A few years ago, we spent a day at LEGOLAND when we were in San Diego, and my then very young kids loved spending time in the mega-brand’s theme park.  That was 3 years ago, and they’re older but who outgrows Legos? So when I heard that there was a new LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, I was intrigued and excited to take them on a recent half-day of school. My son has never been a huge LEGO freak, but I knew once he got there, he’d be into it. My daughter is open-minded and she’s not bothered by gender-specific activities but LEGOLAND has taken girls into consideration with a section dedicated to them.

I picked them up and didn’t tell them where we going (a first for me – I have a big mouth) and headed to the 32,300 square foot indoor attraction in Yonkers.  When they figured it out, there was a lot of excitement in the car.  I realize that there is only so much time left in their young lives where they’ll want to go to places like this.  My oldest is 10, just 2 years shy of the age LEGOLAND is recommended for but she was very happy, never felt too old for the fun she was to have.

More than 3 million LEGO bricks are used in the exhibits, sculptures and activity areas.  LEGOLAND has a range of educational and interactive experiences that  includes hands-on play areas, a 4D cinema, master classes led by Master Model Builders, two LEGO amusement rides and MINILAND — the venue’s signature re-creation of landmark locations and buildings throughout Westchester County and New York City, made entirely out of more than 1 million LEGO bricks.  There’s Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, Tarrytown’s Lyndhurst and Sunnyside mansions, and of course the Ridge Hill shopping center. Apparently, it took a team of 20 expert Lego model builders six months to complete. Interactive features allow youngsters to activate lights, sounds and moving parts.

Our fist stop was the Factory Tour where we learned how raw plastic creates finished LEGO bricks by own personal LEGO professor who introduced us to everything LEGO. My kids were intrigued.  Then we jumped on the Kingdom Quest, an interactive laser ride where we joined the Good King’s Army to battle evil skeletons, giant trolls and large spiders.  I’m not sure who enjoyed this more – me or the kids. The other ride they offer is Merlin’s Apprentice, a flying wizard ride where guests pedal faster to make their seats rise into the air. This was also much enjoyed by them…and me.

My kids were enamored with the Build & Test zone where they timed their racing car on the speed test track.  The stopwatch is exact to the hundredths of a second, so even the smallest change could make all the difference. They also loved the 4D film’s wind, rain, lightning and snow that flung itself in our faces (personally, I didn’t mind getting wet at all). In the Master Builder Academy, they built high towers as tall as the sky.  There are also LEGO pit areas for free play and build and test exhibits, where children can build LEGO objects and test their performance, like a race car.

LEGOLAND is a fun and educational destination, bringing the worlds of math, science and technology to life outside the classroom. For a few hours, my kids were immersed in using their imagination and creative energies.  Even I enjoyed it.

I also thoroughly enjoyed discovering the Ridge Hill Shopping Center where LEGOLAND is housed.  We will be back there to shop, that is for sure.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

- Go early on weekends or even mid-week after school.  Apparently, it gets VERY crowded.  By going during a half-day, the crowds were very bearable. You might want to buy your tickets in advance online to make sure you have them, too.

- A visit to LEGOLAND isn’t cheap.  Individual tickets for children (ages 3-12) are $18 and adults (13 and up) are $22, plus-tax.  Children under 2 years-old enter the attraction free of charge. I think it’s worth the money (at least according to the smiles on my kid’s faces) but I wouldn’t repeat the experience at this price (without becoming a member – details below).

- One way to get cheaper tickets is to get annual passes which offer unlimited entry to for 12 months; 10% discounts in the LEGO Shop and on birthday parties; a 20% discount on food and beverages in the café; and more.  

- Outside food is not permitted at Legoland, but they have a cafe. The menu is predictable but ideal for a pit stop when food becomes absolutely necessary. The $15 kids’ meal includes a Smuckers Uncrustables sandwich, a juice box and a choice of chips or a fruit cup. You might be better off if you head into the shopping center where there is a plethora of restaurant choices for every budget.

- Parking is $3.25 in the nearby garage, but LEGOLAND does validate tickets which brings it down to $1.75.

To purchase tickets and annual passes to LEGOLAND in Yonkers, or for more information, go here.  For group sales call 866-243-0770.  Follow them on Facebook.

Disclosure: I was provided with comp tickets to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.

