Off-Road Family Fun Near Vegas: Why an ATV Trip Delights All Ages

Nothing bonds a family quite like roaring through the Mojave Desert on an ATV. Wide-open spaces? Check. Adventure on tap? Absolutely. You get to trade phone screens for rugged terrain and adrenaline surges.

ATV outings strike a rare balance: thrilling for adventure junkies but accessible enough for younger riders and cautious parents. Everyone gets their slice of the excitement. From sweeping sand dunes to rocky washes and flat dry lake beds, the terrain suits all skill levels. No experience? No problem. Even beginners find their groove quickly here.

Picking the Right Family-Friendly ATV Tour in Vegas Terrain

Guided tours crush self-drive trips when it comes to families. A skilled guide not only keeps things smooth but ensures your kids don’t end up wandering off to digholes in the sand.

Key factors matter: minimum age requirements (many tours cut off at 6-12 years old), group size limits for comfort, and vehicle flexibility. Got a family of four? A UTV beats a quad any day. Before booking, drill operators with smart questions about safety measures and instructor expertise. Don’t settle for vague answers.

Must-Visit Scenic Trails for Family ATV Explorations

Gentle dunes? Perfect for beginners and littles. These trails are short, smooth, and built for confidence-building, averaging 1-2 hours. Moderate canyon rims? A dazzling step up—better for teens and adults comfortable with steeper edges. Then there’s the wildcard: ghost-town tracks. Packed with history and grit, these can stretch up to four hours but are worth the mileage.

Break often. The desert rewards curious meanderers with epic landscapes and perfect spots for family selfies or quick sandwiches.

Essential Safety Gear and Best Practices for Family Rides

No helmet? No ride. That’s rule #1. Pair it with goggles, gloves, and good judgment. Long sleeves and closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. Add hydration packs because desert sun is no joke.

Check that helmets fit snugly. No wobbling, no loose straps. Keep them sanitized and ready, especially between riders. And before any engine starts, a family pre-ride briefing is a must. Don’t underestimate basic etiquette either—stay in formation, respect the land, and listen to your guide.

Seasonal Considerations for Optimal Off-Road Adventures

Las Vegas isn’t shy about its extremes, so timing is everything. Spring and fall reign supreme with cooler mornings and manageable daylight. Summer means cracked dirt and temperatures that could fry eggs. Ride early or don’t ride at all. Then there’s monsoon season—when flash floods can turn a fun day into an outright rescue mission.

Pro tip: pack layers. Things swing fast out here. One moment you’re sweating; the next, a desert breeze hits, and everyone’s freezing.

Booking with Trusted Operators: Securing Your Family Off-Road Experience Near Vegas

Not all operators are created equal. Do your homework. Choose one that offers clear booking terms, like online reservations and sane cancellation policies. Deposit requirements should be reasonable—no red flags. And for the love of everything dusty and fun, verify their vehicles are well-maintained.

Only work with insured guides who know their stuff. Trust matters. If you want a solid suggestion, start your search with ATV Las Vegas. They’re the real deal.

Capturing Unforgettable Family Moments on the Trail

Don’t leave the memories to chance. Equip your ride with camera mounts and durable cases; the desert doesn’t care about your smartphone. Action cameras can capture every sunlit rev and dusty splash.

If you’ve got fussy kids, turn the ride into a mini game. Stage a photo scavenger hunt or film short clips. For the finale, grab a frame-worthy portrait of the whole crew against the caramel-hued cliffs or sweeping dunes. That shot will live longer than the dust on your boots.

Turning Off-Road Adventures into Lasting Family Memories

Here’s the truth: shared challenges build connections. Off-roading isn’t just a ride; it’s a family story waiting to be told. When you plan early, secure the vehicles you need, and choose your dates wisely, everything aligns for a day you’ll talk about for years.

And no, it’s not just about the ride. It’s the laughs at awkward helmet hair, the kid who nailed a tough turn, and the photos you’ll revisit every time someone says, “Remember that trip?” Desert adventures like these live far beyond the trail.

