Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Mammoth ski trip tips: Overview of Mammoth Mountain

February 19, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve been to Mammoth Mountain, you know that this California ski resort in the Eastern Sierras is bigger than life. Massive in size at 3,500 skiable acres, and with 28 lifts and 150 runs, this world-renown ski resort can be overwhelming to families. Read on for Mammoth ski trip tips gleaned from a first-time visit to Mammoth:

Plan where to stay carefully:

Given the sheer size of Mammoth, it’s very important for families to decide on lodging location with their needs in mind. Stay in the ‘wrong’ section of Mammoth for your needs, and you’ll be spending precious time you should be on the snow in the shuttle or gondolas. Most families stay in the Mammoth Village and Canyon Lodge area, because the majority of services are here, but this means the majority of congestion is also present. If you want ski school for your kids, it is also available at the far less crowded Main Lodge area, to the far side of the resort. Our pick is the Mammoth Mountain Inn, located directly across the street from the lifts at Main Lodge. There are fewer restaurants here, but what there is is great, and far less crowded. The Main Lodge is old-school—you’ll be reminded of ski lodges of your youth if you’re in your 30s or 40s—but has all the essentials without the crowds: lift ticket sales, rentals, ski school, cafeteria, and gear.

Break for lunch before or after the noon hour:

Mammoth gets crowded, and even with three main lodges spanning the base of the resort, plus mid-mountain options like McCoy, families will want to steer clear of dining services from 12 pm to 1 pm. We like to hit the slopes early (you have them practically to yourself in the first hour of operation…a fact that hold true at all resorts) then eat lunch around 11 am. Our pick: The Mill which sits at the base of Chair 2. The Mill is small, but oh-so quaint, and offers amble deck seating. It is accessible via car, so that’s a negative, but if you arrive before noon, you can grab food fairly easily.

Use the shuttle service:

No matter where you stay in Mammoth lodging, the shuttle service runs regularly and, we found, on time. Trust me, you do not want to hunt for parking constantly at Mammoth! When heading to lift areas (again, we recommend starting all the way over at Main Lodge), families who drive and park—with the exception of very early risers—will often walk blocks with their gear. Shuttles will drop you off right at the front, and have plenty of space for skis and boards. Shuttles also run in the evenings for area dining and entertainment.

Ski or ride the mountain in sections:

With three main sections, based around Eagle Lodge, Canyon Lodge, and Main Lodge, skiers and riders can spend significant time transitioning between sections. Instead, pick one for the first few hours on the snow, working your way around. We suggest transferring (via shuttle or lift) to Main Lodge area first, where the crowds are smallest, then tackle Canyon area after an early lunch at The Mill.

Don’t try to cover the entire terrain of Mammoth in one day! If you only have a few days, concentrate on the area that appeals to you most instead of attempting to transverse the hill multiple times. Keep an eye on the Mammoth Mountain app (available for iOS or Android) for the most recently groomed runs.

Head to June Mountain for ski school lessons and family-friendly skiing:

Many people don’t realize that Mammoth Mountain lift tickets are good at nearby June Mountain. Only 20 minutes away, June offers manageable terrain with a low-key, family friendly atmosphere with the fraction of the crowds (and with ski school prices at a fraction of the cost of Mammoth). Spend a few days here (kids ski free!) if your kids are learning. If you opt for ski school lessons at Mammoth, definitely take advantage of the discount for multiple days.

Prepare for the altitude:

Mammoth Mountain’s village sits at 7,953 feet elevation…a significant change if you’re coming from sea level. The ‘top of California’ peak (at the top of the Panorama gondola) is 11,053. Signs of altitude sickness include headaches, stomach aches or thirst. Be sure to give your kids plenty of water during and before their ski day (start hydrating on your travel day) and take it easy your first morning on the slopes.

Rates:
Regular adult ticket price (non-holiday or early season) bought online pre-trip is $94. Kids are $35.

Lodging:
Families have every possible lodging option at Mammoth, from single family vacation homes to village condos to hotel rooms. Start with Mammoth lodging, narrowing down the options by which area you want to base yourself in, what type of lodging you need, and what services you want (shuttle, hot tubs, rental services in-lodging).

Directions:
From Southern California, take I-5 north to State Route 14 north to US 395 north to State Route 203 (300-375 miles). From San Francisco, take Interstate 80 to Hwy 50 to Kingsbury Grade cutoff to US 395 south to State Route 203 (320 miles).

Disclosure: I experienced Mammoth Mountain as the guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

June Mountain skiing for families: the best kept secret of the Sierras

February 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Skiing families have heard of Mammoth Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the western US. But are your familiar with Mammoth’s little sister, June? June Mountain Ski Area is located less than 20 minutes from Mammoth, tucked into a blissfully serene corner of the Eastern Sierras adjacent to pretty June Lake. Arrive at June—which cozies up to the boundary of Yosemite National Park—and you’d swear you’re a world away from busy, often crowded Mammoth.

June Mountain closed its doors for the 2012-2013 season, much to the dismay of the local community and its loyal patrons, and re-opened this season (2013-2014) with new energy, new ideas, and a new focus: families.

June Mountain skiing for families:

The potential as a family-focused ski area has been present in June’s foundation all along: arriving at June, families find just one parking lot (as opposed to half a dozen), one chair over the face of the mountain to the main lodge, and plenty of greeters to help with all that ski equipment. The ‘Chalet’ lodge is beautiful, peaceful, and offers breathtaking views of the Sierras, and provides families with all they need (and not more): dining services, lockers, rentals, and a roaring fireplace.

