Visit Las Vegas: Play Playground

One of the first suggestions one of my kids gave for our trip to Las Vegas was Play Playground at the Luxor, which is an amusement venue for kids of all ages (after 7pm only 21+ are allowed as there is a bar on site).  There are 20 different activities that you can play with a Play Pass, as well as a few activities that don't cost a thing. 

We bought a Family Pass, which is good for 4 people (2 must be children under 18), and added on another person, which was cheaper than buying 5 individual tickets.  Each pass came with 195 credits (games are typically 15 credits each, and you do have the opportunity to reload your pass with more credits for a fee).  

You need to sign a waiver in order to get your actual pass, which you can attach to the lanyard you're given when you check in.   You swipe at the various game stations to play, and you rack up points with most activities.

Games included:

Poker Parkour (make it across a beam without getting knocked off)  

Bulls Eye (put on a Velcro suit and jump onto a target)

Word Up (see how many words you can make from random letters)

Frolic (memory game where you step on squares)

 Perfect Popper (match shapes onto a board)

Move It (follow commands)

Rolla Derby

If you need to sit down and rest, there are plenty of seats where you can also play some table top games (for free). 

Some of the other free activities included:

Bounce House

"Lite Brite" Board

Balloon Room

The website states it takes an average of 90 minutes to go through all the activities, but we spent over 2 hours there.  Play Playground was a lot of fun for the entire family! 

Play Playground
3900 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89119

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Visit Osaka: Ramen Kazuya

It can be challenging for a family of 5 to find a place to eat in Japan, especially when there are mostly hole-in-the wall spots.  After being turned away at one restaurant for no availability until past my bedtime, we Google mapped nearby restaurants and found Ramen Kazuya.

We lucked out at this tiny, eight-seater ramen shop.  Only 2 seats were occupied, and there were 5 seats in a row so we could all sit together. 

You order through the shokken (ticket machine).  

Dip Noodles

I love Tsukemen, so I had the Dip Noodles.  The noodles were thick and chewy, and the cha su so tender.  The chicken broth was delicious.

Kazuya Special

The Kazuya Special is a chicken broth ramen topped with cha su, nori, menma, leeks, and egg.  

Spicy Ramen

One of my kids had the spicy ramen and he said it was very spicy - he kept having to drink water.

Gyoza

The Gyoza was fried perfectly - crispy and golden brown.

Ramen Kazuya was a great find!

Ramen Kazuya
2 Chome-8-15 Nipponbashi

Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

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Visit Disneyland: Merchandise Mobile Checkout

Even though the World of Disney store was not crowded when we went and there was no line at the register, I wanted to test out the Merchandise Mobile Checkout option because I've been in packed stores with long lines, and wanted to potentially avoid that.

To take advantage of Merchandise Mobile Checkout, you need to download the Disneyland app, select the mobile checkout option for the store you are in, then start scanning your barcodes.  

You pay via your phone, and look for the Mobile Checkout signs where a cast member will check the provided QR confirmation code and verify the items, and will give you a bag if you need one.  

The process itself was easy - the only challenge was cell service was not too strong in the store (at least for me), so the app went slowly.  There were several Mobile Checkout stations throughout the store.

If the regular check-out line is short or non existent, it's probably faster to go through it than to go through mobile checkout, but Merchandise Mobile Checkout is a nice option to have.

For more information or to view a list of places that accepts Merchandise Mobile Checkout, click here. 

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Visit California: Tommy and Atticus

Besides "ice cream near me," "cookies near me" is my other popular Google search term.  While in the SoCal area, Tommy and Atticus was a search result that popped up in my quest for cookies, so we paid a visit.

It's in a strip mall so it's easy to overlook, but the bakery was bustling!

They specialize in bread, but had so many amazing treats, and I was set on the cookie.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie

It was so amazing - soft and chewy, with chunks of chocolate, and flaky sea salt.

