WANTED: Kids' Opinions on Family Adventure Vacations

Are you ready for a family vacation that won’t leave them rolling their eyes at your lame choices? Fear not. It ispossible, if you let the kids do the planning. At least that’s the idea behind Austin Lehman Adventures’ (ALA) new “What Kids Want on a Family Adventure Vacation” call-in focus group webinar headed up by Kasey Austin (daughter of founding director, Dan Austin), the company’s new CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer).

Austin aims to get your kids (ages 7 to 17) on board with adventure planning by giving them their say in every step of the planning and learning what’s important to them on an active family vacation during the Sunday, April 15, 2012 webinar (4 p.m. EST ).  

“This is an ongoing research project and dialogue between ALA and its guests, fans and family to constantly improve and enhance the ALA trip experience,” said Austin. “Our summer guests will benefit from the ideas that come out of this focus group discussion.” Kids’ opinions from the webinar will be integrated into ALA family trip programming and orchestrated with guides during ALA’s annual spring training in Billings, MT.

Austin urges kids to sign up early online. The first 25 participants will receive a “certified cool” ALA gift and goody bag. Even better, their family will receive a $250 trip voucher good for any 2012 ALA trip. 

To register for the online focus group kids are instructed to go to:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/571338808.  After signing up and confirming they have their parent’s permission to participate, kids will receive a confirmation email containing information about being part of the Webinar.

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Yellowstone Association Institute Summer Family Programs Provide Educational Experiences for Every Age

YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE FAMILY PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO LEARN – AND LAUGH – TOGETHER

The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) believes you are never too young or old to learn. That’s why the organization includes among its extensive educational programs numerous experiences that are perfect for family groups.

Two programs are a particularly good fit for families: the multi-day “Yellowstone for Families” Lodging & Learning program and a stay at the Yellowstone Overlook with Private Tours. With both the Lodging & Learning program and Private Tours, participants are led by a YAI naturalist-guide who specializes in educating visitors about the world’s first national park – its geological mysteries, abundant wildlife and fascinating and sometimes befuddling human history. Naturalist-guides personalize their programs for the particular needs and interests of each group, so even very young visitors can begin to foster an appreciation for the natural and historic world of Yellowstone.

“Our naturalist-guides are adept at focusing their interpretive messages to the needs and interests of the group, and they have been known to get a little silly around their youngest charges, especially when they think they are beginning to turn kids on to the wonders of the park,” said Jeff Brown, education director for the Yellowstone Association. “For example, we haven’t found a kid yet who wasn’t at least a little interested in learning to identify animal scat. Children have so much fun they simply forget they are learning fundamental lessons about wildlife biology.”

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Families Enjoy Sun, Sites and Savings at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts This Summer

This summer, escape the daily grind, grab the kids and head to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which offer exclusive activities for children and a range of family-friendly activities ideal for any budget. Whether taking to the pink sands of Bermuda, enjoying a family trip to the zoo in Washington, D.C., or getting the royal treatment at a legendary castle in Quebec City, Fairmont destinations areeasy to access by car, train, or a short plane ride and promise a memorable experience for all. 

As an added bonus, families can also take advantage of Fairmont’s kids dining program, which offers complimentary meals from the buffet or children’s menu for little ones 5 years of age and under, and 50% off the regular menu for children aged 6 -12.  With exciting offers at a great value, Fairmont’s family packages will keep both youngsters and parents entertained all summer long. Packages include:

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