Just a hop, skip, and a jump away (29 miles, to be exact) lies the fun city of Seattle! Here, you won’t find the happiest place on earth. Employees won’t be singing their favorite tune with grins from ear to ear and the beaches may be a little chilly. We aren’t uptight about what we wear and employees will more than likely be showing their personality through their clothing choices rather than a crisp collar. We may just be a little hippyish in our natural beauty and organic ways! It’s common to misplace our sunglasses from year to year but when the sun shines, we soak up the rays!

Seattle Center

The Seattle Center is home to many of Seattle’s famous destinations!

Space Needle

The Space Needle was built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. At 605 feet, the Space Needle provides a stunning 360 degree view of Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and the active city of Seattle! Check out the view yourself on the Space Needle’s Panocam!

Take an elevator ride to the observation deck and check out the gift shop when you ride back down!

Nothing says Seattle more than the Space Needle!

Fun Fact: The Space Needle inspired the aesthetic for the Jetsons’ condominium!

Space Needle and the EMP

Experience Music Project Museum

The Experience Music Project building is a sight to behold and a conversation among many. Some call it a marvel and others think it is downright ugly.

It has been said that the building’s inspiration was a smashed guitar, in honor of Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix and his rebellious style.

Inside the museum you will discover the Sound Lab where you can try out many different instruments, Sky Church which houses the largest indoor LED screen in the world, as well as a music collection with many artifacts of music produced in the Northwest!

Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction and Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film are also part of the EMP. I’m not interested in horror but The Monster Shadow Wall and Scream Machine are two of my personal favorites!

Monster Shadow Wall

Chihuly Garden and Glass

A collection of Dale Chihuly work is on display at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition Hall, Glasshouse, and Garden. You may get a little peak of the garden at the base of the Space Needle!

International Fountain

The International Fountain was built for the World’s Fair and remains a centerpiece at the Seattle Center! Take a break on a hot day and feel the mist or go right up to the fountain and get soaked! The choice is yours! Sitting on the rim of the fountain bowl is an excellent place for a snack or to eat lunch, weather permitting.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is always a fun experience featuring interactive science exhibits, IMAX theaters, laser light shows, and a Butterfly House! I have to say the butterfly house is pretty awesome and the laser light shows, WOW! Imagine sitting or laying on the floor and watching a laser light show to an awesome song. Now imagine going on a field trip with your child’s class and watching the laser show! Yep! It has always been a favorite!

Ride The Ducks of Seattle

Not too far from the Seattle Center, and practically across the street, you will find Ride The Ducks of Seattle! The Ducks are an excellent way to see sights and tour Seattle while being entertained by a fabulously funny Captain!

View sights from a Duck and learn more about the EMP at A Day in Seattle!

Seattle Center Monorail

The Monorail is an excellent way to travel from Seattle Center to downtown Seattle! It has just two stops: Seattle Center and Westlake Center Mall and is a simple two minute ride worth taking!

After exploring all Seattle Center has to offer, the Monorail will get you within walking distance to Pike Place Market and the waterfront!

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a year-round farmers market where you’ll find bakeries, produce stands, specialty food stores, crafts, food, and possibly flying fish! You’ll want to take a picture by the iconic Pike Place Market sign!

Starbucks

If you are a coffee fanatic, you will want to know the oldest Starbucks is located in the market. It is quite the tourist attraction and usually has a long line of coffee connoisseurs waiting to taste the goodness.

Fun Fact: The current Original Starbucks is actually the second location for the store. The first Starbucks was located a few blocks away at 2000 Western Avenue from 1971 – 1976 before it moved to 1912 Pike Place.

Just around the corner you will find:

The Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is self explanatory, gross, disgusting, and cool all at the same time! Chewed gum lines the brick walls of an alley way some in wads, some spelling names, oh, the possibilities are endless! It’s worth a look as you meander down to the waterfront!

Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel offers stunning views and an exceptional experience as it is the largest observation wheel on the west coast and extends nearly 40 feet beyond the end of the pier over Elliott Bay!

Argosy Cruise

If the loud excitement of the Ducks of Seattle aren’t your speed, you may want to tour the Seattle waterfront via an Argosy Cruise! You will hear a live narration as you cruise the waterfront taking in the beautiful scenery!

Ferry

Ferries are a mainstay of Seattle and an experience everyone should have at least once! Drive right onto the ferry and explore a nearby island!

View from the ferry!

