Harvest your family memories at Siegel's Cottonwood Farm

Now that the leaves are changing and the weather is crisp, it is time to harvest family memories at Siegel's Cottonwood Farm. 

The Siegel's have been farming this same land since 1909. Siegel's Cottonwood Farm is a 4th generation working family farm. SIEGEL'S COTTONWOOD FARM is the place to Harvest your Family Memories on our 40 Acres of "Affordable Family Fun" with over 20 different attractions included in General Admission. There are not many opportunities for your family to go out to a REAL pumpkin patch and pick your pumpkin off a vine. NEW* this year Statesville Zombie Paintball Ride and Lexi's Jumpin' Blob Jamboree!

Save on your family's visit with this big money saving coupon. Get discounts on family admission here. 


What are you waiting for?  Make a memory today.

Are you ready to be a-mazed - Fall Festival Deals and Corn Maze Coupons

With the dip in temperatures, everyone is ready for fall family fun. It is time to search for the perfect pumpkin, find your way through the corn maze and enjoy all things fall. 

Of course, every family could benefit from a few coupons - right?  Check out all the valuable  coupons for Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and Fall Family Activities.  

Arizona
Schnepf Farms - Queen City

California
Forneris Farms - Mission Hills

Colorado
Anderson Farms - Erie
Flat Acres Farm - Parker
Fritzler Maze - La Salle
Sunflower Farm - Longmont
Mile High Farms - Bennett
Wishing Star Farm - Calhan
Harvest Farm - Wellington

Texas
Devine Acres Farm - Devine
Fiesta Farm - San Antonio
Yesterland Farm - Canton
South Texas Maize - Hondo
Dewberry Farm - Brookshire
Brazos Valley Maize- Brenham

Louisiana
CM Farms - Dry Creek

Georgia
Lane Southern Orchards - Fort Valley
Poppell Farms - Odum

Michigan
Farmer Charley's Corn Maze Adventure - Monroe

Indiana
Amazing Fall Fun - Waterloo
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch - Lowell
Hobson's Fun Farm - Rockville

Illinois
All Seasons Orchard - Woodstock
Kuipers Family Farm - Maple Park
Odyssey Fun Farm - Tinley Park
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm - Lockport

Maryland/DC
Summers Farm - Fredrick County

Massachusetts
Sauchuk Farm - Plympton

Missouri/Kansas
KC Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Gardner
Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - Pleasant Hill

Mississippi
Seward Farms Maze - Lucedale

Minnesota
Afton Apple Orchard - Hastings

Montana
The Maize at Grandpa's Farm - Billings

Nebraska
Camp Fontanelle - Nickerson

NewJersey
VonThun Farms - Monmouth Junction
Sahl's Father Son Farm - Egg Harbor City

New York
Wright Family Farm - Warwick
Harbes Family Farm - Mattituck

North Carolina
Patterson Farm Market and Tours - Mount Ulla

Ohio
The Corn Maze at the Sharp Run Market - Millersburg
Meadow View Growers - New Carlisle 

Pennsylvania
Hurricane Hill Farm - CoatsvilleTriple B Farms - Pittsburgh
Reillys Summer Seat Farm - Pittsburgh

Rhode Island
Confreda Greenhouses & Farms - Hope (Western Cranston)

Virginia
Cows-N-Corn - Midland
Wayside Farm Fun - Berryville
Belvedere Plantation - Fredericksburg

Utah
Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Fest - Spanish Fork

For Daily Updates on these coupons and coupons for other family attractions please visit and bookmark: http://www.usfamilycoupons.com 




Disclosure: I received this information from the sponsor. I may receive tickets to a fall family festival for sharing these deals with my readers. 

Grab the suitcase and travel with Groupon

Stop the excuses!  It is time to grab a bag and go on vacation.

Check out the deals from Groupon.



Groupon: Artfully Inspired Yotel Times Square - Manhanttan, New York 


 
All-Inclusive IFA Villas Bavaro Resort & Spa - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

 
Groupon: Family-Friendly Hotel The Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa - Lake Buena Vista, FL 

 
Groupon: LVH - Las Vegas Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas 

 
Groupon: From $69/night at Chicago's Essex Inn - Chicago, IL

An family urban adventure worthy of the amazing race - Urban Adventure Quest

Have you ever wondered how your family would work together to solve clues while traveling around the city? Do you ever wonder if there are unique and interesting landmarks that you have missed in your town? It is time to explore and have fun with Urban Adventure Quest.