The terrain at June is 45% intermediate and 35% beginner, making it an ideal place to focus on making those first turns without crowds or distractions, but the 20% of advanced terrain is nothing to scoff at: I practically drooled looking at the black diamond chutes at June, and the ski area is known for its excellent backcountry. In this manner, June offers skiers and snowboarders two extremes: intense off-trail glade and tree skiing and easy groomers. Note: the only less-than-young-kid-friendly aspect of June Mountain is the initial J1 chair, required to access the lodge and ski terrain. This double chair rises up and over the June face, and can be more difficult to load than most chairs (due to the bar in the center). Families with backpacks or other gear and young kids will want to ask the lifties to slow the chair until they’re well-versed, and you’ll want to use the safety bar on the ascent. This chair can be downloaded as well, for families not wishing to ski to the bottom at the end of the day.

Families’ ski vacation dollars will stretch much farther at June than Mammoth. Lessons are roughly half the cost, and kids 12 and under ski free at June any and every day of the year. No blackout dates. No restrictions. What this means to me: I can afford to pay for multiple-day lessons for my school-aged kids!

Youth (ages 13-17) pay just $48 for a regular one-day lift ticket, and adults $72, but if you’ll be there more than four days in a season, June season passes offer even steeper savings. With 1,400 skiable acres, June is far more manageable for families; parents can allow kids free reign to explore, and with only one lodge, there’s no fear of school-aged kids getting lost on the hill. You get seven lifts and 35 named trails, with plenty more in the trees.

The nature nut in me loves that fact that June appreciates its location on National Forest Service land and incorporates nature walks and interpretive programs into its kids’ programming. Expect to see scheduled nature walks during the day, and check out signage pointing out animal tracks to be observed in the snow. Pretty different from your average ski resort, right?

Still not sure? If you’re skiing at Mammoth Mountain, you can try June risk-free: your Mammoth lift ticket is good here. Our recommendation: start at June for lessons for the kids (or yourself) and work your way up to Mammoth. We’re fans of both mountains, but our ultimate goal at Pit Stops for Kids is to help families make the most of their vacations and spend their ski trip budget wisely. Try June and see the value of a relaxed, friendly, low-key ski community!

Lodging:

There are several options in June Lake, just minutes from the ski area. However, if you’re staying at Mammoth, rest assured: you’re only 20 minutes away.

Dining:

You’ll find good ski hill fare at the Chalet lodge at June, but this resort is ‘sack lunch friendly’ as well. In the town of June Lake, apres or dinner options can be found along the main drag from the ski area.

Directions:

June Mountain, Ca. is located about 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes in June Lake. From US 395, take Hwy. 158 west at the June Lake Loop. Drive approx. 4 miles to the ski area.

Where to stay in Portland: Governor Hotel review

February 12, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve reviewed a good number of hotels for families planning a Portland Oregon vacation. No matter which you pick, our recommendation is to stay downtown, within walking distance of the fun shops, restaurants, attractions (and easy-to-use MAX transportation line) that make Portland such a family-friendly city. Downtown hotels will often lack the cost-saving perks of suburb hotels (free parking, free breakfast, and the like) but make up for this in my personal favorite hotel amenities: location and ambiance. Our Governor Hotel review below shows ways in which this property excels in both.

The Governor Hotel is located downtown on 11th Avenue in Portland, adjacent to the bustle of food trucks, shopping centers, and the MAX. Valet parking is the way to go; pull up curbside at the historic hotel, and the parking hassle will be taken care of for you. We visited the same night as a major evening event hosted by the Governor, and still had no delay getting our car when we needed it.

The lobby is small but light and elegant, and looks larger due to beautiful high ceilings. The front desk staff is among the most friendly and helpful we’ve experienced anywhere: immediately upon arriving, you know you’re in a four star hotel, but are greeted like you’re friends. It’s the perfect combination. Adjacent to the lobby is Jake’s restaurant (award winning in Portland…and good news; your room service menu comes from this kitchen). Down the hall is a large, airy, and light exercise room filled with state-of-the-art equipment, and free wifi is available throughout all the common areas of the hotel.

Value:

Room prices reflect the four-star status of the Governor, but this doesn’t make it inaccessible to families. Kids 12 and under stay free with adults, and package deals are always listed on the Governor Hotel site. During our visit, we experienced the Elementary, My Dear package that included tickets to the OMSI traveling exhibit on Sherlock Holmes. The package price included a luxury room, dining credit at Jake’s, and two tickets to the exhibit, plus fun extras like a Sherlock Holmes hat, chocolate bar, and detective notebook. Since we planned to buy tickets to the exhibit anyway, the value was there. Note that you will pay $35 for parking daily.

Room Amenities:

We stayed in one of the Governor’s Princeton rooms, which occupy the 5th and 6th floors, are newly remodeled, and more spacious than standard rooms. (Rollaways are complimentary.) We appreciated the added security of key card-only access to these floors, and loved the high ceilings, large windows, and window panes that opened to fresh Northwest air. In our room, we found a mini fridge (which contained mini bar items but had room for our own snacks as well), a nice coffee and tea service (you know some are not so nice!) and a large screen TV, plus new iPod dock. We had plenty of plugs (crucial to charging devices while we travel) and bathrobes to don after using the shower and tub. Northwest wines are featured in the mini bar offerings, and The Governor will even bring you a pint of famous Salt and Straw ice cream (for a whopping $12, but I hear it’s worth it).

Dining:

Room service is available 24 hours a day, and Jake’s Grill and a Starbucks are located on site. Jake’s is fairly pricey (tip: stop here for a drink special before heading out for dinner), but the front desk staff can direct you to many casual restaurants within walking distance. We love the food trucks on Washington Street. We brought our own breakfast items (and easily stored them in our room) and ordered muffins and juice from Jake’s via room service to add a bit of comfort food to our meal.

