Tag Archives: family

Enjoy Concerts at the Arboretum!

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Visit the beautiful Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn at the Dallas Arboretum.

Bring family, friends, favorite food and beverages and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of White Rock Lake. Voted Best Concert Venue by D Magazine, the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage hosts some of DFW’s best bands including Emerald City, Asleep at the Wheel, A Hard Night’s Day and many more.

Click here for the complete schedule.

Stone Mountain Is A Nearby Adventure!

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Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most popular attraction and features a wide variety of family activities. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, adventure awaits as you discover interactive family friendly attractions and many natural and historical sights. Plus you won’t want to miss dozens of fun annual events such as Spring FUN Break, Summer at the Rock, Yellow Daisy Festival, Indian Festival and Pow-Wow, Stone Mountain Christmas and Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain activities are suitable for all ages

You can play in the spray or stay high and dry on the all-new Geyser Towers®. Or trek through the treetops on SkyHike®, the nation’s largest adventure course. Take a cable car to the top of Stone Mountain and get an up-close look at the Stone Mountain Carving. Relax on the scenic train ride around the mountain. And end your day at the world’s largest laser light show featuring a fantastic fireworks finale!

Visit stonemountainpark.com/ for more information.

To be or not to be at the Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library is home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials and to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art. It proudly serves as the primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500-1750).

Not only is this a world-renowned research center and a leading conservation lab, the Folger Library is also known for its plays, concerts, literary readings, exhibitions, and family activities year-round!

The Folger Shakespeare for Kids program offers beginners’ activities, while local family workshops introduce the world of Shakespeare to kids and parents together. Believing that learning has no age limits, Shakespeare for Seniors strives to engage senior citizens with activities of the Elizabethan style.

Most notably, the biggest event is hosted on the Sunday closest to Shakespeare’s Birthday where the whole Folger is open to visitors with cakes, entertainments, crafts and tours!

Pizzeria Stella

Steeelllllllaaaaaa! No, not talking streetcars here, just exclaiming the love Philadelphia has for the new hotspot, Pizzeria Stella. Pizzeria Stella is the newest Stephen Starr gem with a boisterous and family-friendly atmosphere. The menu is limited, but if you’re in search of seriously yummy thiPicture 7n-crust pizzas with a nice house red wine, you’re in luck.

The pizza bar is a fantastic place to sit with two or three people and watch the chefs do their work. When visiting with four or more, grab a table and order family style, because there is no way to choose which toppings you’d like.

The margherita pizza, loaded with fresh basil and just the right amount of cheese, is a fantastic place to start. More adventurous diners should try their feature “tartufo” pizza, made with black truffles, fontina, parmesan, and topped with a fried egg. End your meal with the secret family recipe house-made gelato, everything from olive oil to chocolate, and presto, you’re good to go!

Family Dinner at Dominick’s

Stuck in the heart of West Hollywood, Dominick’s is one of the only places in Los Angeles made to feel as though you are dinning at your family’s home for Sunday supper. Though a 2004 renovation took place at the restaurant, executive chefs and co-owners opted to keep the homey vibe by incorporating dark woods and booths to add levels of comfort and style.
With Italian fare offering signature dishes such as a grilled artichoke appetizer and a flourless chocolate cake for dessert, patrons swear by the food, flavor and fun that Dominick’s promises to deliver. Along with the essentials such as homemade fettuccine and grilled chicken paillard, Dominick’s brings in families and friends on their favorite night of the week: Sunday.
Sunday dinners at Dominick’s are one of the most popular nights for the restaurant due to the weekly change of menu, multiple course meal and $15.00 price per person. Offering favorites such as skirt steak and potatoes with a strawberry shortcake dessert, Sunday night supper at Dominick’s is meant for anyone with a true taste for Italian.
Though the food alone is reason enough to visit this Italian stop, Dominick’s offers an extensive wine list for the true vino enthusiast. With a long list of bottles to choose from, many visitors often opt for a $10.00 bottle offered on Sunday nights.
When the food is served and wine is poured, most people try to sneak a peek into the kitchen in hopes of finding an Italian grandmother doing all the cooking. Though you are likely to find chefs Ebbink and Boudet cooking away, we can always dream.

Now that’s amore.

Charro Days Feb. 24 – March 3, 2013

Staged each February since 1938, Brownsville’s Charro Days is a weeklong, traditional Mexican “pachanga,” with parades, dances and a variety of fun events for the entire family. The 2013 edition is set for Feb. 24 – March 3.

Feb. 24 – March 3, 2013 will mark the 75th anniversary of Charro Days, the hugely popular “fiesta” staged in the border town of Brownsville each year. Although Charro Days has been around in its current format since 1938, it is rumored that the first “unofficial” Charro Days took place in the early to mid-1800s, when citizens of Brownsville and Matamoros, just across the Rio Grande River in Mexico, came together to celebrate a cooperative climate between the two nations.

