Plan your LEGOLAND vacation or catch one of the LEGO exhibits coming to a city near you
Your LEGO-obsessed kids break new ground with their creative builds every day. Now it’s your turn! Push the LEGO boundaries with innovative travel ideas your kids are gonna love. From LEGOLAND’s newest location and a tricked-out LEGO house to traveling exhibits that inspire and awe, we’ve got 13 places LEGO fans of all ages need to experience during their lifetime.
LEGOLAND | CA, FL & NY
LEGOLAND
The first stop on any Brick Head’s bucket list is the most LEGO-ist place of all. Full immersion is how it’s done at LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND California, and the newest addition LEGOLAND New York. Rides, water parks, and plenty of brick-tastic builds to explore and participate in are what these theme parks are all about. Add in LEGO-themed hotels and you’ve got a not-to-miss 24/7 experience.
If you really want to blow your little LEGO lover’s mind, head to LEGOLAND Dubai where you will find the biggest and best attractions from all other LEGOLAND theme parks from around the world. Let your kid's imagination soar in the six themed areas that cover everything from medieval dragons to underwater adventures. Experience over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, including LEGO models of the world's most iconic buildings inside the theme park’s first, fully covered MINILAND. Finish your visit off with a trip to the LEGOLAND Water Park where you can take on the Joker Soaker, build your very own LEGO raft, go on a splash safari or slip and slide your way down 20 different water slides and attractions. To learn more, check out our Insider's Guide to Dubai and Emirates’ abundance of family offerings.
This totally original Denmark build brings new meaning to the phrase “brick house.” Constructed from over 25 million LEGO bricks, it commemorates the birth of a legend—LEGO (psst...Billund is LEGO's hometown!). Visitors can explore six Experience Zones when they make the pilgrimage, shop the LEGO store, bounce around the playgrounds, and explore the colorful rooftop spaces. Talk about house envy!
Book a sweet spot in Billund at the LEGOLAND Holiday Village to really blow your bitty brick lover's mind. Overnight in one of their Wilderness Barrels (think: Frodo's Hobbit House) surrounded by LEGO-built wild animals and decor. Or maybe you'd prefer a LEGO NINJAGO or Wild West-themed cabin for your night's stay? But if creature comforts are more your style, the Pirates' Inn Motel can't be beat. No matter which totally tricked out LEGO experience you choose, expect plenty of outdoor play space and family-friendly activities too!
This is a LEGO celebration West Coasters won’t want to miss! It spans over two days in October and features thousands of models built by adult LEGO hobbyists. Each year offers a different theme that will surely leave lots of room for builders of all sizes to be inspired and create their own masterpieces in the expansive Building Zone. Brick Heads unite!
Attorney-turned-LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, is taking his exquisite brick creations on the road, and families across the globe are invited to check it out. This unusual LEGO experience mixes fine art with bricks to create a playful, innovative experience that appeals to LEGO lovers of all ages. Just think of the inspiration you and your kids will find here! Check out the upcoming tour schedule to find out if the exhibition’s coming to your city.
If LEGO MINDSTORMS is your kid’s jam, being a participant or spectator at a FIRST LEGO League tourney is where you want to be. The name of the game here is STEM, challenging kids ages 4-16 to solve real-world problems and super cool missions. Three divisions help little learners develop their LEGO skills and build teamwork.
And you thought your kid had a ton of LEGO. You don’t know the half of it until you’ve hit a Brickfest Live! event. Imagine a warehouse full of your favorite LEGO including new, rare and vintage sets. Plus photo ops, mosaic walls, a racing arena, mini golf (LEGO style), robotics and much more. A serious playground for LEGO fiends of any ages, find out if it’s headed your way this year.
They’re touted as the “ultimate indoor LEGO playground” but your kids know them as that “place with all the LEGO bricks.” And they want to go there...like yesterday. Each location has its own twist, but families can always count on being able to build and test LEGO race cars, explore architectural wonders in Miniland and meet and greets with your favorite LEGO characters. To see what the buzz is about, check out one of the US locations.
If you want to see LEGO build of your favorite local landmarks, watch for the AWESOME EXHIBITION to come to a city near you. Recently it had residence in Seattle where you could see everything from the Space Needle to a massive orca to the Back to the Future Delorean. The massive creations in this exhibition are going to awe LEGO fans of all ages and there are even interactive LEGO building stations where you can make your own LEGO creation.
