Category: United States

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Disney Florida Orlando United States

Disney Springs Has 20+ Totally Awesome Kid-Friendly Things to Do

Disney Springs is essentially an outdoor mall and entertainment complex following many of the Town Center models found in most cities. It features countless Disney themed stores, as well as other shops and restaurants centered around Lake Buena Vista. There’s also a splash pad, train ride, hot air balloon ride, movie theatre, bowling alley, and a ton of other really cool things!

Disney Springs Mural

The Layout

  • The West Side– Tons of restaurants, AMC Movie Theatre, and Splitsville Bowling Alley
  • Town Center– Over 30 shops plus more dining options
  • The Landing- More restaurants and shopping
  • Marketplace- Shops, restaurants, splash pad, train, carousel. and more kid-friendly stuff.

Kid-Friendly Things to do at Disney Springs

Build LEGO

Outside of the LEGO store, there are large bins of LEGO where kids can build whatever their heart desires. There are even racetracks where they can race their LEGO vehicles. This is a free activity however, there are tons of AMAZING LEGO kits available for purchase inside.

Take Photos with “Characters” and Lego Figurines

There are some unbelievable LEGO sculptures on the property. Grab your camera, pick your favorite filter, and Instagram away! There are also some pretty alright Disney Statues, as well. Sure, they aren’t real characters, but kids still love taking photos with them.

Splash Pad

There is a free splash pad located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. It’s nestled near the Earl of Sandwich and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Be sure to pack your kids suits!  This is the perfect way to cool down and break up the day at Disney Springs!

Carousel

Isn’t it crazy how much kids love carousels? I mean, it’s truly one of those things that has stood the test of time. For just $3 a pop our kiddo can hop on the Venetian carousel and go for a bit of a whirl.

Train Ride

Choo choo! All aboard! Located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs there is a small train perfect for little kids. Don’t worry grown ups, you can ride too! Rides are just $3. The train departs from just outside of the Star Wars Trading Post.

Face Painting

There is a popular face painting kiosk in the Marketplace. You can select from a menu of options or have a custom design painted. If you can dream it, they can do it.

Aerophile- Hot Air Balloon Ride

If your family is feeling a bit more brave, you can check out the Aerophile. This hot air balloon is the largest tethered helium balloon. The balloon will soar up to 400 feet giving you amazing views of Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding area. The cost is $15/child and $20/adult. The ride is located in the West Side of Disney Springs near Splitsville.

Catch a Movie

Okay, so maybe soaring in the air isn’t your thing. If you want to try something a bit more low-key (and air-conditioned!!), check out the AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre. You read that right, Dine-In! You can feast on delicious food while you catch a film- and escape the heat.

Food options include nachos, wings, sushi, loaded brisket fries, salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, churros, ice cream sundaes, and more.

Splitsville Bowling Alley

Dude, this place is MASSIVE! It offers 50,000 square feet of bowling, pool tables, live entertainment, food, and air conditioning. They serve pizza, burgers, sushi, and appetizers. They also serve beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

NBA Experience

Alright sports fans, this one is for you! Get in the game at this basketball themed venue. There are 13 interactive activities including dribbling and skills courts, the Replay Center, and arcade style games.

 

Inside Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe

Your kids will love the fun rainforest and jungle theme at the Rainforest Cafe. Just wait until you see their reaction when the rainforest comes alive for a thunderstorm! The restaurant serves American cuisine such as shrimp tacos, steak, ribs, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, turkey wrap, and more. Reservations are recommended.  

T-Rex Restaurant

The restaurants pretty much explain themselves at Disney Springs…don’t they? So, obviously, this is a dinosaur themed restaurant. Your kids will freak out over the prehistoric atmosphere. There is also a giant sandpit with bones for them to excavate. If they are lucky, they may even find jewels! Menu items include nachos, flatbread, pasta, shrimp, salmon, meatloaf, ribs, chicken, steak, and burgers. Reservations are recommended.

Planet Hollywood

Disney Springs is also home to the infamous Planet Hollywood! If you’re a fan of the Food Network, make sure you pop in to try one of Guy Fieri’s burgers. Trust me, they are legit!

Build a Dino

Speaking of dinosaurs, there is a Build a Dino shop where kids can create their own dinosaur (like Build A Bear only…more ferocious).

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

If your little one isn’t the dirt under their fingers, dino-loving type, perhaps the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is more up their alley. Kids 3-12 are welcome to visit this fancy schmancy salon to get made over into princesses or knights. Reservations are strongly recommended. You can reserve your time slot up to 180 days before your visit.

Shopping

Okay….so normally kids don’t love shopping, but this is shopping Walt style. They will be amazed at all of the super cool Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars toys!

Here are some that your kiddo’s will probably love:

  • Word of Disney (the largest Disney character store on the globe…and probably the universe)
  • Marvel Super Hero Headquarters
  • Disney Style
  • Once Upon a Toy
  • The LEGO Store
  • Star Wars Trading Post
  • Star Wars Galactic Outpost

World of Disney

Yes…this is a store, but it’s not just any store. It’s a store that stands above all of the rest. The World of Disney is the largest Disney character store in the world! If you only go into one store while you’re in Disney Springs, it should be this one! It’s remarkable. It’s the perfect place to shop for Disney souvenirs, Mickey Ears, stuffed animals, clothes, toys, and even kitchen decor!

