The Amaz’n Jackson Hole Maze

July 28, 2010 By

All-American fun at the Amaze’n Maze!

45 E Snow King Avenue
Jackson, WY

There’s no shortage of family fun to be had in Jackson, WY, but if you visit in the summer months, it may be easy to overlook the Amaze’n Jackson Hole Maze, located across from the Snow King Ski Resort. A local business with a very homegrown feel, this beloved Jackson institution is one part maze, one part water play, and three parts kid-heaven.

What makes this maze unique are the fun challenges added: kids (and adults) can enter the elaborate wooden maze and explore at their own pace, can try a timed challenge (get out in under 3 minutes and you win a free pass), a series of challenges, or can join group play with each guest armed with a super soaker water gun.

Naturally, my kids chose the latter, which gave them 15 minutes of free reign water play in the maze with about 10 strangers. (Kids who opt to go in without water guns cannot be squirted.) The maze is equipped with water filling stations that even my five-year-old could easily operate and raised platforms which could be used as sentry stations. (One such platform is used as an observation deck only, and is off-limits for water gun fire.)

Bottom line: The Amaze’n Jackson Hole Maze is based on a simple premise of good, old-fashioned fun your kids will love.

Tip: Young kids may want to sit out the water gun fight option if they’re at all fearful of getting lost or completely soaked (both will occur). The good news is that parents can direct younger kids from the observation deck and talk to them if they get lost!

Date last visited: July 4, 2010

Distance off the interstate: Five minutes from Hwy 191/89.

Admission Prices: $7 without a super soaker, $9 with a super soaker (multi-entrance packs available).

Hours of Operation: Seasonal. When we went, hours were 10-6 pm daily. Call for exact hours.

Food Services: Snack foods and cold drinks are sold on premises.

Bathrooms: Public restrooms across the street at the city park.

Website: None.

Phone: (307) 734-0455

Directions: From Highway 26 (89), take S. Cache Street into downtown Jackson until you reach Snow King Drive. Turn left. The maze will be on your left.
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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 11): Yellowstone National Park

July 7, 2010 By

Day 11, we drove the short distance on Hwy 191 from Big Sky Resort to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone crowds swarm the Old Faithful hub of this massive park, so after entering at the West Entrance, we drove north from the Madison hub to Artists’ Paintpots, then back-tracked to Firehole River for a wonderful swimming hole.

At Artists’ Paintpots, you’ll find a well-maintained loop trail taking you to steaming and bubbling ‘pots’ in the earth, as well as mud-holes that gurgle and spew (my kids’ favorite!). The hike is easy, and you get much closer to these interesting geothermal wonders than you can at nearby Geyser Basin (in our opinion).

Artists’ Paintpots is an easy hike for kids!

Upon reaching the top of the trail, you can see all the geothermal pools below!

Toby talks a bit about the paintpots on the Pit Stops for Kids Cam:

Once our kids were tired of being in the car (because Yellowstone is large and crowded and often doing road construction, long drives are unavoidable), we made a stop at the Firehole River Swimming Hole along Firehole Lake Drive (approach from the north, as this drive is one-way). This wonderful spot is warmed by the run-off of distant geysers, and one of the only places in the park where swimming is permitted.

Younger kids can wade and swim in the still waters of the hole, while older (more adventurous) kids will want to float a bit down the current. We did see people jumping from the rocks of the canyon upstream, but would not recommend it.

The geothermal waters combining with cold river water makes the water…less cold!

Nate still needs to ease into it!

Note: There are pit toilets at the swimming hole, but we had the kids change into swimsuits in the car instead.

Extra Tip: Pack a picnic lunch and plan to stay awhile once you’ve found a parking spot!

Date last visited: July 2, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off Hwy 191 or Hwy 89.

Admission Prices: Only the $25 per car National Park fee (also good for Grand Teton NP).

Food Services: Plenty in the park. None at either location described above. We ate a meal at The Lake House in Grant Village in the southern end of the park before exiting, and found it much quieter than in the central hubs.

Website: Yellowstone National Park

Up Next: We enter Grand Teton National Park and check in to the Colter Bay Resort!


