Travel is more fun with kids

Win $500 with Enrout.com

Enrout is giving away $500 dollars to one family for the holidays! You pick the destination and off you go! 

Click on the image below to find out how to enter the contest. Deadline to enter is 12/16/2011.

 

Enrout is THE website to go if you are looking for affordable lodging from vacation rentals, hotels, or bed and breakfasts anywhere in the world. If you want to live like a local while vacationing, this is the place to look for your lodging.

Going to Paris on a budget? Time to get 'Your Guide to Visit Paris for Free'

If you are thinking of visiting Paris or know somebody who does, check out my book ‘Your Guide to Visit Paris for Free’.

It is a mine of information on what to do in the City of Light without spending a dime. Did you know about the passages, the free guided tours or even the free fashion show that happens every week at the Galeries Lafayette? Who knew there were so many free things to enjoy in Paris? The book is full of insider information about places and days of the food  markets, the parks, churches, metro passes, and so much more! As a bonus, enjoy 8 paid activities you should not miss.

Go to www.visiparisforfree.com and download two chapters of the book for free as well as 5 free walks ideas.

Pricing:

Paperback: $9.99
E-book: $5.99

Paperback: available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Buy it directly from me on CreateSpace!
E-book: available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook.

Paperback and kindle are also available on Amazon.de. 
Kindle version is also available on Amazon.co.uk.

Things To Do

Tips for Traveling with Tots Series: When You Get There (you are here!)

Here is the fourth part in the Traveling with Tots Series by Tricia from Sweeters than Sweet.

Part 1 ~ Know Before You Go

Part 2 ~ Packing For Your Trip (you are here!)

Part 3 ~ Travel Time

Part 4 ~ When You Get There

 

When you get to your destination with your kiddos, there are a few more things you'll need to think about.

 

Wherever you go, Whatever you do

Suitcase Stack by Moxiedoll

• Make it a habit of turning around when you stand up to leave from wherever you were sitting--the train seat, the church pew, the park bench. If you do this all the time, you'll be much less likely to lose toys, sunglasses, backpacks, etc.
• If you have a newly-mobile baby and you're staying in a non-child-proofed environment, consider buying a used Exersaucer, Jumperoo or Bumbo from Once Upon a Child,Craigslist.org or a local garage sale. You can always sell it again at the end of your trip.
• There are some creative solutions for childproofing rooms like Travel Tot's Travel Childproofing Kit (I haven't tried this one but it looks great!).
• Do some research online to find out family-friendly destination-specific advice
• Have older kids keep a travel journal to remind them of what they enjoyed about the trip.  
• Let them walk as much as possible, reserve the stroller rides for only when necessary.
• Don't have your heart set on your little one enjoying something that you're really looking forward to. Let them enjoy what they want to enjoy.
• This an obvious one, but play up parts of travel that might be really boring to the kids: Wow, we get to ride on a bus for 3 whole hours!!
• Do your research on kid-friendly restaurants. Sites likeUrbanspoon.com can help (choose your city, then under Special Features, click on Kid Friendly).
• Use website guides or blogs written for traveling with kids at your specific destination.
• Take advantage of some good apps for traveling. My favorite free apps are Urbanspoon, Sit or Squat (locates public restrooms), Converter Plus and Google Places.
• If you have a Netflix subscription, you can get the freeNetflix app to instantly watch movies in your queue.
• Also check out location-specific websites and apps, such as those offered by TimeOut, Frommer's, or Fodor's.
• This probably goes without saying, but always have snacks with you!

 

If you're a tourist

My Sweets and Little Sweets at the park behind Westminster Abbey

Plan for LOTS of stops at parks and grassy areas throughout your day to let the energy burn off! I had no idea how many parks there were in London until I went there with a 20-month-old.

If you're a schedule/routine person like me, don't hesitate to take your baby back to your hotel for a nap in the middle of the day. It's nice for us grown-ups to have a break, too!

...or recline that stroller and get your baby comfy for an on-the-go-nap.

If you're going to an amusement park, you can buy from the kid's menu (even if your kid is not eating solids yet). This is a great way to save a few dollars. (Thanks, Tiffany G.!)

Keep a selection of toys/activities from your Busy Bagaccessible for restaurants, waiting in lines, stroller rides, etc. (Be sure to keep a few packed so they're still novel for the way home!)

