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Family Friendly Travel Tips - Kids Eat Free Restaurants

Printable Coupon for Buckskin Joe's in Canon City Colorado

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway has a printable coupon for $2 off admission on their website.  Buckskin Joe is located in Canon City, Colorado.  Below is a review of this attraction:

BUCKSKIN JOE FRONTIER TOWN AND RAILWAY
1193 Fremont Cty Rd 3A, Canon City, Colorado  719.275.5149
www.buckskinjoe.com

COST:  Town Admission:  $15  Adult (12 & Over) / $14 Age 4 - 11 / Under age 3 Free      Railway Admission:   $12  Adult (12 & Over) / $11 Age 4 - 11 / Under age 3 Free    Town & Railway Combo Admission:  $20  Adult (12 & Over) / $18  Age 4 - 11 / Under age 3 Free
HOURS:  TOWN-  May- Daily 10 am - 5 pm,  June - Mid Aug- Daily 9 am - 6 pm,  Mid Aug - Sept-  Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun 10 am - 5 pm     RAILWAY-  Call for info on hours

The Scenic Railway provides one of the most amazing views of the Royal Gorge as it rides near the edge of the Gorge.  Afterwards take a step back in time and enjoy a walk down a replicated Frontier Main Street.  The buildings are all either from the original town of Buckskin Joe or neighboring pioneer towns.  Take a walk through the old mine or stop to witness a gunfight in the street.  Restaurant on site.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The children loved just about everything!  The street performances kept their interest.  A favorite was the slanted house;  they went through it over and over trying to find the perfect way to cross the slanted room.    A stop at the saloon for a refreshing drink was another favorite.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-   The boardwalk and dirt areas are difficult for stroller travel.  Some of the street performances could be frightening to young children.
 

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Free Admission to Clinton Presidential Library

The Clinton Presidential Library, located in Little Rock, Arkansas,  is offering free admission on July 4th.  For info call:  501.374.4242
 

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Free Daytime Admission at Phoenix Zoo

Through August 31 receive FREE daytime admission to the Phoenix Zoo for children age 12 & under.  The zoo is open weekdays from 7 am - 2 pm and weekends 7 am - 4 pm. 
 

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Oregon Trail Ruts Historic Site, Guernsey Wyoming

OREGON TRAIL RUTS HISTORIC SITE
US Hwy 26, Guernsey   307.864.2176
COST:  Free
HOURS: Daily sunrise to sunset

Over 100 years after wagons cut cross the Wyoming countryside on the Oregon Trail, wagon wheel ruts remain.  This reminder of a bygone era is easily accessible by a paved trail which leads through a scenic area. There is sufficient parking and an informational chart explaining the significance of the area.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Well-kept walkway up to the ruts.  Stroller friendly.  The size of the ruts was impressive for kids and adults.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  We did not see any restrooms.  In the winter, expect the walkway to be snow-covered.
 

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Enjoying Learning Some History at Fort Laramie, Wyoming

FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
State Hwy 160, Fort Laramie   307.837.2221
COST:  $3 per adult (age 16 +), under 16 Free
HOURS: Daily 8 am - dusk

This fort was originally built by a fur trading company in 1834.  It would later be bought by the military to establish a military post along the popular Oregon Trail.  Many of the original structures still stand and have been repaired so you can see how they might have looked in the mid-1800s.  Other buildings only have bits of the walls and foundations.  Informative handout is available at the visitor's center, and I would recommend taking that along with you as you walk around.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Educational and interesting for children of a variety of ages.  The kids and parents thought it was amazing to be able to walk through the old buildings and learn about the fort's history.  On some weekends in the summer there are activities available.  The price makes this friendly for any budget.  Restrooms available along the walk through the fort.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Not particularly stroller friendly.  Many areas of the path would not be easy for a regular stroller to follow and there are steps or stairs on many of the buildings.
 

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Strawberry Picking at Cullipher Farms in Virginia Beach

CULLIPHER FARMS
1444 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia   757.721.7456 

COST:  FREE;  only pay for the produce you purchase
HOURS:  Daily 9am - 6 pm

Cullipher Farm is a produce stand with a pick-your-own area.  Perfect place to take kids to pick strawberries when they are in season.  Bring your own bucket or buy one there.  Lots of big, red, ripe strawberries so the kids can easily find them.  The kids both got a "I picked strawberries" sticker to wear and a coloring book to take home.  It's a beautiful drive out there too!  The website has a crop calendar so you can see what is in season before making the trip.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Easy to find strawberries to pick.  Great variety of produce pre-picked at the stand.  Very friendly staff;  were happy to talk to the kids.
 

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Family Fun in Newport News, Virginia: Virginia Living Museum

VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM
524 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Virginia   757.595.1900

COST:  Museum Only:  $15 (adult), $12 (child 3 - 12);  Museum & Planetarium:  $19 (adult), $15 (child 3 - 12).  Age 2 & under Free
HOURS:  Memorial Day - Labor Day:  Daily 9 am - 5 pm;  Labor Day - Memorial Day:  Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5pm, Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

Greta museum for kids!  There is a long outdoor trail with animals in similar to native habitats.  Some of the animals we saw were bobcats, white tail deer, bald eagles, wolves and more!  Inside there are many different areas to explore, including exhibits for a wide age range of children.  There is a cafe on-site.  A fun and worthwhile visit!

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Good variety of exhibits for children of all ages.  The outdoor trail was very interesting for the kids and parents.


 

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Enter to Win a Trip to the Galapagos Islands in the "Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest"


Summer is a great time for taking pictures and great time to try to enter the Second Annual "Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest".  The winning photograph will be in an ad for Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries.  The prize is an amazing National Geographic Expedition for 2 to the Galapagos Islands!  What an adventure....imagine the photos you could take there!

This contest is open to all;  you don't have to be a professional photographer.  Submit your photo in one of these catagories:  animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people & cultures, weather and inspiration.  Photos must be submitted by June 30.


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Family Friendly Lodging in Pine Mountain, Georgia: Callaway Gardens

CALLAWAY GARDENS RESORT
17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Georgia    706.663.2281
www.callawaygardens.com

Wow!  A resort-style hotel with upscale accommodations and a family friendly atmosphere.   Walk the beautiful gardens (there's even a vegetable garden) or visit the Butterfly Center and walk amongst the fluttering butterflies.  Visit the Horticultural Center, play tennis, or fish.  Mom and Dad will enjoy the two golf courses.  Be sure to check out the demonstrations and classes offered.   There is so much to do on these 13,000 acres of Appalachian beauty!  Every member of the family is sure to find something to do.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Rooms include suites and cottages which work well for a family.  So much to do;  everyone is sure to find something that they love.    Friendly staff!  Check out their current budget friendly pricing!

FIND KIDS EAT FREE RESTAURANTS IN GEORGIA


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Volunteer to Host a Child Through The Fresh Air Fund

Have you heard of The Fresh Air Fund?  This awesome organization finds host families for New York City youth to experience life in the suburbs or country.  The Fresh Air Fund needs host families in 13 Northeastern states to open their home to a child for one to two weeks this summer.  Here is some more info from their website:

Host a Child

Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a two weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air vacations.

More than 65% of all children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.

Fresh Air Fund Host Families

There is no such thing as a "typical" host family. If you have room in your home - and your heart - to host a child, you could be one too.

Learn More

Fresh Air Fund Children

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City and are eager to experience the simple pleasures of life outside the city.


As one child says, "I can’t wait to get on the bus every summer so I can see my family and go swimming and hiking!"

 

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