Want to add a dash of English country charm to your UK vacation? The Cotswolds are located within a day trip from London, but deserve a 2-3 day itinerary all their own. Unlike many European destinations which are ideal for public transit, the Cotswolds are best explored by car. This way, families can plan their own itinerary, take their time, lingering where desired, and go off the beaten … [Read more...]
Top five cities for 4th of July fireworks
June 26, 2014 By
Where will you celebrate the 4th? If you'll be in the following top five cities for 4th of July fireworks, you're in for a treat! Here's the low-down on where to be this July 4th, how best to view the fireworks, and how to stay safe and sane in firework crowds. Washington, DC: We'll be in Washington, DC this 4th of July, experiencing the fireworks in America's capital. We even extended our … [Read more...]
Sending your kid on a teen service trip
June 18, 2014 By
This July, my 15-year-old son, Nate, will take his first trip out of the country without me. He'll be flying solo to San Jose, Costa Rica, where he'll meet up with a small group of like-minded teens and adult leaders to embark upon a two week teen service trip with Adventures Cross Country. During the trip, Nate will be reporting for Pit Stops for Kids, taking video and recording his … [Read more...]
How to make a 5 item outdoor survival kit for $5
April 15, 2014 By
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...]
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 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...]
Best family travel experiences of 2013 (that you can book for 2014)
December 20, 2013 By
Our last post of the year is always a round up of best trips we’ve experienced in the last 12 months. 2013 has been rich with travel for the Pit Stops for Kids crew, with top trips ranging from icebergs in Alaska to snorkeling in the Yucatan. For our family, it was certainly the year of ‘outdoor travel’. Below, find our top five travel experiences of 2013, with links to information on the … [Read more...]
Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook
December 13, 2013 By
Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we're reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler's Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn't geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it's your new bible for family travel inspiration and … [Read more...]
Trips to Ireland with kids: tips for exploring Dublin, Cork, and Galway
October 5, 2013 By
Our Pit Stops for Kids international travel tips section is growing! Have you noticed? While the bulk of our travel focus remains on US and Canadian destinations, we encourage families to expand to international travel as well. Trips to Ireland with kids is often recommended because, in our experience, Ireland is one of the most accessible countries to visit with kids, and an easy place to start … [Read more...]
