Amy Hagstrom - Pitstops for Kids

Small ship cruising: you CAN expedition travel with kids

December 2, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following is Part 2 in a two-part series on small ship cruising with AdventureSmith Expeditions’ founder Todd Smith.

Last week, I asked AdventureSmith Expeditions founder Todd Smith to explain the philosophy of small ship cruising, reinforcing my belief that a lasting travel impact is made through personal, intimate experiences with the culture and environs of a destination. But is small ship cruising practical for families with children? The short answer? Yes! AdventureSmith offers dozens of cruises specifically geared to families. For the long answer, including a detailed description of a typical day aboard a small cruise ship with kids, read on!

Pit Stops for Kids: You’re a father yourself: what itinerary do you most recommend for families?

Todd Smith: It really depends on the destination. I like trips that are close to home, choosing destinations in North America to minimize flying time and jet lag for younger travelers. Our five top family destinations are Costa Rica (December-August), Galapagos (year-round), Alaska (May-September), Baja (November-April), and Hawaii (November-April). It is also important to focus on a cruise that has dedicated family departures. Family departures offer specialized programs and meals that are suited for younger travelers and offer the advantage of traveling with other families with kids of similar ages. A few of my favorites for 2012 include departures to the Galapagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, Alaska’s Eastern Coves, and Baja, aboard the 22-passenger Safari Quest. Of note: all of these itineraries and more offer significant discounts to child passengers.

PSFK: What can AdventureSmith offer families with babies and toddlers? Or are they better off waiting a few more years?

TS: Some small ships will allow babies and toddlers on board, however we recommend travelers wait until their children are six years old before booking small ship cruises. Small children may or may not be able to participate in off-vessel activities and there are no babysitting facilities to watch kids while parents are away. As an alternative, charters are a great option for families with toddlers and babies. You’ll have a boatload of family to help watch kids and you will not upset any other guests!

PSFK: Paint me a picture of a typical vacation day aboard an AdventureSmith ship. Is there such a thing?

TS: There is a lot of variety, depending on the ship and destination. However, a typical day might transpire as follows: wake up to the announcement from a naturalist that wildlife has been spotted on shore. As the ship slows down to observe, you wake the kids, grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and head to the observation deck where early risers and naturalists have gathered to watch the animals. After some time spent observing wildlife, it is announced that breakfast will begin soon.

Return to your cabin to prepare for the day before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Toward the end of breakfast, the naturalists appear again to review the day’s itinerary and activities. They announce a kayaking and/or hiking activity to begin shortly. The ship anchors in a quite cove and travelers begin the morning off-vessel naturalist guided activities.

Mom and son may choose the hiking trip with an exploration of nearby forest and tide pools, while dad and daughter take a guided kayak excursion in search of wildlife. For travelers (grandparents perhaps) not interested in the more active hiking and kayaking options, small craft zodiac excursions are offered. As you return to the ship from morning activities, you are greeted by a smiling crew member with a hot beverage (or in warm destinations, a cool beverage).

Once all groups are back on board the ship pulls anchor and begins cruising. Enjoy a bit of down time to relax, engage with naturalists about your morning activity, or enjoy cruising from the observation deck. The naturalists may offer a impromptu lecture on-board to exchange experiences from the morning activities with an emphasis on getting the kids involved in what they are learning. Lunch is served. After lunch enjoy time cruising and looking for wildlife. This is a great time of families to visit the wheelhouse to speak with the captain, and learn about navigation and the equipment used to steer the ship to its next destination.

Mid-afternoon, the ship reaches another anchorage and afternoon off-vessel activities begin. This afternoon’s paddle excursion is pleasantly interrupted by a crew member delivering fresh baked cookies by zodiac (kids love this). Return to the ship for happy hour and appetizers as the ship again pulls anchor and begins cruising. Before or after dinner, the naturalists invite families to the lounge for a slide presentation, discussion, or game highlighting local culture, wildlife conservation issues, or other interesting topics. Dinner can be a more elegant affair with several choices (always one vegetarian choice and family trips offer kid friendly choices) highlighting local and international fare.

After dinner and desert, the naturalists offer an overview of tomorrow’s itinerary and activities. Relax in the library, play a game with the kids, or stay on deck watching the stars. Get a good night’s sleep in your private cabin as the ship cruises to a new location to do it all over again tomorrow.

