This colorful city loves festivals, tourists, and one-of-a-kind occasions. While its reputation of being a “party town” is true, there are many family-friendly activities to enjoy as well.

The uniqueness and diversity of Florida can’t be beaten, and this iconic U.S destination doesn’t disappoint. The “key” to a fabulous experience in Key West is knowing exactly where to go, what to do, and what to eat like the best Key Lime pie!

Key West 3-Day Itinerary 

Here’s an exciting itinerary of natural beauty, tourist locations, outdoor fun, and hidden gems of the city. Feel free to mix up the three-day adventure however you please!

When’s the best time to visit?

The locals boast that they have the best year-round climate in the world with no fear of frost. 

It’s true. 

The warmest average temperatures hover in the 80s. Even in the coldest month of January, temps don’t dip below the 60s. The crowds are lower and the weather is the most blissful between the months of March and May.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN KEY WEST

Flying directly into Key West International Airport or catching a Greyhound Bus from Miami are popular modes of transportation. Cruise along the scenic Overseas Highway or jump on the Key West Express Ferry from Ft. Myers, Florida for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Check-In to Havana Cabana Hotel

Ready to escape from reality? 

If you’ve ever wanted a lush, oasis-style resort, you’ll be tickled when checking into Havana Cabana Resort. Take a step back in time when you are greeted with mid-century cars and Vespas in the welcoming front landscape. 

Nostalgic influences from the delightful culture of Cuba in the stunning lobby with winding staircases and Cuban wall art. One room option is a luxurious room facing the sweeping views of the gulf. The other option is a room with a balcony mere steps from the largest pool in Key West. 

Havana Cabana’s largest pool in Key West just happens to be a lagoon-style oasis surrounded by a cabana and palm trees. Unwind at any time during your stay at the Mojitos Pool Bar. 

The hotel also offers a wonderful free service of a shuttle van to and from the downtown area. Visitors also have the fun option to explore the town on a hotel bicycle or vintage Vespa.

Havana Cabana has a huge list of perks that are included with their resort fee.

• 2 pair of Havana Cabana logo sunglasses upon check-in
• 24-hour concierge service
• Free on-site parking
• Tesla charging stations
• Shuttle service to Downtown Key West & airport pick-up on request
• State-of-the-Art Fitness center
• Wireless & wired internet
• Poolside smoothies & popsicles 
• Lobby churros & virgin mojitos
• Tiki coffee 

Be a beach bum

If you are curious to explore Key West beaches, you don’t have to drive far to find one.

Although there are alarming rumors that beaches don’t exist in Key West, it’s not true. 

The truth is that one of the largest barrier reefs in the world runs alongside Key West. The reef causes the small landmass of Key West to be surrounded by a rocky barrier. But there are three public beaches that are clean with beautiful sand and water views.

Take a drive to the small Higgs Beach that includes a pier, dog park, and nearby African American cemetery monuments. It’s a great spot for shallow water snorkeling. 

Or visit my two favorite beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Smathers Beach. Each of these beaches showcases crystal clear turquoise waters and white, fluffy sand.

Visit Downtown Key West

Driving in Downtown Key West is somewhat intense with its narrow streets and expensive parking. Take advantage of the hotel’s free shuttle service! A friendly driver will take you to eccentric Downtown Key West and pick you up at a designated time.

Find the retro Cuban coffee sign for a selfie. Stroll around the marina and quirky shops. Stop by for a homemade Gladiators Ice Cream treat.

Experience Mallory Square & Its Famous Sunset

Never heard about the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration? 

If not, you are in for a unique cultural experience! “See you at sunset” is a common phrase around these parts. Since the 1960s, people have been gathering a couple of hours before sunset to watch the pink and red set into the Gulf of Mexico. 

You’ll hear live music and see vendors selling trinkets and snacks as well as performers of every kind. Half of the fun is the surprise of which kind of entertainment will delight the crowds. Musicians, magicians, sword swallowers, high wire acts, or professional comedians are a few of the types of unforgettable entertainment.

Get Off the Hook 

Enjoy an upscale dinner at Off the Hook Bar & Grill. Specializing in American and seafood cuisine, this cozy bistro offers indoor and outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with the surf and turf or stone crab claws.

Day one insider tip: Be sure to enjoy your hotel to the fullest by taking a dip in the lagoon pool at night!

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE CITY

Start the morning with a café con leche and a breakfast sandwich with the rich flavor combinations and relaxed atmosphere at Havana Cabana Resort’s on-site Floridita Food Truck.

Iconic Selfies

You can’t visit Key West and forget about the two most photographed places… the southernmost point and the Mile 0 Marker. 

Located at the corner of Whitehead and South Streets, the famous concrete buoy stands with the words “Southernmost point of the Continental U.S.A.” It’s a popular gathering place for tourists to photograph and meet other travelers.

Known as “the end of the road,” this famous green and white sign at the junction of Fleming and Whitehead Streets marks the final leg of US Highway 1. Typically there is a fun webcam there documenting all that visit, so wave to the camera!

Insider Tip: Arrive as early in the day to these two popular photo spots to avoid the crowds. If you don’t, you’ll be waiting in a long line no matter what time of year it is. 

Jet Ski around Key West

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, check out Barefoot Billy’s tours. 

The most exciting tour is the one that allows you to circumnavigate the island of Key West on a two-hour guided jet ski tour! 

You won’t believe the view while gliding from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and back to the Atlantic. Barefoot Billy’s provides pick-up and drop-off from Havana Cabana as well.

Lobster Shack Dinner

Experience a casual dinner at The Lobster Shack. What fun it is to try a traditional New England and Key West lobster roll to compare the two! If you prefer shrimp, they have a shrimp roll also.

Day two insider tip: You’ll do a lot of walking so carry a lightweight backpack with sunscreen, sunglasses & a change of shoes.

DAY 3: TAKE IT EASY & EAT PIE

Heavenly Breakfast

Don’t leave this vacation destination without a quick breakfast at Blue Heaven. 

The whimsical decor may lead you to believe that they don’t take food seriously. But they do! Ask for the Rooster special and you certainly won’t leave hungry. 

Take a Ride

Wind down on the last day with a leisurely ride on an Old Town Trolley sightseeing tour to explore some of the most iconic places in Key West. 

No pre-recorded information happens here! Each ride is as memorable as its professional guides that highlight the history and uniqueness of the city. Hop on and off to explore historical places that you don’t want to miss like Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. 

Don’t miss a visit to the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters. Built-in 1848 and 88 steps tall, it has a rich history of a female lightkeeper and the storms it has survived through the years.

Shop until you drop

Friendly Caribbean-colored structures along the mile-long Duval Street will make you smile as you stroll for daytime shopping. 

Walk-in and out of one-of-a-kind shops that range from cheezy souvenir stores to designer boutiques. On your walk, you’ll see the Historic Strand Theater and are able to catch a selfie with the life-sized Marilyn Monroe statue in her iconic wind-blown dress. 

Don’t miss Kermit

You can’t travel to “the ends of the earth” and not experience authentic key lime pie!

The wait will be worth it to visit the Original Kermit’s on the historic Key West Bight waterfront. At this location, they also serve breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner from the cafe.

Don’t stop with a traditional slice of pie, however. Try a frozen slice of key lime pie on a stick that has been dipped in Belgian chocolate!

Day three insider Tip: Ask locals like your waiters and store owners about Key West and get an incredible new perspective.

You’ll be amazed at the vibrant energy and stunning scenery of Key West, Florida. It’s definitely a destination that must be visited at least once in every person’s lifetime.

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However, I had only two days in this beautiful part of Italy and planned my trip to Florence in such a way that I could make the most out of it. So below I am providing all the details on how you can manage to see the best of Florence in a matter of two days. This itinerary is flexible. You can juggle between the places according to your schedule. I will chart out what all you can cover in two days.

A Few Tips to Remember Before Exploring Florence

• Florence is a walkable city. You can cover all the spots on foot.
• While walking you can enjoy a good gelato or drink a cappuccino, because yes, eating and drinking your way while exploring this city is the best
• It is best to buy tickets to enter the museums well in advance. You can do so by visiting their website and this way you will be able to skip lines.
• Do ensure the timings of the places you are visiting in Florence. For instance, Uffizi and Galleria dell’ Accademia are closed on Monday while Mercato Centrale is closed on a Sunday. On the other hand, if there is a holiday being celebrated in Florence, then chances are that the Duomo and the museums around it are closed as well.
• We recommend staying at Hotel Crocini, located near the river and just south of a huge park area.
• If you are traveling with children we recommend doing the Nancy Aiello 3 hrs Florence Discovery Private Guided Walking Tour for Families with Children. 

Florence 2 Day Intinerary

Day 1

On this day, it is best to start your day early. You can as well have breakfast in your hotel/hostel so that have enough time to explore the places around Florence. Florence is a place where you will only be able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. I had only two days in hand and many travelers that I met on the way come here for two days itself. So it is essential to start early so that you are able to see a lot as well as enjoy it by walking around slowly.

1. The Duomo

This site is one of the most crowded yet the most beautiful places to visit in Florence. It is considered the heart of Florence. Since you have a head start it is the best to come here as early as possible to avoid the crowd. While entering the Duomo is free, but you need a ticket to explore the surrounding areas – the bell tower, baptistery, and the underground ruins below the Duomo.

If you haven’t purchased the tickets in advance, do not worry, there is an office right behind the Duomo where you can buy a combined single ticket to all these areas, which includes a visit to cupola or dome by Brunelleschi, baptistery and bell tower. The ticket is valid for 72 hours, so do keep in mind while visiting this place.

