Our Buddha Board review of this fun, water-activated canvas for mess-free travel with the kids.

Let’s dive into our Buddha Board review and learn how this compact, drawing tool can transform your family’s travel experiences.

We’ve had our original Mini Buddha Board (and its cousin, the white Special Mindfulness Edition) for about a month now. In that time, the mini has become a staple both in our house and when we’re on the road.

In a hurry? You can buy the Buddha Board on the Buddha Board website here or on Amazon.

That’s given us plenty of time to run the Buddha Board through its paces, both at home and on the road.

But first, let’s dive into exactly what a Buddha Board is, and how it works.

What is a Buddha Board?

A Buddha Board lets you create art using only water, a brush, and the board itself. The board is made of a material that turns dark when wet. As the water evaporates, the image slowly fades away, leaving a blank canvas for you to create anew.

Because it only uses water (no ink, chemicals, or paint is used), the Buddha Board is environmentally friendly. Plus, it lasts for years with proper care.

What’s the point of a Buddha Board?

The Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen concept of living in the moment and embracing impermanence. It encourages users to practice mindfulness and let go of their attachment to their creations, as the art eventually disappears.

People use the Buddha Board for relaxation, stress relief, and meditation, as it promotes a sense of peace and tranquility through the process of creating and observing the temporary nature of the artwork.

Buddha Board Review

When we travel, we don’t have room to carry much for art supplies. Usually, we only carry a sketchpad and pencils, but we invariably run out of paper. We do explore our creativity with photography to capture landscapes, people and animals as we travel, but we were craving another form of creative expression.

Turns out, we needed the Buddha Board all along. All you require is a bit of water and, with a canvas that flips to become a cover that’s about the size of a CD (remember those!), and you can make art anywhere you travel.

There are two sizes of Buddha Board available: the standard size, equivalent to a letter-size paper, and the mini Buddha Board, our choice for travel.

We found the standard-size Buddha Board to be perfect for creating bigger artistic creations at home, but it’s not great for picking up and carrying around. This is why we choose the mini Buddha Board for travel.

The compact mini Buddha Board fits perfectly into a travel backpack or suitcase. It’s only five inches square and 1/4 inch wide.

How does a Buddha Board work?

You draw on the board using a brush, dipped in water. When you draw, the image appears shortly after you use a brushstroke but not immediately like an pen would.

I expected a cheap brush to be honest, but the quality of the brush is very good, with a long, tapered end.

You can put water into the stand compartment, and dip your brush in or have a small bowl or cup at the ready and use that instead (that’s our preferred way).

As you draw, your brush strokes slowly fade away within about 10-15 seconds.

For darker strokes, use more water on the brush, and for lighter strokes use less water. The more water you use the longer it takes to disappear. So, by adjusting the thickness of your strokes, and the amount of water, you can really control the darkness and thickness of your Buddha Board water art.

The Buddha Board takes away the stress of worrying about making a mistake when drawing. You don’t need to be a great artist, because if you make a mistake, it just fades away.

Our family also like to paint a sketch then as the image fades, recreate a new painting using the fading brush strokes as inspiration for our next creation.

The mini Buddha board folds into its own small easel stand and holds the paintbrush for your next moment of creative inspiration.

Want to preserve your artwork longer? Simply snap a photo of your drawing with your phone.

There are several different Buddha Boards. They all come with a brush and a stand.

• The Original Buddha Board is the largest, measuring 12 × 9.5 and is 1/4 inches deep.
• The Mini Buddha Board is perfect for travel, at 5 × 5 and is 1/4 inches deep.
• Special Mindfulness Edition (White) of the Mini Buddha Board, measuring 5 × 5 and 1/4 inch deep, just like the Mini Buddha Board.

Using the mini Buddha Board for travel

As parents, we understand the challenges of entertaining little explorers during road trips and long flights.

The quest for mess-free, engaging activities is never-ending, but the water-based fun of the Buddha Board happily occupies young artists without leaving a trace of chaos in their wake.

You don’t have to worry about any cleanup because the image is drawn on with water. There are no inks of any kind.

The Mini Buddha Board lets your little ones create masterpieces with just a brush and water. It’s perfect for road trips and airplane rides, keeping kids busy during long flights or car rides, and filling their time with imagination and Zen-inspired fun! It’s quickly become one of our top tips for fun family travel.

Tip! Place a glass 1/4 full of water in your car’s cup holder to minimize water spills in the car. While we’ve used the mini Buddha Board in our vehicle, it does require water, so water in the stand can tip over the stand. To minimize water spilling, we just use a small cup, fill it with a bit of water, and place it in the cupholder in the car.

The Buddha Board’s perfect as an electronic-free distraction at your destination, too, and it’s one of our new favorite unique travel gifts.

What is a Buddha Board made of?

The Buddha Board website says “both the surface and backing are made of natural and man made materials”.

You can damage the surface by scratching, or even from oils on your fingers, so you need to use some care to keep your Buddha Board useable for years.

Buddha Board cons

Overall, we like the Buddha Board a lot. It’s small, easily packs in our backpack, and is a lot of fun to use on the road (with only a little water needed).

That said, no product is perfect for everyone, all of the time. If you want to keep and display your art pieces, then you may want to use a more permanent canvas for your creations.

The Buddha Board canvas seems tough but can be scratched or damaged by oils on your fingers. If you tend to be rough on your belongings, you may want a less delicate canvas.

It would be great to have an extra large version as well, to have plenty of space for larger creations at home.

How much does the Buddha Board cost?

You can buy the Buddha Board on the company website here or on Amazon.

The mini Buddha Board is about $18 USD, and the original runs about $38 USD on the company website.

See prices for the mini Buddha Board.

See the mini mindfulness edition Buddha Board.

See prices for the original Buddha Board.

Did you try the Buddha Board? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

As travel lovers who thrive on varied scenery, the vibrant landscapes of Ohio appeal to us. From the captivating tales of the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway to the adrenaline-pumping stories surrounding Cedar Point, the landscape of Ohio paints a picture we’re itching to step into.

Imagine driving through picturesque byways, awed by Ohio’s wonders, and capturing memories at every stop. Join us as we share our curated list of Ohio’s unforgettable day trips to places we’re all yearning to explore.

Best Day Trips in Ohio

Ready to pack up your car and hit the road in search of the most fun day trips in Ohio? Whether you’re in a brand new Tesla or loading up your pickup, you’ll find somewhere great within driving distance in Ohio.

Start creating a lifetime of memories by taking one (or more) of these unforgettable day trips!

Where should I go on a road trip in Ohio?

Ohio is a treasure trove for road trippers.

Start with the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, then relax by Lake Erie’s serene shores. Journey through the culturally rich Amish Country Byway and experience the breathtaking Hocking Hills Scenic Byway. For families, Columbus offers a wonderland of kid-friendly stops.

Whether you’re seeking nature, culture, or a simple getaway, Ohio delivers.

Ohio day trips for couples

Looking for a romantic day trip in Ohio?

Ohio, with its mix of scenic beauty and rich culture, offers couples idyllic getaways right at their doorstep. Envision a drive through the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway, where historic bridges meet serene landscapes.

For a cultural immersion, the Amish Country Byway unveils a world of simplicity and charm. And if the sound of cascading waterfalls beckons, destinations from Hayden Falls to Brandywine Falls await.

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Couples will love the romantic drive through the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway.

You’ll find four covered bridges on this route, with plenty of quiet countryside and natural beauty. Be sure to check out the Rinard Bridge! This 66 mile route is open year round. The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway is an easy day trip from Columbus.

Waterfall road trip of Ohio

Ohio is full of scenic waterfalls, which makes for a fantastic road trip. We’ve included Ohio’s most popular waterfalls here, plus some of our favorites.

Starting from Columbus, check out Hayden Falls (in Dublin). It’s a gorgeous location, in a scenic gorge with a boardwalk and overlook area. From there, check out Indian Run Falls, also in Dublin, Ohio.

Heading to the north and east, just past Akron, make sure you stop at Brandywine Falls, which feature terraced waterfalls with boardwalk viewpoints. There are countless falls in this area to check out, including the Great Falls of Tinder Creek, (suburban falls in Viaduct Park), Chagrin Falls (easily accessible near the main street of Chagrin Falls town), and Columbia Beach falls, which cascade into the ocean. If you’re looking to do a little hiking, check out Buttermilk Falls, which are accessible by a hiking trail.

To the west of Columbus, you’ll find the gorgeous Charleston Falls, in the Charleston Falls Nature Preserve, with hiking trails, a nature boardwalk, and restrooms.

To the southeast of Columbus, check out the more remote Cedar Falls, with a shallow pool among cliffs and grottos. You’re not supposed to swim here, but that doesn’t stop most people.

Amish Country Byway

If you’re interested in taking in a little unique culture, the Amish Country Byway is a great choice.

Be sure to check out the Farmer’s Produce Auction during growing season, plus the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center and Yoder’s Amish Home. Any time of year, there are fun tours, comfort food, and a relaxed vibe. A 76 mile drive, in northeast Ohio.

Ohio day trips for families

There’s an interesting mix of Ohio day trips for kids. From the peaceful vibes of Seneca Lake to the educational corners of the COSI Center in Columbus, we shed light on what you can expect. Dive in and see which ones align with your family’s travel style.

Seneca Lake Loop

The Seneca Lake Loop makes for a fantastic Ohio day trip for families.

There’s plenty to do here for kids and adults alike, including swimming, boating, fishing, or just hanging out by the lake. It’s a short dive – only 22 miles – which is perfect for kids’ shorter attention span. Be sure to see Seneca Lake Park, Kennonsburg, and the West Shore Cottage area. This is a great year-round trip, with ice skating in the winter.

