Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Safe holiday travel tips and Master Lock Safe Space review

December 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

An average of 34% of Americans spend 1-3 nights away from home during the holidays. Will you and your family be away? Master Lock, maker of luggage locks and the innovative Safe Space, offers five tips for safe holiday travel:

safe holiday travel

1. Keep that lived in look. In 2010, more than 1.8 million homes were burglarized with 400,000 of those burglaries taking place between November and December3. Making the home appear active while away can discourage potential break-ins. Set a timer for both inside and outside lights to switch on and off and turn a radio or TV on to create the illusion that someone is home. Hold your mail deliveries at usps.com, and contact your other providers to stop newspaper and package drop-offs while you’re away. Of course a good standby to rely on is a adequate security system, some of which you can view here. Consider it a watchdog when you’re away.

2. Toast don’t post. Resist the temptation to update your social network accounts with travel plans to avoid having the news of the unoccupied status of your home fall into the wrong hands. Instead, spend that time in the company of friends and family toasting to health and happiness, and wait to post photos of holiday fun until you return home.

3. Check (Twice) Before Travel. Before departing for a holiday destination, check the schedules and status of your flight, train or traffic route to stay aware of delays, bad weather and other potential changes. Checking in on the status of your method of travel will guarantee you are prepared for any delays and keep you calm during the holiday rush. And don’t forget to double-check your travel documents before leaving the house.

4. Activity and Emergency Kits Are Key. Whether traveling by train or car, always carry a first aid kit stocked with bottled water, snacks, medication, bandages, a flashlight and cell phone charger. Should you encounter a problem or a long distance between rest-stops on your route, these items can help keep you nourished and your travel companions busy. Keep children occupied by bringing fun games or movies to lessen driving distractions. If traveling by car, have it inspected by a mechanic or someone you trust before a long journey to make sure all systems are primed and tires are filled.

5. Lock It Down & Carry It On. A reported 200 items are stolen each day from JFK Airport4, one of the busiest airports in the world. Keep your valuables including cell phones, wallets, watches/jewelry and other important property safe by carrying them with you at all times and locking them up while on-the-go. Storage solutions like the 5900D SafeSpaceTM are perfect for keeping these items secure. In addition, use generic luggage, be mindful of wearing flashy jewelry and dress down to prevent being targeted for theft. Secure checked and carry-on luggage with a TSA-accepted lock, such as the 4688D Combination Lock while traveling to prevent unauthorized access to your possessions.

Master Lock Safe Space review:

In keeping with this travel security theme, Pit Stops for Kids reviewed Master Lock’s Safe Space, a miniature safe for small valuables such as jewelry, point-and-shoot cameras, passports, and cell phones while traveling by air. Here’s what we thought:

safe space

1. Great for use in airports where theft is most common. Having a Safe Space won’t take the place of keeping a close eye on your luggage, but it will make you feel better about those moments you can’t avoid that pick pockets love, as as when your luggage is adjacent, but you’re distracted by kids, media, or gate information. I like that you can use the security cord (like a bike lock) to secure the SafeSpace to an airport chair leg or table leg. You still can’t leave it (or anything else) unattended of course, but you can read your book or toss something in the trash without worrying about your valuables.

2. Not practical for storing a cell phone. I don’t know about you, but I need my phone constantly while traveling through airports, whether to check apps, flight information, weather, or email. (Or to hand off to a bored kid for an Angry Birds session.) Locking my phone away would make it safer, but it’s just not going to happen.

3. Easy to store and pack. I tossed the Safe Space right into my carry on bag, and it fit there perfectly. I like the size and weight, and how easy it is to access the contents. It will only fit a few things, though, so you’ll have to prioritize. We put our house and car keys and my husband’s wallet in ours, and that pretty much maxed it out.

Touring Virginia City, Nevada with kids

December 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Located thirty minutes outside of Reno Nevada, Virginia City takes families back in time to an era of unprecedented wealth in silver and gold mining history. The drive to the boomtown from either Reno or Carson City is scenic and dramatic (and kids should be on the look-out for wild horse herds…we were lucky enough to spot one).

