Let These Children’s Books Inspire Your Next Family Adventure

Posted on April 17, 2020April 17, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Sharing books with your kids is a great way for them to step into other worlds, build imagination, have amazing adventures, hear about other cultures, and learn to empathize with characters. It’s also a very special way to spend time together as a family and a great bonding experience for family members of all ages.

Wouldn’t it be fun to visit the destinations where some of your favorite books take place? Here are a few classic children’s books with accompanying locations to add to your bucket list.

Fairy Tale Places to Visit with the Kids

Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery – Prince Edward Island: This is one of my all-time favorites! Those who love this book will find Anne-related attractions all over this lovely and remote island, including Avonlea Village, Green Gables Heritage Place, and the author’s family home where her descendants still live. Kindred Spirits Country Inn and Cottages is the perfect family-friendly location to stay when visiting, offering cottages complete with kitchenettes, a heated swimming pool, and bike rentals.

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett – London, England: In London, the entire family can enjoy some of the same sights Sarah Crewe might have in the book, which is set in the early 1900s. Big Ben, the famous, huge clock in the Palace of Westminster; the Tower Bridge, a suspension bridge which crosses the River Thames; and the Royal Albert Hall, a concert hall that hosts a variety of concerts and shows. Flemings Hotel in Mayfair is a great choice for families as children under eight years old receive a copy of Fleming Frog’s book about adventures in London, frog shampoo, milk and cookies at bedtime, and slippers and a robe.

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott – New England: A trip to Concord, Massachusetts, one of the most picturesque New England villages, after reading this classic book must include a visit to the Minute Man National Historical Park where you can watch a video all about the American Revolution. Tour the Orchard House, the historic home of the Alcott family, and the place that Louisa May Alcott used as the setting for the book, and then visit nearby Walden’s Pond, which is a lovely place for swimming and hiking. Concord’s Colonial Inn is a great family-friendly hotel with fully furnished one and two-bedroom cottages, complete with kitchens, and a complimentary grab-n-go breakfast.

Little House on the Prairie Historical Site

Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Kansas: Families, like myself, who love this entire book series based on the real-life adventures of the author will enjoy visiting the Little House on the Prairie Historical Site near Independence, Kansas, then they can check out the Moon Marble Factory, the Kansas City Zoo, or see the Kansas City Royals play. The whole family will enjoy Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City with a complete indoor water park and family-friendly suites.

Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George – Alaska: Alaska is a place for family-friendly outdoor activities after reading this survival story, so plan to take a hike and see glaciers, go whale watching, take a dog sled ride, go fishing for salmon or pan for gold. Alyeska Resort is an all-season resort with lots of kid-friendly activities available, an indoor pool, and townhouse suites with a separate bedroom and two full baths.

Misty of Chincoteague, by Marguerite Henry – Assateague Island: Most want to see the world-famous ponies. You can take a boat tour or rent a kayak, and you can also go hiking on the island to see them on foot. The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel is located right on the beach, has fully furnished condos, and an Olympic sized, heated indoor pool. The property is perfect for families!

From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsberg – New York City: Any visit to New York has to include the world-famous New York Metropolitan Museum of Art where the two characters ran away to, as well as nearby beautiful Central Park, which is the most visited urban park in the world and offers plenty of space to run and play. From the park, a horse-drawn carriage ride will introduce visitors to the area around the park and museum. Family-friendly Affinia 50 has large suites with a separate bedroom and full kitchen, cribs, strollers and highchairs available, and you can have a complete picnic delivered to your room!

A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park – Korea: Korea is home to many glorious temples, which help visitors learn the history of the magnificent country. Bulguksa Temple was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO, and the artistry of the stone relics is well worth a visit. Nearby is the Gwangju National Museum, which has cultural relics on display from Korean history through the ages. Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and was the most beautiful and grandest of all the palaces in Korea. Today, the walled palace complex is being restored to its original form. The Lotte Hotel World in Seoul is great for families with large suites, an indoor pool, and a direct connection to the beautiful Seokchon Lake and Lotte World Adventure, one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks.