Fun things to do in Ohio with kids

Since most kids don’t necessarily love time on the road, here are some of our favorite fun things to do in Ohio with kids. Depending on your starting point, use these as the inspiration for a day trip that will make the kids happy.

Here are some of our top picks for kids:

• Cedar Point amusement park, Sandusky
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• The Wilds safari, Cumberland
• Kings Island Amusement Park, Mason
• The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
• COSI Center of Science and Industry, Columbus
• National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton
• Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
• Cleveland Museum of Art
• Castaway Bay indoor water park, Sandusky
• A Christmas Story House, Clevland
• Veteran’s Spray and Play (also known as the Dinosaur Park), Delaware
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, Newark
• Smiley Park Children’s Garden, Van Wert
• Spangler Candy Company, Bryan
• Velvet Ice Cream Factory, Utica
• Olentangy Indian Caverns, Delaware
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Columbus Ohio day trip

As Ohio’s capital and largest city, Columbus is a perfect home base for great day trips.

It’s just a short drive from gorgeous waterfalls like the Hayden Falls. Within a couple of hours in any direction, you’ll find great cities like Newark, Cleveland, Cincinnati, as well as smaller towns like Millersburg. If nature is more your jam, Columbus is an easy drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hocking Hill State Park.

What is the best scenic route from Columbus Ohio?

Uncover Ohio’s best-kept secret as you navigate the stunning Hocking Hills Scenic Byway, a road trip that promises more than just a change of scenery – it’s an escape from the ordinary!

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Looking for the most scenic highway in Ohio? Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is generally considered the most scenic drive from Columbus.

You can access the start of the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway at the intersection of state Route 374 and U.S. 33 in Rockbridge. It’s a 30 mile drive, which lets you take much of what Ohio has to offer, including valleys, rolling hills, meadows, and charming small farms. You can do this drive year round.

Though Hocking Hills is known as the most scenic day trip from Columbus, there are plenty of other options.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a busy city on the shores of Lake Erie, and only just over two hours drive from Columbus.

This is the place to get your rock and roll on at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or record a jam session at the Garage. The family friendly Christmas Story House and West Side Market are perfect to round out your itinerary.

Cincinnati

Only an hour and a half away from Columbus, Cincinnati is packed with fun things to do, whether you’re into sports, performing arts, culture, or just great food and drink.

Be sure to check out the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and Findlay Market. Baseball fans will love the Great American Ball Park.

Millersburg

Want to check out Amish country?

Millersburg is a quieter town, perfect for exploring Amish culture. Be sure to visit Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, Guggisberg Cheese Factory, and the Village Antique Emporium.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Looking to get outdoors and spend some time in nature?

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful park just under two hours’ drive from Columbus. There’s plenty of hiking, from groomed trails to more adventurous treks. Be sure to check out the stunning Brandywine falls. The kids will love the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, but there are adult wine tasting train trips as well.

Looking for more great day trips from Columbus? Wayne National Forest, Mohican State Park, Dayton, Newark, Yellow Springs, or Hamilton may be the ticket.

Ohio seems to offer something for everyone, from scenic byways that promise stunning vistas, to amusement parks that look like teen magnets. We’re rebuilding our Ohio to do wish list with excitement and can’t wait to dive into the experiences that await!

Do you have any suggestions for this list of the best day trips in Ohio? Let us know!

We found Little Passports when searching for fun, indoor activities for our kids, with a travel and exploration focus.

After over a year of not traveling due to the pandemic, we miss the sense of adventure and exploration that we used to get from seeing new places and experiencing new things. That’s why we’ve been looking for ways to bring some of the fun you get while learning and exploring during travel to our home life.

Sure, watching the best travel vloggers on YouTube is a lot of fun, but its educational value is debatable, especially for our kids, and to be honest, planning out your next adventure can only go so far until you can actually start booking things and marking off dates.

What is Little Passports?

Little Passports is a monthly subscription box for kids, with kits that focus on travel and exploration, or science (or both).

The subscription delivers everything your kids need to make, create and play, with different kits for different ages and interests.

They have monthly boxes for kids aged three to twelve.

Little Passports has five subscription packages (more on these down below):

• Early Explorers (ages 3-5)
• Science Junior (ages 5-8)
• Science Expeditions (ages 8+)
• World Edition (ages 6-8)
• USA Editions (ages 7-12)

Looking for a deal? Little Passports usually has a coupon on the home page, so check them out.

Little Passports Review

We tried Little Passports to see if it could bring together education and exploration for our kids.

Science Expeditions Review

We tried the Science Expeditions kit, aimed at ages 8 and up.

The Science Expeditions subscription lets kids solve real-life scientific mysteries every month, helping characters Sam and Sofia learn about the mysteries of the world through science experiments and activities.

The first, introductory, Science Expeditions kit comes with:

• Science Expeditions tote bag
• science lab notebook
• forensic science experiment kit
• fingerprint analysis card and ink pad
• a booklet with more fun games and activities

We tried a regular monthly Science Expeditions kit. Each monthly kit lets you solve new mysteries with cartoon characters Sofia and Sam, and comes with:

• 16-page comic book with glossary and bonus activities
• hands-on science experiments
• achievement badges for each subsequent theme
• access to bonus online videos and science content

Little Passports Science Expeditions review

The first Science Expeditions kit we tried was the Pinball Party.

Pinball Party kit

The first thing I noticed was that the 16-page comic book for the kit is glossy, colorful, and nicely illustrated. Inside there were fun facts about pinball’s history, and an illustrated story about Sam and Sofia, which taught about how pinball machines work, and which raised a lot of fun questions.

The comic book is full of games and puzzles, a pinball word search, and a comprehensive glossary at the end.

There were physics terms and questions throughout the book, and they were presented in a way that was fun, and simple, but also challenging.

There is even a link to more fun facts and a video online.

Once my 12 year old was done reading through the comic book for Pinball Party, she moved on to the science experiment.

The experiment had her create her own pinball machine with a guide, pre-cut wooden pieces, and all the assorted bits she’d need to make the pinball machine.

I really loved that the experiment guide is thoroughly illustrated, and easy to follow, with plenty of color illustrations, and tips.

What’s especially fun is that she ended up with a working pinball machine at the end of the experiment. She had the fun activity of building the pinball machine, learned a lot about physics and building, and she also ended up with a fun toy to enjoy at the end.

The second kit we tried was a Solar Energy Science Expeditions kit.

Solar Energy Science Expeditions kit

The timing of the solar energy kit was perfect, since we are working on getting a solar system for our travel trailer.

The illustrated comic for the solar energy kit started with a fun story of how Sam and Sofia join their Aunt Charlie on an adventure to monitor the movement of snow leopards in the Himalayas.

That’s a win – science and travel adventure combined!

While visiting a local village in the Himalayas, Sofia and Sam are surprised to learn that the village has adopted solar technology for everyday uses like cooking and drying clothes. Along the way, they learn how solar energy works.

For this kit, the science experiments are a solar powered car, a spectroscope, and an ultraviolet impact experiment. Again, all of the parts needed to do all the experiments are included in the package.

Our daughter hasn’t quite finished all three experiments yet, but she keeps asking when we can get started. We had a busy week, so we haven’t had a chance to get going on the last experiment yet, but I think her enthusiasm to start says it all.

All in all, I was really impressed with the subscription. The booklets, instructions, and supplies are high quality, and they were fantastic at keeping our daughter engaged and entertained.

Early Explorers kit

Early Explorers ages 3-5. Characters, Max and Mia, and their dog Toby, travel around the world exploring a different theme each month.

World Edition subscription with Little Passports

The World Edition subscription is for ages 6-8. In this kit, characters Sam and Sofia travel to a new country every month, teaching kids about the world.

USA Edition Little Passports box

The USA Edition subscription is for ages 7-12. In these kits, characters Sam and Sofia travel to two new states every month, with an activity-packed State Journal.

Little Passports Science Junior box

The Little Passports Science Junior subscription is for ages 5-8. In this subscription, characters Sam and Sofia explore mysteries through science experiments and activities.

Get hands-on educational activities for all ages delivered to you every month,.

Summer Camp with Little Passports

This year, Little Passports has a limited time Summer Camp subscription.

The summer camp boxes come in three types:

• World Edition, for ages 6 – 10.
• Science Junior for ages 5 – 8.
• Early Explorers for ages 3 – 5.

Little Passports Cost

Little Passports subscriptions start at $16.95/month.

The Science Expeditions box costs $27.95 monthly, $25.95/month with a 6 month subscription, or $23.95/month with a 12 month subscription.

You can pay monthly, get a six month subscription, or a 12 month subscription.

Shipping is free within the continental USA.

See up-to-date Little Passports prices on their website here!

Little Passports coupon

Looking for a Little Passports discount?

We found the best Little Passports coupons by navigating to their home page, where they usually have a discount up front.

See discounts here.

Is Little Passports worth it?

What we like about Little Passports:

• on time delivery
• the kit was perfectly age appropriate, and had great quality supplies
• subscriptions include everything you’ll need. There’s no need to shop for additional supplies.
• the kits did a great job of engaging the imagination, and were a lot of fun

What we didn’t like

We have a 15 year-old, and I would love to see a subscription geared toward older kids.

In our case, the kits were fun for our younger child, but we had to find a different activity for the 15 year old. It would simplify our lives to have something for our older one as well.

I would especially love to see an older version of the World Edition subscription, which is for ages 6 to 8. The USA edition is geared for ages 7 to 12, but, as Canadians, we were less interested in a USA-only kit than subscribers based in the USA may be.

