Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids

January 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Almost all major ski resorts offer family-friendly amenities. However, only a handful are truly family-focused. A Keystone Resort vacation in Dillon Colorado ranks in our top three family-friendly ski resorts (along with sister property Northstar California and Big White Ski Resort). What makes Keystone kid-focused? A combination of programs, conveniences, and amenities, which, when offered in tandem, make for a dream ski trip for kids. Want a taste? Check out our Keystone Resort for kids video! You might find a few of the following kid-friendly features at any resort, but they only exist ‘under one roof’ at Keystone!

1. Ski-in, ski-out village lodging:

Yes, nearly all large resorts offer ski-in, ski-out lodging. But do they include heated outdoor pools with water slides? How about condos with game rooms, media rooms, and toddler play rooms? Everyone offers ski lockers, but at River Run Village, ski rentals, Kidtopia events (more on this below), dining, and daycare are all within easy walking distance as well. We’ve stayed in ski-in or walk-to-slopes lodging in multiple resort areas, and my nine-year-old ranked Keystone’s The Springs as the best for pool and hot tub fun, gondola access, and village access.

2. Kids ski free:

When staying two or more nights in any Keystone lodging, kids 12 and under ski free. No blackout dates, no exceptions, no kidding. We always recommend staying on-site in convenient resort lodging anyway; now, families can save lift ticket cash for a fun night out, a day with demo skis, or a special souvenir. Learn more at Kids Ski Free.

3. Weekly Kidtopia programming:

Kidtopia is a ton of fun, but many families don’t realize it’s on offer. Here’s what you need to know: when you check in at Keystone Resort, look for a weekly Kidtopia schedule. Kidtopia offers various events free to kids, based out of Kidtopia headquarters in Expedition Station in River Run Village. Kidtopia events range from face painting to cocoa with Riperoo (the Keystone mascot) to the weekly Kidtopia parade through River Run Village (every Saturday). Kidtopia headquarters also houses Ready, Paint, Fire, an art studio where kids can paint on canvas or create (and fire) their own pottery. This is a great indoor option for kids not skiing (or when poor weather brings families indoors).

4. Kidtopia snow castle and on-slope ski features:

No kid (or parent) can resist the amazing snow castle at the top of Dercum Peak! Pop off your skis and explore this multi-story snow castle, where kids can crawl through tunnels, slide down tubes, and walk through mazes made of ice and snow. The castle is a great place to take a 10 minute break from the slopes, or if you don’t want to stop, look for the School Yard features along green run School Marm, where kids can ski through Riperoo’s dog house in Riperoo’s Forest, try out small terrain features, and look for short, easy ski trails. For intermediate skiers, our favorite ski feature is the H&H mine, located off blue run Santa Fe.

5. Kamp Keystone ski and ride lessons for all abilities:

Keystone offers multiple Ski and Ride learning options, but kids will want to base their ski school experience from Kamp Keystone, the main ski school center located in Mountain House. Kamp Keystone is unique in that it offers evening activities (for a fee) and—this is a biggie—guarantees your child the same instructor every day (if booking lessons for at least three days). Consistency is key with resort ski lessons (and hard to come by) so enrolling in Kamp Keystone definitely gives kids an edge. Inside Kamp Keystone, kids can play on a replica ski kat or snowmobile while waiting to be registered, and if they need rental equipment, it’s fitted for them in-house (no carrying and confusion required). Abilities from ‘never evers’ to advanced and expert skiers are accommodated; my expert nine-year-old had a great group lesson with kids of his own age and ability. And because Keystone is a Vail Resort, it offers EpicMix Academy, an online record of your child’s daily lesson report, complete with current level (making it easy to migrate to other Vail Resort ski schools throughout the season).

6. Adventure Center and additional activities:

Kids taking an afternoon or morning off from the slopes can go tubing at Adventure Point, take a gondola ride to The Outpost (at over 11,000 feet) for a fondue dinner, take a sleigh ride to a historic ranch, or ice skate on either the Dercum rink in River Run Village or the lake in Lakeside Village (largest Zamboni-served ice skating rink in the nation). All the above activities can be booked directly from Keystone (call the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village), making Keystone a great resort for families with kids of many ages and ski abilities.

Read our Keystone Resort overview for families for dining picks, lodging descriptions, and on-mountain reviews!

