Tag Archives: holiday fun

Get Your Holiday Game On

  Tis the season to party. The holidays are a time for festive family fun.  However, the key successful entertaining is to have a host of activities on hand for guests of all ages. The following Christmas-themed games and projects are sure to keep your guests in the holiday spirit long after they leave your home: Christmas Sing-Off:  Instead of bundling up to go caroling outdoors, host a karaoke contest inside using holiday-themed tunes.  Or, you could have your guests split into groups and sing favorite songs a cappella. Trivia:  Go online to retrieve a bunch of holiday-themed trivia questions, … Continue reading →

All Aboard for Holiday Fun

For my train-loving 3-year-old nephew, Christmas is simply not complete without a ride on the “Polar Express.” Fortunately, “Polar Express” experiences are running in various cities throughout country right now, including one near my nephew’s home. At last count, no less than 30 different railroad locations were offering “Polar Express” rides for kids of all ages who are enchanted by the classic book and movie of the same name. If your family is looking for a memorable Christmas adventure, you should seriously consider hopping aboard a local “Polar Express.” The seasonal rides recreate the book’s magic of finding the spirit … Continue reading →

Holiday Fun with the Family

After surviving yet another snow day with a house full of kids (most not mine), I definitely see why some parents take advantage of all the outdoor holiday-related activities offered this time of year. Whether it’s a horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street or a walking tour of Christmas lights at the zoo, tis the season to let your kids burn off steam while enjoying festive events. Here’s a look at some kid-friendly holiday activities going on around the country right now: MAINE In Portland, Maine, families can tour the inside and outside of the legendary Victoria Mansion, which has … Continue reading →

Making the Most of Your Holiday Trip the Waterpark

In a previous blog I suggested gifting your favorite family with passes to an indoor waterpark. These days practically every city in the nation is home to a resort that features an indoor waterpark. They are extremely popular with families since they can be accessed without getting on a plane, plus you don’t have to blow thousands of dollars to visit one. Since most resorts include the price of admission to waterparks in the room rate you can save right out of the gate. However, to really get your money’s worth it’s a good idea to make sure your kids … Continue reading →

Make a Splash this Christmas

Here’s a great holiday gift idea for the family that doesn’t need another board game, blender, or photo album—a gift card to a water park. Several indoor water parks across the country are offering fabulous savings on weekend stays while others are offering bargains on day passes. The idea is to give families a fun place to bond while the kids are out of school. For example, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, home to the brand new Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, is offering amazing deals for its new indoor water park. The massive $19 million park, called H20ooohh Indoor Family … Continue reading →

More Fun Places to Ride with Santa

Railway companies across the country are inviting families to hop aboard and ride with Santa this season. Whether it’s the “North Pole Express,” “Christmas Tree Express,” or “Snowball Express,” the big red guy will be on hand to visit with your children. Take a look at where Santa will be riding the rails before he hits the skies on Christmas Eve: CALIFORNIA Fillmore and Western Railway Company offers not one, but three types of Christmas train rides. Kids can have dinner with Santa, pick the perfect Christmas tree, or visit the “North Pole.” The “Christmas Tree Train” takes families to … Continue reading →

Having Fun on Santa’s Christmas Express

Forget about seeing Santa at the mall and head to the train depots listed below for a seasonal ride your entire family won’t soon forget. Railways from coast-to-coast are decked out to deliver your kids to Santa (or vice versa). Conductors don Christmas caps and train rides feature milk, cookies and other treats from Kris Kringle himself. Take a look: WISCONSIN Hop aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Spooner for a festive trip of a lifetime. Not only will you be treated to a two and a half-hour train ride, but you’ll also get to share a pizza with … Continue reading →

Places to Have a Holly Jolly Good Time with Your Family

Tis the season to be with family and friends. Whether you decide to bond on the slopes or huddle together in front of the fireplace for a fierce game of Pictionary, the holidays are a great time to spend with loved ones. However, if you don’t know how to ski or you shudder at the thought of having to stay cooped up indoors all day, you might consider the following festive family-friendly options: CONNECTICUT At Christmas Town in Bethlehem, Connecticut, kids can visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling along Main Street. Don’t forget to … Continue reading →

Fun with Fruitcake–The Best Gag Gift of the Season

It’s the holiday tradition that takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’. Actually, I know several people who wouldn’t put their tongues anyway near fruitcake, yet that doesn’t seem to diminish its role as a Christmas stalwart. Regardless of the fact that it remains the butt of countless jokes and no matter how many people toss it out as soon they get it, the Christmas fruitcake keeps coming back year after year (and in some cases it’s the same one making the rounds). Many fruitcake recipients are under the impression that the holiday dessert has no expiration. That it can … Continue reading →

More Ideas for Holiday Family Fun—Christmas Light Displays

My preschooler squealed with delight as we drove through our city’s downtown area yesterday. Crews were busy stringing lights, trimming trees and hoisting the gigantic Christmas angel above Main Street. The countdown to Christmas is on and my daughter couldn’t be happier. While most of us are still eating Halloween candy, there are some communities that are moving full steam ahead with their holiday light displays. While the vast majority of Christmas displays don’t start until December, there are a few places where you can take in the festive sights right now. The Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, … Continue reading →