Two of Jackson Hole’s most classic and iconic resorts are partnering to offer summer travelers the ultimate, hassle-free way to enjoy what many consider a must-see destination. Guests booking the “Experience the Tetons” package will spend two nights at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park and two nights at the pampering Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort in the heart of Teton Village.

The package offers the convenience of embracing the two sides of Jackson Hole with absolute ease. First, you stay in the heart of Grand Teton National Park at the venerable Jackson Lake Lodge where guests are greeted by 60-foot ceiling-to-floor lobby windows with stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range and Willow Flats where elk and moose graze. Some of the activities guests can enjoy include a scenic raft trip down the Snake River and a Jackson Lake Dinner Cruise.

After two nights in Grand Teton National Park, pamper yourself with two nights at the Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort that exudes the cowboy charm of Jackson Hole with luxurious touches including Wyoming’s largest spa. Grab a 10-gallon hat and your camera because you’ll be treated to the best of the West with dinner and a show at Bar T-5 Covered Chuck Wagon Cookout. You’ll also experience a 50-minute custom massage at the Avanyu Spa, and a scenic tram ride to the 10,450-foot summit of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and more.

Rates start at $907 per person per four-night stay, based on double occupancy. The package is available May 29 – September 18, 2011.

For more information or to book this package, please visit www.snakeriverlodge.com or call 1-866-513-ROCK (7625) or call 1-800-628-9988 or visit www.gtlc.com. Follow Snake River Lodge on Twitter at @SnakeRiverLodge and Grand Teton Lodging Company @TetonTales.

Disclosure: I was not compensated to write this article.

You have to remember that it was less than one year ago since Nashville suffered the traumatic floods.  The Gaylord Opryland Resort was hit hard, and the renovations started in May of last year and took 180 days, costing $1 million a day.  The hotel is glistening.  It’s shiny and hard to believe that they managed to reopen it in November of last year after only six months of hard work.  80% of the staff they had to let go is back, and remnants of the flood remain on the hotel’s tropical trees and outside walls.  On the anniversary of last year’s re-opening on November 13th this year, they are going to invite back all the people who were staying at the hotel at the time of the flood.  It’s a very warm environment, and the staff’s love for the hotel is real.

When I first arrived, I walked from the lobby through the atrium, which is called the Cascade Conservatory,and involves long, windy paths, lots of foliage, gazebo bars and waterfalls.  I was memorized, there was so much to look at.  Then I wandered into the Magnolia part of the hotel to get to my room, which is more quaint, decked out with very southern decor.  My room was in that section, as was my conference.  I had to walk up a classic staircase to get to my meetings.

I checked out the hotel’s spa, Relache, which provides a wide array of salon and fitness services.  They offer pedicures, facials, and body massages. There is also an indoor pool, outdoor pools and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

I was in a standard guest room, which I found comfortable and convenient with proximity to all my meetings. Rooms with atrium views cost extra. The hotel is a place you never have to leave so there are shops and restaurants scattered throughout.  Most of the restaurants cater to business travelers, so they are on the pricey side  (I’d skip the sushi if I were you), but there is a hamburger joint and Findley’s, an Irish pub, with good-quality affordable fares.  Upscale choices include a steak restaurant and Ravello, a lovely Italian restaurant (with yummy cocktails). The Gaylord Opryland Resort recently began charging overnight hotel guests an additional $10 per day resort fee, which includes two H20 bottles a day and free Wi-Fi, so I was sure to drink the bottles of water in my room.  Valet parking is also free for guests, which is a nice perk.

I didn’t have my kids with me on this trip, but I am sure they would love running around the large hotel.  I did inquire about daycare, and they do offer it off premises.  They have a game/video room and my kids would love swimming in their many pools.  Suites have a kitchen, which would be useful traveling with kids, so I’d love to return with them in tow.  Opryland builds a new section every year, so there will always be something to see.

Here are photos from my hotel tour.  For more information about the hotel, prices and availability, please visit their web site.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review nor did I receive anything in exchange for it.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Before you go, a few things to remember:

-          Rent your skis and boots in advance at Pedigree Ski Shop in White Plains.  It’s much less expensive than renting them on the premises and you get coupons for ski lifts and passes included in the rental package.  You will also avoid long rental lines on busy weekends.

-          Look up all information about a resort before you leave home – check opening and closure times, as well as times of classes and ski school.   You can also check the amount of snow (although many of these resorts also make man-make snow.)

-          You can buy warm garments at these ski resorts, but it’s certainly better and easier not to forget anything.   The prices are higher than average and there’s always the chance that they won’t have what you need.

-          On a holiday weekend, be sure to get an early start to avoid long lines.

-          Make sure you get helmets for your children.  Keep them as safe as possible.

-          Keep your children fed and hydrated.  Skiing takes a lot out of a child.

-          Lastly, be sure to know where your children are at all times.  When they are in ski school, that’s the best time for you to catch some quality ski time.

Here are three ski resorts that are extremely child-friendly and are really close to NYC:

-          Thunder Ridge Ski Resort is located up the 684 and is approximately one-hour from New York City.  Pros: good snow (real and homemade), pleasant staff, reasonably priced and efficiently run ski school for children, easy sloped for children, babysitting is only $10 an hour.  Cons: crowded at times with long lift lines, only a few slopes so there’s not much variety, slightly greasy food in the cafeteria with no healthy options.  Given the cons, we still highly recommend Thunder Ridge.  It’s a short drive and an easy way to get your children familiar with the sport.  Just don’t compare it to Lake Tahoe or Park City and you’ll be just fine.

-          Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is about two hours from NYC in Cornwall, Connecticut.    Pros: great snow (real and homemade), well marked trails, new lifts, excellent ski school for children with extensive programming, challenging trails for adults, on-mountain restaurant, less crowded than Thunder Ridge.  Cons: slightly further than Thunder Ridge, slightly more expensive than Thunder Ridge but not very much.  This is more of a ski experience.

-          Mountain Creek Mountain House is about one hour  from New York City in Vernon, NJ.   Pros:  good snow, family-friendly, good views, close to NYC, lodging options on premises, good for first-timers . Cons: crowded on weekends, not cheap.

If you don’t mind driving further, check out Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain.

So, whether you want to stay close or go further from your house to introduce or nurture your kid’s love of skiing, check out some of the above-mentioned ski resorts.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review nor did I receive anything in exchange for it.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The museum is still divided into sections.  My kids were wild about a new offering called The Energy Lab where they learned about the power of energy in everything from wind to the sun’s power to water to the earth’s natural resources.  We literally started and ended our trip here.  My son couldn’t get enough of the platforms that he climbed to get a birds eye view of the lab with cranks, levers, air tubes and blowers set balls and objects, putting the body and mind into action.  Waterfalls, basins, funnels and water wheels that they could pump, push, turn and direct water to perform everyday activities were also big hits with my kids.  My son was also crazy about the area Build It! where he could explore architectural design and construction.  He was in absolute heaven in his construction vest and hat, pretending to finish work on a building in development.  Healthyville offers over 50 hands-on activities—nearly a dozen computer games, six main attractions, a real TV studio and countless opportunities to help children learn more about their bodies and their health.development.  The kids loved exploring nutrition, fitness, hygiene, safety and their own brainpower.  They took an imaginary journey to the exotic rainforests of Latin America, Asia and Africa and Australia in Rainforest Adventure.  The ColorCoaster is a non-stop giant mechanical toy that uses energy, motion, gravity, color and light as it spins and whirs.  The kids were memorized by the movement and activity of this contraction.  Lastly, the museum offers a new Multimedia Gallery that is pretty amazing.  It has a 33′ x 12′ immersive screen and an open floor plan, as well as a performance stage and interactive floor projection technology that the kids danced and jumped on for a long time.  Check out some photos from our day at the museum:

The kids are already asking when we can return.  The museum offers really great special events – they were having special Christmas activities with arts and crafts and Santa Claus on this particular day.  We’ll go back again soon.

Are you a skiing family like my own?  For families considering ski vacations over the holiday break, the RockResorts in Colorado are offering a variety of unique programs.