Further, the square around the Duomo is surrounded with shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a pizza and gelato as well if you have missed out on your breakfast.

Buy Duomo tickets.

2. Bell Tower

After visiting the Duomo, go to the bell tower from where you can enjoy the scenic view of the city along with the view of cupola or dome by Brunelleschi. The line to climb the Bell Tower can get really long, so it is essential that you time the visit to this place properly. That is why my suggestion would be to visit this place early in the morning so that you are able to avoid the queue.

3. Galleria dell’ Accademia

After seeing the Duomo, bell tower and cupola, it is time to see the David. Galleria dell’ Accademia is fairly small and this place can be easily wrapped up in an hour. But only if you purchased the tickets to it online. Otherwise you might have to stand for half to one hour just to purchase the tickets. Hence, ensure that you get the tickets beforehand since you are short on time.

This is one of the most beautiful sites in Florence. I was left bewildered seeing David as well as unfinished Michelangelo sculptures.

Buy skip the line tickets for the Galleria dell’ Accademia.

4. San Lorenzo Market

After this you can spend a little time shopping or having lunch. San Lorenzo Market is perfect to enjoy both of them. You can purchase souvenirs and purchase leather as this market is famous for both of them.

However, do remember that since this is a touristy place some of the products might be overpriced and not worth the penny you are spending. Research carefully before purchasing anything here.

Buy tickets for a food tour of San Lorenzo Market.

5. Mercato Centrale

After exploring the market, there is an indoor Central Market right next to San Lorenzo Market. In here, you can enjoy amazing food and calm down your belly after a long walk. However, do remember that it is closed on Sundays.

In the ground floor, you can find food stalls while upstairs you can find prepared foods along with a kitchen where you can also take cooking classes. 

6. Walk Along the Arno River and enjoy the Church of Santa Maria Novella

Next, you can walk along side the Arno River after picking up a scoop of Gelato. The closer one is Gelateria Della Passera and they serve home made gelato. Cross the river via the Ponte Santa Trinita to get an amazing view of the Ponte Vecchio itself!

You will also cross the church of Santa Maria Novella which is beautifully built with green and white colors.

7. Ponte Vecchio

End the first day by enjoying a beautiful sunset at Ponte Vecchio. It is a beautiful bridge to see the gorgeous view of Florence. Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge built in the tenth century that was destroyed and later rebuilt again. You can even enjoy window shopping here as the bridge is lined up with high-end jewelry and watch stores.

Day 2

1. Uffizi Gallery

The gallery is quite huge. After having breakfast this is the first place you should go to and keep at least two hours to explore the beauty of it. You will find an endless collection of art here. Furthermore, the view from here is amazing as well. 

Do get a ticket in advance for Uffizi Gallery as well so that you are organized for the day and can cover a lot.

Buy Uffizi Gallery ticket.

2. Piazza della Signoria

Right next to Uffizi Gallery is one of the prettiest piazzas in Florence. Piazza della Signoria is considered the center of Florence’s political power. In here, you can visit the Fountain of Neptune and Palazzo Vecchio. There is also a museum where you can enjoy the beauty of some absolutely incredible statues.

Further, you can enjoy a gelato here while watching the hustle and the bustle in the Piazza. It is great to stop a while in the tracks and enjoy people watching. 

3. Fontana del Porcellino

Close to Piazza della Signoria lies Fontana del Porcellino. As you will walk from Piazza della Signoria to Fontana del Porcellino you will notice high end shopping stores where you can purchase very fashionable sunglasses and clothes if you love shopping.

Once you reach Fontana del Porcellino you will notice a large bronze boar. Tourists usually visit this place to rub the nose of the boar. It is said that if you do so, you are bound to return to Florence. 

4. Piazza Santa Croce 

Pass by the Duomo again while you make your way to Piazza Santa Croce. This is the resting place for many Florentines and Tuscans that also includes Michelangelo and Galileo. 

5. Piazzale Michelangelo

This time see the sunset from a different place. Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo and you will find one of the best places to admire the view of Florence – Piazzale Michelangelo. The colors splash so beautifully in the sky during this time making the whole city lit up beautifully.

For years, buildings were not allowed to be constructed taller than the Duomo. Because of this, the skyline of Florence is so uniform with Duomo and cupola rising higher than all the buildings. It feels like they are erupting in the sky.

Author Bio

Radhika Sharma is a travel blogger, an avid YouTube an IG influencer for the past 2 years. She is based in New Delhi and quit her corporate job a year back. You can find her work on her YouTube and Instagram.

The post 2 Days in Florence Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Check-in at Marriott Water Street

Our adventure began at the Marriott Water Street, a prime choice for families with teenagers. The sleek design and vibrant atmosphere of the hotel instantly captivated us. The highlight for the teens was undoubtedly the rooftop pool, a perfect hangout spot, complete with games and a stunning view of the city. It’s a little oasis where they could chill and socialize. Check current rates on Marriott and here’s a little video I made of the hotel.

Lunch: Sparkman Wharf

My kids were starving of course, because teens are always starving from what I can tell. For lunch, we headed to Sparkman Wharf. This bustling outdoor food hall offers a variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes, making it a hit with the teens.

When we happened to go it was raining badly and many eateries were closed, so we decided to eat inside at Splitsville. We feasted on everything from artisanal pizza, salads, to Asian fusion Afterwards we spent some time bowling. They offer regular bowling, feather bowling, ping pong, billiards, foosball, darts, and shuffleboard. It’s the perfect spot for rainy day activities!

After bowling, we decided to grab a treat at the Hampton Chocolate Factory where they make insanely good ice cream concoctions. They are huge, so two people could easily split one. Ask for a little tray that way when you do not eat it fast enough it’s not dripping all over and instead it’s dripping in a tray. How do I know this? Well, I won’t say who, but one of us made a huge mess! (cough, eden, cough)

Lucky for use, the weather cleared up and that meant we could puch forward doing some fun activities. 

Afternoon: Tampa Riverwalk and the Attraction Pass

Post-lunch, we went to check out a couple of attractions. The Riverwalk Attraction Pass is a must-have, granting access to multiple attractions. We visited the Florida Aquarium and the American Victory Ship & Museum, both offering engaging experiences that even my screen-obsessed teens found captivating. I had hoped to make it over to Tampa Bay History Center but we ran out of time.

After a few activities and despite eating a massive lunch and massive ice cream, once again they were starving. so off to dinner we went. 

Dinner: Anchor and Brine at the Marriott Water Street

Tonight go easy on yourself and enjoy dinner at Anchor and Brine inside your hotel. They’ve got an extensive seafood menu as well as some great non-seafood options too. I don’t eat seafood and I loved their steak option. The views are great and on a nice evening, it’s delightful to sit out on the large patio.

Day 2: Adrenaline and Leisure

Breakfast: Oxford Exchange

We started our day at Oxford Exchange. The trendy, book-lined café with its artisan coffee and wholesome breakfast options was a great hit. The teens loved the Instagram-worthy décor and atmosphere.

Daytime: Busch Gardens

The highlight of our trip was Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park known for its thrilling roller coasters, exotic animal encounters, and entertaining shows. The teens were ecstatic, diving into the adrenaline-pumping rides while I enjoyed the serene wildlife exhibits.

Here are ten electrifying highlights that are sure to make any teen’s visit unforgettable:

1. SheiKra: Dive into excitement on SheiKra, North America’s first dive coaster, offering a 200-foot drop straight down at a 90-degree angle. It’s a heart-pounding experience that provides an adrenaline rush like no other.
2. Cheetah Hunt: Feel the speed on Cheetah Hunt, a triple-launch coaster that mimics the agile predator’s high-speed chases. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride that zips and zooms through the park, making it a must-ride for speed demons. No joke, this thing is so fast. You’ve been warned!
3. Falcon’s Fury: Experience the thrill of free fall on Falcon’s Fury, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower. Brace yourself for a 335-foot plunge that will have your heart racing and your spirit soaring. (I refused to ride this.)
4. Serengeti Safari: Take a break from the thrills and embark on a Serengeti Safari. This open-air touring vehicle takes you up close to African wildlife, where you can hand-feed giraffes and observe fascinating animals in their naturalistic habitats. (This particular experience does cost extra. I felt like it was 100% worth it.)
5. Montu: Test your courage on Montu, one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world. With seven inversions, high speeds, and intense G-forces, it’s a whirlwind adventure that thrill-seekers won’t want to miss.
6. Kumba: Hear the roar of Kumba, a coaster that features one of the world’s largest vertical loops. The ride’s intense spirals, drops, and turns will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
7. Tigris: Brace yourself for Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster, offering a thrilling experience with forward and backward launches, dramatic twists, and an inverted heartline roll at over 60 miles per hour.
8. Cobra’s Curse: Take on Cobra’s Curse, a unique spin coaster that puts you face-to-fang with an 80-foot snake icon, then sends you spinning through twists and turns. It’s an innovative ride that combines storytelling with thrilling action.

Lunch: Inside Busch Gardens

For lunch, we took advantage of the various eateries inside Busch Gardens. With options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals, there was something to satisfy everyone’s appetite amidst the excitement of the park. If you are still not done in the park by dinner time, just have dinner there.

Dinner: Columbia Restaurant

In the evening, we ventured to the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The Spanish and Cuban cuisines, along with the flamenco dance performance, offered a culturally rich dining experience. The teens were captivated by the vibrant history and lively atmosphere.

Day3: Become a Chocolatier & Dance the Night Away

Breakfast: The Brunchery

The Brunchery is a local favorite known for its cozy ambiance and classic breakfast offerings. Their pancakes, in particular, were a hit with the teenagers.

Mid-morning: Chocolate Making!