Virginia City lies over the crest of a hill; the first thing you see if the pioneer-era graveyard followed by the tall steeples of the Catholic and Protestant churches. The main street of town runs along C Street, complete with false-fronts and boardwalks. Families can park on the street or in one of several lots, and will want to start their day at the Visitor’s Center, located on C Street. During the summer months, you can purchase one of several varieties of Comstock Pass to save on individual attractions, and in the winter, these options are available a la carte for a discount of 50 cents on each ticket for each attraction. Ticket prices for Virginia City tours and museums are very low: most average $5 for adults and many are free for kids as old as 11. The staff at the Visitor’s Center will point you in the direction of the tours that are best for your group: you definitely can’t see everything in one day at Virginia City!

Tours and museums:

As stated, there are more homes, mines, and saloons to tour than you could see in one day, but the following are not to be missed:

Trolley Tour: This twenty minute tour gives a great overview of the town and its operations during the late 1800s. We did this at the start of our day, and are glad we did. It kept everyone interested, and we all agreed we’d have been happy to ride longer. Pick up the trolley tour at the parking area next to the Bucket of Blood Saloon.

Mackay Mansion: Once the home of William Randolph Hearst senior, the Mackay Mansion served as residence and mining office. We found it fascinating to tour the office and dining room as well as the upstairs residence rooms of the Mackay family. This site is in the process of restoration, and the guide is passionate about this project. It was a joy to listen to him, and the tour is partially self-guided, so younger children can move along more quickly if needed.

The Way it Was Museum: There are certainly more sophisticated museums out there, but The Way it Was is a fun stop that will help orient kids to the boomtown era. Outside, mining equipment is on display, including a display explaining how mules were used to grind rock and deposit ore. Inside, artifacts from the town range from newspaper clippings to a dentist chair, and kids can see buggies, household goods, and maps.

The Ponderosa Mine Tour: In the summer months, families can tour one of several mines, but if you’re visiting in the off-season as we were, definitely buy tickets to the Ponderosa Mine. Located at the back of the Ponderosa Saloon (check out the huge safe inside), the Ponderosa tour takes you into a mine shaft. Our guide was enthusiastic about his topic, and we learned about the working conditions in the mines, the pay, and the dangers. We wore hard hats, and the mine shaft did get a bit restricting; this tour only takes about 25 minutes, which makes it ideal for young kids.

There are numerous additional tours of the schoolhouse (seasonal), churches, Washoe Saloon and club (this one is haunted), and Piper’s Opera House. There’s also a Mark Twain museum detailing his life in Virginia City (he got his start here). You can always pay at the door of any tours you didn’t purchase in advance at the Visitor’s Center.

Rides and other attractions:

During the summer months, visitor’s can ride a stagecoach, buggy, or the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. The railroad operates during the end of November and beginning of December as a Candy Cane Express as well, which is perfect for young kids. (Buy tickets in advance.) Walking tours of the town are always available; ask for a map at the Visitor’s Center.

Dining and Saloons:

If you’re planning to picnic, a nice public picnic area with clean bathrooms and great views is located at the start of town (you can’t miss it). Additionally, families are permitted to picnic on the Mackay Mansion grounds by the gazebo. If you want to eat a meal out, Virginia City has an array of options. We ate a family-friendly meal at the Palace Restaurant, located on C Street. Kids will like seeing the authentic saloon bar, and parents will appreciate that there’s no smoking (not the case in all Virginia City establishments). We ordered burgers and sandwiches, and the food was quick and good.

The Delta Saloon is worth a quick visit with older kids to see the infamous Suicide Table, said to be cursed by bad luck. Note: you’ll have to walk through the saloon’s many casino machines and smoky haze to get there. The Bucket of Blood Saloon is famous for the bucket’s worth of blood cleaned up after a barroom fight in the late 1800’s. It’s name is the most ominous part of the building, but it can be fun to peek inside.

Plenty of dessert and candy can be found along C Street, including Grandma’s Fudge, which we recommend. Barrels o’ Candy is located nearby; we found it to be overpriced and the candy less than fresh.

Souvenirs are everywhere, but even these are reasonably-priced. Stop at the Rock Shop for souvenir silver or gold flakes, or to pick out your own gems for just a few dollars. Old-timey photos can be taken, and The Way it Was Museum has a small selection of souvenirs at the counter.

