February 24, 2012

A Few Vancouver Aquarium Photo Outtakes

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

I shoot a lot of photos when we travel and I mean a lot. While some people come back with 500 images from a 2 week trip, I can return with well over 5000 shots. Somewhere in there are some amazing shots. But even after I edit them down I can fit everything into one blog post.

I had a few extra images from our recent trip to the Vancouver Aquarium that I thought I would share. Most are of the amazing creatures we saw with one of Dek thrown in for fun. Enjoy!

How many tiny green frogs do you see? I count at least three.

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Aquariums, Canada, Vancouver

February 23, 2012

Loads of Fun with a Dash of Fear at the Vancouver Aquarium

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

The Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia serves up fish big and small for the whole family

Every aquarium visit starts out the same in our family. Dek runs from tank to tank saying hello to all of the smaller fish. He giggles and laughs his way through starfish, anemones, clownfish, and fish I have never been able to name. Then come the big tanks. Dek still isn’t sure how he feels about those.

It all started at the Osaka Aquarium. Dek would not go within 2 feet of a tank, no matter what size the fish were. He could not grasp the concept that there was glass between him and the fish. Those critters looked like they wanted to take a bite out of him and he wasn’t taking any chances. After almost 3 hours wandering and watching a family of little girls bang on the tanks, he finally got up close and personal with some fishy friends.

On a later visit to the Seattle Aquarium Dek was much more adventurous. The fish didn’t scare him as much. He even poked a finger into the tide pools. I thought we had turned a corner since he was a little bit older. Apparently not.

Dek was so excited to visit the Vancouver Aquarium. I had been talking it up for days before we took off on our weekend adventure. We were going to see octopus, sharks, dolphins and whales. Oh sure mom, that all sounded great on paper and on the TV, but when reality hit, his old fears set back in.

As we entered the rain forest exhibit, a huge arapaima was there to greet us. Dek immediately jumped into Mike’s arms and would not let go until we were well away from the gigantic beast. He was convinced he was about to be eaten. We made the loop around the rain forest, saying hi to parrots and other fascinating creatures. Dek began to relax and have fun once again until we completed our loop. He took one look at the arapaima tank and jumped back onto Mike.

Tropical birds of the rainforest calm Dek's fears after seeing a mighty big fish

Naturally the tropic zone was next and that meant sharks, rays and sea turtles. Oh yeah, and a very large tank. Dek was once again lured into the exhibit by smaller fish that defied our imaginations. I mean really, some of these guys looked amazing, and just a bit strange. My favorites were the clownfish, and thanks to Pixar, Dek was quite enamored with this little fish as well. We had to find Nemo a lot. We almost lost Dek a few times as he darted in and out of tanks checking out what other creatures were in this exhibit. And then he saw the shark tank. Back into Mike’s arms he went.

The cute and the creepy were on display for all to explore

We decided to take tackle Dek’s fear in baby steps. Mike held onto Dek and stood well away from the tank. Mike loves sea creatures great and small. He talked up the “very cool” sharks and “super awesome” rays that swam by. A huge “wow” popped out when the sea turtle lumbered by. OK, Dek could handle that, so Mike took a few steps closer. Dek cringed back, but kept peeking up at the tank. His curiosity was winning out. Mike finally made it all the way to the tank, within touching distance, but Dek would not go that extra step. That was OK. He had conquered a little of his fears and was mesmerized by what he saw. He just needed a little extra reassurance from dad.

Dek stretches out his hand to say hello to a passing ray

Oddly enough the dolphins, beluga whales, seals and otters were not a problem for Dek. The dolphins were understandable since we saw them via the underwater viewing stations in the children’s play area, Clownfish Cove. Like all children’s areas there was a certain amount of chaos, but Dek is a natural at chaos and holding his own by now. I just needed to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn’t bully any of the younger kids.