The traditions of this “two-nation fiesta” continue today. Those in attendance at this year’s festival will have plenty of opportunity to “baile” as dances are scheduled for both weekends of the event. In addition, there will be a flour tortilla eating contest, folkloric dancing, a golf tournament, parades, and more.

In short, Charro Days is an festival that provides fun for the whole family. And, while you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to stop by the world famous Gladys Porter Zoo, tour historic Port Isabel, or hop over to sunny South Padre Island. But, be warned, once you get a taste of what South Texas has to offer, you may not want to leave.

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Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show March 5 – 13, 2011

Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show 2011 – March 5 – 13, 2011: For those of you with a green thumb (which is so not me), definitely plan on heading over to the Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier. The show features over 100 exhibitors offering gardening products and services as well as numerous gardening seminars.

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24 Days of Central Market Arts Sept 24-Oct 17

24 Days of Central Market Arts

September 24-October 17

24 Days of Central Market Arts is a three-week performing arts festival in San Francisco’s Central Market district. The events include dance, live music, participatory and family-friendly arts activities for all to enjoy the uniquely vibrant arts scene that the neighborhood offers. Most of the events are free and family friendly so head on down and see all the art that San Francisco has to offer.


http://www.centralmarketarts.org/

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The Field Museum: Still Rocking a Century Later

With its presence so large, so bold, so daunting, it’s no surprise the Field Museum is still rocking as one of Chicago’s top tourist destinations, visited by global trekkers day in and day out. Its large, impressive columns speak of antiquity (its prized possession is Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex in the world), but the big, bold flags of new exhibits draping the museum scream of its modern take on history.

And its been rocking since it was incorporated in the State of Illinois on September 16, 1893 as the Columbian Museum of Chicago, later changing its name to the Field Museum to honor its benefactor, Marshall Field. Sitting proudly and prominently in Chicago’s Museum Campus (strikingly visible from Millennium Park), the museum attracts hundreds daily to ooh and ahh over the vast collections of over twenty million specimens, like ancient African and Islamic vases to nearly perfectly preserved mummies. From lectures to regular classes, specialized tours and overnight stays for children, it’s quite hard to find an angle the museum doesn’t reach.

Today, aside from serving as one of the world’s top museums, its research is constantly recognized as a leading developer in science, thanks to joint efforts with the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois. Make sure to check the calendar for exhibit and event listings coordinating with your visit

Prince George’s County Fair Sept. 9-12

The Prince George’s County Fair is Maryland’s oldest fair dating back to 1842. The annual family friendly event includes carnival rides, live animals displays, family circus, fireworks, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, beautiful baby contests, and much more. This year, the fair includes a real, sanctioned Rodeo on Friday and Sunday. for further information contact Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and the Showplace Arena Water St., Upper Marlboro, Maryland. (301) 952-0270 www.countyfair.org

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Prison Break Weekend Aug. 7 & 8

Prison Break Weekend Aug. 7 & 8 Eastern State Penitentiary
Two actors—one portraying tunnel mastermind Clarence Klinedinst and one portraying bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton— give their conflicting accounts of who designed the 1945 tunnel, how it was built, and why the escapees got caught. Meet each inmate in his cell, and see how their accounts vary. Based on actual conflicts in the accounts of Willie Sutton and Clarence Klinedinst. Family events all day!

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Whales, Seahorses & Dolphins Oh Shedd!

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Not only does the Shedd Aquarium play home to some of the most beautiful and exotic sea creatures humans could ever lay their eyes on, but it also is home to one of the best views you’ll find in the entire city of Chicago.

Located on a peninsula jutting out in Lake Michigan, from outside and within its dome-like windowed walls, the entire city of Chicago is laid out like a panoramic postcard from within the museum. The view aside however, kids and adults alike ooh and ahh over the amazing array of sea life. From teeny tiny seahorses of all colors and shapes majestically fanning around their world, to dolphins jumping and baby beluga whales being born, the Shedd Aquarium provides top notch entertainment day and night, all year round.

Visitors learn about sea creatures from every crevice of the world and can catch specially scheduled shows to see the dolphins and whales in action. After hours, the Shedd hosts plenty of parties and mixers so be sure to check their schedule to see if a cocktail hour at the Shedd is happening (always a blast!). Jazzin’ it at the Shedd happens Wednesday nights and serves as the perfect place to catch the nightly fireworks shooting from Navy Pier.

