Going on a family vacation is an event children look forward to, one that will light up their brains up with new discoveries and help them uncoil and enjoy life. If you’re still not sure it’s worth the cost of a plane ticket to take your family on a trip, consider these 11 reasons for why you should take a family vacation below. 

photo: Muhammad Rahmat via Pexels 

1. Your kids will learn to be flexible.
Sometimes, you just have to muscle through the whining at restaurants, the schlepping of diaper bags, time changes and everything else that goes along with wayfaring with young kids in tow. Why? Because, eventually, you’ll have well-traveled, flexible children who can behave at a nice restaurant, make eye contact with adults and enjoy pleasant conversations. The more you expose your children to the outside world, full of different cultures, foods and ways of life, the more your children will become adaptable and amenable.

2. Kids can express themselves.
When traveling with their children, parents are dialed into the child’s experience. They are asking questions, listening to answers and teaching their kids how to think deeper about what they are experiencing. Getting out of the ordinary routine allows parents to interact with their kids in a way that they can’t do as readily at home. 

photo: Josh Willink via Pexels

3. Learning is more fun on vacation.
Can you learn about architecture, art, geography, culture and history from a book? Of course. But, wouldn’t the information stick better if you actually saw it, could feel it drip through your fingers, smell it, walk up the stone steps, taste the spicy seasoning, press your nose to the glass and see the thick brush strokes on the canvas? When kids use all five senses, they’re more engaged and present. Travel affords us the opportunity to see, think and feel deeper.

4. Everyone will have a different takeaway to share. 
Traveling with your family is like investing in different stories—everyone will come away with their own perspective from the same experience. Your son might say the best part of the trip was the Mallard ducks in the pond that he got to feed, while you might recall the surrey bike that got stuck in the mud, forcing you to get your white sneakers dirty (there were ducks in that pond?). Retelling these stories year after year will bring your family great joy, especially if you can laugh at any unfortunate happenings.

photo: vitaliy-m via Pixabay

5. They’ll learn how to be more social.
Kids learn how to interact with people of all ages while traveling. They’ll talk to servers at restaurants, hotel staff, hikers on the trail, new kids at the pool, elderly folks at the airport—traveling creates wonderful opportunities to interact with the world around us. Your children will learn that they are not invisible, that people can actually hear and see them, and that they have to respect other people’s space and property. Talking too loudly in a museum, stepping on someone’s beach towel with dirty feet or taking up too much space in the elevator all become lessons on how to be mindful and kind to others.

6. Travel teaches patience.
When out and about, the hurry-up-and-wait game is often the M.O. Kids will have to wait in lines, be strapped into a stroller, sit on a curb to wait for a cab, run with gear to make a flight or train connection, walk longer than expected, and be patient while parents are talking to other adults. These experiences help teach kids how to be tolerant, resilient and easy-going.

photo: Biova Nakou via Pexels

7. It also kindles the power of passion.
Traveling can spark passion in your child, and it encourages them to want to learn. A trip to the Kennedy Space Center might ignite a love of space; visiting the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, might create an interest in sea life and diving; and exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns and Missions in San Antonio might generate a craving for adventure. No matter where you go or what you do, traveling somewhere together will give your family opportunities to delve into different enriched environments, full of various sights, sounds and smells.

8. They’ll learn that experiences are more valuable than stuff.
Many parents feel like their homes are overrun with toys scattered everywhere, and according to this study, an excess of toys may obstruct a child’s growth, behavior and ability to use their imagination during creative play. Perhaps a better option is to donate some of the toys to encourage giving and focus on finding ways to provide your kids more meaningful experiences. Children will value the time spent with their family while on a vacation long after the trip is over, which means it’s money well spent.

photo: Pixabay via Pexels

9. Vacations usually include the great outdoors.
Whether you’re sticking your toes in warm sand, swimming in a choppy lake, hiking through a forest of oak trees, or skiing down the slopes, getting outside will provide enriching experiences for your kids. Kids have no problem keeping themselves busy exploring the outdoors. A stick becomes a sword, the sand becomes a castle, water becomes an antagonist to punch and jump over—creative play is instant and intrinsic.