Mountains

Hurricane Ridge – Olympic National Park

Better yet, take the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle and head out to Hurricane Ridge on the Olympic Peninsula! This will be at least a three hour trip so it would be advantageous to book a room near Olympic National Park!

Hurricane Ridge, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Canada in the far distance.

Mt. Rainier

Mount Rainier is a sight to be seen! We get excited here in the Pacific Northwest when the grey skies clear and the mountain is ‘out’ in all it’s glory! It can be viewed from many places but, if you want to get up close and personal, head to Paradise and take a summer hike! You’ll discover waterfalls, wildlife, wild flowers, and, if the skies are clear, the mountain itself!

From city to water to mountains, the Seattle area holds many opportunities to explore! Put on your hiking shoes and get ready to climb the hills of Seattle or the trails of Mount Rainier! They are waiting for you to enjoy!

Jayleen is a self-proclaimed, research specialist for Teen Years Industries, a Household Chief Financial Officer, and Logistics Coordinator who creates fun printables and outlandish ideas to inspire domestic engineers everywhere to make every day full of sunshine and happiness! Find her at Sunshine and Rainy Days for ideas, inspiration, and FUN!

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Start by choosing your hotel carefully. You want to pick one with lots of kid-friendly things right there on site. If you are still looking for a place to stay, check out our tips on where to stay in Las Vegas with kids.

In the airport

The fun starts in the airport! Be sure to check out the sandy sculptures and take a few pictures with them. We came across a turtle and this huge lizard walking through the Las Vegas airport with my son.

The Fountains at the Bellagio

The Bellagio fountains an iconic stop for all ages! Make sure that you check the hours ahead of time and plan your trip down to the Bellagio accordingly. During the week, the fountains don’t start until 3pm (and they go every 15-30 minutes until midnight). On Saturdays and holidays the fountains start up at noon and on Sundays they begin at 11am. You can double check the schedule here to be sure you don’t miss them!

The chocolate fountain

After you see the fountains, go inside the Bellagio and check out the chocolate fountain! It holds the world record for the largest chocolate fountain in the world. The fountain runs 24 hours a day and circulates 2100 pounds of chocolate through 500 feet of pipes! You can even see the world record certificate hanging on the wall. There’s a chocolate store next to the fountain so if it gives you a craving, you are set and can buy some gorgeous treats to enjoy with your family!

The Coca-Cola Store

This 3 story coke store is super fun for the kids to explore. While it’s mainly just a store, full of souvenirs for young and old alike, there are some really unique things to look at, and a super fun Coke-bottle elevator outside!

M & M World Las Vegas 

As soon as my son heard that there was an entire building dedicated to one of his favorite candies, we all knew we’d be headed there. The M & M World did not disappoint. It contains 4 stories of awesomeness. Souvenirs, an entire wall of M&Ms and you can even customize your own candies! The top floor is all about the NASCAR that M&M sponsors and you can even pose for a photo in front of one of the cars!

The NYC Ride 

In addition to having an awesome replica of the statue of liberty and the NYC skyline, the New York New York hotel has an awesome roller coaster to ride! Check out the hours, pricing and even how tall you have to be to ride on the New York New York attractions site.

The Blue Man Group

There are several kid-friendly show sin Las Vegas, but the Blue Man Group is a must-see! You can read about our experience seeing the Blue Man Group show and behind the scenes here! My son and I were belly-laughing through much of the show and we were both really impressed with the entire show! Check it out at the Luxor hotel and Casino.

Mandalay Bay Shark Aquarium 

At the Mandalay Bay hotel & casino, there is a Shark Reef Aquarium. It is definitely worth visiting! The Aquarium tour is set up as if you are waking into an ancient temple that was flooded. It was an amazing experience. There is a part where kids can touch some rays and even an entire shark room where you are surrounded by water!

There are plenty more fun things to do with kids in Las Vegas, but these were a few of our favorites right on the Las Vegas strip! 

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I’ve stayed in two different hotels in Vegas, and toured half a dozen others so I’ve figured out a few things to look for when selecting a kid friendly hotel in Las  Vegas.

Things to consider when choosing a kid-friendly hotel in Las Vegas

One of the first things to think about is what your kids will encounter inside the hotel itself.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a hotel on the Las Vegas strip without a casino inside it, but some are still more kid-friendly than others.

Things to consider about casinos in hotels

Some have the casino portion of the hotel in the middle where you can’t avoid it with your children. You have to go through the casino to get to your room or even to a restaurant.

Others, like the Bellagio have the casino off to the side of the hotel so you can avoid taking your children through it all together. Taking a peek at the layout of the hotel can help you decide if the casino is placed in a way that you feel comfortable with for your children.