Eating out with the kids doesn’t have to be a drag. There are some amazing themed restaurants around Los Angeles and they’re as big a feast for the eyes as they are for the tummies (you won’t need an iPad here!). We’ve searched high and low for the best of the best from pirate themed dinner adventures to magic-filled brunches—it’s like a chose your own adventure, only you get to eat too. Check ‘em out below and don’t blame us if dining out becomes your family’s new favorite way to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: The Proud Bird Food Bazaar
If your kid is into planes, then look no further than the Proud Bird. Check out the fiberglass replicas of famous planes and the playground, then head inside to the self-serve food court featuring six kitchens dishing out around-the world fare. Try Asian inspired fried rice, a pulled pork sandwich, or a hot from the oven pizza. Sit inside, or enjoy the open air patio. Either one will give you great views of the replica planes and other aviation memorabilia. Don't forget to grab an Aviation Cocktail (or other adult-friendly drink) from The Mile High Bar and Lounge.
Insider Tip: If you’re not feeling a sit down meal, you can swing by the In-and-Out on Sepulveda. While it’s not airplane themed, you can eat car side and still see the planes flying overhead.
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: American Girl Cafe
Get ready to step into the land of dolls—American Girl dolls that is. Everyone that has or wants one of these dolls is going to want a chance to eat at this oh-so-cute cafe. Browse outfits and accessories downstairs, then head upstairs for brunch, lunch, tea, or dinner. But the tea is the true star. Eat dainty tea sandwiches and sip tea from real cups and saucers—pinkies up! Your doll is graciously invited as well. There will be a place set just for her with a high chair and mini place settings.
Insider Tip: Make reservations. While walk-ins are welcomed, this place can get packed with birthday parties and other special events. And for now, the cafe is only open Fri.-Sun.
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: Medieval Times
Melissa Heckscher
Hear ye, hear ye: There's a reason Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has been around for over three decades. It's got everything kids love: Animals (horses!), competition (jousting!), and simple food (that you eat with your hands, no less!). New for this year, the king who has ruled over the tournament since the show's inception has been replaced by... A queen! In our opinion, this just makes the show better since it will woo young girls who may have been turned off by the otherwise completely-male cast.
Does your little one like horses? Swords? Screaming as loud as she can for the sake of fun? Perfect. The rollicking, two-hour "tournament" showcases knights on horseback competing in a variety of Medieval competitions, all of which will have your dining section proudly cheering on its assigned team. The sparsely intertwined dialogue is a little hard to understand at times—but who cares! There are knights on horseback! With weapons! That, and you'll be slightly distracted by the four-course meal served on metal plates, without utensils while you spectate. The food is better than you might expect, though when all is said and done, most rave reviews will still be for the knights.
Note: The tournament culminates in a final knight-against-knight battle that'll have your kids riveted. This means, of course, that there are tons of choreographed battle scenes involving swords, flails, and axes, so if you don't like the idea of your kids watching actors get knocked to the ground by props, you may want to give the show a pass. In our opinion, the final scenes were the most fun (and this writer's 6 and 8-year-old boys we unfazed by the battles).
Expect to be inundated with opportunities to open your wallet, because opportunity awaits from the get-go, whether they be photo ops and souvenir cups or light-up swords and dragon claw necklaces. There's even a Knights Templar suit of armor for $3,800 and a full armory of metal swords that cost upwards of $125, so, yeah: Everything is for sale. Our advice: Be ready to channel your inner "No" voice unless you're up for a full-on, spoil-the-kids "knight out." That said, the $5 Medieval Times flag is worth getting since your kids will be excitedly waving it nearly the entire show. And, as for whether you need the "VIP seating package," remember every spot in the 1,100-seat arena offers a fantastic view of the show.
If you're planning a trip to Medieval Times for dinner, why not make it a day trip and check out these other fun things to do in Buena Park!