Keeping Young Campers Smiling: Essential RV Maintenance and St. George Repair Advice

The sky blushes pink as an RV hums down a quiet road, children peering out foggy windows. Ahead waits a day stacked with new views—red rock arches, hidden lakes, a sprinkle of roadside oddities—and shared laughs over oatmeal in the galley. RV travel with kids offers wide-open freedom and close-knit memories. But a smooth ride requires more than map apps and snacks. With smart preparation and maintenance tips, families can stay focused on adventure, not repair hassles, brightening every day for young explorers.

Planning a Kid-Friendly RV Journey

An RV trip with children thrives on flexibility. Choose routes dotted with fun stops: playgrounds, museums, lookout points, or shady picnic forests. Avoid marathon drive days by mapping frequent breaks. Use cushions, curtains, or clever bins inside the RV to create zones—a corner for toddler naps, a nook for quiet reading or games.

Smart packing prevents cranky afternoons: stock extra snacks, easy layers for shifting weather, and backup activities. Place baskets with books, coloring pads, and small toys within easy reach. This planning keeps stress low and moods high, for parents and kids alike.

Routine RV Maintenance Before Hitting the Road

A safe, happy trip starts long before rolling out. Run down this checklist:

• Inspect tire pressure and tread. Swap out spares if needed.

• Top up fluids: oil, brake, transmission, and wiper fluids.

• Test battery health and connections.

• Confirm proper working order of gas appliances.

Pack a safety kit with:

• First-aid supplies

• A charged fire extinguisher

• Basic hand tools and spare fuses

Before loading up, run the onboard systems. Check the water pump, fridge, and air conditioner. Catching problems early means more time for marshmallow roasting and less for troubleshooting.

Identifying Reliable RV Repair Services near St. George

An unexpected issue can stall even the best-laid plans. Before leaving, research local RV repair shops along your route. Check recent reviews and ratings to find trusted mobile repair teams. Save their contacts in both your phone and a printed travel folder.

Searching for RV Repair St George will connect you with trusted local professionals if you ever need fast support on the road. Having backup contacts means a flat tire or electrical hiccup won’t derail the adventure. Save these phone numbers where everyone can find them quickly.

Quick On-the-Road RV Servicing Strategies

Many road fixes need only simple tools and a little know-how. Families can handle minor problems safely and swiftly.

Common quick fixes include:

• Patching a tire with a plug kit

• Sealing a small roof leak with repair tape

• Unclogging a drain with a plunger or flexible snake

A minimalist tool kit might include:

Tool	Use
Multi-bit screwdriver	Screws, small repairs
Repair tape	Leaks, insulation
Adjustable wrench	Hose and fitting repairs
Spare hoses	Water, propane replacements

Pull off as far as possible for roadside work, turn on hazard lights, and set safety triangles. When facing gas or electrical problems, or if unsure, call professional help instead of attempting a risky fix.

Entertaining and Educating Kids While En Route

Screen-free fun helps hours pass and keeps minds engaged. Try:

• Audiobooks or music playlists

• Scavenger hunts for road signs or scenery

• Travel journals with prompts like “Draw the weirdest thing you saw today”

Tie stops to learning: visit historical markers, small science centers, or short nature trails. Schedule movement breaks at rest stops for stretching or quick games of tag. RV downtime—waiting out weather or after dinner—offers a perfect chance for family storytelling or sharing the day’s funniest moments.

Gearing Up for Your Next Kids-Friendly RV Adventure

Smooth trips start with routine checks, a ready tool kit, and reliable service contacts. Families who form quick-fix habits and keep emergency info close by set the stage for laughter-filled trips with less worry. Each little repair and pre-trip check adds confidence and, in time, becomes another good campfire story for the kids. Every mile brings more memories, made easier by a little smart planning.