A Pit Stop a Day (Day 10): Big Sky High Ropes Course

July 6, 2010 By

The High Ropes Course is like a kids\’ play structure on steriods!

Before we started our session on the High Ropes Course at Big Sky Resort, I wasn’t sure whether it would be too challenging for my kids (ages 11 and 8)…and myself! The apparatus–a maze of ropes, logs, planks, and even tires suspended in the high alpine air–was certainly intimidating! But from the moment I saw Calvin and Nate shimmy up the rope ladder to enter the array of elevated challenges, I knew it would be a blast!

Just like with the zipline, we started our adventure at BaseCamp, geared up (today our guides were Tanner and Trey), and hiked up the slope to the high ropes course. Once there, we all went through a hands-on safety lesson before we could begin. Our group of approximately a dozen participants included all adults with the exception of two teens, a 10-year-old, and Nate (11) and Calvin (8). Kids who want to try the ropes course have to be tall enough to reach the cables above them (to move their safety clips from one section of the apparatus to another) and must have the presence of mind to follow instructions and remember safety rules.

Calvin reaches the first platform after climbing the cargo net.

The way the course works is this: each participant has a safety harness on which two safety clips are attached. When you wish to move from element to element on the apparatus (in any order or repetition…there’s no ‘right’ way), you need to unfasten your clips from one cable to another one at a time (so that you’re never unattached from your harness at any time). It takes some dexterity and maturity to do this.

Nate makes his way across the \’monkey tails\’ feature.

Once up on the structure, the kids were cautious for only a matter of seconds before getting the hang of things (literally!) and scampering around like monkeys. I will admit I was less graceful, but had just as much fun. The most challenging part for me was getting up there…once I was standing on the platforms and had mastered moving my clips (intimidating at first), I, too, was stepping, jumping, and swinging from one section of the course to another.

Nate on the rope bridge…by far my favorite feature!

Afterward, the kids ranked the high ropes course even above ziplining, declaring it ‘the most fun thing they’ve ever done’. I have to agree. It’s an experience unlike any other, and well worth a try at Big Sky! I was smiling for hours afterward. If you want to take a moment to get out of your element and have a blast with your family, I cannot recommend this enough.

Note: Big Sky Resort is currently only offering one high ropes session per day (at 1 pm), and space is limited. Reservations in advance are almost always needed. Call 406-995-5769.

Extra Tip: Allow plenty of time for the high ropes course (at least the 2 hours listed). It takes time to brief everyone and get all the participants up on the structure. Expect to be patient, but as a big plus, the guides let all the kids in the group get up there first!

Costs: $59 per person

Date last visited: July 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Big Sky Resort is ten minutes off Hwy 191. It’s easy to access from anywhere in the Big Sky/Yellowstone area.

Website: Big Sky Resort

Directions: From Hwy 191 (near Bozeman), drive 39 miles to Hwy 64. Turn right (west) and drive nine miles to the Mountain Village.

If the High Ropes Course isn’t for you (or isn’t in your budget): The Big Sky area has many wonderful hiking trails. We had the pleasure of walking to see Ousel Falls in the Meadows section of Big Sky (from Big Sky Resort, follow Lone Mountain Trail Road to the Meadows community, then turn right onto Ousel Falls Road). The hike was under two miles on a well-maintained trail with many picnic areas en route, and the falls were stunning!

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, our family experienced the Big Sky High Ropes Course at no cost. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Up Next: We drive into Yellowstone National Park!

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 9): Zipline and Bungee Trampoline!

July 5, 2010 By

Nate gets some serious air!

We were all excited to wake up at the Big Sky Resort’s Summit Hotel and get going with an activity-packed day…without getting in our car for a change! We grabbed a quick bite to eat in the Mountain Mall, then arrived at BaseCamp (located right next door on the plaza) for our first two activities of the day.

If you’re a guest at Big Sky Resort (or a day guest), you’re going to want to spend some time getting acquainted with BaseCamp…your information and reservation center for all kinds of outdoor fun.

First up for us? A 9 am reservation for the Big Sky Zipline and Bungee Trampoline.