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: Pirate's Dinner Adventure
In case you haven't noticed, Orange County has a thing for themed restaurants (and Buena Park itself has a surprisingly ton of fun things to do with kids). But located practically RIGHT NEXT DOOR to Medieval Times (because if you like one, you're bound to like the other, right?), is Pirate's Dinner Adventure. This restaurant sets out to entertain little seafarers with a swashbuckling dinner show that kids will love, especially if they're fans of Captain Hook, Jack Sparrow, or the Neverland Pirates. Your kids will be sold the moment they walk into the main arena and see the stage, a massive pirate ship set that makes the whole place feel small in comparison. Of course, the journey (and spending opportunities) begin way before the theater doors open. Get there 90 minutes early to enjoy a selection of free appetizers which include fried zucchini, fried corn cakes, and other fried stuff that kids will love and you'll love for the sake of it being free. Then, about 30 minutes before showtime, there's the Pirate's "Pre-Show," which gets everyone warmed up to the story (someone is kidnapped!) and ends with a pirate-led walk into the theater.
The show itself is a mixture of choreographed sword battles, short songs, silly pirate banter (including at least two cues for the audience to raise their mugs and "Drink! Drink!"), and circus-style performances including two aerial silk acts and a trampoline bit that'll make kids wish they could go up on stage and jump around. There's also a whole lot of fighting, though we found it harmless enough, and even kids will be able to see that the stage fights are, well, staged (many of the "hits" were noticeably a few inches off). The story is a bit hard to follow: The princess has been kidnapped! But wait, she's in love with a pirate! And oh, there's the Loch Ness Monster! It's, honestly, a bit all over the place, but your kids will be riveted just the same.
Like Medieval Times, everyone gets a pirate to root for, which gives kids a vested interest in paying attention (and makes the whole thing a lot more fun). So wear your team bandana proudly, Mom and Dad!. If your kids are lucky, they may even get a chance to go on stage; about 30 kids in total are called up at various parts throughout the show. Bring a zoom lens: Your little pirates might be taken backstage, dressed in adorable costumes, then brought back on stage far from where you're sitting. And you'll want pictures. Trust us.
As for the food, which (like Medieval Times) is included in the ticket price: It's good for what it is. Just keep in mind you're here to be wowed by the pirates; not the potatoes. Your meal starts with a choice of soup or salad; entrees include roasted chicken with shrimp and vegetable skewers, mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Kids meals include chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fruit. Cake is the dessert (and our kids literally licked their plates). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available.
Note: We think the show is appropriate for kids over 5, though sensitive kids or those who don't like loud noises may get scared at the cannon blasts and the appearance of a sea monster toward the end of the show.
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie—not only is it amore, it's probably because you're at Micele's, one of Hollywood's oldest Italian joints. These guys serve up pipping hot pizzas, fresh made pastas, and gigantic melt in your mouth meatballs all on old school red and white checkered table clothes.
If you happen to order a bottle of chianti for the table, you'll get to sign it and have it hung up with the rest of them. Just look up to see the hundreds of bottles hanging along the ceiling. But the highlight has to be the entertainment. Be sure to get a seat near the piano player who not only takes requests but sings too. And don't be surprised if your waitress walks over to get in on the musical action.
Insider Tip: The servings are huge, so think about sharing and don't forget to save room for dessert like fresh baked cannoli and spumoni ice cream. Parking is free with validation, a big plus on a crowded night in Hollywood.
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle c/o Vicki Greenleaf
Little magicians will love everything about this place, from their first steps inside (through a secret door behind the bookcase) to the roster of magical performances they can see during their visit (there's a show every 45 minutes!). The first trick? Getting in. Sadly, you have to be a member or be invited by a member, to be admitted into the castle. But, this is LA, where everyone knows someone who knows someone! And up-and-coming magicians are usually more than happy to fill the seats to their shows. So ask around and we bet you have a friend who has a magician's number in their phone. You can also make a weekend of it: Guests of the next-door Magic Castle Hotel get an automatic pass to the Castle.
Dinner at the Castle is offered nightly, but for the sake of your kids' bedtime, we recommend going for the Sunday brunch, which offers a slew of kid-friendly faves including chicken tenders, grilled cheese, waffles and French fries. Of course, no magic is needed to get the kids to finish dessert, a sugary buffet that includes a self-serve ice cream station and trays of sweets. Once you've eaten, you can head down for the show and/or explore the nooks and crannies of the place. Don't miss out on the ghostly piano player, which takes requests.