Small ship cruising: a travel philosophy that holds water

November 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following is the first in a two-part interview with AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith.

In the past decade, cruising has morphed from a dowdy vacation your grandparents took to one of the most popular family options on the travel market. It’s not hard to see the appeal: the ease, all-inclusiveness, and high entertainment value of cruising makes it a tempting choice for families. As founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids, I’ve long said that no type of travel is the wrong type of travel: whatever your family enjoys, the key is to get out there and experience it. However, how you experience it can make all the difference in the world. What most cruising operations offer in fun, they can lack in the ability to provide intimacy with the destination, environment, or culture you traveled to see.

For travel to have its greatest positive impact, access matters, which is why I love the travel philosophy that drives AdventureSmith Explorations, a small ship cruising operation doing big things for family travel. Recently, I was fortunate enough to bend the ear of Todd Smith, AdventureSmith founder and president, to learn more about what makes small ship cruising different than the mega-ship industry standard.

Pit Stops for Kids: You’ve called AdventureSmith the ‘anti-cruising’ option. Tell me about the travel philosophy behind that.

Todd Smith: I have found that standard big ship cruises tend to focus inward, on what is aboard the ship. Large ship cruises boast waterslides, climbing walls, miniature golf, midnight buffets, broadway style entertainment, shopping malls and more. The destination tends to be of secondary importance. Our style of small ship and expedition cruising is the opposite. Our primary focus is outward, on the destination outside the ship. Of course, travelers can expect comfortable cabins, delicious cuisine and a wide range of on board amenities, but most travelers choose a small ship because they want to intimately engage with the destination in an up close and personal way, away from tourist crowds. Cruises aboard small ships offer parents, grandparents, and kids opportunities to experience authentic nature and culture not easily found on other types of tours, in a safe, comfortable and casual environment, as detailed in my blog post comparing big ships, small ships and yacht cruises.

PSFK: AdventureSmith itineraries are highly unique. How would you define ‘adventure cruising’?

TS: The hallmark of adventure cruising is the ability to get off the ship, away from port. This in turn limits the number of travelers. In my experience working aboard small ships for many years, it becomes logistically difficult to achieve effective off-vessel activities on ships with over 150 travelers.

PSFK: Tell me about the various excursions offered on AdventureSmith cruises. How can I ensure I’m selecting off-ship adventures that will be age-appropriate for my kids?

TS: Excursions and activity levels can vary widely by trip. Depending on the region, off-vessel activities may include walking/hiking, kayaking, snorkeling/Scuba diving, paddle boarding, small craft/zodiac excursions, helicopter flightseeing, photography excursions, horseback riding, trekking, cave exploration, overnight camping, dog sledding, and more. Since activities also vary for travelers with kids, the following are my suggestions for various age levels:

For kids under six, I recommend sticking to easy activities where mom and dad can handle restless youngsters for a short period of time. Easy walks, short zodiac or glass bottom boat excursions, and city tours top the list. These activities are also great for older grandparents who are not as agile as they used to be.

For six to eight-year-olds, I recommend the above activities plus longer walks, easy kayaking, swimming, fishing, and photography. Kids this age love to explore the world in a physical way. Don’t be afraid to get them off the boat to experience surroundings up close! Stick to shorter duration (one or two hour) excursions.

8-12-year-olds can endure longer excursions (1-3 hours) featuring the above activities, plus snorkeling, paddle boarding, horseback riding, cave explorations, and even overnight camping. Kids this age become the best friend of naturalist guides. Let them be in front of the group, asking questions and engaging with the trip leaders and other travelers!

Kids over 12 years old are suitable for almost all activities offered aboard small ship cruises, depending on maturity and ability. Let them challenge themselves and they will become confident explorers. Ask them to keep a journal or blog of their experiences to share with classmates or family at home. Buy them guidebooks and identification guides to learn about what they are seeing. Encourage them to learn a few phrases of the local language and set out to engage with locals.

Most small ship cruises offer a variety of activity levels. Our specialty in the small ship cruise marketplace is to match travelers with cruises that fit their interests, ability, and budget. A benefit of AdventureSmith is the ability to speak with an expert who has been on-board and can compare one ship or trip versus another to help match you with your desired activity level.