Having lots of hands on fun in Clownfish Cove

A beluga whale quietly soars by onlookers

Outside we could look down into the dolphin tanks, watch the beluga whales come up for air and saw the seals coming in for their mid-day training session. By now Dek was pretty much done. Lunch and naptime were looming over our heads. He didn’t really spare many of the animals a second glance. I needed to see the mammals before we left though. They were my favorite part! The beluga whales in their quiet glory sailed by, holding their breathe longer than I could ever imagine. Dek and I watch the otter scrub his face and pretended to scrub our faces right along with him. Otters have always been Dek’s favorite at the zoo, so it wasn’t hard to get him to stop for more than a few seconds.

Doing a little pretend bath time along with our friends the otters

Seals come out to play during their mid-day training session

With our first look at the Vancouver Aquarium complete we headed out in search of food. There is so much we missed during our visit, but that just means we have to go back. We got a good look at the highlights and even a few creatures most people would miss on their next visit as they prioritized different tanks than we did. I’m just so glad that Dek was able to tackle a small part of his aquarium fears. Hopefully our next visit will just build on the progress we made. And if not, oh well. Dek still proved that he could have a lot of fun even if a little fear is in the mix.

Our first trip to the Vancouver Aquarium was education and exciting to say the least, but now it was time for a nap.

Know Before You Go

  • Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way (in Stanley Park)
  • Hours:
    • Try to go on a weekday or as soon as the aquarium opens in the morning. If you can’t swing that then go later in the day. The crowds gather quickly.
  • Cost:$21/adult, $16/youth (13-18), $13/child (4-12), under 3 are free
    • Tickets can be bought online so you skip the ticket counter line up
    • Discounted tickets are available for those meeting certain criteria. Check the website to see if you apply.
  • Getting there
    • Drive: from most downtown locations, take West Georgia Street north into the park. Follow signs for the Stanley Park exit. From there you will see signs to the aquarium.
      • Parking is available adjacent to the aquarium and throughout the park: $10/day April-September and $5/day October-March. Visa and Mastercard along with coins are accepted in the parking meters.
    • Bus: the #19 bus runs along West Pender Street and into the park. Bus fare is $2.50/person. Exact change is needed.
    • Walk: 15-20 minute walk from Downtown. Head up the Seawall for a beautiful view as you make your way into the park.
  • Strollers are welcome at the aquarium, but you may end up using it to haul your purse and camera bag more than your kid. If you have a baby, stick him or her in a carrier. It will be easier to navigate the crowds if you are there at peak times.

For more Know Before You Go information check out our Vancouver, BC page. 

Haven’t gotten enough travel dreaming yet? Head over to R We There Yet Mom for some Friday Dreamin’ and Delicious Baby for Photo Friday. 

12 comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Aquariums, Canada, Vancouver

February 23, 2012

Creature Encounters for All Ages at the Woodland Park Zoo

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

There is nothing like some cute little penguins to welcome you to the zoo

I had a rather disturbing experience on my last trip to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, WA. We were in the reptile house when I noticed a couple pointing at one of the terrariums. I wandered over. What I saw still creeps me out a little. A snake, no thicker than my pinky finger, had darted into the water and snagged a goldfish. The snake worked its way up a branch to the top of his enclosure and just held the fish in his mouth. I’m guessing he was suffocating it to death. I grabbed Dek and our friends to check it out. The kids could have cared less. Here was the circle of life in action and the under 4 set could not be bothered. It just goes to show the zoo is not just for kids, but for adults to appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom as well.

A pinky sized snake takes a mouthful of fish to his perch

The zoo was our very first “kid” activity with Dek. He was 4 months old. It was a cold and gray day in Seattle, nothing unusual there. Mike and I were determined to get outside. We had a kid after all. We needed to be doing all of these fun kid things. Plus, you know, we wanted to go to see the snow leopards. Mike loves snow leopards.

Little did Dek know what fun was in store at the zoo or what goofy parents he had.

We got a zoo membership on that first visit, but only managed to get there a handful of times. As soon as I left my job our zoo visits tripled. If I’m not sure how to entertain Dek on any given morning we go to the zoo. Rain or shine, cold or hot, we are there. We usually follow the same route, checking out our favorite animals. The tigers are always on the tour as well as the orangutans, elephants, hippos, giraffes, penguins and recently, the reptile house.

