On a recent family trip to the New Hampshire lakes region, we spent a blissful morning at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, New Hampshire. The science center is made up of a network of trails dotted with animal exhibits ranging from insects and birds to mountain lions and even a black bear. For the younger crowd, the highlight of the morning was the Gordon Children’s … [Read more...]
A stay at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club
August 24, 2011 By
An unique and beautifully luxurious oasis in the heart of Central Oregon's high desert, Pronghorn Club offers families the comfort and convenience of vacation homes, the fun of a family resort, and the excitement of a full-scale outdoor adventure outfit. The primary draw of the Pronghorn Club is its signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and (private) Tom Fazio course. Charlie (the … [Read more...]
Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park
August 22, 2011 By
While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California. We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars … [Read more...]
San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
August 19, 2011 By
The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining. A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic … [Read more...]
Amelia Park Children’s Museum (Westfield Children’s Museum)
August 16, 2011 By
Located right off the Mass Pike (I-90), the Amelia Park Children’s Museum (often called the Westfield Children’s Museum) is perfect for families looking for a place to let little ones run wild for an hour or two. The museum is made up of one long room with smaller stations along the edges, such as a pretend bank and grocery store, a collection of Little People toys, and a stage with costumes, a … [Read more...]
Disney done right: how to survive (and thrive!) in summer crowds
August 12, 2011 By
The first advice I offer any family asking how to get the most from their Disney theme park experience is to visit in the off-season. Of course, such a plan isn’t always realistic. If your only option is to visit Walt Disney World or the Disneyland Resort in the summer season, take heart! It is possible to best the crowds and the heat and have a fabulous time. During our three-day visit to … [Read more...]
Disney done right: a stay at the Disneyland Hotel
August 11, 2011 By
Until last week, my family and I had never stayed on-site at the Disneyland Resort, despite numerous trips to the theme parks. After last week’s stay, I may never visit Disney any other way. Our night at the newly improved Disneyland Hotel granted both tangible and intangible perks I don’t think I could do without! We arrived at the hotel in the morning before park opening, and the front … [Read more...]
Universal Studios Hollywood with kids and tweens
August 8, 2011 By
It's been years since we've ventured any further north than Anaheim in search of theme parks during our annual vacation to Southern California, so in late July, we braved the commute up I-5 from Orange County to Los Angeles to revisit Universal Studios Hollywood. Knowing Universal is a great pick for older kids, tweens, and teens, I opted to spend the day there with Nate (12) and Calvin … [Read more...]
Bend’s High Desert Museum
August 7, 2011 By
Located on Highway 97 just outside Bend, Oregon and minutes away from the all-seasons resort of Sunriver, the High Desert Museum makes for an ideal pit stop en route through Central Oregon or a great half-day activity while vacationing in this family vacation hot spot. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife shows, and walking paths, families can easily spend most of a day here. (If you … [Read more...]
Summer in the Sierras: Plumas County CA with kids
July 28, 2011 By
For the Pit Stops for Kids family, writing about summer vacations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in particular, Plumas and Sierra counties in California, is quite literally like writing about home. My husband and I both grew up in this alpine area, and love sharing it with other traveling families. Plumas County is located one hour west of Reno, Nevada and 2.5 hours north of … [Read more...]
