Adventures - Pitstops for Kids

Searching for Bigfoot on Collings Mountain

January 9, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

On a dreary but warm day in January, we skipped the ski slopes to brave a wintery hike skirting Applegate Lake near Ruch, Oregon. Our destination? A bona fide Bigfoot trap. Located along the Collings Mountain trail in the Rogue River National Forest, the trap is located on a low rise one-half mile into the hike, off a short spur trail (next to a long-destroyed caretakers’s cabin). The only one of its kind in the world, it resembles a huge wooden box with trap door, now securely bolted open.

The trap was built by ‘researchers’ in 1973 to aid in the capture a Sasquatch, reportedly seen in this area since the 1890s, and was definitely a bit of a thrill to see! The brush is heavy here with madrone, sagebrush, and scrub pine, and with the low-hanging fog tendrils persistent in winter, it was also a bit eerie! Either way, it was by far the coolest thing my kids have hiked into the forest to see.

The fun doesn’t have to end at the trap, however. Another .3 miles further along the main trail, you’ll find the remains of a spectator’s tunnel dug out of the side of the mountain slope. The tunnel is constructed in a short ‘U’ shape (though as my seven-year-old noted, ‘probably too small for Bigfoot to fit into’). If you want to keep your round trip hike under two miles, reverse your course here, returning the way you came. If you’re still game, however, continuing on takes you up a ridge to a summit with a nice overlook of the lake and valley below. We went this far (about 1.5 miles total), and turned around, making our total hike approximately 3 miles. Should you want to make a day of it, however, you can complete a loop instead; the trail continues another 2.9 miles past the summit to Watkins Campground, where you’ll need to hike another 3.5 miles along the paved road back to your car.

Date last visited: January 2, 2012

Distance from the interstate: Approximately 40 minutes from I-5 in Central Point, Oregon, and 10 minutes from Highway 238 in Jacksonville.

Hours of operation: The hike is accessible year round.

Admission cost: None.

Dining options: None, but the Bigfoot site makes for a perfect picnic location!

Directions: From I-5, take the Central Point (from the north) or Phoenix (from the south) exit and follow signage to Jacksonville. Once on Highway 238 in Jacksonville, continue to Ruch, then take Upper Applegate 15 miles to Applegate Lake. Go one mile past the dam. The trailhead is located across the road from Hart-Tish park and boat ramp.

Winter camping: extend your outdoor travel season

December 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

‘Tis the season for everyone at the Around the Campfire community to be talking about winter camping. What’s quickly become apparent, however, is that everyone’s interpretation of ‘winter’ and ‘camping’ is different. As an avid camper and backpacker, I’m glad to know so many versions of outdoor overnights exist; no matter what your comfort level or geographic location, there’s a way to continue to camp with your family in the winter months.

Unless you’re a hardcore snow camper setting out on snowshoes or skis (next month, my family and I will be that brave!), you’ll need think outside the box to get full enjoyment out of your winter camping experience. The following tips will ensure happy campers while enjoying campgrounds and recreational sites during the winter months:

1. Seek out alternative shelter. You don’t need an RV to camp in winter! If you’re camping in a wintry climate that eliminates the possibility of tent camping, look for a state or national park that offers overnights in yurts, cabins, or teepees. Oregon State Parks offers all three, complete with heaters, electricity, and cozy beds. And if you camp in a less developed campground, take a look at this review for bringing a heat source with you! In fact, winter is our favorite season to camp in state parks: reservations for those coveted yurts are easier to come by, and parks are nearly empty!

2. Go south or go coastal. An obvious solution, if you can swing it, traveling south to camp rewards families with the same low crowds in weather that might feel downright balmy to northerners. My favorite picks include Georgia’s Reed Bingham State Park and Florida’s Florida Caverns State Park. For those in driving distance of coastal regions, heading toward the shore or beach can ensure milder weather. Plus, those seasonal storms off the ocean can be exciting (as long as you’re prepared!).