Stress-Free Family Travel: The Joy of Shuttle Services

Making the Most of Family Vacations

Family vacations hold special potential for creating lasting memories. They offer a break from daily routines, allowing families to explore new places and bond. However, the stress of planning and transportation can overshadow the joy. The hassle of navigating unfamiliar areas, finding parking, and managing schedules can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare. Thankfully, shuttle services provide a practical solution that enhances the travel experience for families.

Why Opt for Shuttle Services?

Choosing a shuttle service for family vacations offers numerous advantages. From convenience to cost-effectiveness, these services can make travel easier. Let's explore some core benefits:

• Convenience: Shuttle services allow families to sit back and relax. There's no need to worry about finding parking spots or refueling. The service handles that for you.

• Cost-Effective: Using a shuttle often costs less than renting a car, especially when considering fuel and parking fees.

• Environmental Impact: Shuttle services tend to be more environmentally friendly. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, they lower emissions and help preserve the environment.

• Flexibility: Many shuttle services offer flexible schedules that accommodate your itinerary, reducing waiting times and maximizing vacation fun.

Experiences Amplified by Shuttle Services

Families often explore natural parks, attend theme parks, or visit historical sites. Utilizing a shuttle service can enhance each of these adventures.

Natural Parks Exploration

Exploring a natural park with a family can be a delightful experience. However, the logistics of navigating winding roads and unfamiliar terrains can be daunting. With a shuttle service like the Utah shuttle, families can enjoy the stunning vistas without the stress of driving.

Shuttles often provide guided tours, adding educational value to the trip. Kids and adults alike can learn about the park's ecosystem, history, and wildlife, making the experience more meaningful.

Theme Park Visits

Theme parks are a favorite destination for families, promising fun and excitement. Yet, the stress of parking and navigating massive lots can dampen spirits. Shuttle services relieve these worries and focus more on the fun—rides, shows, and attractions on the agenda without the headache of parking logistics.

Many shuttle services collaborate with theme parks to offer priority entry or discounted tickets. This adds another layer of benefit.

Best Practices for Families Using Shuttle Services

Plan Ahead

Researching shuttle options before the trip ensures a smooth experience. Check the routes and schedules to ensure they align with your plans. Consider booking in advance—especially during peak travel times—to avoid last-minute issues.

Review Rules and Guidelines

Understand the shuttle service's policies, especially regarding luggage and family-specific needs. For example, some shuttles may have requirements for car seats.

Prepare for the Day

Arrive early to ensure stress-free boarding. Pack a day bag with essentials like snacks, water, and entertainment for the kids. This helps keep everyone comfortable, especially on longer trips.

Family-Friendly Features to Look for in a Shuttle Service

Not all shuttle services cater explicitly to families. Finding a service with family-friendly amenities can significantly improve the travel experience.

• Child Safety: Look for services offering child seats or accommodating your portable child safety systems.

• Entertainment Options: Some shuttles offer on-board entertainment systems, which can be a blessing for families with young children.

• Restroom Access: For longer rides, shuttles with restroom facilities are advantageous.

Table: Family-Friendly Shuttle Features

Feature	Description
Child Safety	Availability of child seats or compatibility with your own
Entertainment Options	In-built entertainment systems to keep kids engaged
Restroom Access	On-board restroom facilities for convenience

Enhancing the Journey With Peace of Mind

Shuttle services take the stress out of navigating unknown territories, allowing families to focus on creating memories. They provide cost-effective, convenient, and eco-friendly travel solutions. By choosing a service that caters to families, the journey becomes part of the adventure.

Reflecting on Family Travel Experiences

Family vacations should be about fun and bonding, not stress and hassles. Shuttles transform how families travel, making destinations more accessible and enjoyable. Whether visiting national parks or bustling theme parks, a well-chosen shuttle service can elevate the family travel experience from start to finish.

Embracing the convenience and ease of shuttle services allows families to cherish all the moments without the distractions of logistics. The next time planning a family getaway, consider this travel option to enjoy a joyous, stress-free experience that puts bonding and exploration at the forefront.

