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Family Friendly Travel Tips - Kids Eat Free Restaurants
Family Friendly Activity in Henderson, Nevada: Clark County Museum
CLARK COUNTY MUSEUM
1830 S. Boulder Hwy., Henderson 89002 702.455.7955
COST: $2 adult/ $1 seniors and children
HOURS: Daily 9 am - 4:30 pm
The Clark County Museum takes a look back at the history of the Las Vegas area. Walk through the Exhibit Hall and experience history with a variety of hands-on displays. Then head out to the Ghost Town and Mining Trail to reflect on the local history as you walk through the hot terrain. There is also Heritage Street; a charmingly laid out street with historical homes from a variety of eras. The homes can be walked through and are decorated in appropriate period pieces. There is also a train and train depot to visit.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- A variety of indoor and outdoor areas. Hands-on activities. Reasonably priced.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- No snack shop available; bring beverages especially if visiting in the hot summer months.
Family Friendly Lodging in Moab, Utah: Aarchway Inn
AARCHWAY INN
1551 North Hwy. 191, Moab 84532 435.259.2599
Aarchway Inn provides a great family hotel option for those exploring the beautiful Moab area. Their room options include a family suite that easily sleeps 6 or 7 while still allowing room for luggage. The amenities include a free breakfast with both hot and cold options, a heated pool, exercise room, and free wireless internet. There is ample parking. The hotel is conveniently located on the main road through town, thus easily accessible. The room was clean, and the hotel staff was friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Large rooms. Free breakfast. Convenient location. Clean accommodations. Friendly staff.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The family suite is one large room so there is no separate sleeping area for adults and children.
1551 North Hwy. 191, Moab 84532 435.259.2599
Aarchway Inn provides a great family hotel option for those exploring the beautiful Moab area. Their room options include a family suite that easily sleeps 6 or 7 while still allowing room for luggage. The amenities include a free breakfast with both hot and cold options, a heated pool, exercise room, and free wireless internet. There is ample parking. The hotel is conveniently located on the main road through town, thus easily accessible. The room was clean, and the hotel staff was friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Large rooms. Free breakfast. Convenient location. Clean accommodations. Friendly staff.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The family suite is one large room so there is no separate sleeping area for adults and children.
Family Friendly Lodging in Henderson, Nevada: Homewood Suites
HOMEWOOD SUITES (by HILTON)
10450 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson 89052 702.450.1045
Looking for family friendly accommodations off "the Strip"? The Homewood Suites is a great choice. This hotel offers a variety of rooms; from studios to two-bedrooms with two-bathrooms. Enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning that has a choice of hot and cold meal items. Also, take part in their Welcome Home Reception on Monday through Thursday evenings for a light meal and beverage. Each night offers a different choice of food. Amenities include a large outdoor pool, fitness center, business center and self-serve laundry with 2 coin-operated washers and 2 coin-operated dryers. Need a snack? There are a variety of vending machines on each level as well as a snack shop on the main floor. The room and main hotel facility were very clean and well-kept. The staff was friendly and attentive. They seemed happy to answer questions about the area. Parking was adequate. We appreciated the level of secured access to the hotel. Everything required a hotel key to access; including the door to the parking area and the laundry room. Pricing was reasonable, especially considering the room size and how nice the hotel is.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Free breakfast daily and evening reception four days per week. Clean and well-maintained. Huge rooms; perfect for a family. Friendly, informative staff. Abundant facilities such as a pool, fitness center, snack shop, and business center.
10450 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson 89052 702.450.1045
Looking for family friendly accommodations off "the Strip"? The Homewood Suites is a great choice. This hotel offers a variety of rooms; from studios to two-bedrooms with two-bathrooms. Enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning that has a choice of hot and cold meal items. Also, take part in their Welcome Home Reception on Monday through Thursday evenings for a light meal and beverage. Each night offers a different choice of food. Amenities include a large outdoor pool, fitness center, business center and self-serve laundry with 2 coin-operated washers and 2 coin-operated dryers. Need a snack? There are a variety of vending machines on each level as well as a snack shop on the main floor. The room and main hotel facility were very clean and well-kept. The staff was friendly and attentive. They seemed happy to answer questions about the area. Parking was adequate. We appreciated the level of secured access to the hotel. Everything required a hotel key to access; including the door to the parking area and the laundry room. Pricing was reasonable, especially considering the room size and how nice the hotel is.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Free breakfast daily and evening reception four days per week. Clean and well-maintained. Huge rooms; perfect for a family. Friendly, informative staff. Abundant facilities such as a pool, fitness center, snack shop, and business center.