PSFK: I have active, school-aged kids. One of the draws of mega-cruise ships for families is the abundance of on-ship activities and programs. How does an AdventureSmith ship or yacht compare?

TS: Small ships are quite different in that they don’t have as many on ship activities and diversions. However, this style of travel inherently brings families together through shared experiences in which they learn about the destination, grow personally, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Large ships offer distractions such as supervised play areas, rock climbing walls, and miniature golf that keep the kids occupied, but ultimately separate families. Small ships are inherently designed to bring families together in a safe, comfortable setting.

PSFK: Tell me about the eco-benefits to small ship cruising.

TS: Small ship cruises are eco-friendly for a number of reasons. A small ship is a closed system and inherently low impact. Impacts of on-board consumption (food, hotel supplies etc.) and off-vessel discharge (recycled material, food waste, sewage etc) are generally limited to population areas which can handle this additional infrastructure (but are not overwhelmed by it). Small ships primarily cruise close to shore and are not allowed to discharge waste into the ocean (in most locations), a common practice aboard big ships. Limited on-board space forces small ship crews to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible.

Small ships are often locally owned and operated, keeping passenger payments in the local economy. Local food vendors, fuel suppliers, restaurants, hotels, and transportation services are all used in conjunction with small ship cruises, and small ships often hire local guides and crew, again supporting local economies, and often providing seafaring cultures an alternative to resource extractive industries.

And of course, taking guests ashore in pristine wilderness or among authentic cultures creates a connection between the traveler and the place. Once that connection is established stewardship often follows. We hope that through our trips and conservation programs, travelers will become engaged with conservation and humanitarian issues in the destinations they visit, and in their local community when they return home.

Best Ski Towns: Keystone Resort, Colorado

November 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Vail, Colorado has long been synonymous with top-notch skiing, but vacationing families may overlook one of the most family-friendly gems in its crown: Keystone Resort. Less well-known than nearby Vail, Beaver Creek, or Breckenridge, Keystone is located an easy two-hour drive from the airport hub of Denver on I-70, right in the heart of the Rockies. Operated by Vail Resorts, Keystone is a ski town unto itself, with a quaint slopeside village, a full scope of lodging options, fine and family dining, and so many apres-ski activities, kids will certainly sleep well at night!

I had the opportunity to visit Keystone last month, and the moment I arrived, I knew it would make my list of Best Ski Towns. All the essential elements for a great family ski vacation can be found within the resort: convenient, cozy lodging, easy and affordable dining, great skiing, a top-tier, full-service ski school, stunning scenery, and most importantly, a dedication to the family ski experience on the mountain and off.

During the high season, Keystone is literally buzzing with activity. While I was visiting in the fall off-season, construction crews were hard at work on a brand new, full-sized family ice skating rink, located in the heart of the village, and despite the fact that the snow hadn’t yet begun to fall, I kept hearing about KidTopia, a family festival running on scheduled weekends throughout the ski season. KidTopia is a full program of winter events, movie nights, themed parties, and entertainment, at the center of which is a real-life ice castle snow fort (remade each winter, of course!) for kids to explore slopeside. Families can also snowshoe, snow tube, and take sleigh rides when not hitting the slopes.

For quality ski and boarding instruction, Keystone offers their Ski and Ride School, where families can choose between group lessons by their children’s age, family lessons in which the whole family is involved, or private lessons. All take place in a centralized section of the mountain, where fun interactive elements vie for kids’ attention and offer a whimsical addition to lessons. Keystone also offers a full-time daycare for the littlest ones, and–most appealing to my family of skiers–an adventruous Cat Skiing and Riding program that delivers families (or just mom and dad) deep into unexplored power to make new tracks! Every level of skiing is catered to, and with such mix-and-match options, families won’t feel ‘boxed in’ to lessons that take them away from each other.

Tip! As with any ski resort, don’t forget about the off-season! Temperatures may rise, but prices drop in the summer and fall, making the off-season a great time to visit Keystone. During our stay, we enjoyed the many hiking trails in the immediate area (Keystone employees at both the lodge and condo registration offices can point out great hikes on a map). Bike and jogging trails criss-cross the resort, offering miles of beautiful scenery, and only 25 minutes away by car, Lower Cataract Lake awaits with a family-friendly two mile loop amid quaking aspen and high peaks. Summer activities also include river tubing, fishing, and rafting.

