Comments

1. minnemom on July 7, 2008 at 6:14 a.m.
   

   Ah, so many fun places to go with kids, so little time! I'm going to recommend one of our all-time favorites. In Sioux Falls, SD, there's a museum called the Kirby Science Discovery Center. It's a great place for toddlers through grandparents, and definitely worth a stop if you're in the Sioux Falls area.

2. Mary Jenkins on July 7, 2008 at 6:22 a.m.
   

   i would like to be added to the contest!

3. Carolyn Brzezicki on July 7, 2008 at 7:06 a.m.
   

   We live about a mile from the 128 acre Ringing Rocks Park in Upper Black Eddy, PA. A field of boulders, about 7 or 8 acres worth, are the reason for the name of this park. When struck by a hammer or another rock, the rocks sound hollow - they "ring". Kids of all ages can be seen walking around with a hammer, knocking on rocks!

   The boulder field itself is a mystery. There is no mountain to suggest they were part of an avalanche. There is no evidence glaciers were this far south, either. And this is one of the largest boulder fields in the Eastern US.

   A walk further down one of the trails leads to a serene waterfall. In the spring, it is alive with water! In the drier months of summer, it is surrounded by a canopy of green trees, and people walk the dry bed of rock with its sprouts of moss, cold puddles of water, and jumping small frogs. It is peaceful.

   It is beautiful. It is just around the bend! We are so lucky to live here in Bucks County, PA.

4. Sarah Schmiechen on July 7, 2008 at 8:19 a.m.
   

   In Bloomington, IN, where I live, there's a wonderful museum called Wonderlab with lots of fun science activities.
   http://www.wonderlab.org/

5. Martha Bishop on July 7, 2008 at 10:16 a.m.
   

   Putting in a plug for our local zoo and children's museum. We live in Tucson, AZ, a little-big town. The zoo is ALWAYS cooler than anywhere else outside during the hot months and is the PERFECT size to walk with little ones. Not too big and not too small.

   I have been lusting after an Ergo for MONTHS!!! Crossing my fingers!

6. J.D. Caudle on July 7, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
   

   In Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) there are some lovely little lakes just 5 min from town.

   Cross the bridge and turn up towards the hospital to get to long lake. It is a 40 min walk around, and there are a couple of beautiful sandy beaches.

   Or head towards the dam and fish ladder (also tons of fun for kids) and turn down Chadburn Lake road. Turn off after a little while at a little road on the left. These are the "hidden lakes" and have short trails that wind around them. Look for evidence of beavers and other wildlife.

   Both of these spots are little known to tourists, are very close to town, and are great for berry picking in the late summer/early fall. Great short "wilderness" walks for kids.

7. Brandi M. on July 7, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.
   

   Add me to the contest!
   In Oakland, California, there is the Oakland Zoo! It's such a great alternative to the sometimes crowded San Francisco Zoo!

8. Brandy on July 7, 2008 at 3:08 p.m.
   

   Boston is an excellent city to visit with kids. I still remember visiting when I was a kid, and how much fun *I* had at the Boston Children's Museum! There are tons of great outdoor activities, the duck tours, and learning opportunities.

9. D on July 7, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.
   

   Please add me to the contest.

   Carkeek Park in Seattle is awesome!

10. Kam A on July 7, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
    

    In Wausau, Wisconsin at Marathon Park there is a fun place for toddlers and preschoolers called the Splash Pad which is a zero depth pool area full of fun squirting, spraying, and dumping water activities!

11. Kathleen on July 7, 2008 at 4:57 p.m.
    

    I live two hours outside of Philadelphia and used to live in the city so there are so many cool places...Fairmount Park, the zoo, the Please Touch Museum, Independence Hall, the art museum (with those "Rocky" steps--I used to work there and it was a little annoying that people would come there just for those rather than the amazing artwork). Philly is a very overlooked city but you can do so much there and eat really well for not much money. Thanks for sharing!

12. julianne on July 7, 2008 at 5:12 p.m.
    

    In Brooklyn (NYC), Prospect Park is great. There's a zoo there, which is smaller than the famous Bronx Zoo, much more manageable with young ones. And the Botanical Garden nearby is beautiful, with a Children's Garden for the kids.

13. Marcie on July 7, 2008 at 5:21 p.m.
    

    My DH and I travel as much as we can with our two DDs ages 4 and 1 1/2. We make it a point to visit children's museums since they are all so different and they allow us to meet local parents and children. We've been to a lot of them and I have to recommend the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, IL in the Chicago suburbs.

14. Claire on July 8, 2008 at 5:56 a.m.
    

    We just went to Amsterdam, and our son loved looking for birds in the canals.

15. Lauren on July 8, 2008 at 7:43 a.m.
    

    My kid is still in utero, but once he or she is out, there are tons of great things for kids around here (Maryland).

    The Kinetic Sculpture Race, held every May in Baltimore, is fantastic. Year-round, the B&O Railroad Museum (also in Baltimore), is fun too.

16. Suzanne on July 8, 2008 at 7:48 a.m.
    

    In Seattle...TOUGO COFFEE at 1410 18th Avenue. It's at 18th and Union right near TT Minor Elementary School. Very friendly place with area for kids to play.

    http://www.tougocoffee.com/
    Tougo Coffee Co is a family-friendly coffee house that understands the importance that "Kids are people too" (Just Cuter) than us (grown ups). Children have cultural, and social needs just as well, so we try to incorporate activities designed with “little Ones” in mind.

    The back of the shop has an area completely furnished to allow kids the opportunity to enjoy Tougo Coffee Co., as much as the adults who visit us. We have a coloring wall for kids, adults, and anyone feeling creative. We provide learning toys and books for tots and just good Ol' fashioned community involvement.

17. Shelley on July 8, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.
    

    The Fort Worth Zoo.

18. Mary A on July 8, 2008 at 8:04 a.m.
    

    In the small town I grew up in (Shelby, NC) there is a restored carousel with hand carved horses and a miniature train. My babe is still too small but we will definitely go for a ride while we are down visiting his Gram once he is old enough. Thanks for the giveaway.

19. Maggie Smith on July 8, 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
    

    I have been to Traverse City, Michigan and they have a great Cherry Festival!!

20. Wendy on July 8, 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
    

    We drove from Berkeley to Iowa when my son was 9 months old. Unfortunately I don't know the names of all the cool places we visited along the way, but one place we loved visiting in Cedar Rapids, IA is Bever Park's Old McDonald's Farm. They have chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats, and bigger animals too. Great fun!

21. Angie on July 8, 2008 at 8:07 a.m.
    

    We love the Oregon coast, especially Lincoln City. We love to play, discover, walk on the beach and watch for seals.

22. Sarah on July 8, 2008 at 8:13 a.m.
    

    In Silver Lake, MI, there are some awesome sand dunes. Our favorite activity is to take Mac Woods' dune buggy rides. Our three year old loved it!

23. Hanna DeMaster on July 8, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.
    

    Our son is only seven months old, so we haven't really been anywhere with him yet. In our hometown, we love to take him to the different parks to try out the baby swings, which he just LOVES.

24. NES on July 8, 2008 at 8:16 a.m.
    

    There is a great exhibit right now at LOngwood Gardens outside Philly - huge treehouses!!

    noteverstill.blogspot.com

25. CodeCrafter on July 8, 2008 at 8:16 a.m.
    

    We have traveled to Jamaica to visit DH's relatives and our favorite activity is always the beach! Pretty much any beach will do.

26. Stacy on July 8, 2008 at 8:17 a.m.
    

    We took our 6 week old from KS to Monterey, CA to visit the g-parents. While he slept I wore him around the Monterey Aquarium. Love that place!

27. Betsy Collins on July 8, 2008 at 8:18 a.m.
    

    My favorite place to take my baby is the Shakespeare Garden in Lincoln Park in Chicago. The flowers are beautiful, and there are perfect squares of grass shaded by big trees --- perfect for a little one to crawl around.

28. Markus Laumann on July 8, 2008 at 8:24 a.m.
    

    I'd have to say some of the kid parks in Peachtree City, GA.

    Because it's a planned community with walk/bike/golf cart paths throughout the entire town, I can take my daughters on a golf cart ride to anything inside the city limits while enjoying the weather and using ZERO gasoline.

29. Jenny on July 8, 2008 at 8:25 a.m.
    

    We just took our one-year-old to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. DD, DH, and I all three LOVED it. DD enjoyed walking all over the place while looking at fish. DH got to touch a shark which was a big thrill for him, and I just love watching things swim--especially the beluga whales!

30. Elizabeth on July 8, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
    

    We took our son to Belgium at 9 months old and he loved riding the subway. Lots of people to wave to and watch and he loved the rocking of the train.

    Just bring a nice stroller (or Ergo!) for the cobblestones!

31. Melissa on July 8, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.
    

    Seaside, Oregon is full of many kids activities, go for free stuff like sand castle building and kite flying, roller skating on the promenade or fill your kids with coins and go to the huge arcade, bumper cars and tilt a whirl. Tons of great food for a quick bite like pronto pup (best corndogs!) or a slice of pizza. Best kid friendly restaurant is Pig N Pancake for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
    This is a fav place for our kids for 20 years!

32. RobMonroe on July 8, 2008 at 8:36 a.m.
    

    We live right between Washington, DC and Baltimore, so we have an endless list of things that we can do and a pretty short list of things we HAVE done. We just recently enjoyed the annual Folk Life Festival held on the National Mall. It's a great event thta lasts for two weeks every summer and features some really nice displays and informational booths from a variety of cultures. Really neat experience for the whole family!

33. Tuesday on July 8, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.
    

    We like going to Philly to eat but also to the please touch children's museum!

34. M on July 8, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.
    

    We love to go to Old Salem in Winston-Salem. It is similar to Williamsburg, but smaller.

35. Annie on July 8, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.
    

    On a trip to New Orleans in the spring, our daughter (~20 months at the time) really enjoyed the Zoo (http://www.auduboninstitute.org/). It's a nice manageable size, and has lots of exhibits of local critters, including a white alligator. Cool!

36. Liza on July 8, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.
    

    A great, if surreal, outdoor place to take kids in the metro Atlanta area is Stone Mountain.