What to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

January 15, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Wondering what to do in Playa del Carmen? Our family loves outdoor excursions, but we like fun city adventures as well. While in Riviera Maya, we wanted to give our kids a taste of local city life as well as geological wonders, so we spent an evening on Playa del Carmen‘s safe 5th Avenue. This pedestrian-only street spans approximately 10 blocks and is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and souvenir stands. You can find everything from authentic Mexican handicrafts to cheap touristy t-shirts along 5th Ave, plus glimpse plenty of local color, street performers, and live music.

Have your cab driver drop you off at the beach and playground area at the top of 5th Avenue (any driver will know to take your there), and start with a snack of fruit kabobs or watermelon spears from a vendor while admiring the sand sculptures on the beach and watching the cruise ships off the shore. Kids will enjoying playing on the large beach play structure, and teens can poke around the open-air shops lining the beach.

Continue down 5th Avenue stopping in stores along the way. Our sons used the experience to souvenir shop with their own money, which meant a lesson in bartering with street vendors. After some successful purchases, we headed into some of the high end shops lining the avenue to window shop as well. Look for ‘fish spas’ where tiny fish nibble at your toes for $15 (didn’t try it for that price!) and avoid posing with exotic animals (their handlers will try to persuade you to buy photos of your kids with them, and the practice perpetuates illegal animal trafficking).

Throughout 5th Avenue, you’ll find street performers such as Mayan dancers and magicians, and plenty of restaurants vying for your patronage. For the most authentic Mexican cuisine, head all the way down the avenue to the end (you’ll know the block by the large fountain in the center of the intersection) and eat at La Cueva del Chango.

La Cueva del Chango is tucked away down a side street at Calle 38 and known (and loved) by locals. The ambiance of the restaurant is as big a draw as the food: diners enter a lush garden setting where they’re seated either in the shade of beautiful vegetation or under the open-air thatched roof building of the main restaurant. With only a few dozen tables, the location is intimate. The open kitchen is fun to view, and the wait staff is bilingual, the better to help you make your selections.

They offer breakfast all day (a good option for kids who may be pickier eaters) but our waitress was excellent about steering us toward good options for the kids on the dinner menu, too. (Kids can also order amazing smoothies.) I ate the most delicious halapeno cream soup, then finished with grilled tuna steak. The kids settled on a Mexican specialty: molletes. This dish is simply grilled cheese with pinto beans, which can be topped with salsa and/or guacamole. Everything we ate was amazing, and in the glow of candlelight in our (seemingly) own Mexican garden, we felt worlds away from lively 5th Avenue.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Directions:

Getting here is easy. Hire a cab for about $10 from any Playa del Carmen or Playacar location, and pick up another from any of the many taxi stands located at cross-streets along 5th Avenue.

Disclaimer: as I disclose whenever applicable, our family ate at La Cueva del Chango as guests of the restaurant, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

Photo credit: Homeaway.com

A day with Alltournative tours: Tulum and Jungle Maya adventure with tweens and teens

January 13, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is rich with geological and cultural excursions for active families. It’s system of cenotes (underground rivers) and abundance of Mayan ruins are accessed by many tour operators, but which one to pick? We spent the day with Alltournative Tours, a leading eco-archaeological guide service specializing in active, adventurous tours.

Like most local tour companies, Alltournative works with Mayan property owners and archaeological sites to gain access to some of the most impressive (and most fun) sites along the Yucatan peninsula. We opted for their Tulum and Jungle Maya tour, which offers a history lesson at ancient Tulum and explorative fun in the jungle in their Mayan eco park.

We started the day at Tulum, the beautiful Mayan ruins on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. (Alltournative will pick up from most Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels.) Right away, we knew our bilingual guide, Robbie, would be fantastic: a native of Mexico City who is part-Mayan himself, Robbie was passionate about the Mayan culture, knowledgeable about their history, and great about tailoring the educational content to kids. Tulum is open to the public and easy to access on your own, but once on-site, we saw the value of a guide: many of the sites have little information in English to explain their significance. Without Robbie, we wouldn’t have known what we were looking at most of the time. We toured the sites for approximately 45 minutes, then Robbie left us to explore on our own for another hour. We opted to take a much-needed dip in the ocean at the beach on-site (voted by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful in the world!) then took advantage of some photo ops.