Dragon’s Gate, by Laurence Yep – China: Naturally, visitors to China are curious to see the Great Wall, which is over 13,000 miles long and was built over 2,000 years ago to keep invaders out of China. In Beijing, take a rickshaw tour of the hutongs, traditional Chinese neighborhoods; in the village of Guilin, take a cruise along the scenic Yangshuo River to see traditional villages, bamboo groves and local farmers in the fields; and in Xian, see the notorious Terracotta Army, which is composed of stone figures of warriors, horses and chariots built in 246-208 BC. The Hilton Beijing offers large suites with separate bedrooms, an indoor pool, and special amenities for kids like cooking classes, five restaurants with children’s menus.

Family Resorts for Egg-cellent Easter Escapes

Posted on April 10, 2020April 10, 2020 by gigis ramblings

*Note: This article was written pre-coronavirus outbreak. Keep these destinations in mind for next Easter.

Fancy a fantastic Easter vacation with the kids featuring seasonal treats, great attractions and fun activities, all set in wonderful family-friendly destinations? Depending on your family’s interests and budget, you can choose a resort in popular Florida, Caribbean getaway, Latin American adventure or upscale European break.

South Seas Island Resort, FL

Located on the stunning Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico, South Seas Island Resort is home to superb family-friendly facilities such as the Resort Pool complex featuring water slides and lagoon-style pools, a private beach, tennis court and a golf course. Accommodations range from guestrooms to condos and private villas. Kids will enjoy exploring the 330-acre wildlife preserve, learn how to swim, dress up as mermaids and pirates (for ages 4-5) and take part in the social activities offered by Skully’s Family Interactive Center. They can also get familiar with marine conservation at Sanibel Sea School. So whether you’re traveling with a 12-month baby or a teen, this resort has something to keep every kid entertained. With the resort’s Spring Getaway offer, rooms start from $499 a night and guests receive a fourth night free and over $250 savings.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, FL

Located between Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, the Walt Disney World Swan Resort and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort offer complimentary transportation to the park’s attractions, 17 restaurants, and five pools. For Easter, the two resorts have devised an exquisite Easter program for guests. Expect meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, bunny hop races, and traditional and glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunts. Kids will also be able to join arts and crafts tuitions and watch the movie “HOP” by the poolside. In addition to these, there’s a sandy beach, fitness club, mini-golf, golf course and spa. The kids’ club, Camp Dolphin (for ages 4-12), is open late afternoon till late at night and offers special dinners, craft workshops and movies, plus video arcades.

Carambola Beach Resort St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Set between a beautiful rainforest and idyllic white sandy beach, the kid-friendly Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa offers accommodation in spacious studio suites overlooking the tropical surroundings and the ocean. The fully equipped kitchenettes make it easier for families to make their own meal; otherwise you can eat at the on-site restaurants and nearby eateries. The elegant Caribbean resort also has a spa, golf course in the near vicinity, fitness center and pool.

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao

Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, Curacao is a wonderful destination to spend the Easter break. The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is home to varied restaurants and bars, a spa, Pete Dye designed 18-hole golf course, and on-site dive operator. Kids can splash out in the protected swimming lagoon, snorkel or join the Kids Camp Arawak (for ages 3-12) that offers arts and crafts sessions, nature walks, cave exploring, sports and games.

Let’s Travel to Atlanta

Posted on April 6, 2020April 6, 2020 by gigis ramblings

With vibrant, diverse cultures, a booming economy and southern hospitality, it’s no wonder people love visiting Atlanta. It’s easy to fall in love with the city’s delicious comfort foods, decades of rich history, and mild weather.

Interesting Facts:

Atlanta is the most heavily forested urban area in the country, according to The National Forest Service.
There are more than 70 streets that have the word “Peachtree” in their name.
The world’s largest drive-in restaurant, The Varsity, can be found in Atlanta.
Atlanta is the only city in North America that was destroyed as an act of war.
The Atlanta Braves are the oldest continually operating team in Major League Baseball.

