options to drink and some very tasty bakery treats. This time around we found these little tasty morsels and we were not disappointed. Chocolate cake pops that were on point! If you need just a little something, I highly recommend giving these cake pops a try.

Lemon Pound Cake (Trolley Car Cafe)

Every time we go to Disney, we make sure to snag some of this lemon pound cake. It’s FANTASTIC!! It’s a moist, dense cake with a lovely lemon flavor. And that frosting is perfection. We were so excited when we found this at Disney World because it’s a favorite at Disneyland. Give this a try, you’ll thank me.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcake (Trolley Car Cafe)

Okay, I admit I only bought this little fella because it was too cute to pass up, but man it was amazing! It’s a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting finished with peanut butter crunch and Mickey ears. Could there be anything better?

Seriously, head to Trolley Car Cafe and see what’s waiting on your next visit.

Dole Whips At Disney World

Kakamora Float (Aloha Isle)

Pre-Order

I’m sure it’s no surprise that the tasty treats from Aloha Isle made my list of the best of Disney World snacks. You really can’t go wrong with any of the selections but I’ll highlight our favorites. This Kakamora Float is so yummy! Coconut soft serve on top of pineapple juice blue Curacoa syrup and finished off with a chocolate cake pop. So unbelievably good! And look how pretty it is!

Raspberry and Pineapple Dole Whip Swirl (Aloha Isle)

Pre-Order

This Dole Whip swirl is such a refreshing treat on a hot day at Disney World. You can order raspberry, pineapple, coconut, and vanilla Dole Whips at Aloha Isle. All these can be swirled with pineapple Dole Whips as well. We loved the coconut and the raspberry swirls.

LeFou’s Brew (Gaston’s Tavern)

If you are visiting Magic Kingdom you need to make a stop at Gaston’s Tavern. Of course it’s adorable, but the snacks are some of our favorites! LeFou’s Brew is a big sip of tasty and perfect on a hot summer day. It’s frozen apple juice with a hint of marshmallow and topped with a passion-fruit mango foam. It’s really quite amazing, and such a delightful surprise.

The Grey Stuff Cupcake (Gaston’s Tavern)

Try the grey stuff…it’s delicious! They aren’t lying, it really is delicious. What I love most about this cupcake is that it’s not overly sweet. With that much frosting I wondered if it would be too much, but it’s really perfectly sweet. And can we talk about how cute this cupcake is? Seriously, just too much fun!

Warm Cinnamon Roll (Gaston’s Tavern)

I think you can see just how large this bad boy is by the picture…it’s really big making it perfect to share. If you love cinnamon rolls, this one is perfection. It’s not doughy at all which is a big plus in my book. And because they are served warm, it just melts in your mouth!

Have FUN selecting your Disney World snacks.

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My husband and I have always dreamed of going to England, so we planned a trip there this summer and planned to spend about 9 days exploring. But then we realized that Paris was just a short train ride (under the channel) away and decided we had to take the opportunity to see Paris too.

Once our kids caught wind of our plans to spend a night or two in Paris, they got super excited (especially our 16-year-old who is in French class at school) and insisted that we spend as much time as possible in Paris, so we upped our number of days there. We ended up spending 3 nights and about 3.5 days in Paris with kids ages 16, 14, 11, and 8 and now I’ve got some tips to share with you of fun things to do in Paris with kids (and a few things not to do).

Fun Things to Do in Paris with Kids:

I have to admit, hearing my boys talk about the things they saw and experienced this summer, the Louvre and Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower being bigger than the expected, eating lunch on Champs Elysees, makes my heart so happy. These are things I’d never done until this summer and it’s wonderful to share it with my kids.

That being said, Paris was hard with kids! For some reason, it felt much harder for us than London. I’m not sure whether it was because France was having a MAJOR heat wave while we were there and we were literally melting (and really came to appreciate the US and air conditioning) or because it was the tail end of our trip and we were a little drained or maybe because the language is different than our own. Whatever it was, it was hard, but there were also amazing things!

Tips and Tricks for Traveling in Paris with Kids:

• Maybe don’t go in the summer…did I mention the heat? I don’t know how normal this was for Paris, but it was 100 degrees and humid the last day we were there and we thought we were going to melt. It was so hot! And the place we stayed had no air conditioning so our nights were very hot too. Maybe you’re planning to go in the summer, and that will be fine, but if you have some flexibility, July might not be your best bet.
• Be prepared with lots of water-there are no public drinking fountains. You can buy water bottles from street vendors but we chose to load a backpack with water and tote it around with us.
• There are also not public bathrooms very frequently, so plan accordingly. If you go into a restaurant, make sure to hit the bathroom while you are there. There are some free public toilets in a few locations, but we had a hard time finding them.
• Plan ahead. I waited to book our Paris lodgings until a couple of months ahead and had a hard time finding anything. This might have been because of the Tour de France which was finishing in Paris later that week, I’m not sure, but it was a little tricky finding somewhere good to stay. Some of the arrondissements are considered cleaner and safer than others and of course location matters for getting around during the day. If you want to know more about the various arrondissements, check out a post like this one. The zip code for the place you stay will tell you what arrondissement it is in the last 2 digits. We stayed in the 3rd and it was fairly close to things like the Louvre and Notre Dame but a ways from the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees.
• I’m embarrassed to say that we ate at McDonald’s 3 times in Paris. Food was hard because when the kids were hungry we didn’t want to have to wait a long time to eat (and the French seem to like to take things slowly) so it was just easy to grab McDonald’s. And you can order on a computer in your own language which was too nice to pass up. I heard after we left that the ice cream there is amazing and we should have tried it.
• Someone told us to make sure to greet everyone with “Bonjour Monsieur” (or Mademoiselle) before ordering or talking to them. This is considered polite and you are likely to be treated more politely if you follow this custom. We did this and found that nearly everyone was quite friendly there (contrary to what we’d been told to expect).
• Let’s talk pastries and desserts. I had high expectations for this in Paris. I tried a number of things and some were better than others. The macarons I had there were not great! That was a big disappointment. The chocolate croissants, however, (or pain au chocolat) were AMAZING and so were the eclairs. We had some Nutella filled beignets that my boys loved and a nice little chocolate mousse cake. So all in all, we had some great treats but we had to work harder to find them than I expected. I thought we’d see them on every corner but we didn’t. They were worth the hunt though.

Paris Trip Highlights:

Bus Tour of Paris: In Paris, we did the same thing that we did in London…we booked a bus tour that took us all over the city and it was the perfect way to see the things we wanted to see without walking all over. We hopped on the bus near Notre Dame (which we got to see the outside of but couldn’t go in because of the fire) and then saw all of the major attractions from there…Champs Elysees, the Arche de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine river, and all of the smaller sites along the way. We loved it. You get to wear little earbuds (which they give you) as you go and listen to commentary all about the sites you are seeing. The one thing to know is that it’s slow-moving and takes a few hours to do just the main route, so plan accordingly. You should probably expect about a half-day just to do the main bus route. We did the smaller route the next day and it took a few hours too.

River Cruise: Along with our bus tour tickets came river cruise tickets and this was a huge highlight. It’s another nice chance to just sit and see the sites and the Seine river is SO pretty! We couldn’t believe how pretty the architecture was in France and this gave us a great view of it. The river cruise takes you past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame cathedral, and many more sites that are super worth seeing. It also takes you under many bridges along the Seine which are really fun to see.