Lodging: Keystone offers so many different types of lodging, it’ll make your head spin. Every level is accommodated, from lodge hotel rooms to home rentals. During our stay, we called the family-friendly River Run condominiums home. Comprised of two and three bedroom condos in beautifully themed multi-level buildings, the location is perfect: right in the heart of the River Run village, it’s ski-in, ski-out, so there’s no hassling with shuttles or parking. The lobby of our building housed a roaring fireplace, comfy couches, and ski lockers, and the outdoor patio welcomed us with a steaming hot tub and guest-use BBQ. Laundry facilities are located in-house as well; though I’ll tell you they’re on the top floor to save you from looking for them as long as I did! Our unit in River Run was very spacious and comfortable for a family with a full kitchen, living and dining area, and two bedrooms and bathrooms. We were able to shop for food on our way into Keystone and cook most of our own meals, and from our balcony, we could see a main gondola.

Dining: Right in River Run village are a vast number of family-friendly pizza parlors, pubs, quick-service sandwich shops, coffee shops, and even a small grocery store. When not dining in, any type of food you might want can be found within a few steps of your condo, and most deliver. For a special night out, I recommend one of two fine dining restaurants, with or without the kids: the dining room of the Keystone Lodge and Spa serves delicious, locally-inspired options from top chefs (I had a house-made ‘pocket pasta’ that was to die for), and the unique Ski Tip, housed south of River Run in the historic Ski Tip Lodge offers an amazing wine list and four-star culinary options paired with the wonderful ambiance of a cozy ski cabin (the original home of Keystone’s founding owner). If the weather is nice, take cocktails on the outdoor patio, and ask for your dessert by the cavernous fireplace in the living room. Kids are welcomed at Ski Tip with their own varied and inspired kid menu, but keep in mind that your fellow patrons and inn guests will most likely be seeking serenity and relaxation after a long ski day.

Getting there: If you’re driving, Keystone is very accessible on I-70. From Denver, travel west on Interstate 70 and exit at the Silverthorne/Dillon exit (#205). At the end of the exit ramp turn left (East) at the stop light onto Highway 6. Travel 6.2 miles into Keystone Resort.

While staying in River Run, cars are parked in the nearby indoor, underground garage, but you may not need it again until you depart: the Keystone shuttle service, operated by Colorado Mountain Express, got us everywhere we needed to be in the resort. For those flying into Denver, the same shuttle service gets families efficiently and safety to Keystone straight from the airport.

Tip! Keystone Resort is situated at over 9,000 feet above sea level. Families not used to this altitude will want to take it easy on their first day, and be sure to hydrate while on vacation and before arriving! I was raised at 5000 feet, and still felt the effects quite strongly!

As I disclose whenever applicable, Keystone Resort hosted me during my stay, covering accommodations, transportation, some dining, and a spa treatment. While generous, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai with babies and toddlers

November 2, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Kauai, and Hawaii in general, is a great place for a family vacation, especially if you’re staying at the impressive Grand Hyatt Kauai. However, when you’re traveling with children who are much too small for local and resort activities like surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, how do you meet baby and toddler needs while still enjoying all the island has to offer? The following amenities at both the Grand Hyatt Kauai and local businesses ensure a great Hawaiian vacation for both adults and kids:

Camp Hyatt: While we were searching for things that would be fun for our three-year-old, we came upon Camp Hyatt, the kids’ camp offered by the resort. After doing a little bit of research, I soon discovered that this was much more than a day care program. Camp Hyatt offers full day, half day, and evening sessions full of fun activities that take your child all over the hotel grounds, including the beautiful pool and waterslide.

“Sure, sure,” you’re thinking. “But my kid will never go for it.” That’s what I thought too—to say that it takes a while for our three-year-old to warm up to new things is an understatement. But he was won over within a few minutes by the friendly, professional staff. Some of the activities offered include making a volcano, feeding the fish in the Koi ponds, “Parrot Talk” (a program led by the Hyatt’s wildlife attendant where kids get a hands-on session with the parrots that live at the Hyatt), and swimming in the salt-water pool. With all that fun and excitement, it’s no wonder our toddler begged to go back the next day!