Learn more about Little Passports.

More about Little Passports

Here’s what the Little Passports website has to say about their service.

Little Passports creates products designed to inspire children to learn about the world through monthly subscriptions, educational toys and characters kids love. To date, we’ve delivered over 4 million packages designed in conjunction with professional educators, PHDs, and award-winning writers and designers. Headquartered in San Francisco, Little Passports is a National Parenting Publication Award winner and a Parent Tested Parent Approved product. The company was founded in 2009. Today our products are available in 16 countries and counting.

– littlepassports.com

Almost ten years ago, Micki and I decided to make Kelowna our Canadian home base. To say we kind of like the city would be an understatement.

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is definitely one of Canada’s golden cities. You can do everything from climbing mountains in the mornings to lazing by the beach in the afternoon and then having supper at a world class winery before heading out for a night on the town.

For the kids, Kelowna has so much to offer, from water parks and beaches to adventure centers and grape stomping, plus it also has some of the best weather to be found in Canada.

We’ve had a time checking out the local sites this past decade, and now we’re passing on some of our very favorite fun things to do with the family in Kelowna.

Without further ado, here’s our list of some of the best kids activities and family attractions in Kelowna.

Okanagan Lake

Kelowna lies on the shores of Okanagan Lake. In the summer, the city is transformed into a water lovers’ playground with eight designated beaches and ample beach access.

If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even spot the elusive Ogopogo. A local water legend in the vein of the Lochness monster with reported sightings in the valley for the past hundred years.

For the watersport adventure crowd, you can do everything from flyboarding to jetboating to parasailing on the big lake. You can rent motorboats, jet skis, kayaks and even stand up paddle boards at the main marina in town or bring your own and use one of the three boat launches in Kelowna proper.

With a lively downtown marina, you can even moor your boat right in the heart of the city for the day while you head to the beach or the park with the kiddos, or grab a bite to eat on trendy nearby Bernard Street.

With so many beaches, there’s also bound to be a beach that appeals to you. Most are great for families and there’s even one your dog can fully enjoy.

Hot Sands Beach – City Park

The kids will love the warm sand and nice water at Hot Sands Beach. Right downtown next to the popular City Park and the marina, it’s one of the longest and busiest beaches in Kelowna. It has watersport rentals as well as the ever popular Aqua Park with over 16 oversized inflatable water activities that are great for kids or the young at heart.

Gyro Beach – Boyce

You can also check out popular, family friendly Gyro Beach, with its own watersport rentals, snack shop, washrooms, volleyball courts and playground. Gyro Beach has a very gradual beach incline which makes it great for throwing a frisbee or a ball in the water.

Cedar Creek Park

Cedar Creek Park is one of Kelowna’s only dog friendly beaches (Lake Avenue is also dog friendly, as is the Downtown Sails Dog area/Kerry Park, and Sutherland Bay Park to the north of downtown). Cedar Creek Park is off-leash, and a long pebble beach with picnic tables and washrooms that make it a great place to let your dog cool off on a hot summer afternoon while you get to relax or throw a ball with the kids.

Rotary Beach Park

Just down the road from Gyro Beach, Rotary Beach Park on Lakeshore Road has all the facilities you need to enjoy a day in the sun including picnic tables, washrooms and a playground. It’s also the city’s top kite-boarding beach.

Kelowna Parks

If you love the outdoors, but aren’t in the mood for sand, Kelowna has over 200 dedicated parks and green spaces throughout the city. We have a saying when guests come here: “If you’re ever more than a few blocks from a park then you know you’ve left the city“. Here are a few of our favorites.

City Park

The largest and most prominent park in Kelowna is City Park. It’s adjacent to downtown and surrounded by a long paved boardwalk, and borders the very popular Hot Sands Beach.

This huge park is within steps of the marina and also features volleyball and basketball courts, expanses of green grass, a huge playground complete with a mini zipline for the kids, a free waterpark that includes a two-story water dragon slide, a skate park as well as free washrooms and change rooms.

At night and on the weekends, local artisans and vendors set up mini stalls along the boardwalk. You’ll never know what you might find since it varies from day to day.

The park is also a great jumping off point to delicious eats downtown. If you feel like a bit of ice cream, definitely try out nearby Moo-Lix Ice Cream on Bernard. Delish!

Mission Creek Park

Mission Creek Park has a large playground with swings and a great rope pyramid to climb for the older kids. There’s also a free indoor Environment Educational Center (EECO) right in the park and outside you can watch Kokanee salmon spawning in late September to early October right in the heart of the city.

There are ample covered picnic areas, washrooms and over 12 kilometers of pathways with over 3 kilometers directly along Mission Creek. In summer, there’s also a small kid friendly water channel that the kids can play in, so make sure you bring their swimsuit if you’re checking it out in July or August.

Ben Lee Park

This great little park has a free water spray area in the summer, a canteen with washrooms and an always busy skate park. In winter there’s an outdoor rink and the park has paved pathways that are great for walking or riding your bike.

Waterfront Park

This meticulously groomed park features outdoor art, meandering paved pathways and a large wooden boardwalk along Okanagan Lake with gorgeous city views. Close to some of the city’s finest dining, it also has small ponds that are great for RC boating and letting the kids sail little sailboats. Waterfront Park also has its own popular beach.

Knox Mountain

If you love hiking or even if you just like checking out beautiful views, then Knox Mountain needs to be on your list. Just a few minutes from downtown, Knox Mountain offers something for almost everyone, and we think it’s one of the best hikes in Kelowna.

You can hike, bike or drive up to the halfpoint lookout, or keep going to the top of the mountain. You can even play some free disc golf (18 holes) or tennis at the foot of Knox.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can park at the base and take the graveled pathway up the hill to the mid point lookout. It’s a bit of a hike but nowhere near as long as climbing the rest of the way to the summit. If you want to bike or run you can follow the longer paved road to the middle or top as well.

Finally, if you just want to check the amazing panoramas you can drive up the mountain and park your car at the midpoint and near the peak. From your car you can get some great views, but if you walk to the lookouts you can see most of Kelowna, Okanagan Lake and a sizable portion of the valley from up there.

On days when we feel like going for a long hike and don’t feel like climbing much, we head farther down the road and follow the path around Knox Mountain and go to check out Paul’s Tomb, a gorgeous little spot overlooking a rocky, dog friendly beach with a nice alternate view of the lake. This is a great walk with kids and dogs since it offers a lot to see, but isn’t overly strenuous.

Myra Canyon Trestles

If you thought Knox Mountain was a nice hike, then you need to check out Myra Canyon. This popular, well maintained and scenic portion of the former Kettle Valley Railway comprises 18 giant trestle bridges and two tunnels, and features some amazing views over the lake.

Stretching just over 12 kilometers, you can walk the popular portions of it or bike the whole way.

For those of you without your own bicycle, they even rent bikes right in Myra Canyon’s parking lot all summer if you need one. You can also join a tour that will explain the 100+ year long history of this historic railway stretch and the rebuilding of the trestles after the major fires in the area in 2003.

Fruit Orchards

If you’re lucky enough to visit Kelowna during the summer or early fall, you can visit the hundreds of orchards found throughout the valley. There’s a reason the popular fruit juice giant Sunrype has called Kelowna home for over 70 years. There is a ridiculous abundance of fresh, local fruit in this city.

From cherry orchards to peaches, nectarines and plums, you’ll find an orchard with all your favorite fruit. In fall it’s apple time and the town is busy harvesting. If you don’t see a loaded apple truck driving by in late August or September, then frankly you aren’t looking hard enough.

Many orchards allow fruit picking by the pound (u-pick or they pick) and there are dozens of fruit and vegetable stands throughout the city with many of them found on Benvoulin Road.

Our kids love picking their own cherries and we go to nearby, family run Arndt Orchards a few times each summer depending on what type of cherry is ready to be picked. It’s a great way to spend a few hours while getting the whole family out together, and nothing beats the taste of ripe, fresh picked fruit. Just try not to eat it all before getting back in your car.

Kelowna Farmers’ Market

From 8 am to 1 pm every Wednesday and Saturday morning from April to November, you can check out the Kelowna Farmers’ Market which is moving to the Landmark District for summer 2024. In winter, the market moves indoors to the Parkinson Rec Center.

The giant outdoor summer market features over 165 vendors and offers everything from local fruits and vegetables to local meats and dairy. It’s a great way to see what’s in season and to try out everything from fancy cheeses to fancy jams.

The Kelowna Farmers’ Market has been running for over 20 years and also includes local artisans showcasing jewelry, handcrafted pottery, soaps, handcrafted woodwork and plenty more. Grab the kids a giant candy floss or a bucket of kettle corn and peruse the aisles of local works to your heart’s content.

Every year, we bring visiting friends and family to the outdoor market.

World class wineries

With over 200 wineries calling the Okanagan Valley home and over 30 wineries in Kelowna proper, finding a bottle of your favorite vintage is as simple as grabbing a handy Wine Trails from the City of Kelowna and hopping in your car and spending an afternoon tasting everything from Merlot to Chardonnay.

Whether you’re checking out world renowned wineries like the sprawling and very photogenic Mission Hill Estates (which has a great hill for the kids to roll down), the amazing lake views at Quail’s Gate or eating at the decidedly tasty restaurant at Volcanic Hills, you’ll still be just minutes from downtown Kelowna.