We rejoined Robbie and the Alltourative transportation and drove the short distance to the Sac-Actun xenote cave system. Located on Mayan property at a small eco park run by Alltournative, we were given lockers, took showers to rinse off, then met the Mayan family who owns the property for a short purifying ceremony in the Mayan language. (The cenotes are spiritual to the Mayans, and treated with upmost respect.)

We were then led to an opening in the underground xenote system, where we rappelled down to swim in the cool, fresh water. Popping out through a cave entrance a few meters away, we climbed into the back of a Mercedes Benz all-terrain truck called an Unimog and enjoyed a bumpy ride through the jungle to Alltournative’s series of zip lines.

I expected this jungle ride to be merely a means to an end (the park is divided into two sections), but instead, it was one of the kids’ favorite parts, due to driver Willi’s sense of fun. Willi took the Unimog along the pot-holed dirt road at a rolling pace, to the delight of the boys.

Once we’d departed the vehicle, we were outfitted for zip-lining (still with our faithful guide Robbie) and shown how to climb the steep ramps to the zip line towers. We took two lines across the jungle, then were surprised by an entirely new-to-us zip-line experience: zipping into water. The last line concluded in the cool water of an open xenote, which was all kinds of fun. We swam to the shore, then grabbed snorkels and masks for a swim through the Nohoch Nah Chiich cenote cavern. Note: If this itinerary seems whirlwind, that’s because it is! We recommend Alltournative to families who have active kids looking for fast-paced outdoor fun.

The Nohoch Nah Chiich is renown to divers (scuba is offered at this location for cave-certified divers), but for snorkelers, it’s a pretty easy swim through open-air caves with the guide. The swim takes about 15 minutes, and stalactites and stalagmites are pointed out along the way, in addition to hanging bats. Using your mask, it’s an unique experience to see the cave bottom as well as look up at the ceiling.

By this time in our day, we’d worked up quite an appetite. Last but not least, we were shown to the Mayan dining area and kitchen on-site, where the family owning the land prepares authentic Mayan cuisine. Tables as communal, and food is buffet-style, with a traditional Mayan soup, empanadas, beans, rice, chicken, and tortillas. Beware the hot sauce…it’s truly hot!

After the meal, guests are returned to the first section of the park to retrieve the items in their locker, offered a MAYArita (their version of a margarita), and invited to rest a while in the many hanging hammocks and lounge chairs dotting the landscaped jungle space.

Alltournative has photographers who shadow you during your tour, and they ask you to view your photos on computer stations before leaving. The photo packages are expensive, but if you don’t have your own underwater camera or video camera to capture the action, they may well be worth it. (You can always take your own photos.)

A word about sustainability and ecotourism: We were impressed by how well the flora and fauna were cared for at the Alltournative eco park site, and liked hearing how our ecotourism aided the Mayan people who owned the land. The xenotes here are spotless, and while they don’t have a completely ‘wild’ feel due to being part of a tour, they are clearly authentic (as opposed to aided by human construction at the large eco parks along the coast). If you have dive experience, you can certainly seek out more isolated xenotes on your own, but for an introductory family experience in a safe environment, Alltournative will fit the bill nicely.

A note about Coba: Alltournative also offers a tour of Coba, the Mayan ruins further inland. This tour does take longer, with a longer drive, which is why we opted to tour Tulum instead. However, it is still possible to climb the ruins in Coba, which can be a draw to families.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Cost:

the Tulum and Jungle Maya tour we experienced runs $129 for adults and $99 for kids. Alternatively, families can book the Jungle Maya only for less, but we don’t recommend skipping Tulum.

Directions:

It’s not possible to drive to Alltournative’s eco park on your own, so leave the rental car at your hotel and let them pick you up.

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

Travel Gear We Use: best point and shoot camera for vacation photos

January 10, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We’re continuing our Travel Gear We Use series with our #1 pick for an all-around best point and shoot camera for taking family vacation photos. We own several cameras, but only one comes with us on each and every family trip.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 is a little (and affordable!) camera that packs a big punch. Certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof, the Cyber-Shot fits in your pocket and can take anything your vacation throws at it. We love the touch screen with tons of focus selections, but auto works great, too. The 3.0 screen is big enough to see what you’re doing, and the full HD 1080 records stills and video. You get a 16.2 Exmor R CMOS sensor, which means you’ll get crisp, sharp photos even in odd lighting situations like twilight or underwater. There’s a panorama setting, and sports and action settings.