    Early walkers adore the huge open greenspace, there's a train you can ride around the mountain, and older kids can climb and hike. It's also got an enormous confederate civil war bas relief statue carved into the side of the mountain, which is historically interesting, if also bizarre.

37. Marci on July 8, 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
    

    We have been to many places with the kids. My favorite has been Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas. Not only is it a fun place for adults but they have many fun activites for all ages of children.

38. Marta W. on July 8, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.
    

    Our favorite place was San Francisco. It was very baby friendly, and we really loved walking around the city. We even took the little peanut on the Cable Cars and he loved it. The Ergo would have been handy on that trip!
    If your kids are a little older, take them to the Musee Mechanique near pier 39. There are fun old games, beautiful old nickelodeons, and player pianos, and lots of fun things for the kids. (They always make me feel like a kid, too...)Even our little one loved looking at all of the moving parts on the machines.
    M.

39. Elaine on July 8, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.
    

    We love going to the beach on Sandy Hook whenever the weather allows. There's plenty of shells, sealife, birds and water to enjoy!

40. Michelle J on July 8, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.
    

    Took my 2yr to Orlando Florida. We went to Disney for the first time. First time for both of us and it was very special and fun.
    

41. gillian on July 8, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.
    

    Raleigh, NC ~ has tons of public parks but one in particular is Pullen Park. They have a train that goes around the whole park (MY SON LOVES LOVES LOVES IT) they also have a fabulous carousel with a Wurlitzer 125 Military Band Organ, kiddie boats, pedal boats, multiple play grounds, one specific for smaller children, concessions stand, picnic facilities, indoor aquatic center, community center, arts center, ball fields, tennis courts and a theatre. The best part is the rides only cost $1 per person, carousel is free for adults if standing beside child.

42. Julie on July 8, 2008 at 8:51 a.m.
    

    I live in Oakland, CA, just across the bay from your recent destination, San Francisco. We head up the hill to the huge Tilden Park whenever the mood hits. The Steam Trains are loads of fun for kids of all ages (mine, now 19 months, has been riding since he was about 4 months old) and the Carousel is also fun (it has been closed for renovations for the past forever but supposedly reopens this month). There is also an animal farm, a botanical garden, and tons and tons of picnic spots. Oh, and I can't believe I almost forgot this one - Lake Deanza, a beautiful, small sandy-beach lake that has a roped-off area for swimming (cold and murky, but it's still a gem in my opinion).

43. Adam on July 8, 2008 at 8:52 a.m.
    

    Our roadtrip from Indianapolis, IN to Clearwater, FL last year was the best ever! We reunited with familty we had not seen in years. We played on the beautiful white sand and swam in the crystal blue water at Clearwater Beach. We pet stingrays at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Best yet, we topped it off with my daughter's first visit to Disneyworld. Best time ever!

    If you head to Indianapolis, we have one of the best children's museums in the nation (http://childrensmuseum.org/) and the zoo is not far away (http://www.indyzoo.com/)

44. Mindy on July 8, 2008 at 8:52 a.m.
    

    I want to second Martha's suggestion for the Tucson Zoo and Children's Museum; they are great options if you're in the area (bring a picnic lunch to the zoo and you can eat it outside by the lake/park just across the parking lot from the zoo entrance).

    However, we were just in Washington D.C. with DS (2 1/2) and I was loathe to tour around with him and the rest of the family. I was pleasantly surprised with the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport and the Natural History Musuem downtown. Both of these attractions were a treat for DS and me!

45. Anne on July 8, 2008 at 8:53 a.m.
    

    We are planning to go on our first trip in September - from Los Angeles to Montreal. We have yet to figure out how to carry our cutie daughter through the airport and beyond!! There is no place cooler and more interesting to walk then on the beach! Put the shades on, the sunscreen, and a floppy hat and our daughter is so happy!

46. Leeanthro on July 8, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.
    

    We recently took our two children (1 and 4) to St. Louis. We love going to the St. Louis Zoo. The Magic House is a fun children's discovery museum with lots of things for babies and kids to do and explore.

    I have been eying the ERGO for a long time and really, really want one. It would be perfect for carrying my big guy, especially at places like the zoo or farmer's market.

47. Bobbie on July 8, 2008 at 8:57 a.m.
    

    We haven't traveled much since my dd was born 2 1/2 years ago. It is hard. We live in Idaho Falls and our favorite place to go is the Zoo. We have been really impressed with the zoo here because it is a pretty small town. There are lions, tigers, camels, turtles, birds, and my dd favorite the monkeys. We love spending a couple of hours here a couple of times a month.

48. molly on July 8, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.
    

    The most recent kid-place I've been to was the zoo in Oakland California-- it's not too big, but not too small. Fun was had by all.

    (and I'd really, really love an Ergo, LOL!)

49. boblynstu on July 8, 2008 at 9 a.m.
    

    We live in Idaho Falls. It is a great small town in Eastern Idaho. There are gorgeous (manmade) falls on the Snake River near downtown. Around the falls is a sidewalk, called the greenbelt. This is a gorgeous walk. It is about 3 miles and my dd loves to go for walks around the river. If I still feel like I can walk then we wander around old down town and window shop. There are some really cute restaurants and boutiques there. It is a great afternoon thing to do.

50. Karen on July 8, 2008 at 9:06 a.m.
    

    My child too is 'in process'. We are looking forward to sharing the rural delights of Rhode Island with her when she's ready. One place in particular is Casey Farm in Saunderstown. It is part of Historic New England (http://historicnewengland.org). Casey Farm is a historic working farm with fantastic views of the bay.

    Please include me in the drawing. Thank you.

51. Shannon PIncham on July 8, 2008 at 9:09 a.m.
    

    The Brooklyn Botanical Garderns is great! We just moved to NJ and have heard great things about the Turtle Back Zoo. We are going to check it out this week.

52. Kristin on July 8, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.
    

    In East Lansing, Michigan the Family Aquatic Center is a great time! We took our 9 month old daughter there and she loved being able to sit in the water and play in the fountains. It was fun for the adults too who got to go on the water slides. The water park isn't so big that it's overwhelming (you can see across the whole thing), but there's still a lot to do, so it's a good family outing for all ages.

53. Heather on July 8, 2008 at 9:23 a.m.
    

    We enjoyed OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry) in Portland. It's full of interactive exhibits and there is a huge room of toddler-friendly activities, so it's great for families with a wide range of ages.

54. Melissa on July 8, 2008 at 9:23 a.m.
    

    Of the places I've been, my favorite places are still all locally. We have one of the best Dinosaur Museums (tarpit and all), and a plane museum at the airforce base. Then of course there is the Kennecott mines that is pretty cool to take kids too also. Of course I live in Salt Lake so everything here pretty much revolves around kids!

55. Gina Stratos on July 8, 2008 at 9:24 a.m.
    

    We like Lake Tahoe. In the winter the kids enjoy sledding and snowboarding. In the summer there is the lake for swimming and boating. We also visit Lake Tahoe for camping, hiking and fishing. If you're the super-adventurous type, there is a zip-line that runs most of the year.
    

56. MomVee on July 8, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.
    

    The Mount Desert Oceanarium in Southwest Harbor, Maine has one of the best touch tanks I have ever seen.

57. Annette on July 8, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.
    

    A couple of the many fun places for kids in our hometown (San Diego) are the lighthouse and tide pools on end of the Point Loma peninsula. Not only are there fun little creatures to discover, but the more than 180 degree ocean view is breath-taking. Of course there's always Sea World, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and Mission Beach (just to name a few) if you would rather stick with the rest of the tourists!

58. kelly on July 8, 2008 at 9:43 a.m.
    

    We just had a lovely picnic in Durango, CO with some old college friends of mine. We were at Santa Rita park right by the river and the kids played on the playground and watched the kayakers and rafters shoot the 'rapids'. The weather was great and the company even better.

59. Kim Belcher on July 8, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
    

    I'm going to double up. We live in Chicago, where everyone hits the Lincoln Park Zoo (for good reason!) but lots of people don't manage to walk across the street to the Notebaert Nature Museum, which is fantastic -- small enough to do in a couple of hours, big enough to have something to interest babies all the way up through middle school. And it has an indoor play area -- key in winter. Plus it's cheap.

    We were in Sarasota, FL, recently and my toddler was absolutely fascinated by the Mote Marine Aquarium. I think it's the best aquarium I've ever seen.

    I want that Ergo! :-)

60. Meg T on July 8, 2008 at 9:46 a.m.
    

    I took my one year old to visit my family in Alabama and one of the highlights of the trip was going to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. They have an amazing children's section based around fairy tales and a huge butterfly building. If you are ever in Huntsville, AL...check it out!

61. Jaime on July 8, 2008 at 9:47 a.m.
    

    We recently went to Moody Gardens in Galveston, Tx. DS (20 months)loved the Aquarium - especially the penguins! They also have several touch areas for starfish and other cool stuff.

62. Heather Racer on July 8, 2008 at 9:47 a.m.
    

    I live in Richmond, VA. I have a newborn, but any time my nieces and nephews come to visit we take them to the Children's Museum and Maymont Park. Both places have tons of activities for kids of different ages.

63. liz on July 8, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.
    

    We just took the little kit-kat up to meet her great-grandparents in Wisconsin. The best place we found was the giant outdoor playground in Stevens Point. if memory serves correctly, I believe it is Mead Park .

64. Katie on July 8, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
    

    My favorite place to take the kids is the Santa Barbara Zoo. It is small enough to see all the animals in a few hours but big enough that you still see a lot of different animals and the kids love it.

65. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings on July 8, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.
    

    Chicago - have already taken the Vikings repeatedly to the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry and the Vikings are only 2 and 4! LOL

66. SECAVEN on July 8, 2008 at 10:11 a.m.
    

    ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA...DISNEYLAND!!