Note: Your meal includes a ticket to the main stage show, which is the biggest and most extravagant of the shows, but hang around for more; there are two other stages where smaller close-up magic acts take place. If your kids are lucky, they'll be chosen as magician's assistants (sitting in the first few rows helps). And FYI: The dress code is strictly enforced. If your attire is not up to snuff, you'll be asked to change.
Best Themed Restaurants in LA for Kids: Button Mash
Old school video games are at the center of entertainment at Button Mash. Think: PacMan, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, Moon Walker, a dozen or so pinball machines. And yes, the adults might be just as excited as the kids to get their hands on these machines. Got shorty kids that can't reach the controls? There are step stools available for the vertically challenged.
The set up is easy—play the games via a provided card to swipe each game and the cost is put on your bill. No need for tokens or a bags of quarters. Don't forget to eat though! The asian fusion menu has must-haves like crispy tofu balls, spam fried rice, and dan dan noodles. And definitely save room for dessert because the five spice apple fritters and brick toast are not to be missed.
Insider Tip: Button Mash is all ages until 9 p.m., so go early to get your game on.
Not only does Atlanta have its fair share of world-class museums and attractions, but the exhibits that roll through here are oftentimes in a league of their own, as well. Whether trains, knights, science, sharks are your jam, you’ll want to check these current exhibits out before they’re gone. Keep reading for our favorites in town.
The cornerstone of Locomotion: Railroads and the Making of Atlanta is the restored locomotive Texas. The engine was built in 1856 for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which had established its terminus in 1837 at the site that became Atlanta. For that reason, the locomotive is an important link to the city’s origins. Learn about the Texas and other ways railroads have shaped Atlanta.
Pairs Well With: A trip to Duluth to see cool trains and transportation modes at The Southeastern Railway Museum.
130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW Buckhead 404-814-4000
Thomas Edison's Secret Lab at Tellus Science Museum
Inspired by the educational, animated comedy series, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab presents an exciting world of science and discovery! The exhibit invites you to join the fun through interactive explorations of science, technology, engineering, and math. Discover invisible forces that seem more like magic than science, manipulate simple machines, learn basic coding and more.
Pairs Well With: A session of the Atlanta Science Festival (and for sure a visit to the Expo) in March.
100 Tellus Dr. Cartersville 770-606-5700
Knights in Armor at Fernbank
Knights In Armor showcases stunning examples of European arms and armor from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. Through more than 100 objects— including full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, paintings, helmets, swords and other weaponry— this exhibit tells the tale of the European knight from the medieval and Renaissance periods through the Medieval Revival of the 19th century.
Pairs Well With: Dinner and jousting (by the knights, of course) at Medieval Times.
From the moment of their unveiling at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in February 2018, the museum’s official portraits of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama have become iconic. Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of the former First Lady have inspired unprecedented responses from the public.
The biggest aquarium in the western hemisphere just got a lot bigger. The Georgia Aquarium's expansive new gallery is home to multiple shark species and is overflowing with suspense and adventure. With epic views and unique encounters — including a cage dive! — Sharks: Predators of the Deep will transport you to the dark depths of the oceans to meet Atlanta's newest residents.
This exhibit provides imaginative, book-based experiences for children ages birth - 8 years old. Storyland transforms seven beloved books – The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Abuela by Arthur Dorros; and Tuesday by David Wiesner into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual learning environments.
Pairs Well With: A performance of The Snowy Day at Center for Puppetry Arts
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW Downtown 404-659-5437
That pile of LEGO in the middle of your living room isn’t going anywhere just yet (summer’s only half over!), so why not embrace the madness and give your master builders an opportunity to use their bricks in a whole new way? The following books will take your kids from stackers to master architects, and one will even teach them how to make their own stop-motion movies. From dragons to feature films to entire landscapes, keep reading to find the best LEGO books for your builders.
The LEGO® Castle Book: Build Your Own Medieval World
This brand-new LEGO building book takes master builders into medieval times, with plans for miniature castles and villages. There are basic builds and six impressive castles: Sleeping Dragon, Land's End, River Gate, Winter Palace, Eight Arches and the Winter Kingdom.
