Alison Major 9/12/25 Alison Major 9/12/25

Foodie Stops in Chicago: A Cruiser’s Guide to Local Eats

From deep-dish pizza to ethnic neighborhoods bursting with flavor, Chicago is a foodie’s dream—and Loopers can taste it all without straying far from the dock.

Alison Major 9/10/25 Alison Major 9/10/25

Chicago by Boat: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive

Cruising into Chicago is a highlight of the Great Loop—but it takes a little prep. From marina reservations to timing your run down the Chicago River, here’s what Loopers need to know before arriving in the Windy City.

Alison Major 9/8/25 Alison Major 9/8/25

Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago as a Looper

Chicago is one of the biggest milestones on the Great Loop, and it’s worth slowing down to enjoy. From deep-dish pizza to world-class museums and a stroll down the Magnificent Mile, here are five must-do experiences for Loopers visiting the Windy City.

Alison Major 8/27/25 Alison Major 8/27/25

Mackinac Island for Families: Kid-Friendly Fun by Boat

Mackinac Island is a dream stop for cruising families. From safe biking paths and horse-drawn carriage rides to hands-on blacksmithing and endless fudge tastings, kids light up in this car-free wonderland. Here’s how to make the most of your family visit by boat.

Alison Major 7/4/25 Alison Major 7/4/25

Cruising Canada with Kids: Favorite Stops & Surprises

From splash pads to historic canals, Canada’s waterways are full of family-friendly surprises. Here are our favorite stops, snack breaks, and nature escapes while cruising north with kids.

Alison Major 5/30/25 Alison Major 5/30/25

Family Fun on the Hudson River: Historic Sites, Parks, and Hidden Gems

Cruising the Hudson River with kids? Discover the best riverfront towns, parks, and museums that are actually accessible from your boat—plus a few hidden gems worth planning for.

Alison Major 5/10/25 Alison Major 5/10/25

How to Play: Going to Boston

Discovered at a maritime museum in St. Marys, Georgia, Going to Boston is a fast, sailor-approved dice game that’s easy to play on board. It builds math skills, keeps kids engaged, and connects your crew to cruising history—with just three dice and a bit of friendly competition.

Alison Major 5/9/25 Alison Major 5/9/25

How to Connect with Other Cruising Families on the Loop

Cruising the Loop is even better when your kids find other boat kids. Learn how to spot family boats, use tools like NoForeignLand and AGLCA, and make kid-friendly meetups part of your cruising life.

Alison Major 5/7/25 Alison Major 5/7/25

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Stops on the Great Loop

Cruising the Great Loop with kids? These 10 stops are packed with museums, playgrounds, treats, and adventures your crew will actually remember—plus a few bonus detours worth the miles.

Alison Major 5/5/25 Alison Major 5/5/25

Boat Schooling on the Great Loop: How We Made It Work

Curious how to homeschool while cruising full-time? Here’s how we approached boat schooling on the Great Loop, with flexible routines, a patchwork curriculum, and a whole lot of learning from the world around us.

Alison Major 5/2/25 Alison Major 5/2/25

Looping with a History Buff: Visiting America’s Capital by Boat

If you’re cruising the Great Loop with a love of American history, the Potomac River leg offers more than just access to D.C.—it’s a winding journey into the heart of the nation’s story. Here’s why this stretch is a must for history buffs afloat.

Alison Major 4/30/25 Alison Major 4/30/25

Free & Family-Friendly: Smithsonian Museums Worth Docking For

Washington, D.C. is packed with incredible, free museums—but if you’re cruising in with kids in tow, where should you go first? Here are our top family-friendly picks worth the trip up the Potomac.

Alison Major 1/3/25 Alison Major 1/3/25

Apps for Homeschooling & Staying Connected

Discover the best homeschool apps for families living and learning on the water. From planning lessons with Notion to mastering math and language arts with Khan Academy, these tools make homeschooling on a boat efficient and stress-free. Plus, apps like NoForeignLand and Messenger Kids keep your kids connected to cruising friends and family back home. Learn how we manage education and community while exploring the world!

Alison Major 12/27/24 Alison Major 12/27/24

Activities to Enjoy While Living Afloat

Looking for fun activities to enjoy on a boat? From reading 📚 and game nights 🎲 to snorkeling 🐠 and stargazing 🌌, boat life offers endless adventures for all ages. Discover creative ideas to make your time afloat memorable and full of joy!

Alison Major 12/16/24 Alison Major 12/16/24

Doing School While on the Loop

Discover the joys and challenges of homeschooling while cruising America’s Great Loop. This guide offers practical tips, homeschooling styles, and reflection strategies to help families make the most of their unique on-the-water learning adventure. Perfect for those considering homeschooling or looking to enhance their current approach!

Alison Major 11/13/24 Alison Major 11/13/24

How to Play: Klondike Solitaire

Recently, my kids discovered Klondike Solitaire on an old iPod, and it’s quickly become one of their favorite go-to games on the boat or when there’s downtime! Here’s a guide to help you (and your little card sharks) get started with this classic game, whether you’re on the water, in a camper, or cozied up at home.

Alison Major 8/8/24 Alison Major 8/8/24

Back-to-School Preparation on the Loop

If your family travels on America's Great Loop, homeschooling is likely on your radar. The Loop offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse states and regions along the eastern part of North America, providing countless educational experiences.

Alison Major 8/2/24 Alison Major 8/2/24

How to Play: Pass the Pigs

We love the game Pass the Pigs! This is a very compact game that I usually keep in my bag. If we’re waiting at a restaurant or need a little time to sit and rest, it’s easy to pull out and practice some basic addition skills without the kids even realizing it.

Alison Major 8/1/24 Alison Major 8/1/24

How to Play: Pig

“Pig” is a dice game that requires very few supplies: a 6-sided die, paper, and pencil. The game encourages math skills like addition and probabilities, social skills, fine motor skills, and critical thinking.

Alison Major 7/24/24 Alison Major 7/24/24

How to Play: Slap

The card game Slap (more commonly known as Egyptian Ratscrew) is one I learned in high school and played in between games at our water polo tournaments. It’s a bit more… energetic (some might say violent?!)… There is high-speed deck-slapping involved!