Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

August 19, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

There are two kinds of children’s museums—those that focus on science and hands-on learning, and those that focus on play. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum falls in the latter category.

In a northern climate, where winters last a long time, this museum is a place that will keep kids occupied for several hours. It occupies two stories, with the first floor generally aimed more toward children six and under and the second floor toward older kids.

The museum prides itself on rotating its exhibits periodically. At the time of our visit, the main floor was divided into two major areas for pretend play. A kid-sized town, including a gas station, post office, library, auto shop, and grocery store, occupied one side of the building. The other side was a construction site where kids could build walls and play with shredded-tire mulch, running it over a conveyor belt or hauling it in buckets.

My kids were entranced by the stage between these two areas, which had backdrop, proscenium, limited costumes, and wing doors (not to mention a kid-sized guitar).

The second floor, as our ten-year old said, was filled with “things to do and not just things to pretend with.” A music area included piano, steel drum and other percussion instruments. In the bubble area, the boys spent quite a while trying to encase themselves in a giant bubble. A large spinning disc on a table challenged us to try to get a tire rolling on it without being flung off. There was also a play farm and a real, functioning bee hive connected to the outdoors by a tube so the bees can come and go (the outside entrance is on the second floor far away from human interference).

The second floor also includes the “Wee Discover” area, aimed ages 0-4. The museum offers occasional staff-led activities, from guided sidewalk chalk design to craft projects. The staff will occasionally zero in on a child who is showing particular interest in an area and spend some time playing with them one on one.

As you might expect, a place with this much to offer can be crowded. A sign states that parents are expected to remain with their children; however, the museum is well laid-out, with distinct areas and fairly controlled entry and exit to each. Parents can sit on the benches scattered around the building and still be able to keep track of their kids. However, if you have a wanderer, it might be a good idea to bring along an extra pair of eyes. There was an employee stationed in the entryway to help keep kids from getting out without an adult, but it’s not as tightly controlled as some child-oriented businesses.

There is no food on site, but re-entry is permitted by hand stamp, and there are plenty of restaurants within a block or two, as well as a war memorial park across the street where families can picnic in good weather. Allow a minimum of 2-3 hours, but with so many interesting things to play with, your kids might want to spend the whole day. Our family spent 2 1/2 hours there before breaking for lunch and nap time, after which we came back for another two hours, and the kids would have stayed longer still. It was their favorite place we visited in Grand Rapids.

Hours/Admission:

Admission is $8.25 for ages 1-64, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 5 and Sundays from noon to 5. Thursday “family night,” admission is $1.75 from 5-8 p.m.

Directions:

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is in the heart of downtown at 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, a short walk from DeVos Convention Center and a number of hotels. It does not have a parking lot, so if you try to drive be prepared to feed the meters. If you’re close enough, I recommend walking.

Our family visited Grand Rapids Children’s Museum as guests of Experience Grand Rapids in exchange for an impartial review.

Exploring Holland Michigan with kids

August 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The following post is written by Pit Stops for Kids’ Midwest contributor, Kate Basi.

The town of Holland, Michigan was settled by Dutch immigrants in the mid-19th century, and has made a name for itself as a go-to destination for experiencing Dutch culture. Situated near Lake Michigan, three hours from both Chicago and Detroit and 35 minutes from Grand Rapids, Holland boasts two stand-out attractions for families.

Nelis’ Dutch Village

One part amusement park, one part living history, and one part quaint shopping district, the Dutch Village is a compact, charming replica of 19th-century Dutch culture.

Originally opened as a retail shop for the Nelis family’s tulip growing operation, the village now boasts a carillon, cafe, pub, extensive gift shop, and attractions for kids and adults alike.

Start your day by saying hello to the families of ducks paddling in the Village’s decorative canals. Then listen to a performance of the “Gouden Engel” (golden angel), a 1920s street organ. This wooden-piped, ornately carved and painted work of art includes drums and mechanical figures. Periodically through the day, costumed employees converge on the square in front of the organ to demonstrate klompen dancing. Afterward, the crowd is invited down to learn a basic dance.

All-you-can-ride carnival-style swings, windmill-themed Ferris Wheel, small zip line and carousel are included in the admission price. For the little ones, there are also “petal pusher cars,” which run on railroad tracks and are powered by the children themselves.

It’s not all carnival rides, though. The Nelis family has set up a mock Dutch village where visitors can see short (5 minutes or less—perfect for little ones) demonstrations from cheese making to wooden clog making. You can even be weight on a scale to prove you’re not a witch. There’s also a petting zoo (hand sanitizer provided!).

Keep your eyes open for gems not included on the map. Behind the zip line stands a trio of old-fashioned water pumps attached to gutters for racing rubber duckies. Beside the school house you’ll find not only a bean bag toss, but a contraption that I can only call a “tandem” snow board.

Nelis’ Dutch Village is ideal for kids in the 3-10 age range. Plan at least four hours for your visit, and don’t be surprised if the kids clamor to stay until closing time.