For LEGO buffs who are also Star Wars fans, this book is the ultimate guide to everything LEGO Star Wars. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Rey and all of your fave characters are included in the book along with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos of accessories, vehicles, weapons and even the Death Star! Learn about the history, manufacturing and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars galaxy and come away a true LEGO Jedi Master.
The LEGO BOOST Idea Book: 95 Simple Robots and Hints for Making More!
This LEGO book is designed to go with the LEGO BOOST robotics system and offers 95 different builds. Kids can construct suspended vehicles and rocket-launchers with easy-to-follow instructions and full-color images.
For fans of the LEGO movie who want to take their epic creations to the next level, The LEGO Animation Book will show how to bring their mini-world to life using stop-motion animation. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make your first flick and learn about the filming process, including storyboards and post-production. Tips and tricks to make your minifigures look like they are flying, how to create explosions, lighting tips, LEGO-made camera dollies and rigs and so much more. This is the ultimate book for your LEGO-maniac.
Awesome LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have
The original LEGO book by Sarah Dees, the creative brain behind Frugal Fun 4 Boys (and Girls) this book is designed to help kids use their existing collection to make everything from animals, a robot lab, a skate park, a dragon and even a crossbow. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, but more advanced builders can try the no-instruction projects where you are left to puzzle it out.
LEGO Tips, Tricks and Building Techniques: The Big Unofficial LEGO Builders Book
Whether you’ve got a beginning builder or a skilled builder who wants to improve her building techniques and create lifelike designs, this new volume of the popular LEGO builders’ books series gives step-by-step instructions as well as detailed pictures to help builders come up with their own LEGO creations. Builders can also learn how to create seamless LEGO masterpieces as well as buildings consisting of skeleton framing elements.
Journey through five incredible worlds—Outer Space, Modern Metropolis, The Wild West, Fantasyland and the Real World—in this all-new LEGO book. Bursting with hundreds of new LEGO approved ideas and building tips, this book unlocks the secrets of LEGO building and shows builders how to create a world with their imagination. Learn how to make a wild west train, outer space aliens or a realistic-looking cell phone, plus amazing models with the step-by-step guides and visual breakdowns.
If your LEGO lover is looking for new ways to use his old bricks, this 200-page book is filled with photos of LEGO creations that use the most common of bricks. The book is broken up into six themed chapters—transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure and useful makes—each with basic templates of key models and pictures to inspire builders to create their own. Even though you won’t find step-by-step instructions in this book, you will get hints and tips from Master Builders who can help you turn your classic car into a race car or add a bridge to your castle!
LEGO Chain Reactions: Design and Build Amazing Moving Machines
Jam-packed full of ideas, instructions and inspiration for 10 LEGO machines that spin, swing, pivot, roll, lift and drop, LEGO Chain Reactions is the next step in brick building. The 80-page book, recommended for ages 8 & up, comes with detailed instructions for 10 modules as well as 33 LEGO pieces, six plastic balls, string, paper, ramps and other components to make LEGO machines. Each machine can also be combined with the others, so you can create your own chain reactions. The best part? There’s no need to worry about not having the right bricks because each machine is designed with only the most common bricks, and there are plenty of substitutes.
The LEGO Power Functions Idea Book: Machines and Mechanisms
If your LEGO lover is transitioning from simple sets to more complex robotic sets, this is the perfect guide to help her get started. The book showcases projects to build with LEGO Technic gears, motors, gadgets and other moving elements. Plus, you'll find hundreds of clever, buildable mechanisms, each one demonstrating a key building technique or mechanical principle. Each model also includes a list of required parts and colorful photographs to guide kids through the build without the need for step-by-step instructions. Before you know it, your future engineer will be building sliding doors, grasping claws and designing rack-and-pinion mechanisms.
For those who want to discover all there is to know about LEGOs and the story behind the popular toy company, this book reveals, explores and celebrates the fascinating story of LEGO bricks and the history behind them. Included in the book is a timeline that highlights key moments in LEGO history and special features spotlighting numerous groundbreaking and momentous achievements in the LEGO world. Fans of all ages can also explore the LEGOLAND theme parks and their amazing animated models and the LEGO Group's expansion into films, video games and the visual arts in this fascinating tell-all book.