3. Sandwich backcountry overnights with lodge or hotel stays. Programs like CascadeHuts, which operates a network of backcountry huts in the Mt. Hood national forest of Oregon, provide warmth, shelter, and safety to backcountry campers. (We’ll be reviewing our own experience hiking the Mt. Hood wilderness with CascadeHuts next month!) Similar networks exist in or near most national parks, providing families with a string of cozy accommodations. When tackling difficult camping adventures such as this (especially for the first time), plan to sandwich outdoor stays between nights in hotels or lodges with more of the comforts of home.

4. Carry the right gear. Obviously, the more comfortable your family is, the more fun you’ll have. For winter camping (even in mild climates), we bring down, 0 degree sleeping bags (Kelty makes good quality ones for a reasonable price), propane heaters, and lots of extra clothes so everyone has dry layers. In snow, appropriate clothing is a must, and in any area, hats, gloves, and raingear are a good bet.

5. For a winter experience without the overnight, seek out sno-parks. Most mountainous interstates and highways have several sno-parks along its route: look for them as you would rest areas or service stations. In addition to providing some quick snow fun for kids, sno-parks often boast cross-country ski trails, winter animal sanctuaries, or sledding hills. Overnight camping is sometimes permitted (though you’ll need to go prepared for a night in the elements).

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.

Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

September 9, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Directly along Oregon’s stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I’m not surprised…many don’t realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors!

The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel Creek Campground. Off road vehicles are not allowed along this stretch of “seafront Sahara”. There are picnic tables and restrooms, and a $5 parking fee. It is only .05 mile walk (you cut through the campground) to the open dunes, which makes this a great pit stop for families traveling further as well as a destination. It’s possible to make a longer loop of it by following the trail from the campground to the beach and back (2.5 miles). We took snow sleds to try our hand at sand sledding, but they didn’t work as well as you might think! Instead, our kids had more fun just running up and down the dunes.

Families can also rent sand boards (like snowboards) nearby in the town of Florence. These rentals are about $20/day, and are a great activity for families with older kids who like skateboarding or snowboarding. They can be used wherever you like!

We opted for the day hike and hiked out to the ocean. Then we played at the beach for about an hour before walking back. Most of the hike we did barefoot, as the trail is sandy. The kids loved the wide expanse and played all kinds of games along the way; you could see them from miles away!

Another fun hike is Tahkenitch Creek, located north of Reedsport about nine miles. Due to the expanse of the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, this area is still within its limits. It is well marked along Highway 101 and at one point, the trail crosses a creek that our kids ended up swimming in. The hike is two miles round trip to the ocean, but we got a bit lost on the trails and ended up hiking closer to three miles! The best part of this hike: finding dozens and dozens of sand dollars! (The weather can change quickly on the coast!)

Tip: About three miles east of Reedsport is Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. It is right along the highway and well worth the stop in case there are elk. There is telescope viewer there to find out! We did not see any this time, but we have before. Families can picnic there, but there are no tables, just benches and large information panels. (No bathrooms!) Also nearby is the Umpqua Discovery Center, in Reedsport, which is a great way to acquaint yourself with the dune area.

Date last visited: November 2014

Distance from the interstate: All attractions located right along Highway 101.

Overnight options: We stayed at Eel Creek Campground. Want to overnight in a yurt? Try Sunset Bay State Park (a family favorite) or William Tugman State Park. The latter is closest, but in summer, does get quite loud with motorized sports on the nearby lake.

Dining options: Nearby Reedsport offers the usual restaurant fare: we ate at a pizza place with a nice salad bar, and there is also a Safeway and McDonalds. In the small harbor town of Winchester, try the fish and chips place floating at the T dock. It’s delicious!

Rates and reservations: Start at the Eel Creek Campground site!

Directions: Eel Creek Campground (gateway to the dunes) is located at 72044 Highway 101 in
Lakeside OR, 10 miles south of Reedsport.

Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park

August 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California.

We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars Miniland! Yes, we’re a family of Star Wars-loving geeks, but even if you’re not, you’ll be floored by the attention to detail present in this multi-section display. I could have stood and looked for hours!

Of course, Star Wars in miniature is not the only new draw to Legoland California. The Legoland Waterpark features a 45-foot tower featuring slides and cascading, dumping water, two sandy beaches, and my favorite: the ‘build-a-raft’ river where kids create their own floatation devices. One word of warning: if you’re planning to enter the park later in the day, beware that the water park does fill to capacity. When it does so, water park passes may not be purchased at the main gate until enough guests have exited the area. It’s best to go early, or purchase a regular ticket that can be upgraded should the water park open up.

One thing I love about Legoland is that while it has certainly grown, deals can still be had. Did you know kids eat free from 5 to 7 pm? Or that the park offers free admission in its last hour before closing? Be sure not to buy more ticket than you need: if you’re not planning to visit the aquarium or water park, you don’t have to pay for it!

Plus! Did you know Legoland Florida is slated to open in October of 2011?! Autumn is a great time for families to visit Central Florida: the crowds have thinned, the weather has cooled, and room rates throughout the region have lowered. This park will certainly be on our list the next time we’re in the state!

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Summer in the Sierras: Plumas County CA with kids

July 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

For the Pit Stops for Kids family, writing about summer vacations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and in particular, Plumas and Sierra counties in California, is quite literally like writing about home. My husband and I both grew up in this alpine area, and love sharing it with other traveling families.

Plumas County is located one hour west of Reno, Nevada and 2.5 hours north of Sacramento, California. Past the foothills of the Gold Country, this summer playground offers alpine recreation in the form of hiking, lake and river swimming, fishing, golfing, and wildlife viewing. If you’re looking for expensive resorts and polished kids’ programs, look elsewhere. Plumas County is steeped in true wilderness: you’ll find rustic lodges, comfortable inns, ample camping, and gorgeous scenery (but the first Starbucks and the first stop light just went in the past few years).

We suggest families make Graeagle, California their home base, as this tiny town east of Quincy on Highway 89 is centrally located to the best hiking, fishing, and golfing. (Plus, it has a frostee freeze to die for on a hot summer day.) From there, explore the network of hiking trails and lakes in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, go antiquing or hit award-winning links, schedule a horseback ride, or just float lazily in the town’s popular Mill Pond on an inflatable raft. Whatever you do, don’t plan to leave for at least a week!

Where to stay: This depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. If you’re camping, expect only bare bones amenities (pit toilets and communal running water are the standard), a drawback that’s more than made up for by the total immersion in your wilderness surroundings. Our favorite campground is Lakes Basin, a short drive from Graeagle up Gold Lake Highway. If you’re looking for a motel, the River Pines Resort offers both motel rooms and weekly home rentals.

What to do: Where to start?!

Hiking and lakes: Families will love exploring all the beautiful alpine lakes this region offers. The gateway to our favorite lakes (connected by a network of hiking trails) starts from Lakes Basin Campground at the Lakes Basin Recreational Area (seven miles up Gold Lake Highway from Graeagle, follow signs). From there you’ll find trails ranging from easy to moderate to a variety of great swimming lakes. Pack a lunch and towels in a backpack and make an afternoon of it!

For lakes accessed by car, consider Sand Pond (five additional miles up Gold Lake Road near the intersection of Highway 40), where the shallow depths and sandy bottom are perfect for younger kids. A few miles away via surface road (follow signs from Gold Lake Road) lies Packer Lake, which boasts picnic sites, a swimming platform, and a lodge from which families can order lunch to go. (Order their milk shakes!)

Right in town, you’ll find the Mill Pond, a local swimming favorite surrounded by grass, quaint shops, and a snow-cone hut. Bring your inflatables and sunscreen!

Local history:

Twenty minutes away from Graeagle by car lies the historical gold mining town of Johnsville, CA (up the Graeagle/Johnsville Road). Tour the stamp mill and a period home at Plumas Eureka State Park, then learn about the area’s mining past at the museum.

If you have kids interested in trains, drive ten minutes from Graeagle up Highway 70 to Portola, where you’ll find the

Family fun: Graeagle is known for its golfing and fishing. Anyone in town can point you in the direction of the best courses, and the same goes for fishing holes. Our favorite places to drop a line with kids are the Feather River (near Portola) and the Yuba River (near Bassett’s Station on Highway 49).