Eat Crepes! This is probably obvious, but eating crepes was definitely a high point for us in Paris. The very first morning that we were there we stopped at a little cafe for breakfast and got our first taste of Parisian crepes! Mine were great! Chocolate and coconut-you can’t go wrong! The next day we got street crepes with Nutella because you HAVE to do that in Paris, right? And I’m going to tell you right now that I don’t usually love Nutella but in these crepes it was AMAZING! We all definitely recommend getting the street crepes especially.

Sacre Coeur: Up on the Northside of Paris is a huge cathedral on a hill called Sacre Coeur. We’d heard that it was neat to see but I hadn’t anticipated how much I would enjoy it! With kids, you will want to be careful about this one because you do have to go up 287 stairs (but who’s counting?) to get to the cathedral, so make sure your kids are old enough to do this, but once you get there you get an AMAZING view of Paris. I had no idea how huge the city was until I saw it from up there. It was neat to see! You can buy ice cream and drinks near the cathedral, so we sat in the shade and ate a treat and then you can walk through the actual cathedral (free of charge). I loved seeing how gorgeous it was inside! This was a nice free activity.

Eiffel Tower: Seeing the Eiffel tower was a given since it’s iconic and can be seen from just about anywhere. We walked all around there (be careful though, we’d been told this was pickpocketing central so we were very careful) and took pictures in front of it and then ate lunch nearby. We chose not to go up in the tower because I am afraid of heights and we could get a free view of the city from Sacre Coeur (see above) but just seeing it was neat. (And easy and free.)

But the best thing related to the Eiffel Tower for us was one night when we put the kids to bed (obviously you can only do this if your kids are older, otherwise maybe do it with the kids) and we headed down to the Seine (on scooters-see below) and watched the Eiffel Tower light up and the sunset. Now, we were there in July and at 10:00 pm the sun was still not down! But the lights came on and for the first five minutes of every hour the tower sparkles. It was magical to watch this and really showed us just how gorgeous Paris could be when looking down the Seine and seeing the tower. This picture doesn’t do it justice but it gives you a taste.

Rent Scooters: I think this might be the number one highlight for my kids…we found electric scooters on the street to rent and took them for a ride! A big motivation for this was that we were hot and tired and had a long way to walk to get to our apartment and this seemed like a nice way to get there. My boys had a blast doing this! I will say, it was hard for the 8-year-old (we had him riding with dad) and they ended up having to stop and walk after a while, so this is maybe better for older kids. We started out right by the river which was fun…but bumpy because it’s all cobblestone down there. Once we moved up to the sidewalk it was much smoother. It was definitely crowded on the street and we had to do a lot of weaving in and out of people, but it was a lot of fun and made my boys very happy.

If you want to do this you simply download an app to your phone and it charges you by the minute. It added up to close to $50 for our ride, but that was for 5 scooters and it was totally worth it.

Thoughts on the Louvre: We visited the Louvre because it seemed like something you had to do while in Paris. I was a little bit worried about whether we would like it or not. We had to wait in line for about 30 minutes to get in and it was very hot. Once we were in…it was still very hot. There’s not really air conditioning in there and it was warm. My husband loved visiting the Louvre, the rest of us…not so much. While I can’t say that I’d really recommend this for families unless you are really into art (and naked statues), we can at least say we’ve seen the Mona Lisa and a few famous sculptures. Definitely not a high point for most of us though.

Have FUN visiting Paris with kids!

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My husband and I both LOVE Hawaii. We’ve traveled there many times, and I even went to BYU Hawaii for a semester, which is where I fell in love with the island. So when we had the chance to take our kiddos, we jumped at the opportunity. We had such a fun time exploring the island and we found so many fun things to do on Oahu with kids, I’m excited to tell you all about it.

Hawaii With Kids:

As you know traveling with kiddos can get tricky, so planning ahead helps to make vacations roll along a little more smoothly. My advice with any family vacation…don’t over schedule it. Kids get tired and hungry quickly, and when those two things happen the mood can turns south quickly. Keeping those things in mind, plan what you have the time for. We stayed on Oahu for a week, leaving us plenty of time to see all of the things we wanted to. If you have a shorter vacation, just choose what sounds like the most fun to your tribe.

Things to do on North Shore Oahu:

There are so many fun and amazing things happening on the North side of Oahu, known as North Shore. It’s about 30 miles from the Waikiki area, but depending on traffic it will take you an hour or so to get there. It’s a beautiful drive, whether you go through the center of Oahu or stick to the coast, the views are superb.

I would recommend giving a few days to the North Shore…you’ll be glad you did.

Polynesian Cultural Center:

I’m starting with the Polynesian Cultural Center because it is AMAZING! If you choose one thing to do with your kiddos…this is it! You’ll take a trip around the Pacific Ocean, getting a feel for each of the islands.

The cultural center has so many fun things to do, so make sure to get there when the park opens. You will be able to visit the islands of the Pacific and learn all about the cultures and customs. There are so many great activities to keep your family busy, and an amazing luau to top things off.

If you get your tickets ahead of time on the website, they offer them at a discount. So I would recommend thinking ahead on this one. It’s totally worth the price…such a fun way to learn about the islands.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Our kids loved getting “tattoos” at one of the islands. Even the adults got in on the action. All of the activities are included in the price of admission. The only extra charge is the luau.

My youngest spent a lot of time trying his hand at fishing. They were using dough, and many of the people were successful. Sadly, we didn’t catch any fish…but it was fun to try.

All the kids tried spear throwing. It was fun to see them learning a new skill. I would definitely recommend trying all of the activities while you are there.

Next up…

Dole Plantation:

This is a fantastic way to spend a little time on the North Shore. The Dole Plantation gives your family the opportunity to learn about some of the fruits grown on the Hawaiian Islands. The Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. What you do really comes down to the amount of time you have.

We only had a bit of time, so we spent it on the train ride. I would definitely recommend it. The train gives you a chance to sit and enjoy an audio tour of the plantation.

Our family loved listening to all of the information while taking in the sites of the beautiful plantation. It was a perfect way to enjoy all of the scenery.

Of course, one of thee best things about visiting the Dole Plantation is enjoying a delicious Dole Whip. I got mine with fresh pineapple…and it was AMAZING!!

Did anyone mention shave ice? If not, you should. And the best shave ice on the island is found on North Shore. Again, there are so many things to do on Oahu with kids…it’s hard to fit it all in!! But make time for Matsumoto’s because it’s amazing.

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice:

Matsumoto’s is found in the charming surf town of Haleiwa. We love, love, love this town. And we absolutely love Matsumoto’s! If you are heading into Haleiwa I would recommend going up there early. North Shore gets crowded, so aim to be there before 10:30am.

Once you get your shave ice, get started eating. With the humidity in Hawaii, the shave ice starts to melt super fast. But man, what a problem to have!

While you are in Haleiwa, do some shopping at the quaint little shops there. It’s a fun town to explore.

You may be wondering if we hit any beaches on the North Shore? Well, of course we did!! North Shore has some of the best snorkeling..so grab your snorkel gear anytime you head North.

And speaking of snorkel gear, if you don’t bring your own, plan to stop by Snorkel Bob’s. They have tons of locations on Oahu and you can get your snorkel equipment at any of them, and return it at any of them. You can even take it to another island and return it there. They helped get our kids all squared away and it was really fast.

So where to snorkel? Here’s where we loved.

Shark’s Cove:

Shark’s Cove is awesome for snorkeling because it’s so rocky. The fish love to live and swim around the rocks, so this cove is loaded with sea life. The only problem is the rocks! Seriously, great snorkeling, but if you have little ones they won’t have much area to play. It takes some effort to get out in the water because of the rocks, but once you are there it’s awesome.