Even if you are walking through a casino with your kids, there are typically clear pathways to walk through and it is not abnormal to see kids walking with their parents through the room. They will see lots of bright colored machines and encounter lots of cigarette smoke, but other than that it’s fairly harmless for kids.

However, in some hotel casinos there are prominent dancers up on stages throughout the hotel. I noticed this in the Paris hotel specifically but it’s possible others may have dancers in the public areas of the hotel as well. Definitely something to look out for if you are concerned about your kids encountering dancers.

Things to consider about kid friendly in-hotel entertainment

Most of the main hotels on the Las Vegas strip have a variety of in-hotel entertainment. Some is kid friendly while other shows are more geared towards adults.

I recommend finding a hotel that has lots of kid friendly entertainment right there on site. Since the Las Vegas strip isn’t as kid friendly in the evening hours, having a hotel that has plenty for kids to do after dark is a must!

Most recently, we stayed at the Luxor hotel and casino. My son loved getting to stay in a big pyramid and it was full of fun statues and fountains for the kids to enjoy. They also had three kid friendly shows right in the hotel (blue man group, the titanic exhibit and the body exhibit).

From the Luxor you could also walk over to MGM resort and tour the Mandalay Bay Shark Aquarium. The indoor walk between hotels was extremely kid-friendly so both of these hotels can be great choices for families!

I have heard that Circus Circus and the Excalibur are two more great family friendly options on the Las Vegas strip, but we didn’t have time to tour them personally. 

Things to consider about kid-friendly food in Las Vegas hotels

All of the main hotels in Las Vegas have a variety of food options on site. Take a peek at what the hotels have to offer so you can see if it works for your family. Some higher end hotels have options that are more aimed at an adult taste pallet with minimal kid friendly meal options. Look for menus that seem to have things you kids enjoy at a decent price. One hotel I stayed in a few years ago, had hamburgers but they were $15 and didn’t even come with fries or a drink. Not exactly the most kid-friendly.

It’s worth looking at the options ahead of time so that you aren’t stuck trying to find somewhere after a long day of walking around Las Vegas with the kids.

Whatever hotel you decide on, you can be confident there are plenty of fun things to do in Las Vegas with your kids and lots of family friendly places to stay too!

Now that you know where to stay with kids in Las Vegas, check out these fun things to do with your kids in Las Vegas!

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The Midlands of South Carolina is a beautiful combination of history, nature, folklore and fabulous Southern Cuisine. The people here are just as kind and warm as our famously hot summer days. With so many things to see and places to explore, you’ll not only find your visit with us exciting, but educational too!

If in your travels you find yourself visiting our beautiful city, here’s a list of my suggestions for family friendly activities.

#1 The Governor’s Mansion was originally the officers quarters for the Arsenal Military Academy. After having been burned by Sherman’s army in 1865, the building was abandoned until 1868 when Governor James Orr declared the structure become the home for South Carolina’s Chief Executive Officers. This beautiful home sits on nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens filled with unique statues and tranquil fountains. The ideal setting for one of a kind family portraits or just a day spent strolling the gardens and learning about the history of our great state. Tours of the mansion are also available on Tuesdays through Thursdays by appointment only. There is no charge for these tours, but you must schedule in advance by filling out the form here.

#2 The South Carolina State House is situated on 18 beautifully landscaped acres that are as much a part of our rich history as the debates and Gubernatorial Inaugurations that take place on the very steps where athletes train and children play. The State House is home to the South Carolina General Assembly and the offices of both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Guided or self-guided tours are not only welcomed but encouraged. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, however, if your group is larger than 10, you’ll want to schedule an appointment. Brochures for a self-guided tour can be found in the gift shop located on the main level. One of my favorite activities for the State House grounds is to pack a picnic and head off on a scavenger hunt. You can download the scavenger hunt list here.

Perhaps history isn’t your thing or your children would rather explore the inside of a fire truck or milk a cow. Well, I would suggest that you head on over to the Southeast’s largest children’s museum.

#3 EdVenture Children’s Museum is the largest children’s museum in the Southeastern United States. You and your children can climb inside Eddie, the world’s largest 10 year old boy, or learn about pet care in the Wags and Whisker’s exhibit. The fun doesn’t have to stop there! If being a firefighter or driving a big green tractor is what fascinates your child, they’ve got that too! There’s no shortage of imaginative play to be had at this museum! There’s a toddlers area and even a cafe to curb that afternoon hunger. Tickets are 11.50 per person with children under 2 years of age admitted free. Of course there are discounts for seniors, educators and members of our military, all with id.

