Cleveland, Ohio Rocks The Weekend

Cleveland has rock and roll and so much more to entertain your teens on a weekend getaway. A simmering cauldron of energy on Lake Erie, #CLE as it’s known, has an incredible music museum, marina, sports venues and clubs within walking distance of well-priced hotels. That energy is powered by the city’s youth, a population so proud to be Clevelanders that it’s infectious.

Cleveland’s a Capital of Music & Entertainment – Rock Hall

Vote for the next class of Hall of Famers when you visit the Rock Hall.
Vote for the next class of Hall of Famers when you visit the Rock Hall.

The city that spawned D.J. Alan Freed, hosted Elvis’ first concert appearance in the North (at Brooklyn High School), originated the syndicated “Upbeat” rock TV show and gave us countless musical luminaries was chosen by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum for its museum site. The dramatic glass and steel pyramid space designed by I.M. Pei cantilevers high above Lake Erie. Dance in to the music of the Rolling Stones, Coldplay or Tupac and you’re immediately taken with the coolness of the place.

Make time for every video; the music parents listened to growing up is just as popular today with youngsters. Visitors over 30 will recall most of the Hall of Famers (artists are not eligible for the Hall of Fame until 25 years after their first recording) especially after seeing the entertaining review of past induction ceremonies. Entertain your teens at the clever multi-media exhibits designed to explain rock’s rebellious spirit to today’s audience.

Catch a live music event, DJ’s spinning in the Beer Garden and clips that range from gospel, blues and folk to pure Joplin profanity. Once you’ve gotten the kids to listen to all your favorites, let them loose with big change in the superior gift and memorabilia shop operated by FYE.

Cleveland Family Fun for Kids & Tweens

Tiny Burke Lakefront Airport is home to the International Women's Air & Space Museum.
Tiny Burke Lakefront Airport is home to the International Women’s Air & Space Museum.

One of our favorite science institutions, Great Lakes Science Center is almost next door on the shore of Lake Erie. Luckily, it has dozens of fun and informative hands-on exhibits because the weather can be crummy for a lot of the year here. We love the cool NASA section with moon rocks and the MC2 STEM High School for scientifically minded students. (Expect to see a lot of teens at work in their special classrooms as well as around the center.) In warmer weather, climb aboard a 1925 Great Lakes freighter, the Steamship William G. Mather. Moreover, you can learn how geography played a role in transforming Northeast Ohio into an industrial center as you explore from bow to stern. 

Another Cleveland star is the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, a small, no-frills museum in the tiny local Burke Lakefront Airport with displays about the astonishing range of women’s achievements in flight. These great role models could pilot jets as well as parent several kids, cook, sew and do more of that ‘girl’ stuff. Take the kids and learn more about Amelia Earhart, the Flying Fraulein, Lady Lindy and Sally Ride among many others.

More CLE Indoors

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is another worthwhile attraction that will engage teens.  Be sure to head to the lower level where researchers give kids a look into what a career in the sciences really entails.  It is also where the Snead Discovery Center is housed, an intergenerational, hands-on learning center. A current exhibit is Finding Lucy: Our First Steps in Discovery. Visitors get to meet the famous Lucy specimen of Australopithecus afarensis —- the oldest pre-human-ancestor fossil to show evidence of upright walking at the time of her discovery.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden has a special feature — the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse. This 18,000-square-foot conservatory immerses you in the flora and fauna of two distinct lands: the Costa Rican Rainforest, complete with colorful butterflies fluttering around and the spiny desert of Madagascar. They installed new lighting technology so it changes color in different preprogrammed themes to set the mood for various shows. The inside environment is tropical, making it an ideal place to be when the weather outside is bad. The Outdoor gardens include a peaceful Japanese Garden and the Hershey’s Children’s Garden.

If you’re traveling with little ones who want their own treat, visit the sophisticated Children’s Museum of Cleveland in a converted Cleveland mansion. Parlors hold water play areas, climbing gyms, display cases of historic toys and much more; there’s even a limited sensory room available for kids on the spectrum who are having trouble adjusting to the main play areas.

Cleveland is home to the country’s largest performing arts center outside off New York City, PlayhouseSquare.  More than 1,000 shows are on the menu each year, with an emphasis on family-friendly, affordable programming. If you visit in May, you might catch the annual International Children’s Festival with performers from around the world that do live theater. The ticket prices for the unique live shows are affordable, too.

Getting Wild (and wet) in Cleveland

Cleveland at night, glowing above the Lake Erie shore.
Cleveland at night, glowing above the Lake Erie shore.

Nicknamed the “Emerald Necklace” because of the way they encircle the city, Cleveland’s Metroparks offer a variety of outdoor activities on over 28,000 acres of public recreational space. Here you will find an assortment of multi-purpose trails, fishing areas, and even seven public golf courses the locals flock to in summer.

At Metroparks Zoo, Asian Highlands is home to snow leopards, Amur leopards, red pandas, takins adn the Rising Waters overnight Zoo adventure with its Asian flair. This $25-million five-acre exhibit showcases the zoo’s commitment to the care and conservation of elephants, providing them with a spacious, stimulating, natural environment. Visitors can get up-close and personal with Moshi, Martika and other adorable elephants, watching them interact and socialize.  

Families who crave speed should consider hitting the water with jet skis from Great Lakes Watersports on the Cuyahoga River. During our hour-long session, we rode through the Port of Cleveland for priceless views of the Rock Hall, Browns Stadium, and Cleveland skyline. For 2019, rentals are $110/hour and they are closed on Tuesdays. In addition, Great Lakes offers boat and kayak rentals.

Sports are BIG in this town

Finding ourselves with teens in Cleveland during baseball season (schedule here), we had to cheer on the Indians at Progressive Field. Even though the Tribe lost, the scent of hot dogs and peanuts that filled the summer air was enough to keep us smiling under the lights of one of America’s most beautiful baseball cathedrals.

If you are visiting during basketball season be sure to head over to Quicken Loans Arena for a Cavaliers basketball game. Some say the Cleveland Browns football team contributes to Clevelander’s high blood pressure. For football nuts coming to Cleveland in the off-season, consider taking a FirstEnergy Stadium behind-the-scenes tour, where you’ll get exclusive access to team locker rooms, media boxes and even the playing field. Tours are available from April through December.

This is a sports-crazy town and without a chief’s hat or brown jersey you may feel pretty out of place. That is until you visit one of the city’s party houses, a.k.a. breweries. We love the Great Lakes Brewing Company, where every dish is created around a local brew. Their eco-friendly beer garden is next door. It features a canvas retractable roof, a radiant-heat floor and fireplace, and a straw bale wall. The actual beer selection can vary, so please call ahead to confirm if there’s a beer you prefer.

The Flats district spans both banks of the Cuyahoga River, and the East side has the landmark Flat Iron Cafe, an Irish pub that offers live music and great deals on drinks. When the beloved Cleveland Indians are playing in town, they offer a free and fast shuttle to-and-from the stadium, so you can avoid the cost and hassle of the crowded parking lot. A bonus with grown kids is the Happy Hour – Monday through Friday 3-6pm.

Ohio City and More Dining Options

Ohio City Galley, a restaurant incubator.
Meet Cleveland’s hottest new chefs and try their top dishes at Ohio City Galley, a restaurant incubator.

Cleveland’s historic, Victorian-era Warehouse District has become a major culinary and nightlife center; start your tour on West 6th Street. There are lots of options, true. But not far away is Ohio City Galley, an outlet for one of the city’s many incubator kitchens. Cleveland supports chefs of all stripes preparing a huge variety of cuisines — once they have perfected their menus in fully-stocked, free test kitchens, they are given a chance to serve the public (rent free) in this attractive food court a.k.a. restaurant accelerator. Give it a try and support the next generation of chefs.

If you are traveling with a budding foodie in tow, you will not want to miss the historic West Side Market also in the Ohio City neighborhood, built in 1912. Following the tradition of when ice was delivered nearly a century ago, the market is only open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Local delights include pierogi and grilled bratwurst, but with hundreds of booths, including dozens of ultra-fresh produce stands, no one will leave hungry.

A hot contender for the city’s favorite burger is Heck’s Café Ohio City housed in a 19th-century brick townhouse. 

Cleveland Heights has many family-friendly dining choices and is a fun place to explore, thanks to its welcoming granola-vibe. A meal at inexpensive Tommy’s is sure to please the entire family. Soon after they opened as a small soda fountain in 1972, Rolling Stone magazine declared they serve the “Best Milkshake East of the Mississippi.” The menu has a large section of vegan, veggie and gluten-free options, combined with all-American favorites like burgers and fries.

After dinner, head to Sweeties Big Fun a toy and candy store. You can sit down at an old-fashioned counter and enjoy delicious soft serve ice cream or take out delicious freshly popped flavored popcorn.

Cleveland & Regional Family-Friendly Hotels

A Christmas Story house in Cleveland.
It’s true! “A Christmas Story” – that 1983 holiday movie shown endlessly on TCM – was shot in Cleveland and the main set of the Bumpus House is a popular tourist attraction. It’s also a hotel!

You’ll have to plan ahead to stay within walking distance of Cleveland’s major downtown attractions, because hotels near the stadiums are booked way in advance by Ohio families coming to party. However, there are other places nearby where partying is not a priority.

