Planning your Family Reunion

Planning a Great Family Reunion

Tips for Family Reunion Planning by Yosie Crespo Sales Manager, Embassy Suites Miami Airport Hotel--Specializing in Religious, Cruises, Sports & SocialMarkets (305) 779-5004.

It's that time of year when people start thinking about and planning a family reunion. It can seem a daunting task bringing together members of your family and making sure there is enough food and fun for everyone. But it doesn't have to be. With a little organization, you can plan and have a great family reunion!

Family reunion invitation

When planning a family reunion don't forget to include the essentials on the invitations! The first thing you want to do after you have decided on a place for your family reunion, is to make sure there is lodging for everyone.

Choosing your hotel stay

Choosing the right location could be rated up there as one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the planning of this family reunion. You can choose a location, if you wish, once you know what type of reunion you want, the desired dates, and have a fundamental idea how many people will be attending.

Location is everything. Miami is a very popular place for any type of reunion. From Family Reunions to Military, Class reunions , social and clubs reunions. Embassy Suites Hotels is a leader for the reunion market, not only because you get more for your money when you stay at Embassy Suites, but because we hold the secret key to make your reunion a success from beginning to end.

At the Embassy Suites Miami Airport Hotel we host more than 50 reunions every year, if you choose Miami as your destination, make sure to call us first. http://www.miamiairport.embassysuites.com/

(305) 779-5004

Family reunion ideas and help

Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are probably lots of family members who would love to help with the reunion. They might have wonderful ideas for activities, be willing to print out family info sheets, help arrange for the food, organize activities, etc..
Remember, everyone can do something but no one can do everything. With just a little help and planning, you have a great family reunion!

Planning and more planning--Organization is key

Schedule a time to sit down and talk candidly with the oldest relative in your family. Make sure to bring a pad and pen. You'll learn a lot about your heritage and take away some great stories to share with your children

Go back and tour the neighborhood where your grandparents or parents grew up. It's sometimes very humbling to see where you came from and how much progress your family has made over the years.

Activities....involving the family...

Don't just concentrate on playing and shopping, schedule times to tour museums, historic homes and other cultural attractions. Do something rewarding and make learning fun for the entire family.

Take pictures!!!, if you decide to make and take more from your Family Reunion, taking pictures and making memories is a great start. You can share them in with the new generations to come, and use them again on your next reunions.

Spend a few extra dollars and select a host property that will give you everything you need. If you haven't traveled in a while, you may not have realized how much hotels have evolved.

A full service property offers more amenities, more value, more for your money. Amenities such as a daily complimentary breakfast buffett, complimentary manager's reception (for 2 full hours), complimentary beer, wine, juices & sodas for the kids, all-suites hotel (plenty of space is necessary for the family), guest laundry, fitness center, flat screen TV's, business center with complimentary access for those that cannot be too far away from the online world, discounts to area attractions and much more. Embassy Suites Miami Hotel has it all.

And last, but never least..

HAVE FUN! As the event planner, if you are not excited about the reunion and having at least a little bit of fun putting it together, odds are the rest of your family may be dreading it a little too. Relax. Keep in mind the end goals: Get everyone together. Bond with family. Have fun!

Family fun in Miami, the E-asy way...

http://experiencemiamiandbeaches.com/

Miami offers so many exciting attractions for children, from parks to museums to wildlife. If you have children along, you will want to visit some spots tailored just for them. When your family is ready to take a break from the South Beach scene, visit some of these kid-friendly attractions, which are favorites of locals and visitors alike.

If you need a place to say, you will find the best value at the Embassy Suites Miami Airport hotel, make your hotel reservations in miami at http://www.miamiairport.embassysuites.com/

Biscayne National Park
While enjoying the natural parks in Miami, dont forget about the one located under water! Kids of swimming age will find a bounty of treasures in this 181,500-acre wonderland, located just off the Miami coast. You can explore the vibrant coral reefs in a myriad of ways, including glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, and more. There is more fun to be had on land, on hiking trails or while camping on Elliot Key, or the more rustic Boca Chita Key. Visit the Convoy Point / Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead to start your adventure.
Convoy Point / Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Address: 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead
Phone: 305-203-7275


Crandon Park Beach
Photo courtesy Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
No trip to Miami would be complete without a day at the beach. Crandon Park offers one of the best beaches around, plus much more for families. Crandon Beach has been ranked one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. A short stroll along the promenade takes you to the Amusement Center - a hub of activity including a carousel, outdoor roller rink, splash fountain, and playground. The park also features concession stands, picnic areas, various nature trails and tours, and kayaks and cabanas to rent. Be sure not to miss the gorgeous Crandon Park Gardens!
Address: 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
Phone: 305-361-5421