Tip: Kids are required to be potty trained, and they mean it. Even pull-ups are not allowed, so if you’re child is not fully trained, maybe this activity is best left for the next trip.

The details: Camp Hyatt’s daytime session runs from 9am¬–4pm, then offers a nighttime session from 4pm¬–10pm. Price is $80 for a full day including lunch, or a full night including dinner. $50/$60 for a half session without/including meal.

Complimentary family activities: The Grand Hyatt lobby atrium plays host to a variety of complimentary activities each day including lei making, hula lessons, or ukulele lessons. Very young kids may be not want to stay long, but the river pool and active pool (complete with basketball and volleyball) and water slide (must be 42″ to ride) are only steps away. Parents can trade off, or simply stop by the atrium to take in the atmosphere and show their kids what traditional Hawaiian crafts look like.

Happy Kids Kauai: For those of you with children that are too young for Camp Hyatt, I recommend a nanny service called Happy Kids Kauai. During our stay, we found ourselves looking for a night out, and therefore…a nanny to watch the kids! Happy Kids Kauai enjoys an exclusive contract with the Grand Hyatt, and they provide much more than a typical babysitter. The people who work with Happy Kids provide quality care, often for multiple days during a family’s vacation. They are experts in childcare, carefully screened, and extremely reliable. Rather than simply supervise your children, or rely on TV or video games to entertain them, they play with the kids and provide fun and lasting memories of your vacation while you get a vacation of your own.

We were lucky enough to book Dale Rosenfeld, a former educator who currently runs Espirit De Corps, a riding academy for kids and adults in nearby Kapaa, Kauai. Our kids have very little experience with childcare; our idea of a babysitter is having someone come over after bedtime so that we can sneak out and neither child will be the wiser! So when some events for a wedding we were attending in Kauai required that we have someone come to the hotel and get the kids through dinnertime, bath time, and bedtime, I wasn’t optimistic. But Dale was a true professional. Within minutes, she had our three year old under her thumb, and she was unperturbed by our 10-month-old with an acute sense of stranger-danger. We enjoyed our events, and for two nights in a row, we not only got some time off, but we also had peace of mind knowing that Dale had it all under control!

The Details: Happy Kids nannies require a four hour minimum block of time, three hours in the evening. Other than that, their times are flexible and will accommodate whatever you have planned. Fees were $20 per hour for two children, varies with number of children.

Tip: If you have someone watching your children during meal times, it’s polite to offer the nanny a meal as well. Simple rule of thumb: if the kids are eating, your nanny is probably hungry too!

For more information about a stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai, visit their reservations page. As I disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kids experienced a portion of the above programs and childcare options listed above complementarily, for the purpose of review.

Na Aina Kai: fun for kids in the ‘garden isle’ of Kauai

November 1, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Kauai is often called the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Na Aina Kai botanical gardens. Nestled in a residential neighborhood not far from the eco-bed and breakfast North Country Farms, the gardens include 240 acres of gardens, forests, and beaches. For young kids, the Children’s Garden really is a paradise. There are fountains to splash in, a train to climb on, forts and swing sets galore, and even a Navajo village with caves just begging to be explored.

Because the gardens are in a residential neighborhood, and due to the fragile nature of some of the plants, the gardens are only accessible through an organized tour. These tours vary in price and focus, and last anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours. The “Under the Rainbow” Children’s Garden Family Tour that we were on lasted two hours and included a kid-focused nature walk through the sculpture garden and a chance to feed the fish in the Koi pond. The second hour of the tour was spent exploring the Children’s Garden. If you know your kids are going to want to run and play on their own, rather than participate in an organized tour, you can request that the whole two hours be spent in free-play in the Children’s Garden. However, my three year old had a great time on the garden tour—climbing on bronze statues, picking up fallen leaves and flowers, and exploring the maze.

Because there aren’t many playgrounds to be found on the north shore (oh, right, nature is our playground here!), my toddler had a great time in the Children’s Garden. For the very young set, it can be a nice break from the beaches and hikes and can give parents a little break from the constant vigilance that goes with having toddlers anywhere near crashing waves. In short, Na Aina Kai is an oasis within the paradise of Kauai’s north shore.

