Three Ways to Spend Quality Time with Your Family

familyPhoto by Victoria Borodinova on Pexels

It is important to spend time together as a family. It makes children feel like they are a part of something special, and it gives you time to connect with them. The hard part is finding activities that everyone will enjoy. This is because there probably aren’t many things that Mom, Dad, and all the different ages of children will enjoy.

The best you can do is to take turns choosing an activity. Each week, allow a different family member to pick something fun to do. Help small children out by making suggestions. Little ones love places like Chuck E. Cheese where they can get pizza and play games. Trampoline parks, skating rinks, and bowling alleys are also excellent options.

When it comes to the adults choosing an activity, you can pick actual places you enjoy going to. If it isn’t something that children would typically appreciate, make it fun for them. For example, if you choose to go to a basketball game, play at home with the kids first. Build anticipation by purchasing jerseys from your favorite team for the entire family. Even the baby can be involved with NBA baby clothes.

The most important way to ensure that it is a fun outing for everyone is to explain to the children that when it isn’t there turn to pick, they have to be respectful. Show them how to make the most of an activity even if it isn’t their cup of tea. Make sure that in return their brothers and sisters will do the same for them.

When planned properly, it is easy for a family to spend quality time together. Once the children understand that they need to be respectful of the others’ choices, it will be more fun for everyone involved. You will have that special time to connect with the kids and they will get the attention they crave. They might even discover a few activities along the way that they will enjoy more than they expected to.

Things to do with Family in Belize

Located in Central America, Belize makes for a perfect choice when planning a vacation with your family. The beautiful country offers a plethora of activities and loads of things to do and explore. The pint-sized country offers an accessible travel and promises a diverse experience for all. One can enjoy very affordable rentals in Belize that are just ideal for the whole family who can live in a safe environment.

There are plenty of Belize rentals that cater especially to the families and are the best option. There are action and adventure, wildlife encounters and plenty of sun and those are just the right ingredients for enjoying a quality holiday with your family. The best time to visit Belize is during the winters when the weather is bright and sunny.

Loads of action and adventure


If you are looking for action and adventure, well, you are sure to find loads of it in Belize and its rainforests. There are mysterious ruins, lush jungle trails and deep, dark caves that can keep the whole family busy for days. Visitors can go cave tubing, river kayaking, jungle walking and cave tubing.

• Explore Xunantunich Mayan ruins which are one of the largest ruins located in Belize. Xunantunich means “Stone Woman,” and the tour will lead you to the massive El Castillo temple and a climb to the temple offers one great view of Belize.
• Crystal Cave with cracks and crevices offer a great experience. Visitors can explore the caves or ride an innertube on those underground rivers of central Belize. It is advised to explore the series of caves with a group.
• Altun Ha is a popular Mayan site that is dotted with pyramids, tombs, and temples. Altun Ha means “Rockstone Pond” in Yucatec Maya. One is likely to come across deer, birds., foxes and even crocodiles as they explore the area.
• Cayo District boasts of rolling hills, gorgeous sunsets along with ancient Mayan sites. Explore the verdant jungles and butterfly gardens in the expansive Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Enjoy traditional culinary dishes in San Ignacio that lies in the heart of the Cayo District.
• The Great Blue Hole is a deep blue hole with imposing ancient stalactites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the world’s most distinguished scuba site and contains underwater caverns, tunnels, and rock formations.
• The Great Blue Hole is located about 43 miles off the coast of Belize along the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. You can visit the Great Blue Hole with a number of dive services that operate out of Belize City, San Pedro, and C
Delight for animal-lovers
Belize is filled with national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries and one should know where to go and what to look for.
• The Community Baboon Sanctuary is spread across 20 square miles and preserves the habitat of the endangered black howler monkey. One can see those monkeys roaming freely around the surrounding area. They are wild but used to the visitors and with a guide along with you, your family can enjoy those special encounters.
• Belize Zoo is another popular attraction and is home to the orphaned, injured or rescued animals. There are big cats like jaguars and Belizean national animal, Baird’s tapir. One will also come across other animals such as iguanas, snakes, agoutis, jungle birds and squirrels.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the oldest reserves in Belize, and the immense barrier reef is a densely populated aquatic zone that extends for three miles. It is a sanctuary for eels, stingrays, and sharks. It is a prime spot for snorkeling and diving because of the abundant sea life and the crystal-clear waters.
• Your kids will go cray at Green Iguana Conservation Project where they get to see iguanas of all sizes. They learn a lot about these animals at the interactive exhibits and programs.
• Hol Chan Marine Preserve is the first national marine preserve in the country and indeed the most exciting one for diving and swimming as well as marine. You can dive under to swim with manta rays and sharks
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve is exclusively reserved for the protection of the jaguar. One can hike along the trails and might have to spend the night here if you want to enjoy actual sightings of the jaguar. The children can rent inner tubes and float along the and get an effective education at the preserve center.