10. Everyone will be faced with challenges…which is a good thing.
There’s always a risk that travel will not go smoothly: Planes get delayed, flights get canceled, drivers get lost. You may have forgotten to pack an essential lovey or pair of socks. All of these challenges provide opportunities to teach your kids about problem-solving and working together toward a common goal. You might find that your older child steps up and comforts your younger child or that your middle kid is flexible beyond what you thought was possible.

photo: Markus Spiske via Pexels

11. You’ll be able to fill up the family happiness bank.
The emotional, social, and psychological perks of family vacations extend long after the trip is over. If you were to ask the adults in your life what their happiest childhood memories were, they’d likely recount a family trip. Your uncle might say it was the time his parents rented an RV and drove to a national park; your mom might say she loved swimming in the hotel pool with her siblings. Thinking back to their own happiest vacation memories can be a powerful tool for your children when they are going through a tough time—reflecting on magical excursions experienced as a family may bring them a sense of comfort.

 

— Wendy Altschuler & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

 

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Walt Disney World is almost ready to kick off its 50th Anniversary Party, and of course that means there’s a new coffee blend to go with it!

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, the official speciality coffee of the resort has just announced the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Blend. A dark blend of 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, the blend also has notes of blueberry, black cherry and lemon.

In addition to a brand new flavor, the The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Blend comes packaged in a special bag with noted golden castle imagery. Just like previous Joffrey’s coffee, it will be available at locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Want to know where you can get a cup? Just head to the WDW Resort, in-room at Walt Disney World
Resort, Disneyland Resort hotels, Disney Vacation Club hotels and resorts, Joffrey’s Disney Springs–The Landing location, select Walt Disney World Resort merchandise stores in-park and at around the resort and at signature restaurants within Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

You can also purchase the Walt Disney World® 50th Anniversary Blend online at joffreys.com beginning Sept. 29.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Joffrey’s

 

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There are lots of things we try to escape in Atlanta—heat, mosquitoes and traffic all come to mind—so it’s funny that our town is so wild over getting into Atlanta’s best escape rooms! Maybe it’s because you play only with your group, or perhaps because its air conditioned, but we think Atlanta is wild for escape rooms because they’re just so fun. Keep reading for our favorite escape rooms geared towards the kids, below.

Time to Escape

Featuring four fun escape experiences, which are now all private for your group only—including Al Capone's Speakeasy which features an in-room actor—Time to Escape gives players feedback on their acuity and the level of difficulty of their mission. Generally for between 2-14 players, these escape rooms include a Western, Alcatraz, Egyptian, and Speakeasy theme.

1441 Dresden Dr #230
Brookhaven
678-705-4320
Online: itstimetoescape.com

Big Escape Rooms

Big Escape Rooms offers adventures where players find clues, crack codes and use their sleuth prowess to solve a series of puzzles within 60 minutes to escape a themed room. With the clock counting down, you may make it, you may not—but one thing is for sure: you’re going to have fun! Of their four rooms, the beginner level—The Basketball escape room—is best for families with kids. It was initially designed for the Atlanta Hawks and built inside of Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta. The story goes that your team has been trapped inside the locker room and it’s 45-minutes until game time. The coach always hides a spare key, so you have to find it in time to get your team out on the court or will you be forced to forfeit the game.

Big Escape Rooms
444 Highland Ave. NE 4th floor
Old Fourth Ward
678-800-0701
Online: bigescaperooms.com

 

Breakout Games

Whether you choose to play in person (always your group only) or virtually, Breakout Games offers you tons of rooms to choose among—and most are suitable for kids. For 60 minutes, experience immersive entertainment with friends and family, escape normal life, and be the hero of the story. Explore an island, find the kidnapper, restore ancient relics to their rightful owner, and more. For train lovers, this one has a Runaway Train experience that you don't want to miss! 3867 Roswell Rd. NE Buckhead 404-800-9207 Online: breakoutgames.com

