Flyover country road trip: Fun in flyover country

I'm very excited to share that long-time Pit Stops for Kids contributor Kathleen Basi, a proud lifelong resident of “flyover country,” released a road-trip-themed novel this spring, and agreed to share a few places she uncovered in her research. If you’re on a flyover country road trip with kids this summer, check out one or two of these fun stops along the way! 1. Silver Beach … [Read more...]

Exploring Spokane and Northern Idaho with kids

Two of my three kids were born in Spokane, Washington. During the time we lived in this Eastern Washington city, downtown Spokane remained fairly sleepy, with quiet, understated shops and eateries framing beautiful Riverfront Park. In the years since we moved to Oregon, we’ve been lucky enough to return multiple times for the wonderful outdoor opportunities in Washington and Idaho, and have … [Read more...]

Main Salmon River rafting trip with O.A.R.S.

The best—and nearly only—way to experience the 2.3 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness of Central Idaho is by whitewater raft down the Main Salmon River. The route along the Wild and Scenic section of the Salmon runs 80 miles and requires extensive whitewater experience and permits…or can be booked with an adventure outfitter like O.A.R.S. Why choose the Main Salmon with … [Read more...]

Road Trip Travel Hack: Stay nights at KOA Kampgrounds!

We love to review destination hotels and resorts, but let's face it: roadside motels booked solely for the purpose of an overnight pit stop en route on a road trip are usually nothing to write home about. Plus, an average motel stay is now over $100 per night. In the last year or so, we've been thinking outside the box (or motel room) and booking cabin, yurt, or campground stays instead. I … [Read more...]

Sun Valley skiing with kids: How to plan a Sun Valley Idaho adventure

If you want to go to the source of American ski culture, Sun Valley, Idaho is the country’s original destination ski resort. Thanks to the resort’s iconic reputation coupled with ongoing new projects and improvements, you’ll step into a mountain experience that’s steeped in history while alive with newfound vigor. What’s new: Sun Valley’s Warm Springs day lodge has a whole new look, complete with … [Read more...]

Summer in Idaho: Schweitzer Mountain Resort with kids

In the panhandle of Idaho, high above Lake Pend Oreille and the picturesque town of Sandpoint sits Schweitzer Mountain Resort. While many people know Schweitzer as a ski destination, summer on the mountain has much to offer the active outdoor family from late June until early September. Find miles of trails to explore, ripe huckleberries to pick, free lawn games to play, sprawling vistas to gaze … [Read more...]

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Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they're out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, … [Read more...]

Idaho vacation pick: Hotel McCall review

We really enjoy vacationing in Idaho, both in summer and winter. Like Wyoming and Utah, this state continues to surprise us with awesomeness. Most recently, we took a six-day vacation rafting the Salmon River with O.A.R.S. rafting, which put us in scenic McCall, Idaho pre and post-trip. I've visited McCall many years ago while in college, and remembered a fun and lively lake town. McCall is still … [Read more...]

Lookout Pass Ski Area: Idaho skiing with kids

There are only two ski resorts where kids can span two states while on the slopes, that we know of: Heavenly in Tahoe, which straddles Nevada and California, and Lookout Pass, which encompasses both Idaho and Montana. Skiing Lookout Pass is a friendly, low-stress affair: unlike large ski resorts, this hometown resort in Wallace, Idaho is very accessible, affordable, and welcoming. Located … [Read more...]

Educational Travel: Three Island Crossing State Park, Idaho

Back to school doesn't have to mean only back to the books! Explore educational travel with pit stops to historic sites! Case in point: when traveling through Idaho on I-84, families may think there's not much in the way of a pit stop past Boise. About one hour east of the Boise/Nampa area, it's well worth a stop at Three Island Crossing State Park. Located in the town of Glenns Ferry, Three … [Read more...]