The Candy Cauldron

This show kitchen lets visitors catch a glimpse of how Disney’s iconic candy creations are made. Of course, you can pick up some goodies, as well.  The candy apples are iconic and to die for! Other classic confections include chocolate covered strawberries, marshmallow wands, Rice Krispie Treats, cupcakes, and pre-packaged treats.

 

Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie Treats anyone?

Goofy’s Candy Shop

This place is heaven. Not only do they serve candy but they also serve Rice Krispie Treats, cake pops, cupcakes,  candy apples, flavored popcorn,  fudge, and other sweet treats and baked goods.

Sprinkles Bakery

This cupcake shop features made from scratch cupcakes. The flavor combinations are out of this world! Some favorites include, red velvet,  sprinkle, black and white, salty caramel, and triple cinnamon.  There is even a cupcake ATM! You can also get ice cream, cookies, and coffee drinks here.

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Updated: 11/14/21

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Free Disney Stroller Tag Printables

If you’re headed to Disney with littles in tow, a stroller is a must-have survival tool. Whether you’re packing your own or renting one at the park, it’s the only way to survive the miles of walking, lines, and midday meltdowns with your sanity (mostly) intact.

But if you’ve ever been to Disney before, you already know: strollers are everywhere. Like… hundreds of them. Just picture Fantasyland during nap time. Absolute stroller mayhem.

So how do you make your stroller stand out in the sea of Mickey ears and sippy cups?

Why Are These Disney Stroller Tag Printables Necessary?

Here’s the deal:

  • Strollers aren’t allowed in ride lines.

  • That means you park them in a designated stroller parking area.

  • Popular rides like Peter Pan, Dumbo, and Small World? They all share the same stroller parking zones.

  • Plus, Cast Members constantly move strollers around like valet attendants—trying to make space for more.

End result: Your stroller may not be where you left it. And searching for your black-on-black Chicco in a stroller jungle at 2 PM when your kid is hangry? Yeah… not the magic we’re looking for.

Our free printable Disney stroller tags are cute, practical, and help your ride stand out. Whether you want a subtle Mickey or a bold castle design, we’ve got you.

🧺 Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Your Free Printable Tag (download below)

  • Heavy-duty cardstock

  • Clear contact paper or a laminator + pouches

  • Scissors

  • Permanent marker

  • Hole punch

  • Zip ties or string

✂️ Instructions:

  1. Download & print your favorite stroller tag design on heavy-duty cardstock.

  2. Use a marker to write your family name or a fun nickname (“Team Smith” or “Stroller of Wonder”).

  3. Cover it with laminate or clear contact paper to waterproof it.

  4. Cut it out, punch a hole, and use zip ties or string to attach to your stroller handle.

  5. High-five yourself—you just outsmarted Disney stroller chaos.

 

Grab Your Free Disney Stroller Tag Printable

These printables are usually available in our shop, but right now, we’re giving them to our readers for free! 🎉

👉 Grab your favorite:

  • Red Mickey Sunglasses

  • Blue Castle Design

  • Classic Mickey Head

Looking for more designs? Check out our online store for tons of adorable (and affordable!) options.

Stroller Guidelines for Disney World

  • Before you roll up to Main Street USA, double-check that your stroller meets Disney’s rules:

    • Max Width: 31” (79 cm)

    • Max Length: 52” (132 cm)

    • No stroller wagons allowed

    • Strollers can’t go on escalators (elevators & ramps only)

    • Kids must be removed for trams and monorail

    • Don’t leave valuables in your stroller

    • Strollers may be moved by Cast Members (yep, again)

Renting a Stroller at Disney

Single Stroller

If you’re flying in or want to pack light, Disney offers single and double stroller rentals:

💼 Single Stroller

  • Best for: Kids up to 50 lbs

  • Daily rate: $15

  • Length of Stay rate: $13/day

👯 Double Stroller

  • Best for: Kids up to 100 lbs

  • Daily rate: $31

  • Length of Stay rate: $27/day

You’ll pay at the park entrance and pick up your stroller after entering. If you’re park-hopping, just show your receipt at each park to grab a fresh one.

Pro Tip: Strollers can’t leave the park, so plan ahead if you’ve got sleepy kiddos and post-firework legs.

 

Between the crowds, heat, and magic-induced exhaustion, finding your stroller shouldn’t be a scavenger hunt. Grab a free printable tag, prep ahead, and make your Disney day a little less chaotic.

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Updated: 5/30/25

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

One of the first big trips that we took the kids on was a visit to Disney World for Smiley’s 6th birthday. Visiting the park with a 6-year-old is a cakewalk, but visiting Disney with toddlers is a totally different ball game. It takes planning, patience, and a little bit of spiked Dole Whip to make it through the day(s).

