Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Beyond Mt. Rushmore: Custer, South Dakota

September 16, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Mt. Rushmore is iconic, monumental, and inspiring. By all means, go and see it. Check out the museum below the viewing platform, and definitely stop for some vanilla ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe. (The shop is located directly in the monument cafeteria.) After you’ve crossed this landmark off your list, however, you’ll find an array of outdoor, active things to do in Custer, South Dakota and the surrounding area.

Custer State Park:

First and foremost, spend at least a day (two is even better) in Custer State Park. See our full post all about this fantastic park. (Coming soon!)

ATV riding:

Take to the 3,000 miles of ATV trails traversing the Black Hills. We toured the area with Black Hills ATV Adventures, starting at Custer Gulch resort…a private campground outside Custer with trails directly from the campground. Families can rent two or four-person UTVs (buggy-like vehicles with full harnesses and seats) for full or half-days. Trail maps are available on-site, and trails are wide and well maintained. We saw the rural outskirts of Custer this way, and loved checking out the area’s many well-kept ranches and homesteads. The UTVs were stable and safe, and easy and fun to drive. In some areas of trail, it’s possible to drive up to 50 mph. Rentals start at $225 for a four-seat UTV for a family for half-day, and may well be worth becoming your ‘big splurge’ attraction, provided you’re comfortable with driving.

Bringing your own ATVs or UTVs? Start here for more information on permits and trails.

Biking on Mickelson Trail:

This rail trail runs over 100 miles from Deadwood to the Southern hills, and goes right through Custer. Ride a few miles down and back to get a sampling of the trail, as we did with a free morning, or tackle a larger portion of the trail to and from Hill City or Pringle. To access the trail in Custer, just head across the street from the Chamber of Commerce, downtown. The trail is highly interesting to kids, as it goes over bridges and through rail tunnels.

Maps are available in the Chamber building, and rentals can be found at Frontier Photos in Custer or Rabbit Bike in Hill City. Note: you’ll need a trail pass, which is only a few dollars and available at the Chamber.

Aerial Park in Keystone:

There’s a reason this post is centered around the town of Custer instead of the town of Keystone. Keystone is closer to Mt. Rushmore, and as such, we found it far more touristy and busy than its neighbor, Custer. This said, the aerial ropes course park at Rushmore Tramway Adventures is worth the stop into Keystone. And afterward, if you’re in the mood for some fun souvenir shopping, take a stroll along Keystone’s kitchy downtown district for t-shirts and such. Prices start at $29 for kids, which is a good deal with over 80 elements to try.

Helicopter ride with Black Hills Aerial Adventure:

If it’s in your budget, seeing the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, and Custer State Park from the air is absolutely spectacular. We tried this the day we entered the Custer area, and it made for a wonderful introduction to the region. We saw the top of Harney Peak, which we planned to hike the following day, herds of bison, plus an elk and mountain goat, Sylvan Lake, the Crazy Horse memorial in progress, the towns of Custer and Hill City and the Mickelson Trail, and Mt. Rushmore. I had never seen Mt. Rushmore before, and seeing for the first time via helicopter was a very unique way to do it!

Black Hills Aerial Adventure has seven helicopters to use, which means that families can likely ride together, or if not, two helicopters can go simultaneously, so family groups can still enjoy flights at the same time…a big convenience if you’ve ever tried to schedule scenic flights.

There are multiple flight packages to choose from; we chose the package that included all the sights above, but we could have downgraded and not seen Mt. Rushmore (if perhaps you’ve seen it). Check out flight options and pricing. The heliport is located at 24564 US Highway 16 in Custer.

Where to eat in Custer:

We found downtown Custer to be easily walkable and kid-friendly, with bison sculptures on the corners (don’t climb them, but admire their paint jobs) and pedestrian-friendly walkways. We ate a great meal at Bitter Esters Brewhouse, located at 607 Mt. Rushmore Road. This restaurant has local brews on tap, brewed on-site, and kid-friendly selections as well. Absolutely indulge in a plate of their potato chip nachos for a starter! Though we didn’t get a chance to try it, Black Hills Burger and Bun Co was also recommended to us.

If you have room for pie, head to the Purple Pie Place just down the street. You can’t miss it…the farmhouse-type building is bright purple. They have multiple flavors of pie always at the ready, plus ice cream and sundaes.

Just outside Custer in Hill City, Prairie Berry Winery and Miner’s Brewery are deserving of a dedicated afternoon or lunch stop. Prairie Berry specializes in berry and fruit wines (their Red Ass Rhubarb is quite famous in the area), and their free tasting is very fun. Kids are welcome, and there are even some toys and games set aside for their use while parents are tasting wines. Sandwiches and soups are available for lunch, and just next door, Miner’s brewery offers up great brews on tap, made on-site.

Where to stay in Custer:

Head to Rock Crest Lodge, located at 15 West Mt. Rushmore Road (just at the edge of town). This roadside upscale motel has rooms and cabins available, plus a nice outdoor pool and playground. I stayed in a roomy cabin with a single bedroom/kitchenette with dining table and bathroom. It had a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge, but no oven or stovetop. However, cabins vary, and some do have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. This page offers a full list.