Top Places for Pre-Season Fall Foliage Across America

 

Created by Gunther-Volkswagen-of-Coconut-Creek • Viewlarger version

How To Go on a Long Bike Ride With Kids

In recent years, several suburbs, towns and cities have created new bike-routes within their borders as a means to provide safe spaces for cyclists. At the same time, recreationally-minded groups have worked to form vast miles of smooth limestone and dirt trails nationwide. These developments expand opportunities for family bike rides that can include all ages. However, how do you prepare kids for relatively long days cycling, either as a passenger or pedaler? If you want to be sure your young child can stay on the saddle for a few hours, get into gear with these child-friendly cycling tips. 

Situating the Youngest Passenger

If you are planning to take an infant on a ride, age becomes the primary factor in whether you and they are ready for the first journey. You can place older infants in a trailer that you pull behind your bike if you are comfortable and they are physically ready. You should choose relatively smooth surfaces to avoid too much head jostling, and you should practice pulling the empty trailer several times before your baby’s first ride. Keep in mind, good comfort bikes can help you dramatically increase your trailer-pulling mileage. 

Carrying the Toddler

An older child may enthusiastically sit in a kids bike seat; options include those that attach to your handlebars, the middle of your bike or behind your seat. Any one of these seats can be a platform for creating a wonderful shared cycling experience. These choices require that your passenger has sufficient neck strength to keep the head stable and wears a helmet. And as with the trailer, practice riding with the bike seat empty initially.

Pulling the Young Child

As your child grows and develops leg strength, bump your cycling partner up to a co-pilot bike arrangement. Co-pilots, which look like bikes with the front wheel and fork removed, attach to the adult rider’s seat post. Because you pull these appendages, your child can pedal as much or as little as desired while keeping up. You can teach and encourage proper cadence, and your child will gradually adjust to sitting on a bike seat for an extended period of time. 

Riding With the Older Child

At some point, your child will be ready for the next bicycling stage. Whether you are considering hybrid bikes for sale or already have a comfortable cruiser, you can choose a kid’s model that can go the distance with your own cycle. To make sure your child can partner with you and other older riders on a long ride, follow some preparation guidelines:

• Fit the bike appropriately to your child’s size
• Purchase a multi-gear bike for hilly conditions
• Teach proper pedaling cadence
• Build endurance by systematically increasing distance
• Pack water and snacks for any lengthy rides

The goal is to ensure your child embraces cycling without facing significant frustration along the way.

Bicycling is a natural family activity. It provides exercise, recreation and bonding experiences within a fun framework. If you manage cycling appropriately during each stage of a child’s development, you can ensure your youngsters will remain enthusiastic about family cycling for years to come.

Top 9 Missed Experiences in Key West

Photo by Hayden Dunsel on Unsplash

If you’re looking for sun, fun, and excitement, Key West, Florida, is the place to be. Located just a few hours south of Miami, you can drive, fly or even boat your way to Key West. Visitors rave about the snorkeling, fishing, and of course, the Key Lime Pie. If you’re ready to book a week-long or weekend getaway, here are 9 excursions that should make it onto your itinerary.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

This is a gem of the National Park System that sits around 70 miles off the coast of Key West. You’ll need to book a ferry ticket to get there but it’s worth it. The park includes multiple small islands as well as a significant underwater acreage. Snorkeling is a huge draw here, whether you’re new to the sport or highly experienced. Dry Tortugas National Park offers a variety of dive sites, from coral reefs to old shipwrecks, wooden pilings, a moat wall, and more. There’s even a night snorkeling opportunity to see nocturnal sea animals in action.

2. Conch Tour Train

Sometimes you just want to let someone else do the driving, and this is where the Conch Tour Train comes in. This charming hop-on/hop-off shuttle moves among 3 stops along Front Street, Flagler Station, and Truval Village. It’s a great activity for your first day in Key West, where you can scope out lots of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars, and more. The guides provide conversational insight about the people, places, and history that make Key West stand out.