Useful information:

Best Time to Visit: Anytime, honestly. During Spring, especially late March and April, daytime temperatures tend to be more enjoyable. Everything is in bloom and the weather is at its best. Autumn is also a good time to visit. Late September through mid-November often has pleasant days and cool nights.
What to Wear: When packing for a trip anywhere in Georgia, you will always want to check the forecast in advance. The weather can be very unpredictable from one day to the next but is generally mild.
Getting around: Driving is naturally the most popular option. The city does cover quite an expansive area. Many people fly into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, and then rent a car. MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar are available for those interested in public transportation.

What to Do:

The Georgia Aquarium is the nation’s largest and most magical aquarium! More than 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater house the largest single aquarium habitat in the world and more aquatic life than any other aquarium in North America.
Tour Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birth Home and historic Ebenezer Church. Explore the neighborhood and places that shaped the life and civil rights legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the world.
Piedmont Park is the premier green space and central gathering place of Atlanta with picturesque views of the Midtown Atlanta skyline. The park features jogging paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds, tennis courts, public swimming pool, two ponds, and a dog park.
Ponce City Market is the epicenter for shopping, dining, and gathering among locals. The venue covers over two million feet. This historic building is home to retail stores, restaurants, office space, and live entertainment venues.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and L&S Freelance Writers. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family that consists of six children and ten grandchildren. This is the next installment in the Let’s Travel to…series, a collection of short informational articles covering some of the world’s top travel destinations.

Let’s Travel to Chicago

Posted on October 19, 2019April 4, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Chicago, Illinois is a city full of culture, history, and interesting facts. The city is a major business hub and an important seat of culture. There are literally a million things to see and do in the city. This is a destination everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Interesting Facts

Many famous people have roots in Chicago, including Oprah, Walt Disney, Hugh Hefner, Al Capone, and Kanye West. It was once the home of former president, Barack Obama.
Chicago has many nicknames including the City of Big Shoulders, the City that Works, and the Windy City.
Chicago River runs through various systems, and it’s the only river that flows backward.
Over 48 million people visit the city each year.

Useful Information

Best Time to Visit: Over 48 million people visit the city each year. Summer travel is most popular, but if you want to avoid large crowds, fall may be a better option. It’s wise to have a general idea of what places you plan to visit before deciding which season is best.
What to Wear: Spring and summer tend to be mild and comfortable in the Windy City. Late fall into winter can be brutal if you aren’t used to the cold, so pack accordingly.
Getting Around: Most visitors choose to drive or use services like Uber and Lyft, although traffic can be very hectic. The trains of the Chicago Transit Authority can be a fun way to experience The Loop. Like most big cities, many prefer to walk in the downtown area.

Things to Do

The Cheney House Bed is one of the most unique places to stay. You will experience breathtaking panoramic views and a real feel for old town Chicago.
Lincoln Park is the home to several attractions, beaches, monuments, statues, and playgrounds. The best part is the free admission zoo found on the grounds.
The Navy Pier which was built as an amusement park will keep you busy throughout the day. A popular place to visit within the park is the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows.
Millennium Park is located in the legendary Loop community and home to the famous “bean”, the #1 place in the city for selfies.

Let’s Travel to Yosemite

Posted on August 25, 2018April 1, 2020 by gigis ramblings

If you have never had the pleasure of visiting Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Madres, you are missing the experience of a lifetime. Home to grassy meadows, granite cliffs, lakes, giant sequoias, glaciers, forests and waterfalls galore, this place is a nature lover’s paradise.

Interesting Facts:

Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, can be found within the park and has a staggering 2,425-foot drop.
Scientists believe a glacier is responsible for forming the unique shape of the Yosemite Valley.
There are at least 90 species of mammals in the park, including black bears, coyotes, beavers, bobcats, bats, and chipmunks.
The park was home to the Ahwaneechee Indians for more than 4,000 years.