We explored the Custer area as guests of the chamber office, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Kansas City with kids: LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sea Life

September 14, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to explore Kansas City with kids? Kansas City, Missouri’s Crown Center is a year-round draw for families, in part because of two high-profile attractions: LEGOLAND and Sea Life.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center:

A visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center-Kansas City begins with a short demonstration of how the iconic bricks are made. Afterward, guests can opt to ride the Kingdom Quest laser ride, an instant hit for the video gamers in your family. Caution: this is a now-or-never proposition. You won’t be able to come back to it later, which can be tough on kids who need time to warm up to a new environment.

The day of our visit, our Star Wars-loving crew was over the moon to find a room dedicated to Episode IV (A New Hope). The detail is everything you would expect of LEGO. On one side of the Death Star, kids can try their hand at blasting TIE fighters.

Next door, we lost the ten-year-old to a large Ewok Village construction set. He didn’t resurface until we pried him away for a 4D movie. In the meantime, the younger kids found the play place and Earthquake Tables, where we tried to build earthquake-proof structures out of LEGO. (Although any child will tell you it’s far more fun to try to make them fall down!)

Kids can also build and test race cars, and there’s an area devoted to LEGO Friends as well as Merlin’s Apprentice, a carnival-style ride. Height restrictions apply, but the employee running the ride was very accommodating to families with small children.

LEGOLAND is a high-stimulus attraction, and my three-year-old was a little overwhelmed. But he found his niche in a sandbox-style pit filled with Junior LEGO cars—one of several sprinkled through the facility for free play.

We arrived early on a school day; even so, the building reached critical mass well before noon. It can be chaotic, so it’s a good idea to have a low adult-child ratio in your party. Plan to spend a minimum of three hours. Outside food and drink are not allowed, and re-entry is not permitted; however, there is a cafe inside. Admission is limited and often sells out, so I recommend booking online ahead of time. Online tickets start at $15.30* for both adults and kids (2 and under are free).

Sea Life:

If you need a breather after the high-power intensity of LEGOLAND, Sea Life is just the ticket. From the moment the doors open, the low lighting and ethereal music transports visitors to another world.

The displays are beautifully designed and lit, and the aquarium is set up to guide the flow of traffic along a set pathway through the facility, which makes it easy to keep track of kids. Each child receives a passbook with activities and room for stamps to mark their progress through the aquarium.

Sea Life’s marquee attraction is the pair of walk-through tunnels in the shark and ray tank, but the kids will also love the “bubble” indentations in the center of several of the tanks., where they can get right in the middle of the marine action. A touch pool holds starfish and crabs, and a raised deck lets you look down on stingrays from above.

There are also several play areas; when we visited, one of them was devoted to the Octonauts. Our only problem in this area was that the competing video animatronics made it hard to hear the game instructions.

Admission:

Sea Life-Kansas City advance tickets start at $15 for adults and $11 for kids 3-12*. You can see the whole aquarium in around an hour and a half, but you won’t exhaust the possibilities for learning and enjoyment in that length of time. If you can, give yourself time to read the displays, which are on video monitors rather than static boards, and attend some of the educational talks that are spread throughout the day.

Better yet, take advantage of the combination tickets that offer admission to both Sea Life and LEGOLAND, which share a building, a ticket counter, and gift shop. Start your day by exploring the lower-stimulus Sea Life, then switch over to LEGOLAND and return to the aquarium if your pack has time and energy.

Hours:

Sea Life-Kansas City and LEGOLAND open daily* at 10 and close at 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursdayand 6p.m. Friday and Saturday. However, Sea Life remains open to guests already inside for two more hours.

*Note: Hours and ticket prices fluctuate by season and holiday, so check the website for the most up to date info.

Directions:

Crown Center is located in the heart of Kansas City at 2450 Grand Blvd. Full directions to Crown Center.

Our family visited Sea Life and LEGOLAND as guests of Visit KC in exchange for an honest review.

Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing

September 11, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here…we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child’s education, we also value the lessons they’re learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel brands for families, and what they’re offering kids this autumn:

Appalachian Mountain Club lodges, Vermont:

For families planning a fall foliage getaway or a winter trip into the outdoors, AMC’s Highland Center offers eco and educational programming for kids as young as three. Located in the White Mountains on the Appalachian Trail, their L.L. Bean room comes stocked with family-friendly equipment and their staff offers nature walks and hikes geared toward families. Plus, the Highland Center won’t break the bank: rooms are affordable and meals are communal.

Select Ritz Carlton hotels:

Select Ritz Carlton hotels offer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. We reviewed their Laguna Niguel snorkeling excursion last summer, and are pleased to see the program offered in several locations, including Maui. Kids begin their Ambassadors of the Environment program in a classroom–don’t worry, it’s fun–where they see a slideshow about the marine animals they will encounter and learn about the unique environment local to the hotel. Guides then take kids (and parents too, if they sign up) off-site to snorkel, take a beach walk, or explore local flora and fauna in another capacity. Water bottles and snacks are included, as well as a photo CD of the experience.

Dar Les Cigognes, Morocco:

This boutique hotel converted from a wealthy merchant’s home offers private cooking classes which can be booked by visiting families. Amanda Mouttaki of Maroc Mama tried out a cooking class with her child, and loved how the class was completely customizable (great for food allergies). Traditions in Moroccan food were explained, and of course, the final product was happily consumed.

Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland:

Travel writer Jen Miner of the Vacation Gals experienced authentic, wild falconry with her kids during a family visit to this well-known hotel. The British School of Falconry was established at Gleneagles, which means the kids were taught this ancient sport by actual professionals in the field. Gleneagles also offers a wide array of additional sports and outdoor activities for families, including archery. Note: not up for an international trip? Falconry is also taught to families staying at the Woodstock Inn, Vermont.

Masseria Torre Coccaro, Italy:

This working farm-turned hotel in Puglia, Italy allows kids to cook with the resort chef before eating their creations, including pasta and pizza. Families learn about the olive groves in this part of the country, and the mills that produce food. Learn more on Global Mouse Travels about their stay and culinary adventures at Masseria Torre Coccaro.

Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados:

At all-inclusive Turtle Beach Resort, Barbados, kids can take dialect lessons –children on the island speak with Bajan accents–and learn a few words of island slang. Pastry classes are also offered, where kids use local ingredients such as noni flour and cactus, and families can play beach cricket with hotel staff…an island favorite. Best of all for animal lovers and budding marine biologists, kids staying at Turtle Beach can learn from Turtle Pioneers, experts on the dozens of turtles that nest here each year.

Preferred Hotels (international):

We love the Preferred Hotels brand so much, I contribute to their Preferred Family website, dedicated to family travel. It’s easy to see at a glance which Preferred hotels are kid-friendly on the Preferred Family site (criteria for the distinction includes kids’ clubs, kid-friendly dining, and kids’ programming). The best Preferred properties will offer an array of classes for kids from golf clinics to scuba lessons. Send the kids to the tennis courts or to the nature trail with Preferred the next time you book Preferred!

Mountain View Grand Resort, New Hampshire:

This luxury mountain property is all about bringing kids to the outdoors, and the outdoors in. According to Luxe Recess, the Mountaineering Club is where kids gather for screen-free activities ranging from frog races to cardboard box races in the pool. Best of all, this programming is free during the day time hours. Mountain View also hosts a ‘meet the farmer activity’, during which guests can collect eggs and interact with sheep, llamas, cattle, and alpacas.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji:

Lucky enough to be headed to Fiji? Last year, we told you about Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort‘s Learn and Play programming, outdoor and hotel programming designed for families and school-aged kids. Kids 6-12 even help out in the hotel kitchen, assisting the resort chef to create a meal start to finish. This year, the resort has added their Connect with Kids program, a unique and culturally educational travel experience for children and their parents staying at the resort. This new program allows families to head off-site to visit a local primary school to meet children of similar age groups in their classroom and participate in that day’s curriculum.

Atmosphere Resorts and Spa, Philippines:

With an in-house biologist and a marine sanctuary right at its doorstep, this property in Dumaguete is a natural choice for families looking to educate themselves during vacation. The resort offers kids’ classes in marine biology and art, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Read more on Globetotting.com.

The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin:

This five-star resort is known for golf, but they start ’em young. In addition to more mainstream children’s programming, parents can sign kids up for private golf session that include video and swing analysis software. The crew at Road Trips for Families tried it out, noting that families can group siblings together in one lesson, a nice cost-savings.

Want to find educational pit stops in addition to educational opportunities at hotels and resorts? Check out Trekaroo’s Road School series!

Photo credit: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji and Amy Whitley

Grand Rapids Public Museum

September 9, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

Situated alongside the Grand River directly across (and linked by pedestrian bridges) from the heart of downtown, the Grand Rapids Public Museum houses an eclectic collection of historic, scientific, and cultural exhibits related to western Michigan. This imposing building, with its three-story wall of windows facing the river, is designed with an eye to beauty as well as function. Older kids will get more out of it than younger, but it has something for everyone in the family.

In the three-story gallery overlooking the river, you’ll find classic cars, life-sized games of chess and Connect Four, and a horse-drawn street car that kids can climb on. Be sure to look up and enjoy the twinkling hangings made of round mirrors and Christmas lights—not to mention the full-sized whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

Little girls will love the doll room, which includes a table and play tea set. But the major exhibit on the first floor is “The Streets of Old Grand Rapids.” Here, volunteers staff replicas of historic Grand Rapids shops. The day we visited, a volunteer was using a foot-cranked printing press to create two- and three-color bookmarks, one color at a time. A great photo op in this exhibit is the old-fashioned bicycle, whose front wheel is so big, even adults have to stretch to maneuver the pedals.

As an added bonus, the first floor links to a pavilion built out over the river to house a beautiful restored carousel. Rides cost $1 a ride—a real bargain compared to the average mall carousel.

As you make your way through the museum, keep an eye out for the A to Z signs. (”H”, for instance, is for “hats,” and their collection is a lot of fun, ranging from the exotic to the downright kooky.)

Most of the second floor is dedicated to the traveling exhibits and the planetarium. The planetarium is named after local hero Roger Chaffey, who was killed in the Apollo 1 disaster. At the time of our visit, the traveling exhibit was The Discovery of King Tut’s Tomb. We heard great things about the exhibit, but as we were on a limited time frame and had several children too young to appreciate it, we opted to bypass it.

The third-floor Western Michigan Habitats exhibit has a hefty “gross” factor that’s sure to impress young grade school boys, with a cutaway of the forest floor and a model of a drop of marsh water, magnified 200 times so every amoeba and flatworm has its full impact. Environmental consciousness is a big deal in western Michigan, but the exhibit about Lake Michigan brings the personal, local, and global issues surrounding sustainability into clear focus at a level of scientific authority that parents will appreciate and older kids will find accessible.