Enjoying treats at Disney Springs

As Floridians, we grew up going to Disney several times each year. I’ve had the chance to visit as a child, as a teen (with and without my parents), as an “adult”, and as a parent. After three decades of visiting Disney, we’ve come to learn the in’s and out’s of the theme park and we’d love to share some advice with you!

What is the Perfect Age to Visit Disney?

Honestly, if you have the opportunity to take the kids to Disney World- do it. I now know what people mean when they say, “You haven’t experienced Disney until you’ve seen it through your child’s eyes.”

Regardless of your child’s age, Disney will be a magical experience. Sure, you kid might not remember their trip but you will. Even young children will have an amazing time. Even better, children under the age of three get into the park for free so the trip can be even more affordable when they are younger.

Of course, the older a kid is the more rides they’ll be able to experience. However, there is still plenty to do if you are planning on hitting up Disney with toddlers. There were several rides that the twins were able to ride.

Watching the Rope Dropping Ceremony at Magic Kingdom

Our Guide to Visiting Disney with Toddlers

Don’t Set the Bar Too High

Experiencing Disney with a toddler is totally different than hitting it up with older kids or even as adults. If you go as a grown-up or with older kids, you’re able to cram in a ton of rides, stay at the park all day, and end the day by staying for the fireworks.

Throw all of those ideas out the window if you’re going to Disney with a toddler. Instead of planning on hitting every ride possible, narrow that down to 2 or 3 a day. Yes, you read that right.

Don’t worry though, there is so much more to Disney World that doesn’t involve long lines that your kid will absolutely love! There are parades, random appearances by characters, play areas, and shows to entertain them.

Drumming some sick beats at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Determine Which Park(s) You Want to Visit

Most of the rides at Magic Kingdom are kid friendly. This will probably be your best bet if you only have one day at the parks. Do yourself a favor and don’t even think about park hopping with a toddler!

Our Suggestions when visiting Disney with Toddlers

1 Day- Magic Kingdom
2 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios
3 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios
4 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Magic Kingdom again!
5 Days- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom again!

Create a Loose Itinerary

If your toddlers are anything like ours, they are up at the crack of dawn. Seriously, our kids are normally up around 6:30 every morning. For us, this meant that being at the park when it opens is totally feasible! We were able to watch the Rope Dropping Ceremony, take advantage of short wait times, and be out of the park in time for a late nap.

Keeping in mind that you’ll want to only focus on 3 “Must Dos”, you’ll want to loosely plan your day. We planned out what two rides we wanted to experience and one character meet and greet each day. Not knowing what the wait times would be like while we were there, we didn’t want to set the bar too high and be disappointed. Everything else that we experienced was a bonus!

We planned on being out of the park by nap time, and we were off by about 1 hour. The twins (then early 2 year-olds) and Smiley both passed out in the car after exhaustion. After their nap, we hit up Disney Springs for dinner at Rainforest Cafe and more Disney-themed fun.

Can you tell it is nap time?

Research the Stroller Regulations

If you’re heading to Disney with toddlers, chances are you’ll be bringing or renting a stroller. Really, it’s the only way to tackle the massive park when you’re traveling with small children

Stroller Regulations

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps, available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Stroller Tag Printables

Since strollers are not permitted in the lines, visitors park their strollers in one of the designated parking areas. Sometimes, several rides will share the same stroller parking lot which means you could easily have hundreds of strollers crammed in a single area- especially near the toddler-friendly rides in areas like Fantasyland.

Here’s where it gets even trickier! There are stroller valet people who actually move around strollers so that it is easier for other people to park. This means that your stroller will most likely. This makes it even more difficult to find. Trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to hunt down where your stroller has been moved to when you’re hot, tired, and cranky!

We have TONS of Stroller Tag Printables available at our shop.

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Download the Disney World App

Ya’ll, the Disney World app is a totally game changer! You can use to to check the wait times for rides, view maps, order food, scope out show times, and schedule Fastpasses.

We while we were in line for one attraction/ride we were able to look to see what is nearby and how long the wait times are. We even pre-ordered our lunch so that it was ready for us when we got to the restaurant.

This is about as good as it gets…

Take Advantages of FastPass+!

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that your toddler probably won’t last longer than 30 minutes waiting in line. With the purchase of all Disney World tickets, you get 3 free FastPasses a day! A FastPass means that you are reserving your spot for a ride or attraction during a one-hour window of time. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t be standing in line, it just means that it will be a much shorter line.

We like to use them to secure spots for 2 rides and 1 character meet and greet.

You can book your FastPass+ slots 30 days in advance, or 60 days in advance if you are staying at a Disney Resort. The earlier you try to book these time slots, the more likely you’ll be able to reserve your favorite ride. Some Fastpasses go quickly!

Mad Tea Party time!

Use Rider Switch/Single Rider Lines

If you can’t resist some of the big kid/adult rides that your toddler can’t go on- don’t worry, Disney has a plan! They have a system called Rider Switch Passes. See a cast member at one of the qualifying rides and they’ll hand you a Rider Switch Pass. Basically, one grown-up waits in line and goes on the ride while the other grown-up hangs out with the kids. Once, they’ve exited the ride, you pass off the kids and they hand you the pass. You get to ride the ride without having to wait in line again! Holla!

