Product review: Little Passports

We're always on the lookout for educational products that teach kids about global destinations and cultures in a fun way. When we can't travel the globe or the US, the next best thing is to learn about new places from home! Enter Little Passports. This subscription series is a home run: it's creative, engaging, educational, and affordable. What is Little Passports? Basically, it's a … [Read more...]

Tips on how to make the most of a family holiday to Walt Disney World

The following post is brought to you by one of Pit Stops for Kids' sponsors. Sponsored posts contribute to the site's operational costs, so our editorial team can keep bringing great pit stops to vacationing families. A Walt Disney World holiday in Florida is a fantastic experience that all family members will enjoy, both parents and children alike. It’s fun, colorful and exciting, but with so … [Read more...]

What to do in Park City in the summer with kids

Park City, Utah is truly a year-round resort town. It's one of our Best Ski Town picks, but that doesn't mean families shouldn't visit during summer months: on our visit in June 2013, Main Street was bustling, and parking was challenging to find. Restaurants and bars were hopping, and some shops were open late. Summer in Park City offers much more than just town life, however. Read on to learn … [Read more...]

How to preserve vacation memories without buying expensive souvenirs

No matter where you go on a family vacation, your kids will be tempted by expensive souvenirs. My own son's weakness: plush animals of any sort. Every time we visit a city attraction, museum, or state landmark, he wants one. Not only are these souvenirs expensive, but they never fit in our luggage and he rarely remembers where he got them once we return home. For these reasons, we limit souvenir … [Read more...]

Vacation clubs and timeshare rentals: right for your family?

We just got back from four days on Disney World property, which meant we heard a lot about the Disney Vacation Club. Everywhere we turned, it seemed, Disney was advertising about the merits of their timeshare rentals  program. Is it a good a deal as Disney claims? How about all those other vacation clubs and timeshare programs? The answer depends on your vacation style and goals. Ask yourself the … [Read more...]

Best family travel tour operators: what to look for

When deciding whether to spend vacation dollars on international family travel tour operators (or how much), it comes down to matching the correct operator to your family's needs. Are you looking for a full-service provider, or not much more than a translator? Do you need all meals planned and activities planned, or do you want time on your own? No matter your budget, here's what to look for while … [Read more...]

It’s here! Lots to Do in Line: Walt Disney World edition

Over a year ago, I reviewed Meredith Lyn Pierce's Lots To Do In Line: Disneyland. I admitted to being a reluctant reviewer: After all, I believe in not waiting in Disney lines at all! But after reading through the book, I wholeheartedly endorsed Lots to Do in Line. There was only one thing missing...all of Walt Disney World. Now Pierce is back with Lots to Do In Line: Walt Disney World, which I'm … [Read more...]

5 Western mountain lodges for family summer stays

We love mountain lodges! Whether your family enjoys hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or just swimming in a cool mountain lake, a stay at one of the following Western mountain lodges for families will provide much needed summer time R&R. 1. Lodge at Suttle Lake, Central Oregon: Whereas much of Central Oregon is surrounded by high desert, the small town of Sisters is located in the heart … [Read more...]

Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family

This fun infographic says it all, and if you go on a family ski vacation, you'll see these universal ski slope ratings no matter where you go:   How to know your (and your kids') ski ability level: Get out there and ski! There are many ways to gauge a skier's level (we recommending taking family lessons when visiting major ski resorts), but if you find yourself free-skiing with your … [Read more...]

Book Review of The World’s Cheapest Destinations: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune

Approximately 90 percent of content on Pit Stops for Kids is U.S. and Canadian-based, written to help families find the best destinations, tips, and experiences in North America. We consider ourselves experts in domestic road trip and outdoor travel, and if you're here, it's probably because you're planning a domestic trip with your kids. But that doesn't mean we don't recommend crossing … [Read more...]