Date last visited: November 2012

Distance from the interstate: 30 miles from Hwy 395 (580).

Directions: From Reno, take Hwy 580 to Hwy 341 (Comstock Highway). Follow signs to Virginia City.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our time in Virginia City was hosted by the Virginia City Visitor’s Center and Palace Restaurant. This generosity came with no expectation of a positive review.

Reno with kids: a stay at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino

December 10, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

We enjoy the high mountains and desert surrounding Reno, Nevada, but dislike casinos with their dark, smoky interiors and gaudy decor. It can be challenging to find truly family-friendly accommodations. The newly remodeled Reno Peppermill Hotel and Casino fits the needs of families while adding a degree of elegance and luxury I haven’t experienced elsewhere in Reno.

Now a Preferred Hotel, the Peppermill has earned four-diamond qualification. The entire exterior of the hotel now carries an Italian villa motif, but their new Tuscany Tower fully immerses guests; once in this wing, the Italian theme is seamless. We loved that while in Tuscany Tower, which has it’s own check-in desk, we never encountered cigarette smoke or gambling. Connected to the rest of the hotel via escalator, the Tuscany Tower houses Biscotti’s restaurant, the Spa Toscana, the fitness center, a full bar, and easy access to the Lower and Upper pools. From our room, we could go swimming, eat meals, and work out without ever remembering we were in a casino.

If you do want to gamble or experience the restaurants and nightlife in the rest of the Peppermill, you’ll only a few steps away. There’s a large arcade located near the parking garage that our kids patronized, and half a dozen additional dining options in addition to a few shops and, of course, the casino floor.

Tuscany Tower rooms:

These new rooms are huge! We had a double-king suite with 550 square feet. We loved the fact that our bathroom was as big as some kitchens, with a jetted whirlpool tub and shower, separate toilet area, and vanity counter as well as sink (we could have used two sinks, however). The kids were especially giddy to see a flat-screen TV in the bathroom, too, though we never had need of it.

Standard rooms have either one or two king beds (rooms with two beds cannot accommodate a roll-away, though there’s plenty of space). I loved that there was a table and chairs by the large window in addition to (instead of replacing) a full desk and chair. I was able to work while the kids ate breakfast in the room. The beds were heavenly to sleep on, and there’s extra linens stored in case they’re needed. We had a large TV in the main room, but no mini-fridge (just a mini-bar fridge). If you don’t want to pay a room charge for snacks, tell the kids to keep their hands off: all items in the mini-bar and on the tray on the counter contain motion-sensors and will charge you if an item is removed for 45 seconds.

Pools:

We loved the geo-thermally heated Peppermill pools! Located in the outside courtyard between the Tuscany Tower, the Spa Toscana, and the main wing, the Lower Pool is open year-round and features a main pool, waterfall pool (smaller pool with cascading water), and hot tub. All three pools are heated (and the hot tub is quite hot). During the summer months, the Upper Pool is also open, with an additional swimming pool and hot tubs. We especially loved all the cushy outdoor furniture: we could relax poolside even in winter while the kids swam.

Spa Toscana:

A day pass to the Spa Toscana is well-worth the expense of $45, should you have at least a few hours to indulge. I love that hotel guests receive 50% off. Of course, a day pass comes included with a treatment, as well. (Send the kids to the arcade or swimming with the other parent!) Guests are shown to the luxurious changing rooms, which open onto hot and cold plunge pools, a cedar-planked sauna, an awesome steam room, and lounge area. Fruit juices, healthy mix and granola mixes, tea, coffee, and water are readily available. Day pass guests also have access to the co-ed indoor pool with hot and cold plunges and a relaxing enclave with reclining chairs, noise-reducing headphones, and iPods playing music. Room service can be ordered directly to the spa.

Dining:

Biscotti’s serves family-friendly fare that will still please parents, and has a nice variety of freshly made cocktails and beers. We opted for a family dinner at Oceano, arguably Reno’s finest seafood restaurant. Though the wait was long and dining here necessitated crossing the casino floor (have I mentioned we hate casinos?), Oceano was worth it. More expensive than Biscotti’s, value can still be found here: Oceano’s all-you-can-eat sushi was the freshest my husband had ever had, and costs only $24.99. Oceano serves every kind of fish you could want (I loved the blackened Mahi-Mahi), and also has steak and chicken. There’s no kid menu, but the staff is accommodating: they made Toby a grilled cheese and fry basket, and Calvin (age 11) was very happy with the fried shrimp. Tip: if not everyone at your table orders the all-you-can-eat sushi, the sushi eater may not have time to try as much as he or she would like before the others are served and finished. Order sushi right away!

