Tahoe with kids: Granlibakken Ski and Sledding Hill

Looking to explore off the beaten tourist path in Tahoe with kids? Granlibakken is traditional Tahoe at its most authentic: this old-school resort boosts lodge rooms, condos, sledding, a day spa, and ski learning on poma bar and rope tow-accessed terrain. In the summer, there's a large treetop rope course and easy access to hiking trails and the lake shore. Keep this lesser known resort … [Read more...]

What to do in Anaheim beyond the parks: Anaheim Packing District

If you’ve planned a trip with the kids to Anaheim for the Disney theme parks, hopefully you’re taking my advice and adding at least one ‘rest day’ to your Disney itinerary. Disneyland and California Adventure are now at least a two-day affair, and by extending your Orange County trip to three full days, you can take a much needed break from the parks in the middle. Here’s what to do, beyond going … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do): Orange County without the kids: Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four … [Read more...]

Tips for making the most of Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California is, in many ways, the OG of Southern California theme parks. Originally created around an actual berry farm, where the Knott family sold boysenberry jam and homemade desserts and comfort food, Knott’s has retained many of its quaint characteristics, from its famous fried chicken restaurant to its marketplace of artisan shops and holiday-themed … [Read more...]

How to spend a day in San Juan Capistrano California

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers families something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history to your Southern California vacation. Here’s what to explore in one day. Mission San Juan … [Read more...]

24 hours in Carpinteria CA with kids

If you're not familiar, Carpinteria, California is a beach town just south of Santa Barbara that, in the three decades I've visited, has managed to retain its beach-town charm and distinct lack of city or suburbia influence. Located just off Highway 101, Carpinteria is characterized by sandy beach bungalows (each valued around a million dollars, of course), a quintessentially laid-back downtown of … [Read more...]

A Southern California Ojai retreat: a stay at The Blue Iguana Inn

When you arrive at Ojai, California's Blue Iguana Inn, the first thing you'll feel is peace. If you have kids in tow, it will be because of the lush gardens, tucked-away lawns, outdoor pool, and spacious lodging options. If you're vacationing kid-free, it will still be because of all those things, plus the hush of quiet and ample space for meditation, reflection, or simply a nap or two. Either … [Read more...]

Things to do in Ojai with kids

When most travelers think of Ojai California, they imagine a lush Southern Californian oasis of spas, retreats, and artistic shops and galleries...not exactly kid-paradise. In fact, an Ojai vacation can be family-friendly, as long as you know where to stay, where to find child-friendly activities, and what to avoid. Read on to ensure a relaxing Ojai getaway...with the kids. Get outside. Ojai … [Read more...]

Exploring California Gold Country and the state capital

For families interested in California history, a trip through Gold Country and Sacramento will hit many highlights, focusing on the Golden State's storied gold rush past.Raft and gold pan in the same river where gold was first discovered in 1848, ride historic steam locomotives, tour the state capital…and visit countless historic museums. Start or end in Sacramento: The state capital is, in … [Read more...]

Disneyland hotel pick: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance

The following guest post is written by Pit Stops for Kids contributor Elizabeth Bickford. Need a Disneyland hotel pick? The Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance has one of the best locations and properties combined in the Disneyland resort area! We had a great stay with our two daughters ages five and seven. The property is within walking distance and is surrounded by several … [Read more...]