08Apr

Caving with the Kids at Creswell Crags

DSC01395

Our trip to the UK has not only taken us back in time but it has introduced our children to various parts of UK history.  We discovered a bit about Victorian history at Chatsworth House and Elizabethan chivalry at Bolsover Castle.  Our visit to Creswell Crags in Derbyshire also presented us with new information about a time period we've yet to explore with our children: the Ice Age. Located in a limestone gorge full of caves, Creswell Crags is home to the only Ice Age rock art in Britain, which tells the gripping story of life in the last Ice Age – Read More

07Apr

Going Back in Time at the Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle

On our recent visit to Chesterfield in Derbyshire, we visited my children's first real castle called Bolsover.  Built in 1612 by Charles Cavendish as a mansion modeled on a medieval castle, it is now a tourist site that proudly displays the castle's remains. It has withheld the test of time, and there is a lot of history to be learned from a walk around. Some of the castle is in the open air, so do bundle your kids up. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage and has been since the death of William Cavendish's (the son of Charles) wife in Read More

05Apr

A Day Trip to Chatsworth House in England’s Peak District with the Kids

Sculpture Gallery

In the heart of England's Peak District lies a nearly 500 year-old estate, Chatsworth House.  We spent the day there yesterday and it was a wonderful opportunity to teach my children about English history, which they should know more of having a British father, and take in the House's long-standing love of  art and culture.  It was an education for all of us, as well as a lesson in decadence and opulence.  I am also happy to say that my the house held my 7 and 9 year-old's attention steadfast and we are reached that milestone where we are able to visit Read More

04Apr

A Family Stay at the Casa in England’s Peak District

Casa Hotel Chesterfield

If you're traveling through the North of England and head to the Peak District with your family, you'll want to make sure to stay at the Casa in Derbyshire. You can't beat this 4-star hotel's excellent location.  It's in the historic market town of Chesterfield, but is in easy reach of Sheffield, Nottingham and a number of landmarks and attractions.  It's also very family-friendly as the hotel really focuses on comfort and you can't find a nicer staff in all of England. When we entered the hotel, we were greeted by a pleasant and upbeat host at Read More

03Apr

A Family Stay at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, England

Lowry Hotel

If you're planning to visit Manchester, England and are looking for a place to stay with the kids, the Lowry Hotel is a great choice. Located on the banks of the River Irwell, in the center of town, right near the commercial shopping district and load of things to do, this five-star hotel has 165 bedrooms, six suites and is as child-friendly as a hotel can get. Named after a famous Mancunian artist, DS Lowry, the hotel is part of the world's exclusive Rocco Forte Hotels and is both modern and elegant.  The inside is filled with interesting artwork, Read More

30Mar

Getting Ready to Spend Passover in London (w/ Matzo Pizza Recipe)

matzo

This year Passover is going have a different meaning than it has over the last few years.  We'll be with in London with  my husband's family on our annual trip over.  My kids will be with their first cousins, grandmother and aunts and uncles, and we'll be in another culture.  Another culture we know very well, no less. But still, the Jewish life in Britain is very unique for me.  First of all, my Jewish UK experience starts as soon as I board the plane tomorrow night.  There will be a lot of black hats and Yiddish speakers, many of whom "daven" or Read More

23Jul

Two Great London Spots with Kids

London Science Museum

One of the best things about London (there are so many) is that all its museums are free.  So, true, while London is not a cheap city, this is one of the many perks about it (others being its amazing architecture, theater, shopping, parks - shall I go on?).  Not only are the museums are free, but they are some of the finest in the world.  May they continue to be free so that everyone who lives and visits can continue to visit and explore each one.   London's Science Museum is no exception - it is indeed magnificent.It was founded in 1857 as part of the Read More

22Jul

Our Visit to the London Museum of Jewish Life

Jewish Museum London

I'm very interested in Jewish life around the world, so on our recent visit to London when my kids and had just a few hours to do some exploring, I led them to the city's Jewish Museum called the London Museum of Jewish Life.  Located in one of my favorite London neighborhoods, Camden, it was rather easy for us to get to from our hotel in Belsize Park in an old Victorian building. The museum was founded in 1983 as the Museum of the Jewish East End with the aim of rescuing and preserving the disappearing heritage of London's East End – the heartland of Read More

21Jul

Tips for Taking Your Kids Abroad

Traveling with Kids

Every year when I return from an international trip with kids, I feel charged up.  I love showing them faraway places.  To be able to say we're in a place with thousands of years of history is energizing.  To be able to show them castles, cathedrals and synagogues from the 19th century is quite a thrill for me.  My husband and refuse to give up our love for travel because we have kids.  Rather we embrace the fact that we do and take them to far away places whole- heartedly. I jotted down a quick few notes on my recent trip, to remind myself and you to Read More

21Jul

Exploring Provence with Kids (it’s possible!)

vanesque

We recently spent a few days in Provence with the children.  Traveling within this region is a very unique, special experience.  Each village has its own flavor.  Every village you go to in the Luberon mountain region east of Avignon dates back to the mid-evil days or as fall back as 17 BC.  Roman bridges, roads and castles are all found in this region.  There is a lot for children to learn about - markets to explore - remains to discover.  Our kids don't typically like being dragged around, but they fared pretty well on this trip.  What's better than Read More