If you’re wondering what’s in it for the kids, Kelowna has multiple family friendly wineries where the kids are as welcome as their parents, and get their very own non-alcoholic wine to sample (aka grape or apple juice). However, if your kids are old enough and you’d rather leave them at home or at the beach for the day and be able to sample the many wines more, ahem, liberally, you can jump on one of the many wine tasting tours offered around town and let them whisk you about while providing delicious meals and entertaining commentary.

World class distillery

If you prefer vodka, gin, whisky or delicious fruit infused liqueurs over crushed grapes, then you can check out the Okanagan Spirits Distillery right in downtown Kelowna. Coupled with their main distillery in Vernon, they produce some delicious spirits thanks to the Okanagan’s abundant fruit orchards.

The kids will love checking out the huge bubbling Jack Cousteau styled copper distiller while you try out their ridiculously tasty, award winning Blackberry Liqueur, and if you’re brave enough, a shot of their very own absinthe. Located right downtown close to the marina and park, it makes a great stop on a busy day and there’s an ice cream shop and poutinerie only a few doors away.

Skating at Stuart Park

If you happen to be in Kelowna in the cooler months (December to February), then the place to be is skating outdoors at Stuart Park on Water Street. Open from 6 am to 11 pm every day, you can rent skates right on the spot and glide along Kelowna’s largest outdoor ice skating park. The ice is groomed regularly, you can enjoy the great views of the lake and downtown while grabbing a warm cup of hot cacao and hanging out with friends.

Kelowna Indoor Adventure Centers

If you’re tired of the heat (and Kelowna gets lots of it in summer) or you’re in Kelowna during the cooler season, there are a ton of fun indoor areas for the whole family as well.

EnergyPlex

The EnergyPlex is Kelowna’s largest indoor playground for kids, with four stories of fun, including trampolines, foam pits, rope swings, a huge cube climb, a rock wall, a Ballistix Ball Range (huge foam ball shooting adventure) and a laser tag arena that are sure to tire out any active child. If you have energetic kids, this is definitely the place to bring them.

H2O Adventure and Fitness Center

H2O is the one of the largest municipal water parks in Canada. It includes a wave pool, surf wave simulator, river run, water slides and a kid’s spray park. It’s perfect fun for any age, and you can also enjoy the 12,000 sq ft of fitness and cardio space if you want to let older kids go their way while you go yours.

YMCA

The Kelowna YMCA in Rutland is a huge facility with an aquatic area, gymnasium, youth zone, a 100 m walking track as well as a large fitness area. The aquatic area includes a diving pool, an eight lane lap pool and a warm lazy river complete with spray-jets and a large hot tub. You can do a drop in anytime. There’s also a smaller YMCA in downtown Kelowna.

McCurdy Bowl Center

Fun for the young or old, Kelowna’s McCurdy Bowling has a bowling lanes complete with black light, glow in the dark neon bowling for those times when you want escape a world of pastels., in addition to regular bowling We love that there are bumper guides that cover the gutters as well as roll assists to make it more fun for the smaller kids. One of our favorite pubs, Freddy’s Brewpub, is attached to McCurdy Bowling, which is a huge plus for us.

Kelowna Outdoor Adventure Centers

Feeling like you need a little outside exhilaration? Kelowna has several family friendly outdoor adventure centers that will bring out the kid in anyone.

Myra Canyon Adventure Park

At Myra Canyon Adventure Park high above Kelowna and below the Myra Canyon Trestles you can hike or bike the trestles, jump in the saddle and go for a horse ride or test your Tarzan abilities on their well rated tree top course high above the valley.

Scandia Golf and Games

With some of the best indoor and outdoor mini golf in the valley, you can enjoy everything from bumper cars and go karts to batting cages, a huge arcade and laser tag at Scandia Golf and Games. It’s always a fun place to bring the kids. We come here a few times a year, and always have a great time.

WildPlay Kelowna

From ziplining to free falling, WildPlay, just outside of Kelowna on Highway 33, WildPlay is an adventure playground. With 10 ziplines and a giant, 110 foot pendulum swing, you’re sure to get the blood rushing while you’re there. For everyone aged five and up, there’s the Monkido course (as in monkey see, monkey do). This climbing, ziplining, jumping and swinging obstacle course will test your mettle at heights ranging from 6 to 60 feet and is a lot of fun for everyone.

Children’s Outdoor Activities in Kelowna

Need to find something a little tamer for your kids to do outside and can’t decide which ones are right for you? Check out this list of outdoor kids activities you can do in Kelowna.

Kangaroo Creek Farm

Kangaroo Creek Farm is a near the Kelowna airport. You can pet baby kangaroos, wallabies and even have adorable sugar gliders climbing into your pocket. Fees go to the animals. Guaranteed to leave everyone in your group with a smile.

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure in Kelowna has a great traditional petting zoo complete with adorable bunnies and goats that you can pet and feed. They also offer a fun hedge maze, and the cost is under $10/day per person.

Kelowna Events

There’s always something happening in Kelowna, it seems, and many of the events are family friendly. There are too many to list here, but the Fat Cat Children’s Festival is well worth a visit if you’re here in June. If you love wine, I enjoyed stopping by the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon‘s Wine & Music Festival at Waterfront Park with great wineries and live music.

If you’re the active type, there are plenty of fun outdoor races that are kid friendly. A few years ago, Micki and our then 10 year old son had fun at the FoamFest 5K race (for kids 10 and over) and they’re checking out the Freak’n Farmer Adventure Obstacle Race (with special categories for kids of all ages) at Covert Farms near Penticton for next year.

For event info, check out the event pages for Tourism Kelowna and KelownaNow (a local online newspaper).

Tours of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Want to work with a local company? Check out Red Dog Wine Tours or Wicked Wine Tours. They rate highly on TripAdvisor. Their most popular tour is the West Kelowna wine tour, but they also do tours in Kelowna proper, as well as private tours.

Where to Stay in Kelowna

Kelowna has well over 100 hotels, with plenty of options from luxury villas and hotels to budget friendly accommodation.

Luxury – The Delta Grand Kelowna

Known locally just as the Delta Grand, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort is Kelowna’s most well known higher end hotel.

I’ve spent some time here during local conferences, and had a chance to tour around the hotel as well, and really love the stunning location right downtown on the banks of Okanagan Lake, with a modern and elegant feel. There’s a rooftop Jacuzzi, heated outdoor pools, a great in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped conference centre.

Check prices and availability here.

Airport Hotel – Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport

The Four Points by Sheraton at the Airport is a brand new hotel, with excellent ratings.

It’s directly across from the airport (you could easily walk), with an indoor pool, and restaurant and a bar that get good reviews.

See prices and more info.

Family Lakeside Holiday Resort – Cove Lakeside Resort

Both Hotel Eldorado and Cove Lakeside Resort get excellent reviews, but Cove Lakeside Resort wins out here because of their more affordable rates. This is a fantastic family place to hang out, as each room has a kitchenette, wireless internet access and a spa bath, and the resort has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, smaller water slide and outdoor tennis courts. There’s a sandy beach, bikes for use, and an onsite restaurant and spa.

See Cove Lakesite prices and availability.

Budget hotel – Super 8 West Kelowna

If you have a car and you’re willing to be out of the heart of Kelowna proper, you can almost always get a great rate at Super 8 West Kelowna. We stayed here a couple of years ago, and thought it was reasonable value for the price we paid (around $120/night CDN during summer high season).

It’s fairly basic, but gets solid reviews, and has a small onsite outdoor pool. Rooms also have a fridge, with is a big plus for us.

See prices and availability

Budget backpackers – Samesun Kelowna Hostel

There are only a few choices of hostels in Kelowna, and the best of the bunch is Samesun Kelowna Hostel, with clean, bright rooms and a strong social vibe.

It’s smack in the middle of the action downtown across from City Park, and even has a hot tub. Important: This isn’t a family-friendly hostel: You must be at least 19 years old to stay here and have valid government issued photo ID from outside Kelowna.

See Samesun prices and availability.

About Kelowna

Nestled in BC’s southern interior, Kelowna is the jewel of the Okanagan Valley. On the shores of 135 kilometre long Lake Okanagan, it’s only 3 1/2 hours from Vancouver by car and half an hour by plane. Kelowna is one of Canada’s warmest cities in summer, with averages around 30 Celsius (86 F), it’s also one of Canada’s warmest places in winter with most days well above freezing. This makes Kelowna a great city to visit any time of the year.

In the summer, thanks to hot weather and sunny skies, Kelowna is transformed into a vibrant beach town with tons of activities for the young, the old and everyone in between. There is something for everyone here with tons of nightlife, tons of wildlife and tons of the fun thrown in for good measure.

Kelowna is also only 30 minutes away from world famous Big White Ski Resort and an hour from smaller but equally fun Silverstar Ski Resort. No matter the season, there’s always something fun to do.

More great articles:

• The Pros and Cons of Living in Kelowna, BC: A Local’s Guide
• The Best Breakfast in Kelowna: A Local’s Guide
• Things to do in Okanagan Falls British Columbia

True, there is a strong party scene in the city, but there are also many attractions to keep kids happy, whether they’re toddlers or teenagers.

Things to Do in Cancun With Kids

We’ve spent months each year in and around Cancun, and have seen and done just about everything on this list.

If you’re looking for a list that includes more adult fun, check out our best things to do in Cancun article, or save money with our things to do in Cancun on a budget.

Build Sand Castles and Play on the Beach

There’s not much that can amuse a kid longer than a beach full of soft white sand, and a set of play buckets and shovels.

What’s especially great is that Cancun’s beaches are so accessible. Really, all you need to do is grab a transfer from the airport, and you can be on a beautiful white beach near your hotel within half an hour.