If you want a sandy beach that’s great for snorkeling I would recommend you head to Laniakea Beach. This beach is the best beach for spotting sea turtles. They even come up on the beach and enjoy some sunbathing most days. The parking for this beach is super limited, so again I would head early and plan to stay for a bit. The turtles don’t come up on shore until it warms up, so be patient.

The takeaway from your visit to North Shore Oahu…definitely plan a couple days, go early, and plan to have a great time!

Things to do in Oahu with Kids:

Let’s look at all of the other fun things to do in Oahu with kids.

Hanauma Bay State Park:

Hanauma Bay State Park is fabulous for snorkeling. Again, your best bet is to arrive early. This state park fills to capacity and then you will not be allowed into the bay. The tickets and entrance is up above the park and then you will either walk or ride a shuttle down to the bay. If you are all healthy with nothing stopping you from walking, the walk is not bad. Our group walked. If you need the shuttle, it can be reserved ahead of time.

Hanauma Bay has a lot of coral, making it a great place to snorkel. Also, the fact that it’s a bay makes the water very calm and easy to maneuver. It’s great for kids to try their hand at snorkeling.

Pearl Harbor:

Don’t miss the opportunity with your children to take them to the historic Pearl Harbor. This is such a special place to visit. You will have the opportunity to watch a film loaded with information about the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the film, you will load onto a boat where you will be taken out to the monument. It’s such a special and reverent place.

Again, I would recommend you arrive early to get your free timed ticket. The tickets will tell you the time of your tour and the earlier you get there the less time you will have to wait for your tour.

Parasailing:

Have you ever tried parasailing? If not, Hawaii is the place to do it. It’s such fun, and you can go up in pairs which is perfect for your kiddos. We found an awesome deal for parasailing on Groupon before we left for Hawaii. So I would take a look there before you go and see if they have a deal for you.

Parasailing was a huge hit for our kiddos and one of their most favorite activities we did in Hawaii.

Iolani Palace:

We actually stumbled upon this little treasure when we were looking for the Hawaii Five-O building which is featured on most episodes. If your kids watch Hawaii Five-O, they will want to see the King Kamehameha statue and building. But across the street is the Iolani Palace which is so lovely. Only a few from our group wanted to spend the time and money on a tour of this palace so we split up.

There are a couple of tour options, we did the self-led audio tour. It’s a 60 minute tour as you are able to walk around this beautifully restored palace. It’s a great chance to learn about Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. Such an interesting piece of history, and a great chance to learn about Hawaii’s history. If your kids love this type of thing, I would highly recommend it.

Is it time to chat about the food? Because we had some tasty food that was family friendly!

Places to Eat in Oahu:

Zippy’s Restaurant:

If you want some really yummy Hawaiian food Zippy’s is the place! Their menu is huge, so there’s something for everyone. Their mac salad is seriously so stinking good! We had some locals suggest Zippy’s and once we tried it, we were sold. We ate here several times during our visit. The prices were great, the food was delicious, and the casual dining atmosphere makes dining with children a breeze.

Raising Cane’s:

We discovered this yummy chicken joint on our trip to Phoenix, so we were thrilled when we found it on Oahu! My family loves Raising Cane’s, and it’s fast food so it’s easy to take the kiddos.

Leonard’s Bakery:

When my friend went to Hawaii, she was told to give Leonard’s Bakery a try…and she loved it. So of course, I needed to give it a try too. And let me tell ya, it is yummy!! I’m not gonna lie, we went several times. It was within walking distance from our hotel, so we walked over there anytime we had a sweet tooth.

Now remember when I started talking about our vacation I mentioned down time? Well, we had plenty of down time on our vacation. We spent lots of time on Waikiki Beach, which is great for the children. It’s a shallow beach making the waves totally doable for kids.

Our teens brought their spike ball set, and spent a lot of their time playing it on the beach.

Usually our mornings were packed so we could beat the rush, and our afternoons were pretty chill. But with so many fun things to do in Oahu with kids, you’ll have to pick and choose what you love the most!

If you want even more fun things to do in Hawaii check out more awesome ideas…

Fun Things to do in Oahu

Have a FUN Hawaiian Vacation!!

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Ask me the question “if you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” and it’s always been London. I don’t quite know what it is about that place-maybe it’s the literature that comes from that country (Jane Austen!), maybe it’s that nearly all of my ancestors came from there, maybe it’s that it’s an easy first attempt at international travel for me, I’m not totally sure, but I’ve always wanted to go.

Luckily for me, my husband’s opinion was the same as mine. He dreamed of visiting London too.

A few years ago, our kids started mentioning how much they’d like to go to London (I think it was around when London hosted the Olympics that they got interested), so, with time ticking before our kids start to leave home, we decided it was time to plan a big trip…to London!

We’ve pounded the pavement of London with kids aging 16, 14, 11 and 8, so I’m ready to give you some tips about things to do in London with kids so that if you’re planning a similar trip you can make the most of it!

The thing is, I’ve now been to London and back and I think if I was asked that question again, my answer still may be the same! I feel like I just got a taste of London and the United Kingdom and rather than satiating my appetite for travel in that country, it only made it stronger. I’d like to go back and spend more time in London and then explore the countryside and the rest of UK! I fell in love!

But for now, here’s the lowdown on our trip and fun things to do with kids in London (and beyond) so that you can plan a great trip for yourself.

Things to Do in London with Kids:

I’ll tell you about the things we did in London with our kids and give you a little information about how each of them received it so you can hopefully determine if it would be a fun activity to do with your kids.

Tips for London with Kids: 

A couple of quick tips before we get started-things we learned that might help you out.

• Plan in some downtime if you can! We had our schedule packed pretty full and it got hard! The kids were drained, we were drained, it would have been nice to have a little bit more time and to slow it down a tiny bit.
• Pack melatonin. This worked like a dream to combat jetlag. We also timed our flight to get in later in the day (it was a red-eye) so we took a few hours to do a couple of things, then went to sleep and had the kids take some melatonin gummies and 3/4 slept for over 12 hours. This helped a lot!
• There are no free public bathrooms in London (or anywhere in Europe), so be prepared to pay or go while you are at a restaurant. Same goes for water-it’s hard to find so plan ahead.
• Don’t expect to eat great food-eat what you can get quickly and easily (which for us was a lot of pizza) because the kids just needed to eat when they needed to eat. That being said, there are a lot of shops (ie. Pret a Mange) on corners where you can grab things like sandwiches, chips, and fruit easily. Also, pack snacks.
• The underground was very helpful to get around and not too hard to use.
• This isn’t necessarily a tip, but we couldn’t believe how friendly the people in London were and we LOVED it!

London Trip Highlights: 

Double Decker Bus Tour: The first thing we did in London was a bus tour of the city. We hopped on a big red double-decker bus a few blocks from where we stayed, popped in some free (provided for you) earbuds with an ongoing tour guide giving all kinds of interesting information about the city, and enjoyed the views from the open top of that bus on a 75-degree day. It was wonderful!

My 14-year-old, in particular, loved this, but we all really enjoyed it. It was a great way to see all the major sites in the city without having to walk. It was easy to get on and off (there are stops all over) and we saw everything! I mean everything-St. Paul’s, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and so much more.

I will warn that the traffic is heavy in London so it’s a little bit slow going. It ended up taking us the better part of the day just to do the main route and we’d hoped to do all of the routes they offer but didn’t get a chance! Plan on each route taking you several hours. Because of this, my 8-year-old got a bit restless around lunchtime, but he perked up once he was fed.