There’s no shortage of museums around our great city. Right next door to EdVenture, you’ll find my fourth favorite recommendation.

Related: Indoor activities for families in Columbia, South Carolina

#4 South Carolina State Museum building is an artifact in and of itself. Having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the building that was once Columbia Mill was the first totally electric textile mill in the world. Manufacturing duck cloth and was also the first major industrial installation for the General Mills Corporation. But wait, there’s more! As you explore this magnificent museum, you’ll notice many of the floors are original to the building. You’ll notice metal artifacts embedded in the hard wood flooring, these are parts of the brads and rings that carried the threads during the spinning process.
With four floors full of historical artifacts, one of the first things you may notice upon entering the second floor is Finn, the replica of a Megalodon from the Cenozoic Era. Finn isn’t the only noteworthy exhibit. The State Museum features a Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and a 2500 square foot Observatory featuring a 1926 Alvan Clark 12 3/8-inch refracting telescope. This telescope is hands down my favorite part of the entire museum! Admission ranges from $6.95 to $8.95 with children under 2 years old admitted free. There are add-ons that you can purchase for a nominal fee.

#5 Columbia Marionette Theater is a magical and unique theater where puppets come to life. Both entertaining and educational, you and your child will take a behind the scenes tour after each performance. You’ll get an opportunity to meet the puppeteers and see the intricate detail in which each puppet was crafted. While the stories told may have a familiar ring to them, I assure you that you’ve never heard fairy tales quite like the ones told here. Admission is $5 for ages 2 and up. Be sure to ask how you can purchase a puppet of your own!

#6 Frankie’s Fun Park may be what you’re looking for if mini-golf and go carts are more your idea of fun. For those hot southern summer days, Frankie’s has just what you need to cool down. Bumper boats give “that’s cool” a whole new meaning. Once you’re finished there, maybe you want to practice your batting skills, they’ve got that too! Ready to play a game of precision and skill, well perhaps Laser Tag is what you’re craving! There is nearly no end to the amount of fun your family can have at this one of a kind arcade and fun park. Complete with a Drop Zone ride, they’re sure to put your fear of heights to the test. Admission to the park is free, however there is a price for each activity. Frankie’s has a grill so if you’ve managed to work up an appetite, they’ve got you covered.

#7 Lake Murray Cruise via Spirit of Lake Murray is a unique way to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner while cruising the magnificent Lake Murray. One of the more popular cruises is the Purple Martin Tour. This is a natural phenomenon occurs every July and goes into August. Purple Martins are the largest North American swallow and they migrate every year to Lake Murray’s Bomb Island and roost. Truly a magical occurrence you’ll not soon forget. Dinner tours are available throughout the year, but you’ll want to check their website for dates and times.

#8 You cannot come to the famously hot city without heading over to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. Nestled on the shores of the Saluda River, Riverbanks Zoo is home to over 2000 animals and a magnificent botanical garden. Covering 170 acres, you’ll find Waterfall Junction a fantastic splash pad for children of all ages. Including a treehouse unlike any you’ve ever seen before, a splash pad for toddlers as well as a larger area for older children. Going to Waterfall Junction could easily take up your entire day. Unfortunately there isn’t a multi-day ticket offered, so you’ll need to pay the full admission price if you break this fantastic zoo into two days. My suggestion would be to explore the animal side of the zoo early when the zoo first opens, and after the heat of the day has you begging for mercy, head on over to Waterfall Junction to cool down. Just be sure to make it back in time to the last trolly to take you back across the river, or you’ll have to walk, and that can be exhausting if you have an overtired toddler with you.

#9 Everyone loves baseball! Spirit Communications Park is home to our very own minor league baseball team, The Columbia Fireflies. Yes, the same Fireflies where you’ll find Tim Tebow playing in the outfield. With tickets ranging from $5-$14, you’ll find you didn’t break the bank with this family activity. You’ll want to bring a blanket to cover the seats as the summer sun can literally put you in the hot seat! Concessions are available during the game.

