The BEST Things To Do In Indiana Dunes National Park In 2025!

BY  Sibashree Jan 27, 2026

I was standing in my living room and almost tripped over Lego blocks. I have been doing this all day long, and I need my days by the beach back. This was my story a few years back, and I was wondering if I would see a white sand beach ever again. Then, Boracay happened to me. Initially, my friends were like, “There are fire dancers everywhere, and the nightlife is lit. What are you going to do with these guys?” My daughter was 5 then, and my sonwas all of 2 years. I was more worried about toilets, cleaning stations, and a clean place for meals.  Boracay impressed me. It is a fusion of high-energy vacation and a laid-back vibe. Yes, it was a bit expensive by the standards of the Philippines, which is one of the cheapest places to travel in the world.  However, it was okay considering the ease I enjoyed while traveling with two kids.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the unique things to do in Boracay with kids. If you want to explore more of the Philippines, you can check out my guide on things to do in Siquijor.  How To Reach Boracay? Yes, this part was a little tricky for me. The travel involved flights, boats, and buses. It was nothing short of a military operation.  However, all the fatigue goes away when the boat hits the jetty, and the turquoise water appears before the eyes.  Also, Boracay is a good mix of modern structures and traditional island life. You will find air-conditioned malls and fancy malls along with the quintessence of the tropics.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Boracay With Kids?  The calm and shallow waters and car-free zones make Boracay a stress-free destination for parents like me.  Also, the Giant Sand Box or the White Beach offers a natural playground for kids. Here is more about the unique things to do in Boracay with kids. 1. The Ultimate Sand Experience At White Beach  The most beautiful beach in Boracay, White Beach, is enchanting, and where we dedicated most of our time. White beach stretches for 4 kilometers, featuring stunning white sand, and is the island's most bustling area. It has three stations (creatively named Station 1, 2, and 3).  The second location is the primary one where we stayed and relaxed.  I anticipated it would be overcrowded, excessively noisy, and not particularly suitable for families. However, that wasn’t true at all.  It was hectic, but not excessively so, and never noisy in my experience. Our children enjoyed it. If you're searching for activities in Boracay Station 2, you won't need to search for too long. Shops, bars, restaurants, tour desks, and massage parlours are found everywhere. My favorite section was the “beach path,” a wide, sandy walkway that follows the beach and is filled with all the essentials you desire.  I haven't encountered anything similar anywhere else. It was pleasant to enjoy the main strip free of cars and directly on the beach, instead of having the beach obstructed by hotels or filled with vehicle fumes as seen on numerous other popular beaches.  One of my favorite activities on Boracay Island was simply strolling along this pathway. There wasn't a lot of trouble either. While strolling slowly with the kids, we frequently received inquiries about boat tours and purchasing hats, but when I was out alone, very few questions were directed at me, and it was not significant.  Unlike some of the major beach destinations in Asia, such as Bali. Boracay maintains a laid-back island atmosphere, yet offers plenty of activities to partake in. 2. Enjoying The Relaxed Vibe At Bulabog Beach This beach is just a kilometre away from White Beach on the island, yet it seems totally different! Once I departed from the main road, all was still except for the crowing of roosters and the laughter of children.  Rather than resorts and buildings, I observed homes constructed from whatever materials were at hand and meandering paths. It is said to be the least appealing beach to stay at in Boracay (unless you are a kite boarder), and I was amazed to discover how incredibly fantastic I thought it was.  It is stunning, and in any other place, it would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, it was slightly breezy, yet extremely calm, with almost no one present and no traffic sounds.  I was infatuated! Had it not been too late to cancel our lodging at the next place, I would have stayed here for two nights instead. White Beach is more beautiful and may have been better for us, as its central location to everything is crucial with young children.  