Kouign Amann filled with Vanilla Cream and Raspberries

Citrus Morning Bun

Potato Tile

The Potato Tile was amazing as well - with potatoes, garlic and shallot bechamel, white cheddar, and fontina.

I love savory pastries, and this was absolutely delish!

Chocolate Croissant

All the baked goods were thoroughly enjoyed.

Highly recommend if you're in the area!

Tommy and Atticus
1700 Aviation Blvd

Redondo Beach, CA 90278

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Visit Utah: Temple Square

We did a brief walk through Temple Square one morning while in Utah.  The Temple Square is home to all things related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).  The Temple itself is currently undergoing renovations, but there was still a lot to see.  

There are gardens, reflecting pools, galleries, restaurants, and more spanning 5 blocks. 

We got there quite early as we had plans later in the morning, so some places were still closed, but we did get to learn a little more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while exploring the area and all the outdoor exhibits and statues.

One of the highlights was the Tabernacle, where the renowned Tabernacle Choir performs.  The day we visited they were no performances going on, unfortunately, but we could still visit inside and listen as they demonstrated the acoustics and played the organ - even dropping a pin that could be heard from the back of the hall. 

Parking is plentiful, and there are restrooms on site (the nicest restroom building I've ever seen!). 

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Visit Utah: Fat Daddy's Pizzeria

It was New Year's Day, and we were looking for a lunch spot.  After going to two spots that ended up having modified hours because of the holiday, we found Fat Daddy's Pizzeria - and the third time was indeed a charm, because it was not only open, but they had a great deal!  They were offering a Family Deal of 2 medium pizzas, a Caesar salad, and unlimited garlic knots for just $40!  

The Garlic Knots and the Caesar were served almost immediately, and everything was just so good, that we were nearly full by the time the pizza was served.

Four Horsemen

The Four Horsemen was topped with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and a honey chipotle sauce.  

Phat Daddy

The Phat Daddy consisted of steak, bacon, mushrooms, peppers, onions, fries, and Fat Daddy Fry Sauce.  

Both pizzas were loaded, and the crust was thick and chewy.  

The first serving of Garlic Knots is 12 pieces, and if you wish to order more, you simply tell the server how many more you want.  We did get an order of 6 more, but there was a mix-up with the order and we ended up getting it to go, which turned out to be a good thing, because we were beyond stuffed after diving into the pizza.

There was only one server, but he was excellent.  I was thoroughly impressed with the service, and the food was great too.

Fat Daddy's Pizzeria was an awesome find!

Fat Daddy's Pizzeria
223 W Center St

Provo, UT 84601

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Visit Japan: 1-Chome Shopping Street

1-Chome Shopping Street in Decks, Odaiba is always a fun place to visit.  There is an arcade with vintage games, a huge snack shop, places to play carnival-type games, a food court, and so much more!

The kids love playing in the arcade.

We also bought lots of snacks and souvenirs!

It was neat to just walk around and see all the neat displays and cool exhibits.

The kids bought "mystery boxes" which include small prizes.

We didn't eat at the food court, but we did get some drinks and a treat at Momi and Toy's.

Check out 1-Chome Shopping Street for some nostalgic surprises!

1-Chome Shopping Street

Japan, 〒135-0091 Tokyo
Minato City, Daiba, 1

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Visit Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

If you find yourself in Bentonville, Arkansas, you must stop at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Thanks to the generosity of Walmart, general admission is completely free (you have to pay for any special exhibits).  

The museum's bridges are stunning themselves, and they connect the various exhibits that showcase American Art.

There are also a series of outdoor trails that run through the 120-acre property, which offers even more spectacular art installations.

We had very limited time at Crystal Bridges of Museum of American Art, so we perused some of the indoor exhibits and then did a quick walk outdoors.

I enjoyed the outdoor trails the most.  The weather was lovely, and I saw a lot of familiar sculptures, as well as pieces by artists I knew of.   

It's so awesome that you can explore the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for free!

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
600 Museum Way

Bentonville, AR 72712

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