3 Kids and Us

Fun Family Activities To Try In Texas

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Throw on your best pair of boots and a cowboy hat, because it’s time to venture to the land of barbecue and country folk. It could be that you’re visiting some relatives down south. Or perhaps your home is undergoing roof repairs after a bad storm and your family just needs out of the house–if you’re seeking a roofing company, Alpha Elite Roofing is a quality roofer Pearland TX, Austin, Webster, and San Antonio, among other cities, has to offer. Maybe you’re just looking to get away for a while. Whatever the reason, you’re sure to have a good time in this southern state. Here are some activities to keep you and your family entertained in Texas.

Stay at a Ranch

Ever wanted to live the country life? Now you can! By staying at a family-owned ranch, you can experience life on the farm, along with tending to and interacting with animals, preparing home-cooked Texan suppers, and even going horseback riding along trails. Each member of your family can grab the reins of their own pony and gallop along like cowboys from the wild west in style. Staying at a ranch is something that everyone should try at least once in their life, as it will provide a much-needed perspective and give people a chance to do something that would otherwise be impossible in the city.

Attend a Rodeo

Grab the bull by the horns and saddle on up to the nearest rodeo show! Rodeos have long been a Texas staple, and it’s clear why. Spectating bull riders as they attempt to stay on the back of a bucking bull is both exhilarating and nail-biting. There are also bucking horses and wrangling events that force the competitors to rely on their skills with a rope. Some of the state’s most popular shows include The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and the WRCA World Championship Rodeo in Amarillo.

Visit the Alamo

Texas is full of rich American history, and possibly the best example of this is The Alamo. Located in San Antonio, this historic building marked a significant point in Texas history when soldiers fought for independence from Mexico. Not only is it interesting, but you and your family might just learn a thing or two about the history of the state and its fight for independence. Sounds cool, right? Load up the van and go see for yourself!

Closing Thoughts

Whether you reside in Texas or are just taking a trip, the Lone Star State has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment. Not only that, but many activities are enjoyable for the whole family! Aside from the excellent activities listed, you might also take a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk or hike through the Big Bend National Park. With so many sights to see, the wild west is as fun as ever!

4 Of The Best Family Rides At Universal Studios

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Planning a family vacation can be difficult if you’ve got a wide range of ages coming along. Your teenager may not want to do the same kinds of activities that your eight-year-old wants to, and vice versa, but a certain vacation destination offers fun for the whole family: Universal Studios, Orlando. Whether your child is learning cursive in the third-grade or enrolled in an online high school trigonometry course, Universal has plenty of different family-friendly attractions that will keep every age satisfied.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

A great start to your adventure, the Spider-Man ride is one of many motion-based 3D rides throughout the park. Not quite a roller coaster, this immersive ride requires special 3D glasses that lets you feel like you’re actually on the run from some of Spidey’s most infamous villains. It blends motion rails, 3D technology, and interactive environments to create a wholly unique experience.

Men In Black Alien Attack

This rail shooter is a classic throwback that sees its riders blasting aliens with lasers in order to get the high-score. This adds a little friendly competition to the fun as you’re pushed through a dark cityscape of pop-up aliens and flashing lights with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Prepare to get wet on this dino-inspired adventure! Take a leisurely float through the Jurassic environment and do some amazing sight-seeing with realistic animatronics and delightful commentary. The ride takes a thrilling turn, however, when carnivorous dinosaurs escape their confines. Be sure to check out your flash-photo after the ride!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Yer a wizard, Harry. Well, you feel like one, at least, after getting in line for this Harry Potter themed ride. Explore the halls of Hogwarts itself on your way to board this motion-based attraction. Once the ride starts, you’ll fly on your broom alongside Harry and the gang, traveling through the Forbidden Forest, fleeing from dementors, and soaring through the sky with a dragon. This is a must-ride for any Harry Potter fan of any age.