If I returned, I would remain here. I’d simply ensure I was at the end of the beach facing D’Mall, where there are several restaurants, making it easier to stroll the 500m to D’Mall and return to the main area for activities to enjoy in Boracay with family. 3. Water Activities In Boracay Of course, the primary draws in Boracay relate to the beach and the ocean.  Numerous water activities exist.  The primary activities appear to include island hopping excursions, sunset boat trips, glass-bottomed boat experiences, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, essentially anything related to water! Naturally, there is spending time at the beach. You can rent a boat for a very low price. We completed this task in one day for 1000 pesos in an hour.  It was just a bit more than purchasing a tour and allowed us to choose the timing. S didn’t find this very impressive, likely because she had to sit on netting that was somewhat rough.  They also don’t approach the shore directly, so you have to wade into the water. You can clearly employ them to transport you to any place you prefer. Anyone want a private beach? Here, you can reserve numerous activities in Boracay in advance. 4. Shopping At D’Mall D'Mall is the main shopping district of the island and is truly impressive.  When I learned about it, I pictured many small market stall-like spots, but it's more similar to a large outdoor shopping center featuring small boutiques, trendy eateries, and bars.  In the center, there is a small ferris wheel that is an ideal activity for kids in Boracay.  Numerous massage establishments exist (typically 350 pesos for an hour, comparable prices for manicures and pedicures), excellent restaurants offering various cuisines, trendy bars, and everything required for a pleasant and relaxing experience. We dedicated the majority of our time to eating, swimming in the pool, or playing on the beach. Our primary aim was to unwind and commemorate a significant milestone. Get Your Nails Done Or Have A Massage Doing the nails might not be the initial idea that comes to mind when considering the activities in Boracay, but it certainly was a success for us!  My daughter and I were very pleased to have her nails done. This is another affordable activity in Boracay – it’s a fantastic deal. Best Family Resort In Boracay We suggest utilizing HotelsCombined to discover the top lodging options in Boracay. It displays hotel prices from various booking platforms, allowing you to discover the best offer. Here are some excellent family accommodations in Boracay. 1. Boracay Vacation Resort  We stayed here. We spent roughly $140 per night for a “bachelor pad,” resembling a spacious studio apartment.  The space included a compact kitchen and dining sections, two queen beds, and ample room.  However, they only clean the rooms upon request. So, it can schedule housekeeping at your convenience.  Typically, the cleaners tend to come when the children are asleep. There’s an additional charge for wifi in your room and for gym access.  The hotel features a pool and a children's pool that we enjoyed greatly! We also liked the bar by the pool. We ordered room service a few times.  It was enjoyable and quite affordable. The disadvantage was that this hotel is on the main road, a block away from the beach at Station.  It only took a few minutes to reach the beach (Boracay is small). So, we are close to amenities like the supermarket. 2. Beachcomber Resort Boracay  For those seeking a top-notch resort in Boracay, Philippines that offers value, beachfront access, and is ideal for families, this is an excellent option.  There is a fantastic pool, and it's an excellent family resort in Boracay. Click here for the most recent prices. 3. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort And Spa  This is a fantastic choice if you desire a beautiful resort located by the shoreline, away from the noise and chaos!  This upscale resort provides outstanding facilities and is probably the top lodging choice on Boracay Island.  Last time we checked, two children under 12 can stay for free as well. Follow this link to see the latest prices. 4. Monaco Suites De Boracay This resort offers breathtaking views and delightful lodgings, featuring one-bedroom suites that deliver plenty of room for families. Click here to see the latest prices.  Food In Boracay Eating was one of my favorite activities in Boracay! There are countless excellent food options – you won't struggle to find something you enjoy.  A variety of distinct cuisines exists. Buffets are great during the evening, and the coastline offers a lot of options.  This was excellent for us since it wasn’t significantly pricier than ordering à la carte, as the kids ate free with the buffets. Interestingly, we both enjoyed our greatest steak ever at what appears to be the finest buffet in Boracay.  