There are some family vacation deals out there that are a no brainer to take advantage of while on the road with kids.  The cost of tourist attractions and theme parks can add up quickly for families.  One key element for savings to be worthwhile, however, is ease-of-use. Meaning, you don’t need to spend hours to get the discounts since that negates the value entirely.

I was approached by Smart Destinations about their Go City Card a few weeks ago.  You buy this electronic card (not tickets) for one of the destinations they cover and it allows you to access the attractions included in their program for free.  After looking through their list of included activities for the destinations they cover, at a high level it seems like the big attractions you’d want to experience are part of their program.  I like that you don’t have to commit to one attraction or another on specific days. That kind of flexibility for families—especially those that like to wait and see what we feel like doing while on vacation vs. committing to a schedule ahead of time—is key.

Smart Destinations provided a sample for us to try and we gave it to one of our clients visiting San Diego with kids last weekend. The card got them into the San Diego Zoo for free, and they could have used it for free admission to Legoland and SeaWorld too.

Of course, you have to buy the card so attractions aren’t really free, but the savings is real.  Let’s say you are planning to spend 3 days in San Diego with 2 adults and 2 children and you plan to hit SeaWorld, Legoland, and the San Diego Zoo.  The total cost of admission to those attractions without the Go City Card would be $632.  Meanwhile, the cost of 3-Day Go City Cards for a family of 4 is $588.  You save $44.

Although the amount isn’t life changing, I love savings like this—literally money saved with practically zero work.  It’s like finding cash under your pillow.

The company also pitched me on the fact that the cards give you preferential access to some attractions without waiting in line and discounts at some restaurants and shops. We didn’t test that so we can’t comment, but clearly avoiding lines is very attractive.

You can buy 1, 3, 5, or 7-day passes.  In addition to San Diego, they cover Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Oahu, Seattle, and Toronto.  Definitely worth checking out if you’re heading to any of these cities.

Note, once cards are purchased they are valid through the end of 2011.

Go to SmartDestinations.com.

Relevant Links:

United States family travel

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This is a guest post from Lora Shinn, is a mom to two kids (age 4 and age 10) and a freelance writer for regional and national magazines. She now blogs about Northwest family travel at CascadiaKids.com. Her new book, “Northwest Kid Trips,” offers a whole chapter on Vancouver’s best kid-friendly activities, restaurants and shops.  Here are her picks for a family trip to Vancouver.

Science World

The museum’s signature silver geodesic dome is home to two floors of innovative science experiments. Dance on a giant keyboard, build power on a giant rotating windmill and climb inside a wild animal’s home (no rabies shots necessary). If you’re a member of your local science museum, you’ll get into Science World for free — check the list of participating museums at astc.com for more details.

Vancouver Aquarium

Arapaima fish twice the size of your toddler? Sleek sharks cutting through water, inches from your kids’ fingertips? The largest aquarium in Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium, is a two-story winner, filled to the gills with belugas, candy-colored tropical fish and poisonous swimmers. One tip: if you haven’t found the “Clownfish Cove” within an hour of arrival, ask a helpful staff member for directions. This preschooler-friendly niche is sometimes difficult to find, but it’s worth seeking out.

Chinatown

Canadians of Chinese descent make up 20% percent of Vancouver’s total population, and Vancouver’s Chinese restaurants, toy shops and bakery shops offer serendipitous delights. Head to Chinatown to enjoy Sunday morning dim sum, then browse for Pokemon toys, pick up exotic fruit and bribe the kids with a pineapple-filled treat. Summer evenings bring the gregarious Chinatown Night Market, and year-round, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden enchants with classical Chinese architecture, comical turtles and free tea.

Stanley Park

There’s so much to do here, Stanley Park almost deserves a devoted entry all to itself (hmm…). Bike the park’s seawall on a rented trail-a-bike, visit the Lost Lagoon Nature House, jump aboard a miniature Canadian transcontinental train, and splash ‘n’ dash at the Variety Kids Water Park. On summer weekends, find out whether the park’s Malkin Bowl is hosting a family-friendly concert.