If you're taking a tour somewhere that strollers are not allowed (a museum, castle, etc.), they will sometimes have hip carrier/fanny pack type things (no idea what they're really called, can you tell?). You strap it around you like a belt but there's a little platform where your kiddo can sit. That way you're not carrying his or her full body weight during the whole tour.

If you're going to an amusement park, read up on what kind of strollers they have available for rental. Some do not recline. Some look like they're as hard as a rock. Some don't have storage basket. Better to know ahead of time so you can bring your own stroller if you need to!

 

If you're staying in a hotel OR with family or friends

Little Sweets' favorite toy in this hotel room was the mirror.

• 
  If at all possible, sleep in the same place every night. In our experience, moving from one place to another on trips has led to sleep issues. Consistency is key for a little one in a new and unfamiliar environment.
• Don't hesitate to rearrange furniture to suit your kid's needs.
• You may want to drape a blanket or towel over the side(s) of baby's crib or Pack 'N Play to keep the light out and the distractions to a minimum.
• Hopefully before you left, you read about crib safety. If you're unsure about the crib, rent one (check here for U.S. travel, here for international travel).
• Spread out a sheet or plastic mat under the high chair at Gramma's. If you do this, she might consider inviting you back. =)

If you made it through this entire Tips for Traveling with Tots series, you now know every single thing I know about traveling with tots. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you feel more prepared and at ease for your upcoming trip!

Travel Tips

Traveling with Tots Series: Part 3 Travel Time!

Here is the third part in the Traveling with Tots Series by Tricia from Sweeters than Sweet.

Part 1 ~ Know Before You Go

Part 2 ~ Packing For Your Trip (you are here!)

Part 3 ~ Travel Time

Part 4 ~ When You Get There

 

All that work preparing and now it's time to go!

Any which way you go

Single Hot Air Balloon Photograph by Lora Risley Images

• Dress them for success! If they're small enough, put them in a one-piece outfit with feet so that they won't lose socks and they're nice and comfy (no tight waistbands) while they travel.
• Diaper them for success! Put your baby and toddler in an overnight diaper in case you can't change them as often as you normally would. Just be aware of the increased chance of diaper rash.
• No matter how strict you might be on junk food or TV time at home, you might want to make a new policy for yourself that when traveling, anything goes. Keep the kids happy! You can tell them that there are some treats that are just for traveling. 
• Don't be in a rush to get where you're going. Give yourself extra time for diaper explosions, potty breaks, tantrums, etc.
• Feed your toddler baby food. My 2-year-old loves eatingthese (on the road or at home) and she has no idea that it's baby food. It's basically an organic all-fruit smoothie. If you buy them with Amazon.com's Subscribe & Save program, the cost works out to be $1.24 per pouch. If you don't want to buy in bulk, I've seen these at Babies 'R Us and a few grocery stores. Toddlers also love those "puffs." Just think about the least messy foods possible that don't need refrigeration or forks.
• Two words: Pacifier Clip!
• Don't forget to whip out your Busy Bag.

At the airport

Before (a very little) Little Sweets' first flight

• Take help when it's offered! Repeat after me: "Yes, thank you so much, I would love it if you could ____."
• Read up about Airport Security checks.
• Let your kids walk as much as possible while you're at the airport before boarding and on layovers. Let them get their energy out and reserve the stroller for those gotta-get-there-now times.
• Some airports have family restrooms that are big enough for strollers. Some even have nursing rooms with rocking chairs.
• If you're a military family, take advantage of the USO Lounges in many airports. These can be such a blessing--they have rocking chairs, TVs with cartoons, toys, books, even beds and cribs if you have a long layover.
• Some airports have children's activity and play areas. A few are sponsored by local children's museums.
• If you are going to be waiting near the gate for awhile, find a seat next to other kids. They might enjoy entertaining each other while you wait!
• When you get to your gate, you will need to go to the counter and request tags for your stroller and/or carseat if they will be gate-checked.
• If you didn't book a seat for your child under age 2, bring your carseat to the gate anyway. You'll be glad you have it if you end up getting an empty seat next to you! (The carseat will have to be put in the window seat so it doesn't block other passengers in case of an emergency.)
• If you didn't book a seat for your child under 2, ask nicely at the gate if there is an empty seat next to you or if they can switch passengers around so that there will be one.
• When/if you check your stroller, take off anything that comes off easily, like the cupholder. If you don't, it probably won't be there when you get your stroller back.
• Preboarding for families with small children: Not all airlines do it anymore! Some offer "pre"boarding after the First Class customers board.
• If you're on an airplane that does not have pre-assigned seats (such as Southwest), board as early as possible. Passengers that board after you are likely to avoid you like the plague when choosing their seats, so you might end up with the whole row to yourselves. (Thanks, Mary Joy!)
• If you have pre-assigned seats, consider waiting to board the plane until the last group has boarded. If you don't have a ton of stuff to stow and/or you have an extra set of hands to help you, it might be better to spend less time waiting on a crowded and claustrophobic plane before takeoff.