Calvin (left) and Nate (right) with our Big Sky host Dax Schieffer, all geared up and ready to go!

Having never tried a zipline before, we really had no idea what to expect, but our three guides quickly put the group (of approximately 12 guests) at ease with their friendliness and professionalism. While still at BaseCamp, they assisted us in putting on our harnesses and helmets (on which they attached name tags so everyone got to know each other that much faster), then we set off on a short (but fairly strenuous) hike up into the forest to the first line.

Hiking through the trees to our first zipline.

After a safety talk and demonstration by one of the guides, we lined up for our first ‘zip’ over the lodge pole pines. Calvin was determined to go first (and didn’t chicken out!). After his 12-point safety check (which the guides performed for every guest at every line), he took off 60 feet over the ground!

I was too rattled to get a good video, but by Nate’s turn, I did my best to capture his ‘take off’ on our Pit Stops for Kids Cam, along with the 12-point safety check for any anxious parents!

When my turn came, I will admit to a few nerves, but it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time! The sensation of flying over the trees was spectacular! Of course, the boys quickly wanted to get fancy; the guides were more than happy to teach them how to fly with no hands and even upside-down!

The session includes three separate zip lines (the second two in close walking distance to the first). In all, you sail over 1250 feet over streams and forest!

Calvin takes about his experience on the cam:

Plan on the entire event taking 1.5 hours. Kids have to be at least 45 lbs to participate. If you, like me, have a little one who is not big enough (but definitely brave enough), he or she can try the bungee trampoline (one ride for $10) located directly at BaseCamp while the others zipline. (But word of warning, when they get back, they’ll want to try this out, too!)

Toby gets in gear for his bungee trampoline session.

And promptly manages a flip!

Note: Reservations in advance are almost always needed. Call 406-995-5769.

Extra Tip: If you have a parent or other adult who would like to watch but not participate, the guides are happy to have you along. You can’t hike all the way to the lines, but they guide you to a great location lower down the mountain to catch all the action.

Costs: $59 per person

Other on-site activities offered at BaseCamp:

High Ropes Course (review to come!)
Bungee Trampoline
Climbing Wall
Paintball (11 years and older)
Scenic Lift Ride
Mountain Bike and Equipment Rentals (separate building)

If you think you’ll want to do more than one, BaseCamp offers ‘Adventure Paks’ (bundled deals) on the above activities. Choose any two activities for $109/person or any three for $149/person. Another great deal for families staying outside the resort is the ‘Family Fun Pool and Lift‘ Package, which combines a scenic lift ride with use of the Huntley Lodge outdoor pools, starting at only $5 for ages 10 and under to only $20 for adults.

Date last visited: July 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Big Sky Resort is ten minutes off Hwy 191. It’s easy to access from anywhere in the Big Sky/Yellowstone area.

Website: Big Sky Resort

Directions: From Hwy 191 (near Bozeman), drive 39 miles to Hwy 64. Turn right (west) and drive nine miles to the Mountain Village.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, our family experienced the Big Sky Zipline at no cost. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Up Next: We tackle the High Ropes Course!

Family Vacation
Big Sky

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 8): Big Sky Resort’s Summit Hotel

July 4, 2010 By

After driving from Glacier National Park to Boulder Hot Springs, we were more than happy to end Day 7 and enjoy Day 8-9 at the Summit Hotel at The Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana, our home base for family fun and a little R&R before continuing on to Yellowstone.

I cannot say enough good things about Big Sky Resort in general and the Summit in particular. If you have kids in tow (or even if you don’t) and are looking for a base camp for your Yellowstone and Big Sky adventures, look no further. A ski resort in winter, Big Sky Resort doubles as a summer mecca of outdoor activities in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, and for families with kids weary of riding in the car, it’s a godsend: restaurants, pools, activities, stores, and luxury accommodations (with kitchens!) are all at your disposal without getting back in your car for a few days.

The Summit in summer.

