Family travels in my own backyard: Crater Lake to the Rogue River

If gas or airline prices are keeping you closer to home this summer, you're not alone. Soaring prices and family commitments necessitate staying in our home region of Southern Oregon this July, too, but we're not letting it stop us from getting away from it all...sort of. We picked a weekend, circled it on the calendar, and created an outdoor family adventure itinerary that won't take us more than … [Read more...]

Exploring Vancouver, B.C.: Stanley Park by bicycle

Vancouver’s Stanley Park consists of an expanse of wilderness at the northern end of the city that begs for family exploration. It’s dotted with totem poles, lakes, botanical gardens, beaches, and even an aquarium and offers hiking, carriage rides, interactive historical and ecological displays, and playgrounds. It’s also 1000 acres in size, which makes it the ideal space to explore by bicycle. … [Read more...]

Disney Done Right: Star Wars Weekends at Disney Studios

Summer's here, and family travel is at its best! What better way to celebrate the end of another school year than with a weekend at Walt Disney World? If you have a Star Wars fan, there's no better time: Fridays-Sundays through June 12th, Star Wars Weekends are ongoing at Disney Studios. The best part is, all special activities, shows, and parades are free with the cost of admission. Last … [Read more...]

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego has long been a San Diego landmark, and for good reason. Every time we visit, we're amazed anew at how much the park offers and how enjoyable a day it provides. I don't know why we're surprised! We've been taking our kids almost annually since they were babies, and every year, there's something for everyone. We love the relaxed feel of the park, focused so much more on marine … [Read more...]

Legoland California

As lifelong Disney fans, we didn't see it coming, but Legoland California has become my family's favorite theme park. Located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, CA, this answer to any Lego-lover's dream is perfect for the 2-12 age set. Plus, it has a Kidscore rating of 96. (Learn more about Kidscore.) And due to recent expansion, it's now three parks in one: Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, and … [Read more...]

Great Basin National Park

Near the Utah-Nevada border, at the end of the 'Loneliest Highway in America' (Hwy 50), in the midst of the stark Nevada high desert, lies Great Basin National Park. Arguably one of the furthest destinations off the beaten path featured on Pit Stops for Kids, Great Basin is remote enough that the greater national park area only boasts one tiny town, a scattering of motels and RV parks, and a few … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: HeliTahoe Helicopter Tours

If you're looking for a truly unique experience during your winter family vacation in the South Lake Tahoe area, book a helicopter tour with Tahoe's only helicopter sightseeing operation, HeliTahoe! With tour prices starting at just $70 per person, this breathtaking tour of the lake is no more extravagant than a day of skiing or afternoon of snowmobiling, and it's a treat no one will … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Adventure Mountain

If you have thrill-seeking kids when it comes to sledding, you'll want to stop at Adventure Mountain near Echo Summit on Highway 50 for great family-friendly snow play in South Tahoe. Much more than just your neighborhood sledding hill, Adventure Mountain features multiple downhill runs divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections, walking paths up to the top, and, at least when we … [Read more...]

Home (Away) for the Holidays: Zephyr Cove Resort Snowmobiling

During our week-long stay in our HomeAway vacation home in South Lake Tahoe, we were only minutes away from skiing, snow play, and other area attractions. On Christmas Eve, we took the opportunity to try a snowmobiling tour with Zephyr Cove Resort, located just past the Nevada border on Tahoe's South Shore. Our tour was scheduled for 2 pm (they offer 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm tours daily during … [Read more...]

Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express

110 Railroad Avenue Hood River, OR It's that time of year...when everyday roadside attractions become magical! The Mt. Hood Railroad offers scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and the Columbia Gorge, and during the holiday season, they take a detour to the North Pole! Let your kids read along with the Polar Express story as the train makes its journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, and … [Read more...]