On the flight

In Flight Photograph by photoblurts

• If you're flying alone with your kid(s), pray for a Gramma to sit next to you. My dad gave me this tip and it's so true: grandparents who miss their grandkids will do anything to help out!
• Have a mantra like this: "No matter how bad it gets, this will all be over in 6 hours." Repeat mantra frequently. (Thanks, Kristi!)
• Take-offs and landings can be hard on those sensitive baby/toddler ears, so get them to suck while you're changing altitude. They can use a pacifier, drink from a bottle or sippy cup, or nurse. Chewing gum for older kids works well, too.
• A lot of airplanes have changing tables in the restrooms. Sometimes only 1 restroom will have the table, though, so check before you lock yourselves in that tiny room!
• Ignore any dirty looks you might get from fellow travelers. If they've never been in your shoes before, chances are they will be one day.
• Unless you are pressed for time, let all other passengers off the plane before you. Then you won't be stressed while gathering all your belongings and herding your children off the plane.
• Most importantly: Hope that someone else's baby is fussier than yours. =)
• If you have to go through customs after you arrive, there may be a quick line for travelers with kids. Ask if you don't see one. (This saved us almost 2 hours of waiting in line with an anxious/exhausted toddler!)

On the road trip

America's Mother Road by eleven12design

• Plan accordingly. Make sure your Busy Bag is accessible and anything that is packed away in the trunk will not be needed until you get to your destination.
• When you stop to eat, let the kiddos play at a park or playplace while you eat. Then, get their food to-go and let them eat it in the car. Two birds with one stone: They can run out their energy while you fuel up, and they'll have something to keep them occupied (lunch!) for at least a few minutes of the drive.
• Again, don't be in a rush to get anywhere. Easier said than done, I know.
• Check out this great selection of Etsy products to will keep the kids busy during the long drive.

 

Family Vacation

Traveling with Tots Series: Part 2 Packing for your Trip

Here is the second part in the Traveling with Tots Series by Tricia from Sweeters than Sweet.

Part 1 ~ Know Before You Go

Part 2 ~ Packing For Your Trip (you are here!)

Part 3 ~ Travel Time

Part 4 ~ When You Get There

You may or may not be a "list person." I am a list person. Either way, I would highly recommend making a packing list for your trip with the little one(s).

Trip Planning Printables by Crown Bindery

Start writing out your list a week or two before your trip, and then update it as you go about each day. You’ll realize that you'll want to have that Boppy/sippy cup/beloved tiara with you on your trip. Keep the list for your next trip! You may need to update it later based on your kid's age(s), but don't erase anything just in case.

Note: I’m using the term “carry-on” here, but if you’re on a road trip, think of that as the bag(s) that you’ll want to be accessible at all times in the car. You don’t want to be on the side of the freeway digging through the ones already loaded up in the trunk.

The Essentials - What to Pack

Pack Up Photograph by colourchrome

• The Busy Bag (see next section).
• Your own Pack 'N Play sheet and/or crib sheet. The smell, the look, the feel... familiarity is a good thing!
• Burn a CD of the kiddos' favorite songs, lullabies or singalong tunes.
• Security blanket and/or comfort items for each child.
• Sunscreen, hats, warm coats... think about weather during your entire trip.
• You may need to bring your baby monitor depending on where you’re staying. Just don’t forget both parts of it (speaking from experience here).
• Load some age-appropriate game apps and a few favorite movies on your smart phone or iPod Touch for emergency entertainment while you travel.
• Consider making or buying a "Quiet Book" filled with lots of activities to keep the little ones busy.
• You can rent gear when you get where you're going. CheckRentBabyEquipment.com for a U.S. directory or Travels with Baby for a worldwide directory. Or you could borrow gear from friends or family.
• If you're renting a car, you can also rent a carseat with it. It can be expensive but it might be worth not having to lug yours through the airport. (Thanks, Briita!)
• Don't forget that there are most likely stores where you're going so if you forget something, you can buy it there. =)
• When you're done making a packing list, consider making a list of things that you need to take care of before you go (e.g., put your mail on hold).

