The Oregon Vortex, location of the House of Mystery is described as a natural wonder. A spherical field of force half above the ground and half below the ground, it amazes both kids and scientists alike. A guide takes visitors on a tour explaining the "vortex"; how it was discovered and what it actually is. She or he demonstrates the phenomena and it is quite interesting. In our group, we … [Read more...]
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
September 6, 2011 By
On a recent family trip to the New Hampshire lakes region, we spent a blissful morning at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, New Hampshire. The science center is made up of a network of trails dotted with animal exhibits ranging from insects and birds to mountain lions and even a black bear. For the younger crowd, the highlight of the morning was the Gordon Children’s … [Read more...]
Douglas County Museum, Roseburg OR
April 8, 2011 By
This review of Douglas County Museum has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne. The Douglas County Museum in Roseburg, OR (123 Museum Drive) is a full-scale, quality museum in a small town. Its exhibits detail the Umpqua Valley history going back 12,000 years, and displays collections that appeal to adults and kids alike. It's located adjacent to the fairgrounds, just off … [Read more...]
Western Pacific Railroad Museum
July 20, 2010 By
700 Western Pacific Way Portola, CA This pit stop submitted by fellow mom and Pit Stops for Kids reader Vanessa. Visit Vanessa's photography site, Second Spring. If you should find yourself somewhere between Reno, NV and Chico, CA along Hwy 70 you will pass through the little town of Portola, CA. There you will find this little gem of a pit stop, The Western Pacific Railroad Museum. One of … [Read more...]
The Choo Choo Barn
June 16, 2010 By
226 Gap Road Strasburg, PA Do you have a train-crazy kid in your family? Planning a family vacation or road trip through Pennsylvania Dutch country? You'll want to stop at the Choo Choo Barn, a 1,700 square foot train-lover's dream featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains! Mara Gorman of Mother of all Trips, says of the Choo Choo Barn: "I knew it was … [Read more...]
Hormel SPAM Museum
May 16, 2010 By
1101 N. Main St. Austin, MN If you've ever wondered what exactly is in that famous mystery meat, and you happen to find yourself driving along I-90 through Minnesota, you simply have to stop with your family at Hormel's SPAM Museum in Austin. Opened in 2002 and located directly across the street from Hormel's main meat plant, the 16,500 square foot museum is housed in its own custom … [Read more...]
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
May 7, 2010 By
14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road Pine Grove, CA Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park makes for an excellent family road trip pit stop while you're exploring California's Gold Country. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills eight miles east of Jackson, the park offers not only a great outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes, but the Chaw'se Regional Indian Museum, … [Read more...]
Umpqua Discovery Center
April 20, 2010 By
409 River Front Way Reedsport, Oregon Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the … [Read more...]
Kid Time! Discovery Experience
March 23, 2010 By
Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. A large, hands-on kids' museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping … [Read more...]
Alameda Historical Museum
February 13, 2010 By
2324 Alameda Avenue Alameda, CA Sometimes, you need to find kid-friendly pit stops in the center of urban areas, too! Whether your destination is the San Francisco Bay Area or you're just passing through, The Alameda Historical Museum is a fun place to stop near the Oakland International Airport if your family is learning about Victorian history. Kids can learn about the past by touring living … [Read more...]
