Interstate - Pitstops for Kids

Richland Carrousel Park

November 25, 2011 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following review is submitted by Kristen Levithan of the blog Motherese.

Richland Carrousel Park in Mansfield, Ohio gives families the chance to step back in time and enjoy the fun of a carrousel ride, a great treat for all kids and kids-at-heart. Although the carrousel looks like a perfectly preserved antique, it is actually only twenty years old. Its 52 hand-carved animals were built and decorated in Mansfield in the style of old-fashioned merry-go-rounds and the scenery panels on the carrousel provide a glimpse into local history.

For their first few rides, my sons (ages four and two) loved choosing from among the many different animals the carrousel has to offer. They eventually settled on their favorites: a horse for my knight-happy preschooler and a giraffe for his younger brother. While my husband stood with the riders, I sat on one of the carrousel’s several stationary benches with my infant daughter who delighted in the colorful lights and moving animals. Although my children are quite young, kids of all ages seemed to appreciate the carrousel. One of the highlights of our visit was seeing several multi-generational families – toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents – enjoying a ride together.

In addition to the carrousel itself, Richland Carrousel Park offers picnic tables, wooden rocking chairs, a nicely appointed gift shop, a small snack bar, and clean public bathrooms. Immediately outside the carrousel pavilion, there are two small grassy areas that gave my kids a great place to run around and blow off some road trip steam. The staff was very friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy welcoming visitors to this unique attraction.

The only drawback of our visit is one you might expect: although undeniably charming, the traditional organ music that plays non-stop is very loud. My kids didn’t seem to mind the noise at all so I was more than happy to listen to an hour of carrousel polka.

If you ever find yourself in mid-Ohio, do make a pit stop at the Richland Carrousel Park. Your family will enjoy its trip back in time.

Tip: Be sure to pair this pit stop with the nearby Little Buckeye Children’s Museum!

Closest interstate: I-71

Cost of admission: Admission to the facility is free; tickets for the carrousel are $0.75 for one, $2.00 for three, $5.00 for eight, or $25.00 for fifty.

Hours of operation: The park is open every day except for Easter Sunday, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours are seasonal. (The pavilion is heated during the colder months.)

Dining options: The Carrousel Park includes a small snack bar that offers hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, nuts, and popcorn. There are also a number of fast food and casual dining restaurants located near the highway exit and in downtown Mansfield near the park.

Directions: Richland Carrousel Park is located at 75 N. Main Street in Mansfield, Ohio. Take Exit 169 of I-71. Head north on OH-13 for 4.8 miles. Turn right on E. 1st St. Turn left onto S. Diamond St. Turn left onto 4th St. The carrousel is at the corner of 4th and Main Streets. Ample parking is available on the street and in a free public lot.

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.

Little Buckeye Children’s Museum

November 16, 2011 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The brand new Little Buckeye Children’s Museum in Mansfield, Ohio, offers young kids a terrific space for creative play. Set up in a number of open-ended exhibits, the museum is designed for children up to age 12, but I suspect it will be most popular among the preschool set. My boys (ages two and four) moved from exhibit to exhibit, delighting in pretend play in the miniature versions of a bank, a doctor’s office, a grocery store, and a veterinarian’s hospital. My older son eventually hunkered down in the “Super Scientists Laboratory,” proudly donning a lab coat and protective goggles and experimenting with combining different colored liquids. My two-year-old headed straight for the agriculture center where he planted flowers, picked wooden apples from a Velcro tree, and carted his harvest around in a pint-sized wheelbarrow. My baby daughter, meanwhile, was content to play with age-appropriate blocks and books in the “Little People Lounge.”

The environment at the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum was friendly, cooperative, and surprisingly calm. Kids were not only encouraged to explore and play, but also to take responsibility for the materials they were using. The staff was warm, welcoming, and easy-going; they were available when we had questions and encouraged the children without directing their play.

We had a great visit to the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, a terrific place to recharge your batteries while your kids play and learn. The second floor of the museum is still under construction; my kids can’t wait to return someday to see what else is in store!

Tip: Little Buckeye Children’s Museum is located a block away from another great pit ptop: Richland Carrousel Park.

Closest interstate: I-71 (The museum is located 10 minutes from the highway.)

Cost of admission: $6 for ages 2 and up

Hours of operation: Thursdays, 10-5; Fridays and Saturdays, 10-8; Sundays, 1-5

Dining options: There are a number of fast food and casual dining restaurants located near the highway exit and in downtown Mansfield near the museum.

Directions: Little Buckeye Children’s Museum is located at 44 West 4th Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Take Exit 169 of I-71. Head north on OH-13 for 4.8 miles. Turn right on E. 1st St. Turn left onto S. Diamond St. Turn left onto 4th St. Ample parking is available on the street and in a nearby free public lot.