#10 Speaking of fireflies, if nature is where you’d rather be, then Congaree National Park is the place for you. With 8 different hiking trails, you’re sure to find one that suits your family perfectly. If you’d prefer a different mode of transportation, this National Park offers canoe tours, free of charge. You’ll want to check the website for dates and times, as well as to register as they are on a first come first serve basis. During the first couple weeks of May each year, fireflies come to this national park to mate. Watch the night sky come to life with synchronized fireflies flashing to their potential mates. While the synchronization only takes place a couple weeks out of the year, fireflies can be seen nightly. Whenever you go, be sure to take your favorite form of bug repellent as this is a swamp and the mosquitoes are plentiful! There is no admission price and parking is free as well.

So there you have it, my ten favorite family friendly attractions for Columbia, South Carolina. There is so much more that I could tell you about our city, but there is a limit to how much information I can give you before you’re on overload. Thanks for stopping by and y’all come back now, ya’ hear?

About the author: Carrie Becker is a wife and homeschooling mom to three amazing children, telling their story at Our Everyday Chaos. When she’s not chasing her toddler or keeping the learning fun and exciting for her boys, she can be found with her camera hunting down bugs for a little macro photography. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. 

Looking for more? See 14 outdoor activities to do with kids in Columbia South Carolina

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Sounds like a super idea until you start adding up the numbers, and even in inexpensive Antigua, Guatemala, the costs add up.  The hotels in Antigua are absolutely beautiful.  They are a mix of old world charm, with brightly painted walls, brick and stone, and relatively not that expensive.  The nicer ones go for $200 a night and the lower end for $90.  But that adds up after 14 days.

That’s when we contacted the language school, Don Pedro de Alvarado, and they suggested we stay with a local family.  In fact, the school would even arrange the details.  They offered us three options ranging from “rustic” (vaguely translated, no private bathroom), “comfortable”, and “luxury” (vaguely translated, personal T.V.).  We opted for the “comfortable” accommodations.  They included private bathrooms, internet AND 3 meals a day for $140 a week per person.  YES! The room included 3 meals a day, cooked by locals.  Not only cooked by locals, but we actually sat down and shared a meal with them around their table.   Our decision to stay comfortable was based on the desire to spend more time with the host family, whereas the luxury option was more like a hotel.  Add it up, for 14 days our family of four STAYED and ATE for $1,100.

The PRO’s:

1.  Obviously the price!
2. Local, home cooked food.  We were asked about dietary restrictions before hand, and our host was even sweet enough to pay attention to the things we gobbled up and the things we left on our plate.  When we wanted a change of pace, we would let her know in advance, and go out to a restaurant instead.   ALSO… this momma did not have to cook!  Or do dishes! For FOURTEEN days!
3. Relationships.  We loved getting to know the host family.  The language proved a little tricky but it forced us to practice Spanish and it never was a barrier or problem.  Some nights after dinner we would play board games and our host family would join us.  BEST MEMORIES ever!
4. On-line reviews.  Before arrival we were able to see the reviews of prior visitors to the host home.  We even had the choice to change our accommodations.

The CON’s:

1. The food choices.  While our host was very accommodating to dietary needs, we did not have any choice about the meals she made.  As a lover of different cultures, I’d probably put this in the PRO column, but as a mother of 2 young boys, it had its difficult moments.  Of course there was food they didn’t like!  It was such a teaching moment for us.  My kiddos may not be thankful for the specific food she cooked but they can be thankful for the hard work that went in to it. On days the days the food wasn’t our favorite we made a stop by the ice-cream shop and indulged in a treat.
2. The privacy.  Staying at a home we had our own rooms and bathrooms but we did share the house with 2 other guests and the host family.  Sometimes on vacation, you just want to be alone with your family.  We balanced this with time outside the house and occasional meals out.
3. Less control.  Usually when I am hotel shopping I am super picky.   Obviously, with the home stay, our options were more limited.

We had such an incredible 2 weeks, I decided to look into possible host family options in other countries.  Turns out, it’s quite popular.  Most of the host families were tied to language schools but even if you weren’t interested in classes, the school could put you in contact with host options.  Using the schools gave me security.  They depend on the quality of their host homes for their reputation and therefore usually weed out the unreliable places.

I realize skipping the hotel and staying with a host family isn’t for everyone or even for every vacation, but if you are up for an adventure and truly desire to know the people and food of different cultures, I’d say it is an amazing option!

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Mount Rushmore – Yes, this is the obvious one for a reason.

Custer State Park – Less than an hour’s drive from Rapid City, Custer State Park is another great place to take the entire family if you want to see buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, donkeys (yes, donkeys!), and other wildlife up close and personal. Many times the buffalo will be right on the path, so you’ll get to drive through the entire heard. Make sure to bring a loaf of bread. The donkeys like to be fed, and they’ll reach their heads right into the window of your vehicle looking for a bite to eat!