We grabbed an easy breakfast of donuts at Cafe Espresso on the morning of our departure, and snacks and pastries can be found at any hour at several locations. Room service is also always available.

Nearby attractions for families:

While in Reno, head out of town and visit Virginia City (just 30 minutes from the Peppermill) to learn about early mining history in this boomtown. Also within easy driving distance is Lake Tahoe, with skiing in winter and swimming and water sports in summer. Hiking and mountain bike riding can be found near the base of Mt. Rose, just outside of Reno.

Date last visited:

November 2012

Room rates:

Room rates for our double-king suite in the Tuscany Tower can be as low as under $99. Even more affordable rooms can be had in the other wing of the Peppermill, but trust me: the ambiance and prime location of the tower is worth the expense.

Directions:

From Hwy 395 (which changes into 580), take the Moana Exit to South Virginia Street.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we reviewed the new Tuscany Tower as guests of the Peppermill. This generosity comes with no expectation of a positive review. Photo credit.

Seattle’s Museum of Flight with kids of all ages

November 15, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

For most visitors, Seattle WA is synonymous with Boeing and aero-engineering. For airplane and space lovers, there’s no better stop than at the Museum of Flight. A huge, multi-building complex, the Museum of Flight can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have small children. For true fans, a full day is needed, but the highlights can be hit in a few hours if needed. On our last visit, we were touring the museum with six kids, ages 2-13, and though it was challenging at times, we found something for everyone in each part of the complex. Below, I’ve broken down the museum by section, so you can be sure to visit the parts of most interest to your family.

The Great Gallery: This cavernous hanger houses fighter jets and other war air models, some of which kids can climb into to check out the cockpit. Also in this area are several flight simulators with 3-D screens (motion rides) that cost extra (and are not worth the price, though kids will beg to go). Stick to the ground floor where the ‘real’ planes are.

The Lear Gallery: The space exploration section of the museum houses much to see on the ‘next frontier’, including the newly acquired space shuttle trainer, which I actually saw brought into the museum by the famous ‘Guppy’ transporter when I visited with my family in late June of 2012. Kids will like the anti-gravity simulator and the early Apollo capsules.

The Personal Courage Wing: This wing can be overlooked (as we did on our last visit), but actually houses fascinating studies of courageous air force fighters and aviation pioneers.

The Red Barn: Most interesting to my school-aged kids was the Red Barn, which was the original building Boeing used for their early manufacturing. Inside, the history of Seattle area flight production and world war aviation history is displayed in a way that’s interesting even to preschoolers.

Outside Airpark: Outside the museum, a number of aircraft are available to tour on the massive grounds. On the day of our visit, we walked through a retired Air Force One, which was more than a little bit cool. A concorde and several military planes are also on-site, but were closed at the time.

Tip! Save up to 50% on Seattle’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Date last visited:

June 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Five minutes off I-5.

Admission:

Adults are $17, youth (5-17) are $9. Age four and under are free. Be sure to ask if your local science museum membership is honored. Many are! You can also use your CityPASS (see tip above).

Hours of operation:

10 am to 5 pm most days of the year. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum is open until 9 pm, and is free from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Dining options:

A full-service museum cafe offers everything from snacks to meals, and has several healthy options. Expect to pay museum prices, but not much else is nearby.

Directions:

The museum is at 9404 E. Marginal Way S. From I-5, take Take exit 158 and merge right onto S. Boeing Access Road. Turn right at the first stoplight (E. Marginal Way S.) The Museum is on the right, 1/2 mile. Parking is free.

Falls Park, Sioux Falls South Dakota

November 12, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Sioux Falls, South Dakota hosts a wide number of free and budget-friendly family attractions, with Falls Park as the crown jewel. Located adjacent to the downtown area, Falls Park features the city’s stunning namesake…the Big Sioux River’s Sioux Falls.

