In summer months, majestic Mt. Shasta is a climber's paradise, but during the winter months, this volcanic peak in Northern California becomes decidedly more family friendly. Mt. Shasta Ski Park offers up 425 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding, plus tubing and cross-country trails. Mt. Shasta Ski Park review: The ski park is located about a ten minute drive from the quirky town of … [Read more...]
Why you should get the Disney Dining Plan
November 25, 2015 By
Most self-respecting Disney budget blogs will tell you the Disney Dining Plan is not a savings. If you plan to stay in a condo with a kitchen and cook meals in-house, pack peanut butter sandwiches for the parks, and eat at quick-service restaurants only, they're right. But while the plan may not give you a lower bottom line while enjoying the parks, we believe it does add to your overall value, … [Read more...]
End of summer hurrah: Boat rental from Cruzin
September 7, 2015 By
Happy Labor Day! We hope you're having a fun, sun-filled, and relaxed day off, this unofficial last day of summer. We're spending our Labor Day in boating on a local lake. Do we own a boat? Nope! But as it turns out, it's easy to rent a boat for a day. Families can rent fishing boats, ski boats, sailboats, speedboats, and even houseboats from Cruzin, a boat rental website for boat owners … [Read more...]
Del Mar Racetrack: Fun for the whole family
August 25, 2015 By
The following guest post is written by family travel blogger Amber Mamian of www.GlobalMunchkins.com. Gorgeous weather, a nostalgic past, the season's top race horses, jockeys and trainers plus free kids activities. Yes please! I'm talking about where the "Turf meets the Surf" at the famous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in sunny California. This past weekend I had the opportunity to check out the … [Read more...]
Weekend Guide to the CA Redwoods
June 15, 2015 By
We’re a family who loves spending our vacation days in the wilderness, and few places are as wild and beautiful as the Northern California and Southern Oregon Redwoods. However, we prefer hiking into isolated backcountry sites to campgrounds, and while the Redwoods feature some of the most stunning scenery I’ve seen, the trails are short in length, without ample backpacking options. Because … [Read more...]
Northstar California: a guide to the mountain for kids, by kids
February 4, 2015 By
After multiple trips to Northstar California resort with my kids, I asked them what, in their opinion, kids shouldn't miss on the slopes. Their top picks: Cat's Face, the 22-foot half-pipe: Built for Olympic medalist Shaun White (who recently selected Northstar as his home resort), this intimidating half-pipe (with vertical sides 22 feet tall) is used by Shawn for training purposes…but open … [Read more...]
Hometown ski resort: Badger Pass Ski Area
January 9, 2015 By
Ever wanted to downhill or nordic ski in Yosemite National Park? How about a morning of skiing followed by an afternoon of hiking on the valley floor? I spent a day at Badger Pass Ski Area, located in the center of Yosemite National Park, to see what it was like. What I found: wonderful ski culture, local enthusiasm, and lots of love for the outdoors. I guess that should come as no … [Read more...]
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
January 5, 2015 By
A wellness resort that works for family travel? Yep, we’ve found one. Carlsbad California’s Omni La Costa is one part golf and tennis resort, one part spa retreat, yet somehow, 90% family-focused. Those familiar with the Omni brand will understand how we arrived at this conclusion, but for everyone else, let’s break it down. The Omni La Costa is a sprawling resort located in the hills about … [Read more...]
Winter vacation home rental process made easy
January 2, 2015 By
Ever rented a vacation home for a family holiday? Worried it might be a complicated process? Not sure how to go about it? Pit Stops for Kids can help! This post was originally published in 2010, when we rented our first winter vacation home in Lake Tahoe through HomeAway. In the years since, we've rented homes several times, including two more Tahoe homes (once through Northstar California, and … [Read more...]
Skiing with a Tween at Sierra-at-Tahoe
December 29, 2014 By
This post was originally published as part of our Home (Away) for the Holidays series. It's easy to find kid-friendly skiing in Tahoe, but what about those hard to please tweens and teens? I spent an extra day at Sierra-at-Tahoe last week with Nate, during which we noted what worked for his age group (middle school) and ability level (advanced). Sierra at Tahoe is not too big, and not … [Read more...]
