San Francisco's 3-alarm tour

Visitors and locals alike rave about the Fire Engine Tours & Adventures in San Francisco. What better way to see the city than to zoom around in a classic red 1955 Mack fire engine? Run by a husband and wife team, the 75-minute tour starts from Fisherman’s Wharf and includes Sausalito, Ft. Point, the Presidio, Union St. and a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Although you get fire jackets to wear (which makes for a great photo-op), it’s best to dress warmly since the engine is open air and it can get quite chilly going across the bridge. Riders of all ages are welcome aboard however the drivers’ comedy is geared more towards young kids. Reservations are highly recommended as the seating is limited.

Admission:
Adults - $45
Teens (13-17) - $30
Children (12 & under) - $25

Hours:
1pm daily (except Tuesday)
Tours at 11am, 3pm & 5pm are added certain days – call for details

http://www.fireenginetours.com

Learn through play in Philly

Let your children be your guides at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. Specifically geared towards young children, this museum encourages learning through play. With lots of different interactive exhibits, your children will have fun while developing their creativity and problem-solving skills. Follow Alice into Wonderland, help build a treehouse, or explore the world of “Where the Wild Things Are.” For the youngest set (under 3) there’s a special Barnyard Babies exhibit where they can work on a farm and play in the vegetable garden. And when you want to wind down after running around all day, settle in at the Story Garden or catch an ongoing interactive show at the theater. The museum recommends visiting in the afternoons or on Mondays, which are generally the quietest. Sunny days are also a good choice since rain seems to bring out the crowds.

Admission:
Children & Adults - $9.95
Children (under 1 yr old) – Free
Members – Free

Hours:
9am – 4:30pm daily
9am – 5pm daily (July 1 – Labor Day)
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day

http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/

Endless (free!) museum choices in DC

A trip to Washington DC wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of the many museums comprising the Smithsonian Institution. The largest museum complex in the world, the Smithsonian has 17 museums and a zoo - all free to the public. Some popular choices to visit with kids are the Museum of Natural History, the National Zoological Park, and the Air and Space Museum (a personal favorite of mine). Many of the museums are clustered around the National Mall – a one mile stretch of land that offers great views of the Capitol building at one end and the Washington Monument at the other. It’s also a great place to take a break from museum hopping and enjoy a game of Frisbee, grab a frozen treat from a vendor, or simply people watch.

Admission:
FREE!

Hours:
10am-5:30pm daily (except Dec 25)
check website for specific museums

http://www.si.edu/

Upscale Chicago dining with the American Girls

If you have a young daughter (or granddaughter) chances are you’re familiar with the wildly popular line of American Girl dolls. With additional locations in LA and NYC, the American Girl Café in Chicago gives girls the chance to dine with their favorite dolls. Special mini booster seats are provided at the tables. Forgot to bring a doll with you? No need to feel left out: simply borrow one. There are other special touches, such as napkin rings that double as hair scrunchies you can take home with you. While the café is geared towards the younger set, the menu is definitely adult-friendly. It’s not just chicken fingers and pizza here…there’s also quiche, baked tilapia, scones with Devonshire cream and their signature cinnamon buns. Pricing is per person and includes the cinnamon buns, one or two courses (depending on the meal), drinks, and dessert. The café is popular for birthday parties so reservations are highly recommended.

This place makes me wish it were around back when I had my "Molly" doll.

Prices
Brunch - $18
Lunch - $20
Afternoon tea - $17
Dinner - $22

Hours
Call for seating times 1-877-AG PLACE

http://www.americangirlplace.com/agp_chi_cafe.php