We love summer fun at ski resorts! In the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we've reviewed the summer activities at Bousquet, and now, can review in detail all that's on offer in summer at Jiminy Peak. Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Jiminy Peak is a well-known ski resort. In summer, it's transformed into a full-scale outdoor playground, with mountain biking trails, hiking, and an array of … [Read more...]
Sending your kid on a teen service trip
June 18, 2014 By
This July, my 15-year-old son, Nate, will take his first trip out of the country without me. He'll be flying solo to San Jose, Costa Rica, where he'll meet up with a small group of like-minded teens and adult leaders to embark upon a two week teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country. During the trip, Nate will be reporting for Pit Stops for Kids, taking video and recording his … [Read more...]
A day with Santa Fe Walkabouts: tour of Santa Fe
June 11, 2014 By
Families looking for an active way to see the New Mexico desert outside of Santa Fe will definitely want to book a tour with popular local tour company Santa Fe Walkabouts. These guys offer more than a tour of Santa Fe: they take you outside the city limits either on foot (for a hiking tour), on bike, or in their unique Pinzauer off-road vehicle. We decided to try their half-day (3 hour) … [Read more...]
How to make a 5 item outdoor survival kit for $5
April 15, 2014 By
We love getting kids into the outdoors! At Pit Stops for Kids, we're fans of backpacking, camping, climbing, mountain biking, geo-caching...you get the idea. But as a one-time Search and Rescue volunteer who has spent countless hours teaching school kids how to stay safe in the woods, I want families to be prepared. Kids can occasionally get lost in the wilderness, but by heeding the following … [Read more...]
Where to backpack with kids in Northern California
April 4, 2014 By
Will you be backpacking with kids this coming summer? Most families who love backpacking with kids are familiar with backpacking options in popular regions such as Yosemite National Park, but the following lesser known areas offer backpacking just as scenic and often crowd-free. Tahoe and Northeastern Sierra Nevada: Our favorite section of the Northeastern Sierra Nevada mountain range is … [Read more...]
Stay the night in a fire lookout: a weekend on Pickett Butte, OR
April 2, 2014 By
We love camping in all seasons, but we also like to be (reasonably) comfortable. A number of years ago, we discovered Oregon state park yurts, and this year, we've added national forest fire lookouts to our off-season camping picks. If you might stay the night in a fire lookout, read on! Fire lookouts available for civilian stays are located across the US. To find one in your state, start with … [Read more...]
ATV adventures and snorkeling with Punta Venado
January 20, 2014 By
There are as many Riviera Maya eco-tours as there are amazing natural wonders along this part of the Caribbean, and each offer something a little bit different. We've reviewed the fast-action activities with Alltournative, but for a change of pace, a day with Punta Venado offers both ATV adventures and snorkeling, plus relaxation. Don't worry: the kids will still be highly entertained with … [Read more...]
Whale watching in Southern CA with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
January 14, 2014 By
Luck was with us the late December day we boarded the whale watching boat out of Dana Wharf. Winter is prime time for whale watching in Southern CA, and the ocean was as calm as glass and the sun was shining warmly. I grinned at the many passengers wearing green and sporting Michigan State gear in prep for the Rose Bowl to be held several days later. I was sure they were basking in the warmth of … [Read more...]
A day with Alltournative tours: Tulum and Jungle Maya adventure with tweens and teens
January 13, 2014 By
Mexico's Riviera Maya is rich with geological and cultural excursions for active families. It's system of cenotes (underground rivers) and abundance of Mayan ruins are accessed by many tour operators, but which one to pick? We spent the day with Alltournative Tours, a leading eco-archaeological guide service specializing in active, adventurous tours. Like most local tour companies, … [Read more...]
Swim with whale sharks in Cancun Mexico
January 8, 2014 By
One of the most memorable excursions in Cancun for my family was to swim with whale sharks. These harmless giants can be found in the open water approximately 20 miles off the coast of Cancun (past Isla Mujeres) from May to September, and if you're visiting the Riviera Maya area during this time period with older kids and teens, it's definitely an activity to consider. Who to book with: We … [Read more...]
