http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/index.rss Travel section en-us Seaside Media © 2016 All Rights Reserved Brandy Metzger Charlotte is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Here are the highlights from three attractions focused on the natural world. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-fun-in-the/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-fun-in-the/ Annesophia Richards We are fortunate to have several local pick-your-own strawberry farms so close by, and now is the perfect time to take your family for a visit. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/time-to-pick-strawberries/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/time-to-pick-strawberries/ Annesophia Richards My family & I had the pleasure of visiting Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia this past weekend, and it was some of the most fun-filled days that my children have ever experienced. Enter contest to win a Family Vacation for 4! #BGWKids http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/fun-filled-days-at-busch-gardens-williamsburg-pt-2/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/fun-filled-days-at-busch-gardens-williamsburg-pt-2/ Annesophia Richards My family & I had the pleasure of visiting Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia this past weekend, and it was some of the most fun-filled days that my children have ever experienced. Enter contest to win a Family Vacation for 4! #BGWKids http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/busch-gardens-williamsburg/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/busch-gardens-williamsburg/ Brandy Metzger Charlotte offers a multitude of options for family fun making it a great destination in NC. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-fun-in-the-queen-city/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-fun-in-the-queen-city/ Annesophia Richards If you find yourself struggling to fill your children’s spring break schedule at home with activities that everyone will enjoy, here are a few suggestions that are sure to help! http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/spring-break-boredom-busters/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/spring-break-boredom-busters/ Annesophia Richards Families can journey by car through three miles of over 700 magical light displays of all shapes and sizes. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/travel/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/travel/ Brandy Metzger The Carolina Renaissance Festival allows guests to step back in time to enjoy the entertainment and artistry of the past. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/carolina-renaissance-festival-offers-family-fun/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/carolina-renaissance-festival-offers-family-fun/ Brandy Metzger Carolina Balloonfest will brighten the October sky in Statesville, NC. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/spend-a-fun-family-weekend-at-carolina-balloonfest/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/spend-a-fun-family-weekend-at-carolina-balloonfest/ Annesophia Richards Wilmington International Airport, also known as ILM, offers a variety of free and unique ways in which children can get an up close look at air travel. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/spending-the-day-up-up-and-away/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/spending-the-day-up-up-and-away/ Brandy Metzger Clearwater, Florida offers a variety of family fun. From white sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets to Clearwater Aquarium, there is something for everyone. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-marine-exhibits-and-the-arts-in-clearwater/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-marine-exhibits-and-the-arts-in-clearwater/ Brandy Metzger The second stop on our trip through Florida was Orlando. This city is known world-wide for its attractions and our plan was to visit two of them, SeaWorld and Disney's Magic Kingdom. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-orland/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-orland/ Annesophia Richards Did you know that Wilmington offers several free or inexpensive options for cooling off besides the beach? http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/staying-cool-in-port-city/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/staying-cool-in-port-city/ Brandy Metzger St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, offers a variety of attractions for visitors ranging from historical sites to animal encounters. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-st-augustine/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/florida-travels-st-augustine/ Annesophia Richards Many families with little ones will soon be hitting the roads this summer while traveling on vacation, and one of the key essentials of any lengthy car trip with kids is the right kind of snacks. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/the-5-best-snacks-to-pack-for-a-road-trip/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/the-5-best-snacks-to-pack-for-a-road-trip/ Annesophia Richards The idea of driving a car right onto a boat, and then of riding that boat across the river, is enough to make almost any small child excited. I know this firsthand, as my 3 year old son experienced his first ferry ride. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/a-car-riding-on-a-boat-what-fun/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/a-car-riding-on-a-boat-what-fun/ Annesophia Richards June is fast approaching, and with it comes sweet, local blueberries. Here are a few of our favorites when it comes to these little blue beauties. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/celebrate/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/celebrate/ Annesophia Richards One of the best things about living in Wilmington is our proximity to some wonderful area beaches. Before you pack up the family and head out for a great beach day however, here’s a quick rundown of what to know... http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/beach-bound%3F-what-to-know-before-you-go/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/beach-bound%3F-what-to-know-before-you-go/ Brandy Metzger The new lorikeet attraction at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher gives guests an interactive experience with tropical birds. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/lorikeets-land-at-the-nc/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/lorikeets-land-at-the-nc/ Brandy Metzger The Audubon Nature Institute has 3 amazing facilities located in New Orleans: the Audubon Zoo, the Aquarium of the Americas and the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/exploring-nature-in-new-orleans/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/exploring-nature-in-new-orleans/ Many families choose a staycation because it is less expensive and less restrictive than a vacation out of town. Here are 5 ideas to make the most of a staycation. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/five-tips-for-having-a-great-%22stay-cation%22/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/five-tips-for-having-a-great-%22stay-cation%22/ Busch Gardens’ newest thrill attraction, Tempesto™, debuts April 25 at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/busch-gardens-announces-tempesto%E2%84%A2-thrill-coaster/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/busch-gardens-announces-tempesto%E2%84%A2-thrill-coaster/ Brandy Metzger A visit to the Biltmore Estate proves to be a holiday treat. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holida/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holida/ Brandy Metzger Day three takes us to Asheville, home of the National Gingerbread House Competition. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-national%20gingerbread/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-national%20gingerbread/ Brandy Metzger Old Salem, the Children's Museum of Winston Salem and the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood make a great day in Winston Salem. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-in-nc-day-two/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-in-nc-day-two/ Brandy Metzger A 4 day journey through Winston Salem and Asheville to enjoy some attractions these NC cities have to offer. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-in-nc/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/holiday-travel-in-nc/ Enchanted Airlie celebrates 10 years of entertaining guests. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/enchanted-airlie/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/enchanted-airlie/ Brandy Metzger New Bern is a favorite day trip destination for my family and we typically visit at least once a year. On our most recent trip, we decided to explore Tryon Palace and the NC History Center. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/day-trip-to-tryon-palace/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/day-trip-to-tryon-palace/ Brandy Metzger Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck is home to more than 2000 birds. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/sylvan-heights/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/sylvan-heights/ NC Theatre is currently performing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. My family and I had the privilege of being in attendance on opening night and found the production spectacular! http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/the-little-mermaid-mesmorizes-raleigh-audiences/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/the-little-mermaid-mesmorizes-raleigh-audiences/ Steve Adams We found Grand Cayman to have many of the qualities that make it great for families traveling abroad. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/grand-cayman---a-grand-surprise/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/grand-cayman---a-grand-surprise/ Brandy Metzger From clever shops to a historic lighthouse, a trip to Southport and Oak Island offers plenty of fun for families. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/southport-and-oak-island/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/southport-and-oak-island/ While in the Bahamas, Dolphin Encounters is a great family adventure. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/bahama-adventure-at-dolphin-encounters/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/bahama-adventure-at-dolphin-encounters/ Bugs Exhibit, a new 4-D experience and an enhanced Kids Zone enhance a visit to the NC zoo. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/what%27s-new-at-the-nc-zoo/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/what%27s-new-at-the-nc-zoo/ Brandy Metzger It was hard to say goodbye to the Disney Dream but the process was simple. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disembarkation-day/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disembarkation-day/ Brandy Metzger A beautiful private island provided the setting for a day of relaxation. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disney-cruise%3A-day-3%2C-castaway-cay/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disney-cruise%3A-day-3%2C-castaway-cay/ Brandy Metzger Balancing time on and of the ship while in port made for the perfect day. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disney-cruise%3A-day-2%2C-nassau/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disney-cruise%3A-day-2%2C-nassau/ Brandy Metzger From check-in to lights out, day one has been full of fun. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disneycruiseday1/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/disneycruiseday1/ Brandy Metzger Follow Brandy & Her Family as they take a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/family-travel-journal%3A-disney-cruise/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/blogs/family-travel-journal/family-travel-journal%3A-disney-cruise/ A new exhibit at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases exotic butterflies. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/butterflies-land-at-fort-fisher-aquarium/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/butterflies-land-at-fort-fisher-aquarium/ Young history buffs will love the new interactive adventure in Colonial Williamsburg. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/new-interactive-adventure-at-colonial-williamsburg/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/new-interactive-adventure-at-colonial-williamsburg/ Fayetteville will host Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/the-greatest-show-on-earth-comes-to-fayetville/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/the-greatest-show-on-earth-comes-to-fayetville/ Brandy Metzger Winterfest is a wonderful weekend family get-a-way in the NC mountains. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/winterfest-in-blowing-rock/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/winterfest-in-blowing-rock/ Brandy Metzger Hawksnest Snow Tubing in Seven Devils NC offers the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/winter-thrills-at-hawksnest/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/winter-thrills-at-hawksnest/ Brandy Metzger Choosing the right accommodations for a Disney vacation can be stressful. Here is a comparison of staying on Disney property and off. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/disney-world%3A-where-to-stay%3F/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/disney-world%3A-where-to-stay%3F/ The NC Mountains offers something for everyone. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-trip-to-the-nc-mountains/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/destinations/family-trip-to-the-nc-mountains/ The Greensboro Science Center offers a museum, zoo and aquarium in one location. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/a-visit-to-the-greensboro-science-center/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/a-visit-to-the-greensboro-science-center/ Brandy Metzger White Lake Water Park provides family fun for all ages. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/white-lake-water-park/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/day-trips/white-lake-water-park/ The NC Zoo will host a special birthday event in August for two baby gorillas. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/gorilla-birthday-party-at-nc-zoo/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/gorilla-birthday-party-at-nc-zoo/ Rehabilitated by NC Aquarium staff, turtle is released at Kure Beach. http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/green-sea-turtle-goes-home/ http://www.wilmingtonparent.com/out-and-about/local-attractions/green-sea-turtle-goes-home/