Where to eat: For family fare, Gumba’s Pizza in nearby Blairsden CA can’t be beat. In summer, sit on the deck while the kids play air hockey in the game room. The Graeagle Frostee is also a hot spot in summer (plan for a line during the lunch rush), and a fun miniature golf course is located right next door. For a nice night out, try the dining room at Graeagle Lodge (20 minutes up Gold Lake Road).

Find more information on area lodges and campgrounds!

Boston with kids: Boston Duck Tours

June 30, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Before visiting Boston, I kept hearing about Boston Duck Tours, and how it was a must-do with kids. Turns out, their reputation precedes them for a reason! This tour is the perfect way to gain an overview of the city while the kids (and adults) are highly entertained. The fun begins as soon as you board your ‘duck’, a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle, and are introduced to your ‘conDUCKtor’, who both drives the vehicle and narrates the tour.

The tour takes visitors throughout the city while the conDUCKor points out sights such as the Public Garden, points along the Freedom Trail, Copley Square, the State House, various museums, and historic buildings. Then, well before even young kids can get squirmy, the vehicles drives straight into the Charles River where it floats downstream. The views are wonderful, but even more fun is the amazement of the kids, especially when they’re all given turns at the helm of the ‘boat’.

Our tour, aboard the red, white, and blue (and aptly named) ‘Liberty’, was conducted by ‘Captain Foghorn’, who was lively, funny, and friendly throughout the tour. We were taught how to ‘quack’ at game passersby on the street and other tour vehicles, and the kids were free to blow their ‘quackers’ (duck whistles), which were less annoying than you’d think (but still $4 each). Captain Foghorn peppered his narrative of the city with personal anecdotes, jokes, and current events, keeping adults as entertained as the kids. The total time for the tour is 90 minutes (though a shorter version is available) and all the kids in our group, from age 2-12, called it one of their favorite activities in the city.

Tip: Plan to arrive at your tour 1/2 hour before departure time, and bring sweatshirts or jackets, as it gets cold on the river!

Date last visited: June 2011

Ticket prices: Tickets are $32 for adults, $22 for kids 3-12, and $10 for under 3. This price seemed steep to me, but after experiencing the tour, I can say it’s worth it! Be sure to get tickets ahead of time online, as they do sell out.

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Hours: Tours depart seven days per week, rain or shine, from mid-March through November. See website for more information or details about the abbreviated tour departing from the New England Aquarium.

Website: www.bostonducktours.com

Directions: When purchasing tickets, visitors have two options of tour start locations, The Museum of Science (1 Science Park) or the Prudential Center in the Back Bay (53 Huntington Avenue). We choose the Prudential Center, and easily found the duck tour booth upstairs, then boarded our vehicle one block away.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our party received complimentary tickets to experience the Boston Duck Tour. While appreciated, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Sewell’s Sea Safari

June 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready for a wet and wild way to spend a day in Vancouver, B.C.? Sea Safari tours of the beautiful Howe Sound and adjacent fjords are conducted by Sewell’s Marina, located right on the water west of the city. A full service operation, visitors can rent various sized boats to tour the bay on their own, join charter fishing trips, or sign up for the wildly popular (and with good reason) Sea Safari. These two-hour eco-tours run daily from April to October, and introduce visitors to the stunning scenery and wildlife of coastal British Columbia from aboard a custom-designed, high-speed, 30 ft. rigid hull inflatable boat.

Tours sometimes depart from Canada Place in Vancouver, or visitors with cars can drive north to the marina directly. Plan on seeing fabulous wildlife, perhaps even including seals!

Extra tip: Dress in layers. Even in summer, Vancouver can be chilly, and you’ll be on the water! Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sweatshirt or light jacket at the very least!

Date last visited: I didn’t get a chance to experience this adventure for myself, but was briefed by Sewell media staff.

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 8 am to 7 pm

Ticket prices: $73 per adult, $43 per child (Canadian prices)

Reservations: (604) 921-3474 You can also make advanced reservations here.