67. Linda Kercher on July 8, 2008 at 10:11 a.m.
    

    Seattle is a great place for kids. There are too many places to list, but my 20-month-old son's most recent favorite was a hike near North Bend, WA, just about 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. The Middle Forks River trail provides fun for the whole family, especially kids and dogs. Its easy elevation and smooth stretches allow your toddler to walk and explore trail-side plants, moss, rocks and sticks. Other parts of the trail feature enough rocks, limbs, and creeks to cross to make it interesting for the adults, but not too technical for carrying baby on your back (or your front). You can turn around at the rushing waterfall or press on to the secluded lake. Either way, it makes for a lovely day out in nature for the whole family.
    Happy hiking!
    Linda

68. Kelly on July 8, 2008 at 10:18 a.m.
    

    I love going to Boston, MA and visiting the Children's Museum. There are lots of fun activities for the whole family!

69. Shelli on July 8, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
    

    We LOVE Boston for travel - we live in NYC, and have friends in the area, and can ALWAYS count on a duck tour, the Children's museum, and all of the historical facts and fun finding activities to keep us busy. It's EASY to get around as a pedestrian (we don't have a car, and take the train, and public transportation,) and the Ergo is a wonderful alternative to bringing the stroller!

70. Spoodles on July 8, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
    

    I haven't had much chance to travel with my kids yet, since they're very small and we're very home-oriented. Fortunately, we live near one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. My husband and I frequently take our sons walking on the many trails of the Blue Ridge parkway. Actually, the adults walk, the baby rides in a Moby (which is not the best carrier in the world unless you live at the North Pole, as it's very large and hot), the four-year old walks and sometimes rides Dad piggyback. A good time is had by all, but a new carrier sure would be helpful. Especially with #3 on the way.

71. Kristie on July 8, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
    

    My kids are only 25 months and 10 months, so we haven't had a lot of opportunity to experience new places with them yet. One place that we do like to go is the called the Hi-Way Drive In in Carsonville, MI. It is very family oriented. You can go see 2 movies for $7 a person and my kids are still free. They show a family movie first, then it's usually an action movie 2nd (the kids are asleep by then.) You can sit in your car and talk all you want, take your own snacks (unlike in a theater) and just have a relaxing night!

72. Sarah Buki on July 8, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
    

    We live near Chicago and one place we have taken our son is the Brookfield zoo. He seemed to love it. Free for those two and under. They have a merri-go-round, a playground, and tons of fun animals to see from all around the world.

73. Laura Cooley on July 8, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
    

    Seattle, WA St. Edwards park in Kirkland is a wonderful park that kids can swing, play in the sand in the giant castle. For those who like to do some lite trail walking or biking you can do that too. I would love an Ergo.

74. brigita on July 8, 2008 at 10:32 a.m.
    

    We like taking our wee one (11 mos) to the local [free!] zoo here in Madison, WI.

75. Annette on July 8, 2008 at 10:35 a.m.
    

    We love to go to NYC and hit the museums with the kids. Thanks for entering me!

76. Nancy on July 8, 2008 at 10:38 a.m.
    

    Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ was surprisingly outstanding. We didn't get to see about half of the sea creatures and can't wait to go back. Then hop across the bridge to Philly for some cheese steaks!

77. jennifer on July 8, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
    

    charleston- they loved the aircraft carrier!

78. Serena on July 8, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.
    

    We just came back from Frye Island on Sebago Lake in Maine. Lovely place to rent a cottage for a week and just enjoy the beach with the kids, big or small!

79. Marsha on July 8, 2008 at 10:45 a.m.
    

    The St. Louis Zoo is a great place to go with kids. Their children's zoo has a courtyard of run-through-them-and-get-wet fountains (delightful on hot days) and lots of hands-on interaction with animals.

80. barbara on July 8, 2008 at 10:49 a.m.
    

    We haven't made many trips, but we did visit the Oakland Zoo recently and had a really great time. We live in Folsom CA outside Sacramento and Folsom has its own little zoo that is great for kids. They have all rescued animals.

81. Amy on July 8, 2008 at 10:56 a.m.
    

    Saratoga Springs: The Children's Museum at Saratoga is great fun!

82. molly on July 8, 2008 at 10:59 a.m.
    

    Washington DC -- so, so, so many great things for kids of all ages. With my little ones we like to do the National Gallery or the National Museum of the American Indian -- lots of good space to be in. Also, the outdoor spaces (sculpture gardens, fountians, etc.) on the Mall are great. And that is just on the Mall! Plus, so much of it is free.

83. Tracy on July 8, 2008 at 11 a.m.
    

    We just went to Paris. Our daughter's favorite activity was eating the delicious ice cream :-)

    She also enjoyed the many Parisian playgrounds.

84. mom2gandc on July 8, 2008 at 11:01 a.m.
    

    The Portland, ME children's museum is a hidden gem- lots of fun things for the younger set and not too huge and overwhelming.

85. Shannon on July 8, 2008 at 11:06 a.m.
    

    A fun discovery for us was a stop in Kanab, Utah. We were traveling between the Grand Canyon and Zion's National Park (both fabulous, kid-friendly places in their own right), and stopped to let the kids stretch their legs. We found a small memorial park, right on the main road through town, with a little waterfall, nice greenery, a short walking path...and tons of lizards. The kids spent a good while chasing the lizards and wearing themselves out while we enjoyed a relaxing rest in the shade. It also made for some terrific pictures with the distinct red rocks, the deep green, and the water.

86. Loreen on July 8, 2008 at 11:06 a.m.
    

    sullivans island, SC, the beach

87. Robyn on July 8, 2008 at 11:08 a.m.
    

    We took our kiddo to the Zilker Musical in Austin, TX, last weekend. The show is free (tips appreciated!), and since it's outdoors in the park it's very family friendly. Our little guy is only 8 weeks old, but he loved watching the lights and colors on stage.

88. amy on July 8, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.
    

    It's easy to pick Chicago as a fun city to take a kid because of all the museums and such, but one little surprise in the suburbs of Chicago is the DuPage Children's Museum. It's in Naperville, IL. I live in the Detroit area, where there aren't many children-friendly museums, so to find a museum where kids are expected to interact with the displays is fantastic. And, if you've got a little one under two years, the museum has a special area just for them. How great is that? I'm so glad my friend turned me on to it.

89. Susanne on July 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
    

    Oh my! With our third baby on the way and never owning a carrier I would LOVE to win!! So for the answer, my favorite destinations in our closest cities are the Charleston, SC aquarium and the children's museum there or in Jacksonville, FL they have a great zoo, complete with a train ride my kids love!!! Thanks again for the opportunity!!!

90. Stephanie on July 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
    

    In Los Angeles, the Getty Museum has a Family Art Lab which is a workshop where kids can create art. The Workshop is free, entry to the museum is free too; the only thing you have to do is pay for parking. Such a deal.

91. Stephanie on July 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
    

    I was recently in Milwaukee, WI with my seven-month old. With a little one, strolling along the lakefront and the riverwalk was just perfect on a sunny day, but we also passed the Betty Brin Children's Museum that looked like fun for older kids.

92. Laurel on July 8, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
    

    Tyler, TX - the zoo is a great place to take kids of all ages

93. Kathie Borders on July 8, 2008 at 11:20 a.m.
    

    We took my daughter to London, UK when she was 6 m.o. She enjoyed sightseeing but the red telephone boxes caught her attention most!
    Design your own Custom Tote; www.maddymoo.com/kathieb.htm

94. Mary on July 8, 2008 at 11:26 a.m.
    

    Washington, D.C. National Geographic Museum. It's free and amazing! Not crowded like all the the other museums in the city.

95. molly b. on July 8, 2008 at 11:28 a.m.
    

    In Chicago it is fun to go to Millenium Park with kids. There are free concerts, mini golf, and a giant reflective bean that is fun to play under.

96. Joy on July 8, 2008 at 11:31 a.m.
    

    Dallas, TX. The State Fair has something for everyone. My 2 year old loved it at year. She loved the petting zoo because you can actually feed some of the animals. The car show was fun too because she could get in and "drive" the cars. She also enjoyed the corndogs and funnel cakes! My older neices were there as well and loved it just as much.

97. Staci on July 8, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.
    

    In Salt Lake City, my girls love going to the Hogle Zoo or the Aquarium. Their is a children museum that everyone says is fabulous, but I'll have to take them when they can walk.

98. Jessica Gorman on July 8, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
    

    Right down the road from us in Amherst, MA is the Hampshire College Farm Center, a working farm (mostly tended by college students) with llamas, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and a mule named Francesca. And they allow visitors and they don't try to sell you anything. My 2 y.o. daughter and I visit her lamas and dotes almost everyday. Highly recommended!

99. JenO on July 8, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
    

    I live in the tiny little town of Newberg, OR. But we do have a cool park (pretty steep tho, no toddlers) with a disc golf course. It's a challenging course because it's built over a steep valley. It's just a block off the highway (south of the big flag) so it's a great place to stop and stretch your legs even if you are just passing thru on the way to the coast! :)

100. Kimberly on July 8, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
     

     We live in the D.C. metro area, and there are quite a few cool things to do here. But a nice one, especially with the heat, is Jammin' Java, in the town of Vienna. They have kids music every morning at 10:30!

101. Heather on July 8, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.
     

     The best "city" we have visited with our kids is Bar Harbor Maine. We have gone to camp twice since having kids at Acadia National Park there and it is the perfect summer vacation to me! We went on 2 different boat adventures: a lobster boat tour and Diver Dan's boat (he scuba dives with a video camera and brings all sorts of creatures onto the boat for the kids to look at). The rocky coast and Sand Beach are gorgeous.

102. Lisa on July 8, 2008 at 11:58 a.m.
     

     We live in Rapid City, SD, which is full of fun outdoor things to do. We have a great system of bike paths and walking paths both in town and in the beautiful Black Hills. We have camping, hiking, fishing, and boating within a 20 minute drive. We don't have a lot of museums, but with Denver only 6 hours away we can get away there for the weekend. Don't let the South Dakota stereotype fool ya!

103. amanda on July 8, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.
     

     We love to visit Cape Cod (my parents lived there for a few years), and Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth is a great place to visit with kids. It's an awesome reproduction village populated by actors playing colonists. They have lovely demonstrations and are happy to discuss (in character) whatever topic strikes your fancy. Our children (5 and 3) enjoyed it, and older kids would certainly get more out of it.

     here in Denver there's a great park with a wading stream, small train ($1), and petting zoo ($1). Belleview Park is about 10 minutes south of downtown, and a great place for some low-key downtime and a picnic. With (now) three children, 5, 3, and the baby it really accommodates all of their interests.

     librarycollective.blogspot.com

104. emily on July 8, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.
     

     what an amazing giveaway...count me in. We live downtown Indianapolis so we are the walking family. We live within range of the city market, the public library and many other parks.