Paranoia Quest

Paranoia Quest Whether you have Harry Potter fans, kids who would fearlessly face the Zombie Apocalypse, or detectives-in-training, this downtown location (there's one in Buford, too) will meet your escape room needs. Playing only those in your group, you'll spend 60 minutes trying to solve a challenge that's not built to be scary. 72 Broad St. SW Downtown 678-310-8735 Online: paranoiaquest.com

Amazing Escape

With only 45 minutes, you'll have to work fast to get out of that mountain cabin where you're trapped. And figure out how to save everyone from a mysterious virus. And get out of being convicted for a crime you didn't commit. Best of luck at this Norcross venue. 6040 Unity Dr. Suite C Norcross 470-294-0480 Online: amazingescapegame.com

Urban Escape Games

Investigate something fishy going on in a big-business run space station. Catch a jewel thief in the act. Unlock a researcher from a time warp. This Alpharetta and Marietta operation is "HR" and "Family" safe, so you'll find no scary or lewd surprises when you go. 20 Mansell Ct. East, Suite #275 Alpharetta 678-805-2189 Online: urbanescapegames.com

Featured photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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In her eight years of teaching, Shauna Woods has seen her share of illnesses run through her classroom. During this time of year, it’s typical for her to experience a higher number of absences due to illnesses. Knowing how detrimental it can be to miss a number of consecutive days, Woods came up with a plan to teach her class the proper way to wash their hands. 

“I began to think of something that I could put on their hands that they would have to wash off,” said Woods, who teaches at Hallsville Public School in Hallsville, Missouri. “On a Monday morning, I saw my ‘Mrs. Woods’ stamp sitting there and I told my students to wash their hands in the classroom sink and then see Mrs. Woods for a stamp.”

Hand stamp teacher

In a now viral Facebook post, Woods explains that the goal was to keep away germs. Each student received a stamp in the morning and if it had been washed away by the end of the day, they would receive a prize. 

“We are doing our best in room 550 to keep the germs away,” Woods wrote in her post. “We are trying.”

Hand stamp teacher

Now that this idea has exploded, the students have recently been challenged to wash off their stamps so that a local radio station could come join our classroom for the day. They have accepted the challenge and can’t wait to have guests in our classroom. 

Once Woods set clear expectations with her class the students have asked for a stamp each day. 

“We discussed how to properly wash their hands and I told them they would earn a prize if their stamp was faded or disappeared altogether,” said Woods. “Day one was training day, as students were motivated to wash that stamp off or rub it off right away. Once we set clear expectations, students have asked for a stamp every day and know how to properly wash their hands. We’ve started a trend for the school and now, after going viral, the nation.”

Woods even stamps her own hand each morning. She says that even as an adult seeing the stamp on her own hand has been a visual reminder to wash her hands more frequently to stay healthy and germ free. 

The class never thought this challenge would go viral. Woods says, “Our cups are full knowing that just maybe we’ve helped keep a few more students safe and healthy during this season.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Shauna Woods 

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If you’ve ever watched Tom Hanks dance Chopsticks on the floor piano, you’re well aware of the joys of FAO Schwarz. One hotel is taking the fun of the toy store and bringing it into the guest room.

FAO Schwarz has teamed up with the Conrad New York Midtown hotel to provide young guests a thrilling, toy-filled experience. Just for the holiday season the hotel will feature a guest suite filled with wall-to-wall toys from the famous toy store.

“We’ve always wanted to do something like this with a hotel. To imagine the joy and wonder that will captivate guests from the minute they open the door—it’s magical,” David Niggli, chief merchandising officer of FAO Schwarz, told Afar.

The 1,800-square foot FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite features a room full of toys including a toy gourmet kitchen, multiple train sets, working DJ turntables, hobby horses, 8- to 10-foot-tall stuffed animals, vintage Barbie dolls and yes, even that iconic dance-on floor piano. The room itself is essentially a private toy store because everything you see is available for purchase.

