I-5 - Pitstops for Kids

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

April 26, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

When I first heard that McMinnville Oregon’s Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum was one part aviation history museum, one part military vehicle and firearms collection, one part 3-D theater, and one part water park (yes, water park), I couldn’t imagine how it all fit together. I worried that the 70,000 square foot indoor water park would seem gimmicky in comparison to the museum, which would feel overshadowed. I didn’t know what to think of the firearms, and most of all, I worried we wouldn’t have enough time to see it all.

After visiting this spring, I’m happy to say I was 1) wrong (the water park is extremely well designed) 2) wrong (the aviation museum shines in its own right) and 3) wrong (the firearms collection was my tween son’s favorite part), and 4) right (visitors definitely want to dedicate a full day to Evergreen). Since it opened an hour earlier on the day of our visit, we started at the museum, which I definitely recommend. After your kids get a taste of the water park, it will be hard to pry them away. (Bear in mind: admission is separate at the museum and water park.)

The museum and theater:

The museum is spread out in several large bays, and it’d be easy to miss a big section if you’re not careful. Directly after paying admission, you enter at the general aviation and military craft collections, which will definitely catch your children’s eye. Most impressive however, is the towering body of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, which visitors can board. If you’re not a military history buff (and all those planes look the same to you, like they did to me), never fear: there’s comprehensive signage and literature on everything, including very appealing videos and interviews that really draw you in. Most fascinating was learning about the early smoke jumper fire fighters, and the WWII air strike battles. Our school-aged kids were engrossed, but even if you have young children, there’s so much to see in the bay, they’ll be happy for a good amount of time. The firearms exhibit, which my boys went crazy for, is on the second floor; don’t miss it if you have gun enthusiasts (or boys of any age).

Best of all, the many docents stationed around the museum were simply excellent. They answered all our questions, particularly about WWII, and engaged the kids with questions of their own, stories, and even paper airplanes sailed at their heads.

Tip: Additional aircraft are open to tour as well, but there’s an additional charge for most.

The space flight exhibits take visitors from early space program history to present day, and includes a Titan II missile booster rocket, which kids can explore from inside its silo. The theater offers a 3-D IMAX-style viewing (which can be added onto your ticket), which I’m sure is impressive (but which we ran out of time for). Outside, a fun space-themed playground is available to burn off energy, before touring the military tanks along the lawn. Tip: This is a good area for a picnic between visiting the museum and the water park.

Read Part 2: Wings and Waves Water Park for water park and admission information, hours of operation, and directions.

Best ski towns: Ashland, Oregon

February 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

A friendly community with a small-town yet academic atmosphere, Ashland, Oregon makes our list of Best Ski Towns despite the fact that it’s a full 20-minute commute from the slopes. What it lacks in proximity to powder it more than makes up for in charm, family-friendly shops and restaurants, and seasonal events, making it impossible to exclude. Located directly off I-5 in Southern Oregon and known for its vineyards, organic culinary scene, and Shakespearean festival (more on that below), Ashland is the most mild-weathered, cultured ski town we know.

Where to ski: I’m biased, as Mt. Ashland Ski Area is our home ski resort, but due to its small size and refreshing price point, it truly is a wonderful place for families. Mt. Ashland’s motto is, ‘It’s steeper here’, and they mean it! The runs are steep, but they’re not too long, allowing families to feel comfortable letting older kids and teens do some exploring. Mt. Ashland’s historic lodge is old school: the roaring fires and wood-cut benches are the real deal. (Sack lunches are welcomed, though the counter service restaurant serves a mean veggie burger, too.) You’ll find a ski and board rental shop and repair shop next to the lodge, reasonably priced (that seems to be a theme) lessons, and kids six and under ski or board for free.

Where to stay: Mt. Ashland doesn’t boast overnight accommodations, but thanks to Ashland’s world-famous Shakespearean festival, the town has no shortage of wonderful places to stay. If you plan to spend most of your time on the slopes, stay at the base of the Mt. Ashland access road at Callahan’s Mountain Lodge, but if you plan to spend any length of time exploring Ashland proper, I recommend staying in walking distance at boutique (and historically preserved) Ashland Springs Hotel or more economically at the Best Western Bard’s Inn, one of the nicest of its brand. Many B&B options also line the streets, and home rentals are usually available via HomeAway.