It was definitely the most expensive one we encountered, but at under $20 and with free admission for our kids, it was absolutely worth it, and we returned again. We ordered room service and had a picnic by the beach. Everyone was pleased with the meal. Getting Around In Boracay We seldom did anything apart from walking. All we might require is nearby, as we are at Station 2. You can flag down tricycles on the main road for 10 pesos, which we did from time to time. Our stroller was not an issue. You can find information on how to reach Boracay here. We journeyed from Kalibo to Boracay and then from Boracay to Roxas City, continuing on to Iloilo. You can arrange your airport transfers to Boracay in advance here. Keep These Things In Mind Before Your Visit  Everything appears quite inexpensive to us, but we haven't spent a lot of time in other parts of the Philippines so far.  I believe this is likely the best approach, as we might now discover much cheaper options elsewhere, rather than arriving here last and encountering very high prices.  I am aware that we purchased beverages and snacks at the airport for less than at the grocery store here. 1. Accommodation Is Expensive In Boracay  Accommodation is undoubtedly costly.  I searched for the ideal accommodation in Boracay for us. I even cancelled two locations before finally securing the place we chose.  We are investing more in lodging in Boracay than anywhere else, and it is far from being our top hotel. There are definitely less expensive options, but with our children so young, we are quite particular.  Anticipate higher costs here compared to other locations (even though we are currently in peak season, which lasts more than half the year, and the off-season is not ideal for weather). 2. The Supermarkets Have Everything The supermarkets appear to carry nearly everything, including some global items like Weetbix. Regrettably, they lack soy milk.  My son cannot handle dairy, so it’s fortunate that we packed plenty of formula for this exact scenario. Thankfully, there is significantly more formula present here than in Thailand. The laundry was inexpensive and easy to locate. Our nearest one cleans, dries, and folds for under a dollar per kilo. 3. ATMs Can Be A Problem  My main complaint would be the ATMs. As we discovered at the airport, they don’t always function properly.  Following online research, it's common that the maximum withdrawal is 10,000 pesos (almost $250), and standard fees are 200 pesos (around $5). This is lame! Thus, we are utilizing our credit card whenever feasible. All in all, Boracay is amazing!! And receives our collective approval. We feel unhappy about departing. Boracay is an excellent destination for families, offering numerous attractions to explore. You can also learn about traveling to Boracay and explore our other experiences in the Philippines. Also, one of our favorite spots in the Philippines is Bohol. What activities do you enjoy most in Boracay with children? Read Also: What Are The Top Things To Do In Bangkok As Adults? What Are The Top Things To Do In Porto, Portugal? What Are The Things To Do In Valletta?

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2024

What is a national park to you? For me, it is a place that brings together nature, history, culture, and outdoor pursuits. Killarney National Park, which has been recently in the news for all the good reasons, is not an exception, for sure! Also, this national park in a 300-year-old town surely has many tales to tell. It is also related to Irish folklore, as you can hear “Banshee’s Wail” in this park.  Moreover, it’s great that woodpeckers have started breeding in the national park for the first time in centuries, and the spotted chicks of woodpeckers look the cutest.   Again, the release of four white-tailed eagle chicks in the national park grabbed much attention. Further, this is an endeavor to bring back the eagles, which were extinct in Ireland.   In addition, there has been a renewed interest in the park among locals thanks to the 100th anniversary of the “Elizabeth Rose” in September 20241. This year, the Muckross Rowing Club and the Muckross Rowing Club Festival this year will celebrate the centenary of “Elizabeth Rose Killarney Six,” the first traditional racing boat to hit the Lakes of Killarney.   So, with all the focus now on Killarney National Park, let’s try to learn more about it.   Where Is The Killarney National Park?  Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland, is in County Kerry, southwest Ireland. Killarney town is beside County Kerry.   