If just one of you wants to ride one of these rides, some rides offer a single rider line. Basically, you’ll fill in any empty seats on the ride. There are 4 rides in Disney World that offer single rider lines. They are Expedition Everest, Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, and Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run. 

Best Rides for Toddlers

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (no height requirement)
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant (no height requirement)
  • It’s a Small World (no height requirement)
  • Mad Tea Party (no height requirement)
  • Magic Carpets of Aladdin (no height requirement)
  • Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (no height requirement)
  • Peter Pan’s Flight (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Prince Charming Regal Carousel (no height requirement)
  • The Barnstormer (no height requirement)
  • Tomorrowland Speedway (32 inches to ride)
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (no height requirement)
  • Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (no height requirement)

Animal Kingdom

  • Kilimanjaro Safari (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Na’vi River Journey Location (no height requirement)
  • TriceraTop Spin (no height requirement)
  • Wildlife Express Train (no height requirement)

Epcot

  • Frozen Ever After (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!
  • Gran Fiesta with the Three Caballeros (no height requirement)
  • Journey into the Imagination with Figment (no height requirement)
  • The Seas with Nemo and Friends (no height requirement)

Hollywood Studios

  • Alien Swirling Saucers (32 inches)
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (no height requirement)
  • Toy Story Mania (no height requirement) Get a FastPass!

What to Bring When Visiting Disney with Toddlers

  • Stroller: Sure, travel strollers are great but you’ll want a full-size stroller for storage. Trust me.
  • Snacks & Drinks: We plan on eating lunch, 1 snack, and 1 treat while we’re at the park. Since we arrive so early, we bring something along for breakfast (or grab something at the hotel). With all of the excitement of being at Disney, and being outside, the kids are starving and thirsty all day long. We bring a cooler with drinks and throw a butt-ton of snacks into the diaper bag.
  • Diaper Bag: Obviously you’ll want to pack a fully-stocked diaper bag. If you happen to forget something, there are Baby Care Centers that have things available for purchase. This is also an ideal spot for feedings, diaper changes, and quiet time. Toss a blanket in if you’re going to be wild and visit at night.
  • Change of Clothes
  • Sunscreen: It’s Florida, lather up.
  • Umbrella: It rains almost every day during the summer. Pack an umbrella.
  • Portable Charger: Let’s face it, you’ll be taking a gazillion photos and probably be checking the app often! Pack a portable charger, or you’ll regret it.
  • Safety Harness: Okay…never in my life did I think that I’d be a parent that uses a safety harness. And then the twins came along. Like most 2-year-olds, they are wild and love to wander and run around, especially when they are excited. We found these adorable little Mickey Mouse safety harnesses that are perfect for visiting Disney with toddlers!

    We hope that you found this guide to visiting Disney with toddlers helpful. Remember with a bit of planning, preparation, and spiked Dole Whip, visiting Disney with a toddler is totally doable. We truly hope that you and your family have the adventure of a lifetime!

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Updated: 10/25/21

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

The Best Times to Visit Disney World (and the WORST!)

What are the best times to visit Disney to avoid the crowds, you might ask. Each year millions of people flock to Central Florida to visit Disney. In fact, there is an average annual attendance of more than 58 million people! With millions of people visiting the parks each year….is there ever a good time to head to the House of Mouse?

In short, the answer is yes! There are both good and bad times to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Disney World can be absolutely magical or absolutely miserable depending on when you choose to go.

The Worst Times to Visit Disney World

Let’s kick our list off with dates that you absolutely want to avoid hitting the park.

Spring Break

Florida is a haven for Spring Breakers. Both school age kids and college age kids head to the Sunshine State to enjoy their Spring Break. This means that the parks tended to be crowded between Mid-March to Mid-April.

If you don’t have any other choice, the good news is the weather tends to be more mild in the spring months.

The Summer Months

Sure…if you’re traveling with kids this might seem like the ideal time to visit since they’ll probably be out of school however, don’t do it. Not only are your kids out of school, but so are almost everyone else’s. Not only that, summers in Florida SUCK. Even as a Florida girl, the heat and humidity along with large crowds, and long lines sounds completely unbearable.

Pro-Tip: The Disney parks tend to clear out when the skies open up! People start hitting the parking lot as soon as it starts to rain.

If you must visit Disney during the summer, don’t let the rain scare you. It rains pretty much every afternoon here in the summer. The storms typically clear pretty quickly. Just duck inside a shop or a restaurant and wait it out.

Better yet? Head to the park even if you know it’ll be a rainy day! Grab a poncho and the park will be (almost) all yours!

The Last Two Weeks of December

Hear me out, here. Yes, these weeks are absolutely jam packed with holiday fun and typically the weather is much cooler however… the place gets ridiculously crowded. In fact, it is not uncommon for Magic Kingdom to reach capacity during Christmas week. What’s the capacity, you ask? 57,000 people. That’s a shit ton of people waiting around in lines.