Whether or not you have time to spend in the park, take time to visit the cafe and souvenir shops, which are accessible from outside the park. The cafe serves kid-friendly fare and Dutch specialties like Kroketten, a fried meat pastry, and Saucijzebroodjes, a sausage pig’n’bun. Kids can also make a “stroopwafel,” a thin waffle cookie spread with a cinnamon-sugar concoction.

The cafe offers the usual souvenir fare–t shirts, shot glasses and the like–but the real gems are found in the collection of Dutch gifts—blue china, cuckoo clocks, and other beautiful artwork.

Nelis’ Dutch Village is located at the corner of US Highway 30 and James Street. Hours vary by season and are posted on the website. (link: http://www.dutchvillage.com/park/hours.html.) Admission is $11 for adults and $9 for children 3-15.

Windmill Island Gardens

Windmill Island Gardens, operated by the city of Holland, Mich., is a beautiful preserve and botanical garden at the edge of the downtown area.

Entering Windmill Island, you will drive through a marshland grown up in cattails. The scent of flowers greets you upon getting out of the car. A street organ sits at the head of a breathtaking flower garden and lawn, where the mysterious snow-board contraption makes another appearance, along with hoops and sticks. Both of these are unique play opportunities for kids to enjoy while parents listen to frequent organ concerts.

The highlight of the grounds is, of course, the picturesque De Zwaan (the swan) windmill. This 250-year-old structure was relocated from the Netherlands, still in working order, and actually grinds grain that can be purchased on site. Costumed guides give klompen dancing demonstrations and offer tours of the first five levels of De Zwaan. Kids can turn a miniature millstone, and you can see World War II bullet holes in some artifacts on display. Although the inner workings of the windmill are fascinating to adults, the highlight for kids is going out on the “gallery,” where you can touch the windmill blades when the windmill is not in operation.

Note: although the rest of the grounds are accessible, the upper floors of the windmill are reached via stairs; strollers will have to be left at ground level.

There are picnic tables, and visitors are encouraged to bring food. The carousel here is smaller than most, so it’s particularly good for little ones. Behind the carousel you’ll find a playground and a small courtyard where children are encouraged to water from a rain barrel and get up close and personal with herbs and edibles.

If you want to get out of the sun, a building adjacent to the gift shop houses a 1930s-era model town (think model railroad, but with boats instead of trains). The gift shop offers snacks and Dutch souvenirs as well as bags of De Zwaan bran, corn meal, wheat flour, and so on.

While you’re on the grounds, you might well see people kayaking in the canal that flows through the property. Kayaks are not rented on site, but can be rented in town.

Windmill Island, located at 1 Lincoln Ave., is open 9:30a.m. to 6p.m. daily from mid-April to the beginning of October. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children 5-15, but residents of Holland are admitted free with proof of residency.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Kate and her family experienced Holland Michigan with compensated attraction tickets, for the purpose of review.

Idaho vacation pick: Hotel McCall review

July 29, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We really enjoy vacationing in Idaho, both in summer and winter. Like Wyoming and Utah, this state continues to surprise us with awesomeness. Most recently, we took a six-day vacation rafting the Salmon River with O.A.R.S. rafting, which put us in scenic McCall, Idaho pre and post-trip. I’ve visited McCall many years ago while in college, and remembered a fun and lively lake town. McCall is still all that, but in addition to the energy that pumps through this vacation town in summer, there’s a dignified, peaceful side that will appeal to parents.

Hotel McCall Review:

We stayed at the Hotel McCall, located directly downtown one street from Payette Lake. While we were right in the heart of things at Hotel McCall, our suite itself (as well as the general hotel grounds) was quiet and spacious. We had a one-bedroom condo, which overlooked the lake and included a large master bedroom and bathroom with shower and jacuzzi tub, a full kitchen, and a living room with pull-out couch. The unexpected surprise: our rooms included a large outdoor balcony with table and chairs with a town and lake view; we were able to sit outside with a beverage or meal and see the tourist town at it’s best without being in the midst of it.

The layout of the Hotel McCall is unique: in addition to the main building with understated but upscale lobby area, another building is connected by a sky bridge and/or elevator. We stayed on this side, but it was an easy walk to the lobby. There’s a courtyard directly below and behind the hotel, which includes shops and dining, including a great bistro and wine bar, and green space where families can spread out and play a game of bocce ball.

There’s a saline pool for swimming year round (in summer, you’ll want to head to the lake, too), and included parking and WiFi. Our boys loved the DVD players in each room, with access to a long list of DVDs which could be checked out of the Hotel McCall library. For winter guests, ski lockers line the hallways, tucked away unnoticed in summer.

Onsite is a spa room where massages can be booked (if only I had time for this!) and a fitness facility. Nearby, Legacy Park is just across the street, with access to the lake, and there’s golf, hiking trails, and mountain biking within a few miles.

Dining:

We loved that Hotel McCall offered a continental breakfast set up from 7 am to 10 am each morning. This is such a value to busy and hungry families who don’t have time to cook in the kitchen or booked a room without one. There’s also Rupert’s, a casual dining restaurant with lake views and a bar. As noted above, additional restaurants are within very easy walking distance.