Burnaby Village Museum

If your daughter loves historical novels, bring her here for a circa-1920 lifestyle reenactment. The Burnaby Village Museum is primarily outdoors, and works as a small, restored village, complete with school, city streets, a movie theater and ice cream shop. The open hours vary, but summer and Christmas seasons show off Burnaby Village at its best. My son loves the 1912 carousel, which circles faster than your average modern carousel. “Back in my day, our carousels went so fast that our wooden teeth fell out…”

Granville Island Kids Market

Granville Island Kids Market hosts over 20 shops offering stuff and services for kids: bookstores, toyshops, kite stores, clothing boutiques, hairstylists and a two-story climbing-adventure tower. Even reluctant kids can be convinced to leave this playland-like structure with promises of a walk outside. The peaceful grounds surrounding the market contain playgrounds, a wooden boat structure and bird-filled marshy ponds.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

If you don’t have time to visit the world-famous blooms in Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC (a two-hour ferry ride away), make an effort to bring the kids to VanDusen Botanical Garden. You’ll find 55 acres to run wild in, thousands of flowers, and a challenging hedge maze. Wear very comfortable shoes – the terrain is as diverse as the botanicals. VanDusen’s website lists family programs, a great way to explore the garden with experts.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

At the Vancouver Maritime Museum, learn how the first seagoing explorers reached local shores — and why so many ships wrecked in local waters. Dress up like a pirate, spend a few minutes in a below-deck recreation and try on a pair of Inuit sunglasses. In the Children’s Discovery Centre, the kids can steer a tugboat and try on a vintage metal diving helmet. Tip: The museum’s vintage schooner is definitely worth touring, but help your little ones go up the steep ladders and down narrow hallways.

Kitsilano Beach and Pool

Families gather at Kitsilano Beach and Pool from May through September to swim in the saltwater pool and enjoy views of Vancouver’s slopes and skyline. The water’s heated to a gentle 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and swimmers can gaze out from the infinity-style waters at Vancouver’s gorgeous English Bay, framed by mountains.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

As a kid, the Capilano Suspension Bridge – 230 feet above the canyon floor — terrified and delighted me. As an adult, this bridge still terrifies and delights me. But the caretakers have added new educational features since my childhood. I love the “Treetops Experience” that allows you to walk 650 of gangplank-style walkways among towering evergreens.

Photo credit for all shots in this post except the first one goes to Lora Shinn.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended family hotels Canada

Toronto with kids

Banff with kids

Ice hotel Quebec

Cherry blossom season in Washington DC

With Spring Break coming up for many families, visiting Washington DC with kids is a hot topic of conversation—with great reason. DC is perfect with kids and right now it’s even better because the city is in bloom. From cherry blossoms to daffodils, it’s beautiful.

The National Zoo

We covered Washington DC with kids extensively in the Fall including top family travel resources, favorite Washington DC attractions with kids, and Washington DC family travel tips.

We spent part of our Spring Break in DC this year too. We had an opportunity to test a new iPhone application called Family DC (DC Essential Family Guide). It offers relevant information specific to families. I loved the ability to search for restaurants right around your location. By the time we leave a destination, often we are tired and hungry, so having family-friendly recommendations at our fingertips is very valuable. I even tested it in some of the suburbs and it identified some of our favorite places – a good sign! This guide, in addition to our downloadable Washington DC Guide on the Nile Guide, are a perfect combination.

National Portrait Gallery

We managed to miss all the rain and got fabulous weather the days we were there. Wanting to soak in the sun, we picniced in front of the National Portrait Museum. This was a perfect example of balancing what I wanted to do and what the kids wanted to do. We started with portraits and ended with monkeys (National Zoo). The architecture at the newly renovated National Portrait Museum was stunning.

Roof over newly renovated National Portrait Gallery courtyard

The roof over the courtyard created a beautiful indoor space (Keep it in mind for rainy days. It’s just across from the Spy Museum). Unfortunately, my boys had way too much energy to be indoors, so we made our way to the zoo.

At the end of a long day it was great to be met with kids robes, cookies and a large soaking tub at the Lorien Hotel and Spa.

For more Photo Friday fun, check out Delicious Baby.

Usually we include only our own photos on Photo Friday. This week, we wanted a cherry blossom shot and didn’t have a good one – we licensed that photo – it was not taken by Nancy Solomon.