Plenty of fun with sun and sea


Belize is the perfect and the safest place for family vacations. Both kids and teens can learn kayaking, enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. Families can go snorkeling together and explore the creatures that live on the coral reef. Swimming pools and water sports areas have been designed with families in mind. It is a perfect destination for going sailing and swimming in the serene and peaceful atmosphere. Bird watching is another popular activity. They can enjoy horseback riding adventure and hike through the fields and forests of Belize. The riverbeds and ancient ruin are simply perfect for mountain biking. Relax with your family and kids on those amazing tropical beaches. It is indeed a great town with a plethora of shopping centers, and endless street side food stands with a fantastic variety of local foods and delicacies. Families can explore the farmer markets and interact with the locals. They can easily get invited to one of the homes and offer the children the chance to get hands-on experience with the local culture.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Take A Step Back from Stress: A Family Getaway Is Exactly What You Need

Ah, Canada. Home of snow, hockey, and really nice people. At least that’s what the stereotypes about the Great White North would have you believe, and none of them address the country’s wonders. The image of Canada as a bigger version of Alaska needs to be corrected, specifically in regards to the greatness of Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost provinces of Canada.

What’s so relaxing about this place? One trip to the area’s website will show the user images of the beauty and grandeur of the Newfoundland and Labrador. But if pretty pictures aren’t enough, consider the following:

The Wildlife

Nothing says relaxation and escape like the wonders of nature, and Newfoundland and Labrador boasts an incredible variety of it. Aside from the cliffs and hills, the area also boasts multiple species of whales, including the signature humpback population. And if seeing whales sounds fantastic, a visitor can also take in the sights of Iceberg Alley and explore the coast.

But don’t think the province begins and ends on the coast. The province measures more than 400,000 kilometers, offering a visitor a big chance to get off the beaten path and take in the area’s natural beauties, including St. John’s, Terra Nova National Park, and the Torngat Mountains. And because it stands at the easternmost edge of Canada, the province carries a sense of escapism just in getting to it.

It’s Got Culture

Ever wanted to go to a music festival in an area once populated by Vikings? Newfoundland and Labrador has got you covered. Every city in the world boasts about its musical offerings, but the province goes further with its sheer variety of musical offerings.

And if music alone isn’t enough to tempt a visitor, the province’s history is on constant display. Visitors can follow the Viking Trail to L’Anse Aux Meadows, featuring the archaeological remains of a Norse encampment dating back over 1,000 years. If thinking about Viking warriors makes you thirsty, the province boasts a variety of craft beers and breweries. Everything about the culture here whispers to the visitors, inviting them to partake of the area’s offerings and take a deep breath while doing so.

Downtown St. John’s features some truly unique events, such as a Mardi Gras celebration in October, the province’s cultural facility, and the Mile One Centre, conveniently located near the Marriott St. John’s Newfoundland. And that doesn’t even include the nightlife, shopping, and sights of the area.

You’ll Need to Make a Few Trips

Getting off the beaten path sometimes means having to deal with crowds, and the journey to a place to relax can require some advance planning. As stated above, the province is huge. So huge, in fact, visitors may need to consider multiple trips just to take in all that Newfoundland and Labrador have to offer. And while the province’s location may seem like a deterrent, the area’s popularity requires some thought as to the best way to get there and get lost in the area’s wonders.