The Busy Bag

Little Sweets' Busy Bag

• The Busy Bag is a small carry-on full of toys and activities for your little one(s). The toys should be new (or rarely used at home), cheap and many.
• I only have one kid, but I would think it would be best for each kid to have his/her own Busy Bag.
• Bring one out toy at a time and let them play with it until they're completely bored with it.
• Some parents like to wrap up each item and let kids open each item separately, like a bunch of birthday gifts.
• For Little Sweets (at 2 years old), this bag includes:
  • a plastic slinky (It's a belt, No, it's a lion's mane, No, it's tangled up in knots!)
  • those cheap shaped bracelets that are sold by the dozen
  • a pack of flashcards with shapes and letters on them
  • some cheap party favors from Wal-Mart
  • kids’ meal toys that haven’t been played with for awhile
  • crayons and paper or coloring book
  • several small board books
  • stickers
  • a magnetic drawing board
  • snacks
• Put your Busy Bag away during the trip so it's still interesting on the way home.
• When you get home, you may want to store your Busy Bag and all its contents away until your next trip if you're traveling again soon. When I took Little Sweets' bag out to take the photo above, she said, "We go on airplane, Mommy?" She knows this bag is full of fun stuff!

•  

Keep It in Your Carry-On

Roller Duffle Carry-On by trndesigns

• A spare outfit (or at least shirt) for baby and one for you, too. You never know which one of you might need it.
• An empty "wet bag" or two in case you need that spare shirt. You can buy cute ones here or bring a couple of big Ziplocs.
• Tylenol or other medications you might need.
• Empty water bottles to fill up once you get past security, if you’re flying.
• A lightweight blanket in case the airline charges for them (yes, some do!) or doesn’t have enough.
• A baby sling/carrier, especially helpful when getting through security since you don't need to remove babies from carriers.
• Think disposable: Disposable bibs, bowls, spoons, bottle liners, sippy cups... Yes I know this is not eco-friendly, but it may be worth it to help you keep your sanity while traveling.
• Pacifiers (yes, that’s plural) to encourage sucking during take-off and landing if you’re flying. Also bring a couple ofpacifier clips, which can be a lifesaver! (Full disclosure: This is my step-sister's awesome Etsy shop, check it out!)
• Burp cloths, nursing cover and breast pump if your little ones are still in that stage.
• Hand sanitizer (make sure to put it in a zip-top bag if you're flying).
• Extra diapers and wipes. I like to put Little Sweets in overnight diapers in case we can't do diaper changes as often as we normally would, but be aware of the increased risk of diaper rash.
• Think of your carry-on bag as being full of things that if you lose them, you’d be able to live without them. Your kids will find more hiding spots in the airplane/rental car than you could even imagine… anything you carry-on could very easily get lost.
• If you’re flying, you may need to bring proof of immunizations, age, social security card and/or passport. Check with your airline to see what documentation the little ones might need. Make sure it doesn't get put in the checked baggage.
• Consider bringing your stroller and carseat all the way to the gate. The fewer people who handle your expensive baby gear, the better!
• Despite this long list, plan to carry-on as little as possible. =) You need your hands free for getting through the airport.
• Don’t forget the Busy Bag!

 

Family Vacation

Complete list of Disney Resources

Are you planning to go to one of the US Disney Park or a Disney cruise, check out the following resources that I have put together for Trekaroo.

· Best Disney Vacation Planning Resources

· Reviews and Tips - Disneyland, CA

· Reviews and Tips - Walt Disney World, Florida

· Disney Vacation Websites with Tips, Deals, and Packages

· Most Popular Disney Vacation Guide Books

 

 Photo by: Flickr/lrargerich

 

· Disney iPhone and Android Mobile Apps

· Best Tools for Disney Vacation Planning

· Disney Focused Travel Blogs - news and stories

· Disney Trip Planning Tips for the Disabled

· Most Popular Disney Vacation Guide Books

- Travel Agents who Specialize in Disney Cruises and Parks

 

Family Vacation

Traveling with Tots Series: Part 1 Know before you go

Tricia from Sweeters than Sweet will be sharing her tips on Traveling with tots for the next 4 weeks. The perfect blog spots before heading to a vacation with the little ones.