I have several cameras on-hand for documenting various types of travel, but the Sony Cyber-Shot always comes with us. Why not? It’s small, easy to carry along, and won’t be grounded by sand, dust, water, or cold. It’s safe in the pocket of your ski pants, around your wrist while you’re swimming, and for every situation in-between. In fact, every shot in this video of Riviera Maya Mexico was taken with the Sony Cyber-Shot.

Because it’s so indestructible, it’s also a great pick for kids. We pass the Sony around while on vacation, and I don’t have to worry about it in the hands of the kids. Our boys can navigate the touch screen easily, and love taking underwater pics. (If you’ve bought a disposable underwater camera lately, you know what a hassle it is to develop the film, and how costly those precious few photos available to you are.)

We also love that the Cyber Shot is only 99 at Amazon.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best carry-on luggage for kids
Best overnight backpacking for kids and youth
Best packing cubes and TSA bags for the family

Photo credit.

Swim with whale sharks in Cancun Mexico

January 8, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

One of the most memorable excursions in Cancun for my family was to swim with whale sharks. These harmless giants can be found in the open water approximately 20 miles off the coast of Cancun (past Isla Mujeres) from May to September, and if you’re visiting the Riviera Maya area during this time period with older kids and teens, it’s definitely an activity to consider.

Who to book with:

We booked our swim with whale shark excursion with Solo Buceo, a dive and snorkel operation located in Dreams Cancun. The dive shop is located in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone across the street from the hotel (right on the water) and is easy to reach via taxi from most area resorts.

We liked that Solo Buceo departs directly from their shop for the whale shark areas, so there’s no shuttle transfers to waste any time. The shop is scenic in itself, set against the bay with plenty of thatch roof cabanas to sit under while getting ready, signing waivers, and the like. The staff was all very friendly during our visit, and very efficient. Our reservation was listed on a dry erase board behind the counter with our guide already assigned to us before we even approached the counter. Our guide Santiago was fluently bilingual, and the whole experience was very professional.

At Solo Buceo, whale shark excursions leave early in the morning. Our boat departed promptly at 7 am, which meant a 5 am wake up call at our Puerto Morelos hotel room. It’s not fun to get up so early on vacation, but the early departure had a purpose: we were the first boat to set out in search of the whale sharks, and when we arrived at the snorkel site, only one additional boat had beat us there. By the time we left, we were surrounded by a dozen or more boats, with more arriving by the minute. A whale shark excursion is not cheap, so we appreciated this added touch of a semi-private experience.

What to expect:

Our guide Santiago explained some of what we should expect before we got on the boat: whale sharks are gentle and harmless, but they’re also wild animals…it may take time to find them, and there’s no guarantee of a sighting. The boat ride out to the open water where they swim takes approximately an hour, and snacks and drinks are provided. The small boats hold about 10 passengers max.

What we were not told: the ride through the open water can be very choppy, and it’s very easy to get seasick. I had read reviews suggesting a motion-sickness remedy, so we did have sea-bands on, but they were of little help. While we didn’t get too sick on the ride out, our stomachs were queasy enough that once in the water, a few of us felt quite sick. Remember, this is open ocean, so it’s not possible to see the bottom of the ocean floor: once you have a mask on and are looking down, you’re bobbing on the water (with some significant waves) without the aid of a horizon to orient yourself. This combination makes seasickness more likely. I was not surprised to feel seasick, as I succumb to motion sickness easily, but even the more hearty in our group were affected, as well as several additional people on our boat. The remedy: lose your breakfast in the ocean, not the boat, please!

Swim with whale sharks:

Seasick or not, swimming with the whale sharks was an amazing experience. About an hour out into open ocean, we spotted a group of about 30-40 sharks and entered the water. Our guide went with us and was invaluable in his help pointing out where the sharks were (look down!, under you!, over you!) and keeping kids (and adults) out of their way. Swimmers may not touch the sharks (doing so purposefully will get you a seat back on the boat), but it’s sometimes hard to get out of their way! By avoiding the tail, we got the hang of it eventually.