There are a number of companies that you can book through. We used The Original Tour in London and loved it but we also saw a lot of buses from the Big Bus Tour and we used this company in France and it was great too, so either should be fine. 5.5/6 of us recommend this!

Thames River Cruise: This is technically part of the bus tour, but it feels like a separate event and it’s one I HIGHLY recommend. Included with our bus tour were tickets to float on the Thames river and see the sites from there. The line was a bit long to get on the boat but it moved fast and we really enjoyed this! It’s neat to see London from that perspective. My kids had a blast on this! The tour guide was fabulous and the ride itself was only about 30 minutes, so no one got bored and with it being on the river, no one got hot. 6/6 of us recommend this.

The London Eye: We hadn’t planned to ride the London Eye (the big Ferris Wheel on the Thames) because we’d heard it was pricey and had long lines and might not be worth it. But as we took the river cruise and saw the Ferris Wheel, each of my kids expressed interest in riding it and we figured, why not?

Except…I am super afraid of heights so I chose not to do this!

The line was long but less than an hour and it was pricey (I think it’s about $30 a person) so only do it if you really think it sounds fun, but my boys loved it! You get great views of London and the ride itself takes about 30 minutes, so you get time to see it all. (I rode another bus tour route while they did this because I didn’t want to do it.) 5/5 who rode this recommend it.

Harry Potter Studios Tour: If you’re Harry Potter lovers (who isn’t?!), you might be considering a visit to the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour to see where the movies were filmed. My family was really excited about this day. We took a bus from, wait for it…King’s Cross Station to the studios. How cool is that?!

The trip involves wandering through the Great Hall, seeing sets like the Gryffindor Common Room, props like clothes and wands that characters wore and even seeing masks and wigs and how they did the makeup and effects. And Hogwarts! It’s tiny but it’s what they used for all the scenes of the outside of the castle. It was all pretty neat to see.

That being said, this wasn’t a major highlight for everyone in our family. My husband loved it and would have spent 8 hours there easily. My 8-year-old, who hasn’t even read any of the books or seen any of the movies yet says it was his favorite part of the trip. The rest of us were a little bit lukewarm about it. The tour bus drops you off about an hour before your tour so you have a lot of time to kill before going in, and then doesn’t pick you up again for like 6-7 hours, so it’s a long day. Which is good if you want to see everything! It was a little bit exhausting for us. The price was as much as a day at Disneyland, so it’s a steep price.

This is a fun day if you are HUGE Harry Potter lovers and think it sounds amazing! 3/6 rating from us.

Day in the Countryside: This was the day that I was most excited about from the beginning…and it did not disappoint! We paid for a tour that would take us to 4 areas outside of London and take the full day. It was pricey and we took a chance hoping the kids would like it and it would be worth it. And it was! Even the kids loved it.

We started out about 7:45 am at a bus station in London and hopped on a double-decker bus that headed out for 4 stops. It was a rainy, drizzly day which sort of added to the magic and felt very appropriate for a day in the English Countryside.

First stop, Windsor Castle. First of all, let me say that we had an AMAZING tour guide who talked to us while the bus drove past interesting things, while we waited in line at the places, and just overall gave us so much information and was wonderful. So while we waited to get into Windsor we learned a lot about British royal history. Then we had about 1 hour in Windsor to see a few things. This was VERY fast-paced. You could spend a half-day here easily, so we were moving fast, but honestly, with kids (and my short attention span), that was just fine! The views from Windsor were incredible, the rooms were intricate and amazing to see and we got to end with the changing of the guard which was also fun!

Next, it was on to Bath. First of all, the drive was unbelievable and the highlight of the day for me. It was gorgeous with rolling green hills and breathtaking views. (The rest of my family slept while I was glued to the window and the views.) Again, lots of commentary from the tour guide while we approached Bath which was very interesting. I was unprepared for just how much I would love Bath! It was a beautiful city and as a Jane Austen lover (hello Persuasion), I was enthralled.

We grabbed a quick ice cream cone (yum!), saw Bath Abbey, then high tailed it to the Royal Crescent building because when in Bath, you’ve got to see that don’t you?!

We also had time to grab Brioche buns (something Bath is famous for) and see the river quickly and then it was back on the bus (this was all again in just about an hour).

Next up was the part of the trip I was the very most excited for. I dreamed of visiting the Cotswolds and honestly would have loved to stay overnight there, but I didn’t think my boys would be as interested as I was, so this was a nice compromise. We hit Lacock for a pub lunch and then a wander through this quaint English village. This village is used in movies (Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter for example) because it’s such a traditional English village. I couldn’t wait to see it!

First off, we had the pub lunch (fish and chips, cottage pie) and it was as gross as expected. I knew my kids weren’t likely to love the food…and they didn’t! My husband did and my 8-year-old did, which was expected, but the others didn’t. No worries though because it was a fun chance to try British food at a fun pub that’s been there for hundreds of years!

Then we got to walk around the little village for a few minutes (it was small enough that that’s all it took). It was just what you’d expect from a small English village and I loved it! (Saw some Harry Potter houses too!)

Last we headed to Stonehenge. I wasn’t sure this part would be that exciting, but it was rather fascinating. We were lucky enough to get a headset that told us about Stonehenge while we walked around and it was interesting and neat to see. My boys loved it! My husband, again, would have stayed forever (do you see a theme here-not enough time for him anywhere we went).

Honestly, what a fun day. A long day to be sure (about 13 hours total), but very memorable. 6/6 on this one!

Tower of London: The last thing we did in London was a visit to the Tower of London. Mostly we did this because people had said we should. It was more historical than a lot of the things we did and it was a good experience for us. We were tired that morning and our moods were struggling, but overall, I’m glad we did this. We got to see the crown jewels, we saw how they used to torture people, we got to take part in a reenactment of what it was like to be in the tower as a prisoner, we saw all kinds of armor and weapons, overall a very interesting experience. If we had had more time and better moods I think we would have enjoyed this even more. Overall I’d say it was about a 4/6 for us.

Other tidbits:

• Our flat was about .2 miles from Buckingham Palace and it was really fun to walk around there and see it. We didn’t tour it, just went and saw the outside, but it was neat! You can also see the changing of the guard but be warned-it’s PACKED for that! We tried and couldn’t see much.
• We’d hoped to bike in Hyde park but ran out of time. If you have time for this, you can rent bikes there and go for a ride, which would be really fun!
• The LEGO Store was a major highlight for my 14-year-old. Of course, we could visit plenty of those in America, but he thought it was fun to see a London one, plus it’s in Leicester Square which was fun to see and worth the trip!
• My son and I ran by Crumbs and Doilies, a little bakery near Picadilly Circus because we follow Jemma, the owner, on YouTube and it was yummy!
• The Eurostar train (under the channel to France) is super great if you are wanting to hit Paris too. Very convenient, very cool, very peaceful and a great chance to see both the French and British Countryside.

Hopefully, all of these tips for visiting London with kids are helpful to you!

Have a FUN trip to London!

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Are you looking for a fun vacation with your kiddos? That’s where we found ourselves this year as spring break started to creep up. I knew I wanted to take my family somewhere, but wasn’t quite sure where? I can tell you we ended up making the best choice for our family…the Phoenix area was so fun and my family had a blast.

If you are looking for a fun and simple vacation, put Phoenix on your list! Seriously, my family found so many fun things to do in Phoenix with kids we couldn’t fit everything into our week.

