Red Tricycle is a go-to website for parents when they are looking for ideas on things to do with kids, what to eat or just what’s going on in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. They recently launched Red Tricycle San Diego and to celebrate they are giving away a family fun pack filled with tickets to the most popular family-friendly destinations in San Diego.

We are huge San Diego fans at Ciao Bambino. Nancy grew up in San Diego and returns at least once a year; we’ve covered many of the attractions in the prize package …

The list of kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco goes on and on. Even kids lucky enough to live here have a tough time keeping up. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf are just a few of San Francisco’s world-renowned tourist attractions.

If you have a day to spare, the Presidio is a great addition to any family-friendly itinerary.

The Wild Animal Park in San Diego has a new name, Safari Park. This rebranding sets the perfect tone for experiencing the park as unlike traditional zoos, the park is set up like a safari with expansive enclosures, letting the animals roam as if on a game preserve.

Like going on safari, there are many ways that you can enhance your visit to the park. You can simple visit for the day …

Part of the beauty of summer vacation is being able to get up and just go. A tank of gas and a little gusto can have huge payoff, especially when the final destination for your family is a place like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Getting There

About a two hour drive from San Francisco, the Boardwalk and summer go hand in hand. You’ll spend the first hour on the freeway, but the second hour, after you pass …

The Northern California Wine Country is one of the world’s top destinations to visit — without your kids. It’s got a bad reputation when it comes to being family-friendly. I understand how the rumor probably got started. Kids drink milk not wine. The Wine Country has been fighting the bad rap for years, and this summer they landed a knockout punch thanks to Francis Ford Coppola.

The man who gave us Apocalypse Now and The Godfather had a vision of a winery …

Summer is busy at Disneyland. It’s peak time for family vacations and while you should expect crowds, lines and hot days, there are family-tested strategies for making your visit more enjoyable.

The upside of summer is that the parks are open later and the kids don’t have school so you can take advantage of the evening attractions.

I’m so incredibly lucky. My kids are great travelers and it’s rare we don’t have fun on a trip. But every now and then you have those trips that make you go Wow! We just got back from a Wow trip to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. It’s one of the best family-friendly resorts I’ve come across, and it’s located in the heart of Huntington Beach, California.

It’s one of those places where it’s okay to feel spoiled and escape the day to day craziness …

Fourth of July is synonymous with summer fun.

Parades loaded with kids on decorated bikes, fireworks, barbecues, warm pie with ice cream and sunshine. The list could go on, but you get the idea. Even having lived through years of cold patriotic celebrations in San Francisco, one thing I don’t think of on Independence Day is snow.

This year things are different.

Ciao Bambino was recently invited for a two-day media event to check out what’s new for summer 2011 at Disneyland Resort. If you haven’t been to the park in awhile, now is a great time to visit!

New rides, a “soundsational” parade in Disneyland, and a huge expansion at Disney’s California Adventure mean families with kids of all ages can partake in new experiences.

When I need a break from the daily grind, a weekend overnight or two at a luxury hotel does wonders.

Sometimes it’s just too challenging not to work while at home — my “to do” list is always calling and by Sunday night I feel like I’ve had no downtime.

As a consequence, I always have a list of favorite getaways ready for relaxation emergencies. In the San Francisco Bay Area, this list includes Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay …