Houseboaters Floating High on Lake Mead and Lake Powell

A great year for rain and snowfall in the Colorado Rockies has resulted in rising lake levels at both Lake Powell and Lake Mead, according to our colleagues at Forever Resorts.  These beautiful lakes, dominating the arid, mountainous landscape between Nevada and Arizona, are magnets for family recreation, with dozens of marinas in operation year round, so this is great news..

Reports of more water mean greater excitement for boaters, hikers and others interested in aquatic recreational opportunities.  Even on land, it's also a fascinating region for families to explore, as you can see in this review of a Hoover Dam day trip and an attractions guide to Las Vegas with kids.

Don't expect rushing whitewater just yet, as these lakes are recuperating slowly from years of drought.  Lake levels at Lake Mead, which is currently less than half full, have risen by nearly 22 feet this year and are expected to continue to rise for the next year and a half, according to the federal Bureau of Reclamation.

At Lake Powell, where the lake has achieved 76% of its full-pool status, levels have risen 50 feet since April and peaked on July 31. Higher water means, however, more lake to explore. For example, just last year it could take nearly an hour to hike to Rainbow Bridge National Monument (a must-see!) from the closest docking point on Lake Powell, and now it’s only a quarter-mile away.  

Enjoying Houseboat Fun with the Family

“Visitors are definitely reacting to the rising water levels positively,” said Kim Roundtree, GM of Callville Bay Resort and Marina. “After watching the ‘bathtub’ ring get taller and taller on the rocks surrounding the lake over the past years, it’s thrilling to see it reversing.”

Lake Powell’s Antelope Point Marina (pictured above) and Lake Mead’s Callville Bay, Temple Bar and Echo Bay marinas have taken full advantage of the high water, and there are many ways for visitors to play in both lakes:

Forever Houseboats, available at Antelope Point Marina at Lake Powell and Callville Bay and Temple Bar marinas on Lake Mead, offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for multi-generational families and groups of friends to immerse themselves in the outdoors, while enjoying all the comforts of a floating home on the water. Houseboats have dozens of amenities, including private staterooms, top-deck hot tub and waterslide, satellite TV, front deck barbecue grill and spacious, climate-controlled living areas.

Floatels, available at Echo Bay Marina (Lake Mead), offer all the comforts and amenities of houseboats, but remain securely docked at the marina.

Small Boat Rentals, available at all marinas on Lake Powell and Lake Mead, allow outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, waverunning, or simply cruising their favorite lake destination. Kayaks are also available at Antelope Point and Temple Bar Marinas; all watercraft at each marina are available for hourly, daily or weekly rental.

Contact Forever Resorts for more information and maps of available rentals. And catch (and release) a fish for us!

Hog Island, Maine Celebrates 75 Years as Audobon Environmental Camp

Since 1936, one of the nation's greatest environmental education success stories has been the Audobon Society Camp on Hog Island Maine.

August 20th marks 75 years of connecting citizens and educators who attended the Audobon Camp with the island's remarkable variety of birds. It all began with Millicent Todd Bingham, who inherited Hog Island in 1932.  She gladly donated it to John Hopkinson Baker, then Audubon's executive director, who had been searching for a site where Audubon could help campers develop a sustained interest in the natural world.

Some of the world's most respected naturalists are graduates of this early program.

Roger Tory Peterson was among the first teachers at the 335-acre island in Maine's Muscongus Bay. His experiences helped spark interest in bird watching in the US, now the nation's second fastest growing hobby, after gardening.

Kenn Kaufman, only 9 when he read Peterson's account of Hog Island, is now an international authority on birds and one of the Hog Island instructors.

Rachel Carson, a pivotal force behind the modern environmental movement and creation of the EPA, described her visit to Hog Island in her landmark book "Silent Spring."

It was also here that Audubon's Dr. Stephen Kress pioneered Project Puffin, a seabird restoration program that is now being replicated to help different species of seabirds around the globe. Watch their Hog Island video here.





Today, the Audobon Society uses the popular camp to focus on educators who can help spread their message to younger generations. Notes Audubon's VP of Education, Judy Braus, "Educators are immersed in the wonder and beauty of the island – and we know that the experiences they share as well as the teaching skills the program imparts will foster environmental stewardship among thousands of young people and adults in communities across the country."

The August 20 celebration on Hog Island is open to the public and includes a tour of the historical buildings, plus an afternoon clambake, with remarks by Audubon president David Yarnold. To learn more, visit the Audobon Society site.

