April is the month we celebrate Earth Day and the more-encompassing 'Earth Month', but really, we try very hard at Pit Stops for Kids to travel eco-friendly all year round. Unfortunately, there's something about seeing the Alaskan glaciers melt before our eyes or watching the world's coral reefs shrink that really drives home the importance of taking care of our natural environment. I know our … [Read more...]
Search Results for: farm stay
Guide to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Peru
October 17, 2016 By
We traveled through Peru with Vantage Adventures, which I highly recommend. However, this guide is designed to be useful to you whether you’re traveling with Vantage, another tour company, or on your own. The Sacred Valley of Peru is a stunning region of high mountain plains dotted with quinoa, wheat, and Incan corn, impossibly high peaks covered in glaciers, and valleys nestled with medium to … [Read more...]
Des Moines area hotel review: Hotel Pattee
June 24, 2016 By
If you’re looking for charm and character off the beaten path, while still staying close enough to access the fun of a metro area, try the historic Hotel Pattee, in Perry, Iowa. This lovely old building, which first opened in 1913, offers the serenity of a small town location close to nature while still being close to a metro area with lots of attractions. Art sculptures at the roof top … [Read more...]
Ireland Road Trip for Adventurous Families on a Budget
March 2, 2016 By
If you’re considering an Ireland vacation you would be forgiven in thinking that the ‘land of saints & scholars’ is all about bus tours, ancient ruins, and pretty scenery. And therefore, maybe a bit dull. You couldn’t be further from the truth! While Ireland is known for its history and stunning views, outdoor enthusiasts come to her emerald shores for world class hiking, cycling, and … [Read more...]
Ecotourism activities in Costa Rica: Nature parks and lodging
December 17, 2015 By
The Republic of Costa Rica is a rough and tropical rain forested Central American country, with a population of around 4.5 million. The country is popular for nature travel destination among the tourist because of its rich flora and fauna, beaches and volcanoes. Costa Rica has the highest population of plants and animals species on earth. There are around 26 nature parks, 8 biological … [Read more...]
Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips
December 7, 2015 By
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...]
5 touristy things you must do on Grand Cayman with kids
December 4, 2015 By
Sometimes, attractions are touristy for a reason. On Grand Cayman, kitchy fun is alive and well, and well worth a place on your itinerary. The key is to augment these activities with downtime the local way...chilling on a beach house porch, taking a walk through town, or going for a sunset swim. Here's what to do on Grand Cayman with kids (and where to stay to escape the tourist traps). Seven … [Read more...]
Beyond Mt. Rushmore: Custer, South Dakota
September 16, 2015 By
Mt. Rushmore is iconic, monumental, and inspiring. By all means, go and see it. Check out the museum below the viewing platform, and definitely stop for some vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson's original recipe. (The shop is located directly in the monument cafeteria.) After you've crossed this landmark off your list, however, you'll find an array of outdoor, active things to do in … [Read more...]
Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing
September 11, 2015 By
Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here...we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child's education, we also value the lessons they're learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel … [Read more...]
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
August 19, 2015 By
The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi. There are two kinds of children’s museums—those that focus on science and hands-on learning, and those that focus on play. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum falls in the latter category. In a northern climate, where winters last a long time, this museum is a place that will keep kids occupied for … [Read more...]