Where to eat: If you opt for a hotel room, no worries: given the culinary fame of this town, you won’t mind the lack of a kitchen! With kids, I recommend the filling (and innovative) breakfast options at either Dragonfly or Munchies. For an apres ski dinner, head to the cozy fireside dining room upstairs at Alex’s.

What to do when not on the slopes: Right in town, you’ll want to stop at the Ashland Centennial Ice Rink for a spin around this outdoor arena (across from gorgeous-in-all-seasons Lithia Park), before warming up at ScienceWorks Hands’ On Museum. You’ll also want to set aside time for some quaint shopping; even the kids will enjoy it, given the number of great toy and book stores. If your kids are old enough to appreciate great theater (and are able to stay awake after a day of skiing) evening tickets to a show at Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival (ongoing in their Globe and indoor theaters) are a must.

How to get here: From either CA or WA, take I-5 north or south. If flying, fly into Medford International Airport (MFR), located 15 miles north of Ashland.

Read more Best Ski Town picks!

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.

Exploring Portland Oregon with a baby

November 18, 2011 By Sharlene Earnshaw

As a newcomer to the Portland area, I’ve been doing plenty of exploring. After relocating from Las Vegas with my husband and two-month-old son, it was a challenge to find fun things for all of us to do. While there are many fantastic activities and local events geared toward children, a baby under six months isn’t quite ready for some of those activities! The following area attractions and excursions will help new or soon-to-be mothers in the area to enjoy the city of Portland with a little one:

The Coast: driving the two hours or so to the Oregon Coast can be a challenge, but it can be done, and it’s worth it. We stopped at Seaside and got the first picture of little feet in the sand and the ocean, a memory we’ll treasure.

Tips: During a trip to the coast, forego the stroller, it’s like a pile of bricks on the sand! Go for a baby carrier instead. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on, unless you never plan to lay baby down. Sand and baby eyes don’t mix. Lastly, try some of the smaller, less populated beaches in the area. It makes feedings and diaper changes much more comfortable. It’s also an easier walk now that you’ve got an extra 20 lbs. wherever you go.

The Oregon Zoo: Your baby may not pay attention to the animals the way bigger kids do, but the zoo (easily accessible by MAX) still holds plenty of interest for them. And there may be rare moments when baby watches a monkey or walrus in a way that will delight any Mom.

Tips: Pack a lunch; a small cooler strapped to the stroller is great to have on hand. Don’t forget inclement weather gear, and remember that the zoo is very stroller-friendly, though bring a carrier as well so baby can see the animals better.

The Portland Zoo is great if you’re venturing out solo with baby. The zoo’s restroom facilities are well set up to make things easier, and places to sit and let baby eat are plentiful.

Columbia River Gorge, Hwy 30: The Gorge is known for its gorgeous scenery, and for the parent who loves the outdoors (but for whom difficult hikes aren’t an option right now), this is the next best thing.

Tips: Stop at the Vista house for a great photo op, but remember that it’s not very accessible for strollers inside (opt for the carrier). The hike up Multnomah Falls might be a bit much right now, but that won’t stop you from the short walks and easy hikes to the base of waterfalls along the way.

The Portland Children’s Museum: The Portland Children’s Museum is great if you want to get out of the house with baby and stimulate that little brain! Most of the museum is geared for slightly older kids, but there is a Baby Garden room, with plenty of toys specifically for infants.

Tips: In the Clay Studio, there is an infant area where baby can get their hands dirty. Keep in mind that on busy days, you may have to park your stroller.

The Portland Saturday Market: while quieter venues like the Japanese or Chinese Garden, public libraries, where a lot of noise is going to turn heads, may be out for a while, the Saturday Market (located at Burnside Bridge) is a vibrant and busy event that’s visually stimulating.

Exploring a city near you this Thanksgiving holiday? Stop by BlogFrog to contribute your favorite roadside pit stops!

Marie Langager is a Portland resident and guest writer for Pit Stops for Kids.

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:

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.

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!

San Diego on Dwellable

San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

August 19, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California’s Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining.

A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic during their stay, but the hotel is large enough that it won’t matter. My stay was during the 3,000+ person BlogHer conference (for which I was an attendee), and the public spaces didn’t even feel crowded. Located within the hotel is a Starbucks, a large gift and necessity shop, a UPS store, pool and lobby bars, and full room service. The outdoor pool is large and kid-friendly, and opens out onto the marina. Within walking distance are Gaslamp District eateries and shopping, and within minutes by car is SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park.

Rooms are fairly spacious, but be aware that standard room beds are on the narrow side! If you’re sharing them with kids, you may prefer to order a roll-away bed. Wireless internet is free in all public areas, but guests are charged $12 a day for in-room wireless. As is standard in most downtown city hotels, parking is $26 a day for guests with cars, and unfortunately, in San Diego, you’ll probably need one.

Date last visited: August 2011

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

Room rates: Standard rates are between $215-240 per night.

Directions: The Marriott Marquis is located at 333 West Harbor. From I-5, take the Front Street exit straight to the hotel entrance.

Downtown on Dwellable

Universal Studios Hollywood with kids and tweens

August 8, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s been years since we’ve ventured any further north than Anaheim in search of theme parks during our annual vacation to Southern California, so in late July, we braved the commute up I-5 from Orange County to Los Angeles to revisit Universal Studios Hollywood.

Knowing Universal is a great pick for older kids, tweens, and teens, I opted to spend the day there with Nate (12) and Calvin (10) using Go Los Angeles tickets from Smart Destinations. A 3-day card gives you a day at Universal Studios, which you can upgrade to a Front of the Line pass should you desire.

What to do: Universal Studios Hollywood is different than other area theme parks in that its focus is more heavily on shows and tours than on ride-type attractions. Because visitors need a basic grasp on the movie-making industry and at least a small background on popular films in order to appreciate these shows and tours, older kids and teens enjoy the park more than young children and toddlers. Our kids (ages 10-12) loved the Studio Tour, which they deemed worth the 45 minute wait (during the peak of summer) despite not being familiar with all the TV series and films featured. The King-Kong 3D attraction in the middle of the hour-long tour added action, as did the special effects on several lots and sound stages. Adults will get a kick out of driving through working sets (we saw the sets of Parenthood and Desperate Housewives on our tour).

Another highlight was the WaterWorld stunt show, shown hourly throughout the day. No need to have seen the Kevin Costner film beforehand; the show demonstrates various stunts within an acted script that’s easy to follow, and tons of fun to watch. After learning how stunt doubles do their job, head to the back of the Upper Lot to the Special Effects show, to learn about CGI, green screens, and other digital effects. Again, these attractions are best for kids old enough to understand the basics of how a movie is made (or at least old enough to have the attention span to learn).

Nate loved both Revenge of the Mummy the Ride and Jurassic Park the Ride, though Calvin opted out of the former, wary of things ‘jumping’ out at him (and they do!). Both kids liked The The Simpsons the Ride, though all three would have been too scary for them just a few years ago!

Tip: The park is comprised of Upper and Lower Lots. The entrance is located on the Upper, which means it fills up fastest, but the Lower opens half an hour after the Upper on most days, forcing visitors to stay put. If you plan to take the Studio Tour, do this first (located toward the back of the Upper Lot), because it only gets busier later in the day. Once you’re done with the hour tour, the Lower Lot will be open, but still relatively uncrowded, due to Jurassic Park being a water ride. Later in the day, the wait will be long, but any time before lunch, it typically remains under 15 minutes.

If you do bring young children: There are sections just for them, though they are not abundant. Young kids will like the Nickolodeon water play area and the Curious George playground and ‘jungle’ (foam ball play area). None of these attractions require waiting in line, but do get crowded. Keep in mind that the few ride-type attractions in the park do have height requirement. If you have fearful or sensitive young kids (or kids of any age), beware the scary content in all Universal shows and attractions (including the Studio Tour): all play up the studio’s various monster and horror creations, such as King Kong, Jurassic dinosaurs, mummies, Frankenstein, and the like. Even Chucky and Norman Bates mother from Psycho make more appearances in the park than my kids would like.

Tip: To beat summer crowds, get to Universal (or any theme park) early. Arriving before ‘rope drop’ ensures staying ahead of the masses; we rode The Mummy and Jurassic Park two times each without a line between 9:30-10 am.

Admission: Admission varies based on height instead of age. Current prices can be found on the official site.

Hours Current park hours.

Dining: Multiple casual dining and counter service restaurants are located within the park, but to escape long waits and crowded table seating areas, we recommend leaving the park and dining in City Walk (directly adjacent). Just be sure to get your hands stamped, and remember to keep your ticket stubs to get back into the park.

Parking: General parking is $15 per car ($20 for preferred parking). We parked in the Jurassic garage at the end of City Walk, which was quite uncrowded).

Directions: From I-5, take Highway 101 Hollywood. Exit on Universal Studios Blvd.