Blog Posts by Red Tricycle

What's it going to be this summer? Will your family brave airport security or pull off an all-American road trip? No matter what sort of vacation you're planning with your kids, the savviest traveling parents are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest kids gadgets and products to keep everyone smiling and build convenience and comfort when you're away from home. Here are some of our picks for cool stuff for you to pack (besides the iPad) this season:

Must-Have for Traveling with Baby: Cool Wazoo

cool wazoo
We're all about multifunctional products for kids that not only save space but are practical for every day use. The Cool Wazoo baby pad combines 5 different products into one simple, compact, and stylish product. Originally designed to reflect heat from hot surfaces like swing sets and car seats, the Cool Wazoo features a large round pad that works great as a changing station, or can be folded up to protect your baby from hot surfaces or germy spaces. No matter how

In Belgium, the land where the Smurfs were invented, you might be wondering how long it will take you to get there, to which Papa Smurf would reply "smurf up!" Best known for its beer (some locals drink it as early as 10:00am), waffles, fries, and chocolate (need I say more?) there's always something delicious to devour. The locals speak not one but three languages (English, French and Dutch) and seem open-minded free spirits at heart. Yet they take their drinking and eating very seriously as well you should on your exploration of these two fair cities.

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How to get there: Fly to Brussels and take the train to Sint-Pieters Station (2 km from the city center) in Ghent. Connecting trains depart three times an hour and take half an hour. Children under 12 travel for free on trains.

When to go: July is likely the best time to make this trip as it's festival time and that means warm weather and plenty of opportunities for live music, street food, and children's activities.

What's not to love about Jessica Alba? She's the co-founder of The Honest Company, one of our go-to resources for eco-friendly and affordable diapers and goods, she's kicked butt in some of our fave flicks like "Fantastic Four" and "Little Fockers" and she's a mom we'd totally want to be friends with on the playground. While we're the first to admit that our admiration for Jessica sometimes borders on envy (who wouldn't kill for her sweet wardrobe?), we couldn't help but be totally thrilled that she took the time to sit down with Red Tricycle to dish on her must-have summer travel essentials. So while we can't all be BFF's with Jessica, we sure can travel like her.

jessica and havenRed Tricycle: Besides taking a big dose of patience medicine (and maybe a stiff drink when you get on the plane) do you have any advice for parents travelling with kids through the airport?

Jessica Alba: Traveling through the airport with kids and who knows how many carry-ons is a constant juggle, so I am a big

Summer is just getting started, and unless you've planned out a 12 week itinerary for your kiddos, they might start bouncing off the walls very soon. Keeping them entertained during these long summer days is no easy feat, that's why we've rounded up some awesome activities that will give you plenty to do all summer long. So whether you're looking for a new outdoor adventure, a cool spot to splash about, or a fun way to spend an afternoon, we've got you covered with our comprehensive list of 50 things to do this summer.

kids in park1. Travel across the state line to visit a town that's reminiscent of Portland and check out the fun kid-centric activities.

2. Head out for a day of hiking, exploring, and wildlife spotting just minutes from downtown.

3. Have a scavenger hunt along this bohemian boulevard that's teeming with kid-friendly shops.

4. Got a hankering for some food south of the border? Check out some favorite eateries that specialize in ethnic food your kids will love.

summer family vacation

Kudos to you -- your family has survived yet another school year. While you go ahead and give yourself that much-deserved pat on the back (it's ok, nobody's looking) and contemplate what's in store for the next few months (road trips, summer camps, and errr...visits from your in-laws), we're going to fill you in on a little something special we've been working on just for your family.

Because we know you mamas (and pops, too) work oh-so hard during the school year from carpools to house chores to whipping up dinner on the nightly, we pulled together three totally amazing family summer vacations. Each summer vacation package is all about giving your kiddos some ultimate summertime fun (LEGOLAND ® or Disneyland, anyone?) and you parents a relaxing and rejuvenating vaca that includes a three-night stay in a luxury (and yes, family-friendly) resort that boasts golf courses, spas, and beaches.

Before you go rushing to throw that swimsuit into your suitcase, you'll want to check

Don't forget Father's Day is this weekend and while Dad deserves every minute of his big day, you'll find lots of other activities to keep the whole family busy this weekend too. Lots of music and dancing is on tap - don't worry dads, we're not talking ballet! Start your weekend by watching a loud and energetic stepping performance under the High Line. On Sunday you can hear children's songs with an African twist in Central Park, hear sophisticated sounds at Red Hook's Jazz Festival or check out the experimental music festival Bang on a Can at the World Financial Center. Beyond music, you can channel your inner outdoorsman by checking out what kind of creatures scientists pull out of the East River. Kids will love the Mad Science party that Tompkins Square Library is hosting in honor of the summer reading program, and a beach party happening with Clifford the Big Red Dog in Bryant Park.

Children's Songs in the Park
Have a picnic and listen to classic children's songs

Need ideas for fun outings and family adventures this Father's Day weekend? There is so much going on in San Diego that dad and the kids will enjoy. Okay, there's fun for mom too! Spend time on the Californiansailing the bay. Have a barbecue brunch at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Dads and kids will love the Fire Expo and Firefighter Day at the San Diego County Fair. There's even family fun with Fido at the Loews Dog Surfing Competition. So gather the kids and start planning dad's ideal weekend in San Diego.

Summer Twilight Walk
Enjoy a beautiful summer twilight walk in the Mission Trails Regional Park. Families will be hosted by trail guides for this 1.5 hour walk. Guides will talk about the changes that occur in the park when the sun goes down. Don't forget a jacket and flashlight. Sat., 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm, Mission Trails Regional Park, Free. All ages. More info.

Sail with Dad
Take dad for a sail around the San Diego waterfront. Cruise aboard the

Enjoy music, dancing, nature and animals all weekend long. See some very skilled dancers at Afternoon at the Ballet, and get rockin' with The Hipwaders & Alison Faith Levy in concert. Play kickball and sleep outside at the Father Son Camp Over, and do the Dad Dance at Dads Day on the Farm!

Penguins+Pajamas Sleepover
Kids will listen to the evening songs of the rainforest birds, see an after-hours planetarium show and fall asleep in their sleeping bags in the museum. In the morning they will have breakfast at the Academy Café. Sat., 6:00 pm - Sun., 8:00 am. San Francisco. $99/Non-member. $79/Member. Ages 5 - 17.Event details.

Afternoon at the Ballet
This San Francisco Youth Ballet performance will include Swan Lake, Act II, performed by former principal dancers with the California Ballet Company. SFYBA students will also perform to music from Coppelia and Don Quixote. Sat., 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Sun., 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. San Francisco. $14 per person. All