Date last visited: September 20, 2011

Hours of operation: Days and times of operation vary depending on the tour you’re interested in. The family tours run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:30 and 1:30, and on Fridays at 9:30. For a full list of tours and hours, visit the website.

Admission prices: Again, this varies based on the tour. The family tour was $20 per child and $35 per adult.

Food services: Some of the longer tours include lunch, but for the family tours, your best bet it to come fed and leave hungry!

Website: http://www.naainakai.org/index.html

Directions: Na Aina Kai is located at 4101 Wailapa Road, Kilauea, HI. Driving north from Lihue, on the Island of Kauai, drive past the 21 mile-marker and take the first right turn onto Wailapa Road. At the end of the half-mile road, enter through our iron gate and park next to the Orchid House Visitor Center.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Na Aina Kai hosted our family’s tour of their gardens. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

North Country Farms: a stay on Kauai’s north shore

October 27, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

When it comes to staying somewhere funky and off the map, I’m all in—and this time, on a family vacation to the north shore of Kauai, HI, it paid off! We spent three nights and four days staying at, and exploring around, North Country Farms in Kilauea. North Country Farms is a family owned and operated organic farm with three acres of planting beds, orchards, and even a pineapple field. There are two cottages on the property, both equipped with a kitchenette and plenty of room to sleep 4-6 people (and even more, if you have someone in a pack and play). Children are warmly welcomed, and encouraged to explore the grounds and even pick their own fruit. We stayed in the Orchard Cottage, and in the morning, our three-year-old went out and foraged for oranges, grapefruit, and plenty of avocados for the baby!

The cottage was an oasis—the trade winds blowing through the big windows kept the room cool, with no need for a noisy air conditioner. The abundant geckos kept the bugs away, even on a pesticide-free farm (and provided endless entertainment for our toddler). The owner of North Country Farms, Lee Roversi, is friendly and efficient—available if you need her, but not at all intrusive. (My husband has a phobia of B&Bs; just the thought of making awkward small talk with a stranger sends him running for the hills. But even he admitted that North Country Farms was a great fit for us!) All in all, I can’t say enough good things about North Country Farms. After our stay, we spent a few days at a mega-resort. Don’t get me wrong, it had its perks, but I found myself homesick for our little cottage on this beautiful tropical farm.

Date last visited: September 17-20th, 2011

Room/cabin rates: $150/night, including taxes and cleaning fees. Learn more by contacting North Country Farms via email or phone: [email protected] or 808-828-1513.

Food services: You’ll get some granola, yogurt, and coffee upon check-in, and throughout your stay you’re welcome to pick fruit in the orchards. For a more substantial meal, there are some good take-out options in the area, specifically the Kilauea Fish Market, just a minute down the road (4270 Kilauea Rd, Ste F, Kilauea).

Website: http://www.northcountryfarms.com/index.htm

Directions: It’s somewhat off the beaten path, but Lee will send you good directions when you book your stay!

Wildlife Images, Grants Pass OR

October 18, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

A Southern Oregon gem, Wildlife Images is an animal rehabilitation center located off I-5 near Grants Pass. If you have an animal lover in your car, this is a pit stop that’s not to be missed! Open year round, the facility is beautiful, peaceful, and very educational. Animals are viewed through scheduled tours only (more information on that below), but don’t let that deter you, even if you have young kids. Tours are 1-1 1/2 hours, and are very well done. The guides are knowledgable and interesting, and allow for lots of up close viewing and hands-on experiences with kids.

Because the facility is a working rehab center, the only animals on the tour are the ones which can never return to the world. There is a nursery and charts that show what other animals they have, where they got them, and when they are due to be released. The most interesting part may be hearing the stories behind how these animals (badgers, bears, racoons, wolves, mountain lions, and more) came to be in the facility. It is made very clear that wild animals cannot be pets.

Distance from the interstate: Eight minutes off I-5.

Admission prices: Ages 4-17: $5, Adults $10

Hours of operation: Wildlife Images is open year round, and access is available through scheduled tours only. Call 541-476-0222 to schedule a tour. A day’s notice is best, though tours are often available same day.

