Tom McCall Waterfront Park Portland, OR Our Day 1 route (see map) took us from our home in Southern Oregon four hours north on I-5 to beautiful Portland, where we were fortunate to embark upon the Portland Spirit for a cruise down the Willamette River. The Portland Spirit is a 150' yacht with three public decks, two of which are enclosed and climate controlled. We were met at the dock by … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day Keeps the “Are We There Yets” Away
June 22, 2010 By
Or at least, that's my hope as my family and I embark upon a 22-day road trip, touring four national parks, six family-friendly resorts, eight states, and a partridge in a pear tree. Well, maybe not that last one (which means it's sure to show up on auto bingo, right?). Where are we going? Glacier National Park Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton National Park Zion National Park with … [Read more...]
Enterprise Park and Kids’ Kingdom
June 19, 2010 By
4000 Victor Ave Redding CA We drive through Redding, CA often, and I'm ever on the hunt for a great park. On our most recent pass down I-5, we found one worthy of being declared a pit stop! Kids' Kingdom is a section of the larger Enterprise Park that spans several city blocks. Whereas the park at large seems to cater to the sports and leisure crowd (lots of soccer fields and picnic areas), … [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...]
North Point Lighthouse
June 10, 2010 By
2650 N. Wahl Ave. Milwaukee, WI The North Point Lighthouse, standing since 1855, is a fixture in scenic Milwaukee, WI. Better yet for traveling families, it's located adjacent to a great park for kids! Says Kara (AKA Vacation Gals' ColoradoGal), "After snapping a photo of both families in front of the lighthouse, we explored a bit: (Double the Adventure's)Sharlene's husband actually pointed … [Read more...]
The Children’s Museum, Seattle
June 9, 2010 By
305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA Visiting Seattle or Vancouver on a family vacation this summer? The Children's Museum, Seattle is a wonderful pit stop which will keep your children entertained for hours! Located on the same campus as the Space Needle, it's simple to access off I-5 and can be added easily to a kid-friendly Seattle sight-seeing itinerary. Eleven (11) exhibits stretch … [Read more...]
Cady Cheese Factory
June 7, 2010 By
126 State Road 128 Wilson, WI Quick: what's the first thing you think of when I say 'Wisconsin'? If you said 'cheese' and have plans to drive down I-94, then you're in luck! Make a pit stop at The Cady Cheese Shop and Factory to samples of over 20 varieties and flavors of real Wisconsin longhorn cheese, shop in their store, and learn about how cheese is made. Located a stone's throw of I-94, … [Read more...]
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
May 24, 2010 By
15101 Lancaster Road Lancaster, CA Think you can't find rolling hills and wildflower habitats right outside of Los Angeles? Think again! If your southern California family vacation takes you down I-5 (especially from February to May, when the wildflower blooms are most vibrant), the detour to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, part of the California State Park system, is worth the … [Read more...]
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
May 21, 2010 By
3411 Sherman Blvd. Fort Wayne, Indiana Rated one of the top ten zoos in the country by Parents magazine, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is a must-see family attraction in the greater Fort Wayne area. What's to love? The 40 acres of exhibits (well-suited for small legs!), the 1500 animals to view, the ongoing educational programs and conservation efforts of the park, and rides like the SkyFari and … [Read more...]
On the Rise Bakery
May 19, 2010 By
Bridge St & Esplanade Richmond, VT Sometimes, you just want to have your cake and eat it too! And if your family vacation takes you through scenic Richmond, Vermont, On The Rise Bakery offers just that...literally. A wonderful place to stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, On The Rise is more than just a quaint eatery; it's kid-heaven. Located adjacent to a park, kids can burn off energy … [Read more...]