The special suite is now available to book between Nov. 18, 2019 and Jan. 5, 2020. Guests not staying in the room can still get in on the fun with the hotel’s in-room toy menu which will deliver on demand all season long. The FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite package starts at $3,000 per night. To book, email NYCCN.Sales@ConradHotels.com.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Conrad Midtown/photographer Mark Weinberg

 

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Earlier this year LEGOLAND Florida announced plans to build LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel, a brand-new pirate-themed hotel adjacent to the park. Construction is well under way and they’ve just announced the grand opening date of April 17, 2020! Read on for details, photos and even an animated fly-through video of the hotel.

photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Pirate Island will be connected to the existing LEGOLAND Hotel, becoming the third on-site hotel at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Located right outside the main gates of the park (130 steps, to be exact) the hotel will include 150 rooms, a heated pool and pool deck, a pirate ship in front of the hotel, a pirate-themed restaurant, nightly kid-friendly programming, LEGO character experiences, LEGO play pits and a lobby bar for the grown-ups.

photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida

rendering image courtesy LEGOLAND Florida Resort

“Pirate Island Hotel will be a great addition to LEGOLAND Florida Resort,” said General Manager Rex Jackson. “Based on our consumer demand, the need for a third on-site accommodation has never been higher. Along with THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD, Pirate Island Hotel is a key component in the park’s overall growth and expansion as we continue to strengthen LEGOLAND Florida Resort as a multi-day destination.”

rendering image courtesy LEGOLAND Florida Resort 

Every Pirate Island Hotel room will include two separate spaces—a kiddos’ space with bunk beds and and a grown-up sleeping area. The rooms are all decked out in LEGO pirate decor and have interactive LEGO Pirate models throughout.

photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida

Each room will include unique pirateering themes like boat-shaped beds and in-room treasure hunts. And with every hotel stay, a scurvy-preventing breakfast will be included.

photo: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida

photo courtesy LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The five-story hotel will also house Shipwreck Restaurant along with a bar called Smuggler’s Bar, just for grown-ups. There will be an entertainment area for kid-friendly nightly programing and LEGO play pits.

photo courtesy LEGOLAND Florida Resort

“We’re really excited to open our third on-site hotel accommodation and deliver completely new family-friendly experiences,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort General Manager Rex Jackson. “Pirates have a long history tied to the state of Florida and we look forward to providing our future guests with an entertaining, memorable and fun hotel.”

Plus, if you book right now you can buy two nights and get one free.

Discover more and book your rooms at: legoland.com/florida/pirate-island-hotel/

LEGOLAND Florida
One LEGOLAND Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884

—Amber Guetebier

images and conceptual renderings courtesy LEGOLAND Florida Resort 

 

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Ever wish you could shrink down to fit inside Barbie’s Dream House––and her extensive wardrobe while you’re at it? This new Barbie themed hotel suite is about as close as you can get to squeezing into those impossible plastic stilettos!

The Hilton Mexico City Santa Fe has teamed up with Mattel to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Barbie with an all-pink, all-Barbie suite. The room features a bunk bed decked out to look like Barbie’s Dream Camper, as well as a bathroom stocked with Barbie accessories and a collection of rare Barbies on display. There is also a second bedroom for the parents, in case you don’t feel like bunking with the kids.

The Barbie fun doesn’t end inside the room, however. Poolside you’ll find a pink, Barbie-themed cabana. The hotel restaurant, Madera, is also dishing up a menu inspired the iconic doll, including pink yogurt parfaits, red velvet desserts and strawberry ice cream.

“It’s a fusion of glamour and camping, combining the convenience and luxury of a hotel with certain aspects of traditional camping,” general manager Andres Korngold said in a statement. “Barbie loves to travel, enjoys nature and cares about the environment, without forgoing the comfort of the most sophisticated accommodations. Travelers can now join in her dream glamping experience with an in-room DreamCamper that allows guests to travel in style.”

You can book a night in the Barbie suite starting at $189 per night on weekdays and $225 on weekends.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Hilton

 

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