"I've run out of superlatives to describe it. The knowledge this island has to share will change the way you look at the natural world." Kenn Kaufmann

Live Luxuriously Like the Moroccan Royal Family

Royal Mansour is a luxurious hotel in Morocco that melds traditional and historical Moroccan life with luxury and comfort. Built on 8 acres within the walls of the old Moroccan city of Marrakech, the Royal Mansour aims to immerse its guests into Moroccan culture. The hotel claims that the “Royal Mansour is more than a palace; it is the embodiment of Moroccan living as an art form,” and through its restaurants, a spa, a reception area, dining and library among other lavish amenities, the hotel certainly lives up to this claim.



Guest rooms are in elegant riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces, complete with an interior garden or courtyard. Each room is artistically crafted, with a colorful array of fabrics, silks, carpets and carved ceilings. At the heart of the riad, you can relax and unwind in the courtyard with a fountain, or on the roof terrace with its sun deck and chimney. If the plush surroundings aren’t enough for you to feel fully in the lap of luxury; then perhaps this will: each riad comes with its own butler.



Regal Kids at the Royal Mansour


There’s a place for children at the Royal Mansour as well that are enough to surely make them feel like little prince and princesses. At Royal Mansour Marrakech’s Joujou Kids Club, the daily activities schedule is full of learning opportunities for kids such as mini lessons in Arabic, art and clay modeling classes, and story time.

In addition, the club is outfitted with an indoor playground complete with a rope bridge and slide, and in warmer months, afternoons are filled with games in the swimming pool.  For children under age 4, babysitting services are also available.

Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy 


During your stay at the Royal Mansour, you and your whole family can partake in numerous memorable activities a short distance from the hotel. Since summer days top 100 degrees, the winter holiday and spring seasons are the best time to visit. Ride camels in the vast palm grove area of Palmeraie, just 10 minutes away from the hotel.

For those seeking adventures, try the Terres d’Amanar, an eco-adventure area about a 40-minute drive from the city. It is a perfect spot for the teens in the family, offering mountain biking, zip-lining, and falconry. Green thumbs can visit the Casa Botanica, a colorful tree nursery in Marrakech, where children can learn about and observe aloe, agave and yuccas. The nursery also offers donkey and poney rides for children.

Planning a Royal Mansour Stay 

From the black marble road leading to the entrance to the almost 500 staff members, Royal Mansour is everything short of staying at a palace. The top local craftsmen were recruited, and their level of skill and attention to detail literally make the property a work of art and an attraction in itself. Rates for a full individual riad (one to four bedrooms) start from $2,347.09 per night.

While the hotel is pricey, a stay at the Royal Mansour is sure to be an unforgettable experience with priceless memories.  For more information, visit Royal Mansour. For more information on Morocco with the family, see our Family Travel Forum article Marrakech, Morocco with Kids in Tow.

Childrens Literature by Shaun Tan Captures Top Prize

"The process of reading is co-creation," notes Shaun Tan, recipient of this year's Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Children's Literature.  The prize, named in honor of the late Astrid Lindgren, author of the classic "Pippi Longstocking" books, recognizes the very best work for children with the world's largest annual prize:  nearly US$750,000.

Winner Shaun Tan has illustrated more than 20 books, including the entirely wordless and award-winning book 'The Arrival' which aroused considerable international attention.

He has also received an Academy award Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, for 'The Lost Thing'.

According to the Australian-Asian writer Tan, all his readers -- of any age -- are addressed as if they are working alongside him, studying his illustrations to create and tell their own story. This quality has made his work universally appealing.

Tan received the 2011 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) from Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at Stockholm Concert Hall.

Children are honored as a foundation of Swedish culture, so the mid-May ceremony drew 900 specially invited guests.  Luminaries included the Swedish Minister of Trade, Ewa Björling, and General Director of the Swedish Arts Council, Kennet Johansson.

At his acceptance speech (seen in the video below), Tan noted, "The books that children read shape who we become in the world... so many positive things radiate from the pages of a good story."



Just a visit to the Shaun Tan website will convince your family just how special Tan's work is. The 10 major picture books he has produced -- some without words -- are as appropriate for adults to enjoy as for children. His visual form of communication was singled out by the ALMA Jury for its power to transcend any language barrier.

Shortly after the ceremony, Tan traveled to Munich to lecture at the International Youth Library, the largest library in the world of children’s and young adult literature and a great destination for Germany bound travelers.

Posh London Hotel has Family of 3 August Special

This August, The Rubens at the Palace in London welcomes families with fun events and promotions. The Rubens at the Palace is part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, a family-run collection of award-winning five and four star boutique hotels which have their own individual character.