3. Sunset Celebration

Every night’s a party here so gather with others at the waterfront on Duval Street. There are food, drink, and craft vendors, along with musicians and performers. Show up a few hours before the sun goes down to stake out the best spot for sunset viewing. It’s a great activity for families with young kids because it lets the children feel like they’re staying out late even though it’s only early evening, and a wonderful prequel for adults heading out to restaurants and bars for a late meal or drinks afterward. 

4. Latitudes Restaurant

If you want a night on the town, start with dinner at the upscale Latitudes Restaurant. Gorgeous gulf views and luxury decor complement impeccably prepared dishes whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner for two or a special celebration. The menu features snapper, grouper, lobster tail, and scallops, plus steaks, pasta, and chicken served by a friendly and knowledgeable team dedicated to your satisfaction.

5. Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden

The lush greenery of the trees, flowers, and shrubs found here represent many native Key West plants that are hard to see anywhere else. This botanical garden is the only one like it in the continental United States, and one of the best places for birding in Key West. Planked walking paths allow for easy exploration, and there’s a picnic area so bring your lunch and make a full day of it.

Photo by Mathieu Le Roux on Unsplash

6. Charter Fishing

The waters around Key West are known for grouper, tuna, mackerel, and dozens of other fish; with a charter fishing expedition, your charter boat captain and his team take care of all the details. Any permits, licenses or gear are arranged in advance. You only need to choose a half or full-day tour and pick what kind of fishing you’d like to do. Novice and experienced guests are welcome for wreck, reef, deep water, and flats fishing. Some local restaurants even offer to cook your catch,

7. Easton Street Seafood Market

Enjoying freshly-caught seafood is one of the big draws of visiting Key West, and Easton Street Seafood Market is the best place to do it. The art deco-inspired market may not look big from the outside but inside, there are cases gleaming with fresh fish and shellfish. Make your selection to take home and prepare or choose one of their menu items and sit outdoors to feast right away. Don’t miss the lobster roll and the fried conch strip basket for a true Key West experience.

8. Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like to operate a lighthouse, this is your chance. Test yourself and climb all 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for an authentic view of the sea, and see how the lighthouse keepers -- essential workers in their day -- protected ships along with their crew and cargo with warning lights.

Photo by Thomas Besseling on Unsplash

9. Local Beaches

While Key West may not be known for expansive beaches with miles of sand, it’s city beaches are charming and well worth the visit. Relax under the palm trees at Smathers Beach or if you travel with your dog, visit Higgs Beach, which welcomes beachgoers and their pups. As with most beaches, the earlier in the day you can get there, the better. Beach space fills up fast come afternoon. Beach vendors sell food and drink, and often additional gear like snorkels.

Key West has a world of cultural, historic, and outdoors experiences to enjoy. Building your itinerary in advance helps focus your planning and give you things to look forward to as you prepare for your trip. These experiences in particular showcase the best that Key West has to offer visitors.

Free Printable Games From Welch’s Fruit Snacks

At this time, we know it can be challenging for most parents adjusting to the new normal, balancing working from home, and homeschooling the kids. No one was prepared for any of this!

To help keep the family a bit more entertained, Welch’s Fruit Snacks has released a number of printable games as a resource for kids and parents to enjoy during this time. From fruit snack themed bingo to crossword puzzles and word searches, we hope these games can bring a little fun to every household.

Check out the games here: https://welchsfruitsnacks.com/printable-games/

Stay home, cozy up, and spark some fruitful fun with activities that’ll entertain the whole family. Check out the links to print out games and coloring pages that’ll bring the gang together for a good time! Break out a pack of Welch’s® Fruit Snacks and let the games begin!

10 Tips for RVing With Kids

Going on an RV trip can be a fun experience with children. You can have a great time traveling together on an adventure and also help instill a love for the outdoors in them. However, to have the best experience, it will take some planning and organization. Here are 10 tips to take note of when RVing with kids.

