With museums, theatre and outdoor fun galore, Chicago is a happening destination packed with family attractions for travelers of all ages. Even during the pandemic, things are buzzing safely and with distance. You can also plan a visit at any time of year — it’s never too windy in our book. So even if the Obamas showed you all of their favorite Chicago haunts, read on and you may learn about a few more attractions from us. And don’t forget that discount ticket booklet; you can save 49% on Chicago’s best attractions with CityPASS, and drop the savings while shopping on Miracle Mile. For more general information, contact Choose Chicago Tourism.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Model Railroad Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
847/835-5440
This summer-only display is irresistible, because the “Landmarks of America” exhibition has 18 garden-scale trains traveling on 17 tracks, over 26 bridges, and past 50 miniature landmarks. Come see the Southern Pacific Daylight, the Chicago Northwestern Commuter (known as a fallen flag line), the Union Pacific and every child’s favorite, Thomas the Tank Engine.
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 East Grand Avenue at North Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
312/527-1000
Take the kids to this museum and you can all explore. There are a great number of exhibits catering to preschoolers, such as the Waterways playroom and the BIG Backyard (an urban garden with giant insects and interactive flowers). The Dinosaur Expedition is modeled after the 1997 Saharan expedition and features an authentic excavation pit. KidsTown is great for young tots while the Tinkering Lab and Unboxed (which invites kids to create with cardboard) are for slightly older kids. This museum also has permanent exhibits on science, art, and bathrooms filled with facts about local inventions, such as roller skates, the zipper, and Cracker Jacks. If you are in town on Thursdays make sure to take advantage of Free Family Night for all, and on the First Sunday of each month, kids play and explore for free.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
312/742-2000
A welcome respite from bustling downtown, the nation’s oldest zoo rests on 35 acres of parkland in the heart of the city. Besides an animal collection that’s a real treat in nice weather, there is the Lincoln Pritzker Children’s Zoo featuring a Walk in the Woods exhibit recreating the woodlands of North America with native creatures, such as the River Otter and American Beaver. With one of the largest zoo-based Conservation and Science Centers, many exhibits encourage visitors to learn by not only viewing, but by participating. In the Farm-in-the-Zoo, for instance, you can feed and milk the cows, as well as watch the daily milking demonstrations. There is also a farmhouse kitchen where guests can learn where food comes from. Did we mention that admission is always free?
Lifeline Theatre
6912 North Glenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
773/761-4477
Besides the MainStage, The KidSeries are special-for-children productions including a regular schedule of new productions, classic tales or musicals based on children’s books, ranging from “Lyle Lyle Crocodile” to “The Mystery of Priate Ghost” and “The Emperor’s New Threads.”
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Make a bee-line for Museum Campus, a pedestrian-friendly area which is home to the following three renowned museums:
Field Museum of Natural History
1400 South Lake Shore Drive (at Roosevelt Road)
Chicago, IL 60605
312/922-9410
This world-class museum has hands-on exhibits to help kids discover the ancient worlds of dinosaurs (Sue, the largest T-Rex skeleton ever found, is out for restoration until spring 2019) as well as Egyptian mummies, and extinct civilizations. Your family will learn about the power of volcanoes, the habitats of exotic mammals, and different types of birds. Special Family Adventure Tours can be picked up at the Inforamation Desk or downloaded from their web site.There’s so much to see here — don’t try to do it all in one day.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312/939-2438
Home to over 32,500 animals, Shedd is the world’s largest indoor aquarium. The Oceanarium recreates a Pacific Northwest coastal habitat for Beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters and harbor seals, all seen through underwater viewing windows. In the main aquarium, habitats from all over the globe are represented. Take your time in the Amazon Rising exhibit and admire nine 3-D sculptural artworks made from beach waste and recycled materials chosen by WashedAshore.org — kids can pause and get their “Sculpture Passport” stamped at each one. The Shedd is much more than fish swimming behind glass; the museum’s exhibits range from dioramas of preserved animals to multimedia presentations, live encounters at touch tanks, exhibits of natural history and marine life, and periodic “Sleep with the Fishes” overnights for families.
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2403
312/922-7827
When the Adler reopens with safety protocols in place, you’ll once again journey into space through display galleries. Our favorite? Look for the astronaut potty. Take in some of the nine different shows in the planetarium. “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” is, as you can imagine, a universal hit with the Pre-K crowd. Don’t miss the telescope out back; docents are there to explain just how much you can see in broad daylight.
Museum of Science + Industry
5700 Lake Shore Drive at 57th Street
Chicago, IL 60637-1414
773/684-1414
A thorough look at how things work, with over 25 exhibits designed for hands-on interaction. Our favorites are the coal mine tour which make you feel as if you are 600-feet below the surface, the chick hatchery where you can actually watch chicks hatch and hop around, and a genetics exhibit explaining the mysteries of DNA and a number of genetically modified creatures (nothing grotesque). The Great Train Story includes interactive exhibits and realistic terrain with trains, structures, bridges and skylines that help visitors explore rail operations on a trip from Chicago to Seattle. The remarkable YOU! the Experience permanent installation allows families to explore all aspects of the body in depth by using state-of-the-art multi-media. Plan on catching some of the fascinating traveling shows as well.
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust and Oak Park Tours
951 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
312/994-4000
If there’s a budding architect in your family, don’t miss the birthplace of Prairie Style architecture at sites in and near Chicago. First, tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in nearby Oak Park. This was Wright’s architectural laboratory from 1898 to 1909, where he lived, worked and designed more than 150 buildings. The Trust’s Oak Park Tour is for architecture buffs who want to combine fresh air with their house tour. Given only between April and October on fair weather days, the bike tours cover about 4 miles of pretty Oak Park in two hours, stopping outside several homes. Now worth several million dollars each, the homes were built by affluent and forward-thinking Chicagoans between 1893 and the Great Depression, becoming the world’s greatest showcase of Wright’s work. Back in town, the 1909 Frederick C. Robie House, located on the campus of the University of Chicago, and described by Wright as “the cornerstone of modern architecture,” is open limited hours for touring.