If your brick builder is ready to kick his LEGO building skills up a notch, this volume of the LEGO Adventure Book series will give him plenty of reasons to keep building. The 192-page book, designed for ages 9 and up, includes 40 step-by-step breakdowns and nearly 150 example models. Learn to create a Renaissance house, a classic movie theater, sushi, Miniland-scale marvels, an ice cream truck and even a chicken coop!
LEGO Play Book: Ideas to Bring Your Bricks to Life
Building on the success of the popular The LEGO Ideas Book, this book is designed for LEGO builders looking to think, build and play creatively. The fun guide features more than 200 different builds and includes a mixture of simple, medium and complex models. Plus, the book includes a section on "ten-minute builds" for quick play sessions, "a cool brick" section with ideas for using key LEGO bricks and a section on "a handful of bricks," so you can explore what can be done with a limited collection of LEGO bricks.
Travel plans have changed drastically since the COVID-19 outbreak. If you are looking to get away for a day or two there are plenty of fun and safe options. These unique experiences will surely be one your kids will never forget.
Tony Stark’s Cabin from “Avengers: End Game”
Airbnb
If your little ones are big Iron Man fans then they might be excited to spend the night in Tony Stark’s lakeside cabin from Avengers: End Game.
The cabin, which is located on 800 acres of private property in Fairburn, Georgia, just 20 minutes from the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, is available to rent through Airbnb.
Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest and Llama Cottage
Airbnb
If your idea of a fun family vacation involves treehouses and llamas then Airbnb has the perfect rental for you.
The rentals are located at an animal sanctuary that is home to two llamas and four alpacas who are free to roam around the property and mingle with the guests who book a stay in the Alpaca Treehouse or Llama Cottage.
Harry Potter's Childhood Home - De Vere House
Airbnb
Now you can spend the night in Harry Potter’s childhood home. The IRL home, known as the De Vere House, is listed on Airbnb.
The home, which is located in the medieval village of Lavenham in England has one bedroom, one shared bath and is the perfect size for two guests.
Twelve Parsecs
Airbnb
If you’re planning a trip to a galaxy far, far away, Airbnb has the perfect place for you to stay in Orlando, Florida.
Twelve Parsecs is a 9-bedroom house located just 15 minutes away from Disney World, making it the perfect place for a family of Jedi warriors to rest their heads while visiting Galaxy’s Edge.
Hagrid's Hut
North Shire
Harry Potter fans have the chance to spend a cozy night inside Hagrid’s rustic Hut, or rather, a replica of his magical home. The Groundskeeper’s Cottage, which is made to look like the moss-covered stone hut where Hagrid resides, is available for booking in North Yorkshire, England.
Are you planning your next family vaycay? Budget Direct Travel wants to help. Using TripAdvisor reviews, the site created a map of the world’s highest rated places for kids to visit.
Budget Direct looked at TripAdvisor data from August and September 2019, searching each country’s best things to do page. The travel pros then applied the “Good for Kids” filter to further refine the results.
So where are the best places to travel with your kiddos? The top picks in North America include Green Iguana Conservation Project in Belize, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Varadero Beach in Cuba.
Europe’s best attractions include the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo, the medieval town square in Krakow, Poland and much more!
When it comes to the best places to visit with kids in Africa, Budget Direct’s data suggests Ranch Yassmina Djerba La Douce on the Tunisian island of Djerba and Bab’s Dock in Benin.
If you’re traveling to Asia, some of the top-rate choices include South Korea’s Spirited Garden and the Living Land Company in Laos.
Travelers to South America may want to check out Mi Teleferico cable car in La Paz, Bolivia and families ready to trek across the globe should visit, according to the data, Tamworth Marsupial Park.
Now you can spend the night in Harry Potter’s childhood home. The IRL home, known as the De Vere House, is listed on Airbnb—and it’s only $142 per night!
The home, which is located in the medieval village of Lavenham (in England, of course), has one bedroom, one shared bath and is the perfect size for two guests. The scenic Suffolk county area boasts more than 300 protected heritage properties and was featured as Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter film series.
According to the Airbnb listing, “De Vere House is a highly acclaimed former Five Star and Gold Award bed and breakfast accommodation is re-opening now with Air B&B and offers stunning facilities. ”
Not only is this a gem for Potter fans, but this house is also a must-see for history buffs. The De Vere House website lists the home’s notable past. Along with a visit from King Henry VII in 1498, the home also held the sister and youngest brother of Charles II and James II in 1651 when they were under house arrest.