We spent approximately 1 hour in the water, taking breaks in the boat as needed, allowing the whale sharks to swim under us, around us, and even over us. When in a lucky position, it was possible to see their huge, gaping mouths open to eat the baleen they feast on, and we even spotted manta rays as well. We were given life jackets to wear (it’s optional to upgrade to wet suits at an additional cost), so even the youngest among us (age 8) had no trouble on the open water. We appreciated that all the child equipment fit well (not always the case) and that all our masks and snorkels were in great working order. Younger children might be afraid given the open ocean and depth (not to mention the huge animals) but once we’d taken the plunge, all our worries were put to rest. These whale sharks are truly peaceful to swim with, and our guide in the water was very attentive, helping to keep kids close.

On the return trip to Cancun, sandwiches and sodas or waters were handed out to those of us who could keep a lunch down, and we stopped for 15-20 minutes just off Isla Mujeres to take a warm-water dip in the crystal clear, shallow water off the island. For those of us who had felt ill, this swim was very refreshing.

When we arrived back into the bay, we could still see boats departing for the whale shark area, and were so glad to have spent time with these giants solo. Expect to spend about four hours total from the time you depart the bay to the time you return.

Tip: Bring an underwater camera, and wear biodegradable sun screen. For some reason, sun screen cannot be applied in the boat, so remember to apply while still on the dock. It’s easy to burn in the morning sun.

Date last visited:

August 2013

Cost:

$119 for adults, $89 for kids

Directions:

Any taxi can take you to Dreams Cancun, where the doorman or bell services staff can point out Solo Buceo. From Puerto Morelos, the ride was $40 US (though this rate had to be negotiated ahead of time…when we made the mistake of asking only at the end of our drive, the rate had climbed to $90).

Disclaimer: we experienced swimming with whale sharks as guests of Solo Buceo, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay

January 3, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options. If you’re staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar’s mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain Lodging: start by reading our review of Big Horn Lodge. However, if something in-between is just right, Northstar’s mountain condo options are close to amenities, affordable, and manageable in size.

During a weekend visit with our family of five (three school-aged kids, plus mom and dad), we stayed in one of Northstar’s Aspen Grove condos. We were only 1/4 mile from the village, had three bedrooms, a full washer and dryer, a ski locker, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, and plenty of space for the kids to play and explore. One of the more affordable Northstar lodging options, our Aspen Grove condo included just what we needed, and no more. Tip: condos and village lodging at Northstar can also be booked through VacationRoost.

Amenities:

Northstar’s condos are run by Northstar Lodging, the same folks who book their mountain homes, and therefore, include use of the Northstar Property Owners Association recreation center, pools, hot tubs, and exercise facility. This is a huge plus, as there are no hot tubs or pools in the Aspen Grove condo area. In summer, you can easily walk to the rec center (nice for teens who want to use the exercise rooms or the arcade), but in winter, you’ll want to drive or call the Northstar shuttle. The rec center is $2 per person to use, and worth every penny (we love the triple outdoor hot tubs!).

In Aspen Grove, you get the washer-dryer in your unit, plus the full kitchen, which makes meal planning easier and saved us a lot of money on our weekend at Northstar. You also have use of the free shuttle system, which we love. Simply call for the shuttle from any phone, and it will be there faster than you can find your missing glove, I promise. Shuttle stops are close by in the Aspen Grove parking lot, and the trip to the village to catch the gondola up the mountain takes fewer than five minutes. Ditto for the ride home, which means you can skip the crowded public parking areas or paid parking.

Condo configuration:

Our Aspen Grove condo included two bedrooms on the bottom level, plus a bathroom and the entry hallway. This hallway included lots of hooks for winter gear, and a ski locker out front. The washer and dryer were also in this level. Bedrooms had two beds (a double and a single) in one, and a queen bed in the other, plus plenty of closet space. Upstairs on the mid-level, we had the kitchen (with full-sized appliances and stocked with dishes, cooking utensils, etc) and living space (complete with TV and DVD player and wifi). On the third floor sat the master bedroom and bathroom. The second and bottom floor both featured a deck. We had more than enough space (we could have made due with a two-bedroom) and never felt far from the action.

Date last visited:

November-December 2013

Distance from the interstate:

10 minutes from I-80.

Rates:

Rates vary by season and bedroom number. One to three-bedroom condos range from approximately $259-459.

