Travel Pop-Ups: New books that inspire travel

There are plenty of guidebooks out there that help parents plan family trips. We have our favorites, including Fodor's Around series (Around London with Kids, for example) and the student guide series of Let's Go (Let's Go Western Europe is sitting right beside me).   However, it's harder to get the kids inspired pre-trip. They're not as involved in the planning process, even if you … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Child Safety Products

There's nothing quite as stressful as keeping an eye on a child in a big crowd. Whether you're in a theme park, on a crowded city street, or in a busy national park, these child safety products will give you some peace of mind. Every child safety product listed below has been reviewed and/or personally used by me or my East Coast editor. While we do accept product advertising on Pit Stops … [Read more...]

Pit Stops for Kids selected as Oboz Footwear Ambassador

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know how much we love to cover outdoor travel, and how we advocate equipping kids (and Mom and Dad) in proper outdoor gear in our Travel Gear We Use series. This year, we'll be taking this passion a step further as official ambassadors for Oboz Footwear.   If you look on the right-hand side bar of the site, you'll see at glance the brands and … [Read more...]

Travel gifts for kids: best hydration packs for all-season use

As an extension of our Travel Gear We Use series, we also feature some of our favorite travel-related gifts for kids. First up: best hydration packs for kids. I used to think that hydration packs were 'overkill' when it came to kids' outdoor gear, but I've completely changed my mind! My kids love using hydration packs during outdoor-adventure travel, and I love that they stay hydrated. Best … [Read more...]

Travel gifts for kids: affordable POV action cam picks

Do your kids want a POV camera or camcorder for Christmas? Tweens and teens love POV cams, and mine are no exception. However, these rugged, adaptable action video cameras can be expensive! Below are two affordable POV action cam picks that won't set you back and will keep your kids happy during outdoor travel adventures. Kids love to challenge themselves and try new skills, and with action … [Read more...]

Product review: Little Passports

We're always on the lookout for educational products that teach kids about global destinations and cultures in a fun way. When we can't travel the globe or the US, the next best thing is to learn about new places from home! Enter Little Passports. This subscription series is a home run: it's creative, engaging, educational, and affordable. What is Little Passports? Basically, it's a … [Read more...]

Keeping kids safe this holiday season: SafetyTat review

Are your kids prone to wandering off while on a family vacation, at a theme park, or just out for the day? Mine can be. (I like to call it 'being inquisitive', not disobedient!) One memorable summer day at SeaWorld San Diego, I actually lost sight of then-three-year-old Calvin for a full five minutes (and as any parent knows, that's a long time!). As I looked for him urgently, I knew the chances … [Read more...]