Happy New Year! I'd like to start 2017 with what I believe is an important subject: the value of getting our kids into the outdoors. Long-time readers of Pit Stops for Kids know that as often as possible, our pit stops, destinations, and adventures are of the outdoor variety. We ski, hike, snowshoe, mountain bike, camp, backpack, kayak, raft, and fish, and while we'd be crazy not to enjoy … [Read more...]
Search Results for: rv camping
Products for parents who work on the go
October 21, 2016 By
None of us want to, but sometimes as parents, we simply must work on the go. My job has me working on the fly on airplanes (pun intended), in cars, and in hotel rooms on just about every trip we take, and while I'm the exception, I know most parents have to check in with work at least a few times during most family vacations. Below are my favorite products to help ease the pain of working … [Read more...]
What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary
August 15, 2016 By
Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it's an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central 'town' is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and … [Read more...]
Oregon lake resorts off the beaten path
August 3, 2016 By
Last month, our teenager hiked the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. As we followed along on his journey through Oregon, assisting with food drops and other needs, we discovered a new side of our home state we hadn't yet explored! Throughout the rural mountain regions of the Beaver State, many Oregon lake resorts are located far off the main interstate or even paved highways. They offer … [Read more...]
Nebraska with kids: Henry Doorly Zoo
July 25, 2016 By
In 2014, the Travelers’ Choice Awards named the Henry Doorly Zoo, in Omaha, Nebraska, its #1 zoo. This park, with its wide walkways lined with evergreen and deciduous trees, is well worth an extended visit by families of all ages. Here's how to plan your day at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids: What to see at Henry Doorly Zoo with kids: Henry Doorly Zoo is a sprawling complex, and for the most … [Read more...]
Travel Gear We Use: GoTenna review
July 8, 2016 By
When we visited Paris last winter, we spent a wonderful day in the Louvre. At least, it was mostly wonderful, except for the two hours we spent looking for each other. My husband had our two older sons in one section, and I had our youngest in another, and our plans to 'find each other later' went woefully sideways. We both had phones, but had put them in airplane mode to save on our international … [Read more...]
Things to do on the Great Barrier Reef with kids
July 6, 2016 By
The Great Barrier Reef is a magical place to visit. Most parents wouldn’t think that it is safe to tour Australia’s natural wonder with kids, but there are actually quite a few things you can do. Introducing them at a young age helps them learn about the biodiversity and the beauty first hand. There are over 6,600 species of flora and fauna that live in the Great Barrier Reef; this includes 1,500 … [Read more...]
Whaleshead Beach Resort
May 3, 2016 By
Summer isn't the only time to visit the Oregon Coast. In fact, our favorite time of year for a coastal getaway is late fall, when the beaches are empty, the rental prices drop, and the weather remains near-perfect. If you're lucky enough to getaway this November to the Southern Oregon Coast, Pit Stops for Kids recommends Whaleshead Beach Resort, nestled along a hillside just … [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...]
PCT section hiking with teens
August 12, 2015 By
We've been wanting to backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) long before it was cool. This summer, my 16-year-old and I finally set out, tackling almost 70 miles of the PCT in Central Oregon. We built up to this trip with years of family backpacking, including several 3-4 night trips, starting when my son was just a toddler. How did we fare? We had one of our best backpacking trips … [Read more...]
