Knotts Berry Farm Theme Park - Buena Park, California

Growing up as a child in Los Angeles California I was not a Disneyland child, but I was a Knotts kid!  Each year my parents saved up for that one day when we would enjoy the rides, Snoopy Characters and all that was Knotts Berry Farm.  America's very first theme park and childhood memories that no one can ever erase. 

What I love so much about this theme Park is that no matter how many years have gone by I can still take a picture next to the same statues that were there in the sixties and my own parents stood by as teens.  The modern world has done little to affect the great atmosphere of the Wild West, Ghost Town theme.  It still smells the same as I remember years past and the moment I step beyond the gates I feel like a child again. 

Camp Snoopy still has those same Red Baron airplanes and Huff and Puff soap box carts I rode as a child and watched my own daughter ride a couple years ago. Yet a few newer rides added to the mix makes it all the more fun for kids seeking a little more action these days.

My favorite two rides are still making a splash at Knotts.  "Big Foot Rapids" winds you through the river in which ever direction the water takes you, and the best part is not knowing who is going to get drenched under the waterfall.  And who doesn't enjoy a "Timber Mountain Log Ride" through dark caves and taking a stomach dropping plunge at the end! (Don't forget to smile, your on camera!)

Although I believe Knotts has done very well at keeping it's timeless Western charm, they have added some great Roller coasters to the park, as well as the Soak City Water Park just next door.

I love the food in Knotts Berry Farm and although it's not cheap (No theme park ever is) it's part of the experience and well worth the few extra bucks.

Be sure to hop on the Train, ride the bumper cars and even take a thrilling fall on the supreme scream! If your a fan of Halloween you can visit each year when the park is taken over by Ghosts and Goblins and turned into "Knotts Scary Farm". ShareThis

"The Well" Luxary Spa at Miramonte Resort - Indian Wells, CA (Palm Springs)

I have found myself day dreaming of my time at "The Well" spa and dazing off into complete bliss!  My husband and I took a trip to Indian Wells, California for our last vacation as parents of one child and our last vacation alone for awhile.  Our son was due to arrive soon and we needed to relax.  We stayed at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel across the street and took a walk over to the Miramonte Resort to see what they had to offer.  I was 7 months pregnant and very excited to see they could give me a prenatal massage during a couples massage with my husband. 

The next morning we kept busy until the afternoon and then made our way over to the spa. You'll receive full access for the day to the spa when you book a service.  Once you check-in they provide you with a plush robe, slippers and give you a quick tour of the spa.  If you arrive early enough you'll have time to lounge in the most comfortable lounge chairs, use the Men's & Ladies Steam rooms, lockers and beverage bar and full use of the warm mineral pool.  Of course, being 7 months pregnant I was advised not to use the steam room, but it looked very tempting and my husband was able to enjoy it.  Nevertheless, I was in complete relaxation in the mineral water pool and lying out in the Desert sun with my big belly in tote.

It was time for our couples massage and we were greeted by two very nice ladies that took us back to our room.  They spoke to us individually to find out our specific needs, and then together asked what kind of music we preferred during the massage.  I left that one up to my husband and just enjoyed what I knew would be the last relaxing moments I would have in a long time to come!

Our day at "The Well" spa was a memorable one and I have yet to come across another that is just as amazing.  Not that I frequent spas often, but I've gone to several in the past and none have come close.  I also saw that Miramonte's spa was voted the #1 Spa in the Country on Conde Nast Travel magazines top 100 list and I couldn't agree more! 

NOTE:  If you plan to get a massage while pregnant at Miramonte, or any other spa for that matter. Be sure to drink EXTRA water before and after your massage.  This is very important for the health of you and baby. ShareThis

Marriott Fairfield Inn - Anaheim, CA (Disneyland)

A couple years ago we decided to take my daughter for her first trip to Disneyland.  This was exciting and as much as I wanted to stay on the Disney Resort property, I didn't find it worth the extra money since my daughter was so young at the time and hotels off Disney were much cheaper.  My parents wanted to tag along to see their first and only grandchild (before my son) walk into the wonderful world of Disney. 

I found the Fairfield Inn that appeared close to Disneyland and at about $100 a night.  When we arrived to Anaheim in our rental car we pulled up to this large beautiful Marriott hotel.  I thought it was too good to be true and my husband came back to the car and told me this was not our Marriott we booked (if only I was that good at getting a 5 star at a 3 star price!).  We went further down the street and found our correct hotel.  Not as big and beautiful as the other but nice enough for our weekend stay with the family.  There was a decent outdoor pool in the sunshine that we used a couple times and we were glad to see our rooms had been placed next to one another. 

Fireworks & Snack bars

We got up bright and early the next morning and took an easy walk to breakfast, there were plenty of family style restaurants near by.  From there we walked to the Disneyland entrance which was just a couple blocks over and at night we could see the fireworks at Disney from our room.  After a LONG day at Disneyland we were very comfortable in our air conditioned rooms and when my daughter wanted a late night snack, snack bar inside the hotel was convenient.  They had grab and go sandwiches, fruit and of course your greasy pizza to boot. 

To Sum it Up

The location of this hotel to Disneyland and California Adventures makes this worth the money in my opinion.  I don't recall anyone complaining about anything during our stay and the rooms were clean, basic and comfortable for a small family.  I do however remember that the elevators were very slow, always full and we even got stuck in one for a short time, which was a little scary.  I can't say whether this is still the case or not, but if your not fond of elevators in the first place, it may be something to consider or ask about if you book a room.  We were on the top floor, so stairs were rarely an option for us with a stroller and other supplies. 

Hotel Ammenities

Air Conditioning (necessary on hot summer days)

Snack bar in hotel
Close proximity to Disney Resort and Restaurants
Free Wi-Fi
Cribs Available
Mini-Fridge

Activities and hotels for Kids in Greater LA and Disneyland area on Trekaroo ShareThis

San Francisco (SFO) airport: A kid friendly layover

While booking my trip to Maui I was unsure of whether to do a layover with the kids. Then I figured it'd probably be better to give them a break from the long flight rather than endure a straight shot from Seattle. Our flight was slightly delayed leaving us only time to hop from one plane to the next - "there goes my planned break for the kids" I thought. Surprisingly my 22 month and 5 year old both did so well on all our flights.

Our flight home was uneventful, which is a great thing! I was so excited when we got off our first long flight from Maui (OGG) to San Francisco (SFO) to see a KIDS PLAY AREA. Our layover was only a half hour but this was the best thing to have a place where the kids could run around like crazy monkeys and burn off some energy. The play area was based on a "weather theme" and had a tornado maker with fog being pulled up in a spinning motion making it fun to touch, climb on and just gaze at. Then there were two small but entertaining tunnels to crawl through, climb over and what ever else their little imaginations could think of. A couple more little spinning globes, sand dune creator and electrical TV amusement were all just enough to keep the kids entertained and blow off some energy built up during their previous 5hr flight. It made that last hour and a half ride home fly by!

The next time you may be considering a possible layover at SFO airport with kids, I'd definitely recommend it if you can arrive in Terminal 3. The kids' play area is located near Gate 87, in Terminal 3.

Does your airport have a "play area"? I found this great "Kids Diversion Guide" online that lists each airport with some sort of possible kid entertainment. I was surprised to see my own Sea-tac International on the list with a play area. This must be new and I'll have to seek it out next time we fly.

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