The Arrabelle

Guests staying at The Lodge at Vail or The Arrabelle at Vail Square, both RockResorts in Vail, Colorado, have a variety of festive activities for all ages. Throughout the season, guests at two of Colorado’s favorite ski hotels can participate in a variety of fun activities, such as:

· Time for S’mores – a full s’more bar with complimentary hot chocolate and full drink service available. Held  3:00 PM – 5:30 PM daily at The Lodge at Vail. S’more kits are $7.00 each. Available throughout ski season.
· Hot Buttered Rum-inations – complimentary hot buttered rum and specialty desserts. Held 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM each Wednesday at The Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Lodge at Vail. Available through December 29.
· Gingerbread House Construction Seminar – send your junior architects-in-training to test their engineering skills on their very own miniature gingerbread house. After completing their masterpiece, they are welcome to take it back to their rooms to show mom and dad, or to eat it! Held 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM each Tuesday at The Lodge at Vail. Free for children of hotel guests, ages 6-12. Available through December 28.
· Guests celebrating New Year’s Eve at either hotel will enjoy “Rock the Block with Clicquot.” Veuve Clicquot Ultra Premium Champagne is hosting an exclusive New Year’s Eve party at Tavern on the Square at The Arrabelle. Free to guests at either hotel, who are welcome to bring friends and family. Rock in the New Year from 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM.
·

There will also be special themed dinners and tastings held at both properties.  Visit http://www.rockresorts.com or call 866-513-ROCK (7625) for more information.

Is a trip to California in your stars?  Montage Beverly Hills announced today the launch of Paintbox, an exclusive children’s program available to in-house guests, as well as hotel restaurant and Spa Montage patrons. The signature program, which first launched at Montage Laguna Beach in 2003, is the first of its kind in Beverly Hills to offer a fully integrated children’s program that incorporates indoor and outdoor activities.

Paintbox allows parents the opportunity to have a fun family California vacation while also being able to experience time for themselves, whether discovering Beverly Hills, being pampered at Spa Montage, or enjoying an intimate dining experience. Plus, children will enjoy an array of daily supervised activities that are specially themed to create a playful and engaging learning environment.

There are theme days every day that include Magic Monday, Top Chef Tuesday, Wild West Wednesday: Let the Games Begin Thursday, Save the Earth Friday, Hooray for Hollywood Saturday and So-Cal Sunday.

Paintbox is available seven days a week for children ages 5-12. Families can choose the full day program, morning or afternoon sessions, or the special Children’s Night Out session. Paintbox can also be arranged hourly upon request.

In addition, Spa Montage features an offer exclusively for mom and dad. Any parent who books a 60-minute treatment at Spa Montage will receive the first two hours of Paintbox complimentary.

For more information on Paintbox or to make reservations, please contact Montage Beverly Hills, (888) 860-0788, www.montagebeverlyhills.com or Paintbox directly at (310) 860-7959, mbhpaintbox@montagehotels.com.

Planning to head to Florida for some sun?  (I wouldn’t blame you, if you live in freezing NY like me!)  You and your family can experience an artistic awakening this season in Bal Harbour with the village’s complimentary weekly arts series which kicked off with a performance by the award-winning Manolito The Gypsy.  Culture-buffs can enjoy Movies on the Beach under the stars on Bal Harbour Beach (including The Grinch who Stole Christmas on December 25th); Performances on the Green showcasing South Florida’s most talented performers at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa (dancing and music including the Young Arts, a program recognizing and supporting America’s most talented young artists); Bal Harbour Art Nights, featuring themed, collector-worthy art installations throughout the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops; and the Florida Author Series, celebrating remarkable regional writers at locally-owned bookstore, Books & Books including Lin Arison, Linda Gassenheimer, and Pulitzer Prize-winning funny guy Dave Barry. For the schedule, go here.

Disclosure: I have not been to these destinations, nor was I paid to post this information.

It was a smooth ride to Silver Springs and we arrived at our destination, the Homewood Suites, four hours after leaving home.  For $115 a night, we stayed in a comfortable family suite.  Only blocks from the Washington, D.C. border, this hotel is also a short walk from the Metro station.  We also had a fully-equipped kitchen and hot breakfast daily.  The hotel is right across the street from a ton of shops, including Border’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Marshall’s, as well as a slew of restaurants.

My son has always loved staying in hotels and this experience was no exception.   We found that at even at 6-years-old, he still likes opening and closing doors, running wild around hotel rooms and kicking my daughter in the bed they shared nightly.  I have always hoped that travel with the two would get easier.  Still, as much as the two of us love to travel, it is rubbing off on our children.  At the end of the day, we all have the travel bug.  Some trips will just be easier than others, and this happened to one of the harder trips. About 3/4 into our day of hopping around D.C., I realized that my son had somehow deleted all of my photos from my camera, so I can’t illustrate this post as well as I would have liked to!  That’s traveling with kids!  Expect the unexpected and then move on. Thankfully, I took photos on my iPhone, too, as did my husband.