Picking the venue for a family vacation can be difficult. Although the end result is fun, weighing all the needs, wants and constraints can be tedious. Every other year we plan an extensive family vacation with my father and all of my siblings. There are 17 of us in all with 9 children, 6 parents and 2 grandparents.  It can be complicated!

Here’s how I get started thinking about a family vacation:

Trip Needs: Check-in and get and idea about what everyone needs—meaning, are you all burnt out and you just need to lie on a beach? Are you looking for a fresh infusion of culture? Do you want something nature-focused? I try to get a sense for what and where people’s interests lie.

Timeline: When you can travel quickly narrows down the selection options because weather varies so greatly from place-to-place.  To see what times of year are best suited for certain destinations, check out the great weather and destination chart on My Little Swans Blog.

When we planned our last big trip, everyone had job commitments and the only time that worked for all was Christmas break. Then, we knew we wanted a beach, which immediately narrowed the viable options for that time of year. Add in the fact that much of our group lives on the West Coast—Hawaii was an easy choice.

Brainstorm: Now that you know what you’re looking for and when, now get the group brainstorming. Generate a wide variety of ideas and go from there. Dream a little and help people expand out of their comfort zone.

We sometimes use tour operator itineraries to generate ideas. A family favorite is Classic Journeys.  Amie just wrote an article about all the wonderful bloggers writing about traveling with kids. Perusing these websites is a fantastic way to get inspired!

At first, I really didn’t want to travel more than six hours with my 4 kids. However, as everyone got excited about the trip, I became more flexible.  Evaluate the activities at each destination to see if they special enough to warrant the time, expense, and logistics to get there. For example, when we were thinking about traveling to Rome a few years ago, everyone was initially intimidated given the size of the group and ages of the children.  However, when we started thinking about the rich opportunities to experience the best of Rome as a group through things like the Gladiator School and a local soccer/football game, concerns were overshadowed by excitement.

Budget: When you are dealing with the budget, a little research goes a long way. Before dismissing any ideas, really dig in and see what the cost will be. Follow even far off ideas! People are often surprised to learn that a Disney trip can be the same cost as a Tuscany trip. This is especially true if you go to places where the exchange rate is in your favor.

Create a short list of destinations and get preliminary quotes on accommodations and airfare based on your dates of travel.  Real availability and pricing will narrow the list even more. Discuss your findings as a group and your answer will be there!

Relevant Links:

Summer family vacation ideas

Trip planning with kids – history & geography websites

Trip planning with kids – read, read, read!

Travel journals for kids

Google+

Hawaii Week was packed and we never got the chance to cover Oahu.  Sonja Swenson works with the Oahu Visitors Bureau on PR and is the mother of two children—a perfect resource to recommend top family activities on the island.  Thanks Sonja!

Sonja Swenson and her family

As a mother of two children, fun and educational family activities are always a top priority. Giving my children experiences that will last a lifetime is an amazing feeling, and I’m so lucky to be able to live on Oahu where there are so many family focused activities to choose from.

The island’s safe environment, tropical beauty and accessibility make almost anything possible. With so many options from the town and country aspect of Oahu, our weekends are packed with healthy, positive, and educating experiences.

Here are some of my favorite activities in Honolulu that are both fun and affordable.

Children’s Discovery Center

Children love getting their hands into everything they can, and parents love for their children to have hands-on experiences. At the Discovery Center, your child can explore scientific wonders from the human body to Hawaiian Rainbows. The expansive center encourages children to touch, feel, listen, and question the world around them as they explore each gallery.

The Dole Pineapple Plantation

Give your children a tropical and educational experience at the Dole Plantation. Take a ride on the Pineapple Express or tour the Plantation Garden. The highlight of this experience is racing through the largest maze in the world, Dole’s Pineapple Garden Maze. Finish off the day with a DoleWhip, a soft and refreshing pineapple-flavored ice cream, a true Hawaiian treat.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley

Experience the lush mountains, unique plants and exotic waterfall of Waimea Valley. The botanical garden is home to archeological Hawaiian sights, as well as endangered native plants. The on-duty lifeguard makes swimming in the pool below Waimea Valley’s 60-foot waterfall a safe and exciting experience.

Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum’s vast collection of Hawaiian artifacts is the perfect place to get a glimpse of old Hawaii. With a historical guide and accessible information, your family can learn interesting facts, stories and legends about the Native Hawaiian people.

In August 2009, the museum reopened its acclaimed Hawaiian Hall, which showcases the world’s largest collection of Native Hawaiian and Pacific area artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. Kids will enjoy Hawaiian Hall’s interactive resource center that offers hands-on children’s activities.

Other Bishop Museum highlights are its planetarium show, in which the unique display of the universe makes you feel as though you are amongst the stars, and the active volcano at the museum’s Science Adventure Center. The synthetic volcano simulates the process of a real volcano eruption with loud rumbling sounds, steam and synthetic lava. It’s a thrilling experience for children of all ages.

Polynesian Cultural Center

From wild fireknife dances to traditional hula, your family can experience the heart-racing thrills of the Pacific Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). The warm island spirit of aloha is exemplified by the friendly tour guides eager to share their Hawaiian culture. Visitors to PCC can also enjoy a canoe parade, a luau feast and its spectacular evening show, “Ha, The Breath of Life,” which features original costumes, music compositions, chants, and dances produced with cultural experts from each of the Center’s island villages.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Hawaii family hotels

Kona Village Resort review

Big Island of Hawai’i with kids – favorite activities (tips from a local)

Kauai with kids – favorite activities (tips from a local)

Maui with kids – favorite activities (tips from a local)

Maui with kids – favorite activities

Maui with kids – fun photos and special activities

Hawaii with kids – dolphin encounters and surf camps

We wrote about Ireland with kids on St. Patrick’s Day.  Many people don’t think about Northern Ireland as a wonderful family vacation venue, although after reading Dana’s post, I agree … why not? Sounds amazing.

Trips, should I say adventures, have a knack for just happening in my family.

We were trying to plan a trip to the Loire Valley for a family wedding.I’d done my homework; sketched out a rough itinerary in my notebook and lined up hotel reservations. I had everything but plane tickets. Flights into Paris were off the charts expensive. I had been watching, waiting and hoping for a serious airfare war.

What I got was a fabulous trip to Northern Ireland and France.

OK, bear with me. It will all make sense in a minute. Flights to Paris didn’t go on sale, but flights to Ireland dropped at the speed of light. So my family of four touched down in the land of green and I used the “savings” to add a four day tour of Northern Ireland onto the trip. Simple and cheap commuter flights took us across the bay to France for the French part of the trip.

Why Northern Ireland? Why not? On my last trip to Ireland, going north wasn’t an option. Though my girls were disappointed they wouldn’t get to kiss the Blarney Stone, (a reason to go again, I assured them) everyone was game for the adventure.

Bangor

This sleepy, picturesque seaside village was a lucky find. We were headed to Belfast and needed to stretch our legs. The sun had just come out when we pulled into town. We popped into the local tourist office for a map and then just started to wander. We hunted for sea glass, and walked along the harbor, soaking in the sun and the views of the largest marina in Northern Ireland. But it was the swans that won my girls’ hearts.

Sitting right on the water’s edge is the Pickie Family Fun Park complete with a lake loaded with swan boats. A morning of rain had convinced the crowds to go elsewhere, so my girls had the high seas to themselves. They pedaled, splashed and squealed. My husband and I had the best (dry) seat in town … a bench with a view of our crazy kids and the beautiful marina. It was about an hour before the girls hit dry land, only to take off running for the amazing playground just across the way. We didn’t even have to switch benches, though I will admit trying out some of the playground toys!

Antrim Coast, aka Sweaters on Legs Drive

The coast of Northern Ireland is stunning. You’ll love it, and so will the kids. Don’t rush the drive and don’t be afraid to stop. You’ll be rewarded with fabulous beaches, some of the best playgrounds my kids have ever played on, and fabulously funny sheep. Affectionately known as ”sweaters on legs” by my girls, you can’t help but laugh at them. Running looks more like prancing. And the wooley critters have an incredible knack for winding up right in front of your car, even when they’re trying to run away. Drive slow, forget about trying to pass, and enjoy the coast.