Room options:

We stayed in a one-bedroom condo which books for approximately $250-$300/night. Other options include regular 2-queen or king bed rooms for $149 to $160, a two-bedroom condo for $350, or a one-bedroom suite for $249. The condo we experienced was nicely decorated with a fresh, modern feel. We loved the deep tub!

This hotel is on the more expensive side, but for the amenities and location, we felt the value was there. Families wanting to be steps from everything, with space to settle in and make some meals, will be very happy here!

Directions:

Hotel McCall is located at 1101 N. 3rd Street, McCall Idaho. It’s easy to find on the main drag through town.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Hotel McCall was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Exploring Mukilteo, WA with Kids

July 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We partnered with Staybridge Suites on the post below. While sponsored, all opinions are our own.

Seattle, Washington is a well-known vacation destination for families, and for good reason! But venture just a bit further north and parents will find a wonderful outdoor playground in Mukilteo, north of the city near Everett, Washington and Whidbey Island.

This past June, we were able to spend several nights in this area, as we were en route to Whidbey Island. Mukilteo wasn’t our final destination during this trip, but we found lots to do here and in Everett with our kids. That was a happy surprise!

As we often do during road trips, we looked for a hotel with plenty of space to spread out plus a complimentary breakfast or kitchenette to make our own. With three kids (two of whom are teens); we highly value the ability to make meals in our suite. We found a Staybridge Suites hotel that fit the bill – Staybridge Suites Seattle North-Everett – and we were even able to use our IHG points to book during this popular tourist time.

What to do in Mukilteo and Everett with Kids

Imagine Children’s Museum

It’s perfect if the weather turns on you, as it often does in this part of Northern Washington. The Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett includes two floors of hands-on learning in science, movement, art and theater. Kids can step into a bus, farm or store.

Harborview Park

Located in Mukilteo, Harborview Park allows kids to get a real feel for where they are located by being able to see the Puget Sound! The ocean vistas are lovely on clear summer days, and it’s possible to see the ferry coming and going, which builds excitement for a trip to the island. It’s likely you’ll see military ships passing along Possession Sound here as well, which was fun for our teens.

Whidbey Island

To get to adjacent Whidbey Island, families take the Clinton ferry (ferry terminal is easily located right in Mukilteo). This ferry ride takes less than an hour and it’s easy to bring a car onboard (recommended for Whidbey Island touring). Be sure to get a ferry reservation during the summer months.

Coupeville

Coupeville is my favorite Whidbey Island town because of its historical nature and lack of suburban sprawl. It tends to be less crowded, too. When we visit, we like to head to the pier and check out the quaint stores along the water. There’s a great toy store and book store there. Families can take a free farm tour from Coupeville, following a self-guided farm trail that takes them to lavender farms and organic beef cattle ranches.

Whidbey Island State Parks

There are multiple state parks on this relatively small island. Our favorites include Deception Pass, where you can take a jet boat ride under the bridge to the sea lion habitats (we even saw dolphins). At Fort Casey State Park, the kids can climb on old fort batteries and everyone can tour the lighthouse. The windswept beaches are great for fort building with driftwood, kite flying, and beachcombing.

Ebey’s Landing

Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve encompasses the town of Coupeville, and multiple acres in each direction, preserving the historical sites in the area. We love to head to Ebey’s Prairie, where the Ebey homestead and Fort Ebey are still evident. You can read about the founding Ebey family here. All sites are self-guided, which is nice for spontaneous visits.

Why Stay at Staybridge Suites?

When we plan a vacation that takes us outdoors and around town – location, space, easy parking and free breakfast top our list of must-haves when it comes to our hotel. As a family of five, we need as much room as we can get and plenty of food because it is always being consumed by our crew! We don’t necessarily need a pool or complimentary Wi-Fi, but those are sure nice, too.

Staybridge Suites is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family, which means we could use our earned points. Staybridge Suites Seattle North-Everett was especially clean, with friendly staff, great breakfast choices and in the perfect location. It put us close enough to the ferry that we could easily get to the island, but also very close to I-90, so we could hop in the car and be in Seattle in no time.

As an added bonus, it’s always nice to have an indoor pool!

When your family is on their next getaway, check out Staybridge Suites for all the comforts of home while out of town.

Downtown Spokane and Hotel RL Spokane at the Park

July 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

After moving to Oregon from Spokane, Washington over 10 years ago, we try to get back to the Inland Empire every few years. This year, we spent two different weekends in Spokane, both of which at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, with lots of time to explore downtown with our (now) teen kids.

What’s so special about downtown Spokane?

Spokane is one of those lucky cities that figured out early on the importance of a vital downtown. We watched it bloom from a ghost town of a downtown to the fun, trendy, popular place it is today, and every time we return, we like to spend some time here. Downtown Spokane feels urban without the noise, stress, or safety worries of a larger city. Riverfront Park shines as a beautiful green space filled with activities for kids, and the Riverfront Square offers shopping, dining, and movies.