Further, with an extensive range of wildlife species, this park basks in exceptional ecological value. Moreover, spreading across 10,000 hectares, it has mountains, waterfalls, woodlands, and lakes.   How To Reach Killarney National Park  The cheapest way to reach Killarney National Park is to take a train to the Killarney railway station. Further, from the railway station, you must take just a 10-minute ride to the national park.   The N71 road is the main access point to the national park. However, you can also reach the park by bus or car.   Things You Cannot Miss At Killarney National Park  Killarney National Park is incomparable with its wilderness, and a large part of this national park has been unperturbed for hundreds of years. It is also home to some rare species, like red deer. In fact, the red deer herb currently residing in Killarney National Park is the last herd in Ireland.   Further, the national park has walking and hiking trails, such as the Dundag to Torc Path trail, Old Kenmare Road, and Mossy Woods. Moreover, you can climb the Mangerton and Purple mountains to explore a beautiful vista of the park and its surrounding areas.   So, let’s discuss all the activities at Killarney National Park in detail.   Exploring The Wildlife In Killarney National Park  This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1981) is home to Reenadinna Woods and the hub of protected and rare flora. Moreover, it has many endangered and rare mammals, reptiles, and amphibian’s species.   Plants, Animals, And Other Creatures In Killarney National Park Conserved Animals/Birds Red Deer Herd Irish Cuckoo, and Eagle Rare Species of Fauna Native Kerry Cattle Herd Caddisfly Northern Emerald Dragonfly  Rare and Protected Flora St. Patrick’s Cabbage Mountain Sorrel Greater Butterwort Green Spleenwort, and Blue-eyed Grass Mammals Red Deer Wolves Irish Hare Otter Birds White-tailed Sea Eagle Barn Owl Kingfisher Woodpecker Amphibians Smooth Newt Reptiles Viviparous Lizard Other Fauna  Kerry Slug Freshwater Pearl Mussel Marsh Fritillary Atlantic Salmon  It is due to the vast presence of various plants and animals, Killarney National Park promotes responsible behaviors and activities during your outdoor pursuits. Further, you can visit the national park with dogs, but it is better to avoid bringing them to the park during breeding season.   Hiking In Killarney National Park  You will find many trails to cycle or walk in the national park. All the trails offer you the opportunity to explore the wildlife and unique geology of the national park. Here, I will briefly discuss three such hiking and walking trails, but there are plenty more.   Ross Island Mining Trail  How about visiting a 15th-century castle in its full architectural glory? The Ross Island mining trail will take you to Ross Castle. On this trail, you will also find the oldest known metal mine in Ireland. It is even the oldest in the entire Western Europe.   This 3 Km trail will take you around 1.5 hours to complete, and it is the most favorite trail for history lovers. The encampments, ruins, and mines tell the stories of human lives and the economy of a bygone era. You will even get to see some rare flora on this trail.   Knockreer Circular Walk  As the name suggests, the trail is circular, taking you to almost all accessible parts of the national park. You can walk or cycle on this trail to encounter the endangered red deer and enjoy the beauty of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Lough Leane.   If you want to catch some refreshments, you will find Deenagh Lodge here. Some of the ascents in the hike are tricky, but the overall experience is wholesome, with good food and the company of nature.   Muckross House to Torc Waterfall Lake Loop  The Muckross House to Torc Waterfall Lake Loop trail is ideal for families. The trail is a little challenging. However, the panoramic vista of the Middle Lake and the view of the limestone cliffs make the effort worth it.  You can continue hiking through the woods and then take the stone steps to reach the woods down. Further, from the woods, you will get to behold the Torc Waterfall. Also, this 18m high waterfall is quite powerful.   An Encounter With History And Culture At The Killarney National Park Heritage Sites   Killarney National Park has many heritage sites that tell the tales of human history and life. Further, a trip to the park is incomplete without exploring these places.  Name Of The Heritage Sites Things To Know  Muckross Abbey Graveyard It has modern and old Irish graveyards.  Also, it has the graves of 17th and 18th-century Gaelic poets, such as Geoffrey O’Donoghue, Eoghan Rua O’Suilleabhain, and Aodhagan O’Rathaille.   Further, you will see the graves of many chieftains in the graveyard.  Killarney House and Gardens It is the main visitor center for the park.  