Visit Airbnb here to rent the house for the night!
You may have heard of Elf on the Shelf, but have you ever heard of Switch Witch? Sort of like the Tooth Fairy, the Switch Witch stealthily visits the homes of little children, but instead of swapping teeth for cash, the Switch Witch gives gifts in exchange for Halloween candy. Genius, right?
The Witch has been known to give everything from stickers and books to basketballs and tablets. And digital gifts like apps are hot items when it comes to wow-ing kids. Here are ten options from Amazon Appstore Family that you, um…the Switch Witch…can give!
P.S. If the Switch Witch is feeling extra generous this Halloween, Amazon has new tablets coming out soon. If you pre-order a Fire HD 10 tablet before October 30, 2019, you’ll also get Minecraft for free from Amazon Appstore!
Psst! A quick tip for parents to keep in mind: All of the top apps for kids and families can be found in one spot at Appstore Family. It’s super quick and convenient, and you can use your Amazon account to add apps to devices in seconds. Browse through both free and paid apps for kids in the age range of 3-12 years. Then sign up for the Rad Parents Club newsletter to stay in the know about new apps, popular picks and deals.
Halloween Night
This simple matching game challenges your child’s memory by mixing up cards with pictures of vampires, skeletons, and witches. Help your beginner flip over the cards until you find two of a kind!
Adventure Escape: Midnight Carnival
A girl has gone missing at a haunted carnival and you can help save her! Search for clues, find hidden objects, and solve puzzles and riddles in this app game full of illusions and magic.
Jigsaw Puzzles Halloween Game for Kids
Have fun piecing together spooky puzzles with surprise effects at the end! Choose from 24 different puzzles, some as simple as six or nine pieces and others as complex as 56 pieces.
Khan Academy Kids
Dig into reading, writing, math, social-emotional development, motor development, and problem solving with thousands of educational games, books, songs and activities! Create your own adaptive learning path to master important skills.
Stack the States 2
Learn state capitals, cities, shapes, landmarks, flags and more to master United States geography and unlock free bonus games. Some of the visuals are really cool, like 3D models of more than 90 U.S. landmarks.
Squeebles Spelling Test
Here’s a fun way to take personalized spelling tests featuring words you need to practice. (Parents can record words in their own voice or download pre-recorded tests.) Kids can earn turns and power-ups for a mini game called Squeeberang!
Medieval Math Battle
This app gives math problems a medieval spin as you add, subtract, multiply and divide your way through defeating dragons, trolls, and other villainous beasts. Kids can customize their own character, and the equations will increase in difficulty as more battles are won!
Ages: 5+; Addition level is free, $.99 each for subtraction, multiplication, and division. Download it here.
Cursive Writing Wizard Premium
Kids who know their block letters will love practicing cursive by tracing letters and words using animated stickers and sound effects. The app is customizable so they can write their name or even a custom word list.
Toca Lab: Elements
Mini scientists can discover all 118 elements from the periodic table through experimenting with lab tools. From neon to nitrogen, learn what makes each element unique!
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Add a little Zen to your preschooler’s day with this emotions-learning, problem-solving app. Kids can help a monster friend take some deep breaths, brainstorm, and calm down.
Transform your nice, normal window or living room wall into a haunted house with one really cute (and super easy) project that only takes minutes. Read on for the boo-torial.
You will need:
Construction paper in black, yellow and white.
Glue
Scissors
A pencil
A black marker
Step One
Freehand or measure, then cut your black paper into strips: 4 1″ strips and 2 1/2″ strips. The thicker bands will be the outside of the window frame, the thinner ones the inner frame. You might need to adjust/trim the black paper to fit and/or the yellow paper once you’ve glued the black in place.
Step Two Draw an outline of your ghost on the white paper. If you want a template click here. Cut out your ghost (or ghosts).
Step Three
Glue your ghost onto the yellow paper. You may want to lay the black pieces over it to see how well the ghost’s face peeks before you glue the ghosts down. Or, draw a pencil mark where the inner -pane will be as a guide. Once you’ve glued your ghosts, glue the panes on. Then fill in your ghostie faces with black marker.
Voila! You just completed an incredibly easy and perfectly spooky decoration to hang up.