Things to do in Phoenix with Kids:

We went to Phoenix without much of a plan, we knew we wanted some warmer weather (we went in the beginning of April and the temps hovered in the 80’s), plenty of chill time, and some new adventures for our family. With this in mind we set out to make it happen. We started off by renting a house with a pool in the backyard. We found lots of options with private pools, so it’s pretty simple to find the perfect place for your specific needs. And let me just tell you, having a private pool is AMAZING!! So fun! I would highly recommend it if you have kiddos who love to swim…or if you love to sit by the pool sippin’ on a Diet Coke (or your personal favorite). The pool was such a fun addition to this vacation.

So, as we planned our days we tried to keep things simple and find a good balance of being busy and having our down time. I think we nailed it. This vacation was really so nice and truly felt like a vacation, which isn’t always easy on a family vacation.

Here’s some of our favorite things to do in Phoenix with kids!

Odysea Aquarium:

Let’s start with one of our favorites! The Odysea Aquarium was soooo much fun! To be honest, usually aquariums aren’t my favorite but my family all voted on what they wanted to do and this was one of the activities that won. I’m so happy it did, because the Odysea Aquarium is amazing.

They had so many fun exhibits and shows, there was always something happening. They had huge tanks with larger fish, sharks, and sting rays (among many others). Even riding the escalator to the lower level was an adventure as we passed through one of the large fish tanks. And I don’t think I’ve ever recommended that our readers use the bathrooms, but in this case I’m making an exception. Use the main bathrooms…I promise you will love them!!

Let’s talk about some specifics.

• You will want to plan 2-4 hours for this event. It really depends on how long you think your kiddos will want to look at each exhibit.
• They have a cafe in the aquarium to get some snacks and drink. The Odysea Aquarium is located in the middle of several fun restaurants so you can plan to grab lunch or dinner before or after the aquarium.
• If you order tickets online 24 hours in advance you can get discounted tickets. It saved us a solid amount, plus we got $5 per ticket to use at the cafe or gift shop.

We had 10 people in our group with kids ranging in age from 11 to 17 and the aquarium was a hit with all of them. Definitely one of the amazing things to do in Phoenix with kids.

Phoenix Zoo:

We spent an afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo. If you plan to visit this zoo I would recommend going early. We arrived mid-moring and the temps were around 80 and the animals were already too hot and spent their time sleeping in the shade…can we blame them!? So hit this one early to get your best shot at seeing the animals.

This zoo seemed fairly typical as far as zoo’s go, pretty much what you would expect. They did offer a fun 4D ride that was fun, but was an additional cost.

Let’s talk specifics:

• Bring water. They have food at the zoo, but you can also bring in your own.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Go early if it’s going to be warm the day you’re going.
• Wear good walking shoes…it’s a lot of walking with hills.

Overall, this was a one time thing for us. We weren’t blown away by the animals or the zoo, but if you love seeing animals it’s worth the visit.

Bowling in Phoenix:

A friend of ours told us about Bowlero and I’m really glad he did. If you like bowling, this is a definite must go. It’s a fun bowling experience for sure. They have huge TV screens lining the back wall, so they always have something to watch in between frames. They also have a yummy menu so I would recommend going a little hungry.

Looking for more fun things to do in Phoenix with kids? Good, because I’m just getting warmed up!!

Grand Canyon:

If you are interested in visiting the Grand Canyon, you will want to plan a full day. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Phoenix to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you haven’t been to the Grand Canyon and you have the time it’s worth the trip.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Where good shoes, there’s a lot of walking and some great hikes.
• Bring a jacket, it’s definitely cooler at the Grand Canyon than Phoenix. If you are traveling in the middle of summer you may be okay, but check the weather to make sure.
• Plan plenty of time to check out the visitor center. They have maps and tons of information about Grand Canyon, including a couple of videos.
• If you have the National Parks Pass don’t forget to bring it. You will gain free entry to the park with that pass.

Segway Tours:

They had several Segway tours available in the Phoenix area. One of the tours that looked interesting to us included a tour through Old Scottsdale. Old Scottsdale is a really fun place to go and look around, and riding through on a Segway is just fun! This activity is only for ages 12 and up, so if you have younger kiddos this isn’t your activity.

Tombstone:

Have you ever heard of the town of Tombstone? You may be thinking of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday and you’d be right! Tombstone gives you the chance to walk the very same streets as Wyatt Earp and his brothers. You get to step back in time and visit the old west, complete with gun fights, stage coaches, and a visit to the local saloon. It’s about a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix, so if you can spare the day and you think your kiddos will love it, I’d say go for it! Such a fun and unique experience!

Sporting Events:

We hit a Phoenix Suns game while we were in town, and as it turns out they were playing our home team…the Utah Jazz. It was so fun to watch these two teams play, and a fun way to spend an evening.

In addition to professional basketball, they have spring training that happens every year for baseball. All of the professional baseball teams come to Phoenix for training and you can get tickets to watch. Phoenix is definitely busier during spring training, but if you’re there during the training be sure to get your tickets.

Best Restaurants in Phoenix:

Can we take some time to talk about the food we had in Phoenix…because it was AMAZING!! Seriously, every place we tried was so yummy. Phoenix knows how to eat! And what was even better was the service. Everyone was so friendly and helpful it made our dining experiences simply the best! I’m convinced you can hit almost anywhere in Phoenix and be fed a yummy meal, but I will help narrow your options by telling you where we loved.

Zinburger:

If you are in the mood for an amazing hamburger, this is the place for you! Let’s start with location…we went to the Zinburger located in Scottsdale Quarter and it was fantastic. The location could not have been more beautiful, such a fun and trendy atmosphere.

There was a bit of a wait when we got there, but it was not biggie with the kiddos because there was so many shops to explore while we waited. One of the shops was a candy store full of fun and unique candies…so darling!

Once we were seated the real work began…what to order!!?? It all looked so tempting, we couldn’t decide and ended up ordering almost everything from the menu to share. Our kiddos absolutely loved it. And here’s where this restaurant shined…my son’s hamburger took a lot longer than everyone else’s food so they brought him out a shake of his choice while he waited! Now that’s service. And after they brought him the shake they even took the burger off our ticket. I’m telling you, they know good customer service!

This is a little glimpse into the Scottsdale Quarter…such a fun atmosphere.

They have a Zinburger in Phoenix and Gilbert as well.

Old Town Tortilla Factory:

We wanted to go to Old Scottsdale because we heard it was a fun place to visit, so we picked this restaurant to try out. The Old Town Tortilla Factory was a definite win, it was delicious and such a cool atmosphere. We had come from Utah where the temps were still cold so when we saw that they have 1400 square feet of patio space we were sold. Eating outside under the twinkle lights was dreamy.

My 17 year old son had friends in Arizona at the same time as our visit so we took them along with us to dinner. The Old Town Tortilla Factory was a hit with all of the teens and our younger kiddos too. It’s southwestern flavor with a Mexican twist…and it’s perfection!

This restaurant is located in the art district of Old Scottsdale, so plenty to see while you’re in the area. Come early and take the chance to walk around and explore…it’s a very cool vibe.

Hand Cut:

While we were in Arizona my brother in law had a birthday which was the perfect excuse for an adult only dinner. Hand Cut Burgers and Chophouse won the evening. We had the flank steak and a burger with lots of the sides…all were absolutely delicious!

We loved the chill vibe here at this restaurant, easy going yet nice! It is located next to an ice cream shop, so save room for dessert!