Courtesy of Flickr

We started our day on the Metro – the train ride into the metro DC area only took about 25 minutes.  Once off the train, we walked up the stairs and entered the magnificent Mall.  It was a beautiful, crisp day.  As soon as my kids caught sight of the Smithsonian Carousel, they jumped for joy and ran toward it.  The carousel is open every day, except Christmas, from 10am-5:30pm.  Each child cost $2.50 each, and the ride was several minutes long.  It was actually a great way to kick off our day in Washington, DC.  Spinning around the white buildings, with the Washington Monument staring them in the face at one end, the nation’s Capitol at the other end, it was certainly a unique experience.  It’s located at 12th Street and Jefferson Drive.

Then we headed to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.  Admission to all of the Smithsonian institutions is free for everyone, all the time.  Our son is a budding pilot and we knew we would be memorized by this museum, filled with actual space ships and air crafts, as well as memorabilia and artifacts from the last century, and indeed he was.

We spent quite a while in the space museum.  My son was in heaven.  We learned all about Neil Armstrong and the other astronauts who traveled to the moon, entered a rocket ship, learned about the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart and learned all about how how plane fly.  We had lunch in the museum’s food court, which has a McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.  The food was over-priced but necessary as we were all starving.

When all was said and done, after we took another spin inside the museum, we needed  a rest.  We made an executive decision to go on a Double Decker Tours hop-on, hop-off bus.  At first, the driver asked for $75 for all of us, but he somehow went down in price to $60 (taking the kid’s ages into account) which helped make our decision easier to climb aboard.  This way, we were all able to sit down and take in the sights from inside the bus.  We rode around the monuments and sites and took in the tour guide’s narration.  We drove by the George Washington Monument, FDR Monument, the White House, the Capitol and the imminent site of the MLK memorial.  When we came to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, we jumped off so the kids could experience this powerful sculpture up close and personal.  To me, this sculpture represents democracy and freedom.  Here was a man who did so much for our nation and changed the course of history.  If my kids don’t remember anything from this trip, the one stop that I hope that they do remember is this one.  Everything ab0ut the history of U.S. Presidents really seemed to resonate with our 7-1/2 year-old daughter and I truly believe that this trip will stand out in her memory as the first of her many trips to this great city.

When we got off the bus, we talked my tired son into going to one more Smithsonian museum, the National Museum of Natural History. Both kids loved the dinosaur exhibit, which includes real fossils and artifacts.  Located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, the museum is a real state-of-the-art building that contains more than 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts.  Another wonderful experience, but we had to call it quits after this museum as the kids were exhausted.

After taking the train back to Silver Springs, we found ourselves exhausted and in need of an early dinner.  We stopped at Panera Bread, which offers yummy soups, salads, kid’s meals, bread and drinks, as well as WIFI.  Everyone was very happy with their food, which is totally comforting.  Last month I went to an amazing event with Panera Bread and had been eager to visit a Panera with my family.  Tom Gumpel, Panera Bread’s Head Baker, former associate dean at the Culinary Institute of America, and Captain of the 1999 U.S. Baking Team that captured the grand prize at the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie (World Cup of Baking), was on hand to teach myself and about 15 other bloggers about bread.  At that event, I was provided with a $25 gift card and was eager to try out the food with my family.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s entry on the rest of our weekend trip, which included a stop in Baltimore, Maryland.

Here’s what “Family Week” is going to look like: October  11 – October 17, 2010

Vail Restaurant Month and Vail Resorts presents Little Foodies in the Kitchen.   In collaboration with the Eagle County School District, fifth graders  will get the opportunity to enter a competition to show off their skills in  the kitchen at The Lodge at Vail’s Cucina Rustica. A panel consisting of Vail’s local icons will judge the kids’ home recipes and a lucky 45 kids will  be chosen to help prepare a healthy dinner with the chef. Following dinner  they will get to watch Ratatouille or No Reservations in the hotel ballroom.

For more information on booking a stay at  either resort, call 866-513-ROCK (7625) or go here.