Zappos Moms confess their Stress, fustrations, and excitments for "Back to School" time!

Interview with Dee C. (Parent of Alyssa & Chris)

As a parent, what are the biggest challenges you encounter when preparing for back to school?
One of the biggest challenges for me this year was timing. With a daughter starting 6th grade and a son starting Kindergarten, it was tough. Running around and trying to buy the right thing for each. With a busy work schedule that is not always possible. I must admit, I did do a lot more shopping online than I have ever before. It is so convenient and it doesn't hurt that I work at Zappos. We really do have some great choices.

What are the kids most excited about when it comes to returning back to school?
The kids??? What about the parents? This question should read….What are the parents most excited about when it comes to Back to School!

What are the most predominant kids trends for the season?
For my 4 year old….skate. For my 10 year old daughter….fashion. The trends for kids in my neighborhood is mixed. We have such a array of fashion trends happening and it is great to see. Girls are very trendy with bling and denim skirts and printed leggings or more casual with cargo pants, converse and tees. Some boys are wearing more rocker style jeans with a very slim fit, tees and sneakers. The trend has definitely gone away from the bagger jean, and that is great! Can't forget your ever so faithful athletic style. This will always be strong no matter where you go. It is comfortable and yet fashionable.

What are the top 5 most important items to equip your child with for back to school?
Folder with a strap, water, money, trendy backpack and a watch…..For my daughter, she insisted on getting a folder with a strap so she didn’t have to carry it all across the school. A trendy backpack to carry her stuff home in…because backpacks are not allowed during school hours anymore. Money is very important because Junior High snacks and food are so expensive now….or I am just getting old. I'm sorry but $5 a day really takes a hit in Mom's purse buying budget. hahaha Oh and I can't forget the watch. Now she has no excuse to call and check in late.

What is your favorite part about back to school?
I save on childcare!!! It really brings a tear to my eye…..childcare costs are ridiculous!!! (Worth it…but ridiculous!)

What is your fondest back to school memory?
My little boy started what he calls "Big Boy School." It was great to walk him into his new class and find his name on the little short table with the little chair. All you saw was flash after flash in the room. Mothers and fathers snapping away as they watched their little man or little lady coloring. His teacher ever so nicely kept saying…."Ok Mom and Dad, it's probably time for you to say your good-bye's…..bye…." as she gestured for us to leave with her hand. You know we stayed! hahaha… End Scene….roll out the tears.

Zappos Moms confess their Stress, fustrations, and excitments for "Back to School" time!



Interview with Sara W. (Parent of Jordyn & Zach)

As a parent, what are the biggest challenges you encounter when preparing for back to school?
“This year, the fact that my daughter started high school!! haha Oh lord… Well honestly the biggest challenge for me is getting them back in a routine and waking up early!”

What are the kids most excited about when it comes to returning back to school?
“Their social life?! haha They get cabin fever during the summer so they always want to go back to school.”

What are the most predominant kids trends for the season?
“I think there are a lot of trends and it just depends on the child's style. My daughter, for instance, will only wear black, white or red because I'm assuming you're not cool otherwise? I just don't know. Skinny jeans!!! I would say the 'skate' trend is always huge, especially in high school! Urban is big.”

What are the top 5 most important items to equip your child with for back to school?
“Mace, Lunch, Shoes (enter zappos!), Backpack and Bicycle“

What is your favorite part about back to school?
“Get OUT of my house!!!!!!! Every parent knows that”

What is your fondest back to school memory?
“Aaaaw, ok I will be serious on this one. My son is my baby and I was retarded and cried his first day of Kindergarten! I think a lot of parents do that!? My daughter always had this beautiful, long, curly hair and when she started 1st grade, I chopped it all off for picture day which was right after school started. That day ended up being September 11th and so I was trippin on wether to send her to school or not! But she looked so cute I sent her anyway and forever have her first grade school pictures taken on that day. “

Choosing the right baby stroller can be a challenge for many new parents, but you'll find several efficient, multi-functional and super versatile models to choose from. The days of the traditional pram and baby carriage have given way to stylish, lightweight models that help you and baby get around town with ease. Many are now equipped with weather-resistant materials and durable tires, so you can take on that upcoming adventure with ease!