In winter, ice skating reigns at the rink in Riverfront Park, but in summer, this area is transformed into a carnival space, with kiddie games, bouncy houses, a ferris wheel, and rides. There’s an IMAX theater, a carrousel, and bike rentals. Families can take a gondola ride over Spokane Falls, though for our kids who ski regularly, we opted to walk over to the falls instead to take in the view.

At Riverfront Square, we enjoy taking in an AMC movie or eating at Sushi Maru. The Mobius Children’s Museum is located on the bottom level.

Be sure to keep an eye out of for seasonal festivals or events going on at the park and downtown area during the summer months…it seems Spokane has something artsy and outdoorsy going on every weekend! During our latest stay in Spokane, we lucked into the Bazaar, featuring local artisans downtown. With live music and food trucks, it was quite the party.

Why stay at Hotel RL Spokane at the Park:

This Red Lion is located right next to the Spokane River and Riverfront Park. It’s easy to walk directly from the lobby into the park, which means the car can stay parked. There are three restaurants on-site, including causal dining on the patio overlooking the pool area. Breakfast is not complimentary, but offered for about $10/person buffet-style. It’s a bit overpriced, but quite good. Each room has a mini-fridge, too, making it easy to make breakfast in-room.

The best feature of Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, other than the location, is the large outdoor pool overlooking the river. This pool includes a fast waterslide and kiddie/toddler pool, and a small pool-side concession stand. There’s also an indoor pool for the winter months (open in summer, too).

We stayed in a premium two-queen room in a newly remodeled section of the hotel, which was above-average in size and overlooked the pool. We had a nice balcony and while the bathroom was small, it was perfectly comfortable. Room rates vary of course, but families can expect to pay under $200 in summer.

Directions:

The Red Lion is located at W. 303 North River Drive, Spokane WA. The hotel’s ‘sister’ hotel, the Red Lion Riverside, is located directly across the street, and is also along the river.

Disclosure: As we always disclose, we stayed at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park free of charge, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

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Suncadia Resort review with kids

July 22, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Suncadia Resort, located right off I-90 in the Wenatchee National Forest southeast of Snoqualamie, WA, is your quintessential four-season, multi-activity contemporary resort.

We stopped by for two nights during a long summer road trip through Washington State, and compared it to Bend Oregon’s Sunriver Resort or Redmond Oregon’s Eagle Crest. Suncadia boosts the same offerings, including golf, an upscale spa, dining, and on-site amenities like pool complexes, tennis courts, exercise facilities, and bike trails and walking paths, all on the site of a historic coal mining operation.

We enjoy including resorts like Suncadia during multi-week road trips to get a little R&R: it’s nice to have a jetted jacuzzi tub, comfy beds, and fun pools for a day or so. If we lived in the Seattle metro area, or Yakima or even Spokane, we’d consider coming back for a weekend getaway. How did we spend our two days here in mid-June? There’s a whole calendar of activities for kids during the peak summer months, most of which involve an extra fee, but a few that come with the cost of your stay. Here’s what we tried:

Swimming and relaxation:

The pool complex at Suncadia includes a large free-form outdoor pool and kiddie splash/wading pool, a large indoor pool, plus indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, a steam room, and a full exercise area. The outdoor area includes plenty of lounge space, and we spent the majority of our time here. Our room (a one-bedroom condo) was located in the Lodge at Suncadia, which meant we also got access to the smaller outdoor pool and hot tub right outside the lodge building.

Both mornings of our stay, I enjoyed the chance to work out in the exercise room, followed by a session in the sauna. By the time I emerged, the kids had found their way to the pool. There are exercise classes on offer daily, too, for an extra cost. A ‘resort fee’ is added to your room rate for use of the pool complex, so you might as well enjoy it!

Note: indoor and outdoor pools have different hours, as well as the pool slides. Check hours of operation for the time of your visit before promising anything to kids!

Tennis and bike rentals:

The tennis courts are located at Dawson Park Recreation Cabin, in one of the Suncadia vacation home neighborhoods inside the resort, and can be reserved (though we found them locked in mid-June). Also on-site are soccer goals to shoot on, basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and other recreation-based games, plus a nice playground.

The bike rentals are located at the Village Pavilion, by the small pond across from the pool complex. Here, you can rent bikes and electric scooters (16 and up) and watercraft like stand-up paddle boards and pedal boats (though don’t bother with older kids…the pond is small and uninspired). We opted for mountain bikes, to try out the miles of dirt trails through the wooded areas surrounding Suncadia. Once we found these trails, we really enjoyed them, but for about 45 minutes, we had our noses in the map, trying to figure it out. No one on staff seemed to know how to direct us, which was somewhat frustrating. However, we finally found the trailhead for a network of single track and dirt roads perfect for mountain biking, and had a good time riding near the river. To save you time, head down Swiftwater Trail (road) to the end, where you’ll find the trailhead. You can ride along paved bike paths to this point from the lodge or the bike rental area.

