As a longtime member of the Indianapolis Zoo, I’ve certainly seen my share of lions and tigers and bears over the years (yes, all three are well represented there). But no matter how often I visit, I never grow tired of the facility, which is located in downtown Indianapolis’ White River State Park.

The Indianapolis Zoo, which initially opened in 1964 on East 30th Street in Indianapolis but moved to its current location... Read More

Ever heard about an upcoming out-of-town special event and said to yourself, “I wish I could be there, but it probably won’t work out”? And then just let it go?

But then there’s also that saying about only regretting the things you don’t do.  So, when my teenager expressed a interest in attending The Comedy Central-sponsored Rally To Restore Sanity in Washington D.C., I decided to ‘go for it’. So here’s how we found ourselves, this past Saturday, on the National Mall along with over 200,000 other attendees.... Read More

I’ve blogged previously about the joys of traveling with kids – mostly road trips with me at the wheel and my kids as passengers on the adventure. And my daughter has contributed her own travel story to this site. But a new element was added this year as she turned 15, (cue scary music) got her learner’s permit and was upgraded from travelling passenger to driver.... Read More

12, 13, 14….. My son started counting miniature golf courses on Highway 17 as we approached the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area and got to double digits quickly. The teenage girls in the back seat were happily having similar results with giant gift shops. We saw signs for every imaginable show, restaurant and attraction.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach where, if you can’t find something to do, you’re not trying. ... Read More

From the Q&A mailbox:
Question: Kim asks, We are considering a road trip from Detroit to Philadelphia for a summer vacation. We are a family of 4 with two boys ages 13 and 11. Is there enough to do in Philly for the kids aside from all of the history stuff? Any suggestions on where we could stop midpoint for a day or two to break up the trip? Thanks.
Answer: (from the AAA account manager for the area, Matt Lyle): Hi, Kim! Besides all the 'history stuff,' there is plenty for your family to do in Philadelphia. ... Read More

Question: Megan asks, Do you have any tips for visiting and staying near Hersheypark in Pennsylvania?

Answer: Matt Lyle, AAA account manager, has been visiting Hershey for 13 years and says:
• When you get to town, roll down your windows… the town smells like chocolate.... Read More

 
Question: My husband and I were hoping to take our 3 kids (ages 7,9 and 12) on a driving vacation this August. We were hoping to combine Cedar Point, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cooperstown and Niagara Falls. Since we will be leaving from Chicago, can you suggest an order of attractions or are we planning to visit too many different spots in the course of 9 days? Also, which side of Niagara Falls would you recommend?

Answer: This sounds like an ideal vacation for your family and nine days may be... Read More

 ‘Planes, trains, tow trucks, caves, pizza’ … that’s what a AAA travel guide written by a 10-year-old boy might look like. So it’s no surprise my son enjoyed Chattanooga.

Though I normally travel with his older sister as well, this time it was just him and me for an impromptu getaway.  Chattanooga, Tennessee is an easy drive for many in the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, but we got a crazy-cheap fare with a discount airline and flew in from Central Florida. The small but modern airport was easy to navigate and we quickly found the shuttle to our hotel, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, known locally as ‘The Choo.’... Read More

Question: Karen B. Jones posted on our FaceBook page: We're in Kansas and thinking of going somewhere in the northeast this summer. But we don't know the area at all (that's why we're going!). We want to get there by train and use a rental car once we're in the area. We have two girls, ages 5 and 2. Where would you recommend we visit? Anybody know any gems that we just "have" to include?... Read More

We are frequently asked for information on what documentation is needed for traveling internationally with children. Although I normally make my husband fill out all the paperwork, here's some additional tips.

First, the required information: All U.S. citizens regardless of age must have their own passport if they are traveling internationally, even to Canada and Mexico.   A Passport Card can be used for auto and ship travel to Canada and Mexico from the U.S. but AAA recommends a passport in the event you have to fly back in.... Read More