Older kids will get more out of the Grand Rapids Public Museum than younger, but there are hands-on exhibits on all three levels, from building blocks outside the planetarium to hinged mystery windows inviting kids to guess which baby goes with which Western Michigan animal. Tucked into the information-dense water-and-forest exhibit on the third floor is a puppet theater and tree house play area to keep the little ones occupied while older siblings and parents absorb the displays.

Signage around the museum is very clear, with “Please touch” and “please don’t touch” signs including pictorial reminders for non-readers as well as words.

Planning your trip:

Give yourself at least three to four hours to see the museum itself, and all day if you want to get the most out of the traveling exhibits. There is a cafe on the second floor, offering soups, snacks, and other luncheon fare.

Daily admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children 3-17; kids 2 and under are free. The GRPM offers discounts to college students, AAA members, military personnel, and others. Planetarium shows add $4, and carousel rides are $1 apiece for non-members.

Note: Admission to visiting exhibits is priced separately (for King Tut, $18 for adults and $13 for kids 3-17) but includes general admission to the museum and a carousel ride.

Hours of Operation:

9-5 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sundays, with evening hours on Tuesday. Be aware that GRPM is closed on major holidays.

Location:

272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI.

Our family visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum as guests of Experience Grand Rapids.

End of summer hurrah: Boat rental from Cruzin

September 7, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Happy Labor Day! We hope you’re having a fun, sun-filled, and relaxed day off, this unofficial last day of summer. We’re spending our Labor Day in boating on a local lake. Do we own a boat? Nope! But as it turns out, it’s easy to rent a boat for a day.

Families can rent fishing boats, ski boats, sailboats, speedboats, and even houseboats from Cruzin, a boat rental website for boat owners and vacation-goers. Think of Cruzin as a HomeAway or Airbnb for boats. We rented this vessel, a party boat holding 25 people.

Yes, we decided to host an end-of-summer, informal party on Northern California’s Lake Shasta for family and friends. And dogs…they’re welcome, too!

What exactly is a party boat?

As non-boaters, this was our first question. We were familiar with houseboats, of course, but not party boats. Basically, they’re very similar in style and structure, but instead of interior rooms, our party boat was all open air. We had two large decks (one lower and one upper), plus a head (toilet and shower) and BBQ and wet bar. Best of all, we had a slide!

How Cruzin works:

It was pretty easy to find a party boat that fit our needs on Cruzin. Starting on the website, we perused boat rentals by selecting the lake we wanted to cruise on (sorry, couldn’t resist) and the type of boat we were looking for. Once paired with a boat, Cruzin acted as a middle man of sorts with the partner company or owner (just like when you rent an apartment or home while on vacation). In our case, our partner company was through houseboats.com, located at Jones Valley Resort on the lake.

Once we booked on Cruzin, we were sent a confirmation from the partner company, which listed all FAQs and rules. Generally speaking, Cruzin boat rentals are single day use only, but some partner companies have their own additional rules that override this. For instance, our party boat rental needed to be returned by 8 am the next morning, which meant that should we have wanted to, we could have spent the night. I’m told this is rare, so be sure to ask if you have questions. We found responses to be quick from both Cruzin and the second-party partner.

We were given clear directions to the marina, and the crew at Jones Valley Resort were so friendly, it put us at ease even though we were new to boating. They helped us haul our gear, including coolers and groceries, to the boat and back off when it was time to leave, and their marina has lots of fun outdoor games to keep the kids occupied while we got settled, like ping-pong and basketball. With a brief orientation about the boat, it was less intimidating than we thought to captain it. Did I not mention this? Our very own Pit Stops for Kids’ Dad was at the helm of our party boat, which was tons of fun. We were able to cruise around the lake, play in the water, dock on several beaches, and pick up some additional friends at the marina when needed. Since the boat holds 25 people, all our kids could invite several buddies.

Boat rentals don’t end when summer ends, so keep this travel idea in mind next time you’re ready to spend some family time outside. For our crew, it was a fun detour from our usual camping trips!

As I disclose whenever applicable, our family tried out Cruzin at no expense, for the purpose of review. Without review opportunities, lowly writers like me would not be able to update readers on ways to explore the world with their families.

Mount Rainier National Park two-day itinerary

August 31, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

On the right day, Mount Rainier National Park can rival the scenery beheld at National Park greats such as Glacier and Canada’s Banff or Jasper.

Often hidden in cloud, the mountain framed by blue skies is nothing short of breathtaking, and on clear days, the views from the Paradise end of the park reach from Mt. St. Helens to Mt. Hood to Mt. Baker. The day we arrived, looking from volcano to volcano across the Pacific Northwest, we felt awe and respect standing along the famed Ring of Fire.

Mount Rainier National Park is large, but 97% of the park is dedicated wilderness, which means families can reasonably see the best day hikes and visitors centers in two full days, or one full day and two half-days. The order in which you tackle these attractions will depend on how you enter and exit the park. We entered from the north (Seattle) through the White River Entrance, and exited to the south via the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Our lodging was located on the south end, so we toured what we could on the north end (Sunrise) after we arrived, then concentrated on the south end (Paradise and Longmire) for the remainder of our trip.