High Thrills at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Originally built by fisherman to get access to the best places to catch migrating salmon, this bouncy rope bridge is now open to thousands of visitors just looking to catch the perfect view of the Antrim Coast. The high thrill is worth the easy and scenic 20-minute one-mile walk from the parking lot. The narrow, 90 foot bridge stretches 65 feet, connecting the mainland to a tiny island. (If you’re not fond of heights, it might not be your cup of tea, but as a parent I had no safety concerns. The bridge is very secure.)

Once on the other side, you’ll be rewarded with views that never end.  Seabirds abound and there’s lots of lush green grass to just lie in.

Only so many folks can be on the bridge at a time, so there’s the equivalent of a park ranger on duty to help keep folks flowing smoothly back and forth. That said, the gentleman on duty when we visited was more than happy to stop traffic to snap family photos.

Giant’s Causeway

Think of it as a playground made by a volcano a long, long time ago. The Giant’s Causeway is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. According to legend, it was built by Irish warrior and giant Finn McCool so he could walk to Scotland to fight an enemy giant. According to geologists, it was formed during a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Hot lava cooled fast, leaving behind thousands of basalt columns. Pick the version that works best for you. But know, if you’re the type who likes to buy books when you’re traveling with your kids, you’ll find plenty of great stuff to choose from on good, old Finn McCool.

So what’s interesting about basalt columns? They just happen to be on a beautiful stretch of beach and they offer an endless number of things for your kids (and you) to climb on. Things can get wet and slippery, but your kids will love climbing their way up and down the coastline. My girls were especially fond of the Giant’s Boot.

Belfast

You can’t go to Northern Ireland without spending at least a day in Belfast. This city has a great vibe. It’s claim to fame … it’s where the Titanic was built, and if peace prevails, I expect Belfast will someday be a major player in Ireland’s tourism industry.

Take the kids to the top of the dome at Victoria Square for a cool 360 degree view of the city. Or go for a spin on the Wheel of Belfast. Each ride lasts about 12 minutes and provides great city views.

If you haven’t done it already, eat fish & chips. Remember, you are technically in the United Kingdom. Ask the locals where they go and you won’t be disappointed. We discovered a great place in Belfast called Bishop’s, and I’ll admit we ate there more than once. OK … maybe more than twice. But we burned it all off crossing bridges, climbing rocks and chasing sheep.

Click on over to Delicious Baby for more Photo Friday posts.

Relevant Links:

Ireland with kids

Dublin with kids

Galway with kids

London with kids

Edinburgh with kids

Europe Family Vacations

Ashford Castle falconry with kids

Caveat: Unless you are defining what makes a property top by quantitative or statistical information, creating a list of them is subjective.

Since Ciao Bambino specializes in uncovering family-friendly hotels that enhance vacations with kids–versus listing a list of any and all possibilities—top for us means favorite brands within the kind of properties we cover, i.e. those that offer something special for families in one way or another.

When I started Ciao Bambino around family travel to Italy, the focus was identifying independent, experiential properties that work well with kids. Chains rarely played a role, particularly outside of cities.

In North America, however, many of our chain hotels offer unique family-oriented services and amenities. Plus, the number of independent family-friendly options simply doesn’t exist the way it does in other markets.

Hotel Monaco Seattle

Kimpton

“If I loved that chain any more, I’d have their name tattooed on my forehead.  Pet loaner goldfish by request, leopard print robes in adult and kid sizes, plus fun extras depending on the location,” responded Jamie Pearson of TravelSavvyMom.com after I asked her about her favorite chain hotels for families.

Kimpton Hotels creates a wide range of boutique hotel experiences for a variety of guest-types including families. All Kimpton Hotels share a reliable four-star quality rating and are known for casual, modern-yet-comfortable décor.

I asked the Twitterverse last year for favorite kids-focused hotel amenities and Kimpton’s gold fish program got the most mentions.

KimptonKids is their kids’ amenities program and although specifics vary from hotel-to-hotel, the consistent presence across the portfolio means that families can count on basic, family-friendly services at any one of their hotels.

On Ciao Bambino, we review the Hotel Monaco Seattle, The Palomar Washington DC, The Lorien Hotel and Spa in Alexandria, VA, and Vero Beach and Spa in Florida.

Joie de Vivre

This California-focused brand is not as universally kid-friendly as Kimpton, but many of the hotels in this collection are great for families. Value-oriented, these hotels not only hip and fun, but integrated with the local community both in terms of the physical features and the philanthropic programs where they partner with local non-profits, making a minimum donation of $200 per guest room per year.