Visitors to the park can walk the many paths to points of interest around the falls, and enjoy the falls themselves, which cascade over geologically-fascinating beds of the rose quartz South Dakota is well known for. If you come during the day, you’ll want to dedicate about an hour to the park, with time to climb the five-story tower overlook and walk the paths over to the remains of the Queen Bee mill and Millrace and Dam, both rich in Sioux Falls frontier history.

Better yet, during the summer months, visits the falls in the evening, arriving before dusk and remaining to see the nightly Wells Fargo Laser and Light Show. With performances starting at 9:30 pm every evening, the show gives a fun (and quite in-depth) historical overview of Sioux Falls, starting from early Native American history and carrying on through the region’s Lewis and Clark Expedition history and pioneering history, all the way to present. The show utilizes laser lights and audio narrative to tell its story, and last about 45 minutes. It’s entertaining to even young kids and will educate everyone in your group. Best of all, the Wells Fargo Laser and Light Show is free.

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Easily accessible from both I-90 and I-29.

Admission:

Free

Dining Options:

There are picnic grounds on-site, and a souvenir shop with snacks.

Directions:

Falls Park is located near I-90 at North Phillips Avenue and Falls Park Drive. Alternatively, the Sioux Falls downtown trolley makes a stop at Falls Park.

Skiing Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho with kids

November 7, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

While we lived in Spokane, WA, we spent a good deal of time at neighboring Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Idaho, and in the winter skiing Schweitzer Mountain. Schweitzer is located above the lake deep in the snowy peaks, and feels like it, too! Families will want to be ready for any weather this far north, but will be rewarded with prime skiing and snowboarding as well.

lake pend oreille view from Schweitzer

Where to stay:

While skiing at Schweitzer, families have the option of staying near the lake, or in the Schweitzer Village. While lakeside is beautiful, the drive up the mountain road every day gets tiresome. I recommend staying slope side in the White Pine Lodge, Schweitzer Mountain’s newest condo accommodations. Families have quick ski-in, ski-out access, and can easily return to their condo for downtime. Best of all, with the Schweitzer Difference Package, families get free breakfast! Nearby home rentals are also available, but not as plentiful: Schweitzer is located on a mountainside…not a lot of land is available. This makes for a cozy resort feel.

On the mountain:

Schweitzer lift tickets are still refreshingly affordable at under $70 for adults (less for multi-day) and kids still ski free under age 6. As always, buying your tickets online for multiple days will give you the best deal. Their Ski-3 package gives you three totally transferrable adult tickets for $162, a good choice if you plan to have one adult stay back with small kids each ski day.

white pine lodge Schweitzer Mountain’s terrain is varied, and for the adventure seekers, there is Cat skiing. Night skiing is available (a great option for tweens and teens) and an entire Nordic bowl offers cross-country skiing. The Schweitzer Ski and Ride Center takes kids as young as four months for their day care program, and offers lessons up to age 12 in their ski and ride school. Adult lessons are also available (and good for teens).

Where to eat:

We love eating in-house in our ski condo or rental, but everyone needs to eat out, too! The Schweitzer Village has all types of family dining. We recommend the Chimney Rock Grill for salads, steaks, and seafood, and Powder Hound Pizza for casual dining with kids. Stock up on groceries before heading up the mountain in Sandpoint. Village campfires can be found most nights: stock up on the makings for s’mores!

Date last visited: January 2010

Distance from the interstate: 45 minutes from I-90

Nearest town: Sandpoint, Idaho

Directions: Schweitzer is located 1.5 hours from Spokane or 45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene. Take Highway 95 from I-90.

Photo credit: yenny.

Sertoma Butterfly House and Purdy Marine Cove

November 1, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re visiting Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a few days, or just passing through on I-90, the Sertoma Butterfly House and Purty Marine Cove offer a high-quality and educational stop that won’t break the bank. One of many quality free or cheap attractions for families in Sioux Falls!

Housed on Sioux Falls innovative Outdoor Campus, where local families and visitors can stop in to take other outdoor recreation classes as well as explore the walking trails and playgrounds, the butterfly house take about an hour to explore, and includes an extensive collection of sea animals and corals in addition to butterflies.