Movies in Roslyn:

Suncadia’s address is in Cle Elum, but the little town of Roslyn, best known as the setting of the TV show Northern Exposure, is just as close…only 10 minutes away by car. The Roslyn Theater is a cute one-screen affair with cushy seats and a friend staff. We saw an evening movie there, paired with dinner at the Roslyn Cafe (absolutely try their tater tot casserole!). We found the dining options in Suncadia to be a bit limited to higher-end dining, so we took advantage of the full kitchen in our unit and cooked our meals in-house when we didn’t eat in Roslyn. If my husband had been with us for this trip, he would have loved the fact that Suncadia has a winery on-site: Swiftwater Cellars.

Golf:

We didn’t golf this time around, those the boys do enjoy a round of nine holes most of the time. We noticed that Suncadia seems to do a good job of offering affordable green fees to students and kids, plus twilight tee times. We were psyched to see they’re offering foot golf (soccer golf) on the first nine holes (you get to play it twice for 18 holes), but were bummed to learn this was not opening until July.

In addition to the activities we tried, Suncadia offers plenty in the way of rafting and fishing on Cle Elum River, plus horseback riding and ATV-riding. In winter, snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing reign.

For younger kids, there’s CampCadia with programmed activities, and there’s a whole page of activities for the toddler set. There’s even a junior ranger program of sorts for kids starting in the end of June (all of the above include extra fees, though none are astronomical).

Lodging options:

We stayed in a one-bedroom Suncadia Lodge unit (in the main lodge). We liked being in the main building, and our unit included a full kitchen, full-sized washer and dryer, and large bathroom with jacuzzi tub. Our family of five was perfectly cozy here. We could have also opted for a two-bedroom unit, but for an extra $100 or so, we were happy enough with a rollaway. During our stay in June, our unit rented for about $250/night, which we felt was a good value. The lodge also offers standard hotel rooms.

The Inn at Suncadia is smaller and higher-end, apparently, though we didn’t get a chance to peek in. There are also condos and vacation homes in the resort. All have resort privileges to the pool complex and recreation facilities.

All-in-all, there’s a lot going on at Suncadia, but we did feel frustration that several things were not up and running by mid-June (while advertised that they were operational), such as foot golf and tennis. We asked a lot of questions during our stay, and found that many employees were uninformed. Everyone was friendly, but many lacked basic information such as when activities opened, where to sign up, etc. We had to figure most things out on our own, a daunting task when there’s so many activities on offer.

Disclosure: as we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Suncadia hosted by the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Branson Missouri vacation plan: what to see and do with kids

July 13, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Branson, Missouri is a tough town to categorize. With its kitchy attractions and extravagant shows, it looks like it should be a gambling town. It isn’t. With its hundreds of shops, restaurants, and hotels, it doesn’t seem to be an outdoor destination. And yet it is. Somehow, Branson is both Midwestern and Southern, city and county, fishing epicenter and nature preserve.

I don’t know how it does it, either.

If you’re considering a trip to Branson with kids, it’s because you’ve either 1. been coming here for years and are already a ‘Branson Believer’, as they say, or 2. you’ve heard buzz about this town (after all, it was the 25th most visited US destination last year). If you fall in the former category, off you go! Have fun! You know what you like. If you’re new to the destination, read on, because you’re going to need some guidance.

What to do in Branson with kids really depends on why you’re visiting. The good news: Branson is extremely family-friendly no matter what activities you pursue. It very much subscribes to a ‘God and country’ theme, where the many shows, attractions, and themed restaurants have a patriotic and religious undertone, to varying degrees.

Adding to the anomaly that is Branson: amid fast food chains and somewhat run-down tourist traps within Branson are large theaters housing extravagant shows, plus a waterfront of high-end chain stores and eateries. If you like Broadway-style musicals and dinner theater, you won’t have any trouble finding what you like within the city of Branson. Ditto for shopping and dining, whether you’re looking for traditional catfish or Mexican tacos.

If you’re coming to Branson for some ‘city’ fun mixed with outdoor recreation in the Ozark mountains, however it gets a bit trickier. While state parks and campgrounds do exist, much of the beauty of the Ozarks seems to be privately owned. Luckily for visitors, a huge chunk of it is owned by local multi-millionaire Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shop. A lover of the outdoors, Morris has done much to improve outdoor recreation in the area, including the building of a world-class golf course and lodge, but more importantly, setting aside a nature park and encouraging lots of water recreation on the area’s two large lakes.

‘His’ side of the Branson area appeals to me much more than most of Branson’s kitschy offerings, with some exceptions (see below). After spending five days in the area, I’ve narrowed down my picks for what to do in the Ozarks with kids on our next trip to Missouri:

In nature:

Spend a day at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park:

The nature park Morris set aside is 10,000 acres of Ozark canyon and hillside, and while it’s more manicured than I’d like, coming from the Western states, it’s a good representation of the beauty of the area. About 45 minutes’ drive from Branson, Dogwood Canyon is perfect for a day of bike riding, picnicking, and possibly taking a tram ride to see American bison and elk. Is it a little more ‘Disney’ than rugged wilderness? Yes. But kids will have fun here, and parents can enjoy a relaxed day in the country. It may be old-fashioned, but it’s fun!

