Until last week, my family and I had never stayed on-site at the Disneyland Resort, despite numerous trips to the theme parks. After last week’s stay, I may never visit Disney any other way. Our night at the newly improved Disneyland Hotel granted both tangible and intangible perks I don’t think I could do without! We arrived at the hotel in the morning before park opening, and the front … [Read more...]
Universal Studios Hollywood with kids and tweens
August 8, 2011 By
It's been years since we've ventured any further north than Anaheim in search of theme parks during our annual vacation to Southern California, so in late July, we braved the commute up I-5 from Orange County to Los Angeles to revisit Universal Studios Hollywood. Knowing Universal is a great pick for older kids, tweens, and teens, I opted to spend the day there with Nate (12) and Calvin … [Read more...]
Summer in the Sierras: Plumas County CA with kids
July 28, 2011 By
For the Pit Stops for Kids family, writing about summer vacations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in particular, Plumas and Sierra counties in California, is quite literally like writing about home. My husband and I both grew up in this alpine area, and love sharing it with other traveling families. Plumas County is located one hour west of Reno, Nevada and 2.5 hours north of … [Read more...]
Summer in the Sierras: guide to rustic lodges
July 26, 2011 By
The term 'mountain lodge' can mean many things to traveling families. It can conjure up images ranging from five-star luxury to bare bones accommodation, swimming pools and children's programs to communal meals and do-it-yourself maid service. We love it all, but when we truly want to escape civilization and immerse ourselves in nature, we book a week at one of the following family-owned and … [Read more...]
San Diego Zoo
March 30, 2011 By
A San Diego institution and for good reason, the San Diego Zoo offers visiting and local families alike an escape from the city into an extensive and beautifully maintained animal kingdom. If San Diego is your family's vacation destination, you won't want to miss this featured attraction. Note: The San Diego Zoo has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore. Given Southern California's … [Read more...]
Hidden
February 11, 2011 By
(Inspired by our travels to Death Valley National Park.) The first thing anyone notices (or at least the first thing I always notice) about Death Valley is its unapologetic inhospitality. You drive over the rise of the highway from Beatty, Nevada and a vast, cracked valley of barren land stretches out before you, and you cannot help but think of empty hands extended. Of cupped palms dry … [Read more...]
Sutter’s Fort State Historical Site
February 10, 2011 By
2701 L Street Sacramento, CA If you're passing through the Sacramento Valley on a road trip or family vacation and want to venture beyond the swinging saloon doors and adjustable bar stools of Old Town Sacramento, a visit to Sutter's Fort State Historical Site makes for a great pit stop. Note: Sutter's Fort has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore. Located downtown in the heart … [Read more...]
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
October 28, 2010 By
The summer tourist crowds have left beautiful Northern California, leaving near-empty (and ever inviting) state parks and recreation areas behind. If you're looking to take an off-season road trip or family weekend getaway this autumn, consider a stay (or day trip) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We love this state park (located right along Highway 199 and not far from Highway 101 and … [Read more...]
Oregon Caves National Monument
October 4, 2010 By
If you're driving along Hwy 199 to or from the California or Oregon coast and I-5, a stop off the beaten path at Oregon Caves National Monument is well-worth a few hours of your time! A beautiful 20 mile drive from the highway (up OR-46), Oregon Caves offers cave tours of one of the few marble caves in the world, easy hiking trails, a gorgeous lodge with dining, and breathtaking scenery. The … [Read more...]
Travel Tip: Legoland’s Premium Play Pass
September 17, 2010 By
If you plan to visit the increasingly popular Legoland California in Carlsbad, CA during their peak summer and holiday periods, you might consider upgrading your admission tickets to Premium Play Passes. Not widely advertised, this upgrade allows every passholder front of the line access for every ride, all day long and preferred seating for every show. The cavat: you pay dearly for this … [Read more...]