Date last visited:

November 2013

Distance from the interstate:

A few minutes from I-5 and I-405.

Directions:

The Governor is located at 614 SW 11th. From I-5 South, merge onto I-405 South. Take the Couch St./Burnside St. exit and stay on 15th Ave. for two blocks. Turn left onto Alder. Turn right onto 11th Ave. Hotel entrance is on the left side of the street.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at The Governor with the Elementary, My Dear package was complimentary, for the purpose of review.

Best Ski Towns: an overview of Keystone Mountain for kids

February 10, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We love Keystone Resort for kids! If you’re planning a Vail area ski trip with children, head to Keystone where kids ski free, kid-friendly programming abounds, and ski village convenience reigns. There’s no better place to start kids off skiing or riding, but if you have expert skiers and riders in tow, don’t worry: so do we, and we found some of our favorite expert terrain and challenging runs at Keystone! Here’s our overview on Keystone Resort vacation planning:

Resort overview:

Keystone Resort is located in Dillon, Colorado in the heart of Vail ski country. From Denver, it’s a two-hour drive (read up on Keystone transportation tips below). Once in Keystone, families find themselves in a sprawling resort including 10 distinct ‘neighborhoods’, with lodging options ranging from vacation homes in the woods to condos in the heart of the villages (yep, there’s more than one). The ski terrain consists of three distinct peaks (Dercum, North Peak, and Outback), with a very orderly system: front Dercum Peak serves beginning and intermediate skiers and riders exclusively, with the terrain getting more challenging the further ‘back’ you go.

Where to stay:

For ski-in, ski-out lodging (for which there’s an abundance at Keystone), families will want to base themselves in either River Run Village or Mountain House. Mountain House offers Kamp Keystone headquarters, while River Run houses Kidtopia (more on both Kamp Keystone and Kidtopia below) and many more dining and entertainment options.

Condo and suite options abound at Keystone. Our pick: River Run Village. All River Run Village accommodations offer ski-in and ski-out proximity, or an easy walk to the River Run Gondola. You’ll need to take the free Village to Village Shuttle to the Mountain House area for Kamp Keystone (or ski there) but everything else is at your fingertips. In River Run, we stayed at The Springs, adjacent to the gondola and steps from dining and village fun (with an excellent pool complex, to boot) but you really can’t go wrong with any of the River Run buildings.

Where to ski:

As noted above, beginners and intermediate skiers will find an entire mountain of offerings on Dercum Peak. The newly opened Schoolyard features on School Marm include terrain features and trails with fun structures to ski through (like mascot Riperoo’s dog house). The H&H Mine (located off intermediate Santa Fe) lets kids ski through mine shafts. The A-51 terrain park is also located on Dercum. Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will want to progress to North Peak for long, steep groomers and moguls, and finally to Outback Peak for tree runs, powder runs, and steeps.

One of the best features on Keystone for expert skiers and riders is the easy access to hike-able and kat-serviced terrain. From the top of Outback, skiers can wait in line for a kat shuttle, taking them to North or South Bowls for very fun powder runs without long hikes. (There’s also a five minute hike from this point that takes skiers or riders to great tree runs.) You’ll need to be an advanced skier to take advantage of this, and you’ll need $5 to ride the kat shuttle. Be flexible: the terrain is only open after avalanche control is conducted by ski patrol and only when weather and conditions permit. We waited about 10 minutes for our turn on the kat, and noted that advanced Kamp Keystone classes were enjoying the experience with their ski guides.

Tip: Allow 30 minutes or more for traversing between the three mountains: if you’re on Outback and need to get back to the front of Dercum, you’ll need to take the slow Wayback chair, which takes some time. There are no services (i.e., bathrooms or dining) on Outback, so plan time to get back to the Outpost on North Peak. The River Run Gondola and the Outpost Gondola run both directions, allowing you to download, but do close in strong winds.

Where to eat:

River Run Village offers great apres ski fare at 9280 Taphouse and Kickaboo Tavern. Both are kid-friendly, but the livelier bar scene is usually at 9280. New Moon Cafe serves a good, fast breakfast of burritos, breakfast bowls, egg sandwiches, and waffles (and keeps on serving it all day). Rockin’ R Ranch has grocery items in a pinch, though you’ll want to shop in Dillon for most ingredients for food in your condo.

For a nice night out, consider Ski Tip, located adjacent to River Run and the site of the historic beginnings of Keystone Resort. The charming B&B at Ski Tip offers gourmet (and often locally sourced) cuisine. We’ve also had great meals at Bighorn in Keystone Lodge, located in Lakeside Village. If you time your meal right, you can get a great view of the Saturday evening Kidtopia fireworks from Bighorn (which overlooks the lake). Spend a few hours skating, then head over for dinner.

For a truly special night out that’s also decidedly kid-friendly, book a dinner sleigh ride through the Adventure Center (in Lakeside Village). We loved our chilly but serene sleigh ride (complete with cozy blankets) to a remote historic ranch, where we were served classic cowboy fare and serenaded by a friendly guitar player. Kids of any age will enjoy the experience, but note that the event departs and returns to Lakeside Village, necessitating a Village to Village Shuttle ride pre-and post dinner (making for a long night). Kids over age 4 will have the best time (as will their parents).

How to get around:

If you didn’t bring a car to Keystone, no worries: the Village to Village shuttle is free, fast, and easy to use. This shuttle connects guests between Lakeside Village (home of Keystone Lodge), Mountain House, and River Run with ease; we’ve never found need to travel to any other sections of Keystone during our stays.