2. Blockbusters for Free at Flicks on 5th July 7-21

Picture 18Summer is known for major Hollywood blockbusters, and in Atlanta you can see the past year’s biggest movies outside for free at Flicks on 5th Street. In July, you’ll be able to see the Best Picture Oscar Winner The Hurt Locker, the family friendly Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the hilarious Hot Tub Time Machine. The movies are every Wednesday and start around nightfall, which is approximately 9pm. So bring your family or loved ones, grab some free popcorn at the event, and head over for a free summer movie.

3. Join the Tradition at Capitol Hill People’s Fair June 5-6

Picture 106The aptly named People’s Fair really has become a favorite summer tradition in Denver, even receiving a “Top of the Rocky” Award by the Rocky Mountain News Readers. The CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair celebrates the diverse Denver urban community with a premiere arts and crafts festival, delicious culinary bites, entertainment from talented musicians, and other things to do with the family. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family- and best of all, it’s all for free.

The Palm: A Classic Family Steakhouse

For years food has brought families together around the dinner table and no one values this tradition more than the owners of The Palm Restaurant.

Recognized as one of the top steakhouses in Atlanta, The Palm boasts an impressive celebrity guest list.

The dining room is uniquely decorated in classic cartoons and caricatures of local regulars, politicians and celebrities covering its walls. Old world charm and hospitality provides an inviting atmosphere while delectable primed aged steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobsters and Italian fare line the menu.

Family Fun Aboard Boston Harbor Cruises’ Whale Watching Tours

Now that the warmer weather is finally here, it’s time to start planning some fun activities for the summer. What better way to explore the coastal region than with a trip aboard Boston Harbor Cruises’ whale watching tours. Board the three-hour cruise at Long Wharf located between The New England Aquarium and Marriott Hotel.

Once aboard the 400-passenger catamaran,Picture 23 you can take in the view of humpbacks, minkes, finbacks and white-sided dolphins from one of three outside decks. Inside, there is a climate-controlled cabin with free WiFi, and a galley for food and beverage purchases. The tour guide from the Whale Center of New England will narrate the cruise where will point out everything from whale behavior and migration patterns to the local ecology. Whale sightings are guaranteed, but if you don’t see one, Boston Harbor Cruises will give you a free ticket for a future cruise.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t forget binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen for this outdoor event. April through October is the best viewing season. Reservations are recommended and can be bought easily online.

3. Dogwood Art Festival April 16-18

Picture 27Spring is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing in Atlanta: the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back. The Dogwoods will be in full bloom, and hundreds of artists from around the country will set up their tents for the 74th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Virtually every kind of art imaginable will be represented, with a nationally renowned-juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and photography.

In addition to the fine art, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts, and face painting for all ages, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rock-climbing wall.  Not to mention the wide array of musical offerings will fill the spring air throughout the weekend. When you get hungry, just follow the smells of funnel cakes, gyros, crab cakes, onion rings, kettle corn and much, much more. And don’t forget the free screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho on the meadow, on Saturday at 9 p.m.

5. Zoo Atlanta’s Gorilla Egg Hunt April 3

Picture 29Step aside White House Egg Roll, because Down South gorillas hunt the eggs. There are no baskets and no rules at this egg hunt at the Zoo Atlanta. Instead of little kiddies running around a lawn, the big Zoo gorillas hunt for the Jell-O easter “eggs” as part of this annual celebration. Cheer for your favorite gentle giants at one of the favorite spring traditions at the Zoo Atlanta.

Real or Wax at The Hollywood Wax Museum

While you can spot celebrities on the street or dining at their favorite digs, nothing really beats a photo op with one of your favorite stars. The Hollywood Wax Museum, situated on the famous Hollywood Boulevard, is the only place where no matter what time of day, you can be face-to-face with Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Elvis Presley and even Judy Garland.  The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest running wax museum and the only one devoted entirely to famous faces in the United States.

Even though posing and snapping photographs is all the fun, thePicture 7 true beauty behind this museum is how long it takes to bring these stars to life. Careful planning and authentic design go into each creation giving each wax figure a real presence- taking a team of 7 artists three months to make! The museum is constantly changing to allow for new, popular stars to be immortalized for fans in the life-like wax. This museum is perfect for the City of Stars, because it gives museum goers a chance to pose with a celebrity without having to chase them down.

Insider’s Tip: Open 365 days a year, a visit to this museum is probably best accompanied by other spots such as the Guinness World Records Museum or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Thanks to multiple ticket packages that the museum offers, you can visit all three and get a true taste of Hollywood celebrities, world records and unbelievable sightings.

Traveling Broadway Shines at Winspear Opera House

An affordable evening of culture and class? You bet. The Winspear Opera House is the crown jewel of One Arts Plaza, boasting seating for 2,200 with retractable screens, variable acoustics and a spectacular view of the skyscrapers of downtown Dallas.