Whenever family comes to visit we head to the zoo. It is small enough to catch a lot of the animals in a morning or afternoon visit, but still large enough to necessitate a return trip to see everything. My parents loved exploring all of the special features and just seeing the look of wonder on their grandson’s face as we explored the animals in the Tropical Rain Forest, Australasia Willawong station and African Savannah.

Lions, Patas, Meerkats and tigers are just a few highlights on our tour of the zoo

Dek and his grandpa do a little drumming in the African Village

The zoo is in the process of expanding its tiger and bear exhibit. This is a very welcome renovation, as the current animal habitats seem much too small for such large animals. The new enclosures will give the animals more room to roam and be a bit closer to their natural environment. You can bet we will be there on opening day or at least soon after.

My stomach is still churning just a little when I think back on that poor fish being eaten by the snake. I’m not sure why it bothers me. I’ve seen pythons go after much bigger prey. Maybe it is the size of the snake. Something that small should not be able to swallow a fish that big, and yet I saw the snake’s buddy with a very fully belly of fish going for seconds only moments later.

I’m waiting for the day when Dek will notice this all happening and ask “what are they doing mommy?” Well, there are much worse things I will have to explain on a trip to the zoo that’s for sure. The circle of life doesn’t just involve food as you know. I can’t wait for the blush and stories that day will bring.

The elephant enclosure is one of the largest I have seen in a zoo of this size

Pet a goat, say hi to some chickens or check out some pigs in the Family Farm

Know Before You Go

  • Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington
    • South Entrance address: 750 N. 50th Street
    • West Entrance address: 5500 Phinney Ave.
  • Hours and cost
    • October through April 9:30am-4pm / $11.75 adults, $8.50 kids 3-12, under 3 are free
    • May through September 9:30am-6pm / $17.75 adults, $11.50 kids 3-12, under 3 are free
  • Admission discounts
    • Seniors receive $2 off admissions
    • Active and retired military receive $5 off admission
    • If you take the bus to the zoo you receive $2 off admission
    • If you live locally a membership is worth it. If only one parent will be taking the kids most of the time, just get a one adult membership + any kids. If the other adult is able to join you once in a while, you can use your half off admission discount.
  • Parking
    • $5.75 per day in 5 lots around the zoo
    • Ample free street parking
  • Food Pick: Redmill Burger (312 N. 67th Street, just down the street from the zoo) is hands down our favorite spot to grab a bite after a morning visit to the zoo. I crave their Bacon Deluxe with Cheese almost every day. It is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Also bring cash. No credit cards are accepted.

Educational fun

Wandering the zoo paths isn’t the only fun that can be had. The zoo has several scheduled feeding times and lectures throughout the day that teach kids even more about the animals they are visiting. Volunteers and handlers can be found near the elephants to show you a real elephant tusk and let you feel it. They give out stickers too. Dek has also been able to check out a wild dog skull and touch orangutan hair on our visits.

Touching a wild dog skull

Checking out the land of the orangutans and their enormous paw prints

Zoomazium on a rainy day

Dek and I don’t head over to the Zoomazium very often, but on rainy days it is a great place to be. This play space is for infants on up to 8 year olds. I love it because the smaller kids have their own section to play. Big kids climbing the giant strangler fig tree won’t trample baby crawlers and walkers. Exploring is encouraged. Daily programs highlight the environment and natural world of the animals.

Bead makingis just one of the many activities available for kids and parents

Maps and Guides

  • The Woodland Park Zoo website has a host of great resources for your trip. There is a free app for your iPhone with a zoo map, schedule of daily events, animal information and more.
  • The site also hosts a Rainy Day Building Hop guide so you can still enjoy the animals, but get a break from the weather as you tour around.
  • There is no shortage of art for parents and kids to explore. Sculptures are scattered throughout the zoo that kids can climb and offer the perfect photo moments.

Say hi to a baby elephant sculpture after seeing the real thing at play

Do Not Miss! There is a rose garden on the south side of the zoo. It is free to enter even if you aren’t visiting the zoo. Seattle has a fantastic climate for growing roses and this garden really shows off its colors in the summer. I love finding new varieties to add to my own garden in this 2.5 acre rose display. We have witnessed a wedding, played hide and seek, and even tried our hand at some gardening (not so sure the gardeners were happy with that though.) Roses continue to bloom late into the autumn around here. Be sure to check it out even if you think most of the blooms are gone. You may be surprised.