Directions:

Northstar is located 30 minutes from Reno, NV or three hours from Sacramento, CA off of the Highway 267 exit on Interstate 80 (I-80). Take an immediate right after entering Northstar Drive to check in at Northstar Lodging.

Disclosure: Our Aspen Grove stay was hosted by Northstar, for the purpose of review. While hospitality is always appreciated, our opinions are our own. The above post is also written in partnership with VacationRoost.com.

Black Butte Ranch: home base for Central Oregon outdoor recreation

December 30, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Every time we visit Central Oregon, we discover yet another family-friendly resort. While some resorts are best for golf vacations, and others ski or luxury vacations, Black Butte Ranch just may come out on top for all-around outdoor recreation amid family-friendly conveniences.

Located just outside Sisters, Oregon (approximately 40 minutes from Bend), Black Butte Ranch is comprised primary of vacation homes and cabins, though there are some condos to be had. This large community is set on two golf courses, with a lovely lodge (housing dining), a rec building, an outdoor activity rental shop, renting bikes in summer and snowshoes and cross country skis in winter, and three pool and sport complexes. Bike paths traverse the entire property, and an on-site stable offers horseback riding in the summer months.

Without even leaving Black Butte Ranch, families can keep their days filled with outdoor activities ranging from bike riding to tennis, golf, swimming, and walking. (This may be ideal for families with young kids.) Off property, excellent mountain biking trails can be found in nearby Sisters in the Deschutes National Forest, as well as hiking trails, lake swimming and kayaking, whitewater rafting, and cave spelunking. Families can explore all of the above on their own, or use one of several tour operators in the region (our pick is Wanderlust Tours).

While many Central Oregon resorts are adjacent to outdoor recreation, Black Butte offers the most in close proximity, outside the metro area of Bend. If you’re looking to be close to Bend and Mt. Bachelor, Black Butte is not the most convenient, but if you plan to spend full days in the Deschutes National Forest and have less need for an easy commute to Bend, this is the place!

We visited in early winter, and while we brought our snowshoes, the necessary six inches of snow wasn’t yet on the ground to permit the sport on Black Butte property. Good thing Hoodoo Ski Area is only 13 miles away. When Hoodoo isn’t up and running (this resort does not make its own snow, and depends on Mother Nature), Mt. Bachelor is less than one hour away by car. We spent one day enjoying the pool and walking paths of the resort, and the other at Mt. Bachelor at our visit, with evening entertainment ranging from dinner and a movie in Sisters (more on that below) and a quiet evening in our vacation home.

Vacation Houses:

We stayed in a beautiful three-bedroom home in Black Butte Ranch that backed right up to national forest service land, allowing our boys plenty of room to play. Our home had a full kitchen, of course, as well as a full washer and dryer, lots of storage space for our skis (or golf clubs in summer), a private hot tub, a wide deck overlooking the forest, and a cozy fireplace. It served as the perfect home base for outdoor recreation, and when we wanted to stay ‘closer to home’, swimming and exercise facilities were a five minute drive away.

Resort amenities:

There are no fewer than three recreation centers at Black Butte. The biggest is at Glaze Meadow, which includes tennis courts, a fitness facility (with exercise classes), a large outdoor pool and toddler splash pad area (open in summer), a large indoor pool with slide (open year-round), hot tubs, and steam room. The Black Butte spa is also located on-site. Also at Glaze Meadow is a large children’s playground with a fun rock climbing structure.

The Black Butte Stables are open during the summer months, and at the main lodge area, summer offers bike rentals. A basketball court is located near the main lodge (as is a rec barn with small arcade). A small general store is also on-site, plus sports shops at Glaze Meadow and the golf clubhouses.

Dining:

We loved breakfast at the Black Butte Ranch Lodge dining room! Eat around 9 am, and you’ll be full until dinner! From blueberry pancakes to salmon and dill omelets, breakfast is served in the lodge dining room overlooking the lake for wonderful views in every season. The dining room is also open for lunch and dinner year-round. Tip: Call the dining room and order take-and-bake pizza, which can be picked up and baked in your vacation home. Pizzas are $11-15, large in size, and very convenient!

