Things to do on Channel Islands with kids

Channel Islands National Park is located right off the coast of Ventura, CA, but feels a million miles away from the rest of Southern California. The park has a different vibe than most: the main visitor's center is located not in the park, but in the Ventura Harbor, where visitors depart for the islands, and the islands themselves remain remote, isolated, and almost completely … [Read more...]

Things to do in Ojai with kids

When most travelers think of Ojai California, they imagine a lush Southern Californian oasis of spas, retreats, and artistic shops and galleries...not exactly kid-paradise. In fact, an Ojai vacation can be family-friendly, as long as you know where to stay, where to find child-friendly activities, and what to avoid. Read on to ensure a relaxing Ojai getaway...with the kids. Get outside. Ojai … [Read more...]

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

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...]

Best Beach Towns: What to do with Kids in Bandon, Oregon

Summer may be drawing to a close, but fall is the very best time to visit Pacific Northwest coastline! The Oregon Coast spoils families with miles upon miles of great beaches and beach towns, but one of our favorites remains Bandon. Located about midway up the coast, Bandon offers a little of everything: small town charm without being too touristy (but just touristy enough), gorgeous coastline, … [Read more...]

Inn at Otter Crest

301 Otter Crest Loop Road Otter Rock, OR This pit stop submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Renea. Thank you for your support of Pit Stops for Kids, Renea! Touted as 'a place to play on the Oregon coast', the Inn at Otter Crest is comprised of condominium-style accommodations right on the Pacific in a perfect location for family fun. A 35-acre forested complex located between Lincoln … [Read more...]

Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon's beautiful scenic coast is one of our family's favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two). If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and … [Read more...]

Umpqua Discovery Center

409 River Front Way Reedsport, Oregon Set along a boardwalk on the Reedsport Riverfront, The Umpqua Discovery Center is a cultural and historical museum designed to teach visitors about daily life in the town back when it revolved around whether the tide was coming in or going out. (This story not only applies to Reedsport but also to any number of river towns along the Oregon Coast.) From the … [Read more...]

Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory

3810 Cypress Dr. Petaluma, CA If you look back with longing to your sticker-trading days, you won't want to pass up a stop at Mrs. Grossman' Sticker Factory in Petaluma, CA. Free one-hour tours run multiple times per day, and include a video, a guided tour of the sticker factory, a fun sticker craft, a visit to their sticker museum, where you can see every sticker Mrs. Grossman's has ever … [Read more...]

Olympic Game Farm

1423 Ward Road Sequim, WA The Olympic Game Farm is a great place to get face-to-face with a wide range of exotic animals…while never leaving the greater Seattle area! From the official website: “A family run business, Olympic Game Farm is home to many animal species, both endangered and non-endangered. Many of our animals are veterans of the silver screen. For more than 28 years, the … [Read more...]