My kids LOVED making their own chocolate and so did I. Not only did we learn a ton but we all went home with our own giant candy bar creations. I highly recommend this as an activity for tweens or teens. The owner is super nice too! Oh, and the have ice cream. 

Lunch: Bavaro’s Pizza

I’ve thought a lot about what I am about to type. And after thinking about this for months I am ready to say that Bavaro’s Pizza is the best pizza I have ever had. Considering the ages of my kids you can only imagine how much pizza we have eaten in the last 17 – 23 years! I had the pizza with buratta and it slapped as did that meatball appetizer. Jonah and his friend got a more basic pizza which they anihilated so I am assuming it was quite good as well. 

Dinner: Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise

Cruise around Tampa Bay on the. they serve a nice dinner and when you are done you can head up top for some dancing. There’s a DJ up there spinning some great tunes. 

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

Breakfast: Café Waterside

Our final day began with breakfast at the hotel at Cafe Waterside. You can order a la carte or they have a breakfast buffet. I got the Cuban benedict as seen above. 

Morning: Marriott Water Street

After breakfast, we spent the morning relaxing at the Marriott’s rooftop pool. This provided the teens with a final chance to enjoy the games and the Florida sun before our departure. The rooftop area is so great that you definitely want to make time to spend up here. I wish we could have had a bit more pool time but we got busy doing so much other stuff.

Lunch: Armature Works

We grabbed lunch at Armature Works. This modern food hall offered a diverse range of culinary options, from gourmet sandwiches to Asian delicacies, perfectly adding to our culinary adventures in Tampa. Everyone can order what they want and then meet back up. The outside area is nice too, so it would be a good place to sit if it’s not too hot. Plus, it’s a super cool-looking place. 

Afternoon: Shopping and Ice Cream

Head over to the super cute shopping area called Hye Park Village. They’ve got lots of adorable shops here including the largest Francescas I’ve ever been in. Some of the shops were $$$$. We went to the restrooms here and we discovered that red telephone booth which is a book swap. 

There is a tasty ice cream shop here, Oddfellows. They have some interesting flavors like wasabi infused ice cream with chocolate chunks or sweet cream ices cream with swirls of coffee caramel and chocolate cookie dirt. 

Ulele

If you have time for dinner before you fly out head to Ulele, a native-inspired restaurant and brewery. The unique menu, featuring items like alligator hush puppies, was adventurous yet appealing to the teens. The rustic, yet chic ambiance added to the experience.

Conclusion

Our weekend in Tampa Bay, with its perfect mix of thrills, culture, and relaxation, was a hit with the teenagers. From the exhilarating rides at Busch Gardens to the diverse culinary delights, every moment was filled with something new and exciting. As we boarded our flight home, discussions of our next adventure were already in the air, a testament to the unforgettable experiences we shared in Tampa Bay.

Read Next:

Florida’s Natural Wonders: Ginnie Springs, Everglades, and Crystal River

6 Best Things to Do in Sarasota

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Families will enjoy staying at Saratoga Springs Resort a kid-friendly hotel while in Orlando. This is where we stayed when we vacationed in Orlando with my parents and it so far has been our favorite out of all the places we’ve stayed. (Summer Bay is our 2nd favorite and it would also be an excellent place for families to stay.

Saratoga Springs features one and two-bedroom condos with full kitchens and living rooms. Plan to stock your room with food for breakfast each morning that way you can get your children fed quick and be off to the theme parks.

6 Day Orlando Itinerary with Grandparents

Here is a day-by-day Orlando itinerary with lots of suggestions. I’ve thrown in suggested activities and restaurants. Take it and turn it into the ideal vacation for your own family. If you are on a budget be sure to read our post 22 Ways to Save Money on an Orlando Vacation.

Day 1: Discovery Cove & Tex-Mex

Kick-off your Orlando vacation by spending your day at one of the neatest theme parks you will ever visit, Discovery Cove. Today you will eat breakfast and lunch buffet at Discovery Cove because it is an all-inclusive experience. They even offer all-you-can-eat snacks and drinks. With multiple snack stations spread out throughout the park, no one in your family will ever have to go hungry. Discovery Cove also provides animal-safe sunscreen as well as life jackets, snorkel sets, and wet suits.

• Get to Discovery Cove before they open. The earlier you get in the line, the earlier you get into the park. (I’m serious about this. The line is ridiculous and moves slow.)

During the day Discovery Cove offers kid-friendly animal encounters like petting a sloth and meeting a marmoset. Not only is it educational, but your kids will remember it forever. My kids loved getting to pet a sloth!

For an extra fee, you can swim with two of the dolphins that live here. If the whole family is participating in the dolphin swim, consider splitting into two different time slots so you can take pictures of each other. They will take pictures for you, but it will cost you! Also, make sure that your dolphin swim doesn’t interfere with any of the other animal encounters.

Grandparents and kids alike will love floating along the lazy river. Halfway around the river, there are spots to get out of the river and enter the bird sanctuary. Here you will have up-close interaction with all kinds of birds as you hand-feed them.

• The lazy river is deep. Put your kids in a life jacket if they are not a strong swimmer.

Discovery Cove closes early each day typically around 5:30. This leaves your family plenty of time to do something else during the evening. Purchase Discovery Cove tickets in advance. 

Tonight, enjoy excellent Tex-Mex in Orlando at Chuy’s. Indulge in a plate of enchiladas and a large specialty margarita. Chuy’s can be a rather loud restaurant. If someone is hard of hearing (like grandpa), be sure to ask for a quieter part to be seated in or maybe pick a different restaurant. Warning: if you are from Texas you may feel angry that the food here is not as good as the ones in Texas. It is still good though.

After dinner drive over to Disney Springs for live music and shopping. You could also pick out one of the free activities at Disney to do. Free Things to do around Disney World

Day 2: Sea World & Tapas

Today you will be spending most of your day at Sea World. Your admission to SeaWorld is free because it was included in the admission to Discovery Cove. SeaWorld is a great place for multi-generational families to visit because there is a little bit of everything. For younger family members there are huge roller coasters. For older family members there are lots of animal shows to enjoy. Of course, kids will love both of those but there is also a special area just for them at Sea World with small rides, a splash pad, and a massive climbing structure.

• SeaWorld has a rider switch program for families that have children too short to ride a roller coaster.
• SeaWorld offers free admission to military members and their families. 

Evening: Sea World closes around 7 PM most days, so hold off eating dinner until you leave the park. Sea World is close to International Drive where you will find lots of great kid-friendly restaurants. Cafe Tu Tu Tango is the perfect place for a large family to dine. The menu is all appetizers, so families can order a little bit of everything and share. Plus, depending on which night you visit there will be palm readers and belly dancers.

Purchase SeaWorld Orlando tickets in advance. 

Day 3: Sun, Swimming, & City Walk

Today is a down day because although the kids can go and go, parents and grandparents need a day of rest! Saratoga Springs has multiple pools and hot tubs as well as several poolside bars and cafes. Enjoy the day by a pool or two, play table tennis, or basketball, hit the arcade, or take the kids to the playground. You will find all of these activities on-site.

For dinner drive over to City Walk and eat at Cowfish a Burger and Sushi Bar, one of City Walk’s newest restaurants. If possible, make a reservation in advance or at least earlier in the day for 6:00 PM. Here you will enjoy incredible sushi combinations like Dion’s OMG? Roll made with tempura coconut shrimp, kani, English cucumber, coated in tempura flakes. Topped with fresh mango, avocado, spicy honey marmalade, and coconut flakes as well as original burgers like a Black Truffle cheeseburger made with beef, black truffle cheese, roasted shallots, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic aioli, and lettuce on a brioche bun.

After dinner walk around the lake to the Blue Man Theatre. Blue Man Group performs at 8:00 each night and this kid-friendly show is one that grandparents will love too.

Day 4: Epcot

Today you will be spending a full day at Epcot. After breakfast, head to the park. In front of the park, you will find some excellent ride experiences like Test Track and Soarin that the whole family will enjoy.

Consider eating lunch and dinner at Epcot since there are many desirable restaurants here. Be sure to plan ahead of time where you want to eat. No matter how busy the park is you can always get into Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie a cafeteria-style restaurant with amazing French baked goods that also happens to be one of the cheapest places to eat inside Epcot. Here each person in your family can pick out what they want like a ham and cheese croissant and an exquisite dessert.

Epcot Tips

Tip 1: Wear good shoes and if you need to rent a wheelchair because Epcot is non stop walking.

Tip 2: Make your dinner reservations at Epcot in advance.

Tip 3: Find a spot in France or Morocco for the best views of the nighttime fireworks show.

Day 5: Water park & Fancy  Dinner

Today hit a water park. Orlando has many incredible water parks, including Aquatica Waterpark, which happens to be included in your admission to Discovery Cove just like a visit to SeaWorld was. Aquatica Orlando is an incredible kid-friendly water park with all kinds of water slides, a wave pool, two types of lazy rivers, and an extremely cool kids’ area. Kids can run and play all through the kid’s area while parents and grandparents relax and soak in the sun. Purchase Aquatica tickets in advance. 

As far as lunch and snacks pre-purchase the Banana Beach Buffet online and eat whenever you like all day long. The buffet has choices like pulled pork, baked chicken, hot dogs, pizza, assorted salads and sides, and dessert and sodas. One price allows you to eat here all day.

• Another fantastic Orlando water park is Volcano Bay.

Evening: Aquatic closes fairly early so you will have plenty of time for a meal the whole family will enjoy. Since this is your last night in Orlando dress up and make it a special night by having a meal at the Flying Fish Cafe where you can dine on steaks and fish.

