Portland Children’s Museum

The Portland Children’s Museum is one of the best places to spend a rainy morning or afternoon with young kids in Portland. For better or for worse, the word is out, and this excellent museum can get very crowded. Before describing any of the many reasons to visit, I have to start my Portland Children's Museum review by saying, ‘Get there early!’ Every time we stop by, we get there at opening at 9 … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Favorite organic travel clothing for women

When I travel, it's crucial for me to have an easily-matching, comfortable, stylish yet utilitarian wardrobe in my suitcase. Because I believe in the brand and wear it regularly, I recently became an ambassador of Aventura Clothing. I'm excited to devote a Travel Gear We Use segment to a few of my favorite Aventura travel outfits for spring and summer. If you're not familiar with Aventura, as many … [Read more...]

How to plan your Disney Vacation with FastPass+

We have written extensively about enjoying Disney parks using FastPass. Is all this advice out the window now that Disney has introduced FastPass+ and Disney Magic Bands? The short answer: maybe. The game certainly has changed. How to plan your Disney vacation using FastPass+ and why it will make touring Disney parks easier than ever for those who dislike planning (but harder for those who … [Read more...]

Portland with kids: Oregon Zoo

We love the Oregon Zoo! Like many Oregon Zoo reviews attest, we love that it’s small enough to be manageable in one day with young kids, but large enough to stay interesting time after time. We toured the entire thing with a five-year-old and three-year-old (plus older kids) and the entire loop took us about three and a half hours. With five main sections of the park—Great Northwest, Africa, … [Read more...]

Top 10 Toronto kid-friendly activities for families

We love Toronto kid-friendly activities! Don't let this bustling center for business and commerce intimidate you! Families visiting Toronto will find much to do with kids, and much to love amid the busy streets and lively waterfront. Plus, Toronto public transit is very intuitive and affordable: with only two major subway lines, you won't get lost! Leave your car at the hotel, and ride, boat, or … [Read more...]

The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination

With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d'Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d'Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it's a destination resort worth the … [Read more...]

Brasada Ranch for families: what to do with kids at this Preferred Family resort

It's no secret that the Pit Stops for Kids crew loves Central Oregon. With approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, lakes and rivers to swim in, raft on, and fish from, trails to hike, and volcanoes to behold, what's not to love? And we've found our top family-friendly Central Oregon resort in Brasada Ranch. What makes Brasada Ranch great for families: 1. Lodging: During our first … [Read more...]

What to do with kids around Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta

What used to be an area tourists rarely had reason to visit transformed into an epicenter of Atlanta family fun upon the creation of Centennial Olympic Park for the 1996 Olympic Games. Now, kids have their pick of nearby attractions and outdoor play areas, as well as restaurants and lodging. What to do in Centennial Olympic Park with kids: Enjoy playgrounds and fountains: When the weather is … [Read more...]

5 Laguna Beach parks to visit while waiting for the fog to clear

Laguna Beach California is a mecca for sun, surf, and sand. It's casual while still offering luxurious hotels and fine dining, relaxed while still upscale. The only downside? Families can find themselves with time to kill during spring and summer Laguna Beach mornings, waiting for the fog to clear. Where to play while you wait? Our top five park picks for Laguna Beach: Bluebird Park: A … [Read more...]

Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family

This fun infographic says it all, and if you go on a family ski vacation, you'll see these universal ski slope ratings no matter where you go:   How to know your (and your kids') ski ability level: Get out there and ski! There are many ways to gauge a skier's level (we recommending taking family lessons when visiting major ski resorts), but if you find yourself free-skiing with your … [Read more...]