Everglades National Park
While it is not recommended to battle the mosquitoes during the summer, The Everglades is an essential destination for older children at any other time of year. Make reservations ahead for a two-hour tram tour starting at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. This is the most family-friendly of the visitor centers, and the one closest to Miami. You will see plenty of alligators, birds, and other wildlife. The Bobcat Boardwalk is an easy ¼ mile trail that kids will enjoy walking.
Shark Valley Visitor Center
Address: U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike from exit 25 (S.W. 8th St.)
Phone: 305-221-8776

Gold Coast Railroad Museum
At first glace, this museum seems a little old and dusty. But look closer, and you will find it is a diamond in the rough that will delight train lovers both young and old. The museum is home to several historic train cars, including the Ferdinand Magellan, built by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and used by several Presidents after him. Short train rides are offered on several types of trains, depending on the day. There is also an extensive model train exhibit, and a huge toy train set that children can play with.
Address: 12450 S. W. 152 St., Miami (on the grounds of Metrozoo)
Phone: 305-253-0063

Jungle Island
Formerly called Parrot Jungle Island, the new name reflects the parks incredible variety – they feature much more than just parrots! The park has several daily animal shows that even parents will enjoy - featuring majestic tigers, exotic birds, and more. The Serpentarium houses giant reptiles, including Crocosaurus - the biggest crocodile in the New World. Dont miss the parks star residents Peanut and Pumpkin, a pair of rambunctious 2-year-old twin orangutans. Brand new to the park is the Hippo Slide – a 168-foot, pulse-quickening slide open to older kids and adults.
Address: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami
Phone: 305-400-7000

Miami Childrens Museum
Younger children will marvel at the plethora of interactive exhibits, and be delighted that they can touch and move anything they want in this colorful and inviting museum created just for them. The first floor includes a bank, supermarket, hospital, fire station, veterinary clinic, and television studio – all sized for kids. Upstairs, children of all ages can make art and music, board a cruise ship, work on a loading dock, and much more. The more adventurous can climb Mt. Michimu, a kid-sized rock climbing wall.
Address: 980 Macarthur Cswy., Miami
Phone: 305-373-5437

Miami Metrozoo
The whole family will delight in observing animals living in free-range environments similar to their natural habitats. Considered one of the best in the world, Miamis zoo has over 1,200 animals, which are divided into geographic areas including Asia, Africa, The Americas and Australia. Rent a Safari Cycle and you can move fast enough to see every animal from the cute koalas all the way to the elegant giraffes – which will eat leaves right out of your hand at the new Giraffe Feeding Station! Dont miss the Wings of Asia exhibit, featuring free-flying rare Asian birds.
Address: 12400 S.W. 152 St., Miami
Phone: 305-251-0400

Miami Science Museum & Space Transit Planetarium
Older children will find hands-on exhibits to enlighten their understanding of science while having fun. All ages will enjoy the planetarium shows that are scheduled several times per day, as well as the unique wildlife center located outdoors. This center has snakes, reptiles, turtles, and even majestic birds of prey – including an owl, hawk and bald eagle that have been injured and cannot be returned to the wild. Not to be missed are the special exhibits the museum features on a temporary basis. Past exhibits have focused on The Titanic and Dinosaurs of China.
Address: 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami
Phone: 305-646-4200


Miami Seaquarium
Though not nearly as exciting as SeaWorld in Orlando, Miami Seaquarium is still a fun place for children to see their favorite ocean animals. Shows are scheduled throughout the day, the best of which are the Flipper Dolphin Show and the Killer Whale and Dolphin Show. Explore the rest of the park to observe vibrant coral reef fish, rescued manatees, sharks, crocodiles, huge sea turtles, parrots, serpents, deer, and more. If you can plan ahead, the Seaquarium WADE program gives adults and older children the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne
Phone: 305-361-5705

Pinecrest Gardens

Located on the former site of Parrot Jungle, Pinecrest Gardens is a delightful respite for many local families and visitors as well. Featuring huge banyan trees and lush vegetation, it is a great place to let kids loose to play while you enjoy the landscapes. Play areas include a large and shady playground, petting zoo, butterfly exhibit, and the Splash n Play water area open to children ages 2-12. Many stone tables are located throughout the park where you can have a quiet picnic lunch.
Address: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest
Phone: 305-669-6942