While Cancun is known for bigger waves than most of Quintana Roo, there are still plenty of family friendly beaches. Waves are generally calmer on the northern side of the hotel zone, but watch for local flags that show current beach conditions.

Playa Tortuga is a great family beach because it is shallow, with an offshore reef that creates gentle waves. Playa Tortuga draws many local families, as it’s outside the touristy hotel zone.

Playa Del Niño is a great beach for kids as well, with gentle waves and shallow water, and it’s frequented mostly by locals.

You’ll probably also find yourself at Del Niño’s neighbor, Playa Delfines, at some point. However, although Playa Delfine’s water is crystal clear and there’s a good kids playground, the waves can get rough so be careful.

Unfortunately, in the last five years, sargassum (seaweed) on the beaches in Cancun has become a problem, and it looks like it might be here to stay, and that deforestation and fertilizer use in the Amazon may play a role.

At its worst, sargassum makes swimming difficult, and it smells like garbage. You should be able to avoid a lot of the sargassum if you stay at a resort with a groomed beach.

You can check current sargassum beach conditions via this sargassum forecaster.

In Mexico, all beaches are public. That mean you can walk anywhere along the beach. However, some resorts try to restrict access by not allowing you to walk through the resort to the beach, and not allowing parking near beach access. However, once you’re on the beach, you’re free to drop a towel anywhere you want.

Most hotel beaches have private loungers set up, so you can always pay to enjoy one, and order some tasty nachos off them menu.

Visit a beach club

There are also plenty of beach clubs in Cancun where you can pay for a lounger, or even a private lounge bed for the family. The beaches are groomed, the food and drink are flowing, and there’s often music and entertainment.

Mandala beach club costs $25 per lounge chair for the family zone, with s kids’ pool, beach showers, bathrooms, towel service, restaurant and bar. It’s a fairly swanky place, with a dress code in place. Kids under 10 are free.

Cocos Beach Club is a family friendly alternative, with great beach access and tasty snacks.

The Beach Club Delirio Day club is always busy, with great tunes and food.

Xcaret

Xcaret eco-archaeological Park is a great choice for kids of all ages.

Xcaret is actually closer to Playa del Carmen than Cancun, so you’ll need arrange a way to get there. We usually rent a car, but you can also take the bus (we usually take the ADO bus), or even grab a shuttle or taxi.

Xcaret offers an underwater river to a beach, birds and animals, a Mayan village and even archaeological sites. You can easily spend a full day here, or longer.

Click here to save up to 10% by bying Xcaret tickets online.

See our Xcaret review here.

Cenotes

A plunge in the crystal clear water of a cenote (a natural pool formed in limestone) is a perfect family antidote to scorching temperatures.

Cenote Aktun Chen is close to Cancun, and well-rated, but the bottom is deep enough that you should bring life jackets for little kids.

Cenote Dos Ojos is closer to Playa del Carmen, but great for families who scuba dive, but you can visit and simply snorkel like we did.

Explore Mayan ruins

One of the most unique family things you can do around Cancun is to visit the Mayan ruins nearby.

The big draw nearby, and well worth a day trip from Cancun, is Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a complex of ruins that date back to the Mayan civilization.

Chichen Itza ruins are remains of what was once one of the largest, most developed cities in the region, and take up around. The ruins occupy around 1 cubic mile.

If you don’t want to leave Cancun, stop by El Rey Archaeological Zone. It’s in the heart of the Hotel Zone in Cancun. There are 47 buildings here that date to about 250 A.D, with a pyramid shaped temple. El Ray is close to the beach and famous CANCUN sign you’ll see on social media.

Have an ATV or Jeep adventure

If your family loves to get outdoors with a little adrenaline rush included, then an ATV or Jeep tour in the jungles outside Cancun may be perfect for you.

Most ATV tours from Cancun include (optional) zip lining, a cenote swim, and lunch.

Swim with Whale Sharks

If your kids are old enough, then Cancun is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks in the wild. The whale shark is the largest known fish in existence, and are filter feeders that feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes.

Thirty foot long whale sharks migrate past Cancun from early June to mid-September.

There are several tour operators who will take you, and most tours visit nearby Isla Holbox to see the sharks.

Rainy Day Fun at Plaza Las Americas Mall

It’s good to have something lined up for the kids to do on those inevitable rainy days.

The modern Las Americas Mall is large enough to burn off some energy just walking around, and there’s also a food court, movie theater (though kids movies are usually only in Spanish, with English subtitles), and a noisy arcade where kids can play.

Our kids loved the Zooriders, where they got to scoot around on stuffed animals.

Playgrounds

If you’re looking for a cool indoor playground, check out the air-conditioned play center on the second floor of the Kukulkan Plaza in the Hotel Zone.

There’s also an indoor arcade in the Plaza Las Americas Mall where we’ve spent a few hours on rainy days.

Catch a movie

You can easily catch the latest flicks at the Cinépolis Vip Cancún movie theater in Las Americas Mall.

Unfortunately, most kids’ movies are in Spanish only. However, many movies are subtitled in English, if your kids are of reading age.

An adult ticket is around 74 pesos, or $4 USD.

There’s even a VIP section at Cinépolis Vip Cancún, which we loved because you can order snacks, alcoholic beverages, or even a full meal, from a tablet at your seat and have them brought to your chair. An adult ticket for VIP is around 138 pesos (or $7 USD).

Cancun Interactive Aquarium

Cancun Interactive Aquarium, in La Isla Shopping Center, lets kids touch starfish and rays, and feed sharks.

It’s a small aquarium, and only takes around an hour to visit, but kids really seem to like it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an easy 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun. The kids will love touring the island on a golf cart, and playing on the white sand beaches.

Don’t miss the Tortugranja, a turtle sanctuary and small aquarium where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles, and kids can hold a hatchling sea turtle.

If you’re in the mood for a more organized adventure, Garrafon Reef Park is a great choice for active older kids with zip lines, kayaking and snorkeling.

Subsee Explorer AquaWorld

Subsee Explorer is a great alternative for kids not old enough to snorkel. This sub-like glass bottom boat takes you out to see colorful fish and marine life of the Nizuc Reef.

We haven’t tried this yet, and its reviews are pretty underwhelming on TripAdvisor, but it’s worth a try if you aren’t snorkelers.

Atlantis Submarine

You’ll have to take a trip to Cozumel Island to take a submarine tour with Atlantis Submarines.

Kids will also love looking at underwater life in the Atlantis, an authentic 48-passenger submarine. Kids must be a minimum of 36″ in height and four years old to ride the submarine.

Click here to see reviews on TripAdvisor.

Captain Hook Cancun

Captain Hook Cancun dinner cruise is a live action pirate show, where you will be attacked by another boat on the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters. It’s a lot of fun for all ages, and comes with a buffet meal. You’ll sail aboard an 18th-century reproduction of a Spanish galleon ship.

Pirate Show Cancun Jolly Roger

Kids will love watching this spectacular battle between pirates in the Caribbean sea, complete with amazing acrobatics on the Jolly Roger galleon pirate ship. Tickets run around $95 for adults, $45 for kids 5-11, and free for kids under five.

We haven’t tried this one yet, but it looks like some cheesy family fun that’d be great for when you’re tired of the beach or on a rainy night.

Reviews on TripAdvisor are pretty good. Check them out here.

Wet’n Wild Cancun

Wet’n Wild Cancun is a water park with slides that’s fun for the family, and a great way to beat the scorching heat. Food and drink are included. The park’s a bit smaller than most water parks in Canada or the USA, but fun nonetheless.

We like the park, but are definitely not fans of their swim with dolphins. Here are some factual, non-preachy, reasons why you shouldn’t swim with dolphins, including safety concerns and concerns about treatment of dolphins in captivity.

Check Out Some Fun Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Carlos N Charlies and Senor Frogs is a lot of fun for kids, but come early because the partygoers take over by around 8 pm, and it starts to get pretty wild.

If your kids are picky eaters, you’ll find a lot of the same chain restaurants as in the USA, including McDonalds, Margaritaville, Chili’s, and Outback Steakhouse.

La Casa de Los Abuelos is a great choice if you want a break from the kids, because they have a kids’ room supervised by nannies.

Ice Cream

You can get American ice cream favorites for a premium price at Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone, Ben & Jerry’s, and Haagen Dazs in Plaza La Isla mall.

Aldo Gelato offers up delicious gelato in a dizzying array of flavors.

If you’re looking for something a little more local, also try the La Michoacana Mexican chain on Avenida Tulum.

Whether you’re just hanging out on the beach, or heading off on an underwater adventure, there’s a lot to do in Cancun with kids of all ages.

Do you have any favorite things to do in Cancun with kids? Let us know!

Denver, Colorado is a great city to visit. It has a lot of attractions that are perfect for both parent and child, whether you’re looking for something educational or purely entertaining.

A Word About Saving Money in Denver

While Denver has a lot of fun attractions, things like admission tickets, hotels and airfare can add up pretty quickly.

Using the right rewards credit card and loyalty cards can help you afford an enjoyable and unforgettable family trip to Denver (or any other family vacation). You can use your miles to pay for the airline tickets and even the hotel stay. Find the best miles credit card offers, and then use your card to earn more points while you’re on vacation.

Bonus Savings Tip: You can even save a little more by signing up for local deals through sites like Living Social. We do this a lot when we travel in North America and find that it’s something most other travelers don’t think about.

See Living Social’s deals for Denver here.

What’s Fun To Do In Denver?

