washington national cathedral gift shop For years, the Tuscan Inn could proudly call itself the best hotel in Fisherman s Wharf. Now that ti

Ask your children what they would like to do during the trip. G ive them options, make a calendar , and follo w through on some of their suggestions. This doesn t mean they are in charge. It means they get to participate in a bit of decision-making. Give them a camera. E ither buy an inexpensive digital camera for y our kids, or let them use y ours (car efully) once in a while. I t s empo wering and cheap since you can just delete all the pictures washington national cathedral gift shop with people s heads cut off and provides a new way for your kids to think about sightseeing. Have them keep a journal. E ven before they could write, we gave our girls notebooks so they could draw pictur es of things they saw on each trip. Now, on vacations, they enjo y spending the fe w minutes befor e dinner arriv es writing washington national cathedral gift shop about their day. Look at the silv er lining. Taking our toddler son back to hotels for naps in the middle washington national cathedral gift shop of the day is my ex cuse for me to read a good book. or enjo y a nice nap myself, something that s rare at home. Relax. When y ou slo w do wn, forget about stresses of home, and all focus on your ne w surr oundings, y ou and y our family can build some lasting memories together. How to Take Great Trips with Y our Kids (The Harvard Common Press) is full of good general advice that can apply to travel anywhere.

For years, the Tuscan Inn could proudly call itself the best hotel in Fisherman s Wharf. Now that title will have to be passed on to the Argonaut. (Both hotels are part of the Kimpton washington national cathedral gift shop hotel group.) Tuscan Inn rates are lower than the Argonaut s, but the inn is located on the less picturesque end of Fisherman s Wharf and doesn t have bay views. One thing both hotels washington national cathedral gift shop lack is a pool, so if you re dead-set on one in this neighborhood, you ll have to go with one of the national chains. What the Tuscan Inn does have are spacious guest rooms and bathrooms handsomely furnished in warm, inviting colors. R ooms are filled with amenities, including a combination honor bar/fridge, and y ou can bring Fido with you too. The comfortable lobby puts out hot chocolate and biscotti in the mornings, washington national cathedral gift shop not just coffee and tea, and hosts a complimentary wine hour in the evenings. More important, the concierge here is friendly and intelligent, setting the tone for the r est of the staff.

That said, if you absolutely want to visit and have the kids in tow, not to worry. The staff is friendly and r elaxed. Moreover, washington national cathedral gift shop chef Stoll and his wife Annie ar e parents themselves and sure to be accommodating. B ut if you re in any way concerned that the place may be too much for your kids, just head next door to Pizzeria Delfina (see below). Note: While I ve listed Delfina in the expensive category, the reasonable prices washington national cathedral gift shop almost justify listing it in the moderate categor y.