Experience the fun of an Urban Scavenger Hunt in downtown Chicago.  This Smart Phone guided adventure lets you and your family experience the fun of the Amazing Race in 2-3 hours.  You solve clues and complete challenges while learning about the city in a fun new way.  This family friendly adventure is appropriate for ages 7-70 and is perfect to get the family out on a day of doing and learning. Start on your schedule and play at your own pace.   

Register on-line atwww.UrbanAdventureQuest.com Save $10 With Promo Code: USFAMILY

Cost: $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promo Code: USFamily

When: Play anytime during daylight hours

Save $10 with Promo Code: USFAMILY:http://www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com

Disclosure: My family may receive an opportunity to try this product for free. All opinions are my own. 

Fight summer brain drain with Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and Summer Brain Games

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
Occasionally, I work with family related companies and locales to share my opinions with my friends and readers. This summer I have partner with Chicago Museum of Science and Industry to share some important information on summer brain drain. Summer brain drain can be a daunting subject for families. Did you know that a child could lose between one and three months of learning over the summer?

When summer vacation hits, the kids wants to have fun. It is time to move away from the classroom and break free from the structured learning. Still, no parent wants her child to let the summer slip or summer brain drain to ruin all the hard work from the school year. The easiest way to keep learning fun is for kids to play. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago turns learning into playing.

I am a huge proponent of educational activities, like visiting museums or activities that required using your smarts. But, if I say that we are spending a bright, sunny day in a museum, the response can be far from enthusiastic. The kids want to play, explore and most importantly, have fun. At the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is the perfect place for the kids to have it all.

This museum is a place where kids are encouraged to explore, question and sometimes touch the exhibits. By interacting with the subject, kids can understand that learning is just like playing. Seeing how an object works, why it acts, and the outcome that occurs can stimulate conversations. Sparking the interest can create a lifelong interest in a particular subject.

Our family enjoys the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry for many things, but my children's favorite is the U-505 Submarine. It is the only German submarine in the United States. It always amazes us the size, both inside and out, of the submarine. The kids enjoy all the exhibits in the area because they can imagine what it is like to be a sailor. From the cramped quarters to the workings of a telescope, the hands on experiences make them want to explore time and again.

Visiting the museum is always a fun experience, but traveling into Chicago is not going to be a daily, or weekly, activity. Luckily the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry has brought back the Summer Brain Games. This free online science program offers weekly activities to keep kids thinking over the summer break. From creating a hydroponic garden to pinhole viewer, the kids get their hands moving and their minds working.

I would suggest signing up for the Summer Brain Games before telling your children so that you, the parent, are familiar with the activity. Some activities require specific item to complete the task. Personally, I let my kids choose from two activities. One week we do the first choice and the second week the other option. Many of the tasks can be adapted for a variety of ages and school levels. Help from an adult is probably best.

I enjoying explaining the scientific principles behind the task. Since the activity is generally easy, we look at the board strokes of the concept. The hope is to spark an interest in learning and possibly science.  Granted, my child may not be the next Stephen Hawking or Bill Gates, but he may want to learn more about the engineering thanks to the balloon racers activity.

Are you ready to grow some summer fun? Would your family like to explore the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry?  I have a family four pack of tickets to give away ($76 value). Please use the Rafflecopter to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is offering a fun and free online science program called Summer Brain Games. The eight-week program lasts from June 17, 2013-August 12, 2013 and features a weekly experiment or science challenge that can easily be performed at home with kids of all ages.

Visit msichicago.org/summerbrain now to register for Summer Brain Games and download your free Summer Brain Games kit. As an added bonus, registering automatically gets you a pass to come to the Museum for free this summer.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

Keep moving and grooving on your next family road trip

Gathering everyone together for multiple hours in the car can be a test in patience. Dad wants to listen to 80s hair bands, mom wants love songs and the kids want to hear something with a hypnotic beat. While headphones for all is an option, it doesn't allow everyone to enjoy the time toegher. Why not get some family friendly music that will make the hours driving by the countryside just fly by.