Each Joie de Vivre hotel has a distinct California-style vibe. It’s part of their mission and it works. I love their hotels and again, a few stand out when it comes to families. We profile Hotel Del Sol in San Francisco and The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz. At either one you’re likely to see kids everywhere given ideal locations, room configurations, pricing, and amenities.

I’m certain enterprising hoteliers in other markets are working to emulate Chip Conley’s success with this brand.

Affinia 50

Affinia Hotels

I was introduced to Affinia Hotels last summer in Chicago. After walking into the lobby it was immediately clear to me that I just uncovered another one of those stand out boutique chains that found a way to create a unique, quality hotel experience for those traveling with and without kids. We’ve since added both the Affinia Chicago and Affinia 50 in New York to the Ciao Bambino portfolio.

The dedicated family-focused amenity program My Family is offered across their properties. After staying at a few Affinia hotels now, the atmosphere and decor between properties is not consistent, but that brand is working hard to create a comfortable guest experience. Those on Ciao Bambino are located in unbeatable areas for sightseeing with kids and Affinia is now on my short list for brands to review in other locations including Washington DC.

Four Seasons Punta Mita

Four Seasons Hotels

In some ways it’s more of a risk to stay at an unknown 3 or 4 star hotel vs. a 5 star property—the reality is that any truly service-oriented hotel will make an effort to accommodate every guest. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel uncomfortable in the lobby or by the pool where other guests may frown on kids because the overall atmosphere is not kid-friendly.

Amazingly, Four Seasons consistently caters to families successfully throughout their portfolio. I think the key is separation in conjunction with family-friendly public areas. Meaning, everyone has a place to go—an adult pool vs. family pools, adult restaurants vs. family restaurants—not to mention their outstanding Kids for All Seasons Program, which is hooray, complimentary!

We feature The Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island, The Four Seasons Aviara, and the Four Seasons Punta Mita on Ciao Bambino. I’ve stayed at all of these properties and they are all truly fantastic luxury hotel experiences. We’re about to add The Four Seasons Boston to our portfolio and I’m staying at the Four Seasons Scottsdale this weekend. To be honest, we could probably add every Four Seasons to our portfolio and be confident that we’ve identified a “best” option in a given destination.

The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont

Not every Fairmont is family-friendly, but there are a few properties that really stand out as exceptional options with kids, particularly in Canada.

Despite being big and part of a major chain, these are hotels that create a unique, local experience through their spectacular architecture, venue, and services. If you are a luxury traveler and heading to Canada with your kids, Fairmont should be on your list!

That said, there are some outstanding hotels in other destinations too. In fact, we have more Fairmont Hotels on Ciao Bambino than any other large chain including the Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico, Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica, Fairmont Scottsdale, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island.

What are your favorite family-friendly hotel chains?

Relevant Links:

Value remains king in 2010

Toddler travel – where you stay matters

Finding family-friendly boutique hotels

Finding the best kids clubs

Finding the best Europe family hotels

Finding family-friendly ski resorts

How to choose the right ranch vacation

Things to consider before booking mega-resorts

Evaluating all-inclusive beach resorts

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration of the spectacular country of Ireland is in order.  I asked Kate Moran, the Editor of MummyMaps.com—a stylish travel guide for Irish parents loaded with fun advice and reviews—to share tips for traveling to Ireland with kids.  Phenomenal information. Thanks Kate!

ITINERARY & PLANNING

Because Ireland is a relatively small country, visitors tend to try and see “everything” in the course of one week. (Lots of friends and family fly into Dublin, drive through Wicklow, kiss the Blarney Stone in Waterford, head to Cork City, eat lunch in Kinsale, drive the Ring of Kerry, ascend the Cliffs of Moher, cruise through the amazing Burren, throw back a Guinness at a trad session in Galway, marvel at awe-inspiring Connemara, and pose in front of Kylemore Abbey before heading back to Dublin to fly home. They are literally in tatters upon their return.