1. Explain That Everyone Will Have a Job
If you have children that are old enough to accept responsibilities, then you need to let them know ahead of time what they will be responsible for doing. Setting up and taking down camp in an RV takes time, and older children can definitely help.

Other tasks will need to be done as well such as taking the trash to the dumpster, making beds and washing dishes. Make it easier on yourself while RVing by enlisting the children’s help.

2. Designate a Storage Space for Kids’ Items
Kids like to bring along all sorts of things on trips, such as toys, books, electronics and games. Designate a space for them to put their belongings where they will stay neat and organized when not in use. Otherwise, the RV will become cluttered in no time. Oh, and don't forget the Car Seats!

3. Designate a Living Space for Kids
Everyone needs his or her own personal space — including kids. In RVs beds often double as dining room or living area seating. At a certain time of the evening, the space might be assigned to a child or two.

4. Let Your Kids Work With a Paper Map
Even though GPS installed in your vehicle or on your phone is the way most people navigate nowadays, it might be interesting for you to hand your children a map and ask them to highlight your route to your destination. You might need to give them a little direction on reading a map first, however.

You can also show them how to determine how many miles are between each town on the map. As you’re traveling, your children can consult the map instead of saying “Are we there yet?”

5. Have a System for Dirty Shoes or Feet
If you’re not proactive and you don’t take the time to let children now that coming inside the RV with dirty shoes or feet is unacceptable, it won’t be long until you have dirt, mud, sand and water all over the floors.

Require everyone to remove their shoes before coming inside. Keep a doormat at the entrance. Make a rule that if a child’s bare feet or dirty or muddy, they need to wash them off and dry them before coming inside. Keep a jug of water and a towel right next to the steps for this purpose.

6. Make Sure Someone Is Always Watching the Youngest Children in the Group
Never assume that someone will keep on eye on a baby, toddler or young child that needs constant supervision. Other people traveling with you might also assume that someone else is watching the child or children and that’s when accidents can occur. If you’re not able to watch your children yourself, then you need to ask someone else and get a confirmation that the person will watch the children.

7. Bring Entertainment
Although you’ll likely spend tons of time outdoors while on an RV trip, there will be times that you will be hanging out at the campsite. Bring entertaining items for children like kid-friendly board games, bubbles, movies, coloring books or arts and crafts supplies.

8. Bring Bicycles
RV campgrounds offer a great opportunity for kids to ride their bikes, so pack them. Once you get to the campground, go over some bicycling safety rules and make sure the children know where they can and can’t ride. Also, don’t forget to pack helmets.

During busy arrival times, such as a Friday or Saturday evening, you might want to keep children off their bikes until the campground settles down.

9. Do Traditional Activities
Don’t discount traditional activities. Even though you might not like eating s’mores, your children will likely be delighted to participate in this decades-old camping tradition. Other traditional activities are sitting around the campfire telling scary stories.

Or you can come up with a new tradition of your own. For example, you could plan a scavenger hunt for your children by making a list of 10 to 50 things they have to find and cross off during your trip.

10. Have a Plan for Mechanical Emergencies
Anything can happen out on the road or at a campground with your vehicle or RV, so it makes sense to have a service plan in place. Check the Good Sam website for extended service plans for your vehicle and/or your RV, which you can purchase for an affordable price. Such a plan will give tremendous peace of mind and will keep you and the children from being stranded indefinitely.

Great Wolf Lodge's Spring-A-Palooza 2019

Great Wolf Lodge is springing into 2019 with the return of its fun-filled Spring-A-Palooza celebration. Families staying at any Great Wolf Lodge between March 16 – April 28, 2019, are sure to have a pawesome time as the resort comes into full bloom with a collection of exclusive spring-inspired events such as bubble dance parties and a special character-led tea party.  Guests will splish and splash in the 84-degree waterpark and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Along with a vibrant and colorful transformation of the lobby, here are some additional entertainment options for families to enjoy during the six-week Spring-a-Palooza event.