Mount Rainier two-day itinerary suggestions:

Day 1:

Arrival through White River:

We enjoy entering the park at White River, as this milky-white river gives a good introduction to the volcanic activity on Mount Rainier. The river gets its name from the chalky powder that rubs off granite higher up due to glacial activity. Stop for a picnic at any one of the White River turnouts along Mather Memorial Parkway toward the Sunrise Road turn-off.

Sunrise area hike:

If you’re staying in the Sunrise area, skip the Sunrise Road for now, and head south to sample some Ohanapecosh or Paradise hikes, which will enable you to concentrate on Sunrise on Day 2. However, if you’re staying on the Paradise side, as we did, take the time to detour to the Sunrise Road now, to avoid needing to backtrack tomorrow.

The Sunrise Visitors Center is a good one to hit up for Junior Ranger booklets. Afterward, head to the Sourdough Ridge Nature Trail, which is an easy one-mile loop starting near the Sunrise complex parking lot. You’ll get nice views of Rainier and interpretive signs educating on the flora and fauna. As an alternative, Silver Forest is a two mile out-and-back hike, which starts with informative exhibits en route then moves through an area once-damaged by forest fire. What still stands are the ‘silver sentinels’; long-dead but erect trees that are surprisingly beautiful.

If you want a longer hike, the Naches Peak loop is about five miles, and offers small lakes, views of Rainier, and plenty of subalpine forests. Plus, it takes hikers on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which can be fun.

Ohanapecosh-area hike:

As you drive through the park toward the south, plan to stop for a short hike at either Grove of the Patriarchs or Silver Falls, near the Ohanapecosh Campground. The Grove of the Patriarchs is best if you’re short on time or have very young kids; it’s an easy one mile walk to see old-growth forest along the Ohanapecosh River.

For a longer and more satisfying hike, go into the Ohanapecosh Campground to the day-use/trailhead parking. Take the Silver Falls loop hike, which is about three miles. At the very start, you’ll be rewarded with hot springs activity. Feel the water temperature of the various springs as you go…they get progressively warmer as you get closer to the source of the hot springs. Be sure to detour onto the hot springs loop trail about a quarter mile into the Silver Falls loop, just to the bigger pool that’s jacuzzi-hot. Continue along the Silver Falls trail to the thundering falls along Ohanapecosh River; it’s absolutely worth the mileage! The loop will deposit you back at the campground.

Day 2:

Paradise Visitors Center:

For the Paradise portion of your visit, start early, as the Sunrise parking lots fill up fast in summer. (See below for best time of year to visit.) The Visitors Center offers a nice area of exhibits upstairs, and a 20 minute video that plays several times per hour. We always recommend watching videos to introduce visitors to new parks.

Skyline Trail hike:

Right outside the Visitors Center, a network of trails are on offer. The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and while we usually shy away from potentially crowded areas, this one is worth it. This loop is over five miles, and takes hikers up in elevation from the Paradise parking lots seemingly to the edge of Mount Rainier itself. The first two miles are steep, but the continuous views of Rainier make this workout less painful, and the crowds drop away the further you go. There are a number of turn-around options in these first few miles; hikers could detour onto the Dead Horse or Alta Vista Trail, and return to Paradise. Everything is well-marked, and rangers are often on-hand at junctions to explain options. Note: the beginning and end of this loop are paved trail, to accommodate shorter hikes for all visitors.

For those wanting to go the distance (recommended if possible), continue up Skyline to Panorama Point, where you can opt between the Low Skyline Trail or High Skyline Trail. Either will continue your loop, but in early season, only Low Skyline is open. When we hiked in June, Low Skyline offered lots of snow across the Nisqually Glacier, which the kids loved. Cramp-ons are not necessary for the Low Skyline Trail, but be prepared to walk through snow (trekking poles are useful).

The Low and High Skyline trails merge again to start the long descent back toward Paradise, with an option to cut 1.5 miles off your loop by taking the more direct Golden Gate Trail down to Myrtle Falls, then the lodge area. We opted to stay on the Skyline loop, and were not sorry. The views continue to be spectacular, with creek crossings and wildflowers in the early season. At Myrtle Falls, the trail becomes crowded with visitors for the final few tenths of a mile. Look for marmots along the entire hike: we saw 4-5!

Rampart Ridge Trail Hike:

If you have time to venture further from Paradise to the Longmire section of the park, or if Skyline is simply too crowded on the day you’re visiting, the Rampart Ridge Trail is a good alternative. This trail is often hiked in summer by the many visitors who do not receive Wonderland Trail permits, and in early season or fall, it’s blissfully empty. The 4.6 mile loop begins at the Trail of the Shadows trailhead, and takes hikers through both wetlands and old-growth forest. The climbs along the loop start out quite gentle, then progress to a series of switchbacks. The reward: views of the valley below and Tumtum Peak. Further along the trail, the views continue, offering sweeping vistas of Longmire and Eagle Peak. When families reach the junction with the Wonderland Trail, a steep descent returns them to Longmire.

Best time to go:

The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is mid-June, early July, or September. While coming in June is a gamble (not everything will be open yet, depending on snow pack), it’s far less crowded. Mid-July through August are peak season. Come in fall, and the park will be yours alone!