Part 1 ~ Know Before You Go

Part 2 ~ Packing For Your Trip

Part 3 ~ Travel Time

Part 4 ~ When You Get There

 

Getting ready for your trip

Little Sweets' first trip abroad

• Start writing out a packing list the week before your trip. Update it as you think of things and as you pack so it's ready for your next trip. Check out my Tips on Packing for the Trip.
• If you're staying in a hotel, do your research on their cribs. Hotel cribs may present size and safety concerns. (Source)
• OneStepAhead.com has tons of travel solutions including portable cribs, inflatable bed rails and more. I have been eyeing this travel bed for Little Sweets now that she's too big for hotel cribs but not yet ready for a big girl bed.
• Mix up the bedtime routine for a few days before you go. If there are parts of your routine (rocking in a certain chair, for example) that you can't incorporate on your trip, get your little one(s) used to going to bed without them. (Thanks, Mom, for this one!)
• You can help a baby acclimate to a different environment by putting him/her to bed in the Pack 'N Play and moving it into different rooms for the few nights before your trip. The smells, sounds and sights will be different, just like they will be on your trip.
• Take down the blackout curtains in the bedroom... you'll quickly find out whether it affects sleep habits. 
• Some people prepare for time zone changes by changing bedtime a little at a time in the week leading up to your travel. We've never done this with our daughter because we'd rather just deal with the sleep disturbances when we get where we're going. (It always takes a few days for her to get used to the new time and surroundings, but we know that she will eventually get back to her usual sleep habits.)

Booking plane tickets

Ticket to Happiness by foldedheart

• To buy or not to buy for children under 2? That is the question.
  • How long does your baby want to sit on your lap at home? Practice sitting with baby on your lap for awhile and see how you both handle it. If you have a snuggler like Little Sweets, it might be worth saving money and not booking a seat. But if your baby doesn't like to touch you while he sleeps, get him his own seat.
  • Do you want to be able to eat, read or use your tray? If so, book a seat!
  • If you decide not to book a seat, your chances are best for having an empty seat next to you if you fly on the slowest travel days (Tuesdays or Wednesdays, whereas the busiest are Mondays and Fridays), choose seats toward the back of the plane, and leave an empty middle seat in a row (i.e., if there are 2 adults and 1 child, the adults should book the aisle and window of one row).
  • Some airlines have discounted fares for children under 2 years old but you may have to call rather than book online.
    • Personal experience: Of all 24 flights Little Sweets took before she turned 2, we never booked a seat for her. However, we ended up getting an empty seat next to us for probably 2/3 of the flights we took. The other 1/3 were challenging but we lived to tell the tale. Being the sole adult with her helped get that sympathy seat next to me. =)
  • Avoid flying on the airlines on this list, if possible.
  • Check out the best and worst airports on this list and don't forget to think about layover airports.
  • Once you've chosen your airline, go to their website and look for the page on traveling with children for helpful information.
  • Swing by Seat Guru to help you choose your seats. You'll see which seats to avoid because they have no trays, less legroom, or are the loudest.
  • Book a flight with the fewest connections possible. Shorter overall travel time and less opportunity for flight delays, being bumped, flight cancellations... enough said. 
  • Some airplanes do not have microwaves (for heating bottles) or milk on board, so plan accordingly. 
  • Resources:
    • TSA: Information on Flying with Children
    • FAA: Childproof Your Flight brochure (pdf download)
    • FAA: Child Safety on Airplanes
    • AAP: Travel Safety Tips

International travel

Miniature Pocket Globe by beepalix

• Newborns and infants are required to have their own passports when traveling internationally by air. (Source)
• Passports for kids 15 years old and younger expire in 5 years instead of the usual 10 years (but you'll save $30 in fees).
• For more U.S. passport information, see the U.S. Department of State website.
• If you are traveling with a lap child under 2 years old, you'll still have to purchase a ticket for her. You pay the taxes on a regular plane ticket at the time of booking... since airfare typically gets more expensive as you get closer to the day of travel, taxes go up, too! Call the airline directly as soon as possible after booking your tickets.
• If you want to book a seat for your child under 2 years old, you may be able to get a discounted fare of up to 50% off by calling the airline directly.