A little hide and seek among the roses

Need some more travel photos to get you to Friday? Check out Travel Photo Thursday on Budget Travelers Sandbox.

11 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Gardens, Seattle, Zoos

February 22, 2012

Tackling My Travel Potty Training Fears

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Scarier for me or my toddler?

If you read Mama’s Fear of Potty Training on the Road a few weeks ago, you will know that this phase of parenthood has me scared silly. We are well into potty training at this point. Dek has almost mastered running to his tiny toilet at home. We still have a few accidents, but at least he is trying and knows where to go.

I have realized something very interesting however. I actually have to be a part of this process. Yes, yes, I knew I’d have to help him climb on the toilet, pull down pants, etc. but it’s so much more than that, especially when we are out and about.

It is up to me to make sure I get Dek to a bathroom when we are traveling or just wandering around town. I can’t just ask him if he needs to use the toilet. He is perfectly happy running around in a wet diaper or pull-up. Why stop playing when you can go where you are? I need to be proactive about bringing him to the restroom when we are out of the house. I also need to clue into his queues (right now little squeaks) that he has to go and go now. I have to pull  the car over or get to a rest stop when we are on the road more often than we already do. I can’t assume a 2 year old will be able to vocalize what he needs all the time. After all, I have to remind him to eat sometimes, I guess I’ll just add going to the restroom to the list.

That being said, I decided to start a page dedicated to Potty Training on the Road. I hope this helps other parents currently experiencing the “joys” of potty training. Even more than that, I hope it keeps me on task as I try to get Dek potty trained once and for all, preferably before his little brother shows up.

Check back often for little tips and tricks I pick up along the way. I’ll also add links to other blogging friends who have mastered this parenting obstacle in one way or another. If you have some tricks up your sleeve, please send them my way. In the meantime, check out the tips I’ve picked up so far.

4 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Travel Tips

February 20, 2012

Walkingon Joins the Trip Styler Team

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Trip Styler editor-in-chief hard at work

I am very excited to announce that I have joined the team over at Trip Styler as their newest monthly columnist. I’ll be covering family travel in a section called KinderHop. Don’t worry, you can still find me here writing about our family misadventures, you will just get a little extra each month.

EIC Trish Friesen of Trip Styler

The first KinderHop launched this morning. Learn a little more about me, and what we have in store for the column. Then come back on the third Monday of each month as I share a little travel wisdom on topics ranging from hotel rooms with kids to the best places on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Not familiar with Trip Styler? Don’t worry, you will be. This travel lifestyle e-publication created by Vancouver-based writer Trish Friesen is for aspiring jetsetters looking for the best way to make their travel dreams a reality. Nothing is impossible. And this is what Trip Styler and Walkingon Travels have in common. I have never shied away from an experience just because my family is in tow. I created a “trip style” that worked for our family.

As Trish puts it, “variety is the spice of life. A trip style is how a person chooses to travel on a given trip, and most travelers have a range. Every trip style is heavily influenced by a number of key factors including: budget, time available, area of interest, travel companions, activity level and desired experience.”

Mike and I have figured out a few of our own trip styles, but they are ever evolving and changing as Dek grows  and his little brother joins us in a couple of months. I am very excited to bring a new element to Trip Styler, spread the word that family travel is possible,  introduce you to some exciting ideas and learn a little more about myself in the process. We are bound to have a lot of fun.

6 comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Uncategorized

February 19, 2012

Take a Familymoon

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

A familymoon celebrates the family you now have and what is yet to come

What is a Family Moon you may be asking yourself? Well it is my failed attempt at a clever play on the babymoon. It’s not exactly a new term though. I’ve mainly heard it used to describe a holiday new families takes together when a new family is formed by marriage (single mom with kids or two divorced parents with kids get hitched, etc.) It is a way for the family to bond after the wedding and all start their new lives together. I’m using it in a slightly different way here.