Northwood’s Tea Party with Violet & Friends: New for 2019, beloved wolf Violet will host a tea party on select days of the week. Violet and friends’ tea party will feature songs, dances, cookie decorating, crafts, and games. Of course, no party would be complete without a special character meet and greet.

Bubble Dance Party: This special Spring-a-Palooza event fills the Grand Lobby with cascading bubbles while Great Wolf Lodge’s Ambassadors of Fun keep energy-levels high with a family-friendly dance party.

Spring-a-Palooza Story Time: Great Wolf Lodge’s nightly Story Time takes on a spring theme with a new tale featuring the Great Wolf Lodge characters called “Natural Wonders.” Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite jammies to the Grand Lobby for this event and will have the opportunity to meet one of the Great Wolf Lodge characters in person.

Jelly Bean Guessing Game: A gigantic jar filled to the brim with jelly bean candies sits in the Grand Lobby and guests are invited to enter a contest guessing how many delicious treats are within the jar. The guests closest to the correct number without going over will be entered for a chance to win a Great Wolf Lodge Gift Card.

Spring Themed Crafts: During Spring-a-Palooza, the resort’s Ambassadors of Fun will host several spring-inspired craft-making events for kids of all ages. Character-themed crafting projects include Oliver’s Crazy About Bugs Jar, Violet’s Springtime Noodle Doodle, Brinley’s Don’t Blow Away Kite and Wiley’s Can You Spot It Binoculars.

Along with the always complimentary waterpark entry for all overnight guests, all Spring-a-Palooza events are complimentary for guests staying at the resort. A complete listing of daily activities and times can be found in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests upon check-in.

For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, visit greatwolf.com.

The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part – In Theaters February 8

The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city.  It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are now facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than it can be rebuilt.

The battle to defeat the invaders and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet, Lucy, Batman and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.



Reprising their starring roles from the first film are Chris Pratt as Emmet, Elizabeth Banks as Lucy (aka Wyldstyle), Will Arnett as LEGO Batman, Charlie Day as Benny, Alison Brie as Unikitty, and Nick Offerman as Metal Beard.  They are joined by Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, and Arturo Castro as, respectively, new characters Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi, Sweet Mayhem and Ice Cream Cone, and by Maya Rudolph.

“The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” is directed by Mike Mitchell (“Shrek Ever After,” “Trolls,” “Sky High”).  It is produced by Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Roy Lee, the team behind the LEGO film franchise since “The LEGO Movie” debuted in 2014, and by Jinko Gotoh.  The screenplay is written by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, based on LEGO Construction Toys.

Serving as executive producers are Jill Wilfert, Keith Malone, Matthew Ashton, Chris McKay, Zareh Nalbandian, Ryan Halprin, Will Allegra, and Chris Leahy. Patrick Marc Hanenberger (“Rise of the Guardians”) is the production designer, and Claire Knight is the editor.  The music is composed by Mark Mothersbaugh (“Thor: Ragnorak,” “The LEGO Movie”).  Trisha Gum is the animation director.

The film opens nationwide in 2D and 3D on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group present, in association with LEGO System A/S, a Rideback/Lord Miller/Vertigo Entertainment Production, “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part,” distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

LEGO, DUPLO, the LEGO logo, the minifigure and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2018/2019 The LEGO Group. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

‘Tis the Season for Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland Extravaganza

Great Wolf Lodge rings in the holiday season with its annual Snowland celebration from November 24, 2018 to January 4, 2019. The Lodge is spreading cheer to families this year with daily snow showers in the Grand Lobby, and visits from Santa Claus along with a life-sized Gingerbread House and more. Families will get into the spirit of Christmas, splash in the 84-degree waterpark, and create memories together that will last a lifetime.