Directions: Located at 6409 Bay Street in West Vancouver, the Sewell Marina is an easy drive from downtown. From the city centre, head west on Georgia Street (towards Stanley Park) and cross the Lions Gate Bridge following Hwy 99 North. At the North end of the Lions Gate Bridge, follow the overhead signs to West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay (17 km ).

Turn right up Taylor Way (still following the signs to the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay). At the top of Taylor Way there is a major intersection with signs showing the way to Horseshoe Bay and Whistler. Turn left onto Highway 1 and head west, following all signs to Horseshoe Bay. Stay in the far right lane and exit (3) at the Horseshoe Bay “Village” sign. Exit 3 is the same as for ferries. Take village lane. This will bring you into Horseshoe Bay village. At the water, turn left on to Bay Street. Look for the blue building your next immediate right – in the center of the bay, to the right of the big propeller water fountain, is the home of Sewell’s Ocean Adventure Center.

Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Capilano Suspension Bridge

June 23, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Only ten minutes outside of the city center, Vancouver offers family-friendly outdoor attractions kids will go crazy for in Capilano and Grouse Mountain. The first stop (and an easy free shuttle ride from Canada Place), is Capilano Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel stretched 450 feet across a high river gorge in thanks to nineteenth century Vancouver settler and builder George Grant Mackay. In the years since its completion, the bridge and its surrounding businesses, including a restaurant, have been turned in to an interactive playland ripe for exploration.

In addition to daring a trip across the bridge (which felt very sturdy but does sway alarmingly in the breeze!), kids can get a ‘squirrel’s eye view’ of the alpine rainforest canopy in the park’s Treetop Adventure, a network of ariel platforms connected by smaller bridges making their way through the dense forest. From there, a selection of forest paths lead visitors through the forest floor, where wildlife is pointed out on educational displays, ponds and undergrowth host small critters and ducks, and smaller, arched bridges traverse streams.

Just for kids: Capilano does a great job drawing kids into the eco and educational aspects of the Treetop area with an interactive scavenger hunt. Upon completion (which takes kids through various tasks they find through clues) they receive a prize.

The park’s newest feature, the Cliffwalk, was my favorite. Completed in early 2011, this exhibit leads visitors out over the edge of the gorge on a glass and steel pathway (with solid glass side rails). It was a thrill to look down and see only air! The views were fabulous, and you can get great photos of the suspension bridge from the Cliffwalk, too.

From Capilano, it’s an easy public bus ride ($2.50 fare) to Grouse Mountain (ten minute ride), where a veritable outdoor playground awaits. For the price of admission, families can take the Skyride tram to the top of the mountain, explore the wildlife refuge, watch productions on the Theater in the Sky, take a chairlift ride, and more. For additional cost, zip lines and the Eye in the Sky wind turbine will catch kids’ eye. If you think you’ll have kids wanting to do it all (like mine), extra activities can be bundled with general admission.

Extra Tip: If Capilano leaves you wanting more, another (free) suspension bridge exists outside of Vancouver. You’ll need a car to visit the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, but the effort will be rewarded with an even more authentic view of natural British Columbia. Check out five other adventurous things to do with kids outside of Vancouver at local blogger The Travelling Mom.

Date last visited: June 13, 2011

Distance from the interstate/city: Five to ten minutes outside downtown Vancouver.

Hours of operation: May 28th-September: 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Admission costs: Adults are $32, youth (age 13-16) are $21, children (6-12) are $12, and under 6 are free. Get 20% off if you arrive at the park an hour before closing! (This is do-able: the park generally takes 1-1.5 hours to view.)

Food services: There are several snack shops and a counter-service restaurant within the park, and a cozy cottage-style full-service restaurant directly across the street (a great choice while waiting for your shuttle).

Website: www.capbridge.com

Directions: Catch the free shuttle from Canada Place in Vancouver (it also stops at several downtown hotels), or drive through Stanley Park over Lion’s Gate Bridge and along Capilano Road to 3735 Capilano.