It can happen in an instant, and last February, it did: one moment, we were making the turn from an icy highway onto a ski resort access road, and the next, we were sliding into a snowbank, nose first. Luckily, everyone was ok, but our car suffered upon its impact with the wall of snow. After rolling into the parking lot, we spent valuable ski time accessing the damage and making sure our car … [Read more...]
Dining in Dublin with kids
October 6, 2014 By
Dublin, Ireland may be heralded as a pub-crawl capitol for tourists, and yes, you do want to belly up for a Guinness (or two) while in town, but when it comes to family-friendly dining, it's a home run. Kids are welcome in pubs and tea and coffee houses, and parents may also be surprised to find a wide variety of ethnic dining options as Dublin becomes more and more diverse. Dining in … [Read more...]
Broadening Children’s Horizons Through Travel
July 29, 2014 By
If your kids play computer games that take them to other worlds, exploit that interest by traveling to places which inspire them. Parents and kids can broaden their horizons through exposure to another culture, its cuisine and customs, and still have a ball on vacation. Try Ancient Greece or Egypt Bargain holidays could allow a visit to Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs awaiting new explorers. … [Read more...]
Car seat safety reminder and convertible car seat review
June 23, 2014 By
It's road trip season! Early summer is a great time to make sure your kids' car seats are installed correctly, and don't need to be replaced. Pit Stops for Kids got the latest scoop in car seat safety and car seat requirements from Safety1st Consumer Safety Expert Julie Vallese. Even those of us who are not new parents could use some reminders as we head into road trip season! The three most … [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...]
How to plan your Disney Vacation with FastPass+
March 17, 2014 By
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...]
Trips to Ireland with kids: tips for exploring Dublin, Cork, and Galway
October 5, 2013 By
Our Pit Stops for Kids international travel tips section is growing! Have you noticed? While the bulk of our travel focus remains on US and Canadian destinations, we encourage families to expand to international travel as well. Trips to Ireland with kids is often recommended because, in our experience, Ireland is one of the most accessible countries to visit with kids, and an easy place to start … [Read more...]
How to preserve vacation memories without buying expensive souvenirs
May 28, 2013 By
No matter where you go on a family vacation, your kids will be tempted by expensive souvenirs. My own son's weakness: plush animals of any sort. Every time we visit a city attraction, museum, or state landmark, he wants one. Not only are these souvenirs expensive, but they never fit in our luggage and he rarely remembers where he got them once we return home. For these reasons, we limit souvenir … [Read more...]
Knowing your ski ability level: how to interpret ski slope ratings for your family
February 1, 2013 By
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...]
Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget
January 16, 2013 By
A walk through Whistler Village's famed Village Stroll will take families past plenty of dining options, but a perusal of menus will show that most fall in the mid-to fine dining category. While families vacationing in Whistler should plan for at least one culinary night out, for the rest of the time, it is possible to dine in Whistler on a budget. Below, find our top tips for saving on dining at … [Read more...]