Family Fun in Missouri: Silver Dollar City
SILVER DOLLAR CITY -- On SR 76 W, Branson 800.831.4381
COST: Call for pricing and current specials
HOURS: Call for operating hours
Theme park centered around an 1880s Ozark theme. Fun roller coasters, rides, water rides, music and comedy shows, and Splash Harbor water play area. Throughout are shops, restaurants and artisans who show their skills in traditional crafts. The park offers different themed celebrations throughout the year.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Rides for all ages plus many rides that a family of varied ages can ride together. Splash Harbor was a favorite because it wasn't overly busy and the kids loved shooting the water cannons. Family friendly live performances offer a nice break from the exciting rides.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Some ride lines are very long during the busy season.
COST: Call for pricing and current specials
HOURS: Call for operating hours
Theme park centered around an 1880s Ozark theme. Fun roller coasters, rides, water rides, music and comedy shows, and Splash Harbor water play area. Throughout are shops, restaurants and artisans who show their skills in traditional crafts. The park offers different themed celebrations throughout the year.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Rides for all ages plus many rides that a family of varied ages can ride together. Splash Harbor was a favorite because it wasn't overly busy and the kids loved shooting the water cannons. Family friendly live performances offer a nice break from the exciting rides.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Some ride lines are very long during the busy season.
Family Fun in Missouri: Museum of Westward Expansion
MUSEUM OF WESTWARD EXPANSION --100 Washington Ave., St. Louis 63102 877.982.1410 (located in Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the Gateway Arch)
COST: Free to visit. There is a parking fee.
HOURS: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily 8 am -10 pm / Labor Day - Memorial Day: Daily 9 am - 6 pm
Located in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (next to the St. Louis Arch), this museum displays artifacts and elaborate displays from the days of Lewis & Clark as they made their 19th Century exploration of the unknown West. Very interesting information was presented in vivid presentations. The museum is small and younger kids will likely move through quickly. Everything is hands-off but my kids enjoyed the interactive exhibits.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Educational, interactive displays. Well laid out. Stroller friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Hands-off. Younger children seemed to lose interest quickly.
COST: Free to visit. There is a parking fee.
HOURS: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily 8 am -10 pm / Labor Day - Memorial Day: Daily 9 am - 6 pm
Located in the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (next to the St. Louis Arch), this museum displays artifacts and elaborate displays from the days of Lewis & Clark as they made their 19th Century exploration of the unknown West. Very interesting information was presented in vivid presentations. The museum is small and younger kids will likely move through quickly. Everything is hands-off but my kids enjoyed the interactive exhibits.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Educational, interactive displays. Well laid out. Stroller friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Hands-off. Younger children seemed to lose interest quickly.
Family Fun in Missouri: Gateway Arch
GATEWAY ARCH- 100 Washington Ave., St. Louis 63102 877.982.1410
COST: Free to visit, but fees for tram to the top. There is a parking fee.
HOURS: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily 8 am -10 pm / Labor Day - Memorial Day: Daily 9 am - 6 pm
We had driven by the Gateway Arch many times through the years, but that doesn't compare with actually walking up and standing next to it. It looks big driving by, but looks enormous right up next to it. For a fee, you can take a tram to the top for an amazing view of the area. If you plan to wander into the nearby Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, be prepared for a security checkpoint.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The kids (and parents too!) were amazed at the size of the structure and enjoyed walking around the area. The kids especially loved to watch the boats pass by on the river. It seems they were almost more interested in that than the actual Arch. Stroller friendly.
COST: Free to visit, but fees for tram to the top. There is a parking fee.
HOURS: Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily 8 am -10 pm / Labor Day - Memorial Day: Daily 9 am - 6 pm
We had driven by the Gateway Arch many times through the years, but that doesn't compare with actually walking up and standing next to it. It looks big driving by, but looks enormous right up next to it. For a fee, you can take a tram to the top for an amazing view of the area. If you plan to wander into the nearby Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, be prepared for a security checkpoint.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- The kids (and parents too!) were amazed at the size of the structure and enjoyed walking around the area. The kids especially loved to watch the boats pass by on the river. It seems they were almost more interested in that than the actual Arch. Stroller friendly.
Family Friendly Accommodations in Appleton, Wisconsin: Settle Inn
SETTLE INN -- 1565 N. Federated Dr., Appleton 920.560.3000
The Settle Inn Appleton is a great option for families travelling to the area. We were impressed by the size of the family suite which had one large main room with a queen bed then an adjoining bedroom with two sets of bunk beds. There was plenty of room for our luggage to fit in as well. The free breakfast buffet had a great variety, including make-your-own waffles. The kids also liked the free popcorn and cookies at the check-in desk. The staff was a bit hit-and-miss, but overall helpful. We stayed for several days and soon figured out which staff members we could count on for getting questions answered or items taken care of in our room, and which staff members would be less helpful.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Large family suite will accommodate even large families comfortably. Indoor pool for year-round fun. Included breakfast buffet. Location is close to a variety of restaurants and shopping.