Denver has a lot to offer and many of the attractions are fairly inexpensive when compared to other cities. If you’re looking for something to do while you’re in the Mile-High City, here are some of Denver’s best attractions to keep everyone in the family entertained.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

This outdoor concert hall has been a host to a variety of entertaining acts.  The natural acoustics and beauty of the location give it a unique look as well as incredible sound quality. The view of the mountains from this location is simply awe inspiring and due to its unique nature, it attracts performers from around the globe.

You can get a feel for the amphitheater in this video of John Butler playing Ocean live at Red Rocks Amphitheater (HD Video).

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a wonder of flowers. In fact, it includes over 15,000 species of plants from across the globe. Located in downtown Denver’s Cheesman Park,  you can take a guided tour or simply walk around and appreciate the plant life and the various sculptures scattered throughout the park.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is an 80-acre facility with hundreds of animals from around the world. Some of its exhibits include Bear Mountain, Monkey Island, Predator Ridge and Wolf Pack Woods. Check their website for regular and special events. The zoo is located next door to the Museum of Nature and Science, so if you have time, you could plan to make a day of visiting both locations.

16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall is an incredibly long outdoor collection of shops, restaurants, event locations and more. Offering more than 600 different shops and events at any given time, you and the family could easily spend days exploring. No automobiles are allowed to drive down this stretch of road, so check on available parking before you drive over.

Children’s Museum of Denver

In this child-friendly museum, the little ones can experience the world of nature and science using a hands-on approach. Instead of being worried about touching exhibits, children are encouraged to get their hands dirty. With tons of things to do, the Child’s Museum has something for everyone. The Children’s Museum of Denver also includes day camps and daily programs for every level.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

This museum is more than just a display of  exhibits or collections of art. Learn all about the various stages of life that have been discovered in Colorado and its nearby neighbors. Visit the 3D IMAX Theater and be entertained by its bigger than life images. Catch a show in the Planetarium and geek out in the cosmos. Let your kids run wild in the Discovery Zone. Exhibits are constantly changing so if you time your trip right you can see exhibits from all over the world at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Elitch Gardens

Elitch Gardens is more than a simple amusement park. Elitch offers rides, pools, concerts, “dive-in movies” and more. Featuring both an entertainment park and a water park, one ticket gives you access to both parks for the same price. Located in downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens is over 70 acres in size and is America’s only downtown theme park.

Dave and Busters

Dave and Busters’ Denver location is connected to the United Artists Theatres, providing a fun center for all ages. Enjoy the restaurant, arcade with attached bar, a movie theater and a variety of indoor activities all in one single location. This is a great spot to bring the older kids or even just a group of friends. The cards used for gaming can also be used in other Dave and Busters locations found around the United States.

These are just a small portion of what the Mile-High City has to offer the visiting family. Whether you are looking for educational venues or just need to let your hair down and enjoy yourself, Denver can provide an incredible experience for the entire family. There are plenty of great hotels but you can also find some amazing condo or home rentals. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have the time of your life!

Great family hotels in Denver

If you’re looking for a place with more room than a hotel, have you tried airbnb yet? Get a $35 credit toward your first stay! (and we get a credit too)!

The Airport Hotel – Homewood Suites Denver International Airport

If you’re staying at the airport, this is a great bet. It gets great ratings, has a breakfast buffet and clean rooms.

See prices and availability.

The Downtown Denver Hotel – Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver – Downtown / Convention Center

With great ratings and a great location, this rates highly with families.  There’s a lot to do here, with a swimming pool and free shuttle service.

Check prices here.

Looking for some fun out of the city?

Check out our articles on family fun in Canon City and Colorado Springs.

Looking back, when Micki and I started traveling together on our first year long RTW adventure in 2003, we each had a moderate sized backpack and a smaller daypack for our daily jaunts. In the first few weeks we arrogantly convinced ourselves that those bags would be all we ever needed. Boy, how wrong we were…

You see, some people can go for days without washing their clothes and don’t seem to mind walking around in what I lovingly call the backpacker funk. Most travelers go through times where laundering your clothes just isn’t easy, however there are some backpackers that truly revel in it.

Then there are the ultra lightweight travelers who use their t-shirts as towels and wash their only underwear every night in the sink. To put it simply, those guys are too energetic for me and the reality is that I need a change of clothes every now and again.

To make me feel even worse, there are hundreds of posts out there where travelers are marveling how they’ve never been so happy since they limited their clothing to only a few items.

Frankly, we aren’t those people.

The reality is, on that first trip, our bags were full from the start and as our trip wore on, somewhere along the way we were forced to pick up another large backpack. You might think that it was from all the souvenirs we horded, however it wasn’t. There are still two boxes in our storage locker that are full of all the things we shipped home during that trip that have yet to see the light of day.

Part of the problem was that we’re probably the only backpacking couple that carried a tuxedo and wedding dress for eight months of their travels. 

Since we got engaged a few months into that first trip, we decided to get married before we returned to Canada. As a result, I had a tux custom made for me while we were in Thailand and Micki had her wedding dress designed there as well.

Now don’t get me wrong, we never intended to carry them with us for so long, however our wedding date kept getting pushed back further and further on that trip until finally we decided enough was enough and made it happen. Of course, by then we were almost on our way home so our tux and dress went back into the backpack until we got back to Canada.

That trip told us a lot about our travel habits, what we could live without and what we considered essential. In the few years between then and starting a family, we even managed to reduce and refine our gear to what we considered the ultimate compromise of needs versus wants.

That perfect luggage period was ridiculously short lived.

As soon as Cole was born, all semblance of order was thrown out the window. Extra diapers, extra wipes, blankets, sheets, clothes, portable crib, emergency pharmaceuticals, you name it we carried it. It’s hard enough to travel with a baby, never mind having to pack for every possibility.

Back then we still felt guilty for wanting to continue our travels and God forbid that something went wrong. We would have had to face the accusations of the grandparents and family who thought our errant travel days should be over now that we had started a family. To be on the safe side, back then we packed enough to flatten a donkey.

I’m not going to lie, traveling with young kids is never easy. Not only do you have to deal with all the crap that goes with having little ones at home, but you also have their extra gear and safety to worry about while on the road. It’s still possible to enjoy travel but our days of simply grabbing our backpacks and jumping on a plane were over.

Don’t tell anyone but one of the happiest days of my life was the day we packed up for a trip and left the diapers, blankets, strollers and baby seats behind since our youngest was finally at an age that she didn’t need any of it. Glory days were definitely upon us!

This trip we went in a new direction and decided to test out the rolling luggage approach. It has been an interesting change from just the backpacks however, besides for the pain of wheeling something with tiny wheels up and down Spain and Portugal’s steep and winding cobblestone streets, it’s been working.

For any of you wondering, on this trip we have two large rolling suitcases, a backpack we first used on that trip in 2003 as well as three daypacks. Considering there are now four of us, I keep telling myself it’s not that crazy.

The smaller daypacks usually hold our electronics while the other one holds travel snacks, spare clothes and toys for the kids. The two large rollers carry our clothes and some extra toys like Lego and a few small stuffed animals that the kids refuse to part from. The large backpack carries extraneous items like our snorkeling gear (two masks and snorkels), schoolbooks, craft supplies and learning activities for the kid as well as a  first aid kit and a few small bowls and cups for those non kitchen equipped stays.

In theory, between the four of us it’s manageable. We also generally long stay in places so the bags are sedentary most of the time.

Of course, that little jaunt we made to Portugal for three weeks kind of went against the norm, but we also had a rental car for that leg of the trip so lugging our gear usually only meant hauling our stuff up and down three or four flights of stairs and then a block or two to our parked vehicle.

Towards the end of our time in Portugal, the joy of staying in charming, old historical buildings on tiny streets was quickly losing against places with ample parking and blessed elevators..

Though we did have a hate on for our luggage in Portugal, so far what we’ve been traveling with has been working.

That said, we just got back from Morocco and frankly, our luggage wasn’t invited. The thought of all the touts and mayhem there was just too much for us to deal with.

I told Micki we were either taking the kids or the bags. I didn’t think the kids could handle hanging out in a locker for a week so I hope our bags enjoyed their little break. I hate to ever leave anything behind, but my nerves and my back enjoyed the break even more.

The worrisome part is that for the most part, we didn’t miss the stuff that was in the two big bags we left behind. Are we finally reaching the point of a small bag for each of us? Probably not but for the first time in years I think there is hope ahead.

Have a horror story about your luggage or some tips about handling baggage and kids? If so, we’d love to hear about it.

Here’s our big list of  things to do in Playa del Carmen with kids.

Build sandcastles and play on the beach

Playa del Carmen’s beaches are picture postcard perfect, with white sand and clear turquoise water. For the most part, the surf is gentle enough for small children (though swells may come occasionally with high tide and storms). The soft white sand is perfect for sandcastles, but the shells you’ll find on Playa beaches are generally smaller than a nickel.

Tip: If you’re planning to go to Xcaret, Xel-ha, XPlor or the other parks, we’ve found ticket prices are about 10-15% cheaper online than at the park.

Check Xcaret prices now.

The entire oceanfront near Playa is one long stretch of white sand, but specific areas of the beach have become known by the hotels or resorts nearby. The most well known stretch is Mamitas (a short walk north of the pier), named after the happening Mamitas Beach Club.

Aviary at Xaman-Ha

Kids of all ages should love checking out the birds at the Xaman-Ha aviary. It’s fairly pricey at $22/adult, considering the small size of the aviary, though many different and colorful birds can be found here. One child under 12 is free with each adult.

Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)

This avenue, that runs parallel to the beach, is pedestrian only so it’s a great place to let your kids walk (though watch for cars on intersections with other streets). Quinta Avenida gets busy in the evenings, especially during December and January, and we found it a bit stressful to walk with our little ones then. However, during the mornings and afternoons, and anytime during low season, it was a great walk. This is the place to see and be seen in Playa and is a great place to grab a bench on the Avenida itself, or a table at one of the many streetside restaurants and enjoy people watching at its finest.

Playgrounds

Sadly, the lovely modern playground just off the beach in Parque Fundadores on the south end of Quinta Avenida was torn down during a 2012 renovation of the parque. There’s a shaded playground at Calle 22 and Avenida 40. If the weather is rainy or too hot, there are indoor playgrounds in the Burger Kings at Calle 15 and Juarez and on 20th Avenida, and also at the McDonalds near the Chedraui grocery store (Calle 1 Sur).

There is an imaginative playground at Parque la Ceiba. Parque la Ceiba also houses a small art gallery, a small walking path and an open air cafe (located at Calle 1a and Sur y Diagonal 60).

Check out some great kid friendly restaurants

Playa has an overabundance of excellent family friendly restaurants, though the more touristy places are more expensive. That said, there are some great restaurants that are family friendly and easy on the budget restaurants in Playa del Carmen, like La Cueva Del Chango with its turtle pond and patios.

Sports

Perfect for older kids, the Poliform is a public sports facility with tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, and two soccer fields. Poliform is on Juarez and 105th Avenida in El Ejido neighborhood. The Estadio Mario Villanueva, in downtown Playa del Carmen, also has tennis courts, soccer fields, and racquetball and basketball courts.

Cenotes

Cenotes are freshwater pools and make a great day trip. You can swim, snorkel and even scuba dive their remarkably clear depths. Since some are often quite deep, little kids and poor swimmers should take a life jacket with them.

Playa del Carmen has an abundance of cenotes about 20 minutes south on the highway to Tulum. There you can find cenotes Azul, Jardin, Eden, Cristalino, Chikin Ha and Kantun Chi all almost within walking distance. Gran Cenote, Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino have especially kid friendly access. You can go with a tour, or visit independently. Chaak Tun (with two caves and a waterfall) is also close by. Some of the cenotes offer high diving platforms and even rope swings for the more adventurous. Most are filled with colorful little fish that are sure to delight even the youngest children.

Ice cream!

Playa can be scorching hot, making ice cream a welcome treat. Quinta Avenida has several delicious, though expensive, ice cream places including Ben and Jerry’s, but you can grab a cheaper cone at McDonalds on Quinta Avenida if price is an issue. If you’d like something a little different, try the frozen fresh fruit bars sold all over town. You’ll find them in OXXO convenience stores on almost every street corner, in small storefronts and from street vendors. It’s probably best to buy bars that are pre-packaged from a manufacturer to avoid potential stomach problems from unfiltered water.

Need some rainy day fun or want to take a break from the heat?

Hit one of Playa’s indoor, air conditioned malls. Playa’s large malls (Centro Maya mall and the Plaza las Americas) are much more than just shopping. Both malls are very family friendly. Kids will love the miniature train rides and the affordable and fun arcades. You can even go bowling at Planet Bowl in Centro Maya mall.

Centro Maya mall and Plaza las Americas also have movie theaters but most movies are dubbed in Spanish so be warned. Some movies are subtitled in English for the older kids who can read, and occasionally a movie is left in English. Both the subtitle language and the spoken dialog are usually noted at the theater on the movie listings board. If in doubt, chances are that it’s dubbed in Spanish, but ask at the ticket counter just to be sure.

Hang at the pool

Almost all resorts, hotels and condos in Playa have a swimming pool for good reason – kids love them! If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, you can usually arrange day use of the pool for a fee at many resorts. Most resorts also have a children’s playground.

Monkeys!

The Jungle Place spider monkey sanctuary offers food, shelter and medical care to injured spider monkeys. 100% of proceeds go to the care of the monkeys. The Jungle Place is 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. The Jungle Place gets almost unanimously positive reviews on TripAdvisor. You must make advance reservations, and the minimum donation for a tour is $80 per person.

Paintball

If you’re entertaining rowdy teenagers, Extreme Central Playa Paintball should do a great job of burning off some of their energy.

Check out an underground river

Rio Secreto offers a guided tour of an underground river system, where you can see stalactites and stalagmites. Children under four are not allowed. You cannot bring your own camera into the cave. $69/adult, $34/child. Check out reviews on TripAdvisor.

Day trips around Playa del Carmen

There are several great day trips less than an hour outside Playa that the kids should love.

Catch the ferry to the island of Cozumel at the south end of Quinta. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride and watching the enormous cruise ships dock in Cozumel’s port. The touristy port town of San Miguel has a quiet, leafy park in its center, and many of its pedestrian only streets have street performers to amuse the kiddos.

Grab a rental car for the whole day (or pay just as much for a short taxi ride), and take a 10 minute drive to the quieter beaches south of the main port. The beach beside Carlos n’ Charlies isn’t as picturesque as those on the mainland, but it’s a great place to grab a chair, order some drinks and snacks, and relax for the afternoon. You can use the water toys, slides and trampolines on the water at Paradise Beach Club nearby for a pretty hefty charge of around $20 per adult. If you rented a car, you can also check out the lighthouse and the marshy area near it where you can see crocodiles in the marshy lagoon from the boardwalk.

Check out the Mayan Ruins in Tulum or Chichén Itzá. The Myan ruins at Tulum, set on a cliff overlooking the clear Caribbean water, are a short hour drive or bus ride away from Playa del Carmen. We told our kids that we were going on a real life Indiana Jones adventure, and they ate it up. If your kids are bored by the ruins, they’ll love the many iguanas running around, or playing in the beautiful rocky beach at the base of the ruins. The ruins are fairly spread out and you should be able to walk them easily in an hour or two. There’s a small touristy area nearby where you can buy overpriced trinkets, and where the kids should get a kick out of seeing Mayan flyers twirl around suspended by their feet on a four story pole.

Walking around the ruins in the Caribbean sun is hot, so bring lots of water, and plan on a few breaks under the trees. Large strollers may be tough to negotiate up and down stairs. A small umbrella stroller is best, as you can fold it up, or carry it easily over stairs and other obstacles.

The town of Tulum is a 10 minute drive from the ruins, making it an easy stop for meals. The beaches (another five minutes from the town, and just south of the ruins) rival any in the world for long, almost isolated swathes of perfect white sand. There are a handful of beach clubs on Tulum’s beaches that offer beach chairs and a place to stop to eat and play.

If you feel like going a little further afield, the ruins at Chichén Itzá are beautiful, though it makes for a very long day.  If you don’t have the time to see any of the bigger ruins in the area, Cozumel also has its own set of small ruins on the island that you can visit, however they can’t even compare to the larger sites.

The biosphere Sian Ka’an nature eco reserve is a great place to see animals and marine life native to the Yucatan in a protected, natural setting. You can take a boat tour, try your hand at fly fishing or bird watch on a kayak in the reserve. Sian Ka’an is about a five minute drive from the town of Tulum, and also offers lodging. Sian Ka’an reviews on TripAdvisor.

Only half an hour from Playa, Akumal is famous for its sea turtles. Its small, shallow protected cove is perfect for swimming with little ones. Grab a beachfront bite at the Lolha Restaurant or the pirate themed Buena Vida. Akumal has a small community with a pricey store and a couple of dive shops. It’s a long swim off the beach to deeper water where you’ll find turtles swimming, so bring your flippers.

Crococun is a small zoo that focuses on saving the almost extinct Yucatecan crocodile, but also displays Yucatecan deer, snakes, spiders, monkeys and other animals. Your kids can get close and pet some of the animals, with permission. Admission is a bit pricey at $25 for adults, $15 for children, and free for kids five and under, but an interactive tour is included. You can only visit while on a tour.

While you’re there, you can stop by nearby Puerto Morelos, a slow-paced fishing village makes a great change of pace from busy Playa del Carmen or Cancun. There isn’t much to do in Puerto Morelos, other than stop for fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants and play on the beach at the Hotel Oja de Agua beach club.

Check out the big amusement parks

Tip! Xplor, Xel-ha and Xcaret and the other Xcaret parks offer discounts if you visit two ore more of the parks and book online.

Check prices now.

Playa is home to three major so-called eco parks, which can be fun (if expensive!). Make no mistake, these are touristy attractions, so you may want to stay away if crowds aren’t your thing. If you’re intrepid and budget minded, you can replicate many of these experiences by exploring Playa del Carmen independently

Xel-Ha is a waterpark probably best suited to older kids who can swim well and navigate the slippery stairways. The main attractions at Xel-Ha are snorkeling in the lagoon, ziplines, rope swings, and swimming in the cenotes and the lazy river. You can pay extra to swim with dolphins imported from Cuba. Adults $71, children $36, kids four and under are free, and there are discounts for booking online. Admission includes a breakfast, snack and lunch buffet, snorkeling equipment and unlimited drinks. 

Xcaret archaeological park can be good for younger kids, with a butterfly pavilion, flamingos, macaws, an aquarium, a lagoon and beach, and a river boat to keep them busy. Night shows Xcaret at Night and the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular get great reviews. Older kids who are good swimmers should enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the artificial river. The Xcaret park is large, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. $71/adult $35/child, four and under free, and there are discounts for booking online. You pay for your drinks and food.

Xplor Adventure Park’s major attractions are ziplines, an underground river, amphibious vehicles and rafting. Children under age five are not allowed in Xplor. $98 adult, $55 child age five and older, and there are discounts for booking online. Food and drink and all activities are included in the price. 

