A ramble through the woods, a stroll across a mountain meadow, or a strenuous alpine hike with the reward of a breathtaking vista – it all sounds idyllic until something goes wrong. As a former search and rescue volunteer and EMT, hiking safety is very important to me. I’ve participated in too many wilderness searches that could have been avoided with a few precautions, a little know-how, and the … [Read more...]
Where to find the best outdoor adventure activities in New Zealand
August 25, 2017 By
The unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s outdoors beckons thousands of tourists ready to experience the most adventurous and exciting activities in this island country year after year. New Zealand’s virtually unspoiled natural expanses make it one of the greatest places in the world to enjoy the very best outdoor activities. A combination of mountains, rainforests, fjords, and the magnificent … [Read more...]
Three northwest backpacking routes for families
July 17, 2017 By
Parents with young children: you absolutely can backpack with kids! Our family has found success by choosing backpacking routes that are short on distance but big on rewards, whether that be in the form of a fun lake or river to swim in, dramatic scenery, or both. The following three northwest backpacking routes for families deliver. Before you read on, check out our tips for backpacking with … [Read more...]
New Hampshire with kids: Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
August 31, 2016 By
The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is a great location for exploration that families can take at their own pace. It starts with a three-fourth mile boardwalk through the gorge. You may remain on the boardwalk, or, if your kids love off-roading, you can explore the boulder caves. This is an excellent outdoor activity in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Mysterious Boulder … [Read more...]
Big Surf waterpark in Lake of the Ozarks
August 22, 2016 By
Big Surf waterpark, in Linn Creek, Missouri, is an exceptionally well-maintained waterpark at the Lake of the Ozarks, offering thrill levels appropriate for all ages and comfort zones. Park Features: The wave pool The centerpiece of the park is the wave pool, which runs ten minutes on and ten minutes off all day long. In the rest periods, it’s a massive zero-entry wading pool that, … [Read more...]
Dominican Republic with kids: 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
July 15, 2016 By
Located in the countryside outside of Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajuana is the most talked-about experience on the north side of the island. Is it worthy of the hype? In a word, yes. What is the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua? The 27 Charcos of Damajagua is exactly what it sounds like: 27 waterfalls in a row in the middle of the Dominican jungle. Unregulated until … [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...]
Exploring Garden of the Gods, Illinois
May 18, 2016 By
One of the prime attractions in the Shawnee National Forest, which covers 280,000 acres in Southern Illinois, is Garden of the Gods, a collection of fantastic rock formations that towers above a vast expanse of wilderness. The short hiking trail there makes this a great place to let the kids get up close and personal with nature. The most famous rock formation is called the camel, but there … [Read more...]
How to plan a multi-night PCT hike with kids
April 20, 2015 By
If you backpack with kids, your family will eventually become interested in tackling an iconic backpacking route such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Unless you have a lot of time and stamina, you probably aren't ready to through-hike the PCT, but a shorter PCT hike with kids is absolutely possible. Planning a PCT backpacking trip is complicated, so we turned to the experts before planning … [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...]