My familymoon is a babymoon, but with our toddler along for the ride. Mike and I never got to take a babymoon before Dek was born. We were too busy working. I was taking 2 months maternity leave, how could I possibly spare a long weekend. The reality is we didn’t make it a priority and we should have. I’m not making the same mistake twice. We don’t have family near by to watch Dek for a weekend away as a couple, so he gets to come along too. I like it better this way.

Our family is about to change once again. Another little guy is on the way and about to shift our family dynamic. We have gotten used to our way of life. Why not celebrate these last 2 months together as we are now?

A walk along the water kicks off our familymoon in Vancouver, BC

This is not to say that we are sad that life will be changing. We are thrilled! Dek will have a playmate for life. We will have another little boy to call our own. I’ll have two boys to mold into the perfect men (yes future 30 year olds, my boys will know how to cook and clean like the best of them and they will be practicing on my house.)

I’m taking these last few trips together as a chance to bask in the wonderful little boy that God has already blessed us with. I’m showering Dek with a few extra kisses and hugs before another little guy takes up the other half of my lap. Oh yeah, and I’ll remember that man I feel in love with so many years ago that made this growing family possible. I supposed I really should give Mike a few extra hugs and kisses as well.

So take a break from the norm. Pull your kids out of school if you have too. Have a celebration of what has been and what is to come. Your family will never look like this again. It will grow and change and become something you could have never dreamed of. It really does only get better, or so they tell me.

What about you? Are you taking a babymoon? Maybe your own version of a familymoon? 

3 comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Pregnancy, Travel Tips

February 18, 2012

Headed Out for a Vancouver Weekend

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

We are headed up to Vancouver this weekend. I couldn’t be more excited. Dek is excited to check out the aquarium. Mike and I can’t wait to sample some of Vancouver’s culinary culture and walk through a few of the neighborhoods. I am also hooking up with fellow blogger Trip Styler to break a little bread and discuss what’s new in our travel worlds.

Somewhere in there I will also relax. With my travel bug on hyper drive the farther along (and bigger!) I get in my pregnancy, the more my brain says, “get out there! Go, go, go!” I’ve scheduled a fancy pedicure at the hotel spa and can’t wait to lap up a little luxury.

Stay tuned next week for details on our trip and all the wonders this not so tiny city has to offer.

If you want to keep up on our adventures while we are away just follow us on Facebook and Twitter pages. 

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Canada, Vancouver

February 17, 2012

A Pike Place Kind of Morning

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

The pig at Pike Place Market is a draw for kids young and old. Give him a ride or even a little kiss.

The Pike Place Market is one of those Seattle icons that everyone visits when they come to town. Tourist swamp the small walkways and stand gaping at the fishermen as they throw a $200 fish through the air. Oddly enough, it is also a place that locals frequent. I tend to steer clear of any tourist congestion whenever possible, but even I can’t help myself from running down to check out the fresh produce or grab a sandwich at my favorite spot.

When we were presented with a beautiful, sunny Wednesday morning, my friend Nic and I decided it was time to head down with the kids and do a little exploring toddler style. The beauty of the market in winter is that the crowds aren’t as heavy. If you go in the morning you can practically have the place to yourself. Shopkeepers were still setting up when we arrived at 9:30am. But what to do with toddlers in a market full of goodies? Oh boy, what is there NOT to do.

The Crumpet Shop gets your morning started on a scrumptious note

First off, no morning visit is complete without a stop at the Crumpet Shop. We fuelled up on coffee, steam milk and some fresh out of the oven crumpets. The kids got boring ole butter crumpets. Nic and I shared the decadent maple butter crumpet along with a ricotta, honey and walnut topped crumpet. It may sound like a strange combo, but trust me it is amazing.

Nic stocks up on spices at Market Spice in the Main Arcade

Pike Place is not only a spot to grab a bite to eat, but you can also load up on household staples, like spices from the Market Spice, or pick up fish and produce for your dinner that night. Your hubby may need to take the hint (as mine rarely does) and head on down to take advantage of the amazing flower deals. Fresh blooms for $5, $10, or $15 really can’t be beat. In the winter the stalls mostly have dried arrangements, but any day now the tulips will come pouring in. By summer bouquets with peonies, crocosmias and dahlias will fill the air with their sweet scent.