Where to stay:

Campgrounds:

The campground facilities in the park are fantastic. We really liked the relative isolation and quiet of Ohanapecosh Campground, which is set apart from any visitors centers. The White River Campground is one of the most popular, but with the river nearby, we understand why. Check the national park site for campground information, including which can be reserved ahead of time.

Paradise Lodge:

This national park lodge is beautiful, but located in the thick of things. You’ll get pristine views of Rainier, and have immediate access to some of the best trails (no parking worries!) but also be staying in the midst of the crowds.

Packwood area:

We opted to stay three miles outside the Stevens Canyon park entrance, in the Timberline community of seasonal cabins outside of the town of Packwood. We rented our cabin via VRBO, and were cozy in a retro cabin sleeping six. Renting in the Timberline community, we had access to a community outdoor pool and tennis courts, and enjoyed a nice deck and mountain views, plus a full kitchen for cooking our own meals. There are a few dining options in Packwood (we tried the Blue Spruce Cafe, which served traditional pub food like burgers, fish and chips, and pizza), but you’ll want to do some grocery shopping. Note: AT&T customers will have no cell service in this area.

Have you visited Mount Rainier? Where did you hike and stay?

Travel Gear We Use: One really good shell

August 28, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

With the arrival of fall, now is a great time to talk about one travel gear essential every person should have in their closet: a really good, high quality shell.

A shell is not an insulated jacket, nor is it a rain jacket, though it does need to be waterproof. It goes over a base and mid-layer in winter, or can stand alone over a t-shirt or light cotton layer in summer. Shells pack down small and are very lightweight, making them the perfect travel accessory for your suitcase.

Everyone in the family should own a quality shell to wear in all seasons, and while a good shell will set you back, they are used year-round. We definitely get our money’s worth out of ours, using them in ski season as an outer layer, during summer as a backpacking rain layer, and in fall and spring as a precaution (often, our shells are rolled at the bottom of our backpacks or roller bags). Here’s our pick for adults and kids:

Adult shell: Arcteryx Zeta LT

Arcteryx has long been a favorite brand of mine due to its high quality. Make no mistake, the price is high too, but as noted above, a quality shell will be highly used and will last many seasons. The Arcteryx Zeta LT stands out for me because it’s not just made for winter. It’s flexible and breathable, which makes it shine during hiking and backpacking season, too. It’s only 10 ounces, and folds or rolls very small. The storm hood is adjustable, so you can fit it over a helmet in winter or a beanie hat during summer camping trips when the weather turns on you. You also get an internal laminated pocket for your smart phone, and seamed pockets on the outside. The ‘lip’ at the back of the jacket is longish, which means it covers below your waist, and the cuffs at the wrists are adjustable to keep out sleet, snow, and rain.

My Zeta has been on ski trips, camping trips, autumn weekends away, and will soon head to Europe when we visit in winter. It has kept me dry while kayaking in the San Juan Islands and while skiing in Utah. Pick one up at Arcteryx for $399 (a one-time investment you won’t regret), or look on Amazon for a deal.

Kids’ shell: Marmot Southridge

This shell is a solid choice for kids, and even better yet, it’s currently on sale. The Marmot Southridge is fully waterproof and sealed, but still breathable, and like the Zeta, it’s lightweight enough to stash in a backpack when not in use. The cuffs at the wrists are elastic (we wish they were adjustable) and the hood is oversized. Pick one up for less than $60 or look on Backcountry.com.

Want something a bit simpler? The Columbia Trail Trooper is a waterproof outer layer that retails for even less. It’s less breathable than the Southridge, but every bit as waterproof and just as light.

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What about ‘soft shell’ jackets? They’re just fine..for winter sports. It’s a matter of preference during the winter; one of my kids vastly prefers his soft shell jacket (also waterproof) to his Goretex shell. However, for four-season use, soft shells are too bulky and not breathable enough for travel or trekking.

Read about more Travel Gear We Use!

Top hotel chains for family travelers

August 26, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers…no matter where you’re going.

We have our favorites, which we’ve broken down into a variety of family travel categories, with the overall winners below:

Best boutique/lifestyle hotel chain:

We love frequenting boutique hotels with kids, especially during city travel when location and character are most important to us. The best boutique and lifestyle hotels offer something beyond the cookie cutter amenities of more mainstream chains, with X-factors like rooftop decks, s’mores on the courtyard, wine hours, and funky furniture. They can turn a standard stay into a memorable one! The only downside: sometimes, boutique hotels will lack amenities such as free parking or complimentary breakfast, so budget accordingly.

Winner: Kimpton hotels

Kimpton wins at making families feel welcome with special touches in many of their city hotels such as goldfish ‘pets’ and hot cocoa bars for the kids. Our favorite Kimpton stay included a family game night hour and resident dog in the lobby. Read a review of a favorite Kimpton property.

Runner up: Lark hotels

Many boutique hotels are located in urban areas and–let’s face it–cater mostly to business and adult travelers. Lark is different in that their properties tend to be situated in popular vacation destinations, such as Nantucket or Newport.

Best ‘bang for your buck’ hotel chain:

Let us elaborate: when we say ‘bang for your buck’, we’re talking about value, not cheap prices. Our picks in this category include hotel chains that focus on giving the most for the price, including extras that will save families money as they vacation.

