Tag Archives: kids

Take the Family to Visit Dracula’s Bran Castle in Romania for Halloween

Dracula's Castle in Romania

Want to take the kids on a spooky adventure for Halloween that they’ll never forget? Haunted houses, ghost tours, hay rides, meh OK. But want to give them something to tell their friends about? How about a visit to Dracula’s castle in Transylvania

That’s right, the big Impaler, himself. Bran castle, one time prison of the infamous Vlad Dracul, is only a few hours from Bucharest, Romania.

There’s nothing like a big, spooky castle to visit for Halloween, or really any time.

Truth be told, Bran Stoker took some liberties with the castle and the Prince of Wallachia, modeling his stories on both. But don’t let that dissuade you from a fun, spooky, educational adventure with the kids.

Vlad’s actual castle is nearby in ruins and you can hike to it and take a tour. The beautifully restored, medieval Bran Castle, was once a royal residence, and after many years under Communist rule, is open for tourists to get a taste of the rich culture and history of Romania.

Dracula's castle in Translyvania

The area, rich in natural beauty is a great place to take the kids any time of the year but nothing says Halloween like Autumn in the Carpathian Mountains.

Tickets to enter the castle are about the equivalent of $6, US.

Visit Dracula’s Castle

You can take a one day tour to visit two famous Romanian castles.. Click here for more info on visiting spooky castles of Romania.

Tour Romanian Castles 

Prices are about $69 for adults, $35 for kids.

Prepare Your Kids for a Visit to Dracula’s Castle on Halloween

Before the visit, share some age-appropriate information about Bran Castle and its connection to the Dracula legend. You can find books, documentaries, or online resources that are suitable for kids to introduce them to the story.

Choose the Right Time

Consider visiting during daylight hours, as Bran Castle can be quite spooky in the dark. This can help avoid any potential nightmares or overly scary experiences for young children.

Plan Age-Appropriate Tours

Bran Castle often offers guided tours tailored to different age groups. Look for tours designed specifically for children, which can make the visit more engaging and informative for them.

Check out the area with the family for a great Romanian adventure and some good viewing spots.

Interactive Activities

Some tours or exhibitions at the castle may include interactive elements or hands-on activities for children. These can keep kids engaged and help them learn while having fun.

Bring Snacks and Water

Kids can get hungry and thirsty during the visit. Carry some snacks and water to keep them energized throughout the adventure.

Wearing Costumes at Bran Castle

If your kids are interested, let them dress up in fun, non-scary costumes. It can add to the sense of adventure and make the experience more enjoyable for them.

Discuss Legends and History

While exploring the castle, talk to your kids about the legends and history associated with it. Encourage questions and discussions to make it an educational experience.

Hotel Capitol

Hotel Capitol

Located in Bucharest City-Centre, this hotel is steps from Odeon Theatre and University Square. National Museum of Romanian History and National Museum of Art of Romania are also within 10 minutes.


Explore the Grounds

Bran Castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds. After touring the castle, take a walk in the gardens, enjoy the fresh air, and let the kids run around a bit.

I am so jealous right now! But did you know Dracula was real? Vlad Dracul was a ruler who had a pretty rough upbringing and that made him the guy he ended up. He’s still a local hero though.

Check for Family Events

Depending on when you visit, there may be special family-friendly events or activities happening at Bran Castle. Check their website or contact them in advance to see if there are any scheduled during your visit.

Souvenirs of Bran Castle

Let your kids pick out a small souvenir from the gift shop as a memento of their adventure.

Plan in Advance

Halloween is a popular time to visit Bran Castle, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance. This includes booking your accommodation, tickets to the castle, and any guided tours if you want to take one.

Costumes

Many visitors like to dress up in Halloween costumes when visiting Bran Castle. It adds to the festive atmosphere, but keep in mind that some costumes may not be allowed inside the castle, so check the rules beforehand.

Now this is my kind of Halloween!

Weather

Be prepared for chilly weather, as Halloween falls in late October, and the region can be quite cold. Dress warmly, especially if you plan to be outside for extended periods.

Parking

If you’re driving to the castle, be aware that parking can be limited, especially on busy holidays like Halloween. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Respect the Castle Rules

Remember that Bran Castle is a historical site, so be respectful of the property and the rules set by the staff. Taking photos is usually allowed, but using flash photography may not be permitted in some areas.

Enjoy Nearby Attractions

Consider extending your adventure by exploring other nearby attractions in the area, such as Rasnov Fortress or the picturesque town of Bran.

Remember that the key to a successful adventure with kids is to balance education with fun and to adapt the experience to their interests and age group. Bran Castle can provide a unique and memorable outing for the whole family.

To think this is even real is amazing.

History of Bran Castle

Construction and Origins (14th Century)

Bran Castle was built in the early 14th century, around 1377. It was constructed as a defensive fortress and customs post by the Hungarian King Louis I of Anjou to guard the strategic mountain pass against invading forces.

Strategic Role (14th-15th Centuries)

Throughout its history, the castle served various purposes, including as a military fortress and a royal residence. It played a role in defending the border of Transylvania against potential invaders from the south.

Ownership Changes (15th-19th Centuries)

The castle changed hands several times over the centuries. It was owned by various Hungarian and Transylvanian rulers, including Queen Maria of Hungary, who later became Queen Consort of Hungary and Transylvania.

Connection to Vlad the Impaler

While Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Wallachian ruler, is sometimes associated with Bran Castle, there is no strong historical evidence to support this claim. Vlad III’s real-life connections to various castles and fortresses in the region have led to the Dracula legend.