Grab a sample of fresh fruit from many of the produce vendors in the market

Say hi to the fish guys as you and your little one check out the stands

There is no end to the entertainment either. Street performers, each licensed by the city, have their designated spot in the market and time slot. Enjoy a harmonizing duo, tap dancing blue grass band or just a lone guy with his guitar and dog by his side.

One of the few street musicians out on an early winter morning

For a little educational moment, hop on over to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to watch the masters at work. We caught the end of the show as employees scooped up cheese curds from the latest batch. Afterwards we helped ourselves to a few free samples. Mind you this was after the fruit sampling we had been doing earlier in our meanderings. Did you know there are heirloom oranges? Delicious!

Peer through the giant windows at the men and women crafting Beecher's famous cheese

To round out our morning of toddler fun, we headed to my favorite sandwich counter at Three Girls Bakery. They really know how to stack on the pickles, which are the perfect complement to their chicken salad sandwich. With a hint of pineapple in the chicken salad, a little dill adds the tang my growing belly craves.

Arriving at the market early gives the kids a bit more room to run without getting lost in the crowd.

Know Before You Go

  • Pike Place Market, corner of 1st and Pike in downtown Seattle
  • Open 7 days a week, 362 days a year. 9am-6pm, but some restaurants within the market are open earlier for breakfast or later for dinner.
  • Public restrooms are available. Just follow the signs or ask a merchant
  • Parking is available in lots around the market. You may also be able to find parking on the street. All charge fees during the day. Be extra vigilant about reading signs carefully for tow zones.
  • This is not the best stroller spot, especially in the summer. If your kids love to walk, let them. If you have a baby, strap them into your baby carrier. It will be easier to maneuver the crowds.
  • Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in the summer, to avoid the crush.
  • There are several levels to the market. If you have little legs traveling with you, you may not be able to explore all of them. Even the top level is more than enough to keep you entertained.
  • Enjoy the free samples. You are getting to know the city and all it has to offer one bite at a time.

A few more photo favorite from our morning out 

Nic and Lee get cozy with the pig.

Boston St.: The Children's Everything Store has great finds although it can be pricey. Check out their collection of Tin-Tin t-shirts and gear or grab a gift for the punk rock baby in your life.

Winter bouquets won't be around much longer

Toys outside of The Creamery are a great distraction for little ones needing a break

Besides the Space Needle, no other icon is as recognizable in the city

Need a little Friday Dreamin’, check out R We There Yet Mom? Or if you need a little more photo fun head over to Delicious Baby.

16 comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Historic Sights, Seattle, Shopping

February 16, 2012

Things to do with a Toddler in Whistler

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Whistler fun for the whole family

Snow that is piled up higher than your child is always a bit daunting when trying to find something to entertain your toddler. At least this is what I thought before we arrived in Whistler at the end of January. I knew we could go sledding, but other than that, I figured we would just enjoy a few walks in the snow. He wasn’t ready to strap a snowboard on quite yet. I was terrified to take him on a ski-lift to check out the view. What were we to do to entertain our energetic 2 year old? Surprisingly more than we though we could.

Whistler Village. When your toddler has finished exploring his new digs, head on down to Whistler Village to check out all of the kid-friendly (and free!) activities. The Inclusive Playground is enjoyable in the snow, rain or shine. There is free ice-skating available as well. If you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair for about $5.

Bask in Olympic Glory. Check out some of the spots where the 2010 Olympics happened. Hang out in Whistler Olympic Plaza, get your picture taken with the Olympic rings and go on the hunt for Olympic event sights.

Eating. What better activity is there than eating with your kids? There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in the Village to choose from. If you are looking to do a little family cooking in your condo or grab a quick ready-made meal on the go head on over to the Marketplace IGA.

Go for a Walk. There are several paths that lead from the Upper Village into the Whistler Village. Stroll along the path, make a few snow angels and introduce your little one to the fine art of the snowball fight. Just be sure to bring a sled with you to haul them back up the mountain to your hotel. Little legs don’t last so long in the snow. If you legs give out as well, just hop on one of the free shuttles that run past the hotels and into the villages.