Airport security

Vintage Samsonite Suitcase by Bright Wall

• Medications, baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice can go through security "in reasonable quantities" and do not need to be in a zip-top bag, but you should declare them before you go through security. Gel-filled teethers are also permitted. (Source)
• You can wear your baby in a carrier through security checkpoints. I seriously suggest you do this!
• Empty water bottles are allowed through security. Fill them up at the water fountains on the other side of security for drinking or for mixing with formula.
• Older children must walk through on their own and cannot be in a stroller.

Car seat basics

Little Sweets is ready for takeoff!

Does your child need to be in a carseat? The FAA recommends, but does not require, carseats for all children up to 40 pounds (Source - pdf download). Check your airline's website to see airline-specific requirements.

If you're unsure of whether your carseat is FAA-approved, look for this on it: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." You may not be allowed to use it on the flight if it doesn't say those words. (Source)

Carseats will always have to be placed at the window seat so they don't obstruct you or other passengers from getting out in case of an emergency.

If you are bringing a carseat for an older baby or toddler (those giant "convertible" ones, not the infant ones that fit into strollers so nicely), there are a few options for getting it through the airport, but here is what I use, available on Amazon.com for less than $15. In my opinion, compared to wearing a giant carseat on my back or paying $80 to put some wheels on it, this is definitely the most economical, smallest and easiest method to use.

If you don't want to lug the carseat(s) around the airport, there are a few other options for safety on the plane (though I haven't tried any of these): FlyeBaby, CARES flight harness and the Toddler Flight Vest Travel Harness.

Travel Tips

National Passport Day on April 9th (if there is no government shutdown)

Note that Passport Day will be rescheduled if there is a government shutdown.

On Saturday, April 9, the Department of State will host its third annual “Passport Day in the USA.”  U.S. citizens throughout the country can apply for a passport book or passport card at any one of the regional passport agencies or participating passport acceptance facilities, including post offices and clerks of court.  With summer vacation approaching, this event is the perfect opportunity to apply for a passport. 

The Department’s newest agencies in San Diego, El Paso, Texas, and St. Albans, Vt. will be open to the public on Passport Day.  Recently opened agencies along the southern and northern borders will also be open in Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, Buffalo, N.Y., and Tucson, Ariz.  Public counters at facilities in Hot Springs, Ark. and Portsmouth, N.H. will be open as well.

Regional passport agencies will be open for extended Saturday hours.  For this day only, no appointment is necessary, and U.S. citizens without travel plans in the next 14 days may apply directly at a regional passport agency.  Both routine and expedited processing service may be requested.  Families should be aware that passports for children under 16 expire every five years.  Both parents and child need to appear or the non-appearing parent must submit a notarized “Minor Consent” form.

Many non-Department passport acceptance facilities around the country will also be hosting “Passport Day in the USA” events.  U.S. citizens can visit http://travel.state.gov/passportday to find participating acceptance facilities in their area. 

 

Click here to find the information for a first time application.Click here for a minor. 
Click here for passport fees. 

Click here to find the locations that are participating in Passport Day in California this Saturday and click here for other US locations.

 

Things To Do

10 Fun Things to Do during the Holidays in San Francisco

 
There are so many things to do when you visit or live in San Francisco. Here is a 10 things to do in San Francisco during Christmas Break

I have also put together a list of activities and places you can visit on January 1st^,.

1 - Ice Skating

There are several indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks in the Bay Area: SF union Square, Embarcadero Center, Oakland etc. See the full list of ice-skating rinks in San Francisco and the Bay Area

2 - Visit a Victorian Home

Enroll in the Victorian Home Walk. It includes a visit inside a Victorian decorated in the 1890’s style during the holiday season. The tour will also include other houses with exteriors decorated for the season. Departs daily from Union Square, corner of Powell and Post streets. No reservations required; $25 per person.
Nov. 8, 2010-March 30, 2011, 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday

 

3 - Enjoy the holiday lights in your neighborhood, in a close by city or in San Francisco.

In San Francisco, you can enjoy the snowflakes on Market Street, the Embarcadero Center’s Building Lighting, the lights at the Hyatt Regency, at Pier 39, at Ghirardelli Square, at Union Square, Union Street.
See my list on Trekaroo.

 

4 - Check out the animals at Macy’s holiday Windows on Union Square.
The SF SPCA will have kittens and puppies for adoption till January 2nd, 2011. They are so cute to see. Children love it.