The drive from Denver International Airport to Keystone is approximately two hours, and we’ve always taken CME (Colorado Mountain Express). This van service should be factored into your transportation budget (check to see if it’s cheaper to fly to Vail from Denver), but after three trips with CME, I’ve found them to be always on time, always professional, and always good to work with. CME will take you directly to your condo registration or hotel registration building, then to your front door.

What’s Kidtopia?

Kidtopia is Keystone’s version of a kid-centric cruise schedule: it includes weekly free activities for kids and families such as scheduled parades, scavenger hunts, firework displays, painting and clay crafts at Kidtopia Headquarters, ice skating with Riperoo, and much more. The Kidtopia snow castle sits at the top of Dercum Peak, in which kids to can stop to play, climb, and slide down icy tubes into snow. You’ll get a Kidtopia schedule at check-in, allowing you to plan what you’d like to do or see. Tip: Kidtopia Headquarters are open most days for drop-in visits to paint or create pottery for a fee. This is a great activity in poor weather, or for younger siblings while older siblings ice skate at the adjacent outdoor rink.

In addition to official Kidtopia activities, Keystone also offers tubing at Adventure Point, which is at the top of Dercum Peak. We love that families can stop to tube in the middle of their ski day (if you’re wearing ski boots, you have to tube solo), or that non-skiers can ride the gondola up for a top-of-the-mountain experience. Make a reservation ahead of time! Ice skating is available at both River Run (on a traditional outdoor rink) or Lakeside Village (on the largest Zamboni-served skating lake in the US). There’s also a Nordic Center and snow biking.

What about lessons?

Keystone’s lessons for kids center around Kamp Keystone, a ski and ride center designed to be a multi-day experience. Kids booked in Kamp Keystone three days or more are guaranteed the same instructor each day, which is kind of a big deal (try getting the same instructor daily at other resorts and you’ll know what I mean). At the end of each day, parents are given a detailed account of their child’s progress, as well as a full report on EpicAcademy. (EpicAcademy is a new feature of EpicMix; with a Vail Resorts’ lift ticket, you’ll get mountain stats, photos, and Academy updates for yourself and your kids.)

Even advanced skiers and riders are taken care of at Kamp Keystone; they offer lessons through level 9. These groups head to the higher peaks of the resort, and often eat lunch on the go at any of the on-mountain dining areas instead of in Kamp Keystone, as most groups do. (Lunch is always included in full day lessons.)

Tip: Depending on the size of your family, opting for a family private lesson may be less expensive than enrolling each child in a group lesson. We love private lessons: usually, up to six people can be on one lesson, and family groups get to dictate where they ski and what they hope to do during their ski day. Instructors not only teach during the day, but also act as excellent guides, showing families parts of the mountain they may miss otherwise. Plus, private lesson parties use the ski school line…a huge savings in time during crowded days. If your whole family (or even just the kids) could use a lesson, but you’d still like to ski as a family, check out private lesson options! (Unlike group lessons, private lessons depart from both River Run or Mountain House from the Ski and Ride School buildings. It’s also possible to meet your instructor elsewhere on the mountain.

Have you skied Keystone? What tips can you share?

The above post is written in conjunction with my partnership with VacationRoost.com. As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Keystone was complimentary, for the purpose of review.

Why Reno, Nevada should be on your family travel radar

February 5, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Never considered spending family vacation time in the Biggest Little City in the World? I get it: Reno, Nevada is usually a stop-over for road tripping families, a pit stop en route to Tahoe, Vegas, or the San Francisco Bay Area. However, Reno has grown in both population and stature, helping this ‘little city’ deliver big on family-friendly attractions. The city is affordable (hello, casino-hotel deals), close to outdoor recreation, and its calendar is packed with kid-friendly events. Here’s why a Reno family vacation is worth considering:

1. Mt. Rose hiking and skiing:

Yes, Lake Tahoe skiing is adjacent to Reno, and yes, we love Tahoe skiing. But for families who want to save vacation cash by staying in Reno and don’t relish the idea of a commute, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe provides the absolute fastest access to slopes. And Mt. Rose is a four-season destination: in summer, hikes on Mt. Rose range from half-mile nature walks to full day adventures. Mt. Rose is the second tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin and the highest in Nevada. Mountain biking reigns here as well.

2. Virginia City:

Located only 30 minutes outside of downtown Reno, Virginia City offers a true glimpse at Old West mining history and a genuine feel for Northern Nevada. Tour museums, walk the boardwalks of the historic streets, take part in living history exhibits, enter crumbling mines (not for the feint of heart!) and check out saloons with sordid pasts (yes, there are more than a few). En route to Virginia City, look for the wild horse herds that still run free in this part of the country.

3. Scheel’s Sporting Goods Store:

Scheel’s is more than just your average sporting goods store. In fact, it’s starting to get a bit of a cult following in travel circles, aka Wall Drug in South Dakota. But intend of kitchy goodness, Scheel’s offers 248,000 square feet of retail space, earning it the title of World’s Largest Sporting Goods Store. Scheel’s features a 65-foot tall ferris wheel, two 16,000 gallon aquariums, 32+ flavors of fudge in the Fudge Factory, 14 presidents in the Walk of Presidents (random!), a NASCAR Simulator, and a 35-foot tall Wildlife Mountain in addition to 85+ specialty shops that feature the hottest brands in clothing, footwear and sports equipment.

4. Great Reno Balloon Race:

Every September, Reno becomes a premiere destination for balloon enthusiasts. The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free ballooning event in the world. Bring the kids, enjoy free entertainment, and take in a truly spectacular sight. There are fly-overs, tethered rides, glowing balloons, pre-dawn events, and more.