     I've also taken my youngest to visit my parents in Kona, Hawaii where we've spent many house walking gorgeous sandy beaches.

     thanks!

105. Joan on July 8, 2008 at 12:03 p.m.
     

     We had a great trip to Toronto. The kids were crazy for the Science Center. We spent 7 hours there on a rainy day! We visited a castle and two amusement parks. The mid-town area is very vibrant with shopping and eating venues. We saw a funky stage version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in one of their theatres. Everything was at least 10% cheaper than it would have been here in the states.

106. Blanca on July 8, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.
     

     Minneapolis Science Museum is pretty good to visit with kids. My son was only 17 months old when we visit it and he had so much fun touching everything.

     I live in Iowa City, IA and around here the children museum is great. Palisades-Kepler State Park near Cedar Rapids has a great beach and lots of space to run and climb. The Maquoketta caves park is great and it's way cooler inside of the caves in the summer. And the Niabi Zoo near the quad cities in the Illinois side is small but pretty good. There's even a train that goes around the park. That combines my son 2 passions: animals and trains.

     I'm expecting #2 in October and looking forward going to lots of places with both of them.

107. Alex on July 8, 2008 at 12:05 p.m.
     

     Miss Baby LOVES the Ocean Institute in Dana Point (OC, CA). She is just learning to say fffffffisssssssssssssshhhh. She has started to put some real ugly wear on our Beco (I swear, her drool has bleached spots out) so we would LOVE this.

108. Kari A. on July 8, 2008 at 12:07 p.m.
     

     Every year we make a trip to the Sierras (Southern California) and go camping near Mammoth in an area called Reds Meadow. Since the littlest has been born, we are now "camping" at a place very close by called the Reds Meadow Pack Station. This is a Motel/Cabin/Resort/Restaurant and is very, shall we say, rustic. But, the kids love to hike in the surrounding campsites, fish in the local lakes and go horse back riding/hay riding and then finish the day off with an old-fashioned Cowboy BBQ (on site).

109. Courtney on July 8, 2008 at 12:08 p.m.
     

     We love the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. There's a butterfly house, a train, animals and a cool playroom inside.

110. Liz on July 8, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
     

     My first child is due in 6 weeks. This would be the perfect item for our future adventures together!

     I am a Memphis native and I am really surprised how many kid friendly options exist in this city. For starters the Memphis Zoo is quite nice and is small enough to tackle in a day without being too overwelming. Little splash ponds provide a wonderful way to cool off when the southern heat gets too hot to handle. Next, try the Children's Musuem just a few miles from the zoo. The surrounding areas are a little questionable but this attraction makes up for it. This is a totally kid friendly place with so many fun hands on activities (check out their website at www.cmom.com).

111. Melissa G. on July 8, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.
     

     We went to The Grand Canyon with my son. It was awesome to take a hike with my son. Now we have another on the way!

112. Hyphen on July 8, 2008 at 12:19 p.m.
     

     In Oklahoma City, there are tons of free splash pads which are spray parks full of different sprinklers. We love them. The kids could spend all day there. They're free. They're all over the place (the goal is to have one every 12 blocks so that every child in the county has access to at least one). They keep us cool and they keep the kids entertained. What's not to love?

113. Sky on July 8, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
     

     Omaha Nebraska is where we go for family vacations. It's a 4 hour drive, but well worth it. The Henry Dorley Zoo is our favorite haunt. It is SO much fun! The rainforest, the desert dome, the incredible monkey retreat. I could spend DAYS there.
     

114. Amy Sheldon on July 8, 2008 at 12:35 p.m.
     

     We live in Las Vegas and I love to take my son to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. It is such a great place, with fairly cheap admission prices (eight bucks for adults and seven for kids) and military and group discounts. The whole place is dedicated to history, science, and FUN in learning! It is all presented in an interesting, hands-on manner, and even has a special area just for toddlers to enjoy things at their own level. There are so many wonderful things there, I am practically tripping over myself to describe them. A little grocery store, a huge music section, bubble machines, I could go on and on! The best part about this is it is indoors. It gets super hot here in the summer, and outdoor activities have to be curtailed for fear of heatstroke. It has enough activities to engage a kid of any age for an hour or the whole day. It is also located inside the largest library in the city, and across the street form the natural history museum. I just can't say it enough, the place is GREAT.

     Another fun activity, for the winter, is hiking. Within an hour of Vegas there are no less then three optimal sites for outdoor activity: Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and the Valley of Fire. Your kid needs to be an accomplished walker to enjoy this, but once he is, discovering nature and the beauty of the desert is good fun for all ages. Each of the three sites I named have trails (and places off the beaten paths for the adventurous spirits) that are easily traversible for little ones. I have been hiking with kids as young as two, and they all have enjoyed it very much. (That Ergo carrier would be nice for this too! For when little legs get tired.) My 20 month old seems like he is just about ready for this type of outdoor activity, so as soon as the weather cools, we are nature bound!

115. Shannon on July 8, 2008 at 12:48 p.m.
     

     The St. Louis Zoo is not only one of the top zoos in the country, but it's also free! The penguin and puffin coast is delightfully cool in summer and warm in winter. Because there is plenty of free parking on the street and no admission fee, we don't feel bad about popping for an hour or two.

116. Rebecca on July 8, 2008 at 12:55 p.m.
     

     Please enter me in the contest!

     Our kiddo is still in utero. So far he/she has travelled to Washington DC, Des Moines IA and next week will visit Minneapolis.

     Here in our hometown of Baltimore, I'd recommend the Visionary Arts Museum. It's a museum of folk/outsider art with lots of shiny and spinning objects.

117. Elizabeth on July 8, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.
     

     On the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, Coral World is fantastic for older infants to kindergardners. Older kids would enjoy things too, but it's a perfect fit for the young crowd. Think of it as a small, manageable Sea World. One tip: a year pass is five dollars more than a single day, so if it's a good fit for your kid, get the season pass as it's a nice place to come back to during your trip to get a break.

118. Sara on July 8, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.
     

     I love to take my kids to Monterey, California. We go to the beach, and make a special day of going to the world-famous aquarium.

119. mamabeck on July 8, 2008 at 1:02 p.m.
     

     One of our very favorites, when back visiting the US, has been "The Magic House" in St. Louis, MO. There is SO much to see, do and touch there, my four couldn't get enough, and one day was almost not enough to see it all!

     Locally, we love to walk the trails around the zoo, in Siegelbach, (Germany) or to wander through the areas surrounding Ombachsee (a lake) including the children's sand play area. There is a water pump and logs for the water to run through, dams to build and little levers to throw to cut off flow to one direction or another. It's a real challenge to our kids to build something new and construct a new way to route the water each time.

120. Michelle on July 8, 2008 at 1:06 p.m.
     

     We really enjoyed doing the Freedom Trail in Boston. It is such a beautiful city in the autumn.

121. Kathleen on July 8, 2008 at 1:11 p.m.
     

     We live in Ann Arbor, MI and love taking the babe to Zingerman's Deli. He loves watching the hustle and bustle of customers and the staff running around shouting out names ("I have an order for Zach! Order for ZACH!") Plus, their food is ultra-delicious.

122. Cheryl W on July 8, 2008 at 1:11 p.m.
     

     We went to Lexington, KY, one year. My daughter loved the Kentucky Horse Park. Lots of fun activities there for kids!

123. Jen on July 8, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
     

     I live in Chapel Hill, NC. Nearby Anderson Park has everything a kid could want -- ducks, geese, drums, bells, a dog park, etc.

124. Sara G on July 8, 2008 at 1:31 p.m.
     

     We love walking around with our twin girls at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. Alot to see and very beautiful, they also have a dinosaur museum for older children. We need two of these cariers!

125. Karli on July 8, 2008 at 1:33 p.m.
     

     We live in Portland, OR, but before we moved here it was the greatest adventure to take the MAX (lightrail) with our toddler. You can take it all around the downtown area for free, and it stops you right at the Saturday Market (on the weekends). Or, you can make a big adventure of it and just ride from one end of the line to the other (for kids with longer attention spans).

126. Misty on July 8, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.
     

     I live in Grinnell, IA. There's a hidden gem in our town by the name of Prairie Fire Gym. They mostly focus on gymnastics. They have a toddler area as well as the regular area, and an 'open gym time'. It is GREAT fun to jump into the trampoline pit filled with foam blocks. Or for the toddlers, to climb up the foam steps and jump into the mini pit. It's so fun, I just can't describe it all!

127. michelle t on July 8, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
     

     Hong Kong - eating dim sum. The kids love the carts and the bite sized food. Plus, the food comes almost instantly and at at pretty constant rate, so they're not cranky!

128. Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland on July 8, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
     

     I live in Austin, TX and there are tons of fun things to do with children here. My favorite thing to do is go to Barton Springs Pool, which is a pool fed by natural springs and the water is 68 degrees year round. Another good place to go is Hamilton Pool which is another natural springs pool fed by the Pedernales river in the Austin hill country. Lastly some other favorites are the privately owned Austin Zoo and The Austin Children's Museum. Great giveaway, thanks!

129. Jade on July 8, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
     

     One of my family's favorite things to do in Montclair, NJ is to go to the public library. It is fabulous and free!!

130. Katie on July 8, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
     

     I live outside of Pittsburgh, PA. We love the zoo and the Children's Museum is fantastic.

131. Stacy on July 8, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.
     

     I love the Ruben H Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park in San Diego! All of Balboa Park is so much fun because of all the museums and just all of the space there is to run around, but the Science Center is just awesome.

     I also would like to 3rd the recommendation for the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson! It's an excellent zoo with great natural habitats and tons of interesting animals.

132. Ali M on July 8, 2008 at 2:24 p.m.
     

     Brooklyn, NY - the fountain in front of the Brooklyn museum. It's like a fire hydrant with a sense of humor. The kids squeal with delight getting wet on a hot day.