To get here park at the Boardwalk Resort, at the gate let them know where you are dining and you will be let in and can park for free. Walkthrough the resort to the back where the property opens up to the Coney Island-style boardwalk, the restaurant will be to the right as you walk towards the lake.

• You are allowed to split entrees at Flying Fish Cafe as long as you are not on the Disney Dining Plan.

You will definitely want to save room for dessert here. Flying Fish has one of the best desserts at Disney World for kids, a white chocolate Mickey Mouse puzzle kids put together and paint with sugar paints.

After dinner, go back out to the boardwalk and watch the fireworks. You will be able to see some of the fireworks from Epcot and Disney Studios. Hopefully, there will also be boardwalk entertainers out like the jugglers and magicians.

Day 6: Magic Kingdom

Today you are going to spend all day at the Magic Kingdom. If you like the Disney bus that will take you to the park. That’s one of the perks of staying at Saratoga Springs it’s a Disney resort so you have Disney transportation available to you. You can also drive yourself over if you like and park for free with your hotel parking pass.

There is so much to do inside the Magic Kingdom that you probably won’t be able to do it all. Attractions here include the popular Tron, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Pirates of the Caribbean rides.

• If your child wants to get their face painted, the best face painting in the park can be found by the bathrooms near Space Mountain. The cost is around $15 and it doesn’t take long.

For lunch, dine at Sleepy Hollow or Be My Guest. Sleepy Hollow only has outdoor seating, but their waffle sandwiches are awesome and they have a great view of the afternoon parade. Be My Guest is inside Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast. Here, you dine on whatever they are offering, most likely sandwiches, and sit in one of three rooms in the castle. Sit in the darkroom with the magic rose and keep an eye on the Beast’s portrait.

• The nighttime parade and afternoon parade are completely different.
• Tips for a multigenerational vacation at Disney World.

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

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How to Spend a Fun Weekend in Franklin, Tennessee

If you’re looking for how to spend a weekend in Franklin, we’ve got you covered with this spectacular weekend itinerary filled with tons of the best things to do in Franklin, Tennessee. Head to Franklin on Friday night, get a great night of sleep, and let the fun begin!

Saturday Morning

On Saturday, wake up early to get a head start on your weekend in Franklin. Then, head into Downtown Franklin to enjoy some breakfast at Biscuit Love.

Brunch at Biscuit Love

Biscuit Love is a popular brunch restaurant in Nashville that serves southern-style biscuits, like the “East Nasty,” a buttermilk biscuit with sausage gravy, fried chicken, and cheese, or the “Princess,” a pillowy biscuit topped with spicy hot chicken. 

They have an adorable location in Franklin in a Victorian house, and having breakfast here is the perfect way to start your weekend in Franklin. While you’re here, you must try the “Bonuts” — donut holes made from biscuit dough and served with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote. They’re perfect for “breakfast dessert!”

Franklin Farmer’s Market

Saturday is the only day you can explore the Franklin Farmer’s Market, so be sure to head over after lunch to browse the local vendors selling produce, vegetables, eggs, jams, baked goods, fresh meats, and other products from 8 AM – 1 PM. 

The Franklin Farmer’s Market is next to The Factory at Franklin. Typically, they also have food trucks and live entertainment, so it’s a great, laid-back location to spend the late morning in Franklin, TN.

Saturday Evening

Saturday afternoon is for history lovers — particularly those who want to learn more about the Civil War. If you’re interested in spending more time here, you may want to cut out of the Farmer’s Market earlier to get here by late morning.

Battle of Franklin Museum

The Battle of Franklin Museum features three historic homes — Carter House, Carnton, and Rippa Villa — that all played a critical role in the Civil War, notably the Battle of Franklin that occurred in 1864. This battle was one of the bloodiest on the war’s western front and was a significant win for the Union Army as they pushed on toward Nashville. 

You can purchase a ticket to tour all three houses for $40 per person or tour one home for $18 per person. Carter House is the best choice if you only have time for one tour. The Battle of Franklin took place in this home’s backyard while the family and neighbors hid in the basement. During the tour, you’ll see bullet holes through the walls. 

Carnton served as a field hospital for the soldiers injured during the Battle of Franklin (you can still see bloodstains on the patio), and Rippa Villa was where the battle before the Battle of Franklin occurred — the Battle of Spring Hill.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is another popular restaurant with locations across Tennessee. They serve southern food, like Pimento Cheese Bites, Fried Pickles, Nashville Hot Chicken, and more. It’s an excellent spot for a southern-inspired dinner, but they also serve breakfast and lunch. 

While you wait for your food, you can also walk around and browse the goods for sale in the restaurant. It’s like a small mercantile. For dessert, try the “Cobbler of the Day,” made with seasonal ingredients, like fresh fruit. After dinner, you can head back to your hotel and relax.

Sunday Morning

Get ready for another fun day in Franklin. Once you’re ready, hop in the car and head to Downtown Franklin, where you’ll spend the first half of your morning.

Frothy Monkey

Ready for your morning caffeine? If so, head over to Frothy Monkey. This hip coffee shop has locations across Tennessee, including several in Nashville, and focuses on sourcing local ingredients. They roast all their coffee beans in-house, so everything is fresh. 

Frothy Monkey also serves breakfast (along with lunch, dinner, and drinks). This means you can grab your coffee to-go or sit down and order a Bagel Sandwich, French Toast, Huevos Rolandos, or another delicious meal for breakfast.

Downtown Franklin

With your coffee in hand, take some time to explore Downtown Franklin. You can see famous landmarks, like The Franklin Theatre, or pop into local shops and clothing boutiques like Finnleys, Rooted from Yarrow Acres, White’s Mercantile, and more.

Keep in mind that many stores in Downtown Franklin don’t open until later in the day, like between 11 AM – 1 PM. If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, you may need to squeeze in some shopping on Saturday after the Farmer’s Market.

The Factory at Franklin

If you haven’t had enough time to shop, head to the Factory at Franklin. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, but it’s also a fun shopping mall filled with boutiques, art galleries, eateries, and live music venues. 

Some of the best stores to check out while you’re here include The Find for great thrift shopping, Made in Tennessee for local goods, and Fork of the South for clothing, home décor items, and other goodies made by 80+ local businesses. While you’re here, stop by Mojo’s Tacos for lunch. The Jalapeño Ceasar Salad and “The Puffy” Taco are fantastic.

Sunday Evening

For the last few hours of your weekend in Franklin, you can choose one of the following “mini” day trips to experience — they are both about 15–25 minutes from Downtown Franklin. 

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards is a local winery known for its sprawling vineyards, five tasting rooms, and picnic spots. It’s owned by Kix Brooks, who was in the country music group, Brooks & Dunn, and is one of the most famous wineries in Nashville. 

If you want to try a few different wines, you are in luck. Arrington Vineyards offers tasting flights for $14 per person, and you can choose from a white, red, semi-sweet, sweet, or mixed flight to suit your palette. You don’t need reservations, and they are open from 12 AM – 6 PM on Sundays, and if you visit from April to November, you can enjoy live music on the weekends.

Leiper’s Fork

Leiper’s Fork is just a short drive from Franklin but a worthy stop on your weekend itinerary! This small town is known for its southern charm, including horse farms, gorgeous estates, and rolling hills, and it is the home of celebrities like Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill. 

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to stop by Leiper’s Fork Distillery to try some authentic “Tennessee Whiskey.” There are also great places to eat and shop in Leiper’s Fork, like Country Boy and Lock & Fox. 

Head Home and Plan Your Next Weekend Trip to Franklin, Tennessee

After this fun-filled weekend in Franklin, TN, head back to Nashville to enjoy a few days in the city or start planning your next trip back to Franklin. There’s always something fun to see or do in this charming southern town!

Guest Author: Brittany Sawyer from Travel by Brit

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The post Franklin, Tennessee Weekend Getaway appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Our family spent one week in Sri Lanka, and it was easily one of the best trips we’ve ever had! But one week was just not enough. Instead, I recommend spending at least 10 days in Sri Lanka. There’s so much to do and see, plus with the time change, you will appreciate the extra days so you can go at a slower pace. 

This itinerary offers a little bit of everything. You will enjoy educational experiences touring tea factories, temples, and spice gardens. There will be plenty of adventure as you visit elephants and a rock fortress. 

Tip: Sri Lanka has some of the most chaotic driving we’ve ever seen, so I very highly recommend hiring a driver who can handle the roads. You’ll probably be safer and get where you’re going faster. Plus, they may also provide you with more insight on the areas.

Day 1: Arrival, Rest, and Relax

It’s possible that you have just flown across the world to Sri Lanka. From Dallas, TX this is a 21-hour flight. Once you land, head to a beach hotel so you can get some sleep. Most flights land in the early morning, which means you are going to get to a hotel around 4 AM. Note that it takes an extremely long time to get checked bags. Don’t panic when it’s been an hour and your bags haven’t come out yet, they are coming.  

I recommend staying at Mount Lavinia hotel. We had a lovely time staying here. Mount Lavinia is located right on a beautiful stretch of beach that felt extremely private. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they have a buffet. You may also ask for a menu in which they have more traditional Western foods like hamburgers, however, the local food is typically always the better option.

If a member of your family has a peanut or nut allergy, keep in mind that they mainly use cashews. Also, most of the meals you will eat in Sri Lanka will be a buffet, whether you are at a restaurant or hotel. It is likely that you won’t know what a lot of the food is, but don’t be afraid to try new things and ask questions.

Mount Lavinia Hotel is not as close to the airport as some hotels, so if you are wanting to stay close to the airport, you may want to consider staying in Negombo. For this itinerary, I have you starting in Colombo and ending in Negombo. Colombo is 28 miles south of Sri Lanka’s only international airport. 