A four-star hotel, it's the kind of place that treats kids and adults with kid gloves, making everyone feel like a Royal as befits its location opposite the Royal Mews. In fact, from many of the newly refurbished rooms, your little prince and princess can watch The Changing of the Guards without getting out of their pajamas.

The hotel always caters to every whim, but young guests are in for a special treat with complimentary children’s movies, kid-favorite foods, and special children-only activities in the hotel.

We love their indoor movie theatre -- a great way to beat the London heat in August -- where a selection of Disney and Pixar movies will be shown daily at 4pm. Later on at 7pm, while mum and dad dress for the theatre, older ones can catch up on more mature fare, including the The Simpsons Movie and, of course, the first five Harry Potter movies. Each guest receives a complimentary box of popcorn, a carton of juice, and either a bag of sweets or an ice lolly for the movie. Childcare can be arranged by the concierge.

When it comes to dining -- and remember that one child under 12 stays free in your room -- there is the popular Ruben’s Cavalry Bar. Their Princes and Princesses menu includes macaroni and cheese, ham and cheese toasties, and mini fish and chips. For dessert, children can delve into ever popular chocolate fudge sundaes, banana milkshakes or chunky fresh fruit with yogurt.

The Rubens at the Palace "Director of Fun and Adventure" supervises the August activities, leads a fun guided tour of the hotel, and arranges a very special visit to the pastry kitchen where children can ice and decorate their own cupcake. In preparation for a day out, the Director will provide each young guest with a personal backpack and packed lunch to keep little ones sustained from one fun London family attraction to the next.

Malcolm Hendry, General Manager of the hotel, reminds us, "This August, The Rubens at the Palace will be putting the emphasis on fun!"

Family rooms at Rubens at the Palace are available from US$465/N including VAT per room. Rates are based on two adults and one child under the age of 12 sharing one room. For details and reservations, please contact The Rubens at the Palace direct at +44 207 834 6600 or email: bookrb@rchmail.com.

Unlimited Theme Park Madness at Dollywood

So your kids want to go to a water park, but this weekend all you really want is a bit of rustic luxury. Guess what? At Dollywood you can do both and save a bit of money, too, by booking the new Summer Fun Pass.

For all you country music fans, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. The “Queen of Country Music” really knows how to show guests a fun bit of Southern hospitality (No, for all you readers born after 1995, we aren’t talking about Taylor Swift). Dollywood theme park and Starr Crest Resort are owned by Dolly Parton.

The Summer Fun Pass, available now through September 3rd through Starr Crest Resort, allows families to buy an all-access pass to the Dollywood theme and water parks for unlimited days for only $99 per person. In order to be eligible for the Summer Fun Pass, guests have to stay at the Starr Crest Resort in Pigeon Forge. Have to, however, is hardly how I would describe the experience.

The cabins at Starr Crest Resort are not your traditional brand of camping. Equipped with outdoor hot tubs, game rooms with pool tables, fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, washers and dryers, a big screen TV, and private sun decks with charcoal grills, a Starr Crest cabin is akin to a five-star experience.

But the amenities don’t end there. Guests staying at the Starr Crest Resort also have access to the resort’s swimming pool, a children’s playground, and a community pavilion that offers great views of the Smoky Mountains.

Cabins at Starr Crest Resort vary in price, depending on when you book your vacation. This summer, rates start as low as $179 per night for a mid-week vacation, with a minimum of a three night stay required. Remember, though, you’re not just renting a hotel room: For $179 you get a full sized cabin complete with all the amenities mentioned above.

To save a little bit of money, plan your vacation for the month of August. From August 1st to August 31st, families can book a four night stay in any of the Starr Crest cabins and get one night free. Starr Crest Resort also offers a Military Discount (10% off of cabins) and a Returning Guest Discount (15% off of cabins), so be sure to check if either of these deals apply.

And now for the real deal: The Summer Fun Pass.

With the pass, families get unlimited access the Dollywood theme park and the Dollywood Splash Country water park for the duration of their stay, a complimentary Qbot electronic line management device, free reserved parking at both parks, and a Passport of Savings coupon book for area malls. And only for $99.

So what does that really mean? Luxury cabins for a four night/five day vacation, guaranteed entry to both parks for as long as you’re staying at the resort, no lines for any of the rides, and an excuse to do some shopping when you’re in town. Worth under $1,000? I think so.

For more on Dollywood and the Pigeon Forge area, read our article “Dollywood and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.”

With over 20 water slides and thrill rides, a day at Dollywood Splash County is sure to be exciting. There are plenty of rides for every age, so go ahead and bring the whole family.

Shaded rental areas are also available for purchase while you’re visiting Splash County. If you’ve got an extra bit of cash ($150, to be exact) and are traveling with a larger family, booking one of the Retreat spaces is definitely a good idea. With 200 square-feet of shade (an area that includes a six person dining table, 2 lounge chairs, a TV, and Splash County’s own take on room service) and 100 square-feet of sun deck, this 12 person space is a nice bit of luxury. Another perk: Massages for anyone 18 and older are also available for purchase to any guests renting this space.

KidsFest 2011 at Dollywood Theme Park

But let’s not forget Dollywood theme park, home of KidsFest, one of the largest children’s festivals in the south. Performances by The Junk Beats and the Penguin Playhouse will run throughout the event. The Gazillion Bubbles show is also a must see. With laser-lighting and bubbles blow like you’ve never seen them before, this show takes every kid’s favorite pastime to a completely epic level.

This year, the festival is running from June 17 to August 7th. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time to buy tickets. But if you’re in the area and are looking for a good weekend, KidsFest is something the whole family will enjoy.

With over 40 rides of all thrill-seeking levels, you might need more than one day to experience all of Dollywood. So take a weekend off and relax in the Smoky Mountains. Just don’t forget to include the Summer Fun Pass.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia and Dollywood.

Free Gas Cards, a State Park & Budget Family Fun in Indiana

Families often associate the state of Indiana with its kid-friendly attractions in Indianapolis, home of the famous raceway and a great children's museum. But the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, just 50 miles away, thinks differently, and they want you to check out the diverse activities, scenic beauty, and quaint charm of their region.

Downtown Nashville shops and galleries

That's why they've launched a "Pack Up, Gas Up and Stay" promotion through August 31, 2011 that features special lodging deals and the chance to win $50 gas cards.

Throughout the summer promotion, special lodging deals will give visitors coupon codes to receive the special “Pack Up, Gas Up and Stay” discount, which is based on availability. Visitors to this Brown County CVB website can also sign up for the chance to win a free $50 gas card.

The budget-friendly promotion makes it even more inviting for families visiting the Midwest to experience what makes Brown County such a special place to visit. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Brown County State Park, the largest in Indiana's state park system.

All ages can participate in swimming, horseback riding along 70 miles of bridle trails and hiking over 12 miles of hiking trails. In fact, the southwestern and eastern parts of the park can be visited only by foot or on a horse. You can bring your own horse, or enjoy guided trail rides and pony rides at the Saddle Barn. Fishing, mountain biking and wildlife watching are just a few of the many diversions available at the Park. Families can also zip line at Holler Hoppin' Zip Lines at the popular Rawhide Ranch; and hike, canoe and play paintball at the Valley Branch Retreat and Paintball Valley.

There are also numerous children's summer camps taking place in Brown County, including the art-based Camp Steele at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, a children's horse camp and photography camp at Rawhide Ranch.

Brown County Cultural Affairs

Brown County, with its variety of eclectic boutiques and galleries, live entertainment and special events, has long been a popular tourist spot. With a main town named Nashville, it's no wonder that music is what draws a lot of guests. But there are other cultural opportunities too.

Families can spend time in the historic Village of Nashville; hop on board the Little Nashville Express Train; enjoy old-fashioned ice cream and candy shops; pan for gems, fossils and arrowheads at the Copperhead Creek Mining Company; and watch the “Comedy Cabaret on Strings” at the Melchoir Marionette Theatre.

From many seasonal festivals, there are special events such as the Bean Blossom Gospel Jubilee (August 4 – 6), Clay Day at Spears Gallery (August 6), the Green-Stock Music Festival (August 12 - 13), Village Art Walk (August 13), Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre (August 13), Tour de Upland (August 20 – 21), Sub-9 Super D Race (August 21), Bean Blossom Blues Festival (August 25 – 27), and the Brown County Shrine Club Car Show (August 27). Visitors can also attend a variety of theatrical productions at The Palace Theatre of Brown County and live musical entertainment at numerous venues throughout Brown County.

Family Welcoming Hotels

Participating businesses in the “Pack up, Gas up, and Stay!” promotion include Abe Martin Lodge, Artists Colony Inn, Brown County Getaways, Comfort Inn, Cornerstone Inn, Green Valley Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, Hills O' Brown Vacation Rentals, Honeysuckle Hideaway, House at StoneHead, Salt Creek Inn, The Seasons Lodge, and Shady Hollow Cabin.

For additional information about Brown County events, tourist attractions and lodging accommodations, please visit the Brown County Convention and Visitors Burea.