133. Holly on July 8, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.
     

     Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle is a fantastic place to take kids. The Japanese Garden is full of plants, flowers and fish to discover. Also a great place to take gorgeous pictures of your delicious kids. Just on the South side of the Garden is play field which swings and space to have a picnic. Great outing on a sunny summery day.

134. Niki on July 8, 2008 at 2:43 p.m.
     

     We recently took our toddler to Washington D.C. and we all loved the National Zoo. Not only did we enjoy free admission, but there were so many wonderful animals to see! Pandas, elephants, sloth bears and even the tiniest pigmy hippo. Too cute! Plus, the zoo's winding, hilly walkways wore our little guy out. He slept so soundly after our visit.

135. Heather on July 8, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.
     

     We love the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

136. Jennifer on July 8, 2008 at 2:57 p.m.
     

     I can't wait to take my children to the City Museum in St. Louis, MO (www.citymuseum.org). I used to live there and went to the museum when it first opened, but haven't been back to it since having children, and I can hardly wait for my twins to be old enough to take them! It is one of the coolest places I've ever seen, with something for everyone. It's like a playground for the young and old alike. Caves, tunnels, indoor treehouse, hiding places, incredible mosaics, slides, ball pits, arts/crafts, glass blowing, a shoe-lace factory, an aquarium - all built using reclaimed materials inside an old factory/warehouse.

137. Amber on July 8, 2008 at 2:59 p.m.
     

     We went to Wisconsin Dells and the waterparks were great. We went in November and enjoyed the indoor waterparks without alot of the summer crowds.

138. Michael on July 8, 2008 at 3 p.m.
     

     The annual California State Fair is a great location for kids.

139. Jenni on July 8, 2008 at 3:01 p.m.
     

     Chicago has a lot of great stuff for kids including many outdoor parks and kid friendly museums. Omaha has a great zoo and children's museum too!

140. Meg on July 8, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.
     

     No kid yet (due in August), but last weekend I took some friends and their twin 4-year-olds to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., in the western suburbs of Chicago. The arboretum has a big new children's garden with ponds and streams to splash in, a treetop walk with bridges and lots of kid-sized gardens.

141. CanCan on July 8, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.
     

     Singapore is one of the most kid-friendly cities (it is also a country) that I have been to. I love the island of Sentosa, which is a tiny island that has TONS of attractions for families: a beach, mall, aquarium, dolphin show, great restaurants, IMAX movie, sky car rides...TONS of stuff. You can stay in a hotel on the island and your vacation would be easy-peasy.

142. CJ on July 8, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.
     

     I have to put a plug in for the City Museum in St Louis, MO. My best description would be a 3 story playground for kids of ALL ages. No joke; we lived there pre-kids and until the first was almost 2yr. We always had a ton of fun. There are even 2 and 3 story slides!

     I would love to win an ERGO. I have a "hand-me-down" from a friend who just found out - surprise - that she needs it back!

143. CE on July 8, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.
     

     We love going to the children's museum in chicago. It is the best one we've ever been to, and we visit one in every city we've ever been in!

144. Beth Allen on July 8, 2008 at 3:48 p.m.
     

     We loved going to Great Wolf Lodge in Ohio. My kids had a blast.

     allenbth3@yahoo.con

145. mdm on July 8, 2008 at 4:01 p.m.
     

     My son is two, so we haven't done a lot of traveling with him yet. My new find here near my home town is the Children's Museum of Phoenix which just opened last month. It is in an old renovated Elementary School that was built in 1913. It is a wonderful place full of hands on activities and the kind of place that lets your kids get messy and involved. (vs. the standard stuffy, look but don't touch museums that I remember as a kid.)

     This carrier would be perfect as #2 is due very soon, and it would be great to take to the museum!

146. Jessica L on July 8, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.
     

     In San Diego, the Nature Center in Chula Vista is fun and educational, while being less overwhelming and lower cost than the big attractions, and easily accessible via public transportation. They have a number of educational exhibits about area wildlife, plus a petting pool and small zoo. It's great for filling a few hours or when you need a low-key day.

147. Ginny on July 8, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
     

     My kids really enjoy the Detroit Science Center (detroit, MI)

148. Katy on July 8, 2008 at 5:18 p.m.
     

     Here in Atlanta we have a beautiful Botanical Garden which has a special kids section with gardening related activities, a playground and a water section for fun in the summer.

149. Kate on July 8, 2008 at 5:33 p.m.
     

     I have taken my kids to Boston, home of the best (BEST!) children's museum. Love it!!

150. Abby on July 8, 2008 at 5:40 p.m.
     

     we live in Anderson, SC... so there may not be much around here, but i am hoping to take my girls overseas at some point. in Greenville, SC, there is a little place called "frankie's fun park" and its just a big arcade... all the lights just mesmerize my toddler!

151. Becky on July 8, 2008 at 5:41 p.m.
     

     We recently took our son to the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC. He loved 'talking' to the animals that we saw that day!

152. Rekha on July 8, 2008 at 6:08 p.m.
     

     We live just outside Chicago and have recently "discovered" the Morton Arboretum. They have a Maze garden right out of a Harry Potter book for the older kids and a little maze garden for toddlers. They also have a great children's garden with ponds to go splashing in, an observation deck in an evergreen grove, and a windmill garden. Best of all, you can bring in food and picnic anywhere on the grounds.

153. RLR on July 8, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.
     

     The College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, IN - well, actually the "courtyard" out front. It's half of a football field - astroturf, so all-season - and a GREAT place for the kids to stretch their legs! Plus, there is a neat restaurant/candy shop right next door. The museum is not bad, either!

154. Leslie on July 8, 2008 at 6:49 p.m.
     

     We are moving from Philadelphia PA and only recently found the Smith Playhouse. Awesome outdoor playground with huge wooden slide. Amazing indoor area for younger kids with all kinds of toys imaginable. And all FREE!

155. dawn on July 8, 2008 at 6:51 p.m.
     

     we like to go the the nashville zoo...not too big, not too small...just right!

156. Lettie on July 8, 2008 at 7:18 p.m.
     

     We took our older 2 kids to Washington D.C. last summer. They were ages 4 and 2 (I was pregnant with #3 at the time). We had a great time riding the Metro around and their favorite place was the Museum of Natural History. They loved the dinosaurs and the insects. They even got to hold a giant cockroach (gross, I know). They had a blast there and really with the whole city in general. We can't wait to take them back when they're older.

157. Dulcia on July 8, 2008 at 7:25 p.m.
     

     Living in Las Vegas is way different than visiting! For one, you hardly take kids down to the Strip. So... in those hot summer months we have to find a way to let the kids run around and get energy out inside! I recommend the Lied Children's Museum (not too far from the Strip either if you are visiting) or My Little Garden, an indoor play area filled with soft climbing blocks and mats. Of course, there's always hiking (with baby in your Ergo!) at Mt Charleston or, when it's cooler, at Red Rocks National Conservation Area.

158. Erin on July 8, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
     

     There is a great blueberry picking farm (Moorehead) in Conroe, Texas.

159. Shay on July 8, 2008 at 8:12 p.m.
     

     We travel to Myrtle Beach when we travel with our daughter and they have tons to do: beach, swimming, aquarium, etc...tooooo many to name.

160. Shenna on July 8, 2008 at 8:13 p.m.
     

     The most fun I've had with my daughter was in Carlsbad, California. They have campsites you can go to for a week (for like $250) and you can camp right next to the beach. It is a great family activity, very relaxing, and it beats staying at a hotel for a week!

161. kristen on July 8, 2008 at 8:17 p.m.
     

     I live in Birmingham, AL and my children love the McWane Center! It's a discovery museum. They also love the (free!) city museum of art, and you can bring a stroller, which is very cool.

162. Naomi on July 8, 2008 at 8:28 p.m.
     

     Honolulu has such great tourist watching and of course the beaches...

163. oona baker on July 8, 2008 at 8:41 p.m.
     

     We live in Portland, OR and love to take the Amtrak up to Seattle and go to the Seattle Aquarium (great for rainy days) and the Zoo (we could spend all day there, especially with the butterflies)! If you get a City Pass, it makes admission much cheaper and it's easy to go both places on public transportation.

164. Shauna on July 8, 2008 at 8:47 p.m.
     

     In Berkeley, CA, a great children's activity center called Studio Grow. In Oakland, CA, the Tilden Park Steam Trains are a hit with our 6 month old.

165. Karen Liebrecht on July 8, 2008 at 8:59 p.m.
     

     We recently went to Tennessee for a wedding and had a great time. We went to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge which was a lot of fun and also got to see the beautiful Smokey Mtns.

     Please add me to the contest. Thanks!

166. Jamie on July 8, 2008 at 9 p.m.
     

     We just went to Lacey, WA. We went to Cabelas and my son loved going through the aquarium over and over again. He couldn't get enough of the fish.

167. Tanya Moyer on July 8, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.
     

     When we went to Seattle with my husband for a business trip, my oldest daughter LOVED the Children's Museum they had. It was so "hands-on", that she was really able to interact with all of the exhibits! Great giveaway! Thanks for offering it!
     ~Tanya
     

168. Susan on July 8, 2008 at 9:24 p.m.
     

     We were in Atlanta recently and went to the Georgia Aquarium. Our 7 month old loved looking at all the fish and penguins!

169. Bhavana on July 8, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
     

     We live in Columbia, MD which is close to Baltimore. We love the Port Discovery Museum in Baltimore. The place is filled with fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. My daughter never tires of the place. Another place to go is Playwise Kids in our town, which is not as new as we would like it to be(very badly needs to be renovated) but my daughter loves this place too and can spend hours there.
     Would love to win this giveaway! Thanks.

170. Wendy on July 8, 2008 at 9:41 p.m.
     

     We loved going to Venice Beach in Venice, California. You can just sit all day and people watch because there are so many interesting people and performers. The beach itself is super wide and beautiful. It is definitely a memorable place.

171. Jen on July 8, 2008 at 10:39 p.m.
     

     When visiting the Berkeley, California area, we had a great time visiting Habitot with our toddler. It is the perfect small children's museum for toddlers and younger preschoolers. We were also able to use oour reciprocal membership from the Chicago Children's Museum there so we didn't have to pay admission!