Families can choose to start with either exhibit, and can easily split up as interests dictate; the space is small enough to be very family-friendly. In Purty Marine Cove, I expected the shark and sting ray touch tank to draw the biggest crowds, but while popular, it was Purty’s live coral that stole the show. As I told a traveling companion, until you see the ‘real’ thing, you don’t realize just how beautiful bright, live coral can be. The coral makes for a beautiful backdrop to the 2,500 gallon saltwater and freshwater aquariums.

In the butterfly house, visitors can view over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world, including Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Kids can watch them form their chrysalises from behind protective glass, and watch the mature butterflies eat at any of the many fruit stations. A nice perk for locals and all-season travelers: the butterfly house always remains at a tropical temperature, making it one of the best hideouts during a South Dakota winter.

Date last visted:

August 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from I-90.

Admission prices:

Child (3-4): $3.00, Youth (5-12): $5.50, Adult (13-59): $8.50

Hours of operation:

Mon-Sat from 10am to 6 pm, Sun from 1 pm to 5 pm in summer, Mon-Sat from 10 am to 4 pm and Sun from 1 pm to 4 pm in winter.

Food services:

None, though there is a gift shop with candy. The Outdoor Campus has many picnic areas…bring a lunch!

Directions:

The Outdoor Campus is located at 4500 S. Oxbow, with the butterfly house adjacent. Sertoma Butterfly Garden adjacent at 4320 S. Oxbow.

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History

October 29, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A perfect half-day pit stop off I-90 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Great Plains Zoo is manageably sized, but more importantly, carefully managed to be a high quality zoo experience in the heart of the midwest. Plus, Great Plains Zoo has a Kidscore of 66. (Learn more about Kidscore.)

Great Plains Zoo is so open and accessible, it feels like a park that just so happens to house an impressive collection of animals, and its elevated viewing spaces and interactive exhibits allow even the youngest kids see the animal residents in an up-close and personal way. While walking from exhibit to exhibit, we interacted with geese and ducks, and found many shaded places to take a break, play on a kid-friendly sculpture, or just sit in the grass.

The zoo is in the midst of a multi-year improvement plan, during which it’s bringing in rare animal ‘families’, such as the Rare Rhinos of Africa and tiger cubs in the Asian Cat Exhibit. In the newly restored children’s zoo (now the Hy-Vee Face to Face Farm), kids can pet and feed farm animals and even ride a camel.

I wished I had been at the Great Plains Zoo in time to see the opening of their Monkeys, Magic, and More, slated to open in 2013. Construction is now underway, along with construction of a new zoo entrance and seasonal flamingo interaction.

Included in zoo admission (and not to be overlooked) is the Delbridge Museum of Natural History. I suggest viewing this indoor section of the zoo first, as its 150 mounts, including 36 endangered or ‘vanishing’ species, educates kids on animal conservation. All the mounts in the display are acquired from late Sioux Falls’ resident Henry Blockhouse, who hunted the animals legally in the 1940s-60s and used to house part of his collection in his downtown hardware store. The museum does a good job of providing interactive signage and interpretive displays to keep kids engaged before they continue outside to see the live animals.

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just minutes off I-90 or I-29.

Admission prices:

The Great Plains Zoo is very affordable at $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids 3-12 (under 3 is free!).

Hours of operation:

April-September 9 am to 6 pm. October-March 10 am to 4 pm.

Food services:

The zoo does offer a full cafe in the heart of the property, as well as a snack station in the children’s zoo area. Outside food seems to be allowed, based on my observations, though the website does not list a ruling specifically.

Directions:

The zoo is located at 805 S. Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls.

Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

October 17, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

From the outside, the Ramkota Hotel, a Best Western Plus property, looks like just about any other large-scale interstate-adjacent motor inn. Once inside, visitors immediately know there’s more to it: the Ramkota delivers big on the extras travelers with kids need, such as a full-scale restaurant (and bar, just saying) and large year-round indoor water park facility and seasonal outdoor pool.