5. Pyramid Lake:

Thirty miles northeast of Reno, prehistoric Pyramid Lake is perhaps the most unusual natural landscapes you’ll ever encounter. Intrigued? This vast, pure jewel in the heart of the Northern Nevada desert mountains stands out like a eye…and is filled with trout. Plus, we hear it’s the default photo on the iPad. If it’s good enough for Apple, I’ve got to check it out.

Photo credit.

Beyond the San Diego Zoo: three Balboa Park museums you’ve overlooked

January 31, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Over 20 museums and family attractions await kids at Balboa Park in San Diego, but I bet you’ve only heard of a few of them, the famous San Diego Zoo most likely one of them. While families need days to see them all (and hours to see some), the following three Balboa Park museums for kids you’ve overlooked include:

Museum of Man:

Before touring the Museum of Man, I didn’t have a clear concept of what this museum contains. Since many families might feel the same, here’s my unofficial take: the Museum of Man is one part archeology museum and one part natural history museum. Plus, it has an excellent (though small) children’s section off the upper floor. This set of rooms have space with marketplaces and household items for kids to play in and dress up with.

The main floor of the museum currently houses an exhibit on ancient Mayans, and upstairs is space for a primate exhibit, plus a wing on ancient Egypt, complete with mummies and naturally preserved remains (parents are warned at the door). A temporary exhibit space is across the street; at the time of my visit, it housed a fascinating–though not for kids–exhibit on the history of torture.

The museum is smaller than most, but what exhibits it does have are very well done.

Museum of Photographic Arts:

Sometimes, kids will rebel against a traditional art museum, but love photography galleries. If this might be the case with your children, consider a stop at the Museum of Photographic Arts. We loved that the manageable galleries showcased only a handful of photographers, and that each introduced the artist and his or her take on the subject. There’s a great social photography experiment with abandoned or discarded instant photo prints stretching across one wall, and at the time of our visit, a wonderful exhibit by San Diego’s kids showcased what youth in the city deem ‘their San Diego’. You can tour the museum in just about an hour.

Museum of Art:

We love a museum with lots of family free days and art activities, and the San Diego Museum of Art has both. When you enter, look for the kids activity books just past the front desk; kids can go on a scavenger hunt around the museum, which makes their visit instantly more fun.

A kids’ art studio is located downstairs across from the stairwell, staffed most days by artists who help kids make creations of their own. Upstairs, collections of European and American art from realists to impressionists reign, with Baroque among the most prominent. Like the other museums on this list, the Museum of Art is not overwhelmingly large by any means, and can be toured by most families in under one hour.

If you have more time:

The San Diego Air and Space Museum is a solid pick for a half-day excursion, and the San Diego Natural History Museum is the place to be with animal-loving kids.

Have just a few extra minutes?

A great place to head before catching a cab or trolley, or for a picnic lunch is the free Botanical Building and lily ponds. Located adjacent to the Museum of Art, this building is open to the Southern California air and a welcome escape from the bustle of the museums.

Getting around:
Park the car and forget about it! Once in the park, access everything via the free tram. Balboa Park’s tram system operates daily 8:30 am to 6 pm. The second stop is the Visitor’s Center, a good starting point to head out on foot.

How to get to Balboa Park:
Driving, park in Inspiration Point lot. As an alternative to hunting down parking, consider getting to the park via the Old Town Trolley tour. You’ll want to plan to spend the whole day hopping on and off this sightseeing trolley to get your money’s worth, but it’s time well-spent in parts of the city you’ll want to visit anyway.

Homebase for a San Diego vacation: Manchester Grand Hyatt review

January 29, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

When most families dream of vacationing in San Diego, they picture themselves staying right on the beach. And this option does exist: namely in Coronado or north in Del Mar. But if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the city (and not in the car), you’ll want a downtown hotel by the harbor. I spent three nights at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and was pretty blown away by this perfect home base for a San Diego vacation. Why? Incredible location, luxurious accommodations, and family-friendly amenities, like a 4th floor pool, fire pits ready for s’mores, and full-sized sport courts.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt stands tall right at the bay’s edge with two massive towers: Harbor Tower and Seaport Tower. Within steps are Harbor Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the trolley line to get you wherever you need to go. The rooms are large, the views are stunning, and the laid-back California atmosphere prevails even amid the luxury, making it a great pick for kids. The rooms are newly renovated, with a full renovation of the common areas and lobby scheduled for 2015.

Rooms:

Wow. The windows truly make the rooms at the Grand Hyatt. (Check out the view in the photo above and below!) In my standard level corner room, I had no fewer than three separate floor-to-ceiling windows. I was told I had a city view (as opposed to a bay view), but I think this is a no-bad-seat-in-the-house type of situation: my room looked out over both. Beds are incredibly comfortable, families can snuggle up for a movie on a wide flat-screen TV, you get an iHome docking station, and plenty of plugs for your gadgets. In-room fridges and coffee makers make breakfast easy.

Rooms are located on both towers, and rooms at level 30 and up are considered Grand Club rooms. They include special elevator access to the Grand Club, a concierge lounge on the 33rd floor of Harbor Tower. What you’ll find there: complimentary breakfast offerings, plus all-day snacks and drinks, including soda, bottled water, and Perrier. In the evenings, cocktails are on the honor-bar system. When I visited in the morning, I was greeted with a full array of healthy breakfast offerings, including yogurt parfaits, homemade oatmeal with all the fixings, danishes and breads, cereal, and egg sandwiches, and in the afternoon, cookies, trail mix, yogurt, and fruit were available. In the evenings, light dinner fare is set out; during our visit, we saw sliders and sushi. Grand Club guests also have access to a private concierge on the 33rd floor.