Best Ski Towns: Keystone Resort, Colorado

November 7, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Krupka’s Blueberry Plantation

September 23, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Krupka’s Blueberries is located in the resort lakeside town of Saugatuck, Michigan, and makes for a nice day trip if staying in the area or a pit stop if driving through. Our family finds them to be the best blueberries in the whole state (which is quite a fruit belt)! You can buy pre-picked if you’re in a hurry, or take some time to pick your own (super fun!).

Note: Ten pounds of blueberries for a family of three will only last about 100 miles (at least for my family!). And if it’s hot out, buy the pre-picked!

Distance from the interstate: One mile from Highway US31.

Cost: 10 pounds of picked blueberries cost $22 (at last visit)

Website: None.
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Directions: Take the Blue Star Highway exit and head east less than one mile. Krupka’s is on the left; it’s a big field fronted by blueberry bushes. Enter the driveway and drive to the shop at the back.

Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Illinois

September 21, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, in Gurnee, Illinois.

Key Lime Cove is a Key West-inspired waterpark and destination hotel. It includes a Key West-themed marketplace, restaurant, bar, and ice cream parlor, a huge arcade, a spa, and more. The interior is uniquely themed with Key West beach shops and kids’ activities.

The hotel rooms are spacious and well-equipped. We had a separate room for the bedroom and then another room (with southern-type sliding doors) to the family area. There was a microwave and fridge, a kitchen table, a couch and lounge chair, and a large flat screen tv. In the bedroom, there was an ipod dock that served as a charging station and speakers. There was also a Keurig coffeemaker and Paul Newman Organic Coffee pods.

There are plenty of kids activities, from a scavenger hunt in the marketplace to an entire kid activity area, with things to do, color, and play.

The waterpark is set at 82 degrees, so it is a perfect winter getaway. There are towels, many lifeguards, and a manned first-aid station that helps set the tone for safety. While the waterpark isn’t as large as, say, Great Wolf Lodge, it is plenty big enough. There is a hot tub, a lazy river and wave pool, a smaller kiddie area, and several slides. For more information, read a full review at Wandering Educators!

Distance from the interstate: Just off I-94.

Room rates and reservations: For reservations and current room rates, visit the website at www.KeyLimeCove.com or call 877-360-0403.

Directions: Key Lime Cove is located at 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Take the Grand Avenue exit (132) off I-94. The hotel is right next to Six Flags Great America, across from Gurnee Mills.

The Minnesota Zoo

September 19, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Located off 35E and Highway 77 in Apple Valley (just south of Minneapolis), the Minnesota Zoo is a destination in and of itself. The Zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, and also boasts an IMAX theater. There are plenty of educational programs–just call ahead, or look online. There are strollers and wheelchairs for rent, a gift shop, and food available. The restrooms all have diaper changing areas, and there is a nursing area as well.

Special Events include:
dolphin Training Sessions (10, 12, 2 & 4)
Biodiversity Puppet Adventure (Mondays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until September 5, 2011)
Coral Reef Dive Show (10:30am)
seasonal cow milking demonstrations at the Wells Fargo Family Farm
seasonal splash pad with animal sculptures in an interactive water fountain
World of Birds Show
Shark Feedings (3pm daily)
Woodland Adventure (play area)

But let’s say you just want to walk around and explore! You can take the monorail through the outdoor part of the zoo, and see animals from Russia’s Grizzly Coast (sea otters, brown bears, tigers, leopards, and wild boar), takin, gazelle, prairie dogs, bison, Bactrian camels, Asian wild horses, moose, caribou, and musk ox. You can also walk the trail. There are benches along the way, restrooms, and occasionally a kids’ play area.

The Minnesota Trail is my favorite part: you can see lynx, cougar, wolverine, timberwolves, and beavers. There are educational stations and even places where you can get rubbings of tracks. This is outdoors, as well.

Heading there in the winter? Spend most of your time inside, and be warm in the Tropics Trail and Discovery Bay. You’ll see animals from tropical rain forests, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, such as tamarin, red panda, lemurs, and gibbons. Also inside are penguins, bees, sharks, dolphins, snow monkeys, dolphins, and more. It’s a welcome relief from the cold!

Tip: Want to prepare your kids before you go? Spend a few weeks watching their live webcams (http://www.mnzoo.com/animals/animals_liveCam.asp) of beavers, dolphins, or gibbon. Be sure to take your camera: there are SO many opportunities to see such a wide variety of animals! And, there are so many kid play areas throughout the zoo, you’re sure to get good photos of your own critters!

Distance from the interstate: Minutes from I-35E

Admission cost: Kids 3-12 are $12, adults $18. Kids under three are free. More ticketing information can be found on the website.

Hours of operation: The zoo is open either 9 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 6 pm, depending on the season.

Directions:: The Minnesota Zoo is located at 13000 Zoo Boulevard in Apple Valley, MN just minutes south of Mall of America. Take Interstate 35W south to Highway 62 east. Exit taking Highway 77 south and follow it to County Road 38 east. Follow the brown-colored “Zoo” signs. For more information, visit mnzoo.org.