Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon's beautiful scenic coast is one of our family's favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two). If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and … [Read more...]

Umpqua Discovery Center

409 River Front Way Reedsport, Oregon Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the … [Read more...]

Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park

175 W. Orchard Hayden, Idaho Located in Hayden, Idaho as part of the Triple Play Family Fun Park, Raptor Reef is a massive indoor water park that's easy to miss if you don't realize it's there. Stopping here makes for at least a half-day pit stop, but it's well worth mentioning because of its availability to the public (unlike many other indoor water parks attached to hotels such as nearby … [Read more...]

Tillamook Cheese Factory

4175 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, Oregon Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely … [Read more...]

Cave Campground California

Junct. of Hwy 89 and Hwy 44 Hat Creek, CA Part of the Lassen National Forest, Cave Campground near Hat Creek makes for a nice pit stop along Hwy 89, especially if you only have time for a bathroom break and maybe a picnic lunch. (If you have more time at your disposal, consider hiking to the falls at nearby McArthur Burney State Park.) The campground, open with full services April through … [Read more...]

Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa

3800 South Virginia Street Reno, NV On our long drive from Southern Oregon to Death Valley National Park, my family and I had the pleasure of  pit stopping' for one night at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa in Reno, NV. We've made it a point to stay in Reno in the past, praising Reno's all-season outdoor recreation opportunities and increasingly evident family atmosphere, but this time, the … [Read more...]

Kid Time! Discovery Experience

Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. A large, hands-on kids' museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping … [Read more...]

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, Washington If you're looking for a zoo that's easy to access off the freeway but rivals the big names, stop at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Exhibits and sections include an Asian forest, marine discovery center, aquarium, polar exhibit, and red wolf sanctuary. The newly added Kid Zone is a great place to let kids run around and explore. From the … [Read more...]

Cantrall Buckley County Park

Cantrall Road Ruch, Oregon If you're exploring the pioneer town of Jacksonville (10 minutes off I-5) and have more time to spend, drive out into the Applegate Valley and visit Cantrall Buckley County Park. Set on the shores of the Applegate River, Cantrall Buckley has a long, sloping lawn and picnic areas. The river is slow-moving in this area and great for wading, minnow-fishing (bring nets!) … [Read more...]

The Petersen Urban Wildlife Refuge

1400 Delmarva Lane Wilmington, DE The Russell W. Petersen Urban Wildlife Refuge is 212 acres of protected urban wetland along the Christina River just outside downtown Wilmington. Reviewer Mara of The Mother of All Trips writes, "The place is a fascinating intersection of the industrial and the natural. Freight trains thunder over a sculptural bridge that spans the river. To the north, the … [Read more...]