Heather blogs at HoJo’s Life Adventures about her South Dakota life – saving money, parenting, and much more. You can find her most active on Facebook and Instagram.

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Right now, Cars 3 is doing a Road to the Races Tour in cities all across the United States! We went to the event today in Houston, it was held at Memorial City Mall, outside the Sears automotive center. If you are local to Houston, you still have time to make it out, the even will be in Houston Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th too.

If you aren’t local to Houston, don’t worry! The tour is going all across America, in preparation for the movie coming out in theaters! You can check out when it will be in a city near you on their site – Cars3Tours.com

Cars3Tours.com is also where you can pre-order tickets. It is a FREE event open to the public, but getting tickets will help you reserve a specific time to see the tour and will mean a MUCH shorter line to get in to see the show!

Once you are in the event, there is so much to see! Plan to spend an hour or two there, because your kids will want to see EVERYTHING!

From the coloring wall to the smoothie sampling station and even an exclusive sneak peek of Cars 3!

You get to go in the trailer of a big truck to watch the show. It’s set up like a theater with a huge screen and comfy chairs. The kids thought it was awesome to be in the back of an 18 wheeler!

After the show, the kids can race mini cars, and take photos with the cars and Mack!

I was impressed at how quickly the lines for everything went by, the line for the photo opp was the longest, but they were getting people through quickly. It was all very efficiently done.

My kids are 6 and 4 and they didn’t get too restless in any lines, which made it a fun afternoon for all of us!

They are so excited to watch the new cars in action in the new movie. My son was SO EXCITED about Jackson Storm, the new shiny black race car.

Another big hit was the pit crew game. The kids get to remove wooden wheels with a real (lightweight) tool! They were VERY impressed with themselves at this part.

Overall, we had SUCH a fun time at the Road to the Races event. I highly recommend it! Don’t forget to check if it will be coming to a city near you, or try to make it out to the event at Memorial City Mall this weekend, if you are near Houston!

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Follow our Houston page for more fun ideas

Right now, this is little more than a list. But as my family takes trips throughout the next year, I’ll be writing posts about each of these locations and turning it into a huge resource of fun things to do in Houston.

1. 1. Walk or bike Buffalo Bayou (and push the button!)
   2. Underground Cistern
   3. Funeral Museum
   4. Kemah Boardwalk
   5. Galveston Beach
   6. Galveston Bolivar Ferry
   7. Galveston strand
   8. Katy Mills Mall
   9. Houston Museum of Fine Arts
   10. Houston Police Stables
   11. Chocolate Factory Tour
   12. Houston Zoo
   13. MorningStar Houston
   14. Space Center Houston
   15. Jesse H. Jones Park
   16. Street Art
   17. Children’s Museum
   18. Fire History Museum
   19. Moody Gardens
   20. Galleria
   21. Discovery green park
   22. Houston underground tunnels
   23. The water wall
   24. Wortham center/ Houston ballet
   25. Miller outdoor theater
   26. National Funeral Museum
   27. The Chocolate Bar
   28. Newman’s castle
   29. JP Mortan Tower
   30. Tour St Arnold’s Brewery
   31. See the bats at Waugh Drive Bridge
   32. San Jacinto Monument
   33. Battleship Texas
   34. Submarine tour at Seawolf Park
   35. Critical Mass social bike ride (monthly)
   36. Mercer Arboretum
   37. Dellorean museum
   38. Old town spring
   39. Farmer’s Market
   40. Herman park train
   41. Jerry Matheson Park
   42. Tomball Railroad Depot (sunday tours)
   43. Cockrell Butterfly center
   44. Holocaust Museum
   45. Downtown Aquarium
   46. Ride the metro rail
   47. Cypress trails horse rides
   48. Ikea
   49. Texas Rock Gym
   50. Berry picking
   51. Exotic Wildlife Park
   52. Boardwalk FantaSea Tours
   53. Stingray Reef
   54. Kemah Lighthouse Maze
   55. Indoor ice skating
   56. Rodeo Houston
   57. Moody Gardens
   58. Dewberry farms corn maze (fall)
   59. Main Street Theater
   60. Offshore drilling rig & museum
   61. Tree sculptures (galveston)
   62. Segway tours of houston
   63. Zoo Lights (Christmas)
   64. Adickes’ Sculpture Studio
   65.  Beer can house
   66.  Air terminal museum
   67.  Eclectic Menagerie Park
   68.  Nutcracker market (Christmas)
   69. Listening vessels in Discovery Green
   70. Museum of printing history
   71. Wonderwild
   72. Interactive Theater company

Are there fun things to do in and around Houston that I missed on the list? Let me know in the comments so I can be sure to hit them all!