Spinato’s Pizzeria:

We were told we had to try Spinato’s Pizzeria, so on our last day we set out to find it. Turns out it was less than a mile away from where we were staying but they have several locations. This was another restaurant win for our family. We ordered several pizzas, and cheesy bread, and a couple of pasta dishes. They were all fabulous. I would recommend ordered plenty of the cheesy bread…it went fast. But we had plenty of pizza left over. They don’t skimp on the toppings so we couldn’t eat as many pieces as we thought. This is a definite family win.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers:

If you are looking for a quick and simple meal, this is the place! It’s a popular fast food chain, and it’s really good. They have perfected the art of chicken fingers, they are really good. But just a heads up…they only do chicken. So make sure you’re in the mood for chicken before you head to Raising Cane’s, but I recommend that you do! It’s delicious.

Have I convinced you to take a vacation to Phoenix, Arizona yet? I sure hope so, because it was fabulous. If you go, I’d love to hear from you. Let us know your favorite places to hit.

Have FUN finding fun things to do in Phoenix with kids!

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It’s the middle of February and if you live anywhere like where I do, you’re right in the middle of winter and you’re probably sick of snow and winter and slush and cold like I am. Are you dreaming of getting away on a tropical vacation? Wishing you were somewhere warm?

My family and I just got home from an amazing beach vacation about a month ago and all we want is to go back!! It was seriously so fun. But packing the family for a beach vacation can get overwhelming so I’m here to help. I’ve got everything you need on a cute printable. Making your next vacation even easier.

Are you planning a beach vacation? Where are you headed? Where’s your favorite place to visit and what is it about that place that you love best?

For me it’s the waves. I can play in them all day and listen to them all night. I just love, love, love the ocean.

Beach Vacation Packing List:

Obviously, this is going to vary a little depending on where you are going, for how long and who is going with you. And of course, personal preferences. But here’s something to get you started on your packing.

Let’s start with some ideas for your beach vacation packing list and then down below is a printable version if you’d like it.

Things to Pack for Your Beach Vacation: 

Things to think about packing to keep you happy while sitting on the beach that might be different from your average vacation packing list.

• Swimming Suits: This is probably a given to bring the swimming suits, but think about packing more than one if you’re going for very long so that you can trade them out, wash them, allow them to dry and have a little variety.
• Coverup: You don’t want your skin in the sun all day, so make sure you pack some coverups for yourself and your family, whether that’s a rash-guard for the kids or a cute dress for you, just make sure you’ve got something to cover up.
• Sunscreen: Bring lots! If you are flying and don’t want to check luggage just get a travel size so you have some to get started and plan to hit a store when you get to your destination.
• Clothes: It’s tempting to want to pack enough outfits for every day, but if you’re like us, you will spend most of your time in your swimming suit and won’t get dressed very often, so think about just packing a few outfits for when you really need them.
• Beach Bag: You’re going to have things you want to carry back and forth to the beach, so be sure to bring some sort of bag to transport it all.
• Beach Towels: This one is a maybe. Find out before you go if the place that you are staying has beach towels for you. It can be really handy to not have to pack these if you don’t have to.
• Beach Toys: I prefer to pack pretty light for a beach trip, but depending on the ages of your kids it can be nice to throw in a few toys like buckets and shovels or a football for the kids. (This might be something that the place you are staying already has too.) This could also include things like snorkeling gear, goggles, boogie boards, or other games for the beach.
• Flip Flops or Sandals: Nobody wants shoes on the beach, so make sure you have some great beach footwear.
• Beach Umbrella: It can get hot in the sun, so if the place you are going doesn’t have built-in shade, you might want to bring something to create shade for you.
• Dry Bag: If you’re taking your phone or camera down to the beach, it’s nice to have something to keep it dry. This can be a dry bag or even just a Ziploc that you use to keep things dry.
• Sunglasses: Don’t forget these! That sun gets bright.
• Chairs: If you’re driving and can bring beach chairs, you’ll be glad you did! If you’re flying you can’t obviously, but maybe you can find somewhere you are staying.
• Aloe Vera/Lip Balm/Baby Powder: These can be handy to have. The aloe for if you burn yourself, lip balm for sunburned lips, the baby powder will help brush the sand off from your body after the beach.
• Cooler: If you plan to eat on the beach, this can be handy to have with you!
• Water Bottles: I love the insulated water bottles for the beach so you can still enjoy a cold drink even when it’s blazing hot. It’s also so important to stay hydrated and having reusable water bottles can help.

These are our main staples for a beach vacation. Are there other things that are essential for you?

Here’s a printable version of the packing list that includes all of this plus the basics to help you figure out what you need as you load those suitcases.

Printable Beach Vacation Packing List:

Hopefully, this printable list will be helpful for you. You will obviously need to tweak it for your own family and your own vacation, but this should give you a good start!

Printable List: Printable Beach Vacation Packing List

Wherever you are going, I hope your vacation is a blast!

Have FUN using this beach vacation packing list to get ready to your trip!

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Oh how I love Hawaii! I like to consider myself a Hawaii pro-I even lived on Oahu for a semester of school. I have a friend that’s a Hawaii newbie-just took her first trip there in November. And since she was headed there and didn’t know what she should spend her time doing, I recommended all of the best places to visit and fun things to do on Oahu and it was perfect. So now, I’m going to share those ideas with you!

Seriously, I love this place and there are a million fun things to do on Oahu, but we will get you started with some of my favorites!

Fun Things to do on Oahu:

What do in Honolulu & Waikiki:

Let’s start out talking about the city, since that’s where you will fly into. This might be the most recognizable place in Hawaii.  Although you may not associate city life with Hawaii, you might want to rethink that.  Honolulu has all of the bustle you would expect in a capital city. It’s the largest city in Hawaii, so you can expect traffic, high rise buildings, and lots of people. I don’t want to burst anyone’s dreams about what Hawaii looks like, because you will find your paradise on the island of Oahu, but the city can also be fun.

Waikiki Beach is located in the city of Honolulu and is one of the best beaches in Hawaii because it offers so many activities. Surfing, sunbathing, canoeing, surfing lessons, sunset cruises, helicopter tours, parasailing, shopping, dining and so much more! If you are looking to sit and relax on a beach in peaceful quiet, this is not your destination. Waikiki is a full of people, with lots of things going on. This is one of my favorite spots to visit when I go to Hawaii. Waikiki has a long sandbar (meaning shallow water), perfect for body surfing and will provide hours of fun and is perfect for kiddos.  It’s also fantastic beach weather on this side of the island, with lots of heat and sun!  This is the dryer part of the island, not getting near the same rainfall, so it’s perfect for beach days!

If you go to Honolulu prepared for a city, you will find so many things to enjoy.  Keep in mind that Oahu has the best of both worlds with Honolulu’s city life and North Shore’s peaceful paradise. You will please everyone you are traveling with.

Duke’s Waikiki: This place is pretty popular (and isn’t just on Oahu, you can find it on other islands too), and it’s completely fantastic! The food is great and the experience is unbeatable. This was the first place my friend and her husband hit after landing in Honolulu and it was the perfect introduction to Hawaii.

Sit on a patio that overlooks the ocean and Diamond Head while you eat.

Tiki torches, palm trees, it’s perfect. And the food is great too!  Be sure to try the Hula Pie-it’s heavenly! Macadamia nut ice-cream on a cookie crust topped with whip cream and chocolate!!  It is definitely a dessert that can be shared between 2-4 people.  Or they’ve got great tropical drinks like this Strawberry and Pineapple one.

If you time it right you can even watch the sunset while you eat!