If you want to see what all of the holiday fuss is about, go during the first week of December.

National Holidays

Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and other national holidays tend to draw large crowds.

The Best Times to Visit Disney World

Weekdays

Whenever possible, hit the park on a weekday. Many travelers are just in the area for the long weekend. Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be rather slower.

The Best Months to Visit

January (with the exception of MLK weekend and the Disney Marathon Weekend), February (with the exception of President’s Day and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend), late April, September (after Labor Day Weekend), October (the weekends can get busy due to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival).

2021 Disney Calendar of Events

January

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 6 to 10). This is now a virtual event.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 8 to February 22).

February

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 18 to 21). This is now a virtual event.

March

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March to June)

April

Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon Weekend (April 15 to 18)

This weekend features iconic rivalries from the popular movie series Star Wars. Events include the Star Wars 5K, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars Rival Run Challenge and the runDisney Kids Races, as well as the headlining half marathon.

August Through December

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Dates TBD).

Taking place on select nights throughout the fall is one of Disney’s most popular events. Highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks show and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Disney characters dress up in Halloween costumes and kids can trick-or-treat in the park.

The party is not included with regular admission to Magic Kingdom and requires a separate ticket.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (Dates TBD).

This is one of our favorite Disney events! The festival features more than 25 international marketplace kiosks, which offer tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, as well as recommended wine and beer pairings. 

Our favorite part is the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series that features my favorite band, Hanson, every year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Dates TBD).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, is a special event held on select nights each winter at Magic Kingdom. The party runs from 7pm until midnight. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration castle stage show, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks and magical snowfall over Main Street, U.S.A. are some of the event’s highlights.

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Categories
Alaska Cruise Travel Ketchikan United States

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port– Let me start by saying, Ketchikan was one of our favorite places we stopped on our Alaskan cruise. As soon as I opened the curtains leading to our balcony, it was love at first sight. Let me tell you, Ketchikan did not disappoint. The adorable little fishing town is charming and full of great things to do.

Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “first city”, due to its location at the southernmost entrance of the Inside Passage. This makes Ketchikan a popular stop on most Alaskan cruises.

In addition to Ketchikan, we visited Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. We also sailed through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier.

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Should I book an excursion in Ketchikan?

Firstly, there are so many great excursions available in Ketchikan, but Alaskan excursions are expensive. If you are on a budget, you can easily experience all of the best Ketchikan has to offer without booking an excursion. There are plenty of things to do near the Ketchikan Cruise Port. We had a chance to explore the Salmon Capital on foot and really enjoyed ourselves.

While we were in Ketchikan we did the Orca Beach Nature Trail which took us to an island where we had a chance to hike and become at one with nature. During our trip, we saw whales, porpoises, countless eagles, and tons of other wildlife (including a slug that I managed to kiss…)

A seaplane landing in Ketchikan

5 Things to Do Near the Ketchikan Cruise Port

Note: We suggest grabbing a map at the Visitors Center. The map includes 35 points of interest. The entire loop around downtown will take you at least an hour to do.

“The Rock” Bronze Statue, Downtown Ketchikan

Creek Street

The #1 thing to do in Ketchikan is to take a stroll down Creek Street. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and this is the perfect place to spot the salmon swim upstream to spawn. Believe it or not, this is the former red light district. Locals say this is where “both men and salmon came upstream to spawn”. 

Creek Street is about a 10-15 minute leisurely stroll from the cruise port. Signs are posted that will lead you through the town to this popular spot. If you don’t want to risk getting lost, you can stop by the Visitors Center to grab a walking tour map.

Stroll Through Downtown

Downtown is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also lots of really cool totem poles that are scattered throughout the town. If you want to learn more about the totems, you can stop by the Totem Pole Heritage Center.

Walk and Shop at the Boardwalk

The historic boardwalk is a living postcard. It is dotted with colorful shops where you can pick up souvenirs, sample some of the local salmon, and grab a beer. Be sure to peer over the railings to look for salmon!

Sample the Local Cuisine

There are plenty of great restaurants in town. Grab some fish and chips, freshly caught crab and fish at one of the portside restaurants.

Take a Hike

Believe it or not, there are some pretty rad hiking trails near the port. The Deer Mountain Trail, in particular, offers panoramic views of Ketchikan. Word on the street is that this is one of the best hiking trails in the Frontier State! The trail takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete, so make sure you have plenty of time before trying to tackle it.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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Categories
Alaska Cruise Tips Cruise Travel United States

What Should I Expect on an Alaskan Cruise?

I have to admit, I’m suffering from a bit of wanderlust. I’ve been dreaming of some of my favorite locations (Honduras, Belize, and Alaska) and I’ve been counting down the days until my next trip. Boy, let me tell you, it can’t come soon enough! Since Alaska has been on my mind so much, I thought I’d share some information about what you can expect on an Alaskan Cruise.

Which Cruise Lines Offer an Alaskan Cruise?

Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Crystal cruise lines all sail to Alaska. There are also some smaller companies that make the voyage.

When is Alaskan Cruise Season?