172. Tracey on July 8, 2008 at 10:41 p.m.
     

     What a great contest - please enter me too! I've been wanting to get an Ergo carrier for an upcoming trip. Thanks so much!

     I've done a lot of traveling with baby for business trips but not a lot for vacation yet. I live in Los Angeles and Aidan's Place is a GREAT park. It is universally accessible, big, and has tons of great play structures. It's a wonderful place for a family picnic. KIds of all ages will love it! http://www.laparks.org/dos/playground...

173. Crystal on July 9, 2008 at 2:40 a.m.
     

     We did a mini European tour with our then-13-month-old a couple of summers ago. We found the evening cafe culture of Vienna to be very child friendly (along w/ the great ice cream stands!). Our daughter was admired everywhere we went throughout the city. Salzburg was also great and we especially enjoyed seeing the coutryside from the air conditioned bus while on the Sound of Music tour (cheesy, i know). We saw beautiful sites outside the city and our daughter napped and nursed in comfort.

174. Loraine on July 9, 2008 at 2:40 a.m.
     

     When visiting my husband's family in Zurich, Switzerland - the lakeside swimming is a must! The kiddie pool juts out right into the lake, and there is even sand to make sand castles. Swimming with the Alps in the background is amazing!

     C'mon, mama wants an Ergo! :-)

175. Marla on July 9, 2008 at 3:33 a.m.
     

     Kelley's Island in Cedar Point, OH was lots of fun. There are no automobiles on the island. We rented a golf cart and the kids had a wonderful time. Thanks for the contest!

176. Nancy on July 9, 2008 at 4:01 a.m.
     

     There some amazing playgrounds in DUblin, Ireland. I know it sounds like a "where to go cop out" but my kid has more fun here than anyplace else!
     Rathfarnum Castle
     Cabinteely
     True gems for kids of all ages!

177. opera mommy on July 9, 2008 at 4:03 a.m.
     

     I took my baby to Rome twice. It was great fun because Italians love babies!

178. Candace on July 9, 2008 at 4:25 a.m.
     

     I recently moved from Norman, Oklahoma. Home of THe university of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Sooners. I love Norman. There are free things years round and no need to spend more than $100 a day on a jam packed playday including cost of food and addmission if you go to pay to play places. They have the best public library I have ever been in. It is not that large, but hte children;s section is 1/3 the size of the entire library comprised by 3 Thomas Trains stations, 7 computers outfitted with learning games, a puppet theatre, lego tablwe, natural block area, story time room, chess tables, castle table, comfy pillowss, African water frogs and gerbils. The librarians are fantastic and we miss them all. There is a huge book selection and you can get a temp card if you belong to another library system.
     If you want to eat and entertain the kids go to the local airport Max Westhiemer. There is a really awesome cafe that has a wonderful all you can eat breakfast that continues later in the day and you can watch the planes take off and land out of their large windows.
     To beat the heat next to the library is a great free splash pad that runs all summer long nad even into the fall somewhat because it stays so warm in OK.
     The mall is also a great way to get out of the heat. It is the most family friendly mall i have ever been to. There is a great food court just fifty paces from a large, soft, indoor play area that is nex to the restrooms and this includes a family restroom and a nursing room for moms complete with three rockers.
     If you like museums you have The college right there. There is the museum of Natural History (the dinosaurs are great) and the campus art museum is nationally recognised.
     For the budding scientist you can stop by the campus Botany Dept Greenhose and get a free tour from Cal Lemke and see rare and exotic plant from around the world for free. He will even send you home with a few.
     The athletci department also has tours if you are interested in sports.
     Back to city proper. THe city has outdoor festivals year round. From the largest free outdoor midieval fair in April (so cool, miss it so much), Groovefest, Arts Week, Midsummer theare, and 49'er days.

     I know that central OK is not the planned destination of most but it is a great stopping point in route that offers a chance at low cost entertainment along the way. Oklahoma City is just twenty minutes away. You have a river walk, a baseball staium, the Sonics relocated there. You have the OKC Bombing Memorial, the world headquarters of Sonic foods with a great dinner just off of the river walk, Bass Pro, The Botanical Gardens, THe OKC Philharmonic, THe Children's museums, and all of the theatres.

179. Dana on July 9, 2008 at 4:43 a.m.
     

     I would love to be entered in the contest.

180. Rachel on July 9, 2008 at 4:48 a.m.
     

     When I was little my parents would would pack all the kids up in the van and head to Lancaster, PA. We would spend the day in little Amish shops and at the Kitchen Kettle Village - which had TONS of free food samples, and we would decorate a gingerbread cookie for $1. It was a great, cheap way to spend the day with four kids! :) Thanks so much!

181. Dana on July 9, 2008 at 4:52 a.m.
     

     We took our daughter to The Alleghney National Forest and she love the wildflowers up at Hearts Content.

     http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/alleg...

182. Megan on July 9, 2008 at 5:19 a.m.
     

     I am currently on vacation in Maryland. I have a 14-month-old so a lot of the family-friendly places are too old and crowded. But her favorite activity yesterday was to walk around the Smithsonian MALL and people watch.

183. maryBeth on July 9, 2008 at 5:30 a.m.
     

     I love to go to the the Roger William Park Zoo in Providence RI.

184. Carla on July 9, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
     

     We haven't done much sightseeing here since moving to the Milwaukee, WI area, but one place that we really like is Discovery World (http://www.discoveryworld.org/ ) I didn't know much about it the first time we went there, but it is really amazing with a lot for the kids to do, especially slightly older kids. It also has a great aquarium that I didn't know was part of it either.

     A short distance away from that is the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. We originally went there to see one of the special exhibits, but just like with Discovery World, my kids could stay there for hours. http://www.bbcmkids.org/

185. Pam on July 9, 2008 at 6:38 a.m.
     

     I have seven month old triplet boys, so we haven't been many places with them, but we did take a road trip to San Antonio. They seemed to enjoy riding around the Riverwalk in their triple stroller. They didn't cry, at least... :)

186. carrie on July 9, 2008 at 6:39 a.m.
     

     There are all kinds of things in the Omaha area...Zoo, Children's Museum, Botanical Gardens, etc. My favorite this time of year are the free splash parks around town!

187. Pamela on July 9, 2008 at 6:43 a.m.
     

     We live in Detroit and have a few favorite hidden gems, besides the obvious fabulous lakes. We love to go to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum (must brunch at Cafe Zola beforehand - the best crepes!), the Lower Huron Metro Park has a brand new and gorgeous water park, and we love to hang out at Eastern Market with the kiddos - fresh produce, cheap prices, fabulous people watching.

188. Karin on July 9, 2008 at 6:45 a.m.
     

     My kids' favorite activity in Nuremberg (my home town): visiting the Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas market).

189. cm on July 9, 2008 at 6:51 a.m.
     

     We've done a lot of traveling w the kids.

     However, some of the best "vacationy" things to do are near home in Boston. In addition to the usual suspects of the Children's Museum, Zoo, Museum of Science, and Colonial sites... there are some real gems that are a bit off the beaten track but not out of the way

     The Arnold Arboretum is 265 acres of flora, fauna and walking trails in the middle of the city and is great fun for all. Another off the beaten track day should be spent at the DeCordova museum and sculpture park. The kinetic sculptures were a huge hit w/ the kids and the outdoor sculpture park and garden are amazing

190. Nicol Watanabe on July 9, 2008 at 7:22 a.m.
     

     Just took our 18 month old to the beach at Balboa Island (CA). Hardly someplace that tourists and locals alike don't know about; nevertheless, the three of us enjoyed the sand and surf for a good 3-4 hours. I was hesitant to take her(would she be afraid of the water? refuse to stay near our blanket?) but it was definitely something we'll do again soon!

191. Hilary on July 9, 2008 at 7:28 a.m.
     

     We live in New York City and recently enjoyed the Queens County Farm Museum. We had a great time visiting the cow, goats, chickens, sheep, turkeys, and peacocks...and it was free!

192. Julie on July 9, 2008 at 7:36 a.m.
     

     When my oldest son was about 15 months old, my Mom and I took him to Chattanooga, Tennessee. We all had a great time, but our favorite activity was walking up and down these stone steps that lead from the downtown area to the riverfront. The city turns it into an interactive waterfall at night, and my son absolutely LOVED walking up and down the steps with the water rushing around him (holding Mom and Grandma's hands of course). There were lots of families, groups of young people, couples strolling hand in hand - it was very sweet. I wish we had one in our town!

193. Artie Kuhn on July 9, 2008 at 7:37 a.m.
     

     Chicago is fantastic. Our two year old loved it. Millennium Park should not be missed.

194. Ken on July 9, 2008 at 7:42 a.m.
     

     We're taking our 9-month-old on his first trip, to Chicago, in a few weeks. Going to see Grandma and Grandpa!

195. Martha on July 9, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.
     

     I'm expecting my first, and can't wait until the little one is old enough to enjoy the historic carousel at Glen Echo park in Maryland--I know I loved it when I was young, and still do. the park itself is a gem of art deco design on the outskirts of DC, and I think you can still ride the carousel for 25 cents!

196. aBookworm on July 9, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
     

     The Dallas Arboretum is a fun place to go and relax amongst nature.

197. Meghan on July 9, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.
     

     We live in Chicago, Rogers Park neighborhood, and LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach! It is literally a 5 minute walk from our house and it seriously makes us feel like we live in the Caribbean, Florida or some other resort town!! And best of all, its free! In this economy, you can't beat it! We go at least once a week, and our nanny takes our DD there whenever the weather cooperates! Ahhh summer in Chicago! Why we survive the brutal winters and stay here! :-) An ergo baby carrier system sure would come in handy for those walks around town and to the beach... wink wink! :-)

198. Deborah on July 9, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.
     

     Well, I'm just now pregnant with our first, so I don't really know any great places to take kids!! But I live in Utah, and I know there are plenty of beautiful kid places to visit. I haven't been to the zoo in years, and can't wait until the little one is old enough to appreciate it!