Take the kids zip lining:

There are more zip lining operations in the Branson area than gallons of sweet tea, or so it seems when looking through a visitors guide. However, we heard through a number of sources that Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station outshines them all. We spent a nice morning here, enjoying the outdoors and the thrill of zip lining. The guides are excellent, and the views are amazing.

Get on the waters of Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock:

Branson is known for bass and trout fishing. Get on the lake with a fishing tour for the day; these well-stocked lakes yield big catches. Other options include kayak rentals at Branson’s Landing. There are fewer hiking trails around the lakes than I’d like, so for us, the next best thing to walking around the water is to get on the water.

Spend a day at Silver Dollar City:

This wholesome, friendly, and downright beautiful little theme park will surprise you, both in how enjoyable it is and how serious it is about big-time thrill rides. With artisan master crafters, homemade food, and fun rides for all ages, Silver Dollar City is a truly unique theme park, and well worth a day of your time.

Tour Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Historic Site:

Located outside Branson toward Springfield on Highway 65, families can spend a full day at Wilson’s Creek Civil War battlefield. Allow at least a full morning or afternoon to tour the several mile loop in your car after seeing the well-done video at the visitors center. This is a national park site, so be sure to get your passport stamped! Along the auto tour, most stops include short hiking trails to see the relevant sites…be sure to allow time to walk at least a few of these. You’ll be hiking directly where Union and Confederate troops walked, camped, and fought. It’s an awe-inspiring and sobering visit, but the area is so beautiful, you’ll want to linger with a picnic.

Note: as you’re exploring historical sites in Southern Missouri, consider picking up The Big Divide, A Travel Guide by Diane Eickhoff and Aaron Barnhart. This historic guide to the Missouri and Kansas border region really helped us decide which sites we could fit into our itinerary. There’s an entire section on Southwest Missouri and the Springfield/Branson area.

In town:

Certainly, spend a fun day in the town of Branson. If you want a taste of true Branson nightlife, take in a show such as the Presley’s , Dixie Stampede dinner show, or Dutton’s. They’re hard to describe, but just be ready for lots of traditional tunes with a bluegrass, western, conservative-values feel. If you want to give that a pass, there’s still plenty on offer. Here’s what I enjoyed:

Titanic Branson:

A Titanic museum worthy of your time and money in Branson, of all places? Yes. Truly. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. This top-quality museum is a must-do in Branson. The brain child of a local Hollywood producer, the museum is an interactive, immersive experience that doesn’t rely on technology but rather human stories, talented actors, and a stunning building that’s a recreation of parts of the ill-fated ship. Best for school-aged kids and up, you’ll want to devote a few hours to this attraction.

Branson Landing:

Branson Landing is the newer part of downtown Branson, or at least, it’s the newest looking part. The lakeside promenade is lined with slick shops and chain stores such as Chico’s, Bass Pro (of course), and the like. You can rent the aforementioned kayaks here, book a charter tour, and watch the water and light show that performs regularly throughout the day. This is the place to be to cool off in fountains, eat out, and take a stroll.

Where to stay:

The best part of Branson, I believe, is the natural beauty of the area. Therefore, given another trip to Branson, I’d look for a vacation home rental on one of the lakes and surrounding areas. Morris’s Big Cedar Lodge is set apart from town as well, and could be an option, though it’s quite developed. Other options include the Chateau at the Lake, which is a lovely resort directly on Table Rock lake. During my stay, I based myself at the Hilton Promenade, directly at Branson’s Landing. I really liked the hotel, but the location was city-oriented, not nature-oriented.

Have you been to Branson? Where do you stay? What do you enjoy doing?

Photo credit: Doug Wertman

Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

July 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The town of Branson, Missouri is a curious mixture of overtly touristy and world-class attractions. I thought Silver Dollar City would fall in the former category. Instead, after spending a day there, I believe it fits in the latter. I’m going to state a pretty strong opinion here: this theme park is second only to Disney parks for quality, cleanliness, and character.

Silver Dollar City began in much the same way as classic theme parks like California’s Knott’s Berry Farm or Oregon’s quaint Enchanted Forest: as a family business built around a simple, wholesome theme (in this case, the limestone Marvel Cavern and classic Missouri hospitality). But instead of commercializing to the point of soullessness or remaining in relative obscurity, Silver Dollar City somehow grew into itself without losing its heart and sense of purpose.

Yes, there are rollercoasters. But there are also authentic, working craft artisans. There are gift shops selling trinkets, but there are also studios selling handblown glass and pottery fired on-site. With Silver Dollar City’s blend of craftsmen and women and thrill rides, it’s easy to see why it’s a beloved park for multigenerational travelers. And somehow, it all goes together nicely.