Food services: No food services (aside from ice cream sales in the gift shop), but nice picnic facilities are available.

Directions: Wildlife Images is located eight minutes of off I-5 just north of Grants Pass at Merlin exit. Follow signs!

Little People, Big World’s Roloff Farms

October 9, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re a fan of the TLC program “Little People, Big World”, you’ll want to make a stop off I-5 this fall season to tour Matt Roloff’s very own family travel destination, The Roloff Farms, which he opened to the public earlier this month (to remain open throughout this pumpkin season).

The Roloff Farm consists of a 34-acre farm near Portland, Oregon, and harbors a pirate ship, a three-story tree house with all the trimmings, and an Old West town complete with a sheriff’s office, hotel and post office for kids to enjoy.

Open to the public, “Roloff Farms” will include a number of wagon tours, a pumpkin fun house, a giant hay pyramid, and a petting zoo with exotic animals including a baby tiger and pygmy porcupine. The farm will also be open this month in celebration of Matt Roloff’s 50th birthday.

According to Matt, always brimming with creative ideas, new attractions are being added every week, so visitors are encouraged to visit the Roloff Farms website for updates before arriving.

Distance from the interstate: 20 miles from I-5 and 16 miles from 405.

Admission cost: Access to the pumpkin patch is free, but parking is $2 per car. According to farm operators, parking has been expanded to prevent wait times. Two different tours of the farm are available, and cost $6 each or $10 for both.

Hours of operation: The farm is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Oct. 1st to October 30th. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm.

Food services: Porter’s Catering will be located at the farm, featuring “Cuisines from Around the World”, in addition to on-site BBQ, fresh cut chili cheese fries, and more!

Directions: From Portland, take Hwy 26 west to Exit 61 (Shute/Helvetia Rd). Turn right (north) onto Helvetia Rd at the exit. Continue for approx 3 miles and follow the signs to Roloff Farms.

Bonus! Fall festivals make for great family photo ops! Learn more (or share your vacation photo tips) at KOA Campfire’s ongoing discussion on photography:

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa: dining guide for families

October 6, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

During any resort family vacation, dining is a huge factor…both on the budget and in terms of enjoyment. While at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, I made it a point to try every dining option at least once in order to get the skinny (oh, don’t I wish!) on taste, value, and ambiance, both for kids and adults. Because Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort, families will be making choices during their Hawaiian vacation. Here’s what you need to know to make the best dining decisions for your family:

Dining options on the Aulani property can be classified into three categories: fine dining, buffet dining, and quick service dining. Unfortunately, a Disney dining plan is not yet available at Aulani, though for the convenience of families (if not for possible savings), it is my hope that one is offered soon.

The fine dining option is AMA’AMA, located idyllically lagoonside, where families will enjoy their meal alfresco in the open air dining room or out on the patio. The selections are delicious, but pricy at $31-market price per entree for adult meals, $13 for children’s meals (see ‘ways to save’ below). Also included (by me) in the fine dining category is room service dining, also spendy, but oh-so relaxing and convenient after a full day’s activities. Families can ask their server to set up their meal on their private patio or balcony, or inside the room, where kids can fall asleep into their plates in private.

Buffet dining at Aulani includes the Makahiki Buffet, located beside the Olelo Room bar and opening up onto the Waikolohe Valley. Prices are $27 for adults and $14 for kids at breakfast, and $43 for adults, $21 for kids at dinner for an all-you-can-eat dinner meal. If you have kids who’d like some extra time with the characters, this is the place to be on Wednesday or Saturday mornings, when the breakfast buffet upgrades to a character breakfast. In addition to one-on-one character time, kids participate in parades with Mickey, Minnie, friends and Aunty herself, hear stories, and sing songs. The buffet is varied and includes special attention to international flavors and dietary needs (think Boma in Hawaii), and is certainly worth the breakfast price. Tip: If you don’t want a full buffet, but are not eating in your room, a continental breakfast is served daily at the Olelo Room.