Further, Formal Pleasure Gardens in the Killarney Gardens is the “longest Irish Herbaceous Border.”  Also, the 1870 red brick building was the main seat of the Kenmare estate. Ross Castle It is a tower house made in the 15th century with some myths attached to it.   O'Donoghues Mór built the castle, and people still believe that O'Donoghues Mór still sleeps under the lake water. It is said that here you can hear Banshee’s Wail. * Muckross House and Gardens  It is one of the most prominent stately homes in Ireland.  Moreover, the Tudor-style architecture of the mansion speaks of the affluent lifestyle of landowners in the 19th century.  Old Weir Bridge It is a stone-made twin-arch bridge.  Derrycunnihy Church This Roman Catholic church dates back to the late 19th century.  Further, you can see barn owls and Lesser Horseshoe Bats near this church.   Brickeen Bridge It has a pointed arch structure, and it’s an 18th-century bridge.  Innisfallen Island and Monastery The monastery here dates back to 640 AD when it was built by St.Finian the Leper.  Further, it was a place of immersive prayer and meditation for monks.  Moreover, “The Annals of Innisfallen,” written by monks here, are important accounts of Irish history.   Along with these sites, Killarney National Park has another historic area called the “Ladies View.” This was Queen Victoria's favorite place. Also, she was in love with the scenic beauty of the area.   *According to Irish folklore, Banshee is a spirit which appears as a woman and screams in a shrill voice. The appearance of Banshee is believed to bring the death summon for any of the family members.   Visiting The Habitats Of The Killarney National Park   As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this national park is full of waterbodies like ponds, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Further, there are heaths, bogs, rock formations, and grassland.   So, do you want a brief idea about the diverse habitats of the park? Then, check the table below.   Habitats Highlights Yew Woodland Muckross Peninsula Reenadinna Wood and the Carboniferous reef and pavement of limestone Thick bryophytes blanket the limestone structures and especially the presence of “southern Atlantic liverwort Marchesinia mackaii used in labs Yew, Oak, Hazel, Alder, and Ash Trees  Wet Broadleaved Woodland Carboniferous limestone structures near the lake Waterlogged landscape Blanket Bog Bog moss hummocks Crowberry, Heath Rush, and other species Dry Broadleaved Woodland Tomies Wood Glaisín na Marbh Woodland Tracks Upper Doogary Woodland Tracks Sessile Oak Trees Rowan Trees Birch Trees Heath Deer Grass Purple Moor Grass Tormentil Mixed Woodland Game Wood Rhododendron, Sycamore and Various Exclusive Species of Plants Portuguese Laurel Flowering Plants Grassland Rare Flora Species, such as Carnation Sedge, Creeping Bent, Marsh Violet, etc.   Waterfalls, Rivers and Streams Muckross Lake Upper Lake Unique Invertebrate Species Drowned Vegetation Wetlands, Ponds And Lakes Devil’s Punch Bowl  Along with these habitats, you will find commercially established conifer plantations in the national park. You will find them on the slopes of the Muckross or Torc Mountain. These plantations have Scot pines, European larches, Sitka spruce, and many other varieties.   Does Killarney National Park Have Restaurants And Cafes?   https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Q9NLpIr5w/ Yes, you can catch some quick bites and refreshments at Killarney National Park, which has quite a few restaurants and cafes. Further, each restaurant has a standout feature of its history or commitment to a special cause.   So, let’s know the names, their locations, and specialties.   Restaurant/Cafe  Location And Operating Hours  Specialties Muckross House Garden Restaurant Near Muckross House (“Adjacent to main car parks and entrance road”)  Baked salmon Cajon-style chicken breast Rainbow trout and sea-fresh cod duo  (Also, gluten-free options, including various salads, are available here.)  Deenagh Lodge It stands opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral on Port Road. Apple tart with custard Coffee Sandwiches   (It is operated by people with Down syndrome. Also, vegan and vegetarian options are available.) Dinis Cottage Dinis Island (Take the route via N71) Homemade scones Apple pie Fresh sandwiches (It is more than 200 years old. Moreover, it has a Victorian charm.) Ross Castle Garden Cafe Ross Castle Freshly ground barista coffee Cakes and pastries are also available.  Lord Brandon’s Cottage  Gap of Dunloe’s southern end Coffee and snacks (An open-air cafe)  Along with the restaurants and cafes, there are also Muckross Traditional Farms where you will find delicious, sweet meat on these farms.   