Multi-Purpose and Versatile
Strollers designed to accommodate for different positions, terrains and built with folding technology are stylish and versatile for families on the go. The City Classic stroller is made with 12-inch, all-terrain tires and a convenient rear parking brake. Padded seats and quick release wheels make this a versatile and multi-functional stroller that's sure to last for years to come.

Fashionable and Sharp
When you want to make a fashion statement at the park or take your tot on a stylish ride through the neighborhood, strollers like the Baby Jogger City Elite are eye-catching styles that offer a comfortable ride. This stroller folds easily and is designed with a padded 5-point safety harness for extra protection. If you're the type of parent who likes to pack several accessories, this one offers plenty of room with its six storage compartments.

Double the Fun!
Whether you're managing twins or just want some extra room for accessories and toys in the stroller, a double baby jogger might be the right match. The Baby Jogger City Classic is designed with an adjustable 5-point safety harness and efficient folding and locking system. Whether you're tackling city parks or heading out for a spin around the neighborhood, this one's ready to take on any challenge with its 12" all-terrain pneumatic tires.

Other Accessories
If it's time to just tote along your baby or tiny tot for a day outdoors, a comfy crib designed to withstand nature is an ideal match. The Bassinet Baby Jogger is a hard cased pram designed with its own adjustable sun canopy and can sit easily on top of the stroller - or just carried around.

When you have multiples, it is easy to encourage each child to do the same things and wear the same things, but this really isn't fair to your kids. Each multiple is an individual, and each needs the freedom to explore their own interests. As a parent of multiples, you want your kids to be happy and to develop their own personalities and interests, however, when you have two or more kids going in different directions it can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome the obstacles associated with fostering your multiples' interests.

Finding Unique Interests
The first step in developing your multiples' interests is to figure out what they are interested in. The best way to do this is to talk about what they are into. Do this as a family. Talk about different hobbies like playing a musical instrument, playing sports or completing art projects. Ask your multiples what they would like to learn how to do, or what teams they would like to join or what school activities they want to participate in this year. Create a list for each member of the family.

Research Your Options
After you have figured out what each multiple is interested in, you need to find ways for your kids to explore their interests. You can sign them up for classes, lessons or sports programs. You can also look for ways for your multiples to explore their interests at home. For example if your child is interested in soccer, you can buy equipment and soccer shoes so that they can play soccer at home or to at least do soccer drills at home. Also find ways that the entire family can explore the interest together, like going to a professional soccer game. This will show your kids that you are interested in what they are interested in, and it will provide you with something fun to do as a family.

Working Out Scheduling Issues
One of the problems that parents of multiples face is getting their kids to and from their individual activities, as well as being able to show up for games and recitals that overlap. The best way to deal with scheduling challenges is to set up an official family activity schedule. On this schedule have your kids identify what games or events that they really want you to show up to and ones that aren't as important. Then figure out how your kids will get to each practice, how they will get home and how they will get to and from games and special events. Talk to your boss about adjusting your work schedule so that you can attend the important events.

Football season is right around the corner, and it's time to break out the snacks. Come on. You know we all do it. When the big games are on, big meals are put on hold and appetizers are the main course. While it may not be healthy to make a meal out of jalapeno poppers and onion rings, there are some healthy appetizers you can prepare. Stop feeling guilty about making a meal out of appetizers on football Sunday and try out these healthy snacks. They may be low in fat calories, but even the kids will love them.

Ultimate Football Nachos
Serves 8

• 1 bag of baked tortilla chips
• 2 cups of 2-percent shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound of 93-percent lean ground beef
• 1 pack of taco seasoning, plus water to prepare it
• 1 can of fat-free refried beans
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
• 1 small can of pickled jalapenos
• 1 cup of reduced fat sour cream
• 1 cup of taco sauce

1. Heat tortilla chips for 4 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with cheese and continue baking until the cheese has melted.
2. Brown ground beef and combine with taco mix and water. Cook according to package directions.
3. In the meantime, heat refried beans until heated through.
4. Top tortilla chips with taco meat, refried beans, tomatoes, green onions, pickled jalapenos, sour cream and taco sauce.
5. Serve immediately.