199. Anne SD on July 9, 2008 at 9:38 a.m.
     

     I went on a fabulous pirate adventure recently with my almost 3 yr old son. Inner Harbor/Fells Point/Baltimore is host to Urban Pirates (www.urbanpirates.us), an hour long cruise around the harbor in a pirate boat, the Fearless. We dressed up like pirates, learned pirate vocabulary, songs, dances and rope knots, and best of all, we fought off dragons and other scalliwags who were trying to steal our booty by spraying them with water cannons! Clean, family fun without any pitaical violence. It was the highlight of my son's vacation, and I must confess, mine too!

200. Jenie on July 9, 2008 at 9:54 a.m.
     

     Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.

     West Edmonton Mall was fun for the kids. They have a mini amusement park, sea adventure, movie theater and ice skating rink...all in the mall! =)

201. Wenlei on July 9, 2008 at 10:22 a.m.
     

     We took our 2 month old baby to Carmel Valley in California. The weather was mild enough for us to sit by poolside at our hotel! Once he gets a bit older, we'll try going to the beach down there.

202. Leni on July 9, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
     

     We have enjoyed taking our little one to Fabens, Texas! It is heavenly in the country...green in the middle of the desert. She loves seeing the leaves move and the birds fly.

203. Meka on July 9, 2008 at 11:02 a.m.
     

     We love visiting Brooklyn and our favorite thing to do is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge!

204. Angela on July 9, 2008 at 11:09 a.m.
     

     We recently went to Niagra Falls with our 16 month old. We had a blast and he loved watching the falls.

205. Sara on July 9, 2008 at 11:29 a.m.
     

     We're expecting our first soon, but I'm looking forward to taking him to the Botanical Gardens here in Atlanta. While usually listed in lots of tourist handbooks, it probably wouldn't make it to the top of a kids vacation spot. But there's so much great outdoor fun, with sculptures that kids can touch and feel and lots of space to run around and just enjoy nature and the outdoors!!

206. Melissa on July 9, 2008 at 11:44 a.m.
     

     So far, a number one favourite for our 17 month old has been the Reston Zoo in Reston VA, it is fun for a suburbia kid to be able to have the animals from the books come alive. It is very clean, the petting zoo has lots of animals and the hay/safari ride was fun. I think we had as much fun as she did.

207. MelissaS on July 9, 2008 at 11:45 a.m.
     

     Whenever we travel, we try to find a transportation museum for DS to explore. We have been to the B&O railroad museum in Baltimore, and several others in the states. The BEST though was the Ulster Transport Museum in Northern Ireland. Picture 3-4 airplane hangar sized buildings full of full size steamies, diesels, bicycles, and autos from every age. He LOVED it!!

     Thanks for sharing the chance at the Ergo...

208. Jennifer P on July 9, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.
     

     We recently visited San Antonio with our daughter just before she turned one. We had a great time visiting everything but out favorite was El Mercado (the Mexican Market)! There were so many vendors and great restaurants that our little girl had a blast taking it all in and people watching. We ate at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery which was delicious and the Mariachi Band came and sang La Bamba to her ... She LOVED it! And "danced" along to the music.

209. Beth Nazario on July 9, 2008 at 1:03 p.m.
     

     For all you lucky people living near Ypsilanti, Michigan there is a Firehouse Museum. There are tons of firetrucks on the first floor, interesting history for the adults on the second floor, but the real magic happens in the basement. They have a REAL. LIVE. FIRETRUCK. for kids to climb on and "drive." They have firetruck pedal cars and about 100 feet of concrete to tear around on. They have coin rides on a firetruck with Bert and Ernie. They have firemen's gear to try on and play with. It's fun and nearly deserted during the week! Check it out!

210. Johannah B on July 9, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
     

     Washington, DC -- Zoo and it was free and fun.

211. Jill on July 9, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
     

     Well, we don't get out much, apparently, because one of my daughter's favorite events is the Stanwood Camano parade and fair in Stanwood, WA. She loves the fact that they throw lots of candy and she loves the car rides with the ooga ooga horns. Oh, and she's still talking about he cotton candy. I tell her that's the only place to buy it.

212. Sara on July 9, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.
     

     We took our son to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ and he had a blast. He loves to watch the fish and walk through the shark tunnel.

213. Jean on July 9, 2008 at 6:34 p.m.
     

     We live in Seattle. My little guy is only 7 months, but I've been to the Children's Museum in Everett with the older nieces and nephews and it was a BLAST!!!!

214. Amanda on July 9, 2008 at 6:58 p.m.
     

     We haven't traveled much, but we love St Paul MN's Highland Park city pool - it is the awesomest city pool ever with stuff for kids/adults of all ages (slides, climbing wall, zero entry, basketball, etc). And they have a family rate of $16 that gets up to 5 people in. Crazy awesome, and affordable.

215. Sara on July 9, 2008 at 7:24 p.m.
     

     First, I will add my recommendation for the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ. It really is perfect for little kids, and now has a fun little splash area, too, to beat the heat.

     I will also add my other top picks for Tucson:

     Tohono Chul Park has beautiful gardens, desert animal demonstrations, and a super cute children's garden with a mosaic tile "river" kids can float little boats on, outfitted birdhouses, and weekly story hour. The first Tuesday of every month is free admission! Be sure to bring a change of clothes, because your kids are likely to get wet.

     The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is not to be missed. It's pretty big to tackle the whole thing with little kids, but really great. It's like part zoo (with all desert animals-there are more than you think!), part botanical garden, and part museum, almost all outside.

     The Tucson Botanical Garden is also nice, but their children's garden isn't as fun as the one at Tohono Chul. However, in the winter months they have a butterfly exhibit in a greenhouse where you can walk amidst them. SO fun.

     And, if you like to hike, you will probably hit one of the many gorgeous hiking trails in the multiple nearby mountain ranges.

     I really, really want an Ergo.....so I'm going to add more recommendations in the city guides.

216. cheryl k. on July 9, 2008 at 8:37 p.m.
     

     Baltimore, MD.!
     We love to go to the Inner Harbor and stroll the piers, shop and eat. Now they have little purple dinosaur boats to paddle in; great fun.

217. catmom on July 9, 2008 at 10:46 p.m.
     

     In Portland, Oregon, head to the Beverly Cleary fountain in Grant Park. Everybody loves "riding" the dog sculpture while splashing their feet. Hours of toddler fun.

218. amy on July 9, 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
     

     Definitely hanging at the beach in Honolulu. We could do that all day!

219. Jackie on July 10, 2008 at 3:42 a.m.
     

     Hi! My kids and I love to go to Indianapolis and go to the zoo there! It is great and would be a great place to use this carrier with my little one! Thanks!

     Jackie
     

220. kelli on July 10, 2008 at 7:55 a.m.
     

     We love to visit Hood River, Oregon. It's beautiful. Of course, there's Grandma & Grandpa's house, but beyond that there is hiking and camping and biking and riding the train and going to museums and eating ice cream and visiting orchards and farm stands.

221. Rebekah on July 10, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.
     

     We love to go to the Great Lawn in Central Park in New York City and just play in the park. It is an oasis in our crazy city.

222. Tiffany on July 10, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.
     

     Memphis has a really cool Children's Museum with lots of hands on stuff for kids to play with!

223. Lisa on July 10, 2008 at 8:42 a.m.
     

     We live in Asheville and my son really enjoys going to the Pack Place. They've got a kids room with toys great for his age (11 months) and he can explore for hours

224. Noreen on July 10, 2008 at 9:44 a.m.
     

     Seattle, there is a carosuel and "Ye Olde Curosity Shoppe" about a block a part on the wharf not to far from the aquarium and they are so fun for the kids.

225. Beki on July 10, 2008 at 10:35 a.m.
     

     Oscoda, MI - We went swimming in Lake Huron, made sand castles and chased sea gulls. Then we went shopping and bought fudge at a small boutique. It was so much fun. When the girls get older we'll go canoing and horseback riding too!

226. Meghan on July 10, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
     

     We most recently went to San Francisco. My two-year-old loved the children's playground at Golden Gate Park (near the Stanyan Street entrance). There's a carousel there, too.

227. Jillian on July 10, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
     

     The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is our favorite place to visit!!

228. Katie on July 10, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
     

     Here in our Hometown of Kansas City there is lots of stuff for kids to do. Hallmark has something called Kaleidoscope, which is a free art session for kids of all ages. They create all kinds of things from the unused greeting card scraps, bows, etc. It's great!

229. Jackie H on July 10, 2008 at 12:39 p.m.
     

     We lived in Clearwater, FL for a bit and loved both the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (is home to the first dolphin with a prosthesis for a tail!) and Caladesi Beach (they have the most beautiful shells and pristine sand!).

230. the mama hood on July 10, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.
     

     Our family recently found a great gem in our city called Usery Mountain Park. It's a budget friendly activity and healthy too!

     http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/

     It's a county park that is only $6 per motorized vehicle entry. It has over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Park trails range in length from 0.2 miles to over 7 miles, and range in difficulty from easy to difficult. Our kids loved seeing the beautiful wildflowers blooming in the desert! The views are wonderful too. Our kids also enjoyed having a picnic at the picnic tables and we were glad there were plenty clean of restrooms available.

     kenzkween at hotmail dot com

231. LeAnna Lankford on July 10, 2008 at 5:38 p.m.
     

     As a foster parent of infants/toddlers (171 total) and grandparent to five, we love the Austin, Tx children's museum. When in Nashville, TN a favorite place for little children is the Aquarium Resturant...even if you do not want to spend a lot, get a soda or tea and an appetizer. Then let the little ones and big ones just watch and watch the fish surround you. Great give away!! LeAnna

232. lace on July 10, 2008 at 6:43 p.m.
     

     My favorite place I've been with kids is Savannah, GA. There's trolley rides and tybee island (where you can see sea turtles). There is also an alligator park in the surrounding area that was fun to visit.

233. Tracy on July 10, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.
     

     AUSTIN, TX: Zilker Park has a fantastic playscape and a train ride, Austin Children's Museum is fun for all ages and has toddler play times so the little ones can play without getting run over.

234. Heather on July 10, 2008 at 9:17 p.m.
     

     We looooove to visit San Diego! So many fun things for kids- our favorite is the park outside the zoo.