In our opinion, this is a bit mad – and may even spoil the transcendent impact of an Irish holiday. While Ireland shares aspects of both America and continental Europe, it is distinct in so many ways. So pick a couple of must-sees and then, try and slow down a bit – park the car and walk the landscape, repose in front of the fire, order the kids a pack of crisps from the barkeep, savor a Guinness and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

TRANSPORTATION

Although public transportation is available in Ireland, with kids-in-tow, driving is the best way to see the country.  Parents and children alike will be delighted by the windy country roads, stone walls, and animals out to pasture. However, please note that when renting (“hiring”) a car, most are manual. If you need an automatic car, make sure to specify this when making your reservation – you’ll pay extra for the pleasure – but this is not the time to teach yourself how to drive a stick shift. Remember, the Irish drive on the left side of the road, so sticking to the correct side should be where your focus lies.

Glendine Country House

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Of course, Hollywood has made traditional Irish bed & breakfasts quite famous. Like any other accommodation, there is a wide range of variety and quality. However, there are also lovely country houses, traditional independent and chain hotels as well as holiday homes that are available for rental. Many visitors to Ireland love traveling the countryside and stopping in a village whenever they fancy it, and finding a place to bunk without reservations. This is a fun thing to do, but not necessarily the most practical – especially if you’ll need a crib for a baby or don’t intend to share your bed with your toddler.

If this is the case, it’s worth booking into a hotel and requesting a crib (“cot”) and an extra bed. Due to the huge property-driven boom over the past decade in Ireland, you’ll find amazing 4 & 5 star hotels (think renovated country estates, farmhouses and castles) throughout Ireland; some in very unlikely, off-the-beaten path locations.  In addition, there is a huge surplus of holiday (“vacation”) homes in the country. So, the good news? At the moment, you can score some amazing deals at luxury hotels and holiday homes in great locations.

EATING OUT WITH KIDS:

The Irish food scene has really exploded in recent years and can offer visitors a good range of choices. A plethora of organic ingredients and a resurgence of traditional dishes will delight those unfamiliar with Irish cooking. In the countryside, pubs remain the center of village life and are very family friendly during the day (most pubs prohibit kids after 8pm).  In the major cities of Cork, Galway and Dublin, you’ll have many more options. Of course, check MummyMaps.com for our reviews of great, family-friendly eateries.

BABY GEAR:

If you plan on bringing a stroller, smaller is better. The doors to most shops and restaurants tend to be narrower than in America – forget about surviving with those double-wide strollers – most mums of two little ones in Dublin seem to have the buggies that stack one kid on top of the other like the Phil & Ted’s (note: we’ve lived in Dublin for 4 years without a car – the P&T double-stroller is our family car – love it!) Oh, and ALWAYS have your rain cover in the bottom of the stroller, even if it looks bright and sunny. Trust me.

WEATHER:

A word about the famous rainy weather. Yes, it does really rain a lot. It needn’t slow you down too much, but if you plan spending the day outside, always bring a light windbreaker with a hood – the kind that can be scrunched down into the bottom of your bag or stroller are perfect.

GREAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT:

Ha’Penny Bridge in Dublin

Dublin & Environs

Dublin:  The country’s capital and cultural heart has lots for families to enjoy. Wander through Trinity College’s cobblestone paths, up the main shopping street, Grafton Street and to St. Stephen’s Green, where the kids can spend some time at the playground. Entry into most museums is free, so they are great to pop into to get out of the rain. In fact, the National Gallery of Ireland has a fantastic gift shop to buy gifts for home as well as a reliable cafe. The Guinness Storehouse is a requisite stop for many adults – and we can report that it’s pretty family-friendly. The displays (like the massive waterfall in the front hall) can engage most children for a while and the Gravity Bar is bright and lively. There are baby changing facilities and well, there is something strangely gratifying about taking your baby’s picture next to a pint of Guinness. Finally, for older children, visit Kilmainham Goal for a tour of the famous jail where the leaders of the 1916 uprising were jailed and executed.