Xplor, Xel-ha and Xcaret offer discounts if you visit two ore more of the parks and book online. Check prices now.

Do you have any other great activities for kiddos in Playa del Carmen? Share with us in the comments below!

Our daughter (who’s turning four soon) loves to draw and paint, so we’ve reviewed her five favorite drawing or painting apps for the iPad. We’ve used each app and all five are currently on our tablet. Some of the apps are also available on the iPhone and iPod, but these reviews are strictly for the iPad versions. She uses and loves all of these apps (and so do we!).

Project Aqua – for iPad and iPhone by Adobe

Project Aqua by Adobe brings a whole new layer of magic to kids art time. It feels like a grown up drawing app that remembered kids want to play too. The brushes respond smoothly, the textures feel real, and the tools make even simple sketches look way fancier than you would expect. Kids can doodle, paint, shade, and even experiment with light and shadow without needing to know anything about art theory. Everything is laid out clearly and the app does a great job of helping children ages 5 to 12 discover features through curiosity, not complicated menus with ad free tutorials thrown in for good measure.

Download Project Aqua for free from the App Store here.

The big standout is how Project Aqua blends digital painting tools with fun guided prompts and gentle hints that help kids level up their drawings without pressure. The color options are almost endless and the included brush library gives little artists the chance to try styles that look like pencil, chalk, watercolor, markers, and more. Older kids will appreciate the layers feature, which lets them build and edit their art like pros. There are Undo and Redo buttons plus autosave so no masterpiece gets lost.

Oh yeah, did we say it can even bring drawn objects to life in 3D and allows kids to host a virtual art exhibition in an art gallery of their very own? Most features work great offline as well so makes a decent art easel on the go as well for active families.

Drawing Pad

By Darren Murtha Design

Drawing Pad is my daughter’s go to drawing app if she wants to get especially creative. There’s a rollout tray on the side that lets you quickly select from brushes, markers, pencils, stencils and backgrounds. My daughter picked it up right away. If you want a blank canvas to start from, I don’t think there’s a better children’s drawing app out there. You can choose backgrounds and pictures from the camera roll, but the Drawing Pad truly shines the brightest for its ability to just quickly start drawing.

See more information here.

The app is visually straight forward and intuitive as long as you remember that the house icon brings you back to the previous selection. It’s probably the most realistic of all the children’s drawing apps and has a minimal learning curve. It works in both Portrait and Landscape mode and features Undo and Redo buttons for those occasional accidents. There are tons of colors and brush sizes to choose from. If your child craves to be the next digital Da Vinci then this might be the app that gets them on their way.

Doodle Buddy for iPad

By Pinger, Inc.

Doodle Buddy was the first drawing app we downloaded and it was the first time my daughter truly saw the iPad as an alternative to drawing on paper. The interface is ridiculously easy and the quirky selection of stamps makes it a guaranteed hit with young children. When I look at my camera roll on the iPad, the pictures saved from this app far outnumber any other apps my daughter uses.

Find out more about Doodle Buddy here

It features an unlimited color palette with tons of cartoon stamps and sound effects that will amuse the kids. It also works in both Portrait and Landscape mode, unlike the majority of the other drawing apps out there. Doodle Buddy includes around 10 backgrounds to choose from as well as the ability to use images from your photo albums. Doodle Buddy is not as fully featured as some of the other painting apps, but my daughter returns to it time and again so they must be doing something right.

123 Color HD: Premium Edition, Talking Coloring Book

By Steve Glinberg

123 Color HD is my favorite children’s coloring book style application. Not only is it educational, it has a lot more to offer than a traditional drawing program. It includes hundreds of amusing cartoon style sketches with Paint by Numbers, Paint by Letters (both upper case and lower case) and of course freestyle painting. The first two remind me strongly of those paint by numbers coloring packages my parents used to buy when I was a child.

Check prices here.

Aside from sentimentality, one of my favorite features is the Perfect Paint option. With this turned on, any coloring you do on any of the hundreds of pages is limited to staying within the lines of the object you’re painting. With 30 colors to choose from, it’s easy to make a picture perfect colored page for those of us not so artistically inclined. 123 Color HD also features a Paint Bucket to instantly color in an object (perfect for younger children) and a traditional Paint Brush.

As well as the coloring portion, the Premium Edition includes learning letters (upper and lower case), and numbers and colors that are spoken in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian and Hebrew. The Premium Edition also includes all 35 coloring books that are otherwise available as in-app purchases from the less costly version, however if you want them all then the Premium Edition is the way to go. If you’re looking for coloring book equivalent apps on the market, 123 Color HD is probably your best bet.

Drawing with Carl – for iPhone & iPad

By Tayasui

Drawing with Carl is a great, fun way to draw. The interface is clean and easy, and the character stamps are great as well. Created from a spinoff of Talking Carl! (an old iPhone staple in the vein of hugely popular Talking Tom), there are a lot of creative spins on a standard paint brush. It is quick and easy to create gorgeous artworks using Drawing with Carl simply with the brushes they give you. There’s also an in-app purchase called Monster Pack (the only one in the app) that is animated and supposedly quite fun to play with. I haven’t gotten around to buying it so can’t comment yet.

Download from iTunes here.

The bright, vibrant interface and the clean lines give Drawing with Carl and polished look. The limited 10 color palette is easily offset by the number of drawing tools this app includes. It’s an easy app to use and drawing fun colorful images is a breeze. Most kids will also love the mirror mode that duplicates every finger swipe on the other half of the screen. There are Undo and Redo buttons that give your child a chance to backtrack. The only negative about Drawing with Carl is that it always feels like you’re using an app. With more and more drawing done digitally these days however, maybe that’s not a bad thing.

Drawing for kids: doodle games

Drawing for kids: doodle games is a great little app teaching your young ones how to color simple characters. Though not a traditional painting, coloring or doodling app, the focus is trying to teach younger children learn more about colors and coloring itself. T

Get price and information here.

My son, who just turned seven, enjoys this one (though it’s made for younger children in the toddler range). Of course my daughter also enjoys learning how to color the cute animals and other pictures.

It’s a pretty simple app, but it keeps the kiddos entertained with fascinating sounds and funny animations.

Other Notable Entries

Squiggles!

Though not exactly a drawing program, Squiggles, a free app, is great fun for the kids. It’s marketed to very young kids, but it’s honestly a lot of fun no matter your age. Squiggles takes your hand drawn squiggle, and turns it into a bird’s nest, a lion’s mane, a curly beard, and more! You just let your little one doodle on the screen, and press PLAY to watch their drawings come alive. With a price tag of zero Squiggles is a must download to anyone with kids and an iPad.

Check for more information here.

Check out La Paz Waterfall Gardens

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a fantastic way to see Costa Rica’s wildlife and lush rainforest up close. There are over ten animal exhibits, where you can see monkeys, snakes, frogs, birds of every color and size imaginable and jungle cats. Don’t miss the lovely butterfly and hummingbird gardens, where you can have hummingbirds eating out of your hand.

The waterfall walkway leads through lush dense rainforest, and delivers amazing views of waterfalls. You can even stand underneath one of the waterfalls, close enough to get soaked from the spray landing on your face. Make sure you bring a rain jacket.

Soak up the sun on the beaches of Guanacaste Province

Costa Rica’s amazing Pacific coast offers some of the longest stretches of beach imaginable. While best known for surfing, many of the beaches are great for little ones during low tide or days when the swells are mild. Playa Longasta, just south of the famous Playa Tamarindo, is a great family alternative, as is Playa Samara.

Visit the rainforest canopy

Costa Rica is one of the few places in the world that makes it easy to get a unique view of the rainforest canopy. If you have older kids, or your risk tolerance is high, many zip lining companies in Costa Rica are kid friendly. If zip-lining’s not your thing,  the treetop canopy sky walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest lets you walk on bridges suspended in the treetops. For those with little kids, the rainforest aerial tram lets you have the same great views from the relative safety of an enclosed gondola.

Peer into a volcano

Kids love volcanos. We checked out the Poás volcano (an easy afternoon trip from San Jose) and the famous Arenal volcano. While we were there, Arenal was quiet, but visitors often hear deep rumbles and the lucky ones see trickles of lava coming from the cone at night.

Soak in the hot springs

The Tabacon Hot Springs Resort has over nine pools and three cascading thermal waterfalls. Daily admission for adults is fairly steep at $60, but admission is included with a night’s stay at the luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa, where we splurged for a three night stay. It was expensive, but well worth it. For the budget minded, check out the private Eco Termales Hot Springs or the more developed Baldi Hot Springs.

Spend a weekend in the city square

Almost every city and small town in Costa Rica has a parque central, or city square, flanked by a prominent Catholic church. You’ll see some great architecture, and on weekends most city squares are transformed into a family friendly playground. Our little ones alternated between playing on the bouncy castle, watching the clowns, and chasing pigeons around the square in Parque Central in Heredia.

Watch an endangered leatherback turtle lay her eggs

From Junuary to April, endanged leatherback turtles come back to Costa Rica to lay their eggs on the beach where they were hatched. The Las Baulos National Park (Parque Marino las Baulas) offers an opportunity to tag along with their wildlife officers to watch the leatherbacks. The Las Baulos National Park is located in Playa Grande, on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. The cost is $25 per person, and kids are free.

Check out the wildlife

Costa Rica’s abundance of wildlife is well known. A troupe of howler monkeys visited the trees just outside our balcony in Tamarindo every morning. Every day, we found fabulous (well, the kids thought they were fabulous, anyway) insects in the walkway by our condo. We were even lucky enough to see a sloth hanging from a tree on the road to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Just don’t lick the blue frogs.