Let’s get right to the good part: Ramkota’s water park sits in the center of the hotel’s ‘H’ shaped wings in a large indoor space that–amazingly–does not smell strongly or chlorine. You get a large free-form pool with a zero-depth entry, small water slide, and fun lilly-pad crossing, a hot tub, and a deeper pool with a water basketball hoop and much larger tube slide. Best of all, families can reserve a room (on either the first or second floor) that opens right out on the the water park. Parents can easily sit and watch older kids from near their doorway, and it’s a very short walk back to the room for families with younger children. The facility is not on a grand scale by any means, but is a huge jump up from your average indoor pool. If you’re planning to stop along I-90 in or near Sioux Falls with kids in any season, the Ramkota’s water features make it the obvious choice (and in the dead of winter, it’s especially a no-brainer).

Note: There is no lifeguard on duty at the pool. Please be sure to supervise your children.

Other amenities: You can’t sleep in the pool, but Ramkota’s standard rooms are spacious, comfortable, and clean, which is all you need when road tripping with kids. Each guest room does feature a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave, making it easy to make and keep food fresh. Suites are available as well, with full kitchenettes in either one or two bedroom layouts. Extended stay rooms are also on-property.

The Ramkota has a business center and a very helpful front desk staff, as well as complimentary wifi so you can get some work done if needed (or set the kids up with Netflix on your computer while waiting to swim in the mornings). There’s also an adequate, yet small, exercise facility adjacent to the indoor water park. The Ramkota lacks a free breakfast, but does have a kid-friendly restaurant. (If you read Pit Stops for Kids’ hotel reviews regularly, you know that a road trip-friendly hotel without a free breakfast is often a deal-breaker for me, but in this case, the indoor water park trumps all.)

If you plan to stay a day or two in the area, there are several family-friendly attractions within minutes of the hotel, including a nice selection of free things to do in Sioux Falls. If you need to get back on the road, you’d better wait until at least check-out time to let your kids fully enjoy the pools!

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-90.

Room rates:

Rates for a standard room at the time of my visit started at . This is a Best Western Plus, so consider becoming a member of Best Western Rewards, and also ask for AAA discounts. Roll-away beds are available (and the rooms are spacious enough that you won’t be tripping on it if you ask for one). The Ramkota also has a nice kids’ club to make return visits more fun.

Directions:

The Ramkota is located at 3200 West Maple Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Parking is free, and an airport shuttle service is available.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Ramkota on a hosted stay. While the Ramkota’s hospitality is appreciated, it came with no expectations of a positive review.

Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, BC

September 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

At first glance in a guidebook or two, I didn’t think the Butchart Gardens had much to offer a family with three active kids. I was wrong: the two hours we spent there waiting for a recent ferry crossing from Sidney BC to Washington’s San Juan Islands was both relaxing for us and interesting to our school-aged boys.

Located in Brentwood Bay, just minutes from the busy ferry terminal in Sidney and a short drive from Victoria, BC, the gardens were originally created to beautify area rock quarries, and the result is quite the incredible feat. The gardens are divided into several sections, including (but not limited to) a traditional rose garden, a peaceful Japanese tea garden, an Italian garden, and a sunken garden in the rock quarry, with viewing outlook. For kids in particular there is a carrousel, as well as several ice cream stands and snack shops. Boat rides are available, and if you look carefully while touring the bottom of the Japanese garden, you’ll find a viewing hole through a hedge with a great (secret) view of the harbor.

I’m not sure Butchart Gardens would have entertained my kids longer than a few hours, but as a way to spend the afternoon waiting for a ferry departure, it was very pleasant. It’s not a cheap pit stop, so if you don’t need to be all the way up in Brentwood Bay, I’d opt for the more traditionally kid-friendly Pacific Undersea Gardens in Victoria.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Hours of operation:

Generally 9 am to 9 pm in summer (although many summer events allow for later closings) and 9 am to 4 pm in winter. The gardens come alive at Christmas time, and have later hours during the season.

Admission:

Summer admission is $29 for adults, $14 for youth (13-17), and only $3 for children (12 and under) plus 12 percent sales tax. Winter admission is significantly less (except Christmas).

Dining options:

Many! The grounds have snack stands as well as three restaurants, from a coffee shop to elegant dining. Picnic grounds are also available in the parking area (on a grassy strip).

Directions:

The gardens are located at 800 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay. They’re easy to get to from either Victoria or elsewhere on Vancouver Island. See full directions from each city.

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