Sledding. Bring your sled, or pick one up once you arrive and hit the slopes. Well, not those slopes, but any mini-ones you may find outside of your hotel, in Whistler Village and the public parks. If you see skiers and snowboards whipping down the hill, stay clear. Your little munchkin may get run over and there are usually no-sledding signs posted. Once you have mastered sledding, head over to the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park to have a go.

Swimming. Taking a dip might not be the first thing you think of when headed out for a little winter fun. The outdoor pool and hot tubs are a fantastic place to let the kids dive in, make a few friends and see just how fast a cup of snow can melt when heated by hot tub steam.

Catch a Show that will Captivate the Kids. Every Sunday night at 6:30pm the ski school instructors participate in the Fire and Ice show. Snowboarder fly through the air doing 360s. Skiers do back flips off a jump. Toddlers yell with joy as a boarder goes down. It doesn’t stop there though. Oh no. Then fire dancers light hula-hoops and other instruments on fire and twirl them around making light patterns in the darkened sky. Think that’s impressive? Just wait until they light a large hoop on fire for the snowboarders to leap through. That’s a crowd pleaser every time.

Need a few more kid-friendly suggestions? We weren’t able to hit everything Whistler has to offer, but these are on our list for a return visit.

For more information on all there is to see and do in Whistler, check out our Whistler, BC (Winter) page. 

And don’t forget, you only have until 11:59pm PST Friday night to enter to win our snow-inspired giveaway. 

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Activities, Canada, Whistler

February 15, 2012

My Reality (Not Rules) When Traveling with Kids

By © Keryn Means/ walkingon travels

Amazing sights, endless wanderlust, growing together & family bonding, this is why we travel and always will travel with our kid.

A while back there was an article on CNN GO titled the “5 Rules of Traveling with Kids.” I’m not sure where the author got her information, but most of it was inaccurate. Credit was not given to kids. Credit was definitely not given to parents who are actually parenting.

Even more flabbergasting than the title of the article was the subhead, which read, “ You’re not in control.” I’m sorry, but I am the mom. I am in control of what my little guy does. Yes, plans change and we butt heads over what he should be doing at any given moment or what he should eat, but I have never doubted that I am the mom and Dek is the kid.

Above all, the author underestimated just how amazing families are and what a great job parents are doing at raising their kids around the world. Travel with babies and toddlers doesn’t have to be the painful, torturous experience some would lead you to believe it is. Just have a little patience, persistence and a sense of humor. So here we go. Let’s get down to the reality of traveling with small kids.

  • Babies and toddlers can get over jet lag, sometimes quicker than you. The author claims that the younger the kid, the harder it is for them to adjust. I have actually found the opposite. The older Dek gets and the more set he is in his sleep patterns, the more trouble he has switching over. But he does switch over. Dek may get up at 3am for a snack or a little play time the first night, but I’m up anyway because of my own jet lag. Sometimes I pull him into bed with me and we pass back out. Sometimes after a snack he is ready to crawl back into his own bed. We make it work. We certainly don’t stop traveling because of jet lag. Heck, even with infants, you are up every few hours for feedings anyway. What’s the difference if you are on a different time zone?

This is what infant jet lag can look like. Not bad huh? Our 1st day in Hong Kong after 24 hours of travel. Dek was 14 months old.

  • Kid-friendly food is not necessary. Do not underestimate your kid’s palates. They may just surprise you with how much they are willing to explore and try out when no other options are available. One way to help prepare your kids for new tastes is to eat a variety of foods at home. A diet of  hot dogs and Hamburger Helper isn’t that great for them anyway. Dek has had McDonalds all of 3 times. He also does not get junk food or sugar snacks. All of these contribute to his love of new foods. I never look at a restaurant and think “oh I hope there is mac n’ cheese on the menu so Dek will eat something.” No, I look at the menu and say, “wow that pasta, steak, lamb chop looks amazing!” It all starts at home. Give your child variety, let them try new things and start early. Babies love to pick food off your plate, so make sure your plate is full of fantastic flavors you might encounter around the world. Do not let your kid’s eating preferences determine where you travel too. You can always find something to keep everyone happy.