Mini Chicken Pita Pizzas
Serves 8

• Cajun seasoning
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 24 mini whole wheat pita loaves
• ½ cup - 1 cup of barbeque sauce
• 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese

1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and bake until cooked through.
2. Place pita bread on a cookie sheet. Top with barbeque sauce, cheese, and chicken breasts that have been chopped.
3. Bake until cheese has melted and pita bread is crisp.

Who said football food had to be unhealthy? These appetizers are not only delicious, but they're lower in fat and calories than traditional football favorites. Football season's almost here. Slip into a comfy t-shirt and watch the big game while still snacking on tasty appetizers.

Got any ideas for game day snacks? Comment below!

One of the things that's most unfair about pregnancy is how hard it is
to sleep. You're supposed to be getting your rest and saving up your
energy for having a newborn on your hands, but hormones give you weird
dreams and make you feel nauseated, too hot, or too cold. The doctors
and the What To Expect When You're Expecting book make you feel that
the only safe way to sleep is on your side, your chest is tender,
you're getting pounded by feet from the inside out, and more often than
not, you're in pain from sciatica or some other nerve that's not used
to being pinched. Here are a few suggestions to make sleeping easier during pregnancy:

1. A Body Pillow

Body pillows are long cylindrical pillows that you can wrap your limbs
around like a sleeping partner, but they're lighter so your arms don't
fall asleep, and they don't wriggle and squirm. They help take pressure
off of overtaxed nerves and can really make the difference between a
good night's sleep and misery. You can get a utilitarian version at any
store that sells maternity clothes, or Ralph Lauren makes a decorator
version for more upscale new moms.

2. Recliners

If you have access to a recliner, sleeping partially reclined -- feet
up, back just slightly back -- can be the most comfortable position for
women in their third trimester. If not, get someone to take you for a
long car ride and duplicate it as best as possible for a long nap.

3. A Supportive Bra

Don't underestimate the pain that a tender chest can cause you during
pregnancy. A good supportive bra will help immeasurably with this
problem. There are many styles you can find that are adaptable as
nursing bras after you have the baby.

4. Comfortable Maternity Clothes

Temperature control during pregnancy is difficult due to hormonal
changes. The best way to handle the roller coaster of being hot and
cold is with layers. Get a long-sleeved tee shirt and put it over a
camisole. If you wake up hot in the middle of the night, it's easier to
go back to sleep if you just have to pull a light layer off in the dark
than doing a full change.

Hey, guess what? Remember the Junior Ranger program available when taking kids to visit that big crack in the earth in Arizona? Well, America is a fantastic country from sea to shining sea, and who cares if there isn't even a shining sea at the Grand Canyon; it's close enough to fit this-here analogy. Way out east, all the way across the country, there is a shining sea and situated upon a small harbor stands a 151-foot tall woman. Now, don't go calling 911, her name is Lady Liberty and she's perfectly harmless. And guess what? The Statue of Liberty also offers a Junior Ranger program not unlike what is offered at the Grand Canyon.

Just as every kid, and most adults, should visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lives, they should also see the Statue of Liberty. And the Statue of Liberty Junior Ranger program is just the thing to make a visit memorable. Because, after all, there is only so much memory that can be packed into the mind of a kid simply from riding a ferry to Liberty Island and gawking upward. The Junior Ranger program at the Statue of Liberty offers kids the chance to make their visit to Liberty Island a learning experience that also just happens to be fun. Consider it a kind of scavenger hunt for trivia, information and knowledge. By the time the kids get through filling out all the missing information in their Junior Ranger kit, they'll know enough to write a book or host a talk show. In fact, the amount of factual information that will fill their heads will make them over qualified to become a talk show host.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the big three American tourist spots that every citizen needs to visit, alongside Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. The only problem is that most kids will probably enjoy the majesty of the Statue of Liberty the least of these three. Of course, the caretakers of the very tall Ms. Liberty probably recognized this and that's why they came up with this great Ranger program to toss a little adventure that is sorely missing from this American landmark.

They've been crawling around for weeks on end and have finally taken their first step. Congratulations! Your baby is now ready for a fresh new pair of walking shoes. Infant or toddler shoes are an absolute essential the moment your young one works up the courage to take their first few steps. They'll need a quality pair of shoes that support their feet and ankles so they can perform their next balancing act.

