When we first planned our recent spring break trip to Death Valley, CA (more on that to come!), I knew pit stops en route would be in short supply. I'd noted the lack of places to stop and play on Google Maps, and I thought I'd planned accordingly. Even so, I was concerned anew once we'd turned onto lonely I-95 shortly after our overnight in Reno, NV. For hundreds of miles, there's … [Read more...]
Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa
March 28, 2010 By
3800 South Virginia Street Reno, NV On our long drive from Southern Oregon to Death Valley National Park, my family and I had the pleasure of pit stopping' for one night at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa in Reno, NV. We've made it a point to stay in Reno in the past, praising Reno's all-season outdoor recreation opportunities and increasingly evident family atmosphere, but this time, the … [Read more...]
Kid Time! Discovery Experience
March 23, 2010 By
Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. A large, hands-on kids' museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping … [Read more...]
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
March 18, 2010 By
5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, Washington If you're looking for a zoo that's easy to access off the freeway but rivals the big names, stop at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Exhibits and sections include an Asian forest, marine discovery center, aquarium, polar exhibit, and red wolf sanctuary. The newly added Kid Zone is a great place to let kids run around and explore. From the … [Read more...]
Science Center of Iowa
March 11, 2010 By
401 West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Des Moines, IA The Science Center of Iowa is an ideal place to stop and play for at least several hours. There are shows and demonstrations scheduled throughout the day, no matter how high the attendance, which is nice on uncrowded weekdays. Visit the IMAX theater as well (currently showing Avatar) and the star theater for night sky demonstrations. From … [Read more...]
Portland International Airport (PDX)
March 9, 2010 By
We're back again with another great airport find! Portland International Airport (PDX) has a large play area in Terminal C, right past a food court with plenty of food options. You'll see a fairly large play structure, plus activity panels for younger kids and lots of seating for grown-ups. Theres another in the main terminal, but there's a catch: Reviewer Julie Hagstrom writes, "It is just … [Read more...]
Cantrall Buckley County Park
March 5, 2010 By
Cantrall Road Ruch, Oregon If you're exploring the pioneer town of Jacksonville (10 minutes off I-5) and have more time to spend, drive out into the Applegate Valley and visit Cantrall Buckley County Park. Set on the shores of the Applegate River, Cantrall Buckley has a long, sloping lawn and picnic areas. The river is slow-moving in this area and great for wading, minnow-fishing (bring nets!) … [Read more...]
Andalo’s Clubhouse
March 4, 2010 By
420 High Street Portsmouth, VA The Children's Museum of Virginia is currently closed for renovations, and in the meantime, they're diecting families toward Andalo's Clubhouse in Portsmouth. While not as extensive as a full children's museum, Andalo's does the job as a place for kids to stop and play on a dreary winter day or while traveling. You'll find the usual imaginative play centers, such … [Read more...]
The Petersen Urban Wildlife Refuge
March 2, 2010 By
1400 Delmarva Lane Wilmington, DE The Russell W. Petersen Urban Wildlife Refuge is 212 acres of protected urban wetland along the Christina River just outside downtown Wilmington. Reviewer Mara of The Mother of All Trips writes, "The place is a fascinating intersection of the industrial and the natural. Freight trains thunder over a sculptural bridge that spans the river. To the north, the … [Read more...]
Elwell Lakes Lodge review, CA
March 1, 2010 By
Hands' down, Elwell Lakes Lodge and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region of Northern California is one of our favorite places on earth. As such, I'm afraid I'll have a hard time being impartial in this review! Having grown up in the area and visited numerous times from childhood to adulthood, I cannot recommend it highly enough for an adventurous family vacation well off the beaten path. Elwell … [Read more...]