Royal Residents (20th Century)

In the early 20th century, Bran Castle became a royal residence when it was presented to Queen Maria of Romania as a gift. She made significant renovations to the castle during her time there.

Museum and Tourist Attraction (20th Century-Present)

After the fall of the Romanian monarchy, the castle was confiscated by the Communist government. In 2006, it was returned to the royal family, and today, it is a museum open to the public. Visitors can explore its historic rooms, collections, and exhibitions.

Dracula Connection and Tourism (20th Century-Present)

Bran Castle became widely associated with the Dracula legend after the publication of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” in 1897. Although there’s no historical evidence linking Vlad the Impaler to the castle, the combination of the castle’s appearance and its location in the Carpathian Mountains has contributed to its portrayal as Count Dracula’s castle.

Restoration and Preservation

The castle has undergone significant restoration efforts to preserve its historical and architectural heritage while also embracing its Dracula-related fame. It is one of Romania’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash

Take Your Kid Indoor Rock Climbing, NYC

Take your adventure kid indoor bouldering when you need something to do.

Are you are like me, with a teen at home who is constantly on her phone? And you might even be worrying that she or he might be spending too much time on that phone? You want to get him or her out doing something a bit more adventurous, amIright? Does it make you climb the walls?

Well, I have a great idea. Instead of you climbing the walls, let’s get them climbing the walls. OK you can too if you want. Here in NYC it’s a little on the cold side and my daughter likes to use that as an excuse to do nothing but draw, listen to music, text etc. It’s also the holiday break so amazingly she doesn’t have a ton of homework to do.

Indoor Rock Climbing

I had enough looking at her laying around so I signed her up for a $50 group lesson at Steep Rock Bouldering on the Upper East side in NYC that covered the day’s admission and shoe rental. It turned out even better because no one else showed up for the lessons so we had the instructor to ourselves.

Morgan started out all gung ho thinking it was going to be easy. She did well for the first twenty minutes and then kept shaking out her hands. Since the most exercise her arms has gotten lately is texting her ligaments up and down her arms were screaming at her. It’s OK though, she’s pretty psyched and wants to go back next week. I’m going to get a $22 day pass myself and we will climb together. If we like it we can sign up for a monthly fee or right now I can buy a 10 punch pass special for $150 that is normally $200.

Adventure Kid Indoor Rock Climbing in NYC
Morgan, trying out the different handholds with her instructor.

The place is pretty chill and the walls aren’t crazy high so there’s no need to be on belay. You just put your climbing shoes on and head on up. The handholds are color coded from easy to hard and you follow the route based on the difficulty. So you can spider your way all over the walls all day if you want. There’s a nice big pad at the bottom and a little bit of a gym to work on your upper body strength.

Good for Your Kid’s Back Muscles

My daughter is totally psyched to go back next weekend and is thinking of signing up for the after school program. I think it’s great since it’s way cheaper than skiing, which is the only other thing I can get her out of the house for in the winter. She’s also really excited because at school she has to drag around a really big backpack and she thinks this might give her a chance to stretch out and build up her back and shoulder muscles a bit more. I haven’t seen her this excited about something in awhile so I’m looking forward to going with her next Sunday and hanging out on the walls with her.

Morgan and her instructor discussing strategy while waiting for the feeling in her fingers to come back, while indoor rock climbing in NYC.

And my daughter has asthma so she’s been a bit worried about sports that make her wheeze. This didn’t make her wheeze at all and she could go at her own speed.

If you’d like to get your child into bouldering check out what’s available in your area. If you are in the New York City Area, Steep Rock Bouldering has two locations, one on the upper east side and one on the west. For pricing and classes, check it out here.

Travel Destination: Go on a Historical Adventure With Your Children to Colonial Williamsburg

Family Adventure and Travel Destination: Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is like no other when yTravel Destination: take the kids to spooky Halloween at Colonial Williamsburgou want to take the kids on an educational travel destination adventure that focuses on our nation’s history. It’s even better when you take the kids during the holidays like Halloween, Christmas and Independence Day.

I remember going there as a kid and now it’s even bigger with more attractions.

Visit a real colonial village, learn about what day to day life was like, watch and participate in costume’d Fife and Drum Corps, be a spy, make bricks, go Travel Destination: Take the Kids to Colonial Williamsburg for a spooky colonial Halloweenon archeological digs, and experience what it was like in 1775 at the very beginning of the American revolution.

Colonial Halloweens are always a fun way to spend time with kids on one of Halloween Travel Destination: Take the Kids on a spooky Halloween adventure in colonial Williamsburgtheir favorite holidays. Apple cider, pumpkins, ghost tours, home-made doughnuts. They can range from cute and sweet to all out spooky and there’s something for every kid at every age. And since there’s probably no more place more Colonial America than Williamburg, this is the place to be on Halloween. For spooky fun check out these ghost tours:Travel Destination: Take the kids on a travel adventure to colonial williamsburg

Halloween Fun for Kids

Colonial Ghosts

Your journey will include Indian burial grounds, witches, stories of murder, tragedies of war, and bitter betrayal across hundreds of years. Click here for Colonialghosts

Have older kids who are looking for a little more of an adrenaline rush on your adventure? How about a real ghost hunting tour.  For an extreme version of a take the kids on a travel adventure to colonial williamsburgghost tour of colonial Williamburg, where you are provided with real ghost hunting equipment, check them out here at the Ghost Tour

And just for fun, check out these videos posted by colonial ghost tours depicting some recent ghost sightings.

Ghostly organ playing in empty church on the ghost tour.