5 - Look for Vampires

On December 31, 2010, at 8 p.m, go on the Vampire Tour of San Francisco

A novel way to spend New Year’s Eve, the two-hour Vampire Tour of San Francisco departs from the corner of California and Taylor streets. Stops along the tour include Grace Cathedral, the Nob Hill Café, Huntington Park, the Pacific-Union Club, the Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels. $20 “per mortal.”

6 – Visit the museums

The Contemporary Jewish Museum has an exhibition Curious George saves the Day that will delight the whole family (read my review here). 

They will be open on December 25^th

Till December. 31, from 1-3 p.m. every Sunday and holiday weekends, you can drop in and make some art. These are free with admission and youth 18 and under always free. Themes change regularly and can be related to Museum exhibitions, in this case Curious George Saves the Day.

Dec.19 and Dec. 26: Season’s Greetings, Rey Style

Make your own linoleum-cut printing stamps to create one-of-a-kind holiday cards.

Special Schools-Out Drop-In

Dec. 27, 28, 30, 31: Wire, Set, Go!

As Curious George is constantly on the go, create wire sculptures that take you places:

Dec. 27: Air Mobiles

Dec. 28: Earth Mobiles

Dec.30: Sea Mobiles

Dec.31: Outer Space Mobiles

The Conservatory of Flowers is hosting the Garden Railway in the Golden Gate Park. Model trains and trolleys will wind their way through mini versions of the park’s specialty gardens, zip past sparkling water features that bring Stow and Spreckels Lakes to life and even whiz by a wee bison paddock. Replicas of 10 of the park’s most beloved landmarks are creatively crafted from recycled and repurposed materials and include the Dutch Windmill, the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young, the Music Concourse Bandshell, the California Academy of Sciences, the Carousel, the Stow Lake Boat House, the Chinese Pavilion, McLaren Lodge and the Conservatory of Flowers

The Disney Museum is one of our favorite museums, we went for the opening and had a great time, we learned so much. So enjoy Christmas with Walt Disney (read my review of the Disney Museum).

A special holiday screening at the Walt Disney Family Museum includes The Nutcracker Suite from Fantasia; Pluto’s Christmas Tree, scenes from television Christmas specials and rarely seen home movies of Walt Disney and his family. For information and viewing times visit

If you are going to the South Bay, you may want to visit the Tech Museum in San Jose and Body World.

7 - Visit animals

San Francisco Zoo and their reindeers, the California Academy of Sciences and its two reindeers on the roof, as well as the Oakland zoo, our all time favorite.

Happy Hollow Park reopened recently and that will make for a nice visit in the South Bay.

8 – Meet for tea at the Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Ritz-Carlton

From Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2010, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Children and their favorite stuffed animals gather in The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, for traditional Teddy Bear Tea with Binky the Elf. Holiday storytelling, balloons and a visit and photograph with the cuddly Ritz-Carlton Teddy are complemented by a small teddy bear to take home and a special tea experience of hot chocolate, teddy bear cut-out cookies and assorted sandwiches. For information visit .

9 – Discover the city by bike

We did an unforgettable tour of San Francisco last year. We rented our bikes from Bay City Bike and we spend a very enjoyable day biking all over the beach front and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Dress warmly and in layers. You can read my review to see if it is something you want to do.

10 - See a show
Shrek The Musical till January 2^nd, 2011

Onstage this holiday season at the Orpheum Theatre, Shrek The Musical is based on the Academy Award-winning animated DreamWorks film and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek! The hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre has a dazzling new life onstage in a musical for the entire family featuring a terrific score with 19 all-new songs, big laughs and great dancing.

A Christmas Carol till December 24^th,2010

Scrooge, Tiny Tim and others return to the Geary Theatre in Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol.

Cinderella till December 19, 2010 

San Francisco’s African-American Shakespeare Company stages Cinderella at the Buriel Clay Theatre, 762 Fulton St . This timeless tale, brought to whimsical, magical life just in time for the holiday season, is an uplifting re-telling of the classic fairytale, featuring all of the pageantry, hilarity and charm of the original, but with a soulful twist..

The Nutcracker till December 27, 2010

Set in 20th century San Francisco, The Nutcracker returns to the War Memorial Opera House for 31 performances. For information visit .

Black Nativity: A Gospel Celebration of Christmas till December 31, 2010

This annual Christmas pageant presented by the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is filled with holiday gospel music and new songs, new music, new staging and new artists are added each year. Performances are at The Southside Theatre, Fort Mason Center.