Adults and children alike will be merry and bright as they arrive at Great Wolf Lodge’s winter wonderland complete with hundreds of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and other jolly decorations in the Grand Lobby. The centerpiece of the Snowland celebration is the life-sized Gingerbread House constructed from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread dough, 1,300 pounds of sugar and hundreds of candies. For a truly delectable experience, guests can also dine in the life-sized gingerbread house with a small donation to the Ronald McDonald House. For reservations, visit GreatWolf.com/Snowland.

Snowland returns this year with guests favorite complimentary activities including Hot Cocoa with a Great Wolf Kid, the weather outside might be frightful, but the Lodge’s delicious hot cocoa bar will warm even the chilliest of guests up; Cookies with Mrs. Claus, where children have the opportunity to decorate cookies in the Gingerbread House with Santa’s leading lady; the Polar Wolf Walk, a tour of the lobby that teaches children about polar bears penguins and more. Families can wind the night down by cozying up to watch a holiday movie in the Grand Lobby during Festive Family Flicks.

Snowland’s most popular offerings are available including visits from Santa Claus; Santa’s Letter Depot, where kids can mail a letter to Santa in the Grand Lobby; and North Pole University, where kids complete fun, holiday-themed assignments around the resort for the chance to earn a Snowploma. During the howl-iday season, children’s activities such as Story Time, Yoga Tails and Paws on Projects will also get dash of Christmas cheer.

In addition to two days of play in the water park for each night stayed at Great Wolf Lodge, all of the Snowland activities are included complimentary as part of an overnight stay. Activities vary daily and based on location.  A complete listing of daily activities and times can be found in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests upon check-in, or verified in advance by calling the location directly.

For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, visit greatwolf.com.

4 Fun Earth-Friendly Projects To Complete With Your Family

It is never too early to start planning in advance for the winter or spring breaks. Schools will be out, and you'll be searching for activities to keep the whole family busy and happy. If your goal is to go green, invest some time into eco-friendly projects that reuse materials you already have. Look for ways to conserve energy around the house too. Check out these green projects you can complete this holiday.

Upcycle Plastic Grocery Bags

Image via Flickr by groundsel

Each time you go grocery shopping, you bring home several plastic bags. Instead of recycling your bags, turn them into something new. Grab a crochet hook to make plastic yarn, known as plarn. Weave or crochet the plarn into hats, handbags or decorative coasters. 

During the holidays, turn plastic bags into festive decorations including wreaths and pom-poms. Flowers made from plastic bags make beautiful accents you can use any time of year.

Start a Green Energy Project

Let the kids pitch in with a summer research project. School-age children can study eco-friendly power sources including solar and geothermal energy. The finished report could be a head start on this year's science fair project. Review the information together as a family to decide if any of these green energy solutions can work in your home. 

One thing you can do now to make your home eco-friendly is to complete an energy audit. Check for drafty windows and doors and use a programmable thermostat to control the home's temperature. Also, ensure that your heating and cooling system is running as efficiently as possible. 

Consistent HVAC maintenance is an essential step in conserving energy at home. Schedule appointments to have a professional technician change your filters and clean your home's air ducts regularly.

Reuse Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles provide durable craft material that you can use to make cute planters for your home or garden. Simply cut off the tops and paint on a design. Another idea is to take off the bottoms to create hanging lights for the patio or den. 

If you have a few extra wooden spoons and a plastic bottle, help your feathered friends and build a birdfeeder for the backyard. Poke a few small holes in a soda bottle, attach a hose and you have yourself a homemade sprinkler to help the kids cool off during a hot summer day. 

Photo by Parker Burchfield on Unsplash

Give Old T-Shirts a Second Life

Your favorite T-shirt you've worn hundreds of times may have seen better days, but it's still hard to let go and throw it out. Not to worry, that old shirt with a hole in it can still be useful. Cut more holes in it to make a reusable produce bag. 

You can also fashion worn-out cotton shirts into onesies or bibs for infants. If a shirt has stains on the front, salvage the sleeves and turn them into soft baby hats or socks.

Try these green project ideas this summer and see how you can recycle old materials and find ways to save energy. You'll have fun and feel good about going green and protecting the environment all year long.