If you’ll be in Houston for a few days, considering getting a CityPass. With CityPass you get admission to five of the coolest destinations in Houston (including the Houston Aquarium) at a 49% discount. CityPass gives you tickets to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Space Center Houston, the Houston Aquarium and your choice between the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Fine Arts and Kemah Boardwalk or the Children’s Museum of Houston. It’s a great value, that includes most of our favorite spots! Get your CityPass here!

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Did you know Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania? This is thanks to our three rivers which made the land (rich in natural resources) easily accessible and desirable to frontier pioneers. Although Pittsburgh is best known for our early Steel industry, it was also the setting of battles in the Revolutionary War and provided secretive stops in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. And many people think we just win Super Bowls!

Pittsburgh has often been voted one of the US’s most livable cities and Zagat named Pittsburgh as the #1 food city in 2015! It is a lovely place to bring your family to experience the beauty and fun of a cultured and historic city. There are so many interesting things to do in Pittsburgh but there are five attractions to see with your family that I want to make sure you don’t miss:

GATEWAY CLIPPER– You can’t come to the city of three rivers and not do something fun on the water! One of the best known attractions in Pittsburgh is the Gateway Clipper Fleet. This boating company offers a different view of the city: from the water! The company offers several themed dining and sight-seeing tours. There are even many special cruises designed for kids! The most popular kids’ cruise is called the “Good Ship Lollipop Cruise” which provides fun and sight-seeing for the entire family. The Gateway Clipper also holds holiday themed cruises, a Princess Cruise, Superhero Cruise, Ice Cream Sunday Cruise, and even a Pirate Dinner! No matter the season, you can always find a good time at a reasonable price!

Gateway Clipper: 350 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 355-7980

JUST DUCKY TOURS – Speaking of water, one of the most unique experiences in the city of Pittsburgh has to be Just Ducky Tours. This amazing tour hits some of Pittsburgh’s best sights by traveling on both land and water IN THE SAME VEHICLE! Isn’t that cool? An authentic WWII amphibious vehicle begins on land in Station Square (a fun complex in the city) and drives right into the water to continue your tour with a humorous flare.

The kids will get a kick out of riding in this super unique transportation (which kind of looks like a superhero’s vehicle!) and Mom and Dad can check out all the cool sights with a bit a Pittsburgh history thrown in too. Tickets are reasonably priced and you can even use your ticket stub for 15% off Hard Rock Café located right next to the attraction. You won’t find an attraction like just anywhere!

Just Ducky Tours: 125 W. Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 402-3825

TOONSEUM– Have a comic book or superhero lover in your family? Then you cannot miss Pittsburgh’s own Toonseum! This is a small, “boutique style” museum located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. It is dedicated to comic and cartoon art. The museum may be best for tweens/teenagers as younger children may lack appreciation for comic art but everyone is welcome. It is nice to know there are options for older kids sometimes! Ticket prices are currently under $10 (less for kids) and they offer additional discounts for seniors, college students, and active/retired military. Bring all of your comic book/cartoon fans to this volunteer run Pittsburgh gem!

Toonseum: 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 232-0199

DUQUSENE INCLINE – If you are looking for the most beautiful view of the city, you must ride the Duquesne Incline. A Pittsburgh landmark, the Duquesne Incline is a century-old wooden cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Washington for the most gorgeous view in the city. It is one of the last remaining inclines in the United States and has an interesting history which is showcased at the upper station in a small history and gift shop. You can ride for just a few dollars and take advantage of some amazing, city-view restaurants just down from the upper station on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to snap a family photo at the observation deck which will give you a beautiful backdrop of this historic city and a memory of a lovely trip to Pittsburgh!

Duquesne Incline: Parking: 1197 West Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 381.1665

PRIMANTE BROTHERS: Now famously known as the “Pittsburgh Sandwich”, Primanti Brothers sandwich shop has become a Pittsburgh landmark and dining right-of- passage. Deli style sandwiches topped with French fries and coleslaw (yes, inside the sandwich!) served on deli paper with a pile of fresh cut fries is a staple in the Pittsburgh diet and a must-have for visitors to our city! There are now 17 locations throughout the city including locations inside PNC Park Heinz Field, and the CONSOL Energy Center. (We are that serious about Primanti sandwiches!).