Most cruise lines begin their Alaskan cruise season in May however, some may try to sailing in late April. The Alaskan cruise season will typically end by mid-September when the temperatures begin to plummet and the ice begins to form.

Rough Seas? Many people worry about experience rough seas while they are on cruises. If you cruise during the shoulder season (May or September) there is a greater chance of experiencing rough seas. This is mostly in part to the changing of the seasons.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

The weather in southeast Alaska is relatively mild during the cruising season. The average daytime temperatures are in the mid-60’s during the daytime and mid-’40s at night. Not bad, right? You should prepare for rain, however. Many of the cruise ports are located in the Alaskan rain forest.

If you plan on going to check out one of the many glaciers, you will definitely want to pack warm clothes; we’re talking coats, gloves, hats, and scarves. Even on bright and sunny days, these areas are super chilly!

It should be noted that if your Alaskan cruise itinerary includes a day sailing through the fjords that inclement weather/the presence of ice, may impact a fjord day. On my Alaskan cruise itinerary, we were supposed to sail through the Tracy Arm Fjord. Unfortunately, there was a ton if ice caps floating around so we were unable to successfully go through Tracy Arm, instead we visited Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm, which was awesome!

Seals

Since the summer months are mild, you shouldn’t have to worry about snow. There will be snow on the mountain tops, and maybe even some on the ground (we saw snow up in the Yukon, for instance) but it shouldn’t be snowing.

Will I see Whales?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions people that visit Alaska get. Chances are, yes, you will see a whale. We were fortunate enough to see countless whales on our weeklong Alaskan cruise. We saw several humpbacks (even some breaching the water!) and lots of orcas. The key to whale watching is being patient, paying attention, and focusing on the horizon.

Our Alaskan cruise had a naturalist on board that would announce when she spotted whales. She’d say “There’s a humpback fluke on the port side at 10 o’clock,” so people would know where to look.

We spotted most of the whales in the Inside Passage and right near the US/Canadian border.

Seals

What other wildlife is frequently spotted?

You’ll have a pretty good chance of seeing seals, and eagles in the fjords. I can’t even begin to tell you how many bald eagles we spotted. They literally dotted the entire fjord. We also saw quite a bit of them in Juneau.

As far as other animals, it will depend greatly on the excursions you choose. While we didn’t get to see any moose, we did spot some bears. In fact, we saw a bear sauntering across the street in downtown Juneau! You may also see goats and salmon.

What should I pack?

The key to packing for Alaska is making sure you have layers! I packed a long sleeve shirt or a sweater/cardigan for each day. Underneath this shirt, I also had a tank top or a short-sleeve shirt. I also wore a jacket every single day. I almost never took off my jacket so I could have totally gotten away with wearing the same thing every day! Make sure you pack a jacket and you are prepared for rain.

One cool thing about Alaskan cruises is that they are super laid back. You don’t have to worry as much about formal nights. This was incredibly handy since I had to worry about the weight of my baggage when I flew from Florida to Seattle.

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Updated: 11/17/21

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Florida Jacksonville United States

Huguenot Park- The Locals Favorite Summer Hangout

When people think of Floridians they think of a bunch of rednecks that hang out at the beach all day, am I right? Believe it or not, until we adopted the kids we actually didn’t spend a ton of time at the beach. At one point we lived 5 blocks from the ocean and rarely ever hit the sand. Now that we have kids, however, we’re at the beach every weekend. It’s the perfect way to wear them out. Huguenot Park is the beach that we visit most frequently. The fact that you can drive on the beach makes it super convenient when you have little ones.

What is the Huguenot Park?

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

The park was named after the French Huguenots that arrived in this area in 1562. The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

On his second voyage to the Americas in 1565, Ribault and his men were shipwreck near St. Augustine. The crew encountered the Spanish Governor, Pedro Menendez, at the Matanzas Inlet. The Governor feared that the French were encroaching on his territory and killed Ribault and his men.

There is a memorial plaque honoring these men at the entrance to Huguenot Park. The park is formally named Huguenot Memorial Park in their remembrance.

Things to Know…

  • Bicycle entry is $3, vehicle entry is $5 per car for up to 6 people, $1 for each additional person.
  • The beach is open from 6 AM until 7 PM (6 PM after we fall back)
  • The entrance gate closes 1 hour prior to closing time.
  • The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water; St. Johns River, Fort George Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The sand is extremely soft when accessing the Atlantic Ocean side of the beach. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended.
  • Family Beach is accessible by 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
  • Pay close attention to the tide signs at the front of the park. The high tides can get super high- you DO NOT want to get your car stuck in the high tide.

Where is Huguenot Park located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive near Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island.

The physical address is: 10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Huguenot Park Highlights

  • Paddle boarding and kayaking at Family Beach
  • Fishing (everywhere)
  • The “hidden beach” on the opposite side of the jetties
  • Camping
  • Birding
  • Surfing and body surfing on the Atlantic side
  • Being able to drive directly on the beach
  • Scoping out the naval ships across the river at Mayport Naval Base

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs right back Huguenot Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border all the way down to the Florida Keys!

Our Experience

Considering we spend nearly every summer weekend at Huguenot Park, I think it’s safe to say we love this place. We bought an annual pass for $100 and it has been well worth the money! There are some weeks where we visit twice.

The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. When we visit we tend to gravitate to two different areas: the jetties (the Atlantic Ocean side) or Family Beach (the Fort George Inlet side).

The ocean side is great for fishing, searching for crabs, surfing, and boogie boarding. Growing up, we LOVED climbing the jetties. There’s a “hidden beach” on the opposite side (the St. Johns River) which is an excellent place to go to get away from people. Since the jetties are an easy landmark, it’s a popular place to meet up with others. Since accessing this part of the beach requires navigating through soft sand, 4WD is strongly recommended.

Our favorite place to go, however, is Family Beach. The water is super calm and there is a sandbar that you can walk to/paddleboard out to depending on the tides. This is a popular place for paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also closer to the campsites so many of the campers fish in this area.

Our Huguenot Beach Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

What is there to do nearby?

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Updated 12/20/2021

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Getting in Touch with Nature at Tree Hill Nature Center

Tucked away in the middle of the Arlington suburb of Jacksonville, Florida is a quaint 50-acre nature center that is working to preserve environmentally sensitive flora and fauna. The Tree Hill Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, a nature center, a learning laboratory, gardens, nature trails, and animal enclosures. It is the perfect place to take the kids for a few hours outdoors.

What is the history behind Tree Hill Nature Center?

Since 1971 Tree Hill Nature Center has worked to educate the public about the importance of taking care of our environment. The center encompasses 50 acres of hilltop forest, wetland areas, swamp, and a fresh water stream.

Tree Hill Nature center has partnered with Duval County Schools to educate the youth about the local flora and fauna.

What are the highlights of Tree Hill Nature Center?

  • Interactive Exhibits
  • Learning Laboratory
  • Indoor Nature Center
  • Hiking Trails
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Goat and Chicken Coops (Goat food is available or $1/cup)

The park consists of 7 easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods.

Sabal Palm Trail: 488 ft and wheelchair accessible
Red Bay Branch Trail: 1670 ft
Longleaf Pine: 2620 ft intermediate trail
Howland Creek Trail: 2160 ft intermediate trail
Boardwalk Trail: 721 ft boardwalk
Happy Trail: 1263 ft easy/intermediate trail
Stable Loop: 1690 ft paved trail

Where is the nature center located?

Located just a few miles from Downtown Jacksonville in the Arlington suburb.

Physical address: 7152 Lone Star Road Jacksonville, FL 32211

Our Thoughts on Tree Hill Nature Center

We arrived at Tree Hill Nature Center just after 9 AM so we could beat the early-September Florida heat and hopefully avoid the mosquitos. First, we checked in at the indoor Nature Center and began exploring the interactive exhibits. The exhibits consisted of both live animals and stuffed animals that are local to our area. At the top of the ramp, there is a Learning Laboratory where you can view tanks full of snakes and turtles. The kids loved being able to touch the turtles and watch them swim about.

Next, we made our way over to the goat enclosure. The goats have TONS of things to climb on and even a cool “goat walk” that soars over your head and crosses over the trail. The goats were extremely friendly and super excited about being fed a little snack. Several chickens strutted over greet us.

Afterwards, we hit the trails. We took the Sabal Palm Loop to the Boardwalk Trail to check out the maze and community garden. The maze was a bit overgrown so we skipped it and followed the Stable Loop to the Happy Trail. The Happy Trail was easy to navigate for our family of 5 (including the twins who are 2.5 years old).

On our way out, we said goodbye to the goats and chickens and made our way through the gorgeous butterfly garden.

All in all, we had a wonderful time at the Tree Hill Nature Center. The kids enjoyed being able to run around on the trails and absolutely loved the goats. I mean, who doesn’t love goats? We strongly recommend being bug spray and some bottles of water along with you. Mosquitos are out in full force for much of the year here in the Sunshine State.

Our Tree Hill Essentials

OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

What is there to do nearby?

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

A Recap of our August Adventures

August in Florida is hot. Dreadfully hot. We’re talking about sweat pouring, swamp ass, triple-digit hot. It is absolutely beyond miserable so we didn’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as we did in July.

August also brought a huge change our way- we went back to school and work for the first time since March. Re-entering civilization has cut into our adventures but we still managed to cram quite a bit into the 31 days of August.

We kicked off the month with a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Our zoo has an AMAZING little splash park that is a godsend in the summer months. That same day, we also hiked through the woods to one of our favorite isolated beaches, Blackrock. I know what you’re thinking- hiking in August? We must be crazy! The trail leading out to Blackrock is covered in a canopy, which helps keep it a little more cool. Plus, since it dumped out at the beach- we were able to take a dip in the cool salt water.

  • Largo Well Park
  • Lillian S. Davin Park
  • Landon Park

Smiley and I also checked out a super-hip, totally modern playground called Landon Park. Smiley loved playing on all of the innovative structures and enjoyed strolling through the butterfly garden. While we were in the San Marco area we also checked out three other small parks, Lillian S. Davin Park, Largo Well Park, and Riverfront Park.