Leonard’s Malasadas: This place came recommended by many people! A malasada is like a donut, but filled with your choice of toppings. I got two malasadas-one filled with Haupia (coconut pudding) and one filled with chocolate and ate them both at the same time. Very yummy! A couple of things to note-Leonard’s is in Waikiki and is a little tricky to get to, so give yourself time. Also, come hungry! These things are filling! And plan to wait in a little bit of a line.

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay: If you are looking for a great snorkeling place, Hanauma Bay is it! Seriously, with fantastic snorkeling and a fabulous view from the top, this bay will not disappoint. It does get a little crowded and is definitely considered a tourist destination, but it’s worth the crowds. This bay has lots of coral, which means lots of ocean life to see.

You’ll park at the top and have to walk or pay for a shuttle (about $2 per person) to take you down and back up at the end of the day. There’s also a fee to snorkel. Bring your own snorkel gear or you can rent it there (though it’s a little more pricey there than you will find at local rental shops). Also, you’ll have to pay to get in and then watch a short film before they let you down to the bay, so plan a little extra time for that.

Things to do on North Shore, Oahu:

Now let’s talk about the North Shore area. This is more of what you probably think of when you think of Hawaii-green mountains, palm trees everywhere, beaches no matter where you go, slower paced. Basically, paradise. It will also feel very different from the Honolulu area-it’s a whole different pace of life up on the North Shore. There are a lot of fun things to do up there too. Here are some of my favorite fun things to do on Oahu North Shore.

Biking in North Shore: If you want an easy, relaxing and fun way to explore North Shore, try renting a bike from North Shore Bike Rentals. They’ll meet you anywhere you request with a beach cruiser or a tandem bike and you can cruise up and down the shore.

There’s a three-mile trail that starts near Shark’s Cove and takes you up to Sunset Beach. It’s an easy ride down a beautiful trail that looks like this for a lot of it:

You can ride to Ted’s Bakery in Sunset Beach and get the Chocolate Haupia pie (definitely recommend this!) and then sit and watch the world-class surfers while you eat it.

You can also snorkel in Shark’s Cove. There are even places to rent the gear right across the street if you need it. (Word of warning though, the waves get huge in the winter on this part of North Shore, so the beaches are mostly closed and you don’t want to get in the water.)  Also, when you go to this area, make sure to watch your belongings.  It has a reputation for thefts, both on the beach and car break-ins.  Don’t bring unnecessary items with you, pack light on this day and be aware of your belongings.

Polynesian Cultural Center: This is an experience you won’t want to miss! Buy a pass for a day (best to reserve online ahead of time, you’ll save money that way) and explore all of the Polynesian Islands.

Each island has an area at the PCC where you can do interactive activities native to that island and also watch a show that will give you a great feel for the culture of each individual island.

In the evening they’ll feed you at a fantastic Hawaiian Luau. And then at night, there’s a stage show that’s incredible! There’s too much to tell you about this amazing place-it deserves its own post!

Shave Ice at Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa: This is a must try if you find yourself up on North Shore, Oahu! Matsumoto’s is everything you want in shave ice…so yummy. Haleiwa is also a fun little town to visit, we loved the surf shops.

Don’t be put off by the long line at Matsumoto’s. It moves FAST! These people know what they are doing! If you’ve got the time, walk around Haleiwa a little too. It’s a cute town!

Waimea Valley: If you want to walk through true paradise, this is the place to go. Tons of famous movies were filmed here because it’s the paradise of your dreams. Lush, green, beautiful plants as you walk.

It’s about 3/4 of a mile each way on a paved path, so it should be doable for most people. You could easily spend the good part of a day here, or keep it short and just spend an hour or two.

At the end (3/4 of a mile walk) you’ll find Waimea Falls. You can swim here. They’ve got life jackets (which are required) that you can use. Or just sit and look at it.

Seven Brothers at the Mill: (Formerly Kahuku Grill) There aren’t a ton of places to eat on North Shore-you’ll find most of them on end or the other-either in Haleiwa or in Laie. This one’s definitely one to hit. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun!

You sit outside to eat, there are lights strung everywhere, the feral chickens wander past and the food is yummy! The coconut shrimp is what they’re famous for, but it seems like everything is good!

Enjoy your trip! And if YOU have things you love to do on Oahu, let me know if the comments!

Have FUN visiting Hawaii and finding fun things to do on Oahu! (And maybe takes me with you?)

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Planning a trip to somewhere new is always a little tricky.  I just had this experience on a recent trip to San Francisco.  It was my first time to the bay area, so I didn’t really know the ins and outs of a San Francisco trip.  Now that I have come and gone, I definitely have some helpful tips to share with you!

So if you are planning a trip to the Bay Area soon, check out these tips for visiting San Francisco.

Tips for Vacationing in San Francisco:

Wear your walking shoes:  You will likely log some serious mileage on your feet during your visit to San Francisco.  And in case you didn’t already know, there is no flat ground in this city.  I know it’s going to be tempting to wear your cutest shoes, but I highly suggest going for comfort over fashion!  You will thank me halfway through your visit.

Dress in layers:  The average temperature in San Francisco is around 60 degrees, so plan to dress in layers. When you are by the ocean it gets breezy and you will likely want a jacket.  Just keep your options open so you can be comfortable during your visit.

Plan to park and walk or call Uber:  Parking costs in San Francisco can add up so quick…it’s quite expensive to park ($50-75 a day).  I found one of the cheapest ways to park is to pick one central place to park and plan to walk.  Most of the parking garages have a maximum cost, so to get the most from your money, plan to keep your car there all day and walk.  Another way to go would be to utilize Uber, get dropped off and plan to walk the city.

Get tickets ahead of time for Alcatraz:  I loved visiting Alcatraz and would be sad if you didn’t get tickets to visit because it was booked.  I went in June and had no problems getting a ferry to the island, but during their busy season you need to think ahead.

Plan for traffic:  Traffic in the bay area is very slow so don’t let mileage fool you.  Even though you may not be going very far plan plenty of time to get to your destination.  Traffic is slow, especially during rush hours (morning and evening) so plan ahead!  Try to avoid driving during the morning and evening commute, walk when possible, and plan lots of driving time to avoid frustration.

Location, location, location:  Choosing a hotel is all about the location.  I stayed out by the airport which gave me a little more for my money.  I had a higher rated hotel for less money, so that part was fantastic.  But although I was only about 25 miles away from the bay area, our travel time was quite a bit more.  Again, don’t be fooled by mileage and keep it in mind when picking a hotel.

There’s more than one side of the bay:  You will likely spend most of your time on the South side of the bay.  This is where all of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco is happening, but don’t forget there is another side of the bay.  If you cross the bridge you will find some quaint little towns with some fun places to eat.  I enjoyed a nice and quiet lunch on the North side with amazing views.  So if you want a break from the “city” feel, venture across the bridge and spend some time.

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Not only do I have some great tips for your San Francisco trip, but I have some fun ideas for you while you’re there.  Check out what I loved on our trip-Beginner’s Guide to Visiting San Francisco!

Have FUN on your vacation and using these tips for visiting San Francisco!

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So if you’re a beginner heading out to the Bay Area, I’ve got a beginner’s guide to visiting San Francisco ready for you! Here’s the low down on our trip, where we visited, what we learned, things I would recommend and not recommend and everything I can think of to share with you to help your trip be great!

Places to Visit in San Francisco:

The Golden Gate Bridge:

Let’s start out by talking about the obvious, the icon for the city, The Golden Gate Bridge. I didn’t realize prior to this trip that the bridge is more than just a way to get from the South end of the bay to the North (which we did at one point by car), it’s a destination and an experience itself.