Useful Information:

Best time to visit: The recommended months to visit Yosemite are May and September when the park is open but not too crowded. I should mention, many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. Seasonal park closures are the primary reason why so many travelers visit during the summer months, making these months the park’s busiest time of year.
What to wear: Dress appropriately for the season that you are visiting. In the cooler months, a jacket or layered clothing is usually required for comfort. When picking your shoes for the day, consider your planned activities. Waterproof shoes are recommended. Due to the higher elevations and exposure to the sun, I suggest packing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Most visitors chose to drive personal vehicles throughout the park. Keep in mind, road closures are common between October- March. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle provides free rides to and from all the major vista points, shops, and accommodations within the Yosemite Valley, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.

What to See:

Yosemite Falls, like I mentioned earlier, is the highest waterfall in the U.S. The best time to view is during late spring when the excess water from melting snow flows most vigorously.
Half Dome is probably the most popular geographical feature in the park. Some people just want to witness it and snap a few pictures, others prefer to hike it. Whichever you choose, it’s a must-see. If you plan on hiking you must purchase a permit.
Glacier Point is considered one of the most breathtaking lookouts in Yosemite. The panoramic views are indescribable. The point is accessible by vehicle, making it convenient for those traveling with small children.
The Mist Trail is one of the park’s most frequented trails. To reach the top of the falls, visitors must hike up a 600-step granite staircase that runs alongside a raging waterfall, taking you close enough to where mist from the falls sprays out onto the trail.

Let’s Travel to Maui

Posted on July 11, 2018April 4, 2020 by gigis ramblings

There is no one particular reason why Maui is regularly named the world’s best island. Rather, there are literally thousands of reasons why so many love Maui’s intoxicating charm. On the island, watching the sunset is a celebrated evening ritual as tropical winds rustle the swaying palm tree branches dotted along the sand. It’s a place where the climates are mild year-round and guests are greeted with aloha. If you were forced to choose a handful of reasons why Maui is truly no ka oi (the best), the following list would be a good place to start.

Interesting Facts:

Maui is home to more than 80 beaches with more than 30 miles of white, black and rare red sand beaches.
Haleakala, the island’s most famous volcano, is the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Honokohau Falls plunges a heart-stopping 1,100 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world.
Hawaii is one of the most popular whale-watching destinations in the world. As many as 1 0,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from Alaska each year.

Useful Information:

Best time to visit: With year-round warm weather, it’s always a good time to visit Maui. Peak times are during the summer and winter months. If you are looking for fewer crowds, September – November is optimal.
What to wear: Casual beachwear is acceptable just about anywhere in Hawaii, shorts and flip-flops are the norm. Depending on where you plan on visiting, more formal dress may be necessary.
Getting around: The most common transportation method for tourists is a rental car. There is public transportation available, but not always the best option for visitors. If you are traveling without children, motorized bikes are a popular way to get around the island.

What to See:

The beaches! Maui has more miles of swimmable beaches than any other island in Hawaii. I personally recommend Ka’anapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Baldwin Beach, Honokalani Beach, Hamoa Beach and Big Beach at Makena State Park.
The Road to Hana, if done correctly, is arguably Maui’s best sight. Spend the whole day, or better yet two, to truly experience the natural beauty of Hana. Drive the “back road” to indulge in a landscape that feels like utopia.
Haleakala National Park is the perfect place to take in a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Haleakala Crater towers over the island and is visible from just about any point. Often people wake up early to head to the Haleakala Visitor Center, which is the best spot to watch what is possibly the most breathtaking sunrise on earth. Perhaps just as notable are Haleakala’s sunsets and the vivid, starry skies that are soon to follow.
The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most frequently recommended attractions for first-time Maui visitors. It is a fun introduction to Hawaiian history and culture. The members of Lahaina’s luau pride themselves on accurately representing tradition, rather than catering to tourists’ preconceived notions of native luaus.

Let’s Travel to Toronto

Posted on January 18, 2018April 5, 2020 by gigis ramblings

If you are considering a trip north beyond the Canadian border, Toronto is an incredibly family-friendly city. There are endless entertainment possibilities for families of all sizes and kids of all ages.