Dek doesn't care if its sushi, dim sum, tacos, green beans or burgers. He'll eat it all. At 2.5 years old this may be unique, but it doesn't have to be

  • Entertainment comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. With the invention of the iPad, Kindle Fire and Leap Frog gadgets packing just got a lot easier and lighter. You don’t need two duffel bags full of toys, books, crayons and games to keep your kids entertained on a plane. I pack a small zip lock bag of favorite (and sometimes new) matchbox cars, 5 crayons, a small coloring book or notebook and my Kindle Fire loaded with games and movies. Dek is entertained for hours. Literally. And what is wrong with getting up from your seat to take a walk and explore the plane a little more. It’s good for all of you to stretch and get some exercise regularly on a flight. If you are worried about your kids demanding TV the entire trip just because you have your iPad with you, set a precedent early. Videos are for planes only. Once you arrive stash the electronics and go out to explore.

Big hotel room with a little bag of toys. We had a city to explore!

  • Don’t pack every single thing you could possibly need.
    • Toys: You are going on vacation. There will be plenty of things to entertain your child. You shouldn’t be sitting in your hotel playing with toys all day anyway. Bring a small bag of favorites and let your location be your main source of fun. If you get desperate, many popular vacation sights have agencies that you can rent toys from for a few dollars a day.
    • Books and Bedtime: Some kids, including my own, can not live without their little blankie or stuffed animal. If you start early enough, you can make sure your kid is attached to something that is easy to pack and won’t take up half your suitcase. Now all you need is the security blanket or animal and 2 books for bed time. That’s it. That’s all you need.
    • Clothing: Baby and toddler clothing is tiny. They don’t take up much room. I still pack more clothes for Dek than I do for myself and yet we still travel with the exact number of suitcases we did before Dek was born. And I even pack a couple of pairs of shoes for me!
    • Buy it there: Shopping is fun in a new place. Diapers, wipes, etc. can usually be found in most places. Unless you are going to a remote area or are very specific about what brand you will use, you don’t need to worry about packing this stuff. If you are worried about the price difference, just figure you are saving $25-50 in baggage fees. Use that as your extra cash for baby necessities. Another option is to order what you will need online and have it shipped to your final destination. I do this all the time when we head back east to visit the family. Diapers, wipes and formula are waiting for us when we arrive.

  • Strollers are multifunctional. We use our stroller for everything. Kid carrier, luggage cart, shopping cart. You name it, I’ll use a stroller for it. We don’t pack a huge, bulky, over the top stroller on any trip. I have 2 such strollers, but after Dek’s first few months they got stashed in a closet. We only used our umbrella stroller now. It weighs less than he does. If it ends up sitting in a closet in a hotel the whole time, oh well. If it gets demolished in baggage, you will see no tears from me. It’s so cheap you can just replace it anywhere you go. Yes, we still travel with our Ergo baby carrier, but that folds up nicely into a day pack. These two items save us endless baby carrying in our arms or missing out on another sight down the street because we were walking at toddler pace. 

A compact stroller is a great tool to get you through any, whether you use it every second or not

There you have it. My reality when traveling with a small child. It’s simple. It’s low stress. It helps me keep my sanity.

One last thing the author slips into the article is that traveling with infants isn’t really worth it because they won’t be able to appreciate the wonders of a new country since they haven’t explored much past their main food source. I’ve said it a hundred times and I will say it again, you aren’t traveling just for your kids. My mantra when I was pregnant with Dek was that I would not let it stop my travels. Short of medical necessity we would be hitting the road. It is my wanderlust that gets this family on an airplane and exploring new places. One day I will ask Dek where he wants to go, but for now he is just so excited to ride a plane he doesn’t care where it lands. When his baby brother is here, I won’t be asking him what he thinks he will appreciate more, Disneyland or Versailles. He’s going to Versailles because I want to go there.

This is my reality: on the road with no regrets.

Now that I’ve had my rant, what do you think? Have any travel “rules” you live by?

Need more perspective on the subject? Check out these other bloggers debunking the article right along with me. As you can see, we are passionate about pushing past fears and misconceptions and hitting the road with kids of all ages.

18 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Travel Tips