We parked at the South end of the bridge and walked from one end of the bridge to the other and back. It’s about 3 miles round trip and it turns out, this was a huge highlight of the trip for us. I was a little nervous to cross it on foot (heights!!!), but it was ok. So if you are worried about that, you should be fine.

And, the whales! We didn’t expect to see whales, but we could see a whole group of whales coming in and out of the water below us as we walked. Unexpected and added a lot to the experience.

Some people biked the bridge-you can rent bikes near the bridge or at Fisherman’s Wharf and ride to the bridge. We considered this possibility, but ultimately we were glad we walked. The bridge was crowded and the bikers seemed to struggle to even be able to ride with all of the people walking around. Plan an hour or two for this experience (or less if you don’t want to walk the whole bridge).

Alcatraz:

Another of San Francisco’s iconic tourist spots, we took the ferry to Alcatraz and toured the island and prison there. This was a surprisingly enjoyable experience! I knew we’d be interested and since it’s part of every good tourist’s visit to San Francisco we had to do it, but this ended up being another highlight of the trip for us. And to be honest, the 20 minute ride on the ferry each way was a nice chance to sit down and relax after walking all over the city!

You need to book tickets in advance. It’s easy and we had lots of time slots available when we booked (only a week or two before our trip), but the earlier you get tickets the better so that you can be sure you get to do this. It’s about $40 for adults and $20 for kids.

When you get to the island, after a brief explanation from a park ranger, you’ll be free to explore. There are plenty of places to visit on the island like the guard’s quarters, but we headed straight to the actual prison and did the tour there. They’ll give you a headset and you take an audio guided tour that lasts close to an hour. It was fast moving enough to keep our interest but not too intense that we couldn’t stop and look and take it all in. It’s amazing to see this place and to hear from actual guards and inmates on the audio tour.

Chinatown:

This is probably the place in San Francisco that caught us most off guard. I knew we wanted to visit, but we didn’t know what to expect.

First of all, you should know that we walked to Chinatown from Pier 39 area and it wasn’t bad at all. It took us maybe 15 minutes or so, and while it is hilly, it wasn’t a bad walk. We headed straight for the Golden Gate Bakery, because we’d been told it was THE place to go. The advice we had was to go early or they will sell out. Friends also advised us to know what you want when you get to the counter, they don’t mess around. So we were ready! But it was gated shut and there was a sign that said “On Vacation.” What?! We were so sad. And you know what? While we stood there feeling sad, another big group walked up with determined faces, set on visiting the Golden Gate Bakery, only to be as devastated as we were when they found it closed. We can only assume this means that it’s worth visiting and that it will be open when you go! Let us know how it is.

We wandered Chinatown a little bit. You’ll find a lot of shops to wander in and out of with cheap T-shirts, magnets, postcards and other souvenirs. You’ll also find a bunch of food markets.

We hit up the fortune cookie factory and watched them make fortune cookies for a minute and sampled a piece of one. They also have a bunch of fun flavors that you can buy. (This stop took only about 5 minutes total.)

We had lunch in Chinatown at Hunan Home’s, and for people who haven’t done a lot of traveling outside the US, this was quite an experience for us! A good one, but definitely one that took us outside our comfort zone. When we walked in and they seated us, it was at a table with other people! Never had that happen before. When they gave us the menu, it was in Chinese! (Yes, this might sound naive to those who have traveled a lot, it was new to us.) We picked a couple of things off the menu that seemed vaguely familiar (they had English translations of the title below each item) like Potstickers and fried rice and got a beef dish that was different than anything we’ve had, but yummy! 

Pier 39:

Of course you’ve heard of Pier 39, it’s sort of the center of San Francisco tourism. But do you know what to expect when you get there? 

It’s basically an outdoor mall that juts out on a Pier into the ocean. They’ve got lots of shopping and lots of food. 

We hit up a couple of places-an AMAZING chocolate shop aptly named-Chocolate Heaven! Here’s a peek:

Rows and rows of chocolates of all varieties. Toffee, truffles, chocolate dipped everything. We each tried something and we weren’t disappointed. 

If you’re there for longer than we were, there are a lot of other great places to try. There’s a cupcake store and a candy store, crepes and cookies and ice cream and donuts….Too many good foods, too little time! We also ate at a Wipeout Bar and Grill and had a great lunch. They’ve got lots of seafood and a Hard Rock Cafe. No shortage of food!

If you’re looking for more to do, there’s an aquarium and also, on the Northwest side of the Pier you can see seals and sea lions.

Fisherman’s Wharf:

Fisherman’s Wharf is literally right next to Pier 39-it won’t take you more than 5 minutes to walk between the two, so they are something you can hit up at the same time. At the Wharf, you’ll find some similar things-lots of food, particularly seafood. (This is where everyone told us to get clam chowder in bread bowls, but Amber doesn’t eat seafood and I don’t eat bread bowls, so we didn’t, but IF you love that sort of thing, this will be your happy place.)

Other than the food, there’s a submarine that you can pay to tour and there are a lot of street performers.

Nearby you can hop on a trolley and ride around the city. We went too late in the day and found the line too long, so if you want to ride this, try the morning time. It cost something like $15-20 a day for rides on this. 

Ghirardelli Square:

As major chocolate lovers, we knew a trip to Ghirardelli Square was solidly on our itinerary. It’s a bit of a walk from Fisherman’s Wharf-not too far, maybe 10 minutes-but it’s a beautiful area when you get there. We expected a great big chocolately store and were surprised to find just a small little ice cream shop, but since we’d gone all the way there AND planned our eating that day around being hungry enough to eat there, we bought ice cream!

Be warned, it’s a long line and it’s pricey ($12 for a sundae), but it’s good!

There’s a nice grassy, park like area across the street with a great view of the bay and the Golden Gate bridge that you can sit in to eat.

Muir Woods:

We can’t tell you a ton about Muir Woods because we didn’t actually go into Muir Woods, but we can tell you what NOT to do if you want to visit this place.

It’s a little bit of a drive from San Francisco. You’ll cross the bridge to the North side and then drive up and over a hilly area. (Word to the wise, if you get car sick, this could be a very rough ride-the road is very windy.)

When you get there, there’s a parking lot to enter the park. It was full for us (we got there around 10 or 11 that morning.) There’s additional parking down the road. Also full. And then there’s parking along the road. We would have needed to park about a mile away and walk to the park entrance, which could be fine, we just didn’t have time that day.

So, learn from us and our mistake-if you want to visit Muir Woods, go early in the day and plan enough time to park, walk in and have time to explore. It’s supposed to be a great alternative to visiting Redwoods Forest if you don’t have time to head clear up there.

Botanical Gardens:

We only had a little bit of time to visit the botanical gardens in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, but it was gorgeous and we wished we could spend at least half a day there. The whole park is a beautiful area with lots of green and walking paths. It would be perfect to pack a lunch and spend the day or at least half a day.  If you’re a gardner you are especially going to love this place! You can walk through the botanical gardens and learn all about all varieties of plants. Or, if you’re just wanting to enjoy a beautiful place, you can walk and enjoy or sit and relax. It was a nice break from the busy, crowded city life of San Francisco.

There are two botanical gardens you can visit-the traditional one or the Japanese gardens. You have to pay for either-about $8 a person. We got lucky and happened to hit it on a free day!

Phew! Have I made you tired reading this? It was an exhausting couple of days but also so memorable and so much fun!

If you’ve got tips of your own, leave them in the comments so that our readers can see them. And if you go, I want to hear about it too!

Have FUN visiting San Francisco!

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