Wrapping Up

We skimped out on the roller coasters for this one, but if your kids are old enough for them then check them out by all means! They have plenty of crazy coasters to choose from. Another option is to pair a parent with a kid if one wants to ride something that the other can’t or doesn’t want to. Overall, Universal Studios is a great family getaway if you’re looking to accommodate all ages and still have a great time.

Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in San Francisco.

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San Francisco is a cool, elegant and hypnotizing consolidated city-county in California composed of large streets providing stunning views of one of the world’s greatest bays. Take flight to San Francisco from Hong Kong and enjoy the attractions it has to offer but the tour is not complete if you skip these 10 most beautiful churches in San Francisco.

  1. Grace Cathedral.

Grace Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the US shining on the Nob Hill. It is simply stunning with a spectacular organ, grand archways, and stained-glass windows. The aura of old-world is gifted to Grace Cathedral by its Gothic revival architecture style. You will love the walk around indoor and outdoor labyrinths which depicts the history of the site together with the mosaic murals and art installations. Visitors are not allowed at the time of their regular services unless you visit before or after. Yoga lovers are invited weekly on Tuesday evenings for a donation-based class.

  1. Holy Virgin Cathedral.

“Joy of All Who Sorrow” , which is also known as the Holy Virgin Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox Cathedral that stood in the Richmond district of San Francisco. It can be introduced as the largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral outside of Russia. Its building is a design of Oleg N. Ivanitsky. Cathedral’s five sharp onion domes are enveloped in 24-karat gold leaf.  Similarly, its interior shines with rich mosaics and statues of gilt paintings and religious scenes.

  1. Saints Peter and Paul Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church is honored by the name “Italian Cathedral of the West”, standing on the Washington Square of North Beach. This church has appeared in a few movies, Dirty Harry, Deadpool and Sister Act 2. Perhaps you recognize the steps of this church from the wedding photos of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. Although the original cathedral was destroyed in 1906 by an earthquake and fire, the current church stands over the city firmly with 191 feet high twin spires since 1924. The bright interior of the church draws inspirations from Italian Gothic style and features the magnificent ecclesiastical artwork.

  1. Mission Dolores.

Mission Dolores is the oldest standing building in San Francisco. It is rather a museum than a historic church, yet it is an active museum beneath the exhibits of Native American history. The mission is located next to basilica with bell towers. Visitors are impressed by the simple mission architecture of the building. You’ll love the small cemetery behind the mission amongst bustling neighborhood.

  1. Dominic’s Catholic Church.

St. Dominic’s Catholic Church is another gorgeous church in San Francisco with a mega-building in lower Pacific Heights. You’ll feel the holy atmosphere by the moment you walk in through the door. The impressive Gothic revival architecture and the shrine of St. Jude draw here thousands of visitors annually. This is the fourth parish located in this church completed in 1928. You’ll realize that there’s a lot of prized statues and artworks inside St. Dominic’s church. It remains alive through life changing talks and beautiful music. I recommend you to attend here mostly on holy days of obligation to hear the talented chamber choir and pipe organ.

  1. Patrick Church.

St. Patrick Church is another massive Roman Catholic Church in the heart of San Francisco founded in 1851. You’ll find it as the best place to spend time with Jesus having reflecting prayers. It is unique due to its historic brick buildings with very well done masses amongst modern buildings. Inside is absolutely beautiful with very high ceilings, stained glass windows and statues of saints. The tranquil interior awards you a divine moment of silence and respite. A must visit place, even if you’re a non-Catholic.

  1. Saint Ignatius Church.

One of the largest churches in the city which was built in 1914 as a part of the University of San Francisco. The present church is the fifth parish of Saint Ignatius church. Inside is incredibly decorated with a mixture of Italian and Baroque elements architecture on a floor plan based on ancient Roman Basilica. This becomes a prominent landmark in San Francisco by its twin spires and dome. Four alcoves inside the church have been converted into an art gallery called Manresa Gallery participated by a number of Bay Area artists.