Located directly slope-side at the Big Sky Resort, the Summit Hotel is situated well within the hub of the Big Sky Mountain Village. In fact, the central outdoor plaza of the village is right out the back door (as are the ski lifts in winter), lending to a feeling of connectedness and community with the adjacent restaurants, play areas, pools, and accommodations (there’s even a putting green the kids can play on while adults try their hand at relaxing for more than five minutes straight!).

We arrived at the Summit on a Wednesday evening and, despite a summer rain shower, bell services was instantly on-hand to help us with our bags (why does it always feel as though we travel with the entire contents of our house?!). We had a group of six (two grandparents, myself, and three kids) and opted for a two-bedroom unit with plenty of room to spread out. The arrangement was three rooms total adjoining: the center room had a fully stocked (cutlery, dishes, cookware) kitchen, a table for four, a living area with couch and arm chair, a flat screen TV, fireplace, double Murphy (hideaway) bed, and full bathroom. The other two rooms had two double beds and a bathroom and one king bed and whirlpool tub plus bathroom (and additional fireplace), respectively. Needless to say, we had plenty of room.

Our full-service kitchen in main room.

Master bedroom (view overlooking the ski slopes and alpines.

The Summit houses an extensive exercise facility complete with cardio and strength machines, sauna, changing rooms, and a 100-person indoor-outdoor hot tub. Yes…100-person. And when you have it practically to yourself (a perk of ski resorts in summer), it’s basically a swimming pool at hot tub temperatures. In other words, awesome (as is the view…the hot tub looks out over the ski lifts and slopes).

The kids devoted much time to the hot tub!

The Terrace Entrance path takes you straight to the hot tub/exercise facilities from the plaza.

I have to admit, there was so much to do at Big Sky Resort (more on that to come!) that we didn‘t spend much time in our rooms, but the time we did spend there was very comfortable. It was quiet in the evenings, and the rooms were well-constructed; we never felt like our (sometimes) noisy kids were disturbing any other guests (and we never heard anyone else, either). We were able to stock the full-sized fridge with our water bottles and leftovers, and between the fireplaces and the spectacular views of the mountains, the ambiance was lovely.

Extra Perk: Because the Big Sky Resort consists of a community of accommodations under one umbrella, your Summit key card gives you access to more amenities than what is housed at the single hotel. For instance, you also gain entry to the three outdoor pools at the Huntley Lodge (two minute walk across the connected plaza), entry at the Kids Club (free to guests 3:30-5:30 every day but Wed. and Sat.) and movies shown at selected times on the big screen in the amphitheater (inside the Yellowstone Conference Center). A message of daily offered activities will be sent to your room phone!

Date last visited: June 30-July 2, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Ten minutes from Hwy 191.

Room Rates: Check the Summit’s rate page for current room rates.

Food Services: We had the opportunity to try breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Mountain Village during our stay.

Chet’s Bar and Grill, located in the Huntley Lodge is a very family friendly place specializing in gourmet burgers, steak, and pasta (with a good children’s menu with large portions). We ate breakfast there as well, and loved the breakfast quesadillas and pancakes.

Whiskey Jack’s (in the Mountain Mall adjacent to the Summit) serves excellent southwestern fare. Calvin loved his chicken soft tacos (on the kids’ menu) and I thought the fajita salad was great (and huge)! The best part of Whiskey Jack’s is that you can watch the kids play on the plaza (on the play structure or putting green) without leaving your table.

Yeti Dogs (located on the plaza) is a great stop for ice cream after dinner (open until 9 pm in summer). We sampled the huckleberry, graham slam, mint cookie, and vanilla flavors. They all got a thumbs up!

Playground adjacent to Whiskey Jack’s and BaseCamp (acitivity center).

The kids loved the teepee (with Native American exhibit) across the plaza.

Website: Big Sky Resort

Directions: From Hwy 191 (near Bozeman), drive 39 miles to Hwy 64. Turn right (west) and drive nine miles to the Mountain Village.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Big Sky Resort took care of all of our expenses, from our two-bedroom suite to my kids’ chicken strips and nearly everything in-between. While we greatly appreciate Big Sky’s hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Up Next: We gear up for a zip-line ride through the forest, during which the kids show absolutely no fear…and I show only a little!