235. Launa on July 10, 2008 at 9:40 p.m.
     

     I live in Gresham, OR and love Blue Lake Park and the waterspray playground. My 3 year old can spend hours playing in the water.

236. Tami on July 10, 2008 at 9:44 p.m.
     

     We live just outside of Atlanta, GA in Cobb County. Lately my favorite place to visit with the kids and other moms is The Coffee Park. It's like a regular coffee house, but with a supervised play area with trained employee to help facilitate safe and friendly play. Parents can actually sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee while the kids have a ball playing. They also have complementary wi-fi, which I love.

     http://www.thecoffeepark.com

237. lynn on July 11, 2008 at 6:17 a.m.
     

     In Miami we loved the Seaquarium , my 2 year old thought the dolphin show was fantastic.

238. C. O'Brien on July 11, 2008 at 6:23 a.m.
     

     We recently went to a local farm outside of Houston to pick blueberries. It was a perfect afternoon excursion for a 3-year-old boy. The fact that there were cows and chickens there was a huge bonus!

239. Jennifer H. on July 11, 2008 at 1:46 p.m.
     

     We love to travel to Surfside Beach, SC. One of our favorite things to do is go to the local zoo (we are members), but we also love to go downtown and do the "Mouse Hunt" (our city has bronze mice - very small - randomly located throughout downtown that you do a scavenger hunt for). I'd love to win! Thanks for the chance.

240. Tangie C. on July 11, 2008 at 3:36 p.m.
     

     There are some awesome places to go with your kids here in Sacramento!! Old Sacramento is an awesome place for families and is always having something fun going on! I recommend Gold Rush Days, which occurs around Labor Day!

241. Teresa K on July 11, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.
     

     As a new mom to a 3 month old and also just relocated to Portland Oregon, there are many places that we have gone to explore. One of our favorites is Jamison Square in the Pearl district. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/f...

     It has a great water fountain - on warm sunny days the park is filled with people (young and old, but mostly young) enjoying the weather and amenities in the neighborhood. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and stores (Green Frog Toys is a great place for toys for all ages).
     We're loving Portland and we're finding so many kid-friendly things to do!

242. Kara on July 12, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.
     

     Apple Valley, MN is home to the MN Zoo. ( www.mnzoo.com ) It is one of my favorite places to be and I can't wait for my 5 month old to be old enough to enjoy it as well. It is a very large zoo that has enough indoor exhibits to entertain you on rainy (or snowy) days and large beautiful outdoor exhibits as well.

243. Becca on July 12, 2008 at 7:56 p.m.
     

     We love visiting Austin, Texas. My daughter adores all the fun activities at Zilker Park. There's a train, ducks to feed, swimming and live music in the summer.

244. Ron Miller on July 13, 2008 at 11:16 a.m.
     

     From Michigan, well not from, "living", no we are "existing"; Actually I'm from NJ, so every summer off to Seaside Heights we go, different from growing up 5 minutes away, now we travel several hundred miles to get there. The kids love the boards, the sand, but most of all the waves... they haven't found any like them up and down the coast, and certainly none here in MI :(

245. Carol on July 13, 2008 at 11:38 a.m.
     

     In South Austin, there's a great new shopping center called South Park Meadows. There are several restaurants there (Waterloo Icehouse, Jason's Deli, Austin Java, Wings & Rings, Mama Fu's, Amy's Ice Cream, etc) who all have back patios facing a common playground. It's a great place for parents to hang out over a leisurely dinner or drinks while the older kids play, and the restaurants are family friendly for kids of all ages. There's even a splash area with fountains for the little ones to run through and get wet. A Summer Concert Series has free live music several nights a week.

246. Nicole on July 13, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.
     

     A fun place to go with the kids that they enjoy (as well as I do) is an Organic Strawberry farm named Marg's in Lorette, Manitoba, Canada. The kids like to help pick while (mostly)eating strawberries and I can have peace of mind knowing that they are not sprayed with all those yucky pesticides.

247. Angela K on July 13, 2008 at 9:37 p.m.
     

     We loved going to the aquarium in Monterey, CA.

248. Elizabeth Mays on July 14, 2008 at 3:42 a.m.
     

     Pirates Cove in Elgin, IL is a wonderful place to go with young children. It's a theme park tailored to the 8 and under crowd!

249. Jenny on July 14, 2008 at 6:39 a.m.
     

     We live in Northern Virginia and we just heard about Clemyjontri park ( http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/cl... ) a four acre playground in McLean, Virginia that has been designed to include children with disabilities. It sounds like an amazing place that we mean to visit soon.

250. Brooke on July 14, 2008 at 6:50 a.m.
     

     We've gone to San Francisco together and we LOVED going to the museums!

251. Lee on July 14, 2008 at 7:38 a.m.
     

     We brought our 8 month old (twin) boys to the Philadelphia (PA) Zoo. We thought the (soon-to-be-eliminated) elephant exhibit might interest them. Not much. Or the rhinos. Nope. The waterfalls at the rhino exhibit were interesting, though.

     So what was worth the trip for the boys? The DUCKS! yes, children's zoo-tamed ducks. For two quarters, you can get duck food, and feeding the ducks at the children's zoo is THE BOMB, if you ask my sons.

     There you have it. Got to the zoo, see other kids and the ducks.

     We signed up for a membership. It's a great place to stroll outdoors, even on a hot day.

252. Regina on July 14, 2008 at 8:36 a.m.
     

     There are a ton of places for kids in NYC, free or cheap. One is the Tisch Children's Zoo which is part of the Central Park Zoo. I didn't know about it before, but it's a petting zoo right in Manhattan!

253. Kath on July 14, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
     

     We haven't been too many places yet, since my son is 5 months old and was born in the dead of upstate New York winter. We drove to Montreal last week, and had a great time. There are so many great parks and festivals for summer. It's easy to walk, metro, and drive.

254. Christy@adventures of pipandsqueak on July 14, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.
     

     We lived in Oslo, Norway for 14 weeks last fall with my daughter who was about 18 months at the time. It is a great city to travel with a toddler. Norwegians have a fantastic maternity leave policy so people are out with their kids all the time and we never once went anywhere that we did not feel we were welcome with a toddler. Our favorite place to go was the playground at Frogner Park. It was close to our apartment and the best designed playground I have ever been to.

255. John on July 14, 2008 at 10:17 a.m.
     

     Our favorite place to take our crew (ages 14mos, 4yr and 13yr)is Indianapolis. It is about a 2hr drive for us. Both the zoo and the childrens museum are great. The zoo layout is great for size/mobility and it includes an aquarium. Great place to cool off on the hot days. The childrens museum is world class. Lots of hands on acivities. There are plenty of hotels to stay at throughout the city.

     We have also enjoyed journeys to Hilton Head Island, Sc and Gulf Shores, Al. Both locations had good beaches and some older kids things. Gulf Shores has quite a few GoKart tracks which is a hit with our oldest.

256. robin on July 14, 2008 at 12:17 p.m.
     

     This looks like a fab system! We took our daughter and granddaughter to Cali this year to visit relatives - while there we took the baby to the Santa Monica Aquarium under the Pier. We go to SM everytime we go to Cali but had never been to the Aquarium. It was really cool! Cheap to get in, and quite small so it didn't take all day (and wouldn't be tiring to carry a small child/toddler around all day). She loved it! (and so did we) We also enjoyed the beach of course! :)
     Thanks for a great contest!
     Robin

257. Jessica on July 14, 2008 at 2:27 p.m.
     

     We went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Bristol, WI (www.recfaire.com) My daughter (age 1) loved the excitement, colors, flags, and especially the giant Jester that laughs when you tickle him. She also liked their petting zoo and all the music shows that had drums in them. There's a whole kids' section with a sandbox and a giant ship kids can climb. They even have kid entertainment throughout the day AND kids can meet the Queen and be knighted once a day. We had a ton of fun.

258. Magblossom on July 14, 2008 at 3:09 p.m.
     

     Our favorite place in the city to visit is the Vancouver Aquarium, especially now that the adorable Baby Beluga has been born.

     Our best kept hometown secret is the Laity Pumpkin Patch that opens every fall. Pick your own pumpkins, visit and learn all about farm animals. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain vistas and fresh air!

259. Jen (yup, another one) on July 14, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.
     

     We travel to Detroit often to visit family, but this time went to the Detroit zoo for the first time (well, for me and my daughter - the Detroit natives know it well). It's a GREAT zoo.

     A great free thing to do in Detroit is go down to the new Riverwalk area - lots to see and often musicians to listen to too!

260. Emilie P on July 14, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
     

     Ok, so I haven't really been very many places with my kids but in all fairness I have two under the age of two so traveling isn't all that easy. We do love to go to the lakewalk along Lake Superior in Duluth MN. It is absolutely gorgeous!

261. Caryn B on July 14, 2008 at 10:59 p.m.
     

     The only place we've taken our son to is Nashville to visit his grand and great grandparents. We actually made it a family trip. We live in So. Cal. and we love the San Diego Zoo, the Los Angeles Zoo, The Long Beach Aquarium, Kidspace...

     : )

262. Andrea on July 15, 2008 at 3:01 p.m.
     

     I have taken my neice to Hallmark Kaleidoscope in Kansas City and we had a blast! It is a great place to be creative, learn and make cool crafts!

263. Mary Joy Arenas on March 13, 2009 at 12:05 p.m.
     

     Hi! Im from the Philippines and Im a new mom of a 4-month old baby girl.. We havent done the bastismal for our baby yet so my husband doesnt approve taking the baby out farther than our porch.. But, when my husband brought us to my sister's place to visit, my sister and I have secretly brought our baby to the mall. I was so nervous because I will be blaming myself forever in case our baby gets sick or something.. Gladly though, everything's fine, we had fun and my baby's doin just fine and healthy!

264. Katie Stewart on July 2, 2010 at 11:50 p.m.
     

     My 18 month-old son has only gone with us to Utah and Idaho so far. We've taken him up to Stewart Falls in Utah which is up Sun Dance Canyon (heard of the Sun Dance Film Festival, anyone?) It's a fun hike (up to a waterfall) for families and is perfect for using a baby carrier!!