Amenities:

Families will want to spend significant time at the 4th floor level outdoor pool and hot tub deck, overlooking the bay. The pool is not overly large, but the views and ambiance make up for this. Adjacent is the hot tub, plus a dedicated kids’ space with grass called ‘the backyard’. Toddlers (and their parents) will be happy. Dining services are available at the pool (menus listed throughout the pool deck) and the 24/hour fitness center is located there as well. Also on the pool deck: a fun fire pit perfect for visiting after dinner.

The Hyatt sport courts sit on the roof over the parking garage, offer city views, and include tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball court, and shuffleboard space. Tennis rackets can be borrowed in the spa, and basketballs are on-hand at the courts. No need to reserve ahead of time unless you’re visiting in the peak of the summer season.

Camp Hyatt is available to kids 4-12 during the summer season and spring break, and includes activities at the pool deck and in the ‘backyard’ all day long. Sign up ahead of time, or drop in for morning or afternoon sessions. (Expect to pay $30-$40 per session.)

Kin Spa is located on the 3rd floor, and is a great place for a little R&R. I experienced the signature facial, which I chased with some time enjoying the spa-guests-only amenities. As always, my spa tip for parents is this: if you carve out time to book a treatment, plan to stay late or go early to enjoy the solitude and relax!

As with most downtown hotels, there is a parking fee at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Families can valet park for $40/night or self-park for $28/night.

What’s nearby:

Bikes can be rented from the Hyatt for a small charge, and ridden along the Embarcadero or on Coronado Island via ferry (just load the bikes right on). This is a great way to see the city. Want to explore the city from the water instead of by wheel? Steps behind the Grand Hyatt are docks with multiple watercraft rentals, including sailboats and personal watercraft. A tour of the bay on the Hornblower is a more economical choice for families, and will give kids a fun history lesson on the various naval ships dotting the harbor.

The Grand Hyatt is directly adjacent to the trolley line, making it easy for families to park the car and explore the city by foot. You can walk to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner, and access Seaport Village, the harbor area and marina that sits on the water. This is a great location for spotting sailboats and freight ships.

The U.S.S. Midway is a five minute walk away (or you can take a fun pedicab). In short, families can walk to just about any dining, shopping, and transportation to attractions needed from the Hyatt.

Dining:

Families have several choices of on-site dining (there are no fewer than nine eating or drinking establishments in the hotel) but none come cheaply. In the Harbor Tower, Sally’s offers steaks and seafood right on the water for a nice night out, and Lael’s is more family-oriented with casual fare and an incredible breakfast buffet. There’s also a sports bar, and Top of the Hyatt where you’ll want to get drinks and raise a toast to your San Diego vacation (provided you have a babysitter). Families will also find plenty of dining within walking distance of the hotel, and there’s 24/hour room service. The above photo depicts offerings at The Grand Club, the best deal in Manchester Grand Hyatt.

Room rates:

At the time of our stay room rates started at $194 with advance booking. Average rate is listed at $229. A Grand Club double room is $269. Is a Club room worth the extra $40 (extending to $70 in peak season) per night? In my opinion, yes, provided you utilize the food offerings. If a family of four eats breakfast there every morning and grabs all their snacks and bottles of water for the day before departing to sightsee, they’ll come out ahead. Plus, it’s great to know that food option is always there, day or night.

Directions:

Manchester Grand Hyatt is located at 1 Market Place, San Diego. From I-5 N, exit at Front Street (exit 17) toward the Civic Center. Continue straight to Front Street, and then turn right onto W. Market Street and into the main entrance.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Manchester Grand Hyatt as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, prayitno and drtran.

All inclusive Riviera Maya hotels: ClubHotel Riu Tequila

January 27, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

For families looking for all inclusive Riviera Maya hotels, yet want to stay away from the beach hotel zone vibe, ClubHotel Riu Tequila fits the bill at a value price point. Located adjacent to Playa del Carmen and within a few kilometers of cenote excursions and eco theme parks, this family-friendly all inclusive is situated directly across the street from white sand beaches (with beach access), with a tucked-away jungle feel.

The open-air lobby’s decor suggests a Spanish hacienda, and the winding, lush walkways between the buildings and pool and restaurant areas house squirrels, birds, and even the raccoon or lemur-like coatis that dart about, looking for handouts (don’t feed them!) While not located directly on the beach, Tequila has access to the additional Riu hotels located beachside via a short walkway, and sports two large pools with pool bar and a nice outdoor recreation center with sand volleyball, water basketball and polo, ping pong, and a full kids’ club called RiuLand. The beach is wide and perfect for sunbathing, and the waves are usually small and fun to play in. Free boogie board and kayak rentals are available at the Scuba Caribe desk on the beach (just show them your Riu wristband and sign out for them).

Dining:

The dining options at Tequila are standard for an all-inclusive Mexican resort: primarily buffet offerings with menu-service restaurants available by reservation. We ate the majority of our meals at Jalisco, the main buffet restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Lunch buffet options are available at pool-side Lupita (which also offers a continental breakfast mid-morning after Jalisco closes) and Beach Club, located at the end of the beach walkway on the white sand beach. Jalisto offered a big variety of foods, but it’s large size definitely called to mind a ‘cattle call’ mentality. That said, for families with kids who want variety and to eat fairly quickly to get back to the fun, it serves its purpose well. Alcoholic offerings at the buffets are not highest quality, but there are several resort bars to fill that void, plus the pool bar during the day. Our favorite meal at Tequila was at Beach Club, where we could get a higher quality buffet meal before hopping into the warm ocean. Because these offerings are all-inclusive, it’s easy to say yes to kids wanting an ice cream cone while swimming or a smoothie at the rec area.

Because we filled our days in Riviera Maya with excursions away from the resort, we never experienced the by-reservation restaurants, but definitely loved the convenience of returning to the resort and being able to dip into Jalisto for a quick snack or dessert.

Room amenities:

Our family of five stayed in a junior suite, which included two double beds and one roll-away (brought by request). Cribs are also available for families needing one. While we had plenty of space, including a living area with couch, we did wish the couch converted to another bed, as the doubles were hard to share. Rooms include a mini-fridge that’s filled with water and sodas, plus liquor dispensers. We never used the dispensers, so cannot speak to the liquor quality, but as the tap water is not potable in this area, it was very convenient to have large bottles of water delivered daily. Our room included a nice patio with seating, and space to hang wet swim suits. Our view was of jungle, which suited us. The buildings are no more than three stories in Riviera Maya, so the resort didn’t have a big hotel feel. We wouldn’t describe it as a ‘bungalow’ feel either, but the low buildings did aid to the hotel not feeling too huge and impersonal.

Rates and value:

Our rate at Tequila reflected that of a quality all-inclusive, without too many frills. (At the time of our visit, a night’s all-inclusive stay for a family of four was approximately $600, or $300 less than that at a boutique or luxury all-inclusive). This is not an exact rate, as it will change depending on your family’s ages and number, but is a good number for a point of comparison. For a family on a budget, it’s a good value, as you have access to food, a good location, comfortable rooms, and fun pools, but note that what is sacrificed by the lower price point (at least in our experience) is personalized attention and service. For example, for the entirety of our three night stay, our mini-fridge was not working properly. Despite several requests that it be fixed, it was not taken care of. Because we were off-site often on excursions, the lack of cold drinks was bearable, but had we spent the majority of our time on-site, we would have greatly missed this amenity.

Location:

Tequila is located in Playacar, an exclusive community adjacent to Playa del Carmen. Cab fare is only about $10 to nearby Xcaret eco-park or Playa del Carmen’s lively 5th Avenue. A ride to the ruins at Tulum won’t cost you much more, though this excursion is best done through a guide service. Families have easy access to the beach, and could easily spend full days on resort grounds. The drive from Cancun airport is approximately 45 minutes. The location cannot be beat!

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Tequila as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. While appreciated, this hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Xcaret eco park Mexico: culture, conservation, and adventure

January 22, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

The Riviera Maya boasts three major eco theme park opportunities between Cancun and Tulum, all within easy access to area hotels and resorts. Families will definitely want to experience at least one during a Riviera Maya vacation, but which one? In the most basic terms, Xel Ha focuses on water activities and aquarium life, Xplor offers the most extreme sports, and Xcaret eco park Mexico centers around conservation, culture, and eco-wonders.

Because Xcaret offers the most well-rounded programming while still not skimping on adventure, we opted to spend our eco-park day here. We were not disappointed…if anything, we needed more time. Xcaret offers so much, it’s almost overwhelming. The park grounds are extremely well-kept (think Disney in Mexico) and even though the many paths through the park are well-marked in both English and Spanish and park maps are available, you still won’t know quite where to go first.

Animal protection and breeding programs:

Xcaret has won awards for their aggressive conservation and breeding programs. From the park entrance, we started our tour at the macaw nursery, where Xcaret staff are aiding this endangered population with their breeding program. We could view incubators and baby macaws in the nursery, then see adults in the lush jungle throughout the macaw area. Babies are released into the wild at a certain age.

Closer the the center of the park, Xcaret’s aquarium is a great place to cool down after seeing the macaws, and families can view a second breeding center, this time for the endangered sea turtles. Toward the back of the aquarium, a sea turtle exhibit leads to a nursery area where baby sea turtles are making their way out of their rubbery eggs in the sand, and outside, adolescents swim in large pools awaiting their own release into the wild. In addition to the sea turtles, the aquarium houses numerous tropical fish and reef animals, including a great display on jellyfish.

As you walk throughout the park, animal enclosures include those for jaguars, howler monkeys, manatees, and more, in addition to a beautiful butterfly enclosure with–yes–another breeding program. We watched staff collecting butterfly eggs to nurture in to larvae. All the animal spaces were on par to those you’d see at a world-class zoo, and all animals looked very well cared for.

Water play and adventure:

After viewing the animals, we were very ready to get in the cool water of the park’s river system. These natural rivers, partially underground xenotes, are the real deal, but they have been ‘theme parked’ up a bit. Walls, bridges, and tunnels have clearly been added, as well as theming with stairs, emergency exits, and the like. We definitely suggest swimming in the more wild xenotes along the Riviera Maya, but these rivers do make for a fun addition.

They’re also a great way to cool off: we decided to swim through the Manatee River (there are three in total), and the swim took us about 45 minutes. The river meandered through caves and tunnels, then past the sea turtle and manatee areas, where we could view the animals underwater on the opposite side of a plate of glass. Within the rivers themselves are tropical fish (though you’ll see more toward the end of the river as it nears the ocean). The only downside: the occasional snorkel littering the floor of the river.

Snorkel gear is provided at the start of the river system, with lockers and a rather ingenious locked bag system included: simply store your belongings in a large duffel bag, and the staff will lock it, give you the key, and send the bag to the end of the river, where it will be waiting for you. This service–locker, bag, and gear–is included with the Xcaret Plus ticket option (a $20 upgrade that also includes a buffet meal). Unless you are bringing your own snorkel gear (which is permitted), the upgrade is a great deal.

In addition to snorkeling the rivers, ocean snorkeling is available in the protected bay (like the rivers, it’s a bit ‘themed’, but does contain natural fish that can come and go from the adjacent ocean). There are also natural freshwater pools available for swimming.

Culture and eco-archaeological sites:

Of all the offerings at Xcaret, we believe they do Mayan and Mexican cultural exhibits best. Throughout the park, there are numerous shows and exhibits–we were lucky enough to see the Mayan traditional dance and show in the Mayan village and the Papantla ‘flying men’ pole performance. At night, the Experience Mexico and Mexico Espectacular shows take visitors through musical traditions from Mexican states and showcases traditional Mayan ball games…one played with a ball of fire! All performances are impressive and entertaining as well as educational.

On display through the park are a Mexican hacienda visitors can tour, a Mayan village, and Mayan ruins. You never know when you’ll experience a performance or walk past a performer in traditional costume.

Looking for additional Riviera Maya adventure? Check out our video on eco tours and activities in the region:

Date last visited:

August 2013

Admission:

Xcaret admission is on par with major theme parks everywhere. At the time of our visit, one-day adult admission was $89 (or $119 for Xcaret Plus), with kids 12 and under half price (and kids under five free). Two-day admission is available, and while you could certainly use two days to see everything, we personally recommend spending your additional precious vacation time exploring the other eco attractions along the Riviera Maya, unless you have numerous days. Standard admission does not include transportation, but hotel pick up can be added to the admission. Otherwise, numerous taxi stands will take you where you need to go (for a standard fare of $10 for the Playa del Carmen area).

Dining:

Just like in any theme park, there are numerous restaurants and snack stands in Xcaret. With Xcaret Plus, one buffet meal comes with admission. (Xel Ha does have a completely all-inclusive option for a lower admission cost.) Additional snacks and meals will set you back, but the food quality is very good. We snacked on traditional Mexican corn on the cob and loved the wide array of toppings available. (The experience has changed the way I will eat corn!) It’s possible to bring water bottles and other snacks into the park in backpacks, though you won’t want to carry around too much.

Hours of operation:

Xcaret is open 365 days a year, with the majority of their crowds during their high seasons of mid-summer, spring break, and winter holidays. It goes without saying families should try to tour the park on a low-peak time to have the most pleasant experience. When we toured at the end of August, crowds were few. Daily hours vary by season.

Directions:

Xcaret is located along Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Federal Highway (the highway that follows the coastline from Cancun), adjacent to Playa del Carmen.

Disclaimer: we experienced Xcaret as guests of the park, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

ATV adventures and snorkeling with Punta Venado

January 20, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

There are as many Riviera Maya eco-tours as there are amazing natural wonders along this part of the Caribbean, and each offer something a little bit different. We’ve reviewed the fast-action activities with Alltournative, but for a change of pace, a day with Punta Venado offers both ATV adventures and snorkeling, plus relaxation.

Don’t worry: the kids will still be highly entertained with Punta Venado, located on almost 2000 acres and along 2.5 miles of pristine private beach. But you’ll enjoy some downtime as well. The eco-park is comprised of two sections: the Punta Venado ranch, with activities ranging from horseback riding, ATV-riding, and snorkeling, to the Blue Venado Beach Club, which sits on pristine white sand and offers a lovely open-air restaurant, cabanas, and miles of coastline. Families looking to get the most of their stay will take advantage of both.

We started our day at Punta Venado with an ATV tour through the jungle. Since we experienced a brief downpour during our tour, the dirt paths were nice and muddy…perfect for some messy fun! The ATVs seat two, and adults must drive (age 16 and up). A guide takes your through the jungle to a dry cenote cave, where you get off the ATVs to explore a bit. If you’ve been swimming in cenotes earlier in your trip, this field trip isn’t too big of a thrill, but still fun. We then continued on ATVs to a cenote pool, where we jumped into the fresh water to cool off and wash the mud off our legs from the drive. This pool was very fun for the kids to explore, as it included a small creek-like waterway at one end, surrounded by jungle.

We rode on to Punta Venado’s private beach (as pretty as any along the Riviera Maya) where their snorkel and dive shop team outfitted us to snorkel on the Mayan Reef. The reef sits only feet off the shore at this location, making Punta Venado the only place we knew of in the Riviera Maya to snorkel the reef directly from shore. Even though the water was choppy after the morning storm, we were able to reach the reef area fairly easily (we were given fins and life jackets in addition to snorkels and masks), and our guide offered recycled water bottles filled with soggy tortillas…perfect fish food! The tropical fish surrounded us to access the food (which is squeezed from the bottle), making for a very impressive showing.

On a calmer day, we could have accessed more of the reef, but even in not-ideal conditions, we saw hundreds of fish. We swam back to shore to ride the ATVs back to the ranch area.

When booking a Punta Venado tour, families can choose between a menu of options: in addition to ATVing and snorkeling, we opted for lunch at the Blue Venado Beach Club, a short dirt road drive away. This private beach club is directly on the water, offers bathrooms, showers, a restaurant, a bar, and beach cabanas. After lunch, you’re invited to stay as long as you’d like. If you have your own snorkel gear, you could certainly snorkel off the shore here as well, and if not, the body surfing is great.

Tip: Eco-tours are expensive: if you want a more economical day, opt for the beach club only. Access is free: we were told the only requirement is to buy $20 worth of food or drinks per person from the restaurant. At $20/person, this is the cheapest excursion in Riviera Maya. If you have a car or rent a taxi, access to the beach club is directly off the coastal highway linking Cancun to Tulum.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Cost:

Punta Venado ATV tours are $83/per person. They also have an option called All In, which includes everything on offer for $150/per person.

Directions:

Look for the Punta Venado and Blue Venado Beach Club sign right after Calica on the Riviera Maya.

Disclaimer: we experienced Punta Venado as guests of the tour company, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.