Eileen Ogintz's new series of guides for Taking the Kids throughout the Western United States are now available for the NOOK and Kindle. Your kids will love the fun facts, games and puzzles!


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Backyard Vacations

It’s not too late to plan a spring break — or think about summer


Spring Training
The good news is it’s not too late to plan a spring getaway (check the rest of my website for ideas) whether you’ve got just a few days or an entire week to spend and there’s still time to find a great deal. more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Outdoor Adventures, Travel Topics, Weekly Column | comments


Taking the Kids doesn’t mean leaving the romance behind


Wine tasting on an O.A.R.S river trip
I love traveling with my children, their pals and various other pint-sized relatives. I do it all the time. But there’s something deliciously decadent about an adult-only trip, whether you manage just a night away in a nearby hotel or a trip of a lifetime. more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Lodging, Travel Topics, Weekly Column | 1 Comment


At the 9/11 Memorial on a cold, snowy morning


ABC Westport boys at the National 911 Memorial in New York
Every one of our boys parents are immigrants—from Africa, Mexico, Jamaica and Trinidad, from other places. They learned that had they been immigrants in the 1870s living here, they would have worked 10 hours a day rather than go to school... more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Travel Diary, Travel Topics, Volunteer & Service | comments


Seven teen-aged boys at a Penthouse in NYC for a weekend


ABC Westport boys sizing up the Penthouse at the New York Hilton Hotel
Some of my friends thought I was nuts. When I won a weekend stay at the Hilton New York’s five-bedroom penthouse, I invited along seven teenagers to share the fun at New York’s largest hotel. more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Travel Diary, Volunteer & Service | comments


Over the holidays, take your kids to a museum


Queen Elizabeth II’s Wedding March, Frazier History Museum
Leave the crackers and chips at home; ditto for the carbonated drinks and smelly cheese. No, we’re not talking about what grub not to pack for your next road trip or flight. We’re talking about foods that are banned in outer space. more →
Backyard Vacations, Families & Groups, Volunteer & Service, Weekly Column | comments


This year do you want new-style holiday gifts, or a family trip?


Our family with Santa at Moonlight Basin in Montana a few years back
I’m not filling any stockings this year or piling presents under the tree. No presents for Hanukah either. (We celebrate both holidays in our house.) And my gang couldn’t be happier. more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Lodging, Travel Topics, Weekly Column | 3 Comments


Holiday Lights 2011


100 Miles of Lights display at Newport News Park in VA
Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, stop and enjoy a holiday light display. Make it a family tradition. Here are big and smaller ones in cities and towns around the country. more →
Backyard Vacations | 14 Comments


Tired of cooking turkey yourself — head to a Thanksgiving destination


Cozy up inside La Posada de Santa Fe
Whatever the reason, it’s not too late to turn Thanksgiving into a mini vacation with the kids. You’ve already got half the week off from work and school anyway. Tell the relatives you’ll see them at Christmas or, if you like them enough, invite them along. more →
Backyard Vacations, Beach Vacations, Destinations, Families & Groups, Lodging, Travel Topics, Weekly Column | comments


Celebrating Halloween 21st Century Style


5000 carved pumpkins at the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence RI
Neighborhood trick-or-treating is so old school. It only lasts one night, after all. What if it rains — or snows? What if it’s cold? (Coats really don’t add much to a princess or vampire ensemble.) What if one of the kids is sick? What if you’re stuck at work, despite your best efforts to get home early? more →
Backyard Vacations, Families & Groups, Last Minute Deals, Travel Topics, Weekly Column | comments


Plenty to do with little ones in the Orlando area


Disney "Character Breakfasts" are just one of the many things for small children in Orlando
So go ahead. Bring the little ones. You don’t have to stay a week. And you don’t have to see everything. You can’t even if you try. more →
Backyard Vacations, Destinations, Disney, Eileen's Blog, Families & Groups | comments





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