The jetlag is bad, so today do not plan anything. Instead, spend the day at the hotel and enjoy the beach. Mount Lavinia has a large stretch of beach with chairs, beach toys, and attendants. 

Day 2: Colombo

Today, enjoy the sights of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of  East and West but also for its vibrant mixture of the past and the present. The city boasts many attractions and extensive opportunities for shopping.

Do Colombo City Tour by Ebert Silva Bus

Take a tour of the city by sightseeing bus. The city tour includes visits to a Buddhist Temple, Old Dutch Hospital, a Hindu Temple, Town Hall, BMICH, Pettah bazaar, Red Mosque, and a local market.

You will definitely want to see the Red Mosque. It’s by far one of the most Instagrammable places around the world. Keep in mind that you need to have your legs covered whether you are a woman or a man. Across the street from the Red Mosque is a large market. If you need some pants you can stop here to get them. 

Day 3: Visit a Temple and Orphanage

Sri Lanka does have orphanages, and some are near a Buddhist Temple. I suggest finding a temple to visit where you can also visit the orphanage. Be sure to bring clothes, shoes, toys, and school supplies to donate. Clothes need to be a variety of sizes, don’t forget the older kids! 

Day 4: Head to Habarana to see the Elephants

Breakfast: Kick off your day with breakfast at the hotel and then head out on your road trip to the Habarana Jungle where you will get up close with elephants. 

Afternoon/Evening: Visit a National Park for Jeep Safari

Once you’ve arrived in the area, you can take an elephant safari at one of the national parks. Sri Lanka has a lot of national parks including Hurulu Eco Park, which is the one we visited. We’ve seen elephants before, but we’ve never seen them like this. This area is home to the second-largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world, so we saw hundreds. 

Another one nearby is Habarana. It is best known for the large herds of elephants gathering together. On a typical day, there will be well over 100 elephants somewhere within the reservoir. 

Apart from elephants, species of deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and jackals are some of the wild animals found, along with a variety of avifauna that abounds in the park. 

Dinner and Overnight Stay at Habarana

After you are done visiting the elephants, you can head back to the city part of Habarana. I recommend staying at the peaceful Jetwing Lake tonight and tomorrow night. They offer half-board, so you can enjoy a dinner buffet as well as a breakfast buffet in the morning. The pool is quite enjoyable after a hot day out in the sun. 

Day 5: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Visit a Village

Sigiriya was a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD – stark and forbidding, haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal. This is where King Kasyapa was found hiding after killing his father, King Dhatusena.

This unique Rock Fortress or “castle in the sky” is a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above ground, derived the name “Lion Rock,” as the entrance of the climb to the summit is reached between the paws of a lion.

Now, I am not going to lie. It is not easy getting to the top. If you have vertigo, forget it, you won’t make it. Once you get to the top you will be thrilled you made the climb. It’s breathtaking in every direction from the top. 

You need to wear shoes that you do not mind getting reddish from the dirt. I wore white shoes, which was not a good choice. They did come clean eventually. You also need to take some water with you. On the way back down, you may pass a few vendors selling goods or even a snake charmer. I was caught super off guard and didn’t react well upon seeing a cobra. 

Visit a Traditional Village

After you are done hiking up and down Sigiriya, head over to a traditional village to get a better feel for the culture.

To get to the village they will load you into a small cart, and you will be pulled by a cow to the shore of a lake. I had never seen the type of cow that was used and found it fun to meet a new species of cow. At the lake, you take a small boat over to the village. When you arrive at the village, you will see old-school cooking, climbing palm trees, see monkeys, and enjoy a lunch they prepare. Just a heads up, you will be eating with your hands, so if you have some wet wipes that would be ideal. 

Day 6: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Spice Garden

Today as you head to one of Sri Lanka’s major cities, Kandy, have your driver stop at a spice garden. 

There are a handful of spice gardens you could go to. We went to Spice Garden La Grow. I think visiting a spice garden while you are in Sri Lanka is a must. It is fascinating to see first-hand how the spices you use all the time are grown. Did you know that cinnamon comes from a tree? This is a great way to work in some educational fun. Plus, they give out massages. I know this sounds strange, but everyone has their tour guides give them a massage at the end of the educational portion. This is optional, and you will definitely need to tip them if you choose to do this. 

In the middle of Kandy, you will find a large temple holding a tooth relic. The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. They did open this area up while we were there. I do not know if it is always open, check with your driver. 

As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums. This is a fascinating place to walk around. Chances are high that your driver can give you a tour. 

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

After the temple tour, check in to the Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy is lovely tucked along the side of a river. It’s a major city in Sri Lanka making it a great place to stay when planning to spend time in the city. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to stay alongside a river. Again there is half board offered, so plan to eat dinner and breakfast here. At dinner, you might receive one glass of wine to complement the buffet. If you have more than one you will get charged. 

Take time to visit the spa for a massage or other body treatment. A spa visit is super affordable in Sri Lanka. I think I went to the spa three times throughout the duration of our trip, alongside my daughter. If you have teenagers, most spas in Sri Lanka are typically available to those 16 and up.

Day 7: Kandy

Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It’s surrounded by mountains and has a beautiful lake in the middle, Bogambara Lake. Have your driver take you up to a scenic overlook where you can snap some photos. 

Things to do in Kandy:

Gem and Mineral Museum – Sri Lanka is famous for colored gems like sapphires. They have a documentary at the museum that walks you through the entire history of gems in Sri Lanka. 

Silk – Here you can put on traditional dresses and take photos. To be honest, I thought this seemed silly, but another family went and did this and the photos were awesome. I wish Eden and I had done this. 

Market – There’s a massive market in Kandy. It’s a good place to get fruits and clothes.

Once you are done in Kandy it’s time to head up into the mountains. 

Tea Plantation

En route to the highlands, visit a Tea Factory & Tea Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world-famous Ceylon Tea, the country’s top export. You will also be able to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before being sent to the tea auctions in Colombo. During the tours they let you walk all through the factory to see the entire process. This was highly educational, and you will be surprised by how extensive the process is. Book a private tea factory tour. 

Ramboda Waterfalls Hotel: Have lunch at the Ramboda waterfall hotel where you can look at the waterfall while dining. It is a buffet lunch, as usual, and note that if you leave your table for too long they will clear all of it off. After you have lunch, walk down to the waterfall for up-close pictures. It’s an easy walk down and back. 

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is located at 6,183ft above sea level, which means it has a cool, crisp climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. You will need to pack accordingly because it is colder here in comparison to the warmth of the coastal cities and Kandy. We got by fine with hoodies. 

A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds, and animals thrive here besides natural features like waterfalls and caves.

Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak ridges, and valleys provide a lasting impression of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The golf course – one of the finest and most picturesque in Asia – the serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks, and well-kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.

Horse Ride

They offer little horse rides near the lake. As you can see the horses are not that big, so keep that in mind for your comfort level. Jonah felt too big when he was riding, so this might be a better activity for younger kids. 

Lake Tour

If you walk down to the lake you can hire a little boat to take you around and tell you about the region. Taking a tour of the lake was highly enjoyable, despite the brisk winds we encountered on some parts of the lake. Although the lake looks small from the boat dock, it is quite large. 

Jet Wing St. Andrews

Tonight stay in a boutique hotel at the end of town, Jet Wing St. Andrew. This is a cozy little property with quaint rooms and good food. They have half board so breakfast and dinner is included during your stay. Unlike many hotels, they do not have a buffet dinner. It was nice to order off a menu instead of trying to figure out what things were on the buffet. 

Day 9: Whitewater Rafting

As you head back down the mountain, you have the perfect opportunity to go white water rafting. Just let your driver know that you want to stop somewhere to whitewater raft. I was a bit nervous doing this because I was unable to establish what class of rapids we were going to encounter. Based on previous experience I felt like these were class II and almost class III. 

If white water rafting isn’t something you are interested in doing, there is an alternative activity that’s much more low-key. You can take the tea train back down the mountain to Ella. Along the way, you will get incredible views and amazing photos. Buy train tickets online in advance because they sell out.

Tonight stay in Negombo at Jetwing Sea. It’s a nice hotel right on the beach with a beautiful spa. Like all the other hotels in this itinerary, it offers half board with breakfast and dinner buffets.  Plus, their spa is fabulous. 

Day 10: Negombo

Negombo is located at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon. The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the main attractions of Negombo, and it is perfectly located within 7 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka.

Have your driver take you down to the fish market. I promise you, you’ve never seen anything like this! While you are at the fish market, try a Sri Lanka coconut. It’s different than regular coconut. 

Chances are high that you are flying out sometime in the middle of the night today. That’s just the way the flights seem to go coming in and out of the country. 

Sri Lanka Packing List

• Tennis Shoes (that can be ruined)
• Motion Sickness Bands
• Flip Flops
• Point and shoot camera
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Waterproof camera
• Waterproof cell phone case
• FM Transmitter
• 12V converter with two usb ports
• Quick-drying towel
• Blue tooth speaker
• FM Transmitter
• Baby Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Clothes appropriate for temples (covered legs and shoulders)

Sri Lanka offers an eclectic mix of culture, history, and cuisine, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers. From the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the historic resorts of Nuwara Eliya and Yala National Park’s beautiful wildlife, this 10-day itinerary showcases just some of Sri Lanka’s best offerings. Each stop promises an interesting tour where you could experience anything from learning about tea plantations to hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range — and those are some experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Consider visiting Elephant-Orphanage or if you want a stunning view climb Lion’s Rock up to Sigiriya Rock Fortress or take delight in Kandy’s Temple of Tooth Relic by taking part in the daily rituals and ceremonies with locals.

