Win an Opening Day Trip to Harry Potter’s Wizarding World!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be opening soon!
Universal Orlando Resort is still keeping a tight lip on the official opening date of their new Harry Potter land, but judging by this new promotion it must be soon. Universal and NBC’s Today Show are teaming up (although, technically they’re already on the same team) to send a lucky class to opening day of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the Islands of Adventure theme park.
To enter the contest a teacher must fill out some forms, have the students’ parents sign a waiver and answer the question “Why is my class extraordinary?” in a video.
Speaking of videos:
The official rules, applications, minor release forms and all that jazz can be found at the Today Show website. The magic can be found in Orlando — soon.
Explore Nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka, Florida
Designated as only one of two Federally Designated “Wild and Scenic Rivers,” Wekiva River in Wekiwa Springs State Park is a vast and incredible, nature-centered attraction. This central Florida park encompasses nearly every out-door activity in one location just outside Apopka, just 12 miles north of downtown Orlando. Guests are invited to canoe down the Wekiva River, hike through the natural park surroundings for an overnight adventure, and explore Wekiwa on horseback.
Wekiva River by Kayak, Florida
Crystal clear, 72ºF water, for which Wekiwa is famous, is ready to be explored with your snorkel, by canoe, or just wading in the River. Guests are able to rent canoes for the day or overnight from the park starting at just $35/day. Guided and self-guided tours begin at Canoe Beach Landing with many options depending on your party size or your length of visit. Overnight camping is available with or without all of your sleeping necessities provided.
If horseback riding is your idea of exploring nature, Rock Springs Riding Ranch provides horses and trail guides to assist you on your adventure. Kids of all ages are welcomed to experience riding horseback. Pony rides start at just $12 per child under 8, and 1-hour guided horseback rides start at $37/person.
Nature trails are open to walkers, hikers, runners, and bikers and reaches 9 miles of park viewing. Trail maps are available at the park. Some riders may find the course a challenge, the multi-use trail is available for guests to experience Florida’s nature.
Some of the best bird watching and wildlife spotting is available on the 1/8-mile long boardwalk over-looking the springs and through the swamps of the park. Bring your camera and binoculars to spot some of Central Florida’s greatest natural treasures.
History and nature buffs will surely appreciate the recently opened Nature Center which includes live native wildlife and opportunities to learn about local habitats. Visitors will learn how to better live off of the land and respect the Earth’s resources.
Locals and visitors can take advantage of some of the pavilions and meeting spaces found around the park. Recreation Hall and Dining Hall can be rented out together or separately to accommodate up to 150 people apiece for your gathering.
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
(More information on fees is available on the Florida State Parks website.)
1800 Wekiwa Circle Apopka, Florida 32712
(407) 884-2008
Photos courtesy: See Reeves
All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!
Last stop: Hogsmeade
How did the The Hogwarts Express and Hogsmeade Station get on the U.S. side of the Atlantic? Magic. Duh.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort will be opening soon (Spring 2010) and will feature themed attractions, shops and a restaurant. It should be downright magical.
For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort
Fall in Love with Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls - Photo by Lisa Romano
Next time you find yourself in Tenneessee, pay a visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park. And if you’re so inclined, yes you can hike down there and take a shower.
Spring Training 2010: Grapefruit League Ticket Info, Directions, Team Outlooks
Spring Training 2010: Grapefruit League stadium and ticket info, directions, team outlooks
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park
While the Florida Keys invoke visions of sun and fun, an alternative Key West experience can be had by visiting Dry Tortugas National Park and its history and nature. Fast ferries transport visitors from Key West to the national park, where they can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, learn about the history of the fort, and enjoy swimming, diving, and snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters.
Famous for: Bird and marine life; diving and snorkeling, pirate and treasure legends, Fort Jefferson.
Admission: $5 per adult (17+) for a 7-day pass. Additional charge for private charter boats or seaplanes to take you to the island from Key West.
Families with young kids will like: Earning Junior Ranger badges with the Junior Ranger program.
Families with teenagers will like: Diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Other travelers will like: Self-guided tours of Fort Jefferson.
Easy sight seeing: Amazing views from the top of Fort Jefferson.
Best hotel in the park: There are no hotels in the park.
Campground in the park: There is a primitive campground near the Fort Jefferson dock.
Best months to visit for weather: Any
Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Any
Nearest major cities: Key West, Florida
More information from the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/drto
Related posts:
Photo courtesy of: National Park Service
Post written by: Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children
North America’s First Canopy Trail at Mayakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida
Myakka State Park offers 57 acres of gorgeous scenery
Myakka River State Park, always a showcase for the wild and scenic Myakka River that flows through the park’s 57 square miles, now offers a different vantage from which to view its wetlands, prairies and woodlands. North America’s first canopy trail has been constructed at Myakka, providing visitors with unique views of the sub-tropical vegetation and treetop epiphytes in the park. The Canopy Walkway was the inspiration of scientist Dr. Margaret Lowman, who spent more than 20 years devising methods to study treetops in the forests of other continents before accepting the position of director of Sarasota’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. She soon realized that Florida’s forests were as imperiled as many of the legendary rainforests and convinced officials of the need for a treetop trail at Myakka.
Canopy walkway leading to observation tower
Travelers can get a real feel for nature up in the canopy walking amongst the branches of ancient oaks and enjoying views looking out over more than three miles of Upper Myakka Lake. It takes It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete the canopy walkway loop at a very leisurely pace. If you prefer not to do the entire loop, walk five minutes to the spur trail and then to the walkway. There is parking at the trail head.
After trekking through the treetops, visitors can stop by the Myakka Outpost for their specialty – gator stew – before heading out on the world’s largest airboat, the “Gator Gal.” For the more adventurous, kayaks and canoes offer a gator’s eye view of the river, where it is common to spot rare wildlife in their natural habitat and alligators sunning on the banks.
Myakka River winds through the park
Myakka River State Park is located nine miles easy of I-75 at 13208 State Road 72, in Sarasota, Florida. Although many are day visitors, the park has camping areas and rental cabins. Reservations are always advised, especially for holiday weekends and from December through April. Call 800-326-3521 for information and to make reservations up to eleven months in advance for cabins or electric campsites or 941-361-6511 to reserve primitive group camp and backpack campsites.
Photo credit: LivingOnImpulse
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels
Everglades Day Trip - a Family Must-See
We filmed our first video of the year yesterday on the many different ways to explore the Everglades with your family. My boys and I had so much fun (dad had to work - again - sorry, honey)! Yes, we played hooky from school to go trek through the Everglades on trails, on an airboat, and even on an eco-tour via a pontoon boat.
The video should be up hopefully within a month and I can’t for you to see how big my boys are getting. …
February Events at Naples Rookery Bay Reserve
Good things are going on at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples! They have recently installed a pedestrian bridge at the Environmental Learning Center that leads to an interpretive trail, which was put in place just in time for their recent nature festival. Rookery Bay Reserve is one of those great "do it all" places in Florida . You can hike, camp, paddle, go birding, and learn. …
Bands, Brew & BBQ Seaworld and Busch Gardens Opening Weekend Feb. 6 and 7
Things are heating up at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. They’re getting ready for their Opening Weekend of ‘Bands, Brew & BBQ’ – a free-with-park-admission event where you and your family can enjoy a concert by BIG NAME country and classic rock artists – and chow down on smokin’ bbq!
Band Brew & BBQ takes places every weekend from Feb. 6-28, 2010. …