Variations: If you are feeling fancy, try using vellum or tissue paper for your window’s “glass.”
You can also play with the shape of the window. For example, you can make one that is castle-window like for the haunted medieval vibe.
If you don’t have black or prefer to use brown or color white strips to look like wood.
Did you try this easy haunted window craft? Share your results with us on social media. Tag them #redtricycle.
Sippy cups and dirty dishes may be your reality now, but it doesn’t have to be. Plan your escape to a real-life castle to experience the royal treatment (at least for a few nights). From Italy to California, scroll through the photo gallery to discover the world’s coolest castles that you can rent for as little as $20 per person, per night. Move over Belle, there’s a new queen in town.
Kilkea Castle–Castledermot, Ireland
Amber Guetebier
Built in 1180 by the first-ever Knights Templar, Kilkea Castle is steeped is a fortress of delights. The current owners—a Boston born couple who are deeply connected with their Irish roots—have lovingly restored the castle into a luxury hotel that feels both lavish and homey all at once. If you've always wanted to stay in a fairy-tale castle, you will not be disappointed. The only truly "modernized" elements are the kind you want, like luxury bathrooms and cozy (not cold) rooms. We recommend requesting a stay in the castle itself, which has 11 guest rooms, or stay in one of the 30 historic carriage rooms. You'll also find on the 180-acre estate more modern cottages, many of which are self-catering. World-class food and a state-of-the-art spa are on site along with a renowned golf course. True to Irish custom, no matter how posh you'll still feel like you belong. Your kids will love roaming the gardens or exploring nearby adventures like falconry or archery.
Looking for a little medieval castle to call your own? This sweet castle should fit the bill. Located about 45 minutes from Edinburgh, it's a perfect jumping off point for exploring the Scottish Borders. There are steep steps, so not a great fit for toddlers, but the castle is otherwise kid-welcoming and can offer a high chair and travel crib. Located on the River Tweed, cozy up with a roaring fire and imagine yourself royal.
This former estate of Archbishop Leopold von Firmian, commissioned and built by Benedictine monks, this Austrian palacial estate "high on a hill" the "Sound of Music" palace. Several outdoor scenes from the movie were filmed here, and its main floor room was replicated for the movie. See the real deal by booking a stay and experience the lavish decor, art collection and gorgeous grounds.
Nestled in the woods in this lovely Czech village, you are never going to forget an overnight stay at this supreme residence. Chateau Herálec is surrounded by an 18th-century park and located in a region that boasts untouched forests, faiirytale fields and wildflowers galore. But there's nothing like a visit in the fall or winter to cozy up in one of the luxurious castle rooms.
Okay, this one is definitely heavy on the kitsch factor, but it’s also pretty awesome (and it’s the kind of cheesy that kids will adore). You can sleep in Rapunzel’s tower, enjoy a meal on the private sun deck and even pay a visit to the dungeon.
Get your own piece of the estate by staying in the former gatekeeper's own little castle, at the Castle Gatehouse, Sudeley Castle, Cotswolds. Located on the Sudeley Estate, you get free entry to the gorgeous Sudeley Castle & Gardens with your stay.
This 11,000 square foot castle might not be as old as its European counterparts (it was completed in 1995), but it’s still got plenty of charm. You’ll find secret staircases, gothic arches and tapestries around every corner. There’s even a playroom and a basement game room for the little ones.
We wouldn’t mind spending a few days relaxing in this stately German castle. Explore the gorgeous grounds, ride bikes to the town of Gotha and relax in the cozy bedrooms. At $108 a night, it’s got way more charm than a hotel you might find at the same rate!
Neemrana Fort Palace is over 550 years old, and built on the 2 billion year old Aravalli hills. You know, NBD. This incredible, heritage hotel is unlike any other castle in the world. It's a 14-tired property built into the hillside, with pools, bungalows, gorgeously appointed suites, dining, recreation and more. You'll need a week just to explore the grounds.
Become Cinderella for the week at The Pavillon du Chateau de Tocqueville in France. With five double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, this estate is everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more. Bonus: the property is near the Normandy landings beach and other historical sites.
Get the royal treatment at this French castle that is both modern and historic at the same time. Bonus: it rents starting at $575/night and can accommodate up to 10 people.