When planning your next trip abroad, make sure to consider what Sri Lanka has to offer! With its ancient temples, epic mountainscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and succulent food give this country a visit; you’ll love every moment spent here. So tell us — What are you most excited to experience in Sri Lanka?

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The post 10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Day 1: Fly into Billings, Montana

Today fly into Billings and rent a car.

Dinner: Tonight have dinner at the local favorite, Montana Brewing Company. Opened in 1994, Montana’s first Brew Pub features a brewery, full bar, and grill right in the heart of downtown Billings!

You should also grab a cider at The Last Chance. It’s a cool building, and their ciders are great.

Stay at the Northern Hotel.

Day 2: Rappelling and Biking

Billings has some fun outdoor recreation opportunities. At the rim, you can do rappelling and rock climbing off the sandstone cliffs that serve as the northern border of downtown Billings. Although I don’t mind rappelling, I found it nerve racking to rappel off of a random anchor in the rock. If that is bothersome to you, I would skip this and do the Billings Brew Trail or visit the Yellowstone Art Museum.

Dinner: Tonight have dinner at Walker’s.

For more things to do in Billings, check out 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Billings, Montana.

Day 3: Livingston

Today you will start your drive. The Yellowstone River runs throughout the state, somewhat along I-94. Leave Billings and follow the Yellowstone River all the way into the park. Along the way, you will make a stop in Livingston. Plan to have either a late brunch here or lunch followed with some afternoon fishing or a scenic drive around the Paradise Valley loop. The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop is a paved, 62-mile “loop drive” that circles through the beautiful Paradise Valley of Montana

Livingston is an adorable little city that looks like it came out of the 1950’s, and it is easily walkable. It is home to lots of ranches, and for such a small town the real estate is expensive. Hunting and fishing are quite popular here, and they’ve got several fantastic art galleries. The Livingston Depot is a restored 1902 Northern Pacific Railroad train station that operates as a museum from about mid-May to early September.  Mark’s In & Out has great hamburgers for just $2.

Stay the night at Chico Hot Springs. This is a full-up resort with a spa.

Day 4: Gardiner, MT

Gardiner was officially founded in 1880, but the area has served as a main entrance to Yellowstone National Park since its creation in 1872. It looks like a town straight out of the wild wild west. Gardiner has lots of lodging for those wanting to go into the national park. Plus, there are lots of rafting companies located here.

Lunch: Have lunch at Wonderland Café & Lounge where they focus on organic & locally sourced food. It is located at 206 Main St., Gardiner, MT 59030.

After lunch: Check out the town and do a bit of shopping, or you can head into Yellowstone. On your way to into Yellowstone, be sure to take time to pull over and see the Roosevelt Arch.

There are more things to do in this area than you might think upon first look.

Day 5: Yellowstone National Park

Today you will dip out of Montana for a bit to visit Yellowstone National Park. While in Yellowstone, there are some must-see stops. In this itinerary, we are rushing through Yellowstone, but I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Yellowstone if at all possible.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces

Porcelain Basin at Norris Geyser Basin

Old Faithful

They have a large sitting area where you can sit and wait for the eruption. Also worth seeing while in the park is Grand Prismatic Springs.

6 Things to do in Yellowstone with Kids

Day 6: West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is part of Yellowstone Country. Yellowstone Country is smaller than Yellowstone park, but still sprawling. It is a collection of five counties in Montana surrounding the main park.

Breakfast:  Three Bear Restaurant

After breakfast: Visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center after breakfast where you can see otters, wolves, and bears. They bring out various bears at different times, but you are basically assured to see at least one if not 3 or 4. I saw quite a few during my visit, and kids will get a huge kick out of the otters. The center is located at 201 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758.

Check into Gray Wolf Inn & Suites located at 250 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758.

After you get checked in you have some free time to explore West Yellowstone. There are lots of cute shops.

Day 7: Big Sky

Head to Big Sky, home to fantastic skiing in the winter with 5,850 acres of ski terrain which spreads out from the summit of 11,166-foot. In the fall, there are golden aspen and cottonwood trees,  and fly fishing for feisty trout and bugling elk.

Lunch: Along the way have lunch at Horn & Cantle located at 750 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, Big Sky, MT 59716. You will need to make sure they are open and not closed for a private party. If possible at all make a reservation.

After lunch: Go for a local hike. There are a lot of places to hike in this area including Ousel Falls Park.

After your hike, pop into microbrewery Beehive Basin Brewery to try some interesting beers. They do not have any food available, but you are welcome to bring in your own food. They are located at 245 Town Center Ave., Big Sky, MT 59716. If you are grabbing food to go with you, I highly recommend sandwiches from Roxy’s Market Cafe. 

If you have kids with you and do not want to take them to a brewery, head over to Montana Whitewater Zipline instead for some super fun zip lining.  Be sure to make an advance reservation for ziplining at Montana Whitewater Zipline. The activity takes about 2 hours start to finish. You will need closed-toe shoes for this activity. It is located at 63960 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.

@meaganwristen##ziplining at ##Montana Whitewater Zipline in Gallatin Gateway ##yellowstonecounty ♬ Stay – Kygo / Maty Noyes

Tonight stay at the Wilson Hotel. They have comfortable suites in Big Sky’s Town Center. (This is a Residence Inn by Marriott so you can get some points.) They’ve got a great hot tub and pool with killer views. In the mornings they serve a hot breakfast that is included in your stay. The hotel is located at 145 Town Center Ave., Big Sky, MT 59716.

Day 8: Fly Fishing

Today will be an absolutely incredible day. If you’ve never fly-fished, I promise you it will be an extremely rewarding experience. My first time to fly fish was here and it remains one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. (Not to brag but I caught 15 fish. Okay, I am bragging.)

Breakfast: Kick off your day with an early breakfast, ideally you have breakfast at your hotel if it is available. If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast stop by Hungry Moose Market & Deli for breakfast instead. It’s located at 52 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT. 

After breakfast: Head over to Gallatin River Guides for fly fishing. It is located at 47430 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730. Their guides are top notch and know the area intimately ensuring you catch some fish. If you have kids with you I recommend not crossing the river. Even for an adult it can be difficult. A child will fall in.

Lunch: After fly fishing depart for Three Forks and have lunch at Bar3BBQ.As a Texas girl, I must say I was very impressed. I often have extremely low expectation for bbq outside of Texas. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Bar3BBQ is located at 119 E. Main St., Belgrade, MT 59714.

After lunch: Learn some history, and take a hike if you like at Madison Buffalo Jump State Park. At Madison Buffalo Jump State Park you can learn about some of the techniques Native Americans used to capture buffalo. The park is located at 6990 Buffalo Jump Road, Three Forks, MT 59752.

Sacajawea Hotel

Tonight stay at the cozy boutique hotel, Sacajawea Hotel, located at 5 N. Main St., Three Forks, MT 59752.

Dinner: Have dinner at the Sac Bar, located in the downstairs part of the Sacajawea hotel.

After dinner: Hit a hot springs, Bozeman Hot Springs located at 81123 Gallatin Road, Bozeman, MT 59718.

Day 9: Bozeman

Breakfast: Jam! located at 25 W. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715.

Museum of the Rockies

• • 600 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717

Lunch: at Mountains Walking Brewery

• • 422 N. Plum Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715

Afternoon: Hike at Drinking Horse Mountain Trail

Dinner: 14 North Restaurant located at 14 N. Church Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.

After dinner explore downtown Bozeman.

Tonight stay at Element Bozeman 

Other great places to eat while in Bozeman

Fielding’s – Casual upscale dining with American fare conveniently located just off of West Mendenhall Street, Fielding’s is the namesake of prolific Bozeman architect Fred Fielding Willson, who designed the original Armory building in 1941. Montana’s local flavors are infused into every dish thanks to partnerships with local farmers and ranchers such as Wickens Ranch and Daniels Meats & Sausages. Intentional ingredients are paired with attention to detail when it comes to signature menu selections such as pan-seared Sweet Potato Gnocchi with brown butter and fresh sage, as well as Lamb Shoulder Navarin presented with pomme puree and French petit poix, which is a medley of vegetables including peas, fava beans and pearl onions.

Enjoy drinks here like “The Romeo” a spirit forward, Larceny bourbon based drink with Campari and Averna Amaro or “The Secret Garden” made with the restaurant’s house-made strawberry-balsamic gastrique with elder flower liqueur, basil, and lemon.

Tune Up – A basement Bar & Live Music Venue located in the basement of the Kimpton Armory Hotel, but it’s far from a speakeasy. The cozy whiskey and beer bar is located in the space where the Armory band used to practice and will pay homage to its musical roots with regularly scheduled live performances. The back bar features a library of whiskey that ranges from locally made Bozeman favorites to rare and hard to find spirits. Tune Up has a wide range of craft beers from Montana microbreweries including hometown Bozeman Brewing Company. Classic and creative cocktails also don the menu from the Poms of Wrath to the Light My Fire, a sweet and spicy concoction that brings all the elements of a good concert in one glass. The cocktail features house infused pineapple-habanero George Dickel Rye Whiskey, Demerara Sugar, Peychauds Bitters and served in a rocks glass over a large ice ball.

Sky Shed – Rooftop Lounge & Pool with a View
Set nine stories above Bozeman’s historic downtown, Sky Shed is an elevated social experience where guests can soak up the scene and enjoy boozy delights and light bites all year long. Unique indoor and outdoor spaces transform with the seasons, perfect for basking in the sun or getting cozy by the fire.