Here are some suggestions that keep the kids and adults clapping, singing and groovy throughout the drive. 

Recess Monkey, Deep Sea Diver

Whether your family is heading to the beach or the pool, the family will be ready for a water adventure with these aquatic tunes. Deep Sea Diver is an ocean themed recording set in a submarine which ends up shipwrecked on the beach of a lost island. From infectious beats to the catchy lyrics, everyone will be filled with energy during the road trip. 

Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble, I Like Everything About You (Yes, I Do)

Melody and rhythm can be found in a myriad of places. This percussion ensemble weaves a variety of instruments into a collaborative African Diaspora. The heart of this band's musical projects is the concept of body music. Likely the first music on the planet, clapping, slapping and singing express musical ideas. Combining body music with traditional instruments creates a coloration that can cross cultures. 

Young Avenue Kids, Whatever I Want To Be

If you suggested to your kids, why not the classical music station. The kids might protest, whine or otherwise voice their displeasure. With Whatever I Want to Be, the traditional classical music is transformed into a song that kids will want to hear over and over. 

What are some of your family's favorite road tunes?  Make a suggestion to add to the summer road trip playlist. 



Disclosure: I received these items to review. All opinions are my own. 

The must have essential item for family summer travel - the emergency bag

With the kids out of school on summer vacation, families are getting ready for the big summer trip. Whether your family are experienced travelers or will be taking your first trip, there is one item that should be on your must pack list, the emergency bag. 

The emergency bag can be different for every family.  In our house, we have a specific name for it because it is the phrase that we say when the bag becomes necessary.  (I'm not writing the name here because it could be offensive, lets say it rhymes with oh pit). For car travel, air travel of even a long day day trip, this bag can help in many of life's messes. 

Here is what we have in our emergency bag. 

One change of clothes

Several plain white towels (like a shop towel)

A few garbage bags or grocery bags

A bottle of water

A roll of paper towels

Medicine kit including Dramamine, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, anti-bacterial ointment, antihistamines

Our emergency kit was created after a few mishaps on family trips. When my son was small, he suffered from motion sickness. Less than 45 minutes into a trip, we would be pulling over to clean up the mess. There is nothing worse than a bad smell lingering in your car for hours on end. 

Every family has a few must have items for their travels. Do you have a must have item that makes traveling easier?  Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Travel advice from the expert, my Q&A with Rick Steves

The annual Travel and Adventure Show will return to Chicago on January 26 & 27. One of the special guests of the event is travel expert Rick Steves. I have the opportunity to ask him some questions in preparation for the upcoming event.

Since our family has a big international trip planned for this year, I wanted to get his advice on some of our travel questions.

Our family will be traveling abroad for with our kids in 2013, is there one must have item that families should pack for an international family vacation?
Kids should have their own moneybelt, an expanded “vacation allowance” and the responsibility to manage their funds and understand the foreign currency. They should also have and keep (as a pre-condition for getting the expanded allowance) a trip journal with meaningful thoughts and observations. This will end up being their favorite souvenir.

· I've noticed that on your PBS show that you often carry a backpack. What are some of the items that you carry in your backpack?
In my day bag I carry a camera, sweater, extra pencil, travel notes, my script (when making TV), a small water bottle, and very often a small ham and/or cheese sandwich in a zip lock baggie swiped from the breakfast buffet.

· Many of travel suggestions include cities that are smaller in size or not the popular names, how does the novice travel feel confident traveling off the beaten track?
The novice traveler should understand that famous and popular places don’t need to work to make a visit efficient or welcoming while smaller and less famous destinations appreciate you more and work to help you have a great time. The infrastructure of travel and the language barrier are no different in either case.

· When traveling to a foreign country, how important is knowing the native language? Are there any apps or books that you recommend for translation?
While I wish I spoke a foreign language (and Ireland is one of my favorite countries in part because when hanging out with locals there I have the sensation that I’m understanding a foreign language), it is not important for the basic needs of a traveler. For the same reason I personally haven’t used a phrasebook much, I don’t think I’d mess with an app. A bold spirit of adventure, a dollop of common sense, and a big smile are all I need to communicate in my travels.