Plan ahead by considering rental vehicle information with accommodations. Take care of those requirements early so you can spend more time getting lost and breathing deep.

Image source: my dear friend Hazel

7 Safety Measures for A Fail-Safe Family Holiday

family holiday

With the holiday season approaching, many families plan for a fun or relaxing getaway. The hectic pace of modern life makes it hard to set aside the time for family holidays, so these rare shared experiences are precious.

When your time and resources are limited, it’s extra important that your family holidays and adventures are not tainted by illness or injury. The following seven safety measures will ensure that your family escape is fail-safe.

1. Vaccinate Before You Vacate

If your family holiday involves overseas travel, make sure that all family members receive any necessary vaccinations before the vacation begins. Your local medical centre or family doctor will be able to advise which vaccines are recommended for the area that you are visiting. When packing for the vacation, keep a record of all vaccinations administered and family medical records, including any life-threatening allergies and blood types of all family members. It’s critical to have this information at hand in the event of an accident or emergency.

2. Hit the Bottled H2O

In the West, we often take the convenience of clean water for granted. But when travelling to places where the tap water is not safe for drinking, you should quench your thirst with bottled water. In less developed countries, you are more likely to encounter water that contains harmful microorganisms. Bad water can transmit a range of nasty illnesses, including diarrhoea, hepatitis A and cholera. When tap water contains dangerous microorganisms, even the simple act of rinsing a piece of fruit or brushing your teeth can be unsafe.

3. No Heavy Lifting

Packing light for family holidays can be tricky. There are so many creature comforts that we use on a daily basis; it’s hard to imagine living without them, even for a short time. But the prospect of lugging around cumbersome suitcases is not exactly conducive to having a relaxing holiday.

When packing for the family vacation, try to keep it light by packing only the essentials. Opt for multiple smaller suitcases instead of one huge suitcase – if the weight is distributed among several bags, the load is easier to bear. And use suitcases with wheels where possible – better to let those wheels do the work than burden your back.

4. Dress For Safety Success

Pack safe, suitable clothing and equipment for the type of holiday that you have planned. If you take the family for a beachside getaway, swimming attire and paraphernalia will be necessary. Bring sunscreen to protect against the sun and Floaties for the little ones who are learning to swim. If you plan to go hiking or rock climbing with the kids, bring insect repellent and make sure that everyone has appropriate footwear, protective clothing and safety equipment.

5. Take Your Medicine

If any family members use ventilators or take regular medication, pack all of the relevant medical supplies and accessories before you leave for your holiday. Even if the medical condition only flares up from time to time, you don’t want to be stuck in an unfamiliar place with an emergency on your hands. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to find your medication wherever you go. Play it safe and bring it with you.

6. Put Safety on the Agenda

From drowning incidents to food poisoning, most unfortunate accidents could have been avoided by simply educating the victim beforehand about the inherent dangers of their actions. For this reason, it’s advisable to have a conversation with your kids about any potential hazards that they are likely to encounter during the family holiday. If you explain, for example, that bluebottles and jellyfish are poisonous, they will avoid them.

7. Don’t Leave Home Without a Travel First Aid Kit

A Travel First Aid Kit is the essential ingredient for a fail-safe family holiday experience. When illness or accidents strike, it’s important to have basic medical supplies at hand. If your family holiday entails a road trip, you should keep a Vehicle First Aid Kit in your car. Otherwise, you might simply pop a compact Travel First Aid Kit in your suitcase. Reputable manufacturers, such as Survival First Aid Kits, offer a range of kits designed for different budgets and applications.

These are just a few precautionary measures that can be applied to safeguard your family holiday. Do you have any extra tips or insights to add? Share your advice and experiences in the comments section below.

Image source: bigstock free

Mapping Out the Fun Spots for Kids in Quezon City

Weekends and holidays are opportunities for family bonding or spending time with the kids. On some days, it can be fun to stay at home with the whole family. But more often than not, kids find it more enjoyable to go out and explore instead of staying in the house. Luckily, there are plenty of fun spots for kids to accommodate your weekend bonding activities. If you wish to stay out for the weekend, it is easy to choose from the many family-friendly staycation hotels in Quezon City that you can book online using websites such as Traveloka, too.