Quick service dining at Aulani includes One Paddle, Two Paddle and the Lava Shack, as well as a limited menu at the beach side Off the Hook lounge. The meals offered at both One Paddle, Two Paddle and Off the Hook overlap, with a few exceptions (for instance, the fish tacos are available from both locations, but the veggie wrap is only available at Off the Hook). I appreciated the vegetarian quick service options, and the comfortable poolside seating serving both restaurants, where we could watch guests braving the Volcanic Vertical tunnel slide for entertainment while we ate. The fun (and yummy) Papalua Shaved Ice stand makes for a great afternoon snack option, with generous servings priced at $3.75.And easily forgotten, Rip Curl is tucked away in Painted SKy (the teen-space), offering a frozen yorgurt station open to all. (It was by far my favorite, due to the pineapple soft serve. Anyone who’s had a Dole Float knows what I’m talking about!)

Generally speaking, families can expect all food at Aulani to be ‘resort-priced’, and though freshly prepared, sustainable, and somewhat more adventurous than the typical fare, the food wasn’t the highlight of my stay. Come ready to spend, and focus your attention on the wonderful ambiance!

Ways to save:

Eat a few meals off-site. It’s important to know that while Aulani can feel like a world apart, families are not limited to dining on-site. Directly across the street from Aulani (a two minute walk), an entire shopping center awaits, offering a quick service taco shop, sandwiches, and an ABC Store stocked with groceries.

Eat breakfast in your room. Thanks to the inclusion of mini-fridges in Aulani rooms and the nearby ABC store, it’s easy to make and eat simple breakfasts even in standard rooms (though for a major grocery shop, families will want to stop at the more affordable Costco or Target en route from the airport). I’d also buy and store snacks and bottles of water.

Buy refillable mugs. It’s easy to get dehydrated in Hawaii, and the cost of iced tea, lemonade, and soda (if you allow it) can really add up fast. Aulani’s refillable mugs are $18.99, which seems steep until you realize how often per day your family will fill them up. Refillable drink stations are located throughout the resort (most conveniently at the Lava Shack and One Paddle, Two Paddle). Oh, and coffee is included!

Splurge on lunch instead of dinner. The food at AMA’AMA, Aulani’s fine dining restaurant, is just as tasty at lunch as it is at dinner, and the prices are far lower. Consider the plate lunch (ask your server for the day’s choice) or try the fish tacos…they were fabulous! Sit outside on the patio with your family and watch the paddleboarders and snorkelers in the lagoon while you eat, then plan out your afternoon while enjoying the breeze.

Treat the adults, not the kids. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? But if you have kids (like mine) who don’t appreciate a fine dining meal (or sitting in a restaurant for the time required to enjoy it), drop them off at Aunty’s Beach House (for $12, they have dinner delivered to them there) while you enjoy a beautiful meal at AMA’AMA with your spouse. Trust me, everyone will be happier!

For the adults, a note on Aulani’s cocktails and drinks: For those (like myself) who like to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, the options at Aulani are many. As anyone would expect, cocktails at both Off the Hook and the Olelo Room are somewhat overpriced, but adventurous and good. An extensive wine list is on offer at AMA’AMA. Spirits and liquors are for sale in the main gift shop by the Aulani lobby, but if you need to stock up, you’re far better off walking across the street, where you’ll find a wide selection at the ABC Store. Enjoy!

The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery

October 6, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Oregon Vortex, location of the House of Mystery is described as a natural wonder. A spherical field of force half above the ground and half below the ground, it amazes both kids and scientists alike.

A guide takes visitors on a tour explaining the “vortex”; how it was discovered and what it actually is. She or he demonstrates the phenomena and it is quite interesting. In our group, we had some skeptics who became believers! Then the guide takes you a few steps up the hill to where an old miner’s cabin slid down the hill. This is the “crooked little house” and has all kinds of optical illusions due to how it is slanted in the hill. Combine that with the whole vortex thing and it is pretty cool!

Distance from the Interstate: 15 minutes off I-5 near Gold Hill.

Admission cost: Adults $9.75, Kids 6-11 $7, 5 and under free.

Hours of operation: Open 7 days a week March through Oct. (from 9-5 in summer, 9-4 in fall).

Food services: None. Cold drinks are available in the gift shop.

Directions: The House of Mystery is located at 4303 Sardine Creek Left Fork Road in Gold Hill. It’s easy to find off the Gold Hill exit of I-5. Follow signage.