  1. Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of most beautiful cathedrals in the city which exhibits Gothic Revival architecture style. You can witness the photographs of its survival from the earthquake and fire. One will hardly miss this church as it is located in the heart of Chinatown. It is best to visit here on Tuesdays afternoon to watch the lively classical music performances. This church with a lot of history and a tranquil atmosphere makes one feel that the world is away and only God matters.

 

  1. National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.

The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi is the real heart of San Francisco. Although the complete site is solemn and quite its warmer interior is breath-taking with stained-glass windows, rich woods, holy relics of Saint Francis and beautiful Gothic architecture. Although it is no longer a parish this is the best place to talk to God. Moreover, this is connected with a school. Thus, walking around the church will also be educational.

  1. Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church.

Log on Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church to make a wish under respite while visiting around the bustling San Francisco. This Roman Catholic Church was built originally to serve French Immigrants. As this is a French National Church there is a separate center for French community of San Francisco inside. The two staircases at the entrance extending either side give a positive impression for visitors but the architecture is a model of Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon.

Planning Your Summer Orlando Trip Starts Right Now

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If you have decided to take the family away to Orlando this summer then I can tell you from experience that right now, just after the holiday season is over, is when you need to start making your plans. So far we have done 3 ‘tours’ of Orlando and I can completely understand why so many families flock there each and every year, it truly is a special place which you are going to fall in love with. That first year we left things pretty late in terms of planning and we really paid for it by missing out on some of things that we’d really had our hearts set on. I made sure that this didn’t happen again, and here is why you need to get your planning hat on right now.

Finances

As I mentioned, Orlando makes for a truly perfect holiday destination, but perfection really does come at a cost. From your flights to the hotels, attractions to the food and shopping that your are going to be spending money on, this is a family trip that runs well into the thousands. There is little point in having this amazing adventure with your family if you spend the next 4 months with a tight purse trying to pay off your credit card. Get saving now and you can ensure that the outgoings don’t cause you anxiety whilst you are on vacation.

Big Discounts

There are very often some outstanding discounts on theme park tickets in Orlando to the likes of Disney and Universal, but you have to be on top of things if you wish to get your hands on them. If you start keeping an eye discount sites now, as well as the official park sites, you are going to be in prime position to get those discounts when they roll around. The cost savings which you can make when you do this are huge, so make sure that you have an eagle eye ready, starting from now.

Availability

For some vacations you can leave booking the hotel until the very last minute, safe in the knowledge that you may be able to bag yourself a great deal at short notice. Things don’t work like this in Orlando, especially not during summertime. If you want the best hotels and the most availability, now is the time that you should be booking up, don’t leave it too late.

Itinerary

There is just so many things to do, see and experience in Orlando and the surrounding areas that you are going to have to seriously invest some time in planning the holiday if you want to get the most from it. Logistics alone can be a nightmare, working out where to stay and when, which days to do one activity and which days to do another. The stress of planning a vacation like this should not be overlooked, especially if you don’t get started until much further down the line. Speak with the family about what they’d like to do, research each activity and plot out how you will be spending each day of your trip. There is little time for spontaneity in Orlando, as there is more than enough to do during your break, and you aren’t going to want to veer away from that.

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Whether you’re looking for some activities to do outdoors or want to spend quality time inside, there are spectacular places in Albuquerque, New Mexico to spend time with the kids. Kid-friendly activities such as looking at hot-air balloons, visiting the aquarium, and walking through botanical gardens are just a few of the options.

In this piece, we have listed some things to do in Albuquerque where you can take your kids to have a fun and exciting experience while when you’re paying a visit to New Mexico.

1. ABQ BioPark Zoo

Situated next to the Rio Grande, ABQ BioPark Zoo is 64-acre Zoo which has been providing guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. The place is home to more than 200 animal species, such as camel, koala, lion, among others.