Original location since 1933: 46 18th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 263-2142 (Open 24/7!)

Be sure to do some shopping while you’re here since there is no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania! I could go on about the many museums, theaters, The Rivers Casino, Kennywood amusement park, and so much more but I know you will be busy while you are visiting here. Have fun!

HI! I’m Tara, the resident “Happy Mom” over at Living in Happy Place. I am the Mom of two toddler girls who love to dance, sing, make messes, and keep me on my toes. I found my “happy place” the day my first daughter was born and before I knew it I was blessed with another little miracle. Life transformed into a totally new place for me: a place I now realize is my happy place! Come on over to make crafts, eat healthy, and share Mommy tips with me over at livinginhappyplace.com! I’d love to connect on social media too, find me here: Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook.

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Neither of us had ever been, so we boarded our flights with huge expectations for what was in store for us. The Wizarding World was everything we hoped it would be and SO MUCH MORE!!!

While I could talk for hours about how wonderful the parks are (and where to take the best wizard selfies) I’ll start with your best route through the parks. This will minimize wait times and help you have the BEST experience possible!

For starters, make sure you get the park hopper passes. Universal has TWO theme parks in Orlando. They are right next to each other, but you can buy tickets to one park…or both! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter stretches both parks, with the Hogwarts express connecting them! You won’t want to miss anything at either park!

Start at Universal Studios. Grab a map and head towards the back of the park to find the most magical place in the world. You’ll find Grimmauld Place as you walk along, you’ll notice things change from Universal Studios to LONDON.

There may have been screaming when we saw Grimmauld Place and realized that we’d found our way to Harry Potter.

Before you enter the Leaky Cauldron to find Diagon Alley, make sure you check out the Knight Bus. If you walk up to the bus you can have a chat with the driver and the shrunken head!

Last thing before you enter the Leaky Cauldron is to check out the phone booth. It looks like just a cute photo opp from the outside, but you can actually step inside and call the ministry of magic.

Now, you are officially ready to enter Diagon Alley. I was not prepared for how epic this moment would be. From the moment you enter Diagon Alley everything is thematic. The only food and drink places are the ones you’d actually find in the wizarding world.

To skip the lines, head straight to Gringott’s bank and ride that ride FIRST! The line an get pretty long, but it’s also a very entertaining one. There are loads of things to look at and enjoy along the way.

If you can manage it, exit Diagon Alley next, and head over to the Hogwarts Express. Don’t worry, you’ll be back to Diagon Alley later so you won’t be missing anything, you just want to make sure you get through all the rides FIRST so you don’t get stuck waiting in long lines.

The train is a fun ride in and of itself, and it’s different depending on what direct you are going, so riding it twice (towards Hogsmeade and towards Diagon Alley) is essential.

When you arrive in Hogsmeade, run to Hogwarts before you do anything else. This is another wonderful ride with a fun, interactive line! It can get long too though, which is why this should be number two on your list!

Next, there is dueling dragons, another EPIC ride. This is two rides in one, and you get to choose which dragon you want to ride. As you walk out of the ride watch for a sign on your right that says “re-ride”. I love that you can hop in line again without having to wind all the way around. You’ll definitely want to ride it twice so you can experience both dragons.

The last of your rides is the hippogriff one. I had heard from a few people that this ride was skip-able. NOT TRUE. While it doesn’t have flips or other crazy things, it gives you a gorgeous view of the park and all of Hogsmeade and is a MUST-RIDE in my opinion.

Now, you’re done with all the rides, and can enjoy walking around the Wizarding World and taking in all of the shops and souvenir shops. Each of them are brilliantly done so you feel like you are legitimately in the Wizarding world. I didn’t want to leave!

Now is also a great time to take a break and eat the the three broomsticks. The food here was unbelievably good! Not only was it “real” food (vs. sketchy amusement park food like we were expecting) but it’s reasonably priced, and healthy!

I got a delicious cottage pie with salad and my friend got roasted chicken, potatoes and corn on the cob. So. Good.

Make sure you stop by Honey Dukes to get some candy souvineers, and pick up some butter beer or pumpkin juice from vendors on the streets or any of the restaurants.

When you are back in Diagon Alley, you’ll definitely want to swing by Florean Fortenscue’s ice cream. Y’all. There’s a reason this was Harry’s favorite ice cream shop! There were loads of tasty flavors to choose from, but our favorite was the sticky toffee!

If you are planning a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I hope this guide helps you make it through the park and see all of your favorite sites!

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