Sky Shed’s extensive cocktail program showcases a creative collection of drinks with flirty garnishes. Local breweries support the beer program, while the carefully curated collection of rosé and sparkling rounds out the elegant wine list. Sample Rosé all Day on Sundays with $20 bottles or visit the Sky Shed mid-week for Golden Hour happy hour special from 4-5 p.m. Monday through Friday including $1 off all draft and cocktails as well as $7 house wines by the glass.

Day 10

Fly home.

Montana Packing List

You will want to monitor the weather conditions leading up to your trip. The weather can change quickly.

Outdoor Clothing

• Mid-weight fleece layer and winter jacket, a fleece or wool jacket/ pullover. (It can still be quite cold at high altitudes and in the mornings and evenings.)
• Waterproof and windproof outer layers; lightweight/breathable jacket and pants recommended
• Close-toed shoes
• Pants or jeans
• Hat, for sun protection
• Bathing suit

Other Necessities

• Daypack with the capacity for things you may need during a hike.
• Camera
• Sunscreen/lip balm (Sun and wind can take a toll at higher elevations.)
• Sunglasses
• Bear Spray
• Medicine

The post 9 Day Summertime Montana Road Trip Itinerary appeared first on Mommy Travels.

This Athens itinerary gives you a chance to see the famous landmarks, but also concentrates on some of the more typical Athenian neighborhoods, giving you a sense of the city and its vibrant culture.

Day 1: Plaka and Sightseeing

Spend your first day getting your bearings. The best way to do that by walking around the town center. Look at the colorful streets, peek into the busy market, and has colorful streets.

Walkthrough Syntagma Square, the center of Athens’s modern history, and visit the Greek Parliament Building, the tomb of the unknown soldier. While you’re in the neighborhood, take the opportunity to see the Panathenaic Stadium, the marble arena from the first century that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Then stop for lunch at one of the great restaurants in the area.

Spend the afternoon exploring Plaka, the charming neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis. Then make your way up the slopes of the Acropolis to Anafiótika, a small cluster of white, island-style homes. To get to Anafiótika, go up the steps between Kouklis and the Byzantine church of St Nicholas. Enjoy simply wandering the streets, peeking into the odd shop, and stopping for a drink at a taverna. 

Take a break at your hotel then pick a spot for dinner, either in Plaka with a view of the Parthenon lit up at night, or in Syntagma, where you’ll find restaurants and bars that will keep you entertained until the early hours of the morning.

Day 2: Acropolis

After breakfast, head to the Acropolis. Go early if you can, to avoid both the crowds and the heat, which can get very oppressive on summer afternoons. One of the most visible landmarks in Athens, the buildings on this rocky hill have been there for 2,500 years. No matter how many times you’ve been to Athens, there’s something magical about the Acropolis and the beautiful building sitting high on the hill over this sprawling city.

When you reach the top of the Acropolis, you are greeted by the Parthenon, the most famous building in the city. Built between 447 and 438 BC, it was a temple to Athena, patron of the city. Be sure to have a look at the Erechtheion, situated on the north side of the Acropolis. The porch on the northern side is the most interesting – it’s held up by six supporting columns in the shape of draped women. Then on your way to the Acropolis Museum, stop by the Theatre of Dionysus. 

Have a leisurely lunch to recover from your morning of walking, then in the late afternoon, head to the other side of the Acropolis to Thissío. Heading south from Metro Thissío, walk along the edge of the Agora and Acropolis sites you visited that morning. It’s an especially beautiful walk in the early evening when the setting sun lights up this side of the rock. Pick one of the cafes on the terraces above the Agora and have a drink while you watch the last of the sunbathing the ancient temples.

Day 3: Museums

If day two was about ancient sites, day three is all about museums. 

Spend the morning in Kolonáki and the museum quarter. Kolonáki is the city’s most upmarket central neighborhood and shopping area. Walk up from Sýndagma, past the jewelry stores on Voukourestíou and the contrast with the commercial center hits you. When you get there, walk up Lykavittós Hill for some of the best views of the city. You can also take a funicular up the hill if you’ve had enough of walking. On the foot of the hill, you’ll stroll past Neoclassical houses, palaces, embassies, and museums. Stop for a coffee in one of the cafes that line Kolonáki Square and watch the people and dogs go by.

There’s a range of museums and galleries to choose from including the Benaki Museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. The Byzantine Museum is also close by – one of the best museums in Athens, it has an enormous collection of about 25,000 items from the 3^rd century AD through to medieval times. A few blocks down is The National Gallery. Otherwise, if you’ve had enough of museums for a while, head to the National Gardens and enjoy some natural beauty in the extensive grounds.

After lunch, head to the National Archaeological Museum in the north of the city. This has the best collection of ancient Greek artifacts in the world and is an essential stop on your visit to Athens. The collections are displayed simply but clearly, and some of the pieces are astounding. You can spend the whole afternoon here if you wish, otherwise look around for a couple of hours, then walk around Exárhia and neighboring Neápoli. 

Traditionally, these areas were more alternative neighborhoods and Exárhia, in particular, was infamously home to revolutionaries, anarchists, students, and artists. Now it’s a great place for restaurants, bars, and bookshops, so be sure to head there for a drink. On Saturday mornings, there’s a street market which is worth a visit, and the Stréfis Hill above has lovely views of the city and seems a bit calmer and softer than the grittiness of the city surrounding it. 

Day 4 and beyond

If you have more time in Athens, there’s still a lot to keep you busy. Consider heading slightly further afield to Mount Hymettus with some of the city’s best walking trails and the Kaisariani Monastery. This 10^th-century Byzantine complex overlooks Athens, with the original church still standing and containing some wonderfully preserved frescoes.

It’s a wonderful vantage point for looking out over the sea. On a clear day, you can see a number of islands in the distance. The temple at the tip of the cape is very impressive, with Doric columns dating to 444 BCE. The views of the temple against the ocean background are particularly beautiful around sunset. 

Below the cape are several coves and secluded bays to the east, some of which are quite sheltered. The main beach to the north is more crowded, but you’ll find a couple of tavernas there, which is great if you’re after a spot for lunch or dinner.

Top 13 Things to do in Athens

Next steps

Heading on from Athens, you may choose to spend a couple of days in the beautiful coastal town of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. This is a particularly good choice if you want to visit some of the ancient sites on the mainland – Nafplio is relatively close to both the Theatre of Epidaurus and Ancient Olympia. From then, you can head to Delphi in central Greece.

If you’re planning on heading to the islands, you may want to spend a night in Piraeus, Athens’s port, before you go. There are two harbors in addition to the main port, and the Kastella neighborhood is a pretty hillside of 19^th Century mansions. At the foot of that hill, the secluded harbor of Mikrolimano has a seaside town vibe and feels like it’s a world away from the crowded city. Of course, there is also a modern city and a range of museums and ancient sites as you’ll find elsewhere in Athens.

From Piraeus, you can also do a day trip to one of the closer islands of Hydra, Poros, or Aegina or, of course, catch the larger ferries to the Cyclades where you will find Santorini and Mykonos.

If you do not feel like going to the islands head to Halkidiki instead. 

Read Next:

16 Must Try Greek Foods and Drinks in Greece

Our Favorite Hotels Around the World

The post 4-Day Athens Itinerary to See it All appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Day 1: Fly to Cozumel, Relax, and Visit a Planetarium

After you’ve landed head to your hotel. Many hotels will pick you up, if not catch a taxi. I recommend staying at Allegro Cozumel a secluded family-friendly all-inclusive resort. Try to get to Cozumel Island as early as possible in order to make the most of your first day at the beach. 

If you do not want to stay at Allegro Cozumel I also recommend Explorean Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort.

Tonight Visit to Cha´an Ka´an Planetarium

Cha´an Ka´an is a Planetariums. Cha´an Ka´an has the most sophisticated planetarium dome in Mexico. From the name, which means “to observe” or “to enjoy the sky”. Cha´an Ka´an has the first and only planetarium in Latin America with a 3D dome. If you visit during the fall you might just see the milky way! If you do not get in early enough to do this activity be sure and add it to a different day. 

8 Things to do in Cozumel

Day 2: Sleep in, Visit Pueblo del Maiz

Kids are always tired the day after traveling so let them sleep. After a leisurely breakfast at the resort’s buffet head over to Pueblo del Maiz. 

This is an interactive pre-Hispanic town where you can experience the Mayan’s real-life day and it is brilliant. Your guide takes you from one educational section to another where you and your kids will discover firsthand the Mayan history while doing activities like making corn tortillas, making cacao chocolate, learning where gum came from, and more. I highly recommend visiting here. 

Day 3: Visit Punta Sur Park

Punta Sur Park has a lot going on. There’s a lighthouse you can go to the top of with an educational museum next to it. There are experts floating around that can tell you all kinds of interesting info. Make sure to ask about the Mayan’s hurricane alert. It is fascinating. 

They also have a Turtle Search & Rescue you can participate in.  At 5 P.M.  you can watch baby turtles emerge from their nests and head out to the ocean. 

Dinner: Tonight, have dinner at Casa Mission Restaurant. The Casa Mission restaurant is in a beautiful colonial-style building, surviving from the Yucatan glory days. While you dine you will enjoy live music, including marimba players and mariachi. Be sure to save room for dessert. They prepare it lavishly table side with fire.  

Day 4: Down Day or Vist a Cenote

I find that traveling with kids means there should be a down day every 2-3 days. Yes, it’s exciting to see and do as much as possible, but kids need some time to chill out. 

If you do not want a full down day you can visit a cenote. Cavernas de Jade aka Cenote Chempita is a lovely sinkhole with unbelievable stalactite formations. This quaint oasis has orchids and palm trees. The water is about 40 feet deep and there is freshwater and saltwater in it. The only way to visit it is to go on an excursion with Wild Tours. 