As you welcome your little one into the world from their new perspective, here are some shopping tips for new parents on choosing the right pair of baby shoes:

1. Look for breathable materials. Thick and durable shoes might look practical, but shoes need to be made with materials that help feet breathe. This ensures your baby's feet will have healthy circulation and provide enough support for any hot days ahead.

2. Have your baby or toddler fitted for the right size. This is especially important if you're buying boots or ankle-high shoes because these styles can easily trap your baby's feet and become uncomfortable. Look for lightweight materials and flexible soles that mold into the shape of your baby's feet over time.

3. Opt for Velcro. Velcro makes it super easy to strap on those shoes at a moment's notice and avoid the hassle of tying up laces, or your little guy or gal tripping over undone laces. Velcro does have a major drawback; your curious little tot is much more likely to untie their own shoes with the handy Velcro strap when you're out and about. Still, Velcro is a practical and convenient way to keep those shoes securely in place, and you can teach your baby or toddler to cooperate. Well, at least most of the time.

4. Look for non-slip soles. Shoes with light to heavy tread will prevent your baby from slipping and sliding their way around hardwood floors and tile. These types of shoes will also help the feet maintain balance, and give your young one a chance to move and explore with ease.

5. Try noise making shoes. Shoes that squeak or make a noise are valuable for parents who want to keep track of their little one. They're also fun for the baby or toddler, as many enjoy making noise and attracting attention wherever they go!

One of the great things about gardening is that it can serve as a great family recreation activity, while at the same time providing your family with a source of inexpensive and healthy produce. Additionally, a family garden teaches children to help out around the house and is a great way to help them learn that there are great rewards that come with hard work. Even children can enjoy working in a family garden. Just remember that you all need to do is work together as a family to make it a fun family recreation, as well as teaching, experience.

Tips for making a family garden
Consider activities that are age appropriate. Children of all ages can dig holes and help put the seeds in. It is also possible for toddlers to help remove rocks from the garden area. However, some children may not be able to help in all capacities. Keep a section of the garden available only for digging. This will allow the youngest children the ability to feel as though they are part of the adventure.

Set aside specific shoes for gardening. Shoes are going to get dirty, so try and set them aside, just out the back door or inside the garage, and designate them as "gardening shoes." Slip-on shoes, shoes with Velcro or old canvas shoes are ideal for outside work in a family garden. These are quick and easy to put on and take off and can be exclusively for work in the garden.

Have a variety of plants. Include large sunflowers in the family garden, along with vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, pumpkins (and other vine plants) and beans (and peas that climb) are all fun for children. Talk about the different plants and what they can be used for. Harvest them together and make a point to eat produce from your garden. If there is enough, be sure to freeze or bottle it for later in the year.

Some of my happiest memories growing up were made in the family garden. Family recreation doesn't have to be expensive or take you away from home. You can build strong family ties in your own backyard.

Labor Day is right around the corner. It's both a time to celebrate and shed a tear. It's time to say goodbye to summer and hello to high heating bills. More importantly, it's time to break out the grill for one last meal. While most people say farewell to their faithful grills by cooking hotdogs and hamburgers, there are healthier meals to consider. Stop curling your nose up right this minute. Even though your Labor Day feast will be healthy, it doesn't have to flavorless. Best of all, this meal is quick and easy to fix.

Grilled Chicken with Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salsa
Serves 4

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
• Olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup of peaches, chopped
• 1 cup of blackberries
• ½ lime, juiced

1. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through.
3. In the meantime, combine the strawberries, peaches, blackberries and lime juice.
4. When the chicken is cooked, top each breast with fruit salsa and serve immediately.
5. Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

Tips:
Taste the salsa to determine if it's sweet enough. If not, add sugar substitute to taste.
You may need a whole lime depending on how juicy your lime is.

Grilled Banana Splits
Serves 4

• 4 plums, cut in half and pitted
• 4 peaches, cut in half and pitted
• 4 large spears of pineapple
• 4 bananas, sliced in half lengthwise
• Fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt

1. Grill the plums, peaches, and pineapple while you're grilling the rest of your meal.
2. Allow the fruit to cool while you enjoy your dinner.
3. Grill the bananas and chop the other grilled fruit.
4. Place the bananas in long dishes and top with three scoops of frozen yogurt per dish.
5. Top each scoop with a different grilled fruit.