A Family Holiday Sing-Along at Grace Cathedral on Dec. 18, 2010, 11 a.m.

Bring the family to Grace Cathedral for a sing-along with the Pacific Boychoir in a program of classic holiday carols..

A Cathedral Christmas at Grace Cathedral on Dec 18 (3 p.m.), Dec.19 (3 p.m.), Dec. 20, 2010 (7 p.m.)

Celebrate the season at Grace Cathedral with the choir of men and boys with orchestra, featuring their signature performances of favorite carols, along with sacred masterpieces and yuletide classics.

Related posts:
Ice-skating rinks in Tahoe
Holidays lights and tree lightings in San Francisco
Holidays events you want to share with your kids on Trekaroo
Holidays events around the Bay Area on Trekaroo
Tips for a drama-free visit to a museum with kids

Things To Do
San Francisco

Book review: 100 places to take your kids before they grow up

I won the book ‘100 places to take your kids before they grow up’ (Frommer’s) at a contest with Trekaroo.  Since it is a book that lists places for children, I gave it to my daughters Olivia (11) and Thais (8) and ask them to initial the places they would like to visit.

I was surprised by both girls’ list, it was long and eclectic, outdoors and indoors, nature and malls, art and nature.

I marked with a * the places we have already visited and I was glad that she wanted to go back to places like California Gold Rush Country, I knew both kids really enjoyed visiting it.

This book is a great starting point for discussions, for letting children be aware of what there is to discover in other states or right there in their backyard. Looks like a visit of the Winchester Mystery House is something that I should plan for our family as well as a visit to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk….

Photos and descriptions are right on target for the attractions/places we visited so I am trusting it is the same for the ones we have not.

In conclusion
This book will make a nice little gift for your children.

Check out my children’s selection. It will give you an idea of what you can find in the book.

Thais’ pick

Philadelphia: cradle of Liberty, Pennsylvania
* Manhattan: a kid sized slice to the big apple, New York
American Museum of Natural History: discovering Dinosaurs, New York
The Cyclone, the coaster that made Coney Island famous, New York
New Orleans: the treasure we almost lost, Louisiana
* Monterey Bay Aquarium: Finding new depths in the California Coast, California
Griffith Observatory: Planetarium Hollywood, California
San Diego Zoo: Panda-monium, California
Winchester Mystery House: monument to Paranoia, California* California Gold Rush Country: land of the forty-niners, California
* The Exploratorium: the ultimate hands-on museum, California
* Hooray for Hollywood: Movie Mecca, California
* Santa Monica Beach: the golden essence of Beachy California
* Santa Cruz Boardwalk: California classic by the sea
Washington DC: having a ball  on the National Mall
Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: where hot lava still flows, Hawaii
Dinosaur Valley: in the tracks of the Dinosaurs, Utah
Kennedy Space Center: 10…9….8.., Florida
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland Rocks, Ohio
Mall of America: Minnesota’s mega  mall Amusements

Olivia’s pick

* Las Vegas Cruising the strip, Nevada
* Manhattan: a kid sized slice to the big apple, New York
American Museum of Natural History: discovering Dinosaurs, New York
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Manhattan’s Treasure Grove, New York
Niagara Falls: the big spill, New York
Chicago: city of the big shoulders, Illinois
Washington DC: having a ball  on the National Mall
National Air and Space Museum: plane fantastic – Washington DC
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: where hot lava still flows, Hawaii
Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota
Winchester Mystery House: monument to Paranoia, California
San Diego Zoo: Panda-monium, California
* California Gold Rush Country: land of the forty-niners, California
* The Exploratorium: the ultimate hands-on museum, California
* Hooray for Hollywood: Movie Mecca, California
* Yosemite: Rock Climbing Heaven, California
* Santa Cruz Boardwalk: California classic by the sea
* Santa Monica Beach: the golden essence of Beachy California
Miami Seaquarium: laid back dolphins in the lagoons, Florida
Dinosaur Valley: in the tracks of the Dinosaurs, Utah 
Kennedy Space Center: 10…9….8.., Florida 
The Art Institute of Chicago: hitting Art’s highlights in the Loop, Illinois
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland Rocks, Ohio
Millennium Force: Cedar’s Point record setter, Ohio
Getting past the crowds: Yellowstone, Wyoming  
Mall of America: Minnesota’s mega  mall Amusements

Family Vacation