· Is there one country or locale that you haven't visited that you want to see in 2013?
The West Bank (Palestinian Territories) and Alexandria in Egypt.

Rick Steves is the author of  Rick Steves' European Guidebooks, Host, Writer & Producer, Public Television, Rick Steves' Europe. He will be appearing at the Travel and Adventure Show.

Want to learn more about travel opportunities in 2013? Come out to the Travel and Adventure show in Chicago on January 26 & 27 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and children under 16 are free.



Disclosure: I received a pass to attend this expo.

Could you see me driving an RV?

Over the Labor Day, my family and I took a trip to Wisconsin. On our way to Lambeau Field for the Green Bay Packer game, my husband kept pointing out all the RV traveling. Once again, he commented - that could be us. Just think. We could travel the country in an RV. Think of all the sites we could visit. From the biggest ball of twine to all the restaurants from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the possibilities are endless.

Of course, I let him go on, thinking to myself that an RV really isn't for us. But as time continued (it's a 4 hour trip in the mini-van), the idea of more space and less noise, might just be a possibility for us. 

Plus, when we arrived in Green Bay, there were lots of RVs in the various parking lots. These families camped out over night and saved on hotel rooms. (If you've gotten a hotel in Green Bay during a Packer game, you know that the price tag can cause quite a shock). 

Since, I like lots of information to make an informed decision, I spoke with Ryan Lee of Monaco Coach and Holiday Ramble and he answered my questions. Here are my questions and his responses.

RVs seem like big vehicles to drive. How hard is it? Also should I be concerned with going under an overpass or bridge?

They are actually very easy to drive once you get comfortable. We have many great features like side vision cameras that highlight blind spots along with a backup camera to help with parking. We have many male and female customers that drive the units and once they get comfortable the really enjoy the visibility and comfort our products provide. The only time you may run into clearance issues would be on old highways, we are well under all underpasses on major thoroughfares.

Do you need any special license or permit to drive?

This is state dependent. Most states do not require a special permit but some due.

With fuel prices increasing, how much to fill a tank, and what distance/range do you get? Do you think this is a good value?

Using the national average of 3.60 and using a typical Gas RV fuel tank of 75 gallons to fill up your cost is $270. Average fuel economy is 9 to 11 gallons so taking the median of 10 you can travel  750 miles on one tank. This is a very long distance and when you take into consideration that you are not paying for Hotel, Restaurants and a plan ticket for vacation this is a tremendous value.

Is there working TV/Satellite Radio/DVD player?

Yes we offer all 3 and even over blue ray, i-pod hook ups and blue tooth.

How do you get clean water?

The RV has a water filtration system on board so all water is filtered before drinking.

If I am driving for just a few days, do I need to worry about waste removal?

It really depends on your usage of the sinks, showers, and toilets. I would say if you were thoughtful no you would not have to worry about water removal. I would like to mention that waste removal is a very simple process involving pulling one valve and hooking a hose up to a waste station.

How hard is it to find places to stop that would accept RVs? Where can you find places with power hook-ups?

There are thousands of RV parks around North America so it’s very easy to find a place to stop. Also note that Wal-Mart and Flying J/Pilot fuel stations welcome RVers. Most RV parks have power and water.

Is there enough space for a family?

Yes many of our units have between 400 to 500 square feet which in some cases are larger than apartments.

Need any special insurance?

You do need RV insurance but it is very affordable and is easily added on to your home or car provider.

What do you with younger children?  Is there seating that is car seat ready?

We have seat belts in all of our sofas for children. You would have to bring you own car seat to put into the unit.

What is the most popular destination to take a RV trip?

National Parks, Disneyland/Disneyworld, Nascar Races, Sporting events and Concert events rank as some of the highest destination points. 

Needless to say, Ryan provided me with lots of information on why an RV could work for us. Now onto the other part, the cost. I'm continuing to look into whether an RV is right for our family. 

Do you have any questions or thoughts about a family traveling by RV or owning an RV? Please share your experiences with me as I continue to gather more information on our RV decision.