Who said healthy recipes had to be boring? Grab a pair of flip flops and enjoy the last few days of summer.

Okay, you saw Bigfoot in Willow Creek, CA and aliens in Roswell, NM. Now it is time to complete the trilogy and take in a sea monster. No, not Nessie. The Loch Ness is simply too far away for most Americans to get to in this age air travel costing as much as a small compact car. Have no fear, however, because America has its own famous sea monster. And she's located in one of the most beautiful states in the country: Vermont.

If the Loch Ness Monster is real, then there is reason to believe that the creature found in Lake Champlain is a relative. Both of these sea creatures share the many of the same characteristics and Champ, as the creature is called, may be a leftover of the dinosaur era, specifically a plesiosaur. The Scots often refer to these creatures a water horse and there is much in that. The photos that have taken of Champ or Nessie don't actually look like a horse, of course, but do you remember that breathtaking sense of wonder you used to get when you were a kid and you came across a horse running with abandon during a drive in the country? That is the same sense of wonder your perhaps slightly jaded kids will get if they happen to just see a stick floating in the waters of Lake Champlain.

That is exactly the reason why a visit to Lake Champlain or Loch Ness or Ogopogo up in Canada can be something your children won't soon forget. Nobody really expects to see a sea serpent in these strange waters, but in most cases there is always something floating past that may seem to look like a sea creature. If you want to instill a sense of wonder in children who are growing up in a world in which all the mysteries have been sucked away by science or television shows overexplaining things, then take them to a place like Lake Champlain and watch as their imaginations take over and transform the most mundane item into a thing of absolute marvel and awe.

Remember the Sunday dinners your mother always made? Unfortunately, parents rarely have time to put a skillet meal on the table, let alone a beef roast. Is it possible to make some of the dishes your mother made, while running around like a chicken with its head cut off? Sure. You just need to learn a few new tricks.

Your mother probably spent hours preparing the perfect beef roast. If you had all day to cook, would you honestly be cooking? After all, you spend hours running your children from one practice to another. Still, that doesn't mean you can't prepare a delicious beef roast.

Easy Slow Cooked Beef Roast
Serves 4

• 2 pound sirloin beef roast
• 1 pound of baby carrots
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 1 pound of red potatoes, quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste

1. Combine the carrots, onions, potatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Place the beef roast on top of the vegetables, fat side up. Add Worcestershire sauce and additional salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
4. Serve with whole wheat rolls and a simple side salad.

Who can forget those belly popping desserts you mother always made on Sunday? You were already stuffed from her wonderful beef roast. But hey, you could always undo the top button of your pants right? Instead of turning your children into chubby little Oompa Loompas, why not prepare a dessert that's low on calories and high in taste?

Berries and "Cream" Parfaits
Serves 4

• 2 cups of sliced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons of sugar substitute (a brand that tastes like real sugar)
• ¼ of an angel food cake
• 1 cup of blackberries
• 1 cup of raspberries

To make the fat-free whipped topping:

1. Macerate the strawberries by adding sugar substitute and allowing them to sit until a syrup forms.
2. Layer the angel food cake, berries, and whipped topping in 4 tall parfait glasses and serve.

OK, so the kids loved Bigfoot Country in Willow Creek, and now they're all pumped up for the paranormal. The Bermuda Triangle is too dangerous and Loch Ness is too far away. But you're in luck because the truth is not out there; it's in Roswell, New Mexico. You and the spouse don't have to be Mulder or Scully to have a fine time exposing your kids, who may at times seem like aliens to you, Close Encounters of the Buzzword Kind. Let's be honest about Roswell, New Mexico. It is a destination spot your kids won't forget, not because of what they may learn about UFOs, but more for what they will learn about the ability of America to market literally anything. Roswell at times seems like literally stepping back into that innocent era of tourist traps where it was the cheesy quality that made them special. You know, like alligator farms and mermaid shows?