Toronto has things to do that will truly make you and your family feel like an insider. Find out how much fun it can be to see and experience Toronto like a native.

Interesting Facts:

Famous people who hail from Toronto include Drake, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Tristan Thompson, and Eugene Levy.
More than 30% of Toronto residents speak a language other than English and French.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city with a population of over 5.5 million. The Greater Toronto area is teeming with some 6,054,191 residents.
Toronto is home to an astonishing 8,000-plus restaurants.

Useful Information:

Best time to visit: June and September are the optimal months to visit, the weather is pleasant and is less crowded than in July and August. The Toronto Islands are a desirable destination year-round, with an amusement park open during the summer months and cross country skiing in the winter.
What to pack: Depending on when you choose to visit will determine what type of clothing will be weather appropriate. Toronto has been known to have harsh winters, while other seasons are usually mild. Casual, comfortable clothing will suffice for most outings.
Getting around: Many visitors choose to drive from the states or fly in and rent a car, but a private vehicle isn’t required to get around. The Toronto Transit Commission operates one of the world’s finest public transportation systems, with a network of interlinking subway lines, buses, and streetcar lines.

What to Do:

The Toronto Zoo is the largest in Canada. It is home to over 16,000 animals representing 491 species. Spend hours of adventure and fun at a world-renowned zoo. Open Year Round!
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park. There is something for family members of all ages. Take a stroll along the Grenadier Pond and you won’t feel like you’re in a big city. It also boasts a zoo, playgrounds, a dog park, sports facilities, and many hiking trails.
The Ontario Science Centre is a great educational and interactive attraction. Exhibits such as Space, Questions of Truth and Living Earth challenge the mind. Putting the focus on families, the Science Center features the Weston Family Innovation Centre. Here, families can perform interactive science experiments together.
The CN Tower is hard to miss, standing at a little over 1,815 ft., it is the world’s second-largest tower. It is a sight to behold, attracting 2 million visitors per year. After an extended elevator ride, tourists will find themselves observing the city below from an astounding 1,136 ft. Another attraction, The Glass Floor, gives visitors the ability to look down Toronto as they walk on clear glass. It is quite the stomach-wrenching experience for those afraid of heights.

Central Park with Kids

Posted on April 8, 2017April 8, 2020 by gigis ramblings

When you are in New York City, it is a given, you must visit Central Park. Your trip is not complete without treating your family to the Central Park experience. Whether you plan on doing a self-guided tour or taking part in many of the tours that are offered throughout the park, this article will cover some of the must-see attractions that your kids will love.

The History of Central Park

Construction on Central Park began in 1857, becoming the first urban park in the United States. The design was the brainchild of superintendent Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Calvert Vaux. It took more than 10 years to come to life, costing the city of New York millions of dollars. More than 1,500 residents lost their homes and land to make way for the expansive 840-acre construction.

During the early years, Central Park was most frequented by the wealthy, but over the years it evolved into a park of the people. The last century has brought more practical uses to the park. Today, it is the main outdoor recreation hub for New Yorkers.

Experiencing Central Park

There is so much to see and do, that families may be at a loss for where to start. We have a few suggestions for the best ways to see the park when you have children in tow.

Central Park Rickshaw Tours. Rickshaw tours are a fantastic way for families with children to explore the park. One-hour tours are available along the lower loop where you will find some of the best kid-friendly attractions, including the carousel, the Chess and Checkers House, Heckscher Playground, Wollman Rink, Umpire Rock, Bow Bridge and the Children’s Zoo. If you would like to explore a little more, there is also a two-hour tour that covers everything in the one-hour tour plus attractions like the Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle, Turtle Pond, the Museum of Natural History and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. If you prefer to see the entire park, your family can reserve a private 3-hour tour.

Horse and Carriage Rides. Horse and carriage rides are another idea for touring Central Park. You will find several options available throughout the grounds that vary by length and price. Generally speaking, when on a carriage tour you can expect to see sites, such as The Lake, Heckscher Playground, Tavern on the Green, the Upper West Side and Bethesda Fountain.