Children will surely be thrilled by the Rio Grande Garden’s Fantasy Garden as they can enjoy the wonderful sights of seed packets and bees, and a pumpkin which is as large as a house. The Butterfly Pavilion is also another attraction which is open from late May through September. The many varied gardens provide cool shade, a model railroad, a pond, and various seasonal flower displays. The ABQ BioPark Zoo is just a perfect getaway for your kids as it also right next to another great attraction – the Albuquerque Aquarium.

2. Albuquerque Aquarium

Albuquerque Aquarium showcases the aquatic life of the Rio Grande and the ocean it feeds into. Thanks to the location of Albuquerque, the aquarium’s exhibits highlight the river’s life-long journey. At the aquarium, your family can surely enjoy observing stingrays at close range, meet barracudas and watch bamboo sharks.

The aquarium has both fresh and saltwater tanks so your kids will surely be amazed by the turtles, sharks and lobsters in the deep ocean tank. They will also see luminous jellyfish, an eel tunnel where eels slither overhead and a shrimp boat.

Upon entering the attraction, travelers will easily mesmerized by the charm of the river through a series of small aquarium tanks, showcasing the fishes and other species of the Rio Grande. Right next to it is a mini-movie theatre which plays a brief educational video for the visitor about the life of the river. Outside the cinema, visitors will be surprised by the open-top tank which is patrolled by stingrays, while a shrimp boat lies run-aground in the background.

3. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Situated at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE in Albuquerque, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum attracts infinite curious travelers annually to witness their extraordinary exhibits with their own eyes. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum has been educating the community about everything in the realm of hot air ballooning for more than a hundred years. It also features a step-in balloon basket where kids can enjoy a virtual ride in a balloon gondola.

If you are thinking of ways to give your children extraordinary yet educational experience, take them to Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum as they can learn a lot about the history of a hot air balloon, barnstorming and the famous International Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque every fall while having so much fun at the same time!

4. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

If you are looking for something educational and cultural, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will you a multifaceted introduction to Pueblo culture. Established in 1976, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was created as a way to portray the art, traditions, and foods of Pueblo People while providing assistance and resources to local tribes.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcases the world of nineteen Indian Pueblos, with museum exhibits that take visitors back through time. The center also houses crafts and arts on display, drumming, rotating art exhibits, and a whole variety of dances. If you are planning on visiting the center, try to inquire ahead if there will be bread baking demonstrations in the traditional oven. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is near downtown Albuquerque and other local tourist attractions.

5. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Albuquerque offers a myriad of fun activities for kids that can give them an unforgettable experience. One activity you should consider doing while you are here is visiting an Albuquerque museum. You would not want to miss the varied selections of dinosaurs of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History – from one brontosaurus on the second floor to the one flying overhead in the atrium – your whole family will certainly enjoy the museum.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science also has prehistoric dinosaurs that roam around the halls; computer exhibits are also available where your kids can create their own videos while an exhibit is also available on the exploration of outer space.

Endless events are hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science that are designed to entertain and engage the local and foreign community alike. You may want to enjoy workshops and classes that deal with comprehensive topics, such as dinosaurs, astronomy, insects, and a whole lot more. The museum also hosts seasonal events to observe holidays as well.

If you consider going to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, it is important to look at their calendar so you can get a quick overview of what’s on their latest upcoming activities. Museum tours are available weekly so you can enjoy an informative yet meaningful experience by viewing all the unbelievable exhibits displayed here!

6. Sandia Peak Tramway

It is one of Albuquerque’s unique attractions to make your New Mexico trip more exciting and fun! The Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-see attraction as it will take you on the ride to get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular side of Albuquerque! This 2.7-mile journey in a tram car is fun by itself but the main part is once you reach the top as you can see the whole city from 10,378 feet.

If you are planning on taking a ride on Sandia Peak Tramway, do not miss to spend some time on the observation deck looking at Albuquerque down below. You may also want to consider dropping by the Sandia Ranger Station where you can get maps to help you unravel the beautiful trails and animals that live at such high altitudes. If you want to have a more memorable experience, see the ski museum at the base of the tram or take a hike for more adventure!

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!