Day 5: Hang out at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

Take the plunge at one of Cozumel’s grandest beach park. Soak up the sun, surrounded by fun activities, authentic cuisine, and soothing spa treatments. Explore the cultural sights and sounds of Mexico with tours celebrating tequila, chocolate, and other local flavors. Swim along Cozumel’s coral reefs on a snorkel tour. Feel your heart race as you plunge down our 200-foot long Twin Twisters water slides. Set your kids free to become pirates at Buccaneer’s Bay. Or kick back under a shady palm on our beach or at our own swim-up pool bar and restaurant. 

The food is included so you will want to make sure and have lunch here. 

Day 6: Mr. Sanchos Beach Club & Shopping

Mr. Sanchos is another fun day beach club in Cozumel with lots of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, wave runners, parasailing, horseback riding, and ATVs. It’s situated along 1500 feet of pristine sandy beach. 

After you are done for the day at Mr. Sancho’s head over to downtown Cozumel. It’s a super cute area with loads of little boutiques. San Miguel is a duty-free zone and most of the streets are car-free. This is also where you will find Senor Frogs and Margaritaville.

Take this itinerary and create your own trip with it. There’s enough here to create your ideal Cozumel vacation.

Get Travel Insurance

Remember to get travel insurance! I’m a fan of  Travelex insurance, because of the variety of options. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. I have gotten extremely sick twice now out of the country and Noah has had seizures in other countries, so I always recommend getting some sort of coverage. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance here.

Car Rental

If you are looking for a car rental I recommend getting the car at the Cancun Airport. It will make things easier. This entire area is easy to drive around in. Get a Cozumel car rental for $11 a day!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To find out more, check out our Privacy Policy.

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Tucked in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville is a small, Southern city with an artsy vibe! Once a secluded retreat, the city has blown up in popularity as a travel destination in the past 10 years, leading to lots of new restaurants and a bustling downtown.

There are modern hotels and woodsy cabins depending on what experience you’re looking for, or several campgrounds to choose from. It’s within a half-day drive to the beach, Atlanta, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and Nashville, making it a great place to stop on a summer road trip around the South. Families will love visiting Asheville, whether they enjoy the outdoors, good food, or mountain culture. It’s hard to find a restaurant without a kid’s menu, and you can’t walk far downtown without seeing happy families (and dogs) strolling around!

Craft breweries are easy to find, and many cater to families with open grass space to run around and sometimes games or live music for kids to enjoy. Most attractions are spread out, so a car is recommended unless you plan on strictly staying downtown. Many downtown hotels have local shuttles, and you can hire tour guides to take hiking excursions with transportation. The local airport has connections to most major ones, or you can fly into Charlotte or Greenville and rent a car to drive over. If you’re visiting a local, ask them to check out free passes for local attractions from the library with a Zoom! pass.

Asheville Hop On Hop Off Tour

If you want to extend your trip or brainstorm other options during your stay, check out this list of 40+ things to do in Asheville with kids, with local tips and lots of photos!

3 Day Asheville Itinerary with kids

This itinerary was written with kids aged 4-13 in mind. If you’re visiting with little ones, I would add in one of the kid-friendly indoor playgrounds to get some energy out! If you’re visiting with older kids, I’d choose a harder hike and add in a visit to the bustling River Arts District where you can see artisans at work, book individual workshops or lessons, and see lots of colorful murals.

Day 1: Biltmore Estate

Start out big with a day exploring the famous Biltmore Estate! The Biltmore is a modern American castle, built in the late 1880s by George Vanderbilt and kept in the family ever since.  Now a major tourist attraction, it is kid-friendly and has lots to do there! In addition to the activities below that are included in your ticket price, consider adding on a carriage ride, Segway tour, horseback ride, or another exciting excursion to make the visit feel special.

Buy your tickets ahead of time to save money and plan for almost an entire day. Touring the house with kids isn’t as nerve-wracking as it sounds since most valuables and art are blocked off from foot traffic. While you can just walk through and read signs as you go, it’s fun to upgrade with the kid-friendly audio tour that is narrated by Cedric, the famous family dog who used to live on the grounds.

Gardens

After touring the house, plan on exploring the gardens. There is a formal greenhouse garden full of hothouse tropics, cacti, and jungle greenery. Grab a quick snack at the lunch cart, and eat on the patio there before heading out on the trails and exploring the formal rose garden!

Pisgah Playground

Next, drive over to the Antler Hill Village area and get energy out on the Pisgah Playground. There is a sandbox, slides, swings, and teeter-totter all within a gated area that keeps little runners contained. Right nearby is the farmyard, where baby animals are available for petting, and friendly staff will tell you about the critters on display. Walk up into the craftsperson area to catch free demonstrations for blacksmithing, woodworking, or broom-making. Don’t forget to stop in the big barn and see what crafts they’re running for kids, or play with the old-time toys.

If you’ve road tripped and have bikes or scooters at your disposal, there are paved trails that connect here. It’s simple to head out and go exploring. Be sure to take a map with you, so you don’t get lost, or note where the shuttle stops are to take you back to your car!

Last, you can pop in for a meal at one of the casual restaurants, and then stop in at the Vanderbilt family exhibit. You can learn about their history and see interesting artifacts. If you want to unwind, check out the free wine tasting where kids get apple juice! If you are done for the day, exit the estate and hit up Sunny Point Cafe or Juicy Lucy’s. Both are nearby, family-friendly restaurants with a smaller price tag than Biltmore’s offerings.

Day 2: Go Hiking

You can’t get far in Asheville without seeing lush greenery and blooming flowers, but to really appreciate nature you need to take a hike!

Mt. Mitchell State Park

It can be hard to choose with so many options, but a fun day trip is to head over to Mt. Mitchell State Park. You’ll take the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway to get there, and then drive up to the concrete overlook.  You’ll walk to the overlook from a parking lot, where you can admire the mountains for as far as the eye can see! A short loop back takes you to the Balsam nature trail, which has an entirely different feel with moss and craggy pine trees. Ask kids to keep an eye out for salamanders (but don’t touch them!) and colorful mushrooms along the way. 

On your way back to the parking lot, pop into their free museum that teaches about the region and history of the park, with fun things to touch and listen to. Drive halfway back down the mountain and enjoy a kid-friendly lunch at their on-site restaurant. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a table near the window for breathtaking views. Everyone should take some time to use the outdoor patio rocking chairs on the way out. If your kids still aren’t tired out, consider stopping by the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle hike that is beautiful and short, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway and on your way back to Asheville.

Dupont State Forest

If you’re itching to see a waterfall instead, consider going south to the Dupont State Forest. There are several waterfalls here, so you can choose as long or short of a hike as you’d like in order to see one (Hooker Falls is even at the end of a mostly paved path, perfect for strollers or wheelchairs).

The visitor center is small but offers kids a chance to learn about the area and ask questions of the ranger. During peak times, they may run free programming for the public, so look on their calendar ahead of time. Teenagers might be impressed to learn parts of the Hunger Games were filmed here!

After you take in the trails, Brevard is an adorable town nearby that’s perfect for grabbing lunch and wandering around. Don’t miss the white squirrel hunt while you find a tasty dessert. O.P. Taylors is a popular old-fashioned toy shop that will delight young shoppers and always has fun display windows to peek into! There are also gem mines in the area, a fun add-on activity for kids to pan for gold or dig out their own semi-precious stones to take home.

Day 3: Explore Downtown

For your last day, and possibly with tired legs, stay in the city proper. There are several options for kids to have fun here. I’d recommend choosing between the art museum, science museum, or Well Played Board Game Cafe and spending a few hours having hands-on fun. If your kids love animals, consider exploring the WNC Nature Center to see the wildlife that calls this area home.

All of those are half-day activities that you can follow up with a pleasant walk around downtown to check out public art and enjoy one of the many popular restaurants. See if you can spot the waterfall stairs that are near the board game cafe, they make for a perfect photo opportunity!

Get dessert at the nationally renowned French Broad Chocolate Lounge, and then take time to run off steam in Pack Square Park (there is a free splash pad during the summer!). Make sure you leave time to wander around looking for street musicians. Kids love tipping with money in their hat. Friday nights host the famous drum circle downtown that is hard to forget, and if you’re visiting during summer, you can also catch the free musical Shindig on the Green downtown. 

If you’re hoping for a souvenir to take home, consider visiting Mast General Store for an old-timey feel with lots of options. You could also stop by Woolworth Walk to pick out original art from lots of different artisans, or Asheville Emporium to find local handmade products and traditional souvenirs.

If you’ve already explored downtown Asheville, consider checking out one of the unique small towns in the area that all have their own vibe and cute downtowns. Black Mountain, Blowing Rock, Hendersonville, Chimney Rock, Brevard, and Sylva are all within 2 hours of downtown Asheville and have their own claims to fame, drawing tourists in and giving them a fun mountain experience.

Where to Stay in Asheville

Grove Park Inn

I only walked through the Grove Park Inn during Christmas time to see the gingerbread houses and did not stay here, so I looked up on their website to see what they offered. The place is so big I was surprised to find out they only had 513 rooms.

• 513 luxury rooms including 14 suites and 28 rooms on a private, adults-only Club Floor
• 18-hole, Donald Ross designed mountain golf course
• 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa
• Multiple casual and formal restaurants boasting panoramic mountain views
• Three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts
• 50,000-square-foot Sports Complex featuring weight rooms, fitness classes, an indoor pool and more
• Two retail promenades
• 55,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space

During the holiday season, The Grove has a gingerbread house competition and I must say they are very impressive.

Do not valet your car during busy times. It takes forever to get it back!

Read Next:

The Outer Banks

Things to Do in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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