Bike Tours. If you are looking to get a little exercise, bike rentals and tours are an option. Adult bikes, children’s bikes, tandem bikes, baby seats and baby trailers are all available. You can choose from guided or self-guided tours. If you choose to have a guide, you can expect to see popular attractions, such as Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, Gapstow Bridge, Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare Garden, the Loeb Boathouse and more.

Kid-friendly Attractions in Central Park

Once you’ve taken in all the sites on your Central Park tour make sure you check out these popular kid-friendly attractions:

Central Park Zoo
Alice in Wonderland statue
Belvedere Castle
Heckscher Playground
Umpire Rock
The Carousel
Wollman Rink
The Boat Pond
The Dairy

Wonderful Venice Hotels for Families with Kids

Posted on February 8, 2017April 8, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Venice, Italy, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful city built on 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. Separated by canals between the islands and linked by bridges, Venice has only water transportation. Here are five great family-friendly hotels in Venice, some of which were palaces during the Renaissance! All of these have babysitting services or a kids’ club so you can also have some time alone.

The Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice is located on the Giudecca Island with breathtaking views of the Lagoon and the Doge’s Palace and is a four-minute boat trip to St. Mark’s Square. A private boat can take you on tours of the Venetian Islands. The hotel has a big heated filtered sea-water swimming pool, pampering spa, fitness center, boutique and an on-site family-friendly restaurant with high chairs and kids’ menu, and can also accommodate large families. Kid-friendly amenities include a children’s pool open from May to September, a children’s welcome kit with DVDs, slippers and bathrobes, children’s and teens’ treatments at the Casanova Wellness Centre, and the Smile Club. The Smile Club operates between April and September and offers supervised fun activities for kids. This kids’ Smile Club plus the babysitting services will give you the chance to pamper yourself in the Cassanova Spa, work out in the fitness center, play tennis or have an evening out.

The Residence Corte Grimani is a 17^th century refurbished Venetian palace in the heart of Venice that offers non-smoking family-friendly apartments with amenities such as a washing machine and dryer and a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and dishwasher. Apartments are suitable for large families and children through age five stay for free in an apartment with their parents. Babysitting services allow you to have some time alone. Corte Grimani is walking distance to St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and market. Corte Grimani has its own dock so it is very convenient for traveling about with water taxis.

The Hotel Antiche Figure is a 15^th century palace that overlooks the Grand Canal and is adjacent to an old gondola workshop. It can also accommodate large families. You will appreciate starting the day with a complimentary breakfast before setting out with the kids to explore Venice. The hotel is walking distance to many famous sites like the Basilica dei Frari, Scuola Grande di S. Rocco, the Jewish Ghetto, the Rialto Bridge and the modern Art Museum of Ca’ Pesaro. St. Mark’s Square is a 30-minute walk or you can ride a vaporetto water bus. The hotel can arrange gondola and other tours. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services. The hotel is conveniently located across from the Santa Lucia Train Station.

The Palazzo Odoni is a historic 15th-century palace that has been refurbished with modern conveniences located in the heart of Venice. From here you can take a fascinating gondola tour or walk to St. Mark’s Square and to many of the historical buildings and art attractions like Scuola Grande di S. Rocco and the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum – Museum of 18th century Venice. Besides the homemade pastries and biscuits served at breakfast, some of the foods like jam, eggs, and yogurt come from organic farms. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services. The hotel is near the train station and the dock for cruise ships.

The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is built in Moorish Renaissance style and is located right on the beautiful Lido Beach with its kid-friendly shallow water. Besides the luxurious private beach with cabanas, there is a large heated outdoor swimming pool, gym, tennis court, golf course and boutique. The rooms and suites, which can accommodate large families, have a view of the sea, the Lagoon or a beautiful Moorish courtyard garden and fountain. On-site gourmet restaurants specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services and a Kids’ Club for ages 4-12 from 10am to 6:30pm that will allow you time alone. The hotel offers all-day free shuttle boat service to and from St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco.