Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Springfield Missouri lodging picks: Ramada Plaza Hotel and Hotel Vandivort

May 13, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

This post is truly a tale of two hotels. Families finding themselves in Springfield, Missouri can choose from a fairly standard array of motels and hotels, or they can pick between two unique choices: the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center for family-friendliness or the new Hotel Vandivort for boutique downtown chic. If I could, I’d squish together the best amenities and features at both to create the ultimate kid-friendly, upscale hotel experience, but alas, two reviews will have to do. Good luck choosing!

Option 1: indoor pool bliss for kids, lots of complimentary amenities for parents

While in Springfield, I spent two nights at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. A little bit of history: once upon a time, this Ramada, located at 2546 N. Glenstone, was the biggest Howard Johnson’s in the country. Now, it’s a fairly standard Ramada, with several upgrades and a big surprise in the center of the property.

The hotel building could appear retro in all the wrong ways (re, tired and outdated). Instead, refurbishments have rendered it bright, clean, airy, and stylish on the interior. Rooms are fairly standard, though certainly more stylish than most moderate hotel rooms, and common spaces are on-trend. Amenities parents will like include free parking, free wifi, an above-average free breakfast, and a large laundry room on-site. The Fire and Ice restaurant, located on property right off the lobby, is unique with its ice bar (set your drinks down and they’ll stay frosty cold) and carefully curated menu, but prices are a bit high to encourage family dining. If you can get away for an hour or so with your spouse, I recommend it; the food is fantastic and the wine list is extensive. If not, opt for more kid-friendly fare in Springfield.

The huge draw for kids lays in the heart of the property, in the huge indoor atrium. Here, families will find a huge free-form heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub, situated in a truly tropical atmosphere. The vegetation surrounding the pool area is the real deal; I was told the banana trees even bear fruit. There’s an outdoor pool as well, perfect for muggy summer nights.

If you bring kids here, you’ll want a poolside room. Ground floor rooms have garden patios that are truly ‘garden-ish’ and open onto the pool via pebblestone walkway (pictured above). Upper rooms have large balconies overlooking the pool. Yes, you can hear pool-related noise in your poolside room, but during my stay, it died down by 10 pm, even though the pool is open until 11 pm. Note: Ground floor rooms opening toward the parking lot instead of the pool seem like they’d be less desirable, but if you don’t care about a pool view (to watch kids), they actually feature a much more private and pretty patio that’s totally enclosed and lush with flowering plants.

Room amenities include all you’d expect, including standard coffee service (nothing to write home about), a mini-fridge, and a microwave (always a plus). In a nutshell, the Ramada ticks off all the ‘bring the kids’ boxes: great swimming pool complex, free breakfast, no nickel and diming on the extras. You’re within easy driving distance of all things Springfield. Room rates at the time of my visit were approximately $129 for a standard room mid-week.

Option 2: Urban stay, with a taste for downtown Springfield

Downtown Springfield, like many downtown districts in cities across the US, has been making a comeback in recent years, with more local dining, improvements in the works at the historical downtown plaza, and a growing artist and performance community.

The latest coup: the first boutique hotel is nearing completion. Hotel Vandivort repurposes the beautiful historic Masonic Temple at 305 E. Walnut, fully embodying the exposed brick, high ceilings, and chic charm of this 1906 building. Photos to come; click on the website above for artist renderings until June 2015.

With LEED Gold certification, an upscale eatery and bar, and plenty of open space for socializing and mingling, it’s certainly the ‘grown up’ place to spend a few days in Springfield. However, we actually have found boutique hotels to be wonderful options for families with older kids. What parents give up in convenient amenities like free breakfast and parking, they gain in refinement, city character, and culture. Because we really enjoy getting to know the heart of a city instead of its suburbs, boutique hotels are often where we like to stay. At very least, it’s always a viable consideration.

At the time of this post, Hotel Vandivort is a few days away from opening. I enjoyed a hard-hat tour in mid-May 2015, during which I saw finished rooms. Amenities include everything parents could want in terms of techy extras: the window blinds are on remote, room ‘mood’ settings can be set, so that all lights can be dimmed, the TV turned off, and the nightlight turned on at bedtime, and personal music can be piped into the rooms’ audio systems with ease. The coffee service is top of the line, and each room has a fridge as well as snack basket with local products. Everything from tile in the bathrooms to linens on the beds are luxury. Note: if you have three kids or more, you may want a suite. The Master Suite may be worth the upgrade: I saw the fireplace, which faces both indoors and outdoors as it connects with a large outdoor balcony with lots of living space, and yes, that feature alone makes me want to stay here.

Room rates are surprisingly not much higher than the Ramada and other area hotels, though the suites will set you back more. You’ll still get free wifi, and while room service may add up for a hungry family, Springfield’s famous Hurts Donuts is within walking distance. The surrounding neighborhood looks a little downtrodden, but it’s changing by the day. Staying in the heart of Springfield, families will see the revitalization of this area for themselves.

Note: make a stop sometime during your stay to Springfield Hot Glass, located at 314 S. Campbell. This family-owned glass studio may not seem like a kid-friendly stop, but in fact features a fantastic open studio, where, if you’re lucky, you can watch glass blowing or other glass work in progress.

In downtown Springfield, families can also see the exact spot where Wild Bill Hickok has the honor of starting the first documented shootout of the American West. Look for the plaques in the city square.

Which Springfield hotel option would appeal more to your family?

Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (with teens to toddlers)

May 11, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

You don’t have to be a through-hiker with a backcountry permit and backpacking equipment to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.Yes, the further you hike, the more you’ll see, but it’s entirely possible to hike just half a day and see enough to be wowed.

The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one-way along the stunning and steep Na Pali Coast, and provides the only means of traveling this section of Kauai coastline…on foot. Through-hikers either traverse the entire 11 miles in one day, camp at the end near the south shore, then hike back, or break up the adventure further, camping en route at about mile six, mile 11, and mile 18. It’s a route that requires the right gear, plenty of fresh water, and nerves of steel on some sections, where the trail hugs the mountains with steep drop-offs to the ocean.

Experiencing the Kalalau Trail with kids:

Most likely, you’re not prepared to make a multi-day adventure out of the Kalalau with kids in tow, but parents can certainly carve out a day of a Kauai beach vacation to see some of the trail. Start at Ke’e Beach on the North Shore, literally at the end of the road (you can go no further on Highway 56). The trailhead is well-marked, and you’ll likely see plenty of other hikers. Get to the trailhead early (before 9 am is best), as the parking lot fills up fast.

From the start of the trail at Ke’e Beach, families have multiple options on the length of their hike. We suggest:

hiking 1/2 mile in to the lookout point, then heading back for a 1 mile hike with preschoolers and young kids
hiking 2 miles in to Hanakapai’ai Beach, returning for a 4 mile hike with kids or teens
hiking 2 miles to Hanakapai’ai Beach, then an additional 2 miles up a side trail to Hanakapai’ai Falls and back, for a total of 8 miles with strong hikers

No matter which option you decide is best for you, note that the way will be steep. The Kalalau Trail rises and falls in elevation with every quarter mile (sometimes with every step!), with rocks, water runoff, and mud throughout. In many places, there are significant drops on the side of the trail to the ocean. There are not guardrails or other safety measures in place, so it’s crucial that young children are secured or holding a parent’s hand and older children follow directions and refrain from running along the trail.

Our extended family of 11 set out on the trail on a March morning, with the plan to hike the four mile out-and-back with the option of some family members continuing on for the eight mile option. We made a family rule: all kids, even the teens, would be sandwiched between adults as we hiked. This prevented my teens from running ahead, and the preschooler and kindergartener from feeling left behind or getting too close to the edge. No where in the first two miles of the trail did we feel the trail was too dangerous, and I never felt too close to the edge, but a child running, jumping, or playing along the trail would not work.

We hiked the first two miles slower than our usual pace, due to the steep trail but also due to the many photo opps along the way. At the 1/4 mile marker, families get their first glimpse of beautiful Ke’e Beach from above, but the even better views are yet to come at the 1/2 mile. The trail is mostly uphill for the first mile, then downhill for the second, as the trail drops down into Hanakapai’ai Valley and they rugged beach there.

There’s a pretty major creek crossing right before arriving at the beach, which can be either an exciting reward for reaching the destination or a final obstacle, however you want to think about it. We had to help the young kids across, but the teens managed just fine. On the other side, there’s room for a picnic lunch and some ocean watching, but no swimming…the beach here is unsafe for swimming. Check out the lovely cairns other hikers have made from the smooth rocks lining the shore, instead.

If you’re going on to Hanakapai’ai Falls, be sure to have plenty of water and adequate supplies, such as an extra layer of clothing, a small first aid kit, and snacks. The additional two miles to the falls is among the most strenuous I’ve encountered anywhere. There were at least six creek crossings, lots of muddy trail, slick rocks, and some actual bouldering to get up to the falls. The reward: one of the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen, with space to take a dip in it’s pool. (Though if you opt not to get in the chilly water, you’ll get wet from the spray coming off the falls anyway!)

Retrace your steps to return to the beach, then retrace again to return all the way back to Ke’e Beach where you’ll end your eight mile day. We found the experience amazing, and would recommend the falls to anyone in good shape and used to hiking. The youngest hiker in our group for the extended hike to the falls was age 13. However, all kids, from age 4 and up, made it to and from the beach for a total of four miles.

What to wear:

Don’t wear your swimsuit, unless it’s comfortable to hike in. The only swimming is at the falls, and even that’s primarily a quick dunk. Be sure to have hiking shoes or very sturdy, rugged sandals, such as Keens or Tevas. Running shoes are a good bet, if you prefer them to hiking boots. (Browse more good stuff at Runnerclick.) I wouldn’t recommend anything without a closed toe. Wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing, and consider a bug repellent. We didn’t encounter many insects, but the area is known for them in certain times of year.

Additional activities and excursions to try on Kauai:

Cost of trail:

Free

Hours of operation:

Daylight hours. Note that the trailhead is often closed, depending on weather. The trail closes in severe rain, due to slippery mud and heavy flow of the creeks along the route (hikers have been swept all the way out to sea via flooded creeks along the trail). If the trail is closed when you arrive, wait a while. It usually opens. This was the case on our visit: at 9 am it was closed following a rainfall. We snorkeled at Ke’e Beach for a while, then the trail opened at about 10:30. This gave us a later start than we’d like, so please note possible trail closures when planning your trip.

Directions:

From Hanalei, continue along 57 to the end of the road, at Ke’e Beach.

Tubing on Kauai: Kauai Backcountry Adventures

May 4, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the most unique excursions families can take on Kauai is a tubing adventure through a sugar cane plantation. This adventure is very hard to describe until you’ve tried it: essentially, families are guided through the flumes and tunnels of unused irrigation channels on a now-defunct plantation for a fun, beautiful, and pretty thrilling ride through Kauai’s jungle-like east side.

Start at the headquarters for Kauai Backcountry Adventures, located in Wailea. This big warehouse is the place to check in, get fitted for helmets and headlamps, and wet suit tops if you need them. Next, you’ll be placed into groups of about 12 and paired with a guide and driver, who will take you via van to the put-in site. This site is on the sugar cane plantation, about 20 minutes from the warehouse. You drive along roads for about 10 minutes, then dirt roads for another ten, arriving into the plantation where your guide tells you about the history of the area.

After a short stop at an overlook, which is a great opportunity to see some of the inland valleys of Kauai, you become acquainted with your inner tubes and the irrigation canals. You’re met with another, ‘back’ guide, who pairs with your head guide to help everyone navigate the flumes and tunnels.

We weren’t prepared for the cold temperature of the water, but found it refreshing. (The guides make a joke of this, banning the word ‘cold’ from everyone’s vocabulary, but we actually did find it perfectly pleasant, once used to it.) The flumes are fast-moving at times, slow and restful at others, but always active and fun as you bump into others as you float down the narrow canals. Everyone, from the grandparents in our group to the five-year-old, had a good time, though the youngest kids were unsure at first. There are five tunnels to go through, which are beautiful and just scary enough if you turn off your lights to keep the older kids entertained. Throughout the float, the Kauai forests and unused plantation lands surround you, with bird song at all times.

The actual float takes about an hour and a half, and ends at a nice picnic spot for a deli lunch that’s set out. It’s nothing fancy, but perfectly good and satisfying. After the return drive, the whole experience takes about three hours. We definitely recommend it, as it’s unique to Kauai and a fun way to see countryside you may otherwise not be introduced to.

Curious what the dark tunnels look and feel like? Here’s a short video clip!

What to bring:

You can take a day bag with you, which will be transported for you from the put-in spot to the picnic spot. We were glad to have dry shirts and light sweatshirts at that point. Also be sure to wear sturdy sandals, such as Keens or Chacos, because you’ll be pushing off from the concrete walls of the canals and walking on dirt roads a bit. Wear swim suits for the excursion. You’l also want towels.

Cost:

$106 per person, no matter what age. Budget for a tip for your guides as well (they will split it amongst themselves). Tours depart on the hour from 8 am to 2 pm, rain or shine. Our day was rainy, but it didn’t matter much!

Directions:

Find Kauai Backcountry Adventures at 3-4131 Kuhio Highway.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we tried out Kauai Backcountry Adventures at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

How to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai: Holo Holo Charters

April 29, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Wondering how to see the Na Pali Coast Kauai? There are four ways to see the famous (and roadless) Na Pali Coast along Kauai’s west shore. Families can take a helicopter tour, kayak tour, hike the Kalalau Trail, or take a chartered sailing tour.

We opted for two of the four: we hiked several miles of the trail (the entire 11 miles requires a permit), and saw more of the coastline via catamaran with Holo Holo Charters. ‘Holo’ means adventure in Hawaiian; if someone says they’re going to ‘go holo’, they’re going adventuring. ‘Holo holo’ means a big adventure. Our excursion with Holo Holo Charters was just that: an exciting adventure.

We took their Napali Snorkel Sail, which took us from Port Allen to the Na Pali Coast on the Leila, a 50’ sailing catamaran that sailed at up to 18 knots. Our sailing was in March, and we experienced a mixed bag of winter and summer sailing conditions: the water was choppy and waves were quite large (in the opinion of this non-sailor).

Our tour began at 8 am (which required an early wake up for us on the North Shore, in order to complete the 1.5 hour commute to the South Shore in time to depart). After a brief safety talk, we were off to find an ideal snorkel spot along the South coast, where we were issued snorkel gear and spent about an hour in the water. While we had snorkeled off the shore several times already in Kauai, we saw more varieties of fish here than anywhere else, even in slightly murky water (due to waves). If you plan to focus on finding the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, you may not ‘need’ this snorkel cruise, but if you want to be sure to find at least one good spot, this is your best bet.

Next, we set sail (literally) for the Na Pali, while the crew set out a continental breakfast. During the entire day, the coolers were self-serve for juice, water, and soda, and crew members were on-hand to assist with the open bar of wine and beer. Our captain even opened a bottle of champagne to make ‘Hawaiian mimosas’ with guava juice. We past empty beaches near the western end of the Na Pali (also where the Kalalau Trail ends), and saw its famed rugged cliffs and sea caves. It was fun for us to see this side of the Na Pali, since we’d hiked a bit on the eastern end. Now we’d seen both ends of the trail and coastline.

While our kids enjoyed the snorkeling, the most memorable part of the trip for them was laying flat on the mesh fabric at the front of the catamaran, allowing waves to rock them and soak them with spray as we sailed. If your kids like this sort of thing, they’ll have a blast!

On the return journey, we ate a nice deli lunch of sandwich fixings, pasta salad, and cookies, and along the way, we stopped to see humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Tours such as this one can never guarantee to see such wildlife, of course, so this was a very special treat: for the first time, our family saw whales fully breach, and we were close enough to note the calf—baby whale—jumping and playing while his/her mother swam beside. The dolphins surrounded our boat, playing in the waves and talking amongst themselves…a beautiful sight. We were indeed lucky.

A note about seasickness:

I get seasick easily, so I was concerned about this trip. I was right to be: several people did succumb to seasickness. I believe the only reason I did not was the Bonine I took beforehand. The crew also had ginger candies to suck on, and ginger ale. We may have sailed at a particularly choppy time, but the crew said they’d seen worse…and our boat was really rocking over the waves. While you can see shoreline at all times, you are on open ocean. It helps to sit at the back of the boat where there’s less movement, and it’s easy to be outside in the fresh air, but once sick, there’s little you can do. Take something for seasickness if you think it will be a problem. The crew was very helpful to those who did get sick.

What you’ll need to bring:

waterproof camera
sunscreen
sunglasses
sun-protective clothing
an extra long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt for everyone (it does get chilly in the wind)
towels (at least 2-3)
wear any shoes…you’ll take them off before boarding

Safety onboard:

We had a crew of four for our tour (with approximately 20 people), and we felt safety was a priority. There are rules onboard the catamaran, such as how to hold on and walk on the decks, and crew members let people know when it’s best to stay seated. However, it’s a catamaran, so there are no railings along the edges of the boat. Children absolutely must be able (and willing) to listen to instructions and follow rules.

Cost:

The snorkel sail costs $134 for adults and $94 for kids (up to age 12), if you pre-order online. You pay when you arrive. Once you make your reservation, you cannot cancel for a full refund (only a half-refund). The only exception: if the tour is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund. Please plan on tipping your guides.

Directions:

Holo Holo is located in the marina shopping center in Port Allen, at 4353 Waialo Road. After passing Lihue from the North Shore, take 50 until you reach 541, then turn at the McDonalds at Waialo Road.

Want a preview of additional excursions and activities to try on Kauai? Check out our video:

As we disclose whenever applicable, we toured with Holo Holo at a media rate, for the purpose of review.

Learn to surf in Hawaii: Hawaiian Surfing Adventures

April 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you want to learn to surf in Hawaii, you need to learn from the locals. The minute we checked in at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, we knew we were with o’hana, or family. We met many members of the Alapa family, who have owned this business for years. We were met by an uncle, driven to the beach by the father, and taught by a son and cousin.

Everyone took pride in the business, and best of all, seemed to have fun doing what they do. Their motto at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures is that surfing (and anything you do on Hawaii, actually) should be ‘easy’. They made that happen as we successfully surfed and had a blast doing it.

What to expect:

We found the business location easily enough along the main road of Hanalei, just last the liquor store if coming in from Princeville. We were asked to be there 30 minutes before our lesson time, and we filled out the usual waivers and got fitted for our rash guards. We then locked any valuables in our car and left the keys with the office crew, and hopped on board a surf jeep that took us on the short drive to Hanalei Bay Beach.

You’ll want sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera with you at this point; we were advised we could bring towels too, but we actually never needed them. At the beach, we placed our belongings in a plastic bin (everything valuable should be at your car) and spend about 20 minutes learning how to paddle, stand up, and get back down on our boards while on land. We got useful tips on balance and stance—plus practical tips on getting out into the surf—from our teachers, Evan and Mitchell, before being let loose on the waves.

We entered the water, and here’s the good news: it was easier than I’d anticipated to paddle the board through the surf to the area where we’d be catching waves. Mitchell and Evan helped us know which waves to try for, and when to start paddling to catch them. The bad news: the hardest part for most of us was timing the waves to actually catch them. Luckily for us, the Alapa family motto of ‘make it easy’ ensured a nice push from the team to get us in front of good waves. Once we’d caught them, we were all successful in standing up and riding them. And yes, it was as fun as it seems.

Everyone in our group, from age 10 to 40, had a blast. Evan and Mitchell took care to ensure the kids were always helped and accounted for (which isn’t easy with our adventurous kids) and made them all feel great about their attempts. We enjoyed our hour on the water so much, we decided to return to Hawaiian Surfing Adventures later in the week to rent surf boards to keep practicing on our own. Rentals are only $15 for half a day, and they’ll deliver them to the beach for you. Again…they make it easy!

Pricing:

You can opt for private or semi-private lessons, but we found the ratio in group lessons to be excellent. Group lessons are $65 per person. Plan to tip your instructors!

Directions:

Find Hawaiian Surfing Adventures at 5-5134 Kuhio Highway 96714. Look for the yellow surfboard outside!

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced our surfing lesson at a media rate, for the purpose of review. We wanted to be able to tell readers what surfing in Hanalei is really like!

Spring travel wear picks and 60% off Aventura Clothing

April 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m an ambassador for Aventura Clothing because I believe this brand is one of the absolute best in women’s travel clothing. Their clothing is affordable, comfortable, stylish, and high-quality, plus can easily be mixed-and-matched on travel days. Many items are made of organic cotton, which I find packs well and doesn’t wrinkle. Every spring and fall, Aventura Clothing comes out with a new line. Here are my favorite picks from this spring.

The first 20 readers to like the Pit Stops for Kids Facebook page or follow us on Instagram will receive 60% off Aventura Clothing in their next order! Details below.

Rory dress:

We’ll start with my absolute favorite. Aventura has many cute summer dresses on offer this spring, but if you can only buy one, make it the Rory. This organic cotton blend is stretchy, soft, and so flattering! It’s very simple, too, which makes it a great travel piece. The Rory can be paired with a cardigan or even a hoodie on cooler days, or worn solo in summer. It’s meant to be active, so go ahead and run to catch that train. You can dress it up with a scarf and nice shoes and it’ll be ready to go out at night, too. I’m going to need one in at least two colors!

Hartley hoodie:

Layering is key when selecting travel clothes, so you need at least one good hoodie in your suitcase. I usually have two. The Hartley hoodie doesn’t look like an afterthought: it’s bright, cheerful, and high quality, so it looks like part of your ensemble. It comes in really pretty jewel tones with a stretchy, flattering fit, with nice detailing on the arms. Oh, and it’s organic cotton, too.

Rowan capri:

I like to be comfortable when I travel, and the Rowan capri lets me feel like I’m wearing my favorite sweat pants on the plane or in the car, not a cute pair of capris. Thanks for the travel hack, Aventura! The Rowan also comes in a short, and has a stretchy drawstring waistband. I’ve found the Rowan runs big, so order down a size if you want it to be fitted. Comes in five neutral colors so one pair will go with several tees or hoodies.

Tillie top:

The Tillie top was kind of a departure for me. It’s an organic cotton tee, so you get the softness and comfort, but also has an interesting back detail: a polyester Georgette back panel. This detail adds interest to the tee, and dresses it up a bit, so it can easily go from day outing to a nice brunch or cocktail hour. There’s a cute front pocket and floral detail on the neckline, too. Basically, the Tillie is the tee that isn’t. Comes in gray or flamingo, which is actually more like a tangerine. I definitely recommend the latter.

Add a few basics like tees and a pair of jeans, and you have the makings here for a weekend away. All the above was packed in my carry-on for a recent review trip to Texas, and served me well!

Don’t forget about accessories!

It’s easy to pack a scarf or two, a belt, or a strappy pair of sandals, and these details go a long way toward changing up any outfit for a second wear or evening attire. Wear a hat on the plane to save room in your luggage!

Monica fedora:

Oh my. This fedora is so adorable, even if you’re not the hat type (I totally am). It’s colorful and cheerful while still remaining understated enough to go with multiple outfits. I wouldn’t pack a fedora in luggage (will hat boxes ever make a comeback?) but if you can wear it to and from a destination, do so! It looks great on any causal outdoor excursion while traveling, and saves you from potential bad hair days, too.

Saphira infinity scarf:

I am a huge fan of infinity scarves. Even I, the least fashion-forward person I know, can figure out how to wear one! And infinity scarves make any outfit, even a tee and jeans, look classier. Plus they take next to no room in your bag. The Saphira is lightweight, with a burnout floral design that’s very understated. I got the white, which doesn’t show the floral at all unless you look closely.

Studded belt:

A belt, much like a scarf, can make any outfit look more complete, and therefore, makes you look more pulled together on a travel day. The Aventura studded belt has just enough detail to make it interesting, but not so much that it’s a focal point of your outfit. I pair mine with jeans and khaki pants.

Bienne capri leggings:

Here’s another travel hack, ladies: when you really want to wear that cute sun dress but it’s too cold outside, pair it with Bienne capri leggings. Like all Aventura leggings, the Bienne is super warm and very comfortable (they never sag…I promise!), but made to be worn in spring with a pair of ballet flats or sandals. The shirring at the bottom really completes the look. I am in love with these leggings, since every other spring day in Oregon is more like winter.

Want to take 60% off your next Aventura order (including sale items)? Be among the first 20 readers to like our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Simply follow, then leave a comment below with your user name. I’ll send you an unique coupon code good for 60% off one order!

Earth Day every day: outdoor adventures that teach kids to love nature

April 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In our part of the world, Earth Day usually dawns chilly and soggy. For many years, I dutifully took my kids out to the local celebration (always held outdoors, of course) so we could freeze for a few hours while batting around an oversized globe-patterned beach ball, learn about sustainable housing and bio-diesel, and eat local produce. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with any of that. But in the past few years, we’ve found a better way to celebrate. We now strive to honor Earth Day every day.

How? By teaching our kids to appreciate nature and the outdoor world that surrounds us. When kids have seen, felt, and interacted with nature firsthand, they’re much more likely to relate to it and strive to protect it as they get older. It’s true that as an outdoor columnist for OutdoorsNW, I have ample opportunity to expose my kids to the wilderness in our region, but the great thing about the outdoors is how accessible it is. Outdoor adventures are usually low-cost (or free), within easy driving distance, and great exercise. The following are our favorite ways to get outside with kids:

1. Go camping.

Camping is cheap, it’s available no matter where you live, and while it takes some effort, it’s a major kid-pleaser. Check out our favorite campgrounds along the Pacific coast, or check your own state park listings for a one-tank-of-gas-or-less getaway. If you’re ambitious, plan a multi-night backpacking adventure.

2. Kayak or river raft.

Kayaking and rafting are great ways to introduce kids to water sports. Families can start on still lakes and rivers, and most locations include a guide who can help you get started. You can opt to be on the water for only a few hours if desired, and can return to comfortable lodging afterward. Kids dig kayaking and river rafting because it’s more exciting than hiking, with the same explorative benefits. Our top favorite kayaking and river rafting adventures have included a family float along the Deerfield River in Massachusetts with Zoar Outdoor, an autumn kayaking trip in Oregon’s Cascade Lakes with Wanderlust Tours, and kayaking Vancouver Island Canada’s Ucluelet harbor with Majestic Ocean Kayaking.

3. Hike!

It doesn’t get more basic than this. Take the kids, give them a backpack and walking stick (both optional), and drive to the nearest trail head. Don’t know where to find one? Start at your local outdoor store and pick up a local hiking guide or simply ask the salesperson. Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and a picnic, and you’re all set. To keep kids motivated and entertained en route, allow them to set the pace and stop to explore, even if it means climbing every third tree or stopping to build (and dismantle) a dam along a creek. If you want to make a vacation of it, start with our top five Western mountain lodges, and spend your days on the trail and your nights in comfort.

4. Horseback ride.

Many rustic or outdoor resorts now offer horseback riding. For roughly the cost of any outdoor excursion (or round of golf or spa treatment) you can introduce your kids to the cowboy (or girl) lifestyle…for a few hours. We love horseback riding while on vacation because it accomplishes two important goals: fun for the kids and the chance to see more of the outdoors up-close. Even kids as young as five can often ride solo. Our favorite horseback riding operations have included those at Brasada Ranch and Colter Bay in Grand Tetons National Park.

5. Mountain bike.

Mountain biking is an expensive way to enjoy the outdoors if you own your own bikes and equipment, but surprisingly affordable to rent for the day at most local bike shops (whether you’re on vacation or at home). Because you can’t always mountain bike on pedestrian trails (but sometimes can), it’s important to pick up a cycling trail map where you rent your bikes. If you want to go extreme, try gravity-based mountain biking at a ski resort in summer. It’s one of the activities my kids (and I) have enjoyed most in the past few years! Learn more by checking out our biking experience at Northstar California.

How to plan a multi-night PCT hike with kids

April 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

If you backpack with kids, your family will eventually become interested in tackling an iconic backpacking route such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Unless you have a lot of time and stamina, you probably aren’t ready to through-hike the PCT, but a shorter PCT hike with kids is absolutely possible.

Planning a PCT backpacking trip is complicated, so we turned to the experts before planning ours. The folks at pcta.org put us in touch with trail expert Dana Hendricks, who has led volunteer crews for AmeriCorps, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the American Hiking Society. She has through-hiked much of the PCT herself. We asked Dana the following questions as we set to work planning our hike.

Who should go?

Dana recommended anyone planning to hike a section of the PCT ‘warm up’ with day hikes or shorter overnight backpacking trips. Our family backpacks regularly, but never more than four days at a time. Because this trip would be at least one week on the trail, we decided two adults and the teens would backpack the entire trip, and another adult and the youngest (10 years old) would meet us for three days of the trip.

Where should we go?

The PCT is three states long, and not all sections are created equal. Our first question for Dana focused on where we should spend the seven days we decided to devote to the PCT. The good news: many people opt for day or section hikes on the PCT, so there’s a lot of research out there. Dana suggested we pick up PCT books at pcta.org to find the best section for our needs. The Day and Section Hikes series are excellent: we found detailed information on starting and ending points, and trail conditions and elevations.

Dana told us the PCT was designed as a stock trail, so the grade is 10% or less. This means most sections are suitable for kids who are used to hiking. There were no sections she felt were ‘off limits’ due to terrain. There are, however, dry sections which require carrying more water, and sections where snow may be a factor. For the sake of simplicity, we decided to eliminate these areas (the CA desert, Crater Lake, and the high Sierras). We also eliminated any areas without many landmarks to make the hike interesting, or areas that may be crowded with day hikers.

After studying day and section hike books, and looking at our own needs for bodies of water (lakes or streams) and forest, we decided on a section in Central Oregon. Our route, which we’ll tackle in July, spans approximately 90 miles from Elk Lake Resort, through Sisters, to Olallie Lake. Here’s a screen shot of our route:

How long to stay out?

How long our 90 mile route would take us depended entirely on our hiking speed, of course. While many PCT hikers crush the trail, hiking up to 20 miles a day or more, we wanted a more leisurely pace. We used PCT Planner (above) to gauge our distance and time on the trail. It was easy: we just input our starting and ending points, then added our planned hiking time per day. At the pace we felt comfortable with, we’d spend seven days on the trail. This would be longer than our longest backpacking trip so far, which led us to our next question…

How to plan food drops?

Dana explained that most PCT hikers arrange to have food drops well before their trip. Hikers can mail food to themselves to post offices along the trail, but the idea of leaving the trail and restarting during such a short trip didn’t appeal to us. Instead, we’ve decided to have friends and family meet us on the trail with a resupply of food. We have this luxury because the PCT section we’ve decided to hike is within a few hours’ drive of our home. We know we can comfortably carry four days’ worth of food from previous trips. We will be met on the trail by family members at the end of Day 3, which will coincide with our path through Sisters. We couldn’t arbitrarily decide when they’d meet us, however: there are set places where it’s easy to access the PCT, and we needed to plan our reunion accordingly. Another way to tackle food drops is to have a non-hiking friend or family member meet you with food at a designated trailhead en route. All re-entry points along the trail are listed on PCT Planner.

How light should we pack?

While we backpack regularly, we’re not what you’d call ultra-light backpackers. We like our luxuries, like hammocks and coffee presses. While Dana agreed with me that some of these items will need to be left at home to leave room for more food, she did remind me not to compromise on any items that keep us warm and dry. A full list of tips for backpacking with kids can be found here. In short, we needed layers, waterproof clothing, shelter in the form of a lightweight tent, food and cooking supplies. We will bring books and a deck of cards, but no other major luxuries. By keeping our packs light, we’ll adjust more quickly to seven days of hiking. Tip: For basics in backpacking gear for kids, check our Backpacking Gear page and How to Plan a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip.

How best to follow Leave No Trace principles on the trail?

We always practice Leave No Trace while in the wilderness, and we wondered whether it would be harder than usual to find established camp sites en route on the PCT. Dana says no: we’ll be able to find established sites virtually everywhere on the trail. She reminded me to camp 100 feet from water sources, and to leave recovering sites alone if possible.

Additional PCT hikes suggested by Dana and PCTA:

There are many other route options for families looking to hike a section of the PCT, of course. Dana also suggests Mt Hood National Forest from Lost Lake to Wahtum Lake to Eagle Creek (a PCT alternate) into the Columbia Gorge or Rock and Snag Creeks, near Bridge of the Gods in Washington. Dana describes the latter as kid-friendly, as either a short out and back day trip or a 22 mile section hike. Find additional staff recommendations here.

Travel Pop-Ups: New books that inspire travel

April 17, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There are plenty of guidebooks out there that help parents plan family trips. We have our favorites, including Fodor’s Around series (Around London with Kids, for example) and the student guide series of Let’s Go (Let’s Go Western Europe is sitting right beside me).

However, it’s harder to get the kids inspired pre-trip. They’re not as involved in the planning process, even if you make an effort, and they have a harder time picturing the destinations you’ll be visiting. This is where inspiring travel books come into play.

Recently, the team at Candlewick Press offered to send me a selection of travel books designed for kids. I accepted, but honestly, I’ve seen travel books I’ve felt were either too silly or too boring for kids, and wasn’t sure I’d be endorsing the books. As soon as Candlewick’s Panorama Pops series and World Unfurled series arrived, however, I knew I’d be featuring them here. Why? They’re simply beautiful, and when the beauty of destinations can be captured, inspiration sets in!

Panorama Pops series:

This is my favorite. Each of the 15 pop-up books in this series is the size of a notebook, and unfold accordion style to reach nearly 5 feet. Each features a different world city and all the major attractions within it. Unfolding the Rome book, I felt a wave of nostalgia and excitement to soon share this city with my kids. After our trip, I just know this book, which fits into a hardshell slip case, will become a keepsake that sits on one of the kids’ bookshelves to remind him of the trip. Pick one up, such as Rome or San Francisco, for only $8.99. The photo does not do it justice!

Traditional Pop-Up:

For a bigger, more epic experience, try Pop-Up New York, in which each page depicts a different part of the city. Each cityscape is iconic, and information blurbs tell kids what they can expect at the various landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge or Rockefeller Plaza. Like the Panorama Pops series, this book will be just as fun after a trip, and far more meaningful to kids. Because pop-up books are fragile, I’d recommend them for kids over age three. For older kids needing a New York-specific book, also try Inside and Out: New York, which is a highly-detailed double-sided wall chart and map that unfolds to over two and a half feet. Kids can search out objects, or use it after a trip to mark things they did.

What travel books do you seek out for your kids when planning a trip?

As noted above, Candlewick Press sent us their new pop-up books at no cost, for the purpose of review.

Where to stay on Kauai North Shore: HomeAway vacation rental pick

April 15, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We recently spent 10 days exploring as many off-the-beaten-path locations on Kauai we could. Our home base: this North Shore Kauai vacation rental. Located in the resort community of Princeville just a few blocks from the ocean, the home was perfect for our extended, multigenerational family of 11. If you’re wondering where to stay on Kauai North Shore with your family, read on!

When we booked this home through HomeAway, we were given maps and detailed information about where the house is located. We worried the neighborhood would feel to ‘suburban’, or, as one of my kids put it, ‘like it could be anywhere’. I understood what he meant: would our vacation rental and its neighborhood look just like our street at home?

The short answer: no, it did not. With plenty of grass for the kids to play on, beautifully landscaped around lush gardens, our vacation home felt like a tropical bungalow tucked into the jungle. I could meditate in the garden, even while the boys played football around the side of the house. We could sit out on our spacious lanai and watch the sun go down over the breathtaking mountains. And we could even see a waterfall from our upstairs bedroom window. ‘A regular suburban neighborhood’, it was not.

The house’s greatest asset aside from the lovely grounds is the spacious kitchen and pretty lanai with ample outdoor living space. Families can find a BBQ in the back, and just as important after days of swimming, a spacious laundry room off the garage. Several boogie boards, a surf board, some snorkeling gear, and other beach equipment (including a cooler) save families money on rentals.

A large master bedroom is located upstairs, with three more bedrooms downstairs (one of which has bunk beds). The house has three bathrooms, but only one shower and one bath. This was a problem for us, no doubt about it: one shower for 11 people needing to rinse off after a beach day? It got ugly! However, we knew this would be the case from the get-go: HomeAway clearly describes all layouts and house configurations, and several reviews brought it to our attention as well. Vacation rental tip: always read the reviews from past guests!

We had wifi, parking for two cars (or more), and ample space and amenities for enjoying big family meals. We had movie nights and Mai Tai nights (virgin for the kids, of course), and game nights. We didn’t have a pool, and frankly, we didn’t miss it. With so much swimming in the ocean every day, we were ready for some fun out of the water by evening.

Nearby amenities and activities:

If you opt for a Princeville North Shore rental, you’ll be within walking distance of at least one beach (at the base of the St. Regis), Queen Emma’s Baths, and Hideaway Beach. You’re also close to golf. You have the Princeville shopping complex just outside the Princeville planned community (about 5-10 minutes away). There you’ll find a thorough (yet expensive) grocery store, the best shave ice on Kauai, Kauai Shave Ice (best, in our opinion, due to the natural, non-GMO flavors used), several restaurants, and the North Shore General Store, which is both a convenience store and a great take-out location, with pizzas, plate lunches, and sandwiches.

Just about 10 minutes away is the town of Hanalei, which is adorable, right on the shores of Hanalai Bay, and offers everything you need in terms of activity rentals, restaurants, and surf. The start of the Na Poli Coast is just a bit further, and you’re 45 minutes from Lihoe and only 30 from Smith’s Luau and other West Shore gems. We found Princeville to be a great home base, and we certainly didn’t mind doing some driving…there’s so much to see on Kauai!

Pros of a Kauai vacation home rental:

Space and price are the top reasons we love renting vacation homes from HomeAway. Our rental came out to under $300 per night, for a family of 11. No where on Kauai could we find three hotel rooms for the same combined price. We always save additional money by buying and cooking our own meals. If this sounds good, here are other indicators a vacation rental home is for you: 1. you want space for the kids to play, 2. you want to be able to do your laundry easily, 3. you want to be able to separate kids and parents so Mom and Dad don’t need to go to bed at 8 pm.

Cons of a Kauai vacation home rental:

Renting a house for your Hawaii vacation may not be for you if guest services and hotel pampering are a big part of your vacation experience. This is true everywhere, not just on the Hawaiian islands. When you rent a home, some of the nitty gritty details you may not want to think about on vacation fall to you: do we have enough toilet paper? Should we run to the market for trash bags? Where do we take the recycling? Is the fridge leaking? If you’d much rather not think about such things (and are willing to pay more for that privilege), opt for a hotel or resort stay instead.

Want a preview of some of the nearby activities on Kauai? Check out our video:

Other reasons you may not want a rental home:

if you don’t want to drive often in your car to reach amenities such as tennis courts, golf courses, and beaches
if you don’t wish to stay in a neighborhood or town (preferring a resort atmosphere)
if you don’t want to shop for food and cook your own meals

Have you rented a vacation home on Kauai? Where?