Further, you can arrange picnics at this national park, provided you do not leave any trace behind. However, BBQing and lighting campfires are not allowed in Killarney National Park.   Final Words Before You Set In For The Killarney National Park  Exploring the natural bounty and history at Killarney National Park is easy and safe, thanks to the available family facilities and first aid and emergency services. Further, you can call 112 or 999 to avail yourself of emergency services. In addition, first-aid services are offered at Muckross House and Gardens and the Killarney National Park Visitor Centre.  Also, there are public toilets in the park. Moreover, for the children, there are changing facilities and playgrounds. So, it does not matter whether you are a solo traveler or you are traveling with your family and friends.   Moreover, Killarney National Park is the go-to destination for you to encounter one of the best bio reserves in the world, an account of human history, and the most fascinating landscapes.  So, if you are planning a trip to Ireland in late spring or early autumn, don’t forget to include Killarney National Park in your itinerary. Moreover, we would love to hear from you about the experience in the comment section below.   Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Where To Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park? – Explore The Best Options. 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BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 14, 2023

If you are an Australian national or you are someone visiting from another country, then it’s likely that you will want to visit one of the most famous cities in the world. The Great City Of Sydney is an incredibly interesting and friendly place to visit, and many people across the world have this very location on their bucket list right at this moment. It is a city that you will constantly see on the television and talk about online and for many good reasons. There is so much to see in this particular city, so if you have planned any vacation time there, then it’s important that you don’t miss out on some of the top tourist attractions. Begin With Sight-Seeing You are quite fortunate in that there are several sight seeing Tours of Sydney that are available to you, but one piece of advice would be to make sure that you book well in advance because these are incredibly popular and they sell out in a very short space of time. Once you have one of these tours under your belt, you might want to get a little closer to some of the more famous landmarks that we currently have. The following are just some of the top things that you should be doing when visiting the great city of Sydney. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge –   This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you really do need to take advantage of while in this great city and you can even climb the bridge at night. People have done it before and raved about how exciting it was and how they were able to see the whole city from the very top. It is a very safe thing to do, and the people who work on the bridge take health and safety very seriously indeed. Go see the Opera House –  If you are into architecture, then the Sydney Opera House will blow your mind. It is a very unique building, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. You can enjoy it from a distance or get up close, and you would be encouraged to try to take in a concert or some kind of performance while you are there. Visit the many beautiful beaches –  There are so many to enjoy, and you can even take the ferry out to experience beaches that have been very prominent on the television in popular Australian TV shows. There is beautiful, clean sand as far as the eye can see, and it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just relaxing and taking in the views. Conclusion The one thing that many people say about Sydney is that the people who live there are incredibly friendly and don’t be surprised if they ask you questions about where it is that you’re going to visit and maybe they will even give you some advice on some local tourist attractions that you might not be aware of. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, so it's important to make the most of it while you can. Well, that was all about the Great City Of Sydney and its marvelous destinations. Save this article for the next time you are traveling here! Read Also: Travel Tips To Help You Out In Asia Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Romantic Tips To Celebrate Couples Vacation New South Wales Southern Highland Helicopter Tour