Winner: Grand Hyatt (club level)

For years, I assumed that upgrading to club level at a Grand Hyatt hotel would be a frivolous expense. Not necessarily. Upgrading is typically only $75 more per night, and gives families access to a club level lounge serving food and drinks all day long. With some planning, families of 4-5 people can save far more than the price of the upgrade by eating in the lounge most meals. Plus, it’s far more convenient and comfortable than finding dining options out every day during a city trip. Read a review of a Grand Hyatt club level stay.

Runner up: Embassy Suites (Hilton)

Embassy Suites could have also won in our ‘all suites’ category, but we’re placing it here because most properties in this brand offer value on multiple fronts. Not only do families get the space to spread out in suites, but the free breakfasts are the highest quality in the business. Some properties also offer complimentary cocktail hours. Review of our favorite Embassy Suites.

Best luxury hotel chain:

Ready to splurge? Many deserving hotel brands vied for our top spots in this category, and quite frankly, we have our favorites across many brands at specific locations. But this post isn’t about specifics…it’s about winners across the board. Who we picked:

Winner: Ritz Carlton

Time and again, Ritz Carlton delivers on prime location, beauty, service, and amenities. Will a Ritz stay set you back? Absolutely. Expect to pay extra for freebies at budget resorts, such as parking, breakfast, and WiFi. But also expect to be wowed with things like butler services, turn-down, and amazing ambiance. Read about our favorite Ritz Carlton stay.

Runner up: Fairmont

I’ve always loved Fairmont hotels due to their physical beauty, inside and out. At many a Fairmont, families will feel like they’re staying in a castle or mansion. Details abound, such as infused water in the lobby, cookies at bedtime, and planning programming just for kids. Read about our most magical Fairmont stay.

Best budget hotel chain:

When we say ‘budget’, we don’t mean cheapest. ‘Cheapest’ is a very simple thing to find–a quick scroll through Expedia will find your winner. ‘Budget’ to us means cheapest with amenities we need. What amenities are these? How about free parking, free WiFi, and free breakfast. What might but might not be included: customer service worth mentioning, location, pools, or rooms beyond the uninspired standard.

Winner: Holiday Inn Express (IHG)

It’s nothing flashy, but consistently, we’ve had good stays at Holiday Inn Express hotels. When you just need a place to lay your heads, and want competent service, clean rooms, and a free breakfast that doesn’t suck (or only sucks a little), this is your pick.

Runner up: Best Western Plus

For us, Best Western Plus would have made the top spot, but many properties have room rates a bit too steep for us to consider ‘budget’. However, like Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus properties can be counted on to be quality stays, and often have extra amenities like nice pools or on-site dining.

Best suites-only hotel chain:

Yes, you can find a suite in any price range, but for families, finding a economic hotel that still provides ample space is like hitting the jackpot.

Winner: Marriott Vacation Club

We’ve yet to meet a MVC property we don’t like. Like Grand Hyatt or Embassy Suites, this chain is all about value over budget price. Families get condo-like suite living with full kitchens (a big savings when vacationing and eating out), plus tons of family-friendly programming options in vacation destinations. MVC properties shine on the amenities front too: they have some of the best pools, beaches, and playgrounds we’ve seen, and most include free parking. Read about just one of our top Marriott Vacation Club stays.

Runner up: Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Always in a vacation destination that appeals to families, Holiday Inn Club Vacation properties are similar to MVC, with a (usually) lower price tag. While they don’t have quite the polish of the latter chain, they do offer up value for families in condo-style vacation villas, amenities like nice pools and dining options, and sometimes, shuttles to popular sights.

Best moderate luxury:

What sort of category is this? The one for those of us who enjoy luxury, but can’t always swing a Ritz stay. If that’s you, read on.

Winner: Preferred hotels

Definitely check the PreferredFamily.com website before looking for a Preferred hotel in your vacation destination, because most of these hotels have independent names. However, across the brand, they shine as moderate luxury options that include family amenities that may be missing from top luxury brands, such as child proofing in rooms, family-friendly dining, and toddler pools. Read some of our tips on the PreferredFamily blog list.

Runner up: Omni hotels

Often located in cities popular for family travel, Omni hotels give parents luxury while offering kids fun amenities, like backpacks and kid packets upon check-in. You’ll still pay for extras like parking and breakfast at most Omni hotels, but their prime locations and spacious rooms may make up for this. Read a review of our favorite Omni.

Tip: learn how to use IHG points toward your next hotel stay, no matter the category.

What is your favorite hotel brand for family travel?

Where to stay in Grand Rapids: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel review

August 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

Situated on the banks of the Grand River in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is one of the landmarks of the city’s skyline. It consists of two distinct sections—the historic Pantlind Hotel, built in 1913, along with a modern glass high rise tower that offers stunning views of the city.

Room amenities:

Our family of six was given a Tower luxury suite, with views of the river and the city on three sides. A spacious living room included a 42-inch TV and sleek, modern mirrored decor. We had ample shelving and a spacious mini-fridge as well as a jetted tub with luxurious shower options. The only thing we lacked was a microwave.

The bedroom included a king-sized bed as well as a second TV, a lounge couch and a spacious desk (complimentary wifi) that gave this working mom room a place to be productive while the kids watched TV. The view of the river from that desk was icing on the cake.

We were also given a connecting bedroom with similar decor and two queen beds. Smaller and more functional (for instance, it had only a walk-in shower, not a tub), that room nonetheless had a desk and great views of its own. The layout, as well as the luxury bedding in both rooms, allowed everyone in our family of six to follow their normal sleep schedule despite being away from home.

It’s the details that make the Amway Grand Plaza such a great place to stay. Our suite came with plush his-and-hers bathrobes, and the kids were particularly entranced by the mural artwork on the underside of the coffee table, which was reflected in a mirror below.

That attention to detail can be seen in other parts of the hotel as well. Without fail, the staff was helpful and courteous, and generally responded quickly to questions or requests.

The fourth-floor fitness center includes an outdoor tennis court and an indoor pool, as well as a workout room set up with multiple ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bicycles, and weights. The pool area is relaxing and designed with beauty as well as function in mind. Parents can lounge on cushioned wicker chairs and couches separated by potted plants. Our kids enjoyed seeing the water change color under the fiber optic lights. As an added convenience, the fitness center boasts a snack bar. The hours are extensive, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What To Do:

The Amway Grand Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, connected by skywalk to DeVos Convention Center and within easy walking distance of numerous attractions. There are at least four museums–the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, which includes a planetarium and high-visibility traveling exhibits (King Tut, when we were there); the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum; the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum; and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The Amway’s riverside location offers not only beautiful views but also access to the river walk on either side of the water. Downtown Grand Rapids boasts numerous pedestrian/bicycle bridges and cultural opportunities, from carillon concerts at the university across the river to a ballet school, a concert hall, live music at the band shell on Rosa Parks Circle, and an ice hockey arena that hosts big-name tours.

Dining:

The Amway Grand Plaza includes two upscale dining options: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on the ground floor of the Pantlind wing and Cygnus 27 on the 27th floor of the Tower. For more family-friendly pricing, visit GP Sports, which offers bar & grill fare (burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and appetizers). Gluten-free and vegetarian options are notated on the menu. Coffee lovers will be happy to know that there is also a Starbucks in the building.

Rates:

Room rates start at approximately $200/night on weeknights. Our Tower Luxury Suite was in the $400/night range. Valet parking is available for $29/day, self-park for $19.

For downtown lodging close to almost everything and a comfortable, luxurious night’s sleep, you can’t do better than the Amway Grand Plaza.

Location:

187 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, adjacent to DeVos Convention Center.

Our family stayed at the Amway Plaza Grand as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in return for an honest review.

Grand Rapids with kids: John Ball Zoo review

August 21, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

Going to the zoo is a classic family outing in every part of the world. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s John Ball Zoo is not large, but the unique opportunities it offers guarantees it a place in kids’ memory.

The first thing to watch for upon arrival is “Nessie,” the water sculpture in the lake beside the parking lot. This is just the first of many details that make this zoo such a great destination. Much of the zoo is shaded by a canopy of mature trees, with plenty of places for tired legs to rest and beautiful touches like a lovely waterfall near the petting zoo. Michigan’s cool climate also means that the animals are more active than they often are at the height of summer.

Since this is a relatively small zoo, a few large animals are missing, like elephants and giraffes. However, there are lions, tigers, Grizzly bears, and a host of other kids’ favorites. The exhibits are of high quality, with educational materials that even our six-year-old, a new reader, found accessible. The “tunnel” under the aquarium is sure to be a hit, as is the interactive display that invites visitors to try to jump as far as a kangaroo.

Plan three to four hours to see the whole collection of animals—but the animal exhibits are only the beginning of the adventure.

John Ball Zoo has places for kids to play (and parents to rest). The Tree Top Outpost is a jungle-themed play structure near the top of the zoo, with stationary binoculars to look down the hill. The Nature Play Zone has long logs to use as balance beams and a tent where kids can pretend to camp out. There’s also a petting zoo, and of course, there are animal demonstrations. You can watch the zoo staff train bears and feed spider monkeys, just to name a couple.

As if all that wasn’t enough, John Ball Zoo has created extra “experiences” for every levels of adventuring spirit. Ride a camel or pet sting rays (and even the occasional shark). Explore the “Sky Trails” rope course, which has two climbing levels, or get a thrill from the 600-foot-long zip line.

Not all these activities are available to young kids. Some, like the zip line and ropes course, have weight and height restrictions. Others, like petting pygmy goats, are aimed specifically at little ones. Be aware that many (though not all) of the “experiences” that make this zoo such an interesting place to visit will require extra fees.

Accessibility:

The zoo is built on a steep hill, and parents pushing strollers or wheelchairs will want to be aware that some of the paths are unpaved. Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and mobility carts can be rented on-site. A tram connects the top and bottom of the zoo; rides cost $3 per person.

Shopping/Food:

In addition to the usual gift shop fare, the gift shop stocks fair trade items, from scarves to carvings to chocolate. The zoo does allow outside food and drinks (no glass) in the park, but also offers cafes and concession stands. Be sure to try the cinnamon sugar elephant ear, available at the Whistle Stop!

Hours/Admission:

John Ball Zoo is open from March through October. During the peak season, admission is $10 for adults and $8 for kids 2-12, with extra fees required for many of the “experiences.” For details see their website.

Location:

The zoo is at 1300 Fulton St., in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Our family visited John Ball Zoo as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in exchange for an impartial review.