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...]
Travel gear we use: sun protection clothing for kids and adults
April 11, 2014 By
Today in Travel Gear We Use, we're talking about best sun protection clothing for kids and adults. If your family plans to visit a warm-weather spring break destination, it's time to make sure you have the right gear to protect everyone from the sun. Our sun protective clothing picks will last you through the whole summer, unless your kids outgrew them first! Sun Day Afternoons clothing and … [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...]
How to find kid-friendly golf courses from California to Florida
March 26, 2014 By
Ever since my three kids--now 14, 12, and 9--took up golfing, we've planned some of our family vacations around the sport. Parents who golf--or parents of golfers--understand the unique challenge in finding golf courses for kids: you want to experience unique or famous golf courses while on vacation, but you also need to find courses that meet the needs of your kids. Nothing ruins your … [Read more...]
How to plan your Disney Vacation with FastPass+
March 17, 2014 By
We have written extensively about enjoying Disney parks using FastPass. Is all this advice out the window now that Disney has introduced FastPass+ and Disney Magic Bands? The short answer: maybe. The game certainly has changed. How to plan your Disney vacation using FastPass+ and why it will make touring Disney parks easier than ever for those who dislike planning (but harder for those who … [Read more...]
Five kid friendly New York City hotels for spring break travel
March 12, 2014 By
Who doesn't love New York City in the spring? Great travel deals abound in this 'off season', the weather is perfectly suited to museum touring or watching Broadway shows, and you might even luck out with a sunny day for Central Park. If you're planning to visit New York City this spring break, pick from among the following five kid friendly New York City hotels: 1. Westin New York Grand … [Read more...]
Mammoth ski trip tips: Overview of Mammoth Mountain
February 19, 2014 By
If you’ve been to Mammoth Mountain, you know that this California ski resort in the Eastern Sierras is bigger than life. Massive in size at 3,500 skiable acres, and with 28 lifts and 150 runs, this world-renown ski resort can be overwhelming to families. Read on for Mammoth ski trip tips gleaned from a first-time visit to Mammoth: Plan where to stay carefully: Given the sheer size of … [Read more...]
June Mountain skiing for families: the best kept secret of the Sierras
February 17, 2014 By
Skiing families have heard of Mammoth Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the western US. But are your familiar with Mammoth’s little sister, June? June Mountain Ski Area is located less than 20 minutes from Mammoth, tucked into a blissfully serene corner of the Eastern Sierras adjacent to pretty June Lake. Arrive at June—which cozies up to the boundary of Yosemite National Park—and you’d … [Read more...]
Best Ski Towns: an overview of Keystone Mountain for kids
February 10, 2014 By
We love Keystone Resort for kids! If you’re planning a Vail area ski trip with children, head to Keystone where kids ski free, kid-friendly programming abounds, and ski village convenience reigns. There’s no better place to start kids off skiing or riding, but if you have expert skiers and riders in tow, don’t worry: so do we, and we found some of our favorite expert terrain and challenging runs … [Read more...]
Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids
January 17, 2014 By
Almost all major ski resorts offer family-friendly amenities. However, only a handful are truly family-focused. A Keystone Resort vacation in Dillon Colorado ranks in our top three family-friendly ski resorts (along with sister property Northstar California and Big White Ski Resort). What makes Keystone kid-focused? A combination of programs, conveniences, and amenities, which, when offered in … [Read more...]