Powerscourt House Japanese Garden

Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt House & Gardens:  One of our all-time favourite day trips from Dublin. Drive south of the city to the Wicklow Mountains to find Powerscourt Estate. On a sunny day, the drive is spectacular.  The tour/video show of Powerscourt isn’t all that interesting (the original building burned down and the existing interior is a recreation) but the planned gardens and Japanese garden are lovely to walk through – and the kids can run wild. The café and shop are feasts for the eyes and stomach – the café, run by the venerable Avoca Café, serves Irish food with a twist and is delicious. There is always a children’s meal that comes with an enormous cookie (“biscuit”) the size of their head. The shoppe is an eclectic mix of Irish goods, kitchen treats and funky clothing and books for adults and kids. If you can, take turns browsing the shop, as it’s usually a bit hectic to bring the kids into, as there are a lot of breakables and it’s hard to navigate a stroller through. (Note: There are several Avoca cafes throughout the country; the food is fantastic and they are always great for kids. The cafes are casual and usually noisy and crowded, but there are always highchairs, places to park a buggy and helpful staff to help carry your trays if you have a baby on your hip!)

Cliffs of Howth

Howth Village and Cliff Walk: The hills of Howth are magnificent and well worth a trip just outside of Dublin to check out. However, the cliff walk literally hugs the cliff’s edge and is only appropriate for adults with babies in a pouch or backpack – the paths are narrow and the drops very steep.  There are other less perilous routes to the top , so some of your gang can take the more navigable route and meet at the top. The views are stunning and you can’t beat the fresh air! And, the rumors are true, a great pint awaits at the end of your hike at The Summit Inn. (During the Cliff Walk, you are really exposed to the elements, so if it’s particularly windy and rainy, skip it. The views won’t really be all that great and cliffs and windy days don’t mix. However, a little drizzle “a soft day” need not be a deterrent.)

Howth has some great eating establishments, so working up your appetite is a brilliant move. Our suggestions? The House is our new favourite home away from home. Imagine warm crumbly scones, great coffee and a bacon sandwich served with greens dressed in vinaigrette and a perfect selection of seafood for dinner. They welcome families with open arms – happy to stash buggies at the door, pull a highchair out for your little one and provide coloring supplies. The adventurous children’s menu offers smaller portions from the regular menu. Close runners up include Italian eatery, Casa Pasta or make a picnic with fish & chips from Beshoffs of Howth.

Skerries:  Ireland has some seriously impressive playgrounds – really! Indulge the kids with a visit to Ardgillan Castle. The adults will marvel at the gorgeous grounds and view of the sea while the nautical themed playground provides a bounty of entertainment guaranteed to thoroughly tucker the kiddies out. The view of the sea is amazing – it’s our favorite playground in all of Dublin (to date!). If you are hankering for a snack before arrival, nip into Olive on the main drag in Skerries for take-out sandwiches, lattes, and sweets. If you’re planning on a meal after, visit the excellent Stoop Your Head in Skerries harbour for its first lunch seating (they open at noon). If you’re in a big group, try to score the tables in the right corner and dig into some of the freshest, most delectable seafood around. Despite it being a popular (and small) place, they are happy to have children and offer a children’s menu and highchairs.

Cliffs of Moher

Beyond Dublin:

The Cliffs of Moher: These majestic cliffs rise out of the sea and are truly awe-inspiring for both parents and kids, alike. The visitor’s centre provides some background to this natural wonder. If you are approaching the cliffs from the north, make your drive to the cliffs doubly stunning by getting there via the Burren.

Ring of Kerry: The Ring of Kerry is a tourist favorite, so some try to avoid it – but, it’s a favorite for good reason. Dotted with beautiful Irish villages, dramatic overlooks and stunning beaches tucked below the cliffs – it’s beautiful! Again, opt for driving yourself and be sure to spend lots of time out of the car – make stops wherever inspires you!

West Cork: Magnificent natural landscapes makes West Cork a delight to visit. In particular, Schull is one of the loveliest villages. While there visit the Mizen Head Signal Station for a thrilling walk and view and stop at gorgeous Barley Cove Beach for a stroll.

Galway City: Galway’s streets are lively, full of university students and feels like a very small city compared to Dublin. Stroll the streets, listen to the music and be sure to get some great seafood.

Connemara: Driving through Connemara offers breathtaking scenery (I know we keep saying this, but it’s true!) Nestled behind the mountains is Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens. The children will be delighted to see this amazing castle on the shores ofLough Pollacappul. There are lots of wooded paths to explore and the walled gardens will inspire the gardener in you.

Related Links:

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