The Settle Inn Appleton is a great option for families travelling to the area. We were impressed by the size of the family suite which had one large main room with a queen bed then an adjoining bedroom with two sets of bunk beds. There was plenty of room for our luggage to fit in as well. The free breakfast buffet had a great variety, including make-your-own waffles. The kids also liked the free popcorn and cookies at the check-in desk. The staff was a bit hit-and-miss, but overall helpful. We stayed for several days and soon figured out which staff members we could count on for getting questions answered or items taken care of in our room, and which staff members would be less helpful.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Large family suite will accommodate even large families comfortably. Indoor pool for year-round fun. Included breakfast buffet. Location is close to a variety of restaurants and shopping.
Family Fun in Wisconsin: History Museum at the Castle
HISTORY MUSEUM AT THE CASTLE -- 330 E. College Ave., Appleton 54911 920.735.9370
COST: $7.50 Adult / $5.50 Senior & Student w/ ID/ $3.50 Child (age 5 - 17) / Under 5 FREE / $20 Family Rate (2 adults and their minor children)
HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm/ Thursday 10 am - 8 pm/ Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm
This history museum primarily highlights the history of the area. When we were there they had an exhibit highlighting historical postcards of the area, a sports exhibit, and a large Houdini exhibit. The Houdini area was especially fun since it was extremely hands-on. There were many interesting details throughout. Stroller friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Houdini exhibit had many hands-on opportunities; the whole family especially enjoyed this area. There were a few hands-on areas in the rest of the museum as well.
COST: $7.50 Adult / $5.50 Senior & Student w/ ID/ $3.50 Child (age 5 - 17) / Under 5 FREE / $20 Family Rate (2 adults and their minor children)
HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm/ Thursday 10 am - 8 pm/ Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm
This history museum primarily highlights the history of the area. When we were there they had an exhibit highlighting historical postcards of the area, a sports exhibit, and a large Houdini exhibit. The Houdini area was especially fun since it was extremely hands-on. There were many interesting details throughout. Stroller friendly.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Houdini exhibit had many hands-on opportunities; the whole family especially enjoyed this area. There were a few hands-on areas in the rest of the museum as well.
Family Fun in Wisconsin: Hearthstone House Tour
HEARTHSTONE HOUSE -- 625 W. Prospect., Appleton 54911 920.730.8204
COST: $6 Adult/ $5 Senior/ $3 Child (age 5- 17)/ age 5 & under FREE (AAA Member discount available)
HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 3:30 pm / Saturday 11 am - 3:30 pm / Sunday 1 pm - 3:30 pm
Hearthstone House is not only a beautiful step back into classic architecture, but also a step back into history. This home was the first in the world lit by hydroelectric power. Tours of the home are given every half hour and take approximately 30 minutes. There is also a hands-on activity center in the basement where you can try your hand at creating electricity to get a trolley to move. Special events are held around Halloween and Christmas.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Hands-on activities in the discovery center are educational and fun. Tour guides were happy to answer questions regarding the history of the house, as well as details about its place in history.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The home tour is all hands-off and might be a bit much for young children. Not stroller friendly.
COST: $6 Adult/ $5 Senior/ $3 Child (age 5- 17)/ age 5 & under FREE (AAA Member discount available)
HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 3:30 pm / Saturday 11 am - 3:30 pm / Sunday 1 pm - 3:30 pm
Hearthstone House is not only a beautiful step back into classic architecture, but also a step back into history. This home was the first in the world lit by hydroelectric power. Tours of the home are given every half hour and take approximately 30 minutes. There is also a hands-on activity center in the basement where you can try your hand at creating electricity to get a trolley to move. Special events are held around Halloween and Christmas.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Hands-on activities in the discovery center are educational and fun. Tour guides were happy to answer questions regarding the history of the house, as well as details about its place in history.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- The home tour is all hands-off and might be a bit much for young children. Not stroller friendly.
Family Fun in Wisconsin: Paper Discovery Center
PAPER DISCOVERY CENTER --- 425 W. Water St., Appleton 54911 920.380.7491
COST: $5 Adult/ $4 Senior/ $3 Student/ $12 Family
HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
The Paper Discovery Center is an educational opportunity with plenty of child-friendly hands-on activities. Learn about the paper products we use and how paper is made. There is a large climb-on play center in the middle of the museum which teaches kids the steps to papermaking. The kids' favorite part of the museum was the paper making area where they got to learn to make their own piece of paper. Free parking on-site.
A fun idea for the paper you make: my kids didn't want to ruin the piece of paper they made so we printed a photo of them making the paper, attached it to the paper, then framed it. Now they have a keepsake of their visit to the Paper Discovery Center.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Hands-on activities were fun for all ages. Informative and interesting. This really made us think more about the paper products we use everyday.