Fun for the Whole Family
Touring Chicago by Boat and Land
Visit the city between April and November, and you’ll be able to appreciate the stunning skyline from down below, on cruises along the Chicago River. Volunteer guides narrate the 90-minute Chicago Architecture Foundation cruises run by the family-owned First Lady Cruise Company. They depart several times daily from Riverwalk just below the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Unlike competitors’ more general interest cruises, knowledgeable guides talk in depth about architects, building styles and engineering accomplishments which will enthrall the Bob-the-Builders in the family and possibly bore others. Another boating option is the Chicago’s Mercury Canine Cruise, a pooch-oriented, water-borne look — with your pet – -at the city’s dog parks, favorite runs, pet stores and more. Be sure to pick up a free River Cruise Map & Guide brochure to use as you sightsee around the city.
Land tours include a D-I-Y tour on one of the city bikes, or a guided bike tours offered by rental companies at various locations in the parks and on the waterfront. Magic Carpet Glide Segway Tours, urban touring on brilliant, two-wheeled personal mobility devices, provide a novel and fun way to see a city, especially for folks with walking limitations. Children must be at least 12. Frank Lloyd Wright fans need to head out of the city to the suburb of Oak Park (accessible by train) for a guided bike or walking tour of his many early works. A real treat.
360 Chicago
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312/751-3680, 888/875-VIEW
One of most stunning urban views around, particularly at night, 360 Chicago is the Observatory of John Hancock Center. Telescopes enable you to see Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin on a clear day. For an extra thrill from 1,000 feet above the ground, get tickets to Tilt, an 8-person attraction in a glass alcove that extends out from the building facade and tilts down, so you can ‘float’ over the view.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
312/443-3600
The huge, influential collection dating back to 3000 B.C., plus its special blockbuster shows, make this a worthwhile stop on almost any visit. The museum houses 5,000 paintings and 4,000 sculptures from America, Europe, Africa and Asia, plus photography, prints and drawings, textiles and exhibits on architecture and design. Younger kids will ogle the Thorne Miniature Rooms (68 model rooms with impeccable tiny reproductions), the collection of Arms and Armor, and the Picture Book Gallery which presents original art from children’s literature. The add-on modern wing has made this museum more comprehensive and given visitors a reason to return a second day. Be sure to enquire about the Touch Gallery, designed for the blind, plus family activities running daily in the Family Center on the ground floor.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312/595-PIER, 800/595-PIER
Recently celebrating its 100th anniversary as a shipping and recreational facility, Navy Pier has undergone renovations and reimaginings. With the addition of the chic Sable Hotel, it’s transitioning to a new role. Located on Lake Michigan, the “pier” encompasses more than 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, the fabulous Children’s Museum (described above), and the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, together welcoming 9 million visitors a year. Stop by for a special event, to see a performance, visit the food court, enjoy the breezes off Lake Michigan, use your phone for an audio “chat” with a bronze celebrity statue seated outside, or study the many environmental provisions that are transforming the shoreline. The Polk Bros Park, with its outdoor water play fountains, is a treat for all ages.
Loop “The Loop” Elevated Trains
312/922-3432
Since November of 1897, trains on the Inner Loop have been transporting both Chicagoans and tourists on elevated tracks above Wabash, Van Buren, Wells and Lake Streets. You can always board an elevated train on your own, but we like the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s tours. Downtown by “L” and Chicago’s South Side by “L” provide commentary on the architectural treasures seen en route, as well as a brief history of this public transportation marvel.
Grant Park
331 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312/742-7648
Another enticing way to take a breather in the busy city, this expansive green space, the principal downtown park, contains tennis courts and softball fields. The dramatic Buckingham Fountain is worth a look. Large-scale public events, such as the summer Blues Festival, occasionally bring the bustle into the park. The north side of Grant Park expands into the pretty, contemporary Millenium Park, complete with an ice rink, a theater, an outdoor music pavilion and Anish Kapoor’s signature “Cloudgate,” a silver sculpture fondly known as “The Bean”. A footbridge designed by Frank Gehry connects the two parks.
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Sky Deck at The Willis Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
312/875-9447
At 110 floors, 1,450 feet high, the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Building) is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. Its observation deck allows families the chance to see the best of Chicago from all angles. On a clear day, the Sky Deck, at 1,353-feet-high offers a view 40-50 miles away, which means Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois are all visible as long as you walk around the deck. The Sky Deck tour includes a scavenger hunt for kids in which they can use binoculars and try to locate different sites in the Chicago area. The Ledge is a plexiglas box jutting four feet out from the building, in which you can stand and look straight down a quarter-mile above the pavement. There are three of these and they’re wildly popular for photo-ops but only if you dare…
Tour Wrigley Field, Home of the Chicago Cubs
1060 West Addison
Chicago, IL 60613
800-THE-CUBS
The Wrigley Field Tour is a fun, two-hour love affair with the Chicago Cubs baseball team, who won the World Series for the first time in 107 years in 2016. (Chicagoans actually don’t think it counted because the winning game was an away one, not played at Wrigley Field.) There’s much more to learn here, hundreds of portraits of baseball greats, memorabilia, and local guides like Zachary — his anecdotes of the Bleacher Bums who sat through years of losing games is priceless.
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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.
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!
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.
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!
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.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
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!
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.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
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.
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.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
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!
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.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
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!
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.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
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.
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.
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.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
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.