  • Southbank Riverwalk
  • MOSH
  • MOSH

Later that week, we went downtown to check MOSH (Museum of Science and History) and the Southbank Riverwalk. The museum focuses on local history and animals. I had the opportunity to teach Smiley all about our cities history. She was fascinated by the Timacqua people! While we were there, we were able to check out their annual dinosaur exhibit. It was really neat to see the robotic dinosaurs.

Catty Shack is a wildlife sanctuary that cares for lions, tigers, and other big cats that have been rescued. Since it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our house, we popped in one afternoon to check out the felines. It was so hot that most of them were dozing away in the shade.

  • Sheffield Park
  • Huguenot Beach

We spent every weekend at our favorite beach, Huguenot Memorial Park. The beach sits right across the river from Mayport Naval Base. The naval ships, and passing cargo ships, serve as a really cool backdrop for this family-friendly beach. This is one of the few beaches that you can drive on in our area so it makes it easy to take the kiddos. We park in an area that is perfect for paddleboarding. Our goal this summer was to get the kids used to water and I think it’s safe to see that we were successful! All three kiddos love paddleboarding, kayaking, and playing in the saltwater.

While researching things to do in Jacksonville, I learned that I have unknowingly lived near a set of waterfalls for nearly 30 years! Waterfalls are a rarity in Florida since we’re such a flat state. Bulls Bay Preserve has 2 sets of waterfalls! While both of them under 5 feet, it’s still a pretty cool sight to see.

We ended our month with a visit to a local ice cream shop. It is the only indoor place the boys have visited since March (with the exception of Disney Springs). The ice cream shop, Mayday Ice Cream, has such a hip outdoor space they didn’t mind the fact that we ate al fresco.

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Bulls Bay Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Y’all, I have lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and I had no idea that I lived within 20 miles of waterfalls until just a few weeks ago. Yes, actual waterfalls in this flat ass state of ours! In 2019 the city of Jacksonville opened one of their newest parks- the Bulls Bay Preserve. The Preserve was established to protect the swamp-land and the tributaries leading to some of the major local rivers.

What is the history behind Bulls Bay Preserve?

Although it wasn’t until 2019 that the preserve was easily accessible to visitors, the area is full of historical significance for locals. Once known by the misnomer Paradise Plantation from the 1820s until the Civil War. This plantation belonged to one of Jacksonville’s founding fathers, Isaiah D. Hart.

Hart was a plantation owner, slaver and founder of Jacksonville. After moving to the area from Georgia, he began platting the town in 1822. He established his own plantation just a few miles away from what is now known as downtown Jacksonville. Hart went on to serve as a postmaster, judge, and a member of the Florida Territorial Senate.

Historians believe that one of the waterfalls on the property may have once been used for a gristmill where grains were ground into flour.

 Isaiah’s son Ossian Hart, later Governor of Florida, wrote of the natural beauty of the place:

“In the open pine woods, I loved to wander all day long, and while driving the cows home, admiring the tall towering Pines that rose boldly from their footstool earth, and reached high up into the air-amongst which no intruding undergrowth obstructed the view of their noble trunks upon whose smooth flakes of bark, as smooth to the touch as the velvets of the north, you might write your name; or a complementary to your Lady Love.”

The land for the Bulls Bay Preserve was set aside in 1999. The Preserve consists of 1200 acres of the Bulls Bay Swamp that serves as the headwaters of two different tributaries to the St. Johns River, the Cedar River, and Sixmile Creek. One of the tributaries features a small, picturesque waterfall.

What are the highlights of Bulls Bay Preserve?

  • Waterfalls
  • Hiking/Biking Trails
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • It’s pet friendly!

The park consists of 5 short and easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods. The Waterfall Loop features something you don’t see often in Florida; a waterfall. Although it’s only about 4 feet tall, it’s still a pretty cool sight for our low, flat state.

Where is the preserve located?

Located just eight miles from Downtown Jacksonville and less than a mile from I-10 and I-295, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Florida.

Physical address: 8017 Old Plank Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

Our Thoughts on Bulls Bay Preserve

Bulls Bay Preserve has a lot of potential. The park offers restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills.

There are 5 short, easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for hiking and even better for biking! The narrow trails could use a little more signage, especially at the waterfall. Parts of the trail were uneven or steep, which was a challenge for our toddlers to navigate but they handled it like champs. Older visitors shouldn’t have trouble navigating through the woods. I think as time passes and this park becomes more and more popular, the trails will be beaten down more and will become easier to navigate for all.

Unfortunately, the creeks are filled with trash which takes away from the natural beauty of the area. I’m sure most of it was carried down the creek, however, there is plenty of evidence of people coming to the preserve to “party” (if you know what I mean). We recommend bringing some bug spray and maybe a trash bag to help keep this park clean.

I have a feeling we’ll be checking this park out again, in the future to see how it evolves. I think with proper care and maintenance, this place has the potential to be one of the better preserves in Jacksonville.

What is there to do nearby?

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Castaway Island Preserve as kid-friendly destinations.

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