The theme park’s premise is of a 1880s frontier town, and what could be hokey is instead charming. Its village of artisan shops and craft demonstrations encircle rides and shows, with dining venues weaved throughout. Somehow, the whole place remains peaceful, despite the bustle of attraction queues for the headliner coasters. In truth, visitors who are not interested in thrill rides can easily avoid them altogether. The Silver Dollar ‘streets’ are distinctly ‘Disney-like’ with pristine cleanliness, lush vegetation, and exceptional theming. A few authentically historical buildings are on display in the center of the park, with the rest of the structures carrying out the theme via replica. At the heart of the park lies Marvel Cave, the original attraction that brought people to the area, but you might actually miss it if you’re not careful: the entrance is actually in the center of the large gift shop near the entrance. This is my only real beef with Silver Dollar City; I’d love to see this limestone feature given more limelight.

In the park’s craft and artisan areas, families can see demonstrations on everything from pottery to glass blowing to bread baking, and just about everything in-between. The artisans in the many shops are not simply dressing in period costume and explaining how things such as lye soap, honey, leatherwork, woodwork, and metalwork items are made…they are actual master craftsmen and women. It’s fascinating to watch them work, browse the shops, and buy souvenirs in stores that are not junky tourist traps (they have those too, though, if you’re partial to that). In addition to the crafts, many food vendors demonstrate their skills as well; Silver Dollar City has a working bakery, grain mill and bread baking facility, creamery, and food stalls serving authentic recipes like succotash and apple dumplings alongside the classics like funnel cakes and kettle corn.

Dedicated ‘lands’ for kids are plentiful: near the artisan areas is an upscale country fair style area with a giant swing and plenty of kiddie rides, and the new Fireman’s Landing features a semi-thrill ride, water splash area, and more children’s classics. Down a ‘holler’ past the park railroad lies an area celebrating Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, with a giant treehouse, river raft ride, and two higher intensity water rides. Beyond all this lie the thrill rides, which consist of three high-quality rollercoasters on par with the top theme parks I’ve been to. In fact, the newest ride, Outlaw, won an award for best new ride of 2013 worldwide. It’s certainly the most intense rollercoaster I’ve ever been on. Two additional high-adrenaline rollercoasters are joined by several smaller rides and Silver Dollar City’s oldest ride, an indoor dark ride that tells the local legend of Missouri hobnobs (up to no good vigilante bandits). It’s a bit scary…mostly because it’s dated and dark, but I can see why long-time park goers are fond of it.

If you want to see all of the park in a day, it’s certainly do-able if you plan correctly. Start with the thrill rides in the morning, while the artisan areas are quieter (you’ll want to hit this area when demonstrations are in full force). After the headliners, ride the smaller rides, grab lunch, then spend the afternoon touring the artisans or the cave. No matter where you are during the day, plenty of higher-the-usual quality theme park fare is on the menu, and shows are regularly scheduled (of the comedy and musical variety). Everywhere you go, you’ll be greeted by big leafy trees and beautiful grounds. In fact, take a look around while ascending to the peak of the rollercoaster mountains…instead of viewing parking lots and city scenes below you, you’ll see miles of rolling Ozark mountains. It’s truly lovely.

Dining:

You can’t go too wrong dining in the park…there are a lot of options, and most of it is very good. If you want an all-you-can-eat-buffet, you’ll find two on the grounds, but I’d opt for finding the street food vendors who sell homemade items unique to Silver Dollar City (you’d find many of these in the buffets, too). Items I liked best include the apple dumplings and cinnamon ice cream, baked beans, and fried okra, plus I was told anything BBQed was excellent. The traditional theme park fare is good too, but trust me, get some of the ‘eats’ unique to the park.

Admission:

Daily admission is $60 for adults, $49 for kids 4-11, and free for kids under three. The value is there, but for $45 more each, you can upgrade to season passes. If you think you’ll make it to the park even twice, absolutely upgrade. Silver Dollar City also posts special offers continuously.

They do offer a ‘front of the line’ pass they call the Trailblazer pass, which allows families to enter in a separate ‘fast pass’ line for up to eight rides for $35 extra per ticket. I’m a fan of these types of passes in the peak of summer when time truly is money, but most of the time, I don’t believe they will be needed at Silver Dollar City. Simply get to the park at opening and ride your favorites first. I was told lines don’t get longer than 1.5 hours even in summer. (This is not an official stat, but was told to me by a senior park staff member.)

Hours of operation:

The park is seasonal, operating from late spring through December 31. It’s closed Jan-April (except for spring break weeks). Check the calendar for exact hours.

Directions:

The park is located at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway Branson, MO.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I toured Silver Dollar City as a guest of the theme park. All opinions are my own.

Ozarks with kids: Branson Zip Line

July 8, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Driving into Branson from Springfield on Highway 65, families won’t be able to pass Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station without the kids noticing the tall towers and cables stretching over the beautiful Ozarks. Go ahead and stop, because if you plan to include zip-lining in your Branson stay, this is the place to do it.

A lot of zip lining operations have popped up in this area, but Branzon Zip Line sets the industry standard in the Branson area. Their guides have training on par with the most extensive operations across the US, and the location at Wolf Creek Station has some history to it, too.

Families will want to make reservations in the summer months, because this place gets popular. However, their check-in area and waiting areas are run smoothly, and there’s plenty to see and do while you wait…including nice outdoor areas. Even the gift shop has some interesting and unique items.

