Dec 17, 2011

Book Review: (Not-for-Parents) ROME

Lonely Planet's New Series for Kids Rocks

By Lisa T. Bergren 

I adore graphics-rich guide books for adults. Lots of pictures, lots of quick, intriguing info in bite-sized pieces. And I’m an adult.

I also love books about foreign places for kids. As a traveling mom, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to get my children thinking about where we’re going—before, during and after we’re there. They get so much more out of our travels when I’m successful on this front. Continue reading

Mar 4, 2011

Beach Bliss: Aliso Creek

South Laguna, California

By Lisa T. Bergren

On a perfect February day in Southern California, Jack and I set off for Aliso Beach, long my favorite among So Cal scenic stretches of sand and surf. This was where my husband proposed to me (but alas, he was back in Colorado this day), and where I first took my girls to explore sand and waves and shells.

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Mar 1, 2011

A Perfect Day in Dana Point

Tide pools, jellyfish and tall ships...oh my!

By Lisa T. Bergren

Looking for a perfect family day beside the Pacific? Head to the harbor at Dana Point! Continue reading

Nov 9, 2010

Castlewood Canyon Hike

Black Forest, Colorado

By Lisa T. Bergren

Five miles south of Franktown on Hwy 83, is a gem of a state park, Castlewood Canyon. Castlewood offers several trails perfect for families out for an afternoon of hiking and exploring in 2300 acres of protected Black Forest land. Continue reading

Oct 25, 2010

7 Things To Do with Kids in Aspen

Autumn in Aspen, Colorado

By Lisa T. Bergren

Looking for things to do with kids in Aspen, Colorado? Here are seven things I did with my son, Jack (age 7) and he declared them all winners (well, we didn’t get to the Aspen Rec Center, but we wanted to—next time!): Continue reading

Sep 2, 2010

Fantastic Fall Family Hike

X10U8 Beats Oktoberfest in Breckenridge

By Lisa T. Bergren

Last Fall, we drove up to Breckenridge to take part in their annual Oktoberfest, which oddly, happens in mid-September. But it was fine with us. Continue reading

Jul 27, 2010

Lewis & Clark Caverns

Beneath Montana

By Lisa T. Bergren

Like exploring caves? About forty-five minutes outside of Bozeman, Montana, is a family adventure treasure for kids and adults alike, Montana’s first state park, the Lewis & Clark Caverns.  Continue reading

Jul 12, 2010

King Tut Exhibit

Denver, June 29, 2010-January 9, 2011

By Lisa T. Bergren

I was so excited about seeing the King Tut exhibit in Denver, that I planned our out-of-state summer trip around it. The last time I’d seen Tutankhamen’s  (pronounced Toot-in-common) treasures was in Cairo, back in 1990. Even there, in the ramshackle, crowded museum—that I understand has since had a makeover—the exhibit was inspiring, with its amazing gold and piles upon piles of artifacts. Continue reading

Jun 17, 2010

Ein Gedi

And a Dip in the Dead Sea...

By Lisa T. Bergren

After a visit to Qumran, site where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Masada, ancient Herodian palace and stronghold for Jewish Zealots during the Great Revolt, we were ready for some fun. Heading back north along the Dead Sea, where Israeli forces patrol (Jordan is on the east side of the lake), we reached Ein Gedi, the most popular park for those who want to swim in the Dead Sea.

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Jun 9, 2010

Hezekiah’s Tunnel

And the Pools of Siloam

By Lisa T. Bergren

Heading to Israel with kids? You gotta add this Indiana Jones-ish excursion to your itinerary. The City of David is to Jerusalem what the island of Torcello is to Venice — the ancient sites from which each grand city was born. David came to this Jebusite stronghold in 1000 BC, and sneaking through the tunnels that brought water to her inhabitants, conquered her. Continue reading