Art in Island Museum

art-in-island-museum
One of the fun spots for kids in Quezon City is the Art in Island Museum. Here, one can tickle the child’s imagination with art pieces that they can actually interact with. Art in Island Museum features a gallery of 3-D art that comes to life through photos or selfies. The best thing about this museum is that kids can actually have fun with the artworks. They can touch the paintings and goof around with them if they want, unlike in other museums where art comes with a “pls. do not touch” warning. A visit to this art museum is like a combination of art appreciation and photo-shoot exercise for the kids. They can let their imagination run free and think of different ways to act out scenarios for each art work. Taking photos in the museum isn’t just fun. It also becomes a learning process when kids are encouraged to express themselves in the photos. They come in as guests, become part of the art with their photos, and come out as artists.

Art in Island Museum is located at 15th Ave. Cubao Q.C. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays 9:30 am to 9:30 pm but tickets are sold until 8pm only. Entrance fee is Php500 for adults and Php400 for kids. Expect some crowd during the weekends.

Wow Toy Museum

Another Museum worth exploring is the Wow Toy Museum. There is no question about it, kids love toys. But instead of going to the toy store, why not bring your kids to a toy museum? Broaden their perspective in toy appreciation by exposing them to classic toys from grandpa’s generation to the present. Some of the toys featured in this museum came from as far back as the 1950’s. There are also rare collectibles that come from different parts of the world like US, China, Russia, Europe, etc. It will be fun to see how toys have evolved from grandpa’s time to the present. You can also bond with your kids by showing them toys from your generation. Some of these toys may bring back childhood memories and make you feel like a kid again. This is one of the fun spots for kids in Quezon City that adults can also appreciate.

Wow Toy Museum is located at 99-101 Sergeant Rivera Street Quezon City. For visits or inquiries please call 3636247 or jgcm1954@yahoo.com.

Pedal N Paddle

fun spots for kids
Feel like spending time outdoors
? Check out the Pedal N Paddle attractions at the QC Memorial Circle. There are loads of fun things to do with your kids in this part of the Circle. The main attractions here are the Go Kart Rides and the Boat Rides, hence the name Pedal N Paddle. Other attractions inside the Pedal N Paddle area include rides like the Carousel, Garden Train Ride, Golden Gate Ride, Skybike, and 4D Ride. There are also classic town fair games like Dart Balloon Game, Shooting Gallery, and Mini Strike Zone.

Pedal N Paddle is at the Quezon Memorial Circle grounds and open during Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays: 2:00 pm – 8:00pm; Saturdays, Sundays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays: Closed. An entrance fee of Php20 will be charged at the gate with separate ticket charges for each attraction.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

Museums and parks aren’t the only fun spots for kids in Quezon City. There are also dining places in QC where kids can have a blast. The Barkin’ Blends Dog Café at Rosa Alvero St., Loyola Heights, QC and The Nook Café in Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, QC fall in this category.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Café is a perfect place to dine for pet lovers. This quaint café has a separate area for diners and a dog zone for the pets. Guests can play with the puppies in the dog zone for two hours. However, an entrance fee of Php180 is required to get into the dog zone. This already comes with a free drink. Once in the dog zone, kids can take their pick among the adorable pets (Golden Retrievers, Beagle, Pug, Irish Setter, Poodles, Siberian Husky, etc.) to play with. However, kids should be reminded to follow the Café Rules for Handling Dogs for their own safety and to protect the welfare of the dogs.

The Nook Cafe

Kids and tweens who are avid fans of Harry Potter can also enjoy a visit to the The Nook Café in Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village QC. Aside from the Harry Potter Inspired Menu and Butter Beer, kids can also enjoy going over the different HP memorabilia and board games in the café. However, the café is a bit small and can get a bit crowded with Potter fans on some days.

There are plenty of fun spots for kids in Quezon City. Some are already mapped as favourite hang-outs for the family while others are yet to be discovered. One thing is for sure though, nothing beats fun time spent with the family no matter where you are.