Just how much cheesy fun is the UFO capital of the world? Even the local Wal-Mart sports a sign that says "Aliens Welcome." Roswell is a company town, and the company headquarters is that big face on Mars. Everywhere you look in Roswell there are flying saucers and little gray aliens. There isn't a kid in American whose face won't light up the first time he sees one of the many saucers that appear to have crashed into the façade of one of Roswell's many alien-themed diners. Once the kids eat a hamburger made from an actual alien, (OK, that part was totally made up) round them up and head them over to witness a recreation of an actual alien autopsy being performed at the Area 51 Museum, and that part wasn't made up. There are exactly two places in Roswell that you and your kids will leave saying you believe. The Area 51 Museum not only offers an alien autopsy, but an upside down room and the ability for the kids to pose with an alien.

Once you finish with the fun it's time for the education. The International UFO and Research Center is the place to take the kids to learn about the actual history of the alleged Roswell crash, which gave birth the Roswell obsession with UFOs and aliens.

"It's the hap-happiest season of all." At least that's how parents feel. Kids on the other hand are looking at the calendar in complete horror. It's almost here. It's finally time to send the kids back to school. Admit it, you're about to burst with anticipation. Of course, even if you're a stay-at-home parent, you must also admit that meal time is about to change. There will now be after school activities that leave you running all over town. At least once or twice a week, you're going to scratch your head and wonder what on earth you're going to make for dinner. That's when a well-stocked pantry will come in handy.

A well-stocked pantry should have everything you need to prepare a meal in a matter of minutes. Even after soccer and piano practice, you should be able to stuff your family's bellies full of a delicious meal. This means having items like pasta, canned vegetables and fruit, pasta sauce, canned meat and fish, condiments, bread, baking supplies and spices. With these ingredients on hand, even a healthy meal is easy.

Take It On the Go Tuna Pasta Salad
Serves four

• 1 pound whole wheat pasta, your favorite shape
• 2 cans of solid white albacore tuna
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, chopped
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• 1 cup fat-free Italian dressing

1. Cook the pasta and toss with the other ingredients.
2. Serve with whole wheat rolls.

With all the after school activities going on, your kids will need a boost of energy. A well-stocked pantry will have everything you need to prepare a healthy trail mix.

Healthy Chocolate Trail Mix
Serves four

• 4 cups of granola
• 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup of walnuts
• 1 cup dried cranberries

1. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Portion out into zip-top bags for easy serving.

Even though the next few months will be crazy, that doesn't mean you can't put a homemade meal on the table. Slip on a pair of fashionable sneakers and enjoy the great back to school season.

Do you have any back to school lunch ideas? Comment below!

The great thing about taking the kids to San Francisco is that it no matter what season you make the trip you can bring the same heavy clothing. As Mark Twain once said, "the coldest winter I ever spent was the summer I spent in San Francisco." So pack up the windbreakers and the heavy denim and bring the kids along to what is often called the most beautiful city in America.

Of course, most kids don't appreciate beauty so your first stop should be the Rock. Alcatraz. The Big House on the little island. Alcatraz is the most famous prison in American history and a tour through its chilling halls is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on most kids. Even if they don't have the slightest idea who Al Capone was, they'll be thrilled by the concept that ghosts of prisoners are said to sometimes haunt visitors. Alcatraz offers kids a glimpse into the uglier aspects of life, and so it can be used for both entertainment and educational purposes. Scare them straight in San Francisco!

After the dark side of the Rock, it's time to reveal a marvel of beauty to the young ones. The Golden Gate Bridge routinely makes the list of modern day wonders of the world and there have been preciously few people of any age who have not taken a walking tour of this gleaming monument to Manifest Destiny and come away awestruck. A tour of a bridge may not seem like the kind of thing to hold the interest of a child, but the Golden Gate Bridge is more than just a connector of two land masses. There is history and resonance to this bridge that almost lends it the aura of Mt. Rushmore or the Grand Canyon.

Clang, clang, clang went the trolley! One of the most surefire methods of making a kid enjoy a trip to a city without a theme park is to give him or her a ride on a cable car. The cable car used to be the primary method of public transportation in cities around the country, but none holds quite the grip on the imagination as those in Frisco. Nothing will bring a smile to your kids quicker than stepping into these living time travel machines and riding up and down the city's famous hills. Just remember to bring the sweater. Even in July.