Towering above the waterfront is the bluish glass Hilton Cleveland Downtown which has great views, especially from its rooftop Bar 32 where kids will like the yummy snack food and outdoor deck. The whole family will enjoy the bright, contemporary guest rooms, on-site amenities like the beautiful indoor pool and easy access on foot to many restaurants and waterfront sites.

During one visit, we stayed at the renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland-Independence with large rooms, an indoor-outdoor pool and Shula’s 2 steakhouse. They offer a children’s menu, cribs and value family packages in summer. In addition, the renovated Doubletree Hilton Cleveland Downtown-Lakeside is a stone’s throw from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is walking-distance from many other attractions.

A stunning member of the hotel scene is the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade with 293 rooms that encircle a fully-restored, 1890 Italian-style shopping arcade. It is steps from the vibrant East 4th Street Entertainment District and a 10-minute walk from all major sporting and entertainment venues. Another option in the area is the Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel with its Hemispheres at the Hotel restaurant serving international cuisine prepared with farm-to-table ingredients.

Sandusky, Ohio may be a good bet for a family base during summer because it’s outside the urban center but near downtown Cleveland. According to Trip Advisor, one of the best family-friendly hotels in Sandusky is Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel & Suites where you can spread out and even cook. In addition, you can find lots of family-appropriate activities here in this suburb, including the Cedar Point Amusement Park, the Roller Coaster Capital of the World.

Enjoy #CLE and surf over to Destination Cleveland or Ohio Tourism for more assistance and travel ideas.

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3 Replies to “Cleveland, Ohio Rocks The Weekend”

  • todobigo

    On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.

    For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.

  • alli65

    This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers.  Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert.  My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept.  Happy Travels in 2015!

    • todobigo

      great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.

      And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.”  So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.

      excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.

  • Ron

    I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!

  • KitBernardi
    Congratulations to the 2014 writing and photography winners! I’m so proud to be part of the Family Travel Forum’s contest administration by helping orchestrate the Society of American Travel Writers’ role for eight years providing scholarship prize money and judges for the Family Travel Forum Teen Travel Writing Scholarship. This contest designed to foster the development of young travel journalists is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my travel writing career. There’s so much talent out there, and thanks to Family Travel Forum there’s a global venue for it to be showcased. Write On!  Kit Bernardi
     
  • admin

    After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.

    “Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.

    Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.

    Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.

    I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”

  • aje1084

    “The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.

  • alli65

    The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides!  It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event.  Thanks for sharing!

  • todobigo

    How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days.  Thanks for sharing.

  • CaseyB

    I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!

  • alli65

    In spite of all the cold weather we  have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun.  The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel.  Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!

  • NMT

    Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too. 

    Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.

  • KitBernardi

         This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating.  I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice.  Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age.  As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub.  But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.     

         As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.”  It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day.  A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.”  I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life.  I tear up as I write this.  What if he hadn’t lived?  The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died?  Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in?  Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event?  Did anything change after this incident?  Yes.  I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.

         Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.

  • KitBernardi

    Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!

  • alli65

    What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens.  The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!

  • FTFstaff

    We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.

  • FTFstaff

    Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.

  • alurafer

    Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but  I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too! 

  • alli65

    This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude.  I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.

  • admin

    I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings.  Sounds like a great idea.  If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!

  • cricketgirl786

    This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!

  • laurajones135

    One of the best states to come visit!

  • todobigo

    You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends.  And blobbing too.  Thanks for sharing this.

  • grotel

    Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?

    For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.

    Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.

    Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.

    The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.

    Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili. 

  • tyun

    Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!

  • Edmisson

    I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home. 

  • dbruce2013

    Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit.  It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.

  • bleurose101

    Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.

  • alli65

    Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti.  Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike.  The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area.  Thanks for sharing!

  • rebornk

     

     Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.

    To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.

    Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.

    Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.

    To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.

    Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.

     

  • kehlianne

    Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.

  • alli65

    Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while.  This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort.  Thanks!

  • alli65

    Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
    I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.

  • David Ng

    I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!

  • alli65

    This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read.  I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.

  • B.garbatysmith

    Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.

  • B.garbatysmith

    I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.

    Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.

  • alli65

    I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island.  Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.

  • alli65

    This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!

  • kindercore

    Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.

  • kindercore

    wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.

  • admin

    Hi Debbie,

    You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.

    Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.

    Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.

    You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.

    Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!

  • admin

    JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:

    I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel.  I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
     
    I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above.  Any suggestions?  I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
     
    Thank you so much for your anticipated support
    Debbie

  • kindercore

    This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.

    I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real. 

  • kindercore

    Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.

  • kindercore

    Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true. 

  • kojordan2013

    *2009 not 2008

  • sarutzick

    This is about my trip to South Dakota.

  • ridajavaid228

    This trip was indeed and enriching expreience. 

  • borregsnbacon

    If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.