Kids need to be at least 70 pounds to take the tours, which is heavier than some zip line companies we’ve tried, so come prepared for this. Families choose form three main packages that range from three zip lines to seven, with sky bridges in-between, or can do a combo tour of all eight zip lines and 10 bridges. Alternatively, it’s possible to do the Blue Streak Fast Line and Free Fall separately or as an add-on. The latter is a zip line and tower free fall from 100 feet up. It’s the main structure visible from the highway, and yes, dare devil kids will beg to do it.

Each tour is about 5-10 people, with 2-3 guides, depending on guest number. After a safety briefing and getting outfitted into harnesses and helmets, groups head to the zip lines in a Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carrier. This ride alone is quite fun, as the jeep-like vehicle bumps along the rutted dirt roads up Wolfe Mountain.

Throughout the tour, the guides give history on the area and the Wolfe family who owned it. We had excellent guides who were fun, personable, and attentive…definitely among the best we’ve encountered on multiple zip line excursions throughout the US. Branson Zip Line is definitely one of the more ‘hands-off’ zip lines we’ve experienced; there’s very little guests need to be aware of, as guides will click and unclick you from the lines at all times, and it’s not necessary to stop yourself with gloved hands.

We opted for the ‘Ridgeline’ tour, which included three zip lines and several bridges, and took about 1.5 hours. We didn’t opt for the 100 foot free fall add-on, but the Ridgeline does include a smaller 40 foot drop. The free falls are actually a lot less scary than they sound: you’re attached to a mechanism that allows you to fall for a short period, then smoothly and gradually slows you down before you reach the ground. It’s not jarring or particularly frightening to most people, but can be detoured around should you wish.

Distance from the interstate:

The zip lines are located directly off Highway 65, seven miles from Branson.

Cost:

Prices vary by tour, of course, but check this price sheet for current info. Zip line prices start at $69 for adults, $59 for kids, with the Blue Streak single zip and free fall add-on for $44.99. The best deal in the place is the family pass, which is $199 for two adults and two kids, or $249 for two adults and three kids. Kids are considered 17 and under, which is really nice.

Hours of operation:

Hours vary by season, and the operation is closed in winter. Check the website for current hours, but at the time of our visit in early season (spring), tours began at 8 or 9 am.

Directions:

Simply head seven miles out of Branson toward Springfield on Highway 65.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kids experienced Branson Zip Line as a guest of the operation, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Southwest Missouri pit stop: Fantastic Caverns

July 3, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Southwest Missouri is filled with old-fashioned pit stops and slices of Americana. Case in point: Fantastic Caverns, ‘America’s only ride-through cave’.

Fantastic Caverns is one of those natural wonders that probably should be protected by the US government, but is instead a privately-owned tourist attraction, making you worry a little bit. But go anyway (despite, or maybe because of, the many highway signs pointing you in its direction).

The fact is, Fantastic Caverns truly is pretty fantastic. And while yes, you do drive through this natural cave, care is now being taken to educate visitors about its protection, and attention is given to the area watershed that feeds it and the animals that inhabit it.

The cave tour is conducted via tram, driven by a tour guide. While it’s a shame that many years ago, narrow paths had been carved out of the cave to allow this, the benefit today is that the many visitors who see the cave cannot touch the delicate stalagmites and stalactites, which could cause damage. The cave, which was created from the area’s plentiful limestone, has an interesting history, which families learn about on the tour. In short, it was discovered in the Civil War era, first explored by a hardy group of teenage girls, enjoyed a lively period in which it housed a Prohibition Speak Easy, then held musical concerts.

The large trams hold approximately 20 or more, by my estimation, and the tour takes about 45 minutes. The cave is quite long and deep, and the guide stops along the way to impart scientific or historical facts. I appreciated that our guide took the time to really help us grasp what the early explorers of the cave would have seen, compared to what we are able to see today, thanks to modern lighting. With all lights out, she lit a candle in a homemade metal can lantern and cast the light into the pitch black cavern: the dim light paled to the the spotlights now available for illumination.

The cavern is always 60 degrees, which can mean bringing a sweatshirt or sweater to wear in spring or fall, shedding a jacket to only a sweatshirt in winter, or enjoying a cool temperature without sleeves in the muggy summer months. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes, and there is a gift shop, of course, to browse while you’re waiting. Better yet, there’s a nice Ozarks nature trail that winds around the grounds. It’s only about one mile long, and perfect for parents with impatient kids.

Tour prices:

$23 for adults, $15 for kids 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. At this price, the tour is worth it, but in our opinion, just barely.

Hours of operation:

I love that Fantastic Caverns is open right at 8 am. It closes at dusk. If you want a near-private tour, get there right at 8 am.

Directions:

The cavern is located at 4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield Missouri. It’s located along a beautiful stretch of countryside, on windy, hilly roads, but is easily found thanks to all the handmade (looking) signposts en route.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced Fantastic Caverns as a guest of the operation, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.