Picture 19Enjoy your own Phantom of the Opera moment as the enormous chandelier appears to float above the room until the lights dim for the show, and then slowly ascends into the ceiling and disappears. Speaking of grand performances, take in family friendly Broadway shows like Beauty and the Beast, the legendary Pointer Sisters, or more mature favorites like Avenue Q.

The acoustics rival Broadway theaters and bring the orchestra to life in an intimate way, no matter where your seats are located. During intermission, browse the lobby area and coffee bar for the delicious treats and fine drinks. Tickets begin at $25, providing affordable date nights, family outings and group excursions. And remember, the good times aren’t over until the fat lady sings.

The Academy of Natural Sciences: T. Rex to Asian Butterflies

The Academy of Natural Sciences, established in 1812, is the oldest natural science museum in North and South America, chock-full of permanent and touring exhibits, family programs and activities. All 4 stories of the Academy are wonderful for all ages and feature a variety of permanent exhibits that would delight any child. If they like a little adventure, more than 30 dinosaurs and other Mesozoic reptiles reside in Dinosaur Hall, including a 42-foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex! For the daintier types, the Butterflies! exhibit showcases live butterflies from Central and South America, East Africa and Southeast Asia in its tropical garden. And everyone can enjoy The Live Animal Center, which holds over 100 live birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Ceiling-to-floor observation windows let you look behind the scenes, where staff and volunteers feed, groom and upkeep all of the animals.

Check out the website before heading over, because the visiting exhibits are ever-changing and always exciting.

Reviews and Romance at the Palace of Fine Arts

Known for its natural beauty, the Palace of Fine Arts in The Presidio is even more famous for its performance lineup.  Almost every name in history has come here to speak, dedicate, and inspire: Truman Capote, Francis Ford Coppola, Jay Leno, Joan Baez, and Jane Fonda, to name a few.  With personalities such as these and over 1000 continental-style seats, you will be comfortable at every function.

New Camera 027Fortunately, you don’t have to book yourself a ticket to enjoy the venue.  There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by the Palace’s Corinthian columned rotunda and lagoon, brimming with bright flowers and peaceful swans.  This setting has long been the symbol of the Palace of Fine Arts and draws thousands of people each year to its romantic backdrop.  It is, after all, San Francisco’s top choice for outdoor weddings.

The Palace of Fine Arts is sure to charm you as you watch lovers stroll hand-in-hand and parents helping their toddlers throw breadcrumbs to the birds.

Golden Gate Fields: Where the Bay Goes to Play

A day at the races has long been America’s favorite pastime, well next to baseball and BBQ’s.  Luckily for San Franciscans, the Berkeley shoreline across the bay houses Golden Gate Fields, the only horse track in Northern California. Even for first timers, it’s easy to get swept up in the scene.  There are dozens of screens overhead on every floor highlighting the races, boxing matches, sports, and just about any televised activity favorable to gambling.Winners

Making a reservation in The Winner’s Circle is where your group receives personal attention.  With a champagne buffet set up next to the winner’s circle, valet parking, and your group’s name introduced by the track announcer, this is true Derby in style.

Most fans opt to come on Sundays for $1 beer, programs, tickets, and hot dogs. For those feeling more lavish, the Turf Club has amazing views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge.  They even have Hermes and Gucci equine scarves on display next to antique bridles worn by winners past.

With tickets starting at $5, this is a place where everyone can take a Sunday to play.

Figure Skating at The Frog Pond

Every Bostonian knowBOSponds some of the best winter fun can be had at the Frog Pond in The Boston Common. While it’s no Rockefeller Center, it does provide a great time for the everyone. Located in America’s oldest park, ice skating here has become a favorite pastime for both residents and visitors. Saturday nights are the busiest times of the week with a nearly all adult crowd and romantic couples.

The entire area is lit up at night with spectacular holiday decorations and the twinkling lights. The nearby trees and stately homes lining Beacon Hill will surely guarantee a memorable time to be had by all.

In the warmer months, the Frog Pond is filled with just six inches of water transforming it into a wading pool with a spray fountain for adventurous individuals.

Exploratorium Allows You To Do Just That

At most museums you are told “Do Not Touch,” but that’s the exact opposite of the intention at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. This institution’s goal is to promote museums as education centers, and here they like their visitors to learn by doing. Whether it’s creating a tornado with your feet, putting samples under a microscope, or getting your hands wet touching sea creatures, the unique Exploratorium has hundreds of exhibits for your enjoyment in science, art, and human perception.

The Hancock Observatory

A room with a view, to say the least. The vista is a step beyond fierce from the open-air Skywalk on the 94th floor. Must-see  attractions like Oak Street Beach, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Water Tower are all next door. Observe and ogle the Windy City from this perch in the clouds.