During the summer months, several additional dining options exist at the golf clubhouses, and in winter, guests can opt between the lodge dining room and the Glaze Meadow Golf Shop. Families will most likely cook most of their own food in vacation home kitchens (grab groceries at the Ray’s in Sisters), but good family-friendly dining also exists off-property. Our picks: the dining room at The Lodge at Suttle Lake (10 minutes away) and Bronco Bill’s in Sisters (10 minutes in the other direction). If you head into Sisters for dinner, consider buying tickets to the Sisters Movie Housefor an unique movie experience. This intimate theater serves high-quailty snacks and even IPA brews and local wines.

Rates:

Nightly rates vary greatly at Black Butte Ranch (depending on the size of your vacation home or condo). Start by perusing Black Butte’s great package deals. We sampled the ’Pray for Snow’ package, which included lift tickets to Hoodoo, movie tickets to Sisters Movie House, and a Black Butte Ranch credit (which we used for pizza). Deals abound in every season.

Directions:

Black Butte Ranch is located on Highway 20 ten minutes outside of Sisters, Oregon. It is 45 minutes from Bend and 2 hours from Salem, Oregon.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Black Butte Ranch as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Best family travel experiences of 2013 (that you can book for 2014)

December 20, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Our last post of the year is always a round up of best trips we’ve experienced in the last 12 months. 2013 has been rich with travel for the Pit Stops for Kids crew, with top trips ranging from icebergs in Alaska to snorkeling in the Yucatan. For our family, it was certainly the year of ‘outdoor travel’. Below, find our top five travel experiences of 2013, with links to information on the destinations’ 2014 travel seasons. Enjoy ‘window shopping’ this holiday season, or spoil your family with a holiday gift of travel!

1. Cruising SE Alaska’s Inside Passage with Alaskan Dream Cruises:

We devoted almost two full weeks on Pit Stops for Kids to Alaskan Dream Cruises, and for good reason. This Alaskan family owned small ship cruise company provided one of the absolute best vacation experiences we’ve ever had. We learned more about SE Alaska and its people during our nine days aboard the Baranof Dream than we ever imagined, and enjoyed good food, good company, and great tour leadership the entire time. Start here to read our full review of Alaskan Dream Cruises. Book for the 2014 season now (space is limited).

2. Rafting the Wild and Scenic Rogue River with O.A.R.S.:

An O.A.R.S. river rafting vacation is the most adventurous trip you’ll ever take…where you don’t have to lift a finger. During our five days on the Rogue River in Oregon, I could navigate rapids when I felt like it, float quietly when I preferred, sit back and take in the setting sun on the water while our guides prepared the evening meal, and sleep out under the stars. It was truly the most relaxing vacation of our year. For my son Calvin, it was the most exciting. Somehow, O.A.R.S. is all things to all people! Read our full review of the O.A.R.S. Rogue River five day trip. Book your own trip at O.A.R.S.

3. Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula along the Riviera Maya:

Families can certainly spend their entire vacation on the Yucatan Peninsula lying on the sand working on a tan. And that’s ok! But if your crew seeks out adventure, Riviera Maya will provide it! During our one week in this section of Mexico, we snorkeled with whale sharks, rappelled down cenotes, swam into caves, watched ancient Mayan ceremonies, rode ATVs through mud, and toured ruins. And yes, we had time by the pool, too. Anxious to plan your own trip? Start with the Riviera Maya site for lodging and activity recommendations you can trust. it Pit Stops for Kids coverage coming in January!

4. Experiencing train travel through the Canadian Rockies with VIA Rail:

Gorgeous scenery? Check. Luxurious, though somewhat cozy, accommodations? Check. Gourmet dining amid a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere? Check and check. And when you arrive at your destination in the Canadian Rockies, the fun is just beginning; VIA Rail deposits you in the heart of national park territory in Jasper. Read our full review on VIA Rail’s Canadian line. Interested in booking your own trip? Start at VIA Rail.

5. Skiing Tahoe with family-friendly Northstar California:

Northstar California is one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in the US, and we love that it’s located adjacent to one of the world’s best outdoor playgrounds: Lake Tahoe. At Northstar, we enjoyed a multigenerational trip with the whole family–their slopes, programs, and lodging cater to multi-aged groups–and spent five days snowboarding and skiing. If you want a varied vacation, spend a few days snowshoeing or snowmobiling by the lake. Read our full review of Northstar. Book 2014 vacations now, while early bird ski deals still exist!

Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

December 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas, whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids’ minds. At the following Orlando attractions, Mickey may be absent, but fun is present and accounted for.

Orlando Wonderworks:

The building of the Orlando location for the Wonderworks chain of kid zones is upside-down…a sure sign that kids rule at this indoor play-and-imagination-mecca. Kids will immediately think Wonderworks is all about fun, but with over 100 interactive exhibits on science, perspective, and technology, they’re learning more than is let on. When they do catch on that lessons are being imparted, there’s always laser tag for ‘recess’. Admission is $24 ($19 for kids) but is not all-inclusive…be prepared to spend more. Located centrally on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center:

It’s tough being a science center in the theme park capital of the world…Orlando Science Center has steep competition for kids’ attention. However, once here, yours will most likely not want to leave. With an interactive Sesame Street exhibit for toddlers and preschoolers and science labs and a science ‘park’ for older kids, everyone will be occupied. Located on 777 E. Princeton Street, admission is $19 for adults and $13 for kids…a tad lower than your standard theme park admission costs. Read reviews of the Orlando Science Center.

Orange Country Regional History Center:

Need a new perspective on Orlando after too much stimulation, creative landscaping, and ‘experiences’? The History Center shows kids what Orlando looked like before Disney, starting with natural history and native plants and animals, then progressing through First People, First Contact, and pioneering history. And yes, there’s a permanent exhibit on Walt, too. The building is big and bright, and families get the feeling of being out-of-doors while still enjoying the A/C. Located at 65 East Central Blvd, the museum does close at 5 pm daily. General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

Gatorland:

Orlando’s Gatorland is more than just a thrill for families who like to get up-close and personal with huge reptiles. Kids learn about swamps, alligator breeding programs, and alligator habits. Their Adventure Hour takes kids even closer to the action, and is only $10 per person more. Yes, there are also zip lines, making Gatorland more like a theme park than a zoo, but families spending a half-day here will come away with a decent education. Admission is $27 for adults (13 and up) and $19 for kids, and the park closes at 5 pm. Parking is free. Read reviews of Gatorland.

Not staying on theme park property? Find Orlando accommodations at Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Brian Marshall and Jim Moore

Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook

December 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we’re reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler’s Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn’t geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it’s your new bible for family travel inspiration and how-to. Whether you love camping, road tripping, luxury travel, international travel, or any other sort, the Family Traveler’s Handbook helps you get started. Once you’ve targeted a destination, the book also carries you through your trip, with practical sections on making the most of your trip and traveling smarter.

What’s between the covers:

The Family Traveler’s Handbook answers the big questions first: where should you go on your annual family vacation? Should you fly or drive? How can you book hotel rooms or vacation homes smarter? I know from experience as a family travel expert that many parents get stuck right here. Travel can feel overwhelming–after all, it’s a big expense and you don’t want to mess it up! The Family Traveler’s Handbook offers answers that help parents identify what type of vacation would work best for them, and how to go about planning it.

Of course, you need the nitty-gritty, too. The subsequent sections of the book cover all those details you might not even think about, but make any family travel experience richer: how to keep your kid napping on the road. How to save money on food. Should you use public transit? Why or why not? How about public parks or local restaurants? How to know which are worth your time? All ages of kids are covered, helping parents plan whether they have toddlers or teens.

What sets The Family Traveler’s Handbook apart:

See these kids? You’re going to get to know them. And if you read author Mara Gorman’s blog, The Mother of All Trips, you already do. Let’s be honest here: even the most travel-crazy among us get bogged down reading a highly technical or practical travel guide. Instead, we want real, from-the-road stories, and in Mara’s book, you get just that. The practical information is there, don’t worry, but it’s peppered throughout with real-life anecdotes about real family travel…the good, the bad, and the hilariously funny. In other words, you’ll learn all you need to know about planning a family trip without even realizing it, you’ll be so entertained.

Read more testimonials, from additional family travel experts I know and trust, on the Traveler’s Handbook website. Pick up your copy on Amazon for just $15 or at Barnes and Noble or in ebook format. You have plenty of time to get one for the holidays!

In full disclosure, Pit Stops for Kids and yours truly are quoted in The Family Traveler’s Handbook, as we offer camping and outdoor adventure advice. However, I’d recommend the book regardless and was not compensated in any way to promote it. You can be sure it will be under our own tree